"What's that?" Sanchez asked.
"Getting alibis off all the women who have it in for Pope."
"The entire female population of Southern California?"
"And most of DC, I guess. Maybe we should get the Chief to make that call. I mean, knew him back then, and... oh, God, no."
"Watch the road or let me drive," Sanchez told him. "The Chief was at a restaurant. Lots of witnesses. Provenza called and checked."
"Yeah, well, the Chief would at least understand why we have to ask. How about her husband?"
"With her. MaƮtre de said he offered them free drinks a couple of times while they waited, but Howard wouldn't take one. They're saving the parking lot tape for us, to give us time in and out. I think she's covered."
"I dunno. Captain Raydor can make anything look... real bad."
"Provenza's sucking up to her," Sanchez said. "He says it's okay."
"Sucking up?"
"Yeah, acting like... you know, like he's..."
"Oh, man," said Gabriel, "Oh, why did you put that image in my head? I am gonna be scarred for life!"
"Provenza may wind up with some scars, himself."
"No lie. Okay, okay, so who else is Pope doing?" Gabriel asked. "For real, I mean?"
"I dunno," said Sanchez, "but I'd look at every female detective who's been promoted since he's been here."
"Including Daniels?"
Sanchez winced.
"Probably not," he said, "She's smart about men. Except, you know, you."
"Gee, thanks."
"But we're still going to have to ask her."
"You are going to have to ask her," Gabriel told him. "I am not having that conversation with Irene Daniels."
"Okay," said Sanchez, "then I will talk to the ladies at Parker Center, and you can go deal with the ex- Mrs. Pope and any of her wannabe successors."
"Oh, yeah," said Gabriel. "You got the short end of that stick."
"Be careful. Pope likes women that can take care of themselves."
"You telling me to be careful? Just you remember, every woman you're gonna talk to carries a gun."
