Read Death in the Haight for Free Online

sunbathers. The perimeter was lined with wooden benches. The sun that had been blotted out by the fog earlier was now both intense and gold. The reality it exposed had an almost surreal feel to it.
    The elegant Grace Cathedral occupied the space to the west of the park; an imposing and exclusive men’s club was to the east. To the north were some of the world’s most expensive homes and condos, and to the south was the Huntington Hotel. Lang sat on a bench at the corner nearest the Vanderveer’s hotel and watched them crossing the street, having to wait first for a cable car full of tourists to pass.
    â€œAny word?” Lang asked the Vanderveers.
    Mr. Vanderveer shook his head.
    â€œThey are very patient,” Lang said. “They’ve given you time to get the money together.”
    â€œAs I said, they seem like professionals.”
    â€œWas there a part of San Francisco that Michael particularly liked?” Lang asked.
    â€œI don’t know enough about the city to know. I think the whole place fascinated him. The hills, of course, he couldn’t get over all the hills. He said that Rome must be like this.”
    â€œDid he make friends here with anyone or correspond with anyone?”
    â€œNo. As we look back on it”—Vanderveer looked at his wife, who seemed to understand what he was about to say—“Michael was pretty withdrawn. He couldn’t relate to the other kids. I think he talked to . . .” He suddenly reached in his suit coat pocket and retrieved a cell phone. “Hello,” he said, and after a few moments, “No, I’m not trying to fool you. Nothing of the sort.” A few minutes later he responded firmly, “No, he is not police.”
    He handed the phone to Lang.
    â€œMy name is Noah Lang. I am not police. You can check up on us. Paladino and Lang Investigations. My only purpose is to help the Vanderveers, to make sure you receive the ransom and Michael is united with his parents. When this occurs, we will all go our separate ways.”
    There was silence.
    â€œIs there any way we can verify that you have Michael and that he is all right?”
    â€œI can send a body part,” the voice said.
    â€œNo. Don’t do that. Is it possible for him to speak to his father?”
    â€œI don’t like the idea that you are involved. But maybe it’s for the best in the end. However, you would do well to understand that you have absolutely no leverage. I will not negotiate. You simply do what I say. No heroics. I am not a sentimental man. Do you understand me?”
    â€œI understand.”
    â€œTell the Vanderveers to get some rest tonight. The next time I contact them there will be instructions. Between now and tomorrow morning, have them pick up a box of black, extra-strength plastic garbage bags. Good night.”
    Lang started to tell the Vanderveers what the man said, but an elderly lady was walking by with her fluffy white dog. He waited until the two of them were past hearing.
    â€œThey saw us,” Miriam Vanderveer said, her voice running toward the edge of hysteria. “They’re here, somewhere. They can see us.”
    Lang wasn’t sure what to think. The words the caller chose suggested not that he was educated but that he wanted to come across as educated. “You would do well to understand . . .” A pretty good-sized ego, but not the way a tough guy would speak. The caller kept saying “I,” not “we.” Maybe there was only one kidnapper. On the other hand, someone was keeping close watch on the Vanderveers. And someone would need to watch over the victim—if they had the victim at all.
    â€œIs there anyone that you came across in your business or maybe an employee who might want to get even with you?” Lang asked Mr. Vanderveer. “Someone you may have slighted?”
    â€œI might have and not even known it, I suppose. Over the years,