"What do you mean, there isn't any more? The records should carry the last movement from place of residence. Everyone has to file that information."
"That's just it. No transfer notice from New York was filed. The last address has no record of her for over eighteen months. She's gone, vanished, disappeared."
"All right. I'll wait for the pictures. You may have to do some footwork on this case for me, so don't forget Mariana Sebours."
Even as Roal hung up the door opened and the messenger arrived with the pictures. Roal ripped open the envelope and the prints spilled out. Glossy, glamorous shots of a blonde opera diva slipped out onto the desk. And one look told Roal what he wanted to know.
Mariana Sebours was Alayna, Queen of the Silver Stars, and her fingerprints were on his cloak. His dream was not a dream. It was cold reality. Except—
Where was the phantom tavern, Starhouse?
IV
Roal sent a work sheet down to Tim Atkins, but he started on the case independently. He would show Calvin something yet.
Harry Brooks was the nearest and most accessible lead, so Roal made a call at Brooks' office. Harry shifted his cigar as Roal entered. He lurched heavily to his feet. "Hi, there, Hawkshaw. It's been a long time since you've searched for crooks in my bailiwick. Who's done what, and when?"