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years ago, albeit inadvertently. A client asked her to track down a stolen shipment of rare artifacts intended for their own private gallery. I’m not clear on the details, as it was before my time, but the trail led to a swanky club in West LA. Half the gang went down, including Cristescu.
    I opened the door without enthusiasm. I’m more of a morning or late night person. Evening has always seemed lethargic to me, what with the sun getting ready to go down, people coming home from work to relax. I just inherently synchronize to the mentality of it all.
    “If you’re here for dinner, you’re early,” I said.
    “I wish.” Flores took off his shades, exposing his tired and bloodshot eyes. He was a hard worker and wore the scars of a history not associated with the LAPD. The Mexican accent was starting to thin, but it was still there. “We have no appointment, but I was hoping she’d make an exception.”
    I smiled and shrugged. “Normally I’d tell you to skip, but it should be amusing to see you interrupt her reading.”
    “She loves us, amigo. I’m sure she’ll want to hear what we have to say.”
    “If you say so.” I grinned. “Follow me.”
    Gregg said nothing but had the smile he always wore. Ryder liked him for the simple reason he knew when and when not to speak. She appreciated efficiency, which is why she lets me work on the sofa. Some time ago, I managed to con her into realizing being comfortable makes me more efficient. She knew it was babble, but to argue against it would be inefficient itself.
    I showed them into the office and announced them. Ryder’s face lifted from her book when she finished her sentence. The corners of her lips lifted for a fraction of a second and she greeted them amiably.
    “Be seated, gentlemen,” she said. “A pleasure to see you again.”
    I sat on the edge of my desk as opposed to the sofa. No particular reason other than variety. It allowed me to clearly see the three of them, though.
    “Pleasure is ours, believe me,” Flores said, readjusting his position in the black leather chair. Gregg sat perfectly still on an ebony wooden chair we use for excess guests.
    “What can I do for you gentlemen?” Ryder asked.
    Flores pulled himself forward. “Nothing in particular. We’re not here for a favor or anything. Actually, we came to give you advice.”
    Ryder’s hands moved a little under her chin. After hearing him say it with such sincerity, she was probably taken aback. I thought it odd, but offered no comment.
    “Well,” Ryder said, “I never balk at free advice, especially from one professional to another.” She held out her hands, signaling Flores to continue.
    Flores cleared his throat. “Well, it’s like this. Cristescu was let go yesterday. Swung an early parole. He’ll be back in his club by now.”
    Ryder took it well. Better than I did. We knew this day would come eventually, although we hardly practiced our reaction to it.
    Ryder tilted her head toward me and pulled it back. “Indeed. Am I right in thinking this is a—what would you call it, heads up ?”
    “Pretty much.” Flores tapped his finger on the chair. “I won’t waste your time with a long story. We think you should consider protection, whether it’s official or private. I don’t think your lone strolls down the pier are a good idea either, especially at night.” Flores looked at me. “I know my amigo here’s an ex-soldier, much like yourself, but Cristescu has an army. And Romanians never forget.”
    Ryder raised a finger. “So, you advise me to cower inside all day, just because a criminal has been released? Pah.”
    “Miss Ryder, with all due respect, I think you should consider it,” Gregg said.
    She shook her head. “I thank you gentleman for your concern. Really, I do. But I will not let my daily routine be interrupted by a thug. We have the necessary precautions here. I also have Ader, who, as you know, is usually present. It may interest you to know that he can