“Did he have an accident?”
“There was nothing accidental about it. Do you have some time for a few questions?”
“Actually, I don’t. I’m about to join a golf foursome.”
“Is your wife here?”
“Yes, but is this really necessary? We’ve told you all we know.”
“Funny how people recall new things if you keep asking,” said Decker.
Perlman turned and called out, “Maya, the FBI are here. I have to leave.”
He said brusquely to Decker, “Please don’t upset her.”
They stepped into the house as Maya Perlman came into the foyer. She had on white slacks and a polka-dotted blouse with a matching bandanna around her hair. She did not seem happy to see them.
Trevor Perlman said, “I have to go, honey, I’m already late to tee off.”
She nodded dumbly and he skittered off toward the garage. A few moments later Decker saw him fly out of the driveway on his spiffy burgundy golf cart.
Maya said, “This way.”
She led them out onto the lanai, and they sat down around the pool. It was already eighty degrees and sunny.
“Weather like this all the time?” asked Decker.
“Mostly. It can get pretty unbearable in South Florida in July and August but that’s what you have air-conditioning for. Now, what can I do for you?”
“Alan Draymont was having a sexual relationship with Julia Cummins.”
She gaped. “Youmustbe joking.”
“We have conclusive proof of that. And your neighbor, Doris Kline, had already suspected that was the case.”
“Doris never mentioned that to me.”
“Probably just being discreet,” interjected White.
“So we were wondering if while Draymont was guarding you, did Cummins ever come over or have any contact with him?” asked Decker.
Perlman sat back and pondered this. “Julia did come over for drinks and dinner several times while we had protection. We talked about the reasons they were there. She was very supportive and lamented that I was having to go through this. Draymont might have been on duty then. If so, she could have seen him or even spoken with him. He would walk a perimeter, check doors and windows, or sit out in his car for a bit. He would occasionally come into the house to check around and use the bathroom.”
“And then she asked you about protection for herself at some point. When was that?”
“Oh, I’m not sure I remember exactly. It might have been over drinks.”
“Was your husband with you?”
“I don’t believe so. No, that’s right, it was just Julia and me. We’d gone out for a drink.”
“And she said she had gotten threats?” asked White.
“I’m not sure it was anything that direct.”
“Or did she just want to know about the company providing the service?”
“She did ask for the name. And I gave it to her. Okay, now I remember. After we got back from drinks she and Trevor and I sat down and talked about it in more detail.”