"I'm his -- was his consultant. No one, not even a spouse, is more intimate."
She tried to think of intimacy with Trina and had to block off another shudder. "I'm sorry for your loss, Simon. You want something. Water?"
"Yes, no. Oh dear God." He lifted his head and reached out with a trembling hand to engage the pop-up refreshment screen on the table beside him. His face was a sickly gray framed by the brilliant red of his hair. "I need a soother. Camomile, chilled." Then he leaned back, shut his eyes. "How did it happen?"
"We're investigating. Tell me about him, tell me who he was involved with."
"He was a very exacting man. I respected that. He knew precisely how he wanted to appear, and was dedicated to maintaining his face, his body. Oh God." He snagged the tall, slim glass from the server droid the minute it scooted in. "I'm sorry, dear heart. Give me just a moment."
He drank deeply, taking slow, even breaths between sips. Some of the color that had washed away from his face came back. "He never missed an appointment, and sent me many referrals. He appreciated my work."
"Did he hook up with anyone around here on a personal level? Stylists, cons
ultants, other clients?"
"Our staff isn't permitted to date the clientele. As to other clients, I don't recall him mentioning any. He enjoyed women. He had a varied and satisfying sexual life."
"He told you about that?"
"What is discussed between consultant and client is absolutely sacred." Simon sniffed once, then set his empty glass aside.
"Did he go for men, too?"
Simon's mouth flattened. "He never mentioned an interest in same-sex relationships. I don't feel comfortable with these questions, Lieutenant."
"Holloway's not real comfortable now either." She waited a beat, saw Simon pause, take it in, then nod.
"You're right. Of course you're right. I apologize. It's just such a shock."
"Did any of your male staff members show an interest in him, a romantic or sexual interest?"
"No. At least... I honestly never noticed any signals or vibrations, if you will. Such behavior is soundly discouraged here. We're professionals."
"Right. Who have you got on staff who does freehand tattoos?"
He sighed long and loud. "We have several consultants who are excellent freehand body artists."
"Names, Simon."
"Ask Yvette at the desk. She'll give you what you need. I must get back to my client." He pressed his fingers to his eyes. "I can't allow my personal feelings to interfere with my work. Lieutenant..." Simon dropped his hands back into his lap, and his eyes were dark and damp. "Brent had no family. What will happen to his ... What will happen to him?"
"The city will take care of it, if there's no one."
"No, that wouldn't be right." He pressed his lips together, then pushed himself to his feet. "I'd like to make the arrangements if that's allowed. It would be the last thing I could do for him."
"We can work it that way. You'll have to come down to the morgue, fill out the paperwork."
"To the ..." His mouth trembled, but he drew in a breath and nodded. "Yes, I will."
"I'll let them know to expect you." Because he looked so devastated, she added, "You won't have to see him, Simon. We've done an ID already. You just make the application, and they'll release the body to whatever mortuary or memorial center you choose."
"Oh." His breath came out in a rush. "Thank you. My client's waiting," he said dully. "He hasn't been caring for his skin. Fortunately, he's young, so there's a great deal I can do to help. It's our obligation to present an attractive appearance. Beauty soothes the soul."
"Yeah. Go take care of your client, Simon. I'll be in touch."
She headed back out and was just taking the printout of names from Yvette when Peabody came in. She looked flushed and hollow-eyed. But she gave Eve a quick nod before turning to the desk clerk.
"I have a chit from Personally Yours," she began. "For the Diamond Day Plan."