Tuesday, December 6, 10:00 am: Immaculate Heart Elementary School.
"Mr. Hunt came in .. around eleven yesterday morning."
"What time does he usually come in?" Eames asked.
"It varies.." The secretary smiled. "He's definitely the absent-minded professor type."
"So.. he's forgetful." Goren smiled.
"He loses track of time," She nodded. "Forgets appointments a lot. He has a lot of things on his mind."
They made their way to Hunt's office to wait for him.
"This is a good school. Not a top school, but a good school." Eames murmured.
"These... eccentricities, his.. absentmindedness, his always having something on his mind.."
"Strange behavior for a 24 year old."
Goren nodded.
"I wonder what else he's forgotten about." Eames said.
Hunt walked in, looking surprised and a bit flustered. He set down a pile of papers on his desk and smiled at the detectives.
"How can I help you?"
"Where were you Sunday night?" Eames asked.
"And don't say you were at home, sleeping, or watching the game. Because you weren't. You were meeting up with Danielle to talk her into coming home." Goren stared at Hunt, who stared back.
"Well, you certainly don't waste any time," Hunt sat back. "I went to talk to her. But she stood me up. Her father gave me a name and an address... a guy who runs a whore house. He said he didn't know her, never heard of her, had never seen her." His shoulders slumped. "I didn't have much choice but to leave. So I did." He shrugged. "I'm sorry I didn't mention that before. The Senator asked me to stay as quiet as possible about Dani's ... activities."
"Well, we appreciate you coming clean with us now, Rob. If we could have that name and address, anyway," Goren pursed his lips.
"Of course." Hunt scribbled on a legal pad and tore off the sheet, handing it to Goren.
"Thank you." Eames smiled, and the detectives stood to take their leave.
At the door, Goren turned and looked back at Hunt, who watched them passively from behind his desk.
"One.. more thing, Mr. Hunt." Goren stood with his hand braced on the door frame. "How long had you been romantically involved with Ms. Sparks?"
Watch for it.
Hunt's face went blank, then, just a second too late, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"What do you mean, Detective? Dani and I ... weren't involved romantically."
"No?"
"No."
Tuesday afternoon: The Bronx, equipped with a name and address.
"No one gets a free ride." Marcus stubbed out a cigarette, and sat back. He and the detectives were sitting in his loft, which appeared to be under renovation.
"So Danielle was 'working' for you,"
"Yes. But I run a clean business. I'm not the kind of pimp you hear about."
"Of course you aren't," Eames muttered.
"Look, Dani was a smart girl. She wanted to be here. She wanted to do her own stuff.. not live under her dad's shadow. I just provided her with a business opportunity." He shrugged. "Listen, I don't get involved with the girls. I'm professional. But I liked Dani a lot. I respected her... and honestly, I think she was too good for this gig. But it was her choice to make. I didn't do this, and I don't know who did. I keep a detailed client list, but.. she wasn't working Sunday night."
"Do you know where she was?"
"Said she wanted to meet a friend for a drink. That's all I know." Marcus sighed. "I'm not eager to discuss my business with you, but since you found me.. I'll help you with whatever you need. Just find the son of a bitch who did it. My assistant is printing out the list of Dani's clients, and you're welcome to go through her rooms."
Mid Afternoon, same day: Reviewing evidence over lunch.
"I don't think he's lying," Goren rubbed his forehead.
"He doesn't know the answers to our questions. When you asked him about his books..." Eames was digging into her salad with gusto.
"He had to think about it. But he didn't look up or down, he went blank." Goren looked at her.
"He still didn't know the answer, but there was a switch."
"Switch.." He put his fist to his mouth thoughtfully.
"Alright, out with it."
"Switching. People with dissociative personality disorder ... well, they 'switch.'" Goren explained. "Your etch-a-sketch.. he was switching personalities." He pulled out his wallet. "C'mon. I have to check something. Let's get this wrapped up."