Read Online Night Vision by Ellen Hart - Free Book Online Page A

concluded that Luberman was the main reason Joanna had left L.A. and become a recluse, but she’d known few of the details.
    Nolan made a couple of notes on his pad. “Okay, I’d be happy to look into this for you. I charge—”
    â€œI don’t care what it costs,” said Joanna. “Just bring me something I can use to put him back behind bars.”
    â€œI’ll do what I can. I can’t promise anything.”
    â€œI understand that.”
    â€œI’m sorry I don’t have a lot of time tonight, but we do need to find a couple of hours to sit down together in the next few days. You need to make notes. Write down anything and everything that’s important about Luberman, about his methods, about his personality. Oh, and I need the names of your gatekeepers—the people who handle your PR and keep records of the potential nutcases in your fan base who regularly contact you.”
    â€œOf course. I don’t have any of that information with me, but I’ll get it.”
    Joanna dug through the trunk she’d brought and found a brown manila folder held together with rubber bands. She gave it to Nolan, telling him that it was all the written documentation she had on Gordon—on the trial, and all the info from the PI she’d hired in 1998.
    After saying good-bye and that he’d be in touch, Nolan motioned for Jane to walk out with him.
    On the way to the elevator, Jane said, “So what do you think?”
    â€œI think,” said Nolan, pressing the Down button and then turning to face her, “that your friend has a very serious problem. How well do you know her?”
    â€œI’ve known her for years, but we’re not close.”
    â€œShe kept looking at Cordelia, like she needed her approval. Are they pretty tight?”
    Jane nodded. “Joanna’s brother, David, and I are the same age. We went to high school together, stayed friends through college and beyond. I’m much closer to him.”
    â€œSo this is a family you care about.”
    â€œAbsolutely.”
    â€œOkay, then I got a proposal.”
    The huge old freight elevator rumbled to a stop.
    Nolan pulled back the wooden gate and opened the door. “Come downstairs with me.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œAren’t you the one who’s been telling me for the last two months how she needs to take a few weeks off, get a little R and R? After the last year you put in, I think you deserve it. And if you want to change gears—and help your friend—I suggest you work with me on this.”
    Jane hesitated. “What would you want me to do?”
    â€œFor starters, you could look through this file.” He handed it to her. On their way down to the first floor, Nolan said he was on another case that would probably wind up tonight, but he wouldn’t be home until well after midnight. He wanted her to go through the information, pull out the most salient points, and then he’d pick her up in the morning and they’d drive to Winneconne to begin their search. It was Luberman’s last known residence, so it was the best place to start.
    Jane thought about it as she walked Nolan to his car. “I’m not sure Joanna would want me to get involved.”
    â€œOnly one way to find out. Ask her. Look, I’m going to leave the file with you. Put it in your car. If she doesn’t want you on board, call
my cell and leave a message. I’ll pick up the file in the morning. But if she does agree to it, burn the midnight oil and go over the information. I’ll want a full report.”
    Jane wasn’t sure if this was smart move or a stupid one. All she knew was that he’d made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. “You got yourself a deal. I’ll talk to Joanna and let you know.”

8
    J ust before eight that evening, David pulled up to the front of the Linden Building. He sat in his red BMW with the motor running, drumming