CHASING_VVG DARKNESS_NN1 Beakman_NN1 and_CC Trenchard_NP1 could_VM smell_VVI the_AT fire_NN1 --_NN1 it_PPH1 was_VBDZ still_RR a_AT1 mile_NNU1 away_RL ,_, but_CCB a_AT1 sick_JJ desert_NN1 wind_NN1 carried_VVD the_AT promise_NN1 of_IO Hell_NN1 ._. 
Fire_NN1 crews_NN2 from_II around_II the_AT city_NN1 were_VBDR converging_VVG on_II Laurel_NP1 Canyon_NP1 like_II red_JJ angels_NN2 ,_, as_CSA were_VBDR black_JJ and_CC white_JJ Adam_NP1 cars_NN2 ,_, Emergency_NN1 Services_NN2 vehicles_NN2 ,_, and_CC water-dropping_JJ helicopters_NN2 out_II21 of_II22 Van_NP1 Nuys_NP1 and_CC Burbank_NP1 ._. 
The_AT helicopters_NN2 pounded_VVD by_II so_RG low_JJ overhead_NN1 that_CST Beakman_NP1 and_CC Trenchard_NP1 could_VM not_XX hear_VVI their_APPGE supervisor_NN1 ._. 
Beakman_NP1 shook_VVD his_APPGE head_NN1 ,_, cupping_VVG his_APPGE ear_NN1 to_TO indicate_VVI he_PPHS1 had_VHD not_XX heard_VVN ._. 
Their_APPGE supervisor_NN1 ,_, a_AT1 patrol_NN1 sergeant_NN1 named_VVD Karen_NP1 Philips_NP1 leaned_VVD into_II their_APPGE car_NN1 and_CC shouted_VVD again_RT ._. 
"_" Start_VV0 at_II the_AT top_NN1 of_IO Lookout_NP1 Mountain_NNL1 ._. 
Emergency_NN1 Services_NN2 is_VBZ already_RR up_RP ,_, but_CCB you_PPY got_VVN ta_TO make_VVI sure_JJ those_DD2 people_NN leave_VV0 ._. 
Do_VD0 n't_XX take_VVI any_DD shit_NN1 ._. 
You_PPY got_VVD it_PPH1 ?_? "_" 
They_PPHS2 jumped_VVD into_II31 line_II32 with_II33 the_AT fire_NN1 engines_NN2 racing_VVG up_RP Laurel_NP1 Canyon_NP1 ,_, climbing_VVG Lookout_NP1 Mountain_NNL1 Avenue_NN1 up_II the_AT steep_JJ hill_NN1 ._. 
Once_RR home_RL to_TO rock_VVI 'n_CC roll_VVI royalty_NN1 from_II Mama_NN1 Cass_NP1 Elliot_NP1 to_II Frank_NP1 Zappa_NP1 to_II Jim_NP1 Morrison_NP1 ,_, Laurel_NP1 Canyon_NP1 had_VHD been_VBN the_AT birthplace_NN1 of_IO country_NN1 rock_NN1 in_II the_AT sixties_MC2 ._. 
Crosby_NP1 ,_, Stills_NP2 ,_, and_CC Nash_NP1 had_VHD all_RR lived_VVN there_RL ._. 
So_RR had_VHD Eric_NP1 Burdon_NP1 ,_, Keith_NP1 Richards_NP1 ,_, and_CC ,_, more_RGR recently_RR ,_, Marilyn_NP1 Manson_NP1 and_CC at_RR21 least_RR22 one_MC1 of_IO the_AT Red_JJ Hot_JJ Chili_NN1 Peppers_NN2 ._. 
Beakman_NN1 ,_, who_PNQS banged_VVD away_RL at_II a_AT1 Fender_NN1 Telecaster_NP1 in_II a_AT1 cop_NN1 band_NN1 called_VVN Nightstix_NP1 ,_, thought_VVD the_AT place_NN1 was_VBDZ musical_JJ magic_NN1 ._. 
Beakman_NP1 pointed_VVD at_II a_AT1 small_JJ house_NN1 ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 think_VV0 Joni_NP1 Mitchell_NP1 used_VMK to_TO live_VVI there_RL ._. "_" 
"_" Who_PNQS gives_VVZ a_AT1 shit_NN1 ?_? 
You_PPY see_VV0 that_DD1 sky_NN1 ?_? 
Man_NN1 ,_, look_VV0 at_II that_DD1 ._. 
The_AT frakkin'_JJ air_NN1 is_VBZ on_II fire_NN1 !_! "_" 
A_AT1 charcoal_NN1 bruise_NN1 smudged_VVD the_AT sky_NN1 as_CSA smoke_NN1 pushed_VVN toward_II Sunset_NN1 Boulevard_NP1 ._. 
Beginning_VVG as_II a_AT1 house_NN1 fire_NN1 at_II the_AT crest_NN1 of_IO the_AT Hollywood_NP1 Hills_NNL2 ,_, the_AT flames_NN2 had_VHD jumped_VVN to_II the_AT brush_NN1 in_II Laurel_NP1 Canyon_NP1 Park_NN1 ,_, then_RT spread_VVN with_IW the_AT wind_NN1 ._. 
Three_MC houses_NN2 had_VHD already_RR been_VBN lost_VVN ,_, and_CC more_DAR were_VBDR threatened_VVN ._. 
Beakman_NN1 would_VM have_VHI plenty_PN of_IO stories_NN2 for_IF his_APPGE kids_NN2 when_RRQ he_PPHS1 returned_VVD to_II his_APPGE day_NNT1 job_NN1 on_II Monday_NPD1 ._. 
Jonathan_NP1 Beakman_NP1 was_VBDZ a_AT1 Level_NN1 II_MC Reserve_JJ Officer_NN1 with_IW the_AT Los_NP1 Angeles_NP1 Police_NN2 Department_NN1 ,_, which_DDQ meant_VVD he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ armed_VVN ,_, fully_RR sworn_VVN ,_, and_CC did_VDD everything_PN1 a_AT1 full-time_JJ uniformed_JJ officer_NN1 did_VDD ,_, except_CS he_PPHS1 did_VDD it_PPH1 only_RR two_MC days_NNT2 per_II month_NNT1 ._. 
In_II his_APPGE regular_JJ life_NN1 ,_, Beakman_NP1 taught_VVD high_JJ school_NN1 algebra_NN1 ._. 
His_APPGE kids_NN2 were_VBDR n't_XX particularly_RR interested_JJ in_II the_AT Pythagorean_JJ Theorem_NN1 ,_, but_CCB they_PPHS2 bombed_VVD him_PPHO1 with_IW questions_NN2 after_II his_APPGE weekend_NNT1 ride_NN1 in_II the_AT car_NN1 ._. 
Trenchard_NN1 ,_, who_PNQS had_VHD twenty-three_MC years_NNT2 on_II the_AT job_NN1 and_CC did_VDD n't_XX like_VVI music_NN1 ,_, said_VVD ,_, "_" Here_RL 's_VBZ how_RRQ it_PPH1 goes_VVZ down_RP --_NN1 we_PPIS2 get_VV0 to_II the_AT top_NN1 ,_, we_PPIS2 'll_VM leave_VVI the_AT car_NN1 and_CC work_VVI down_RP five_MC or_CC six_MC houses_NN2 on_II foot_NN1 ,_, me_PPIO1 on_II one_MC1 side_NN1 ,_, you_PPY on_II the_AT other_JJ ,_, then_RT go_VV0 back_RP for_IF the_AT car_NN1 and_CC do_VD0 it_PPH1 again_RT ._. 
Should_VM go_VVI pretty_RG quick_JJ like_II that_DD1 ._. "_" 
The_AT Fire_NN1 Department_NN1 had_VHD been_VBN through_II the_AT area_NN1 ,_, broadcasting_VVG the_AT order_NN1 to_TO evacuate_VVI over_RP their_APPGE public_JJ address_NN1 system_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 few_DA2 residents_NN2 already_RR had_VHN their_APPGE cars_NN2 piled_VVN high_JJ with_IW clothes_NN2 ,_, golf_NN1 clubs_NN2 ,_, pillows_NN2 ,_, and_CC dogs_NN2 ._. 
Others_NN2 stood_VVD in_II their_APPGE front_JJ doors_NN2 ,_, watching_VVG their_APPGE neighbors_NN2 pack_VVI ._. 
A_AT1 few_DA2 were_VBDR on_II their_APPGE roofs_NN2 ,_, soaking_VVG their_APPGE homes_NN2 with_IW garden_NN1 hoses_NN2 ._. 
Beakman_NP1 worried_VVD the_AT hosers_NN2 might_VM be_VBI a_AT1 problem_NN1 ._. 
"_" What_DDQ if_CS somebody_PN1 wo_VM n't_XX leave_VVI ?_? "_" 
"_" We_PPIS2 're_VBR not_XX here_RL to_TO arrest_VVI people_NN ._. 
We_PPIS2 have_VH0 too_RG much_RR ground_VVN to_TO cover_VVI ._. "_" 
"_" What_DDQ if_CS someone_PN1 ca_VM n't_XX leave_VVI ,_, like_II an_AT1 invalid_NN1 ?_? "_" 
"_" First_MD pass_NN1 ,_, we_PPIS2 want_VV0 to_TO make_VVI sure_JJ everyone_PN1 gets_VVZ the_AT word_NN1 ._. 
If_CS someone_PN1 needs_VVZ more_DAR help_NN1 ,_, we_PPIS2 'll_VM radio_NN1 down_RP or_CC come_VV0 back_RP after_CS we_PPIS2 reach_VV0 the_AT bottom_NN1 ._. "_" 
Trenchard_NN1 ,_, ever_RR wise_JJ for_IF a_AT1 man_NN1 who_PNQS did_VDD n't_XX like_VVI music_NN1 ,_, glanced_VVD over_RP ._. 
"_" You_PPY okay_RR ?_? "_" 
"_" A_RR21 little_RR22 nervous_JJ ,_, maybe_RR ._. 
One_MC1 of_IO these_DD2 houses_NN2 ,_, you_PPY watch_VV0 ._. 
Some_DD old_JJ lady_NN1 's_VBZ gon_VVGK na_TO have_VHI fifteen_MC pugs_NN2 waddling_VVG around_RP ._. 
What_DDQ are_VBR we_PPIS2 going_VVG to_TO do_VDI with_IW fifteen_MC pugs_NN2 ?_? "_" 
Trenchard_NP1 laughed_VVD ,_, and_CC Beakman_NP1 found_VVD himself_PPX1 smiling_VVG ,_, though_CS his_APPGE smile_NN1 quickly_RR faded_VVN ._. 
They_PPHS2 passed_VVD a_AT1 little_JJ girl_NN1 following_VVG her_APPGE mother_NN1 to_II an_AT1 SUV_NN1 ,_, the_AT girl_NN1 dragging_VVG a_AT1 cat_NN1 carrier_NN1 so_RG heavy_JJ she_PPHS1 could_VM n't_XX lift_VVI it_PPH1 ._. 
Her_APPGE mother_NN1 was_VBDZ crying_VVG ._. 
Beakman_NP1 thought_VVD ,_, this_DD1 is_VBZ awful_JJ ._. 
When_CS they_PPHS2 reached_VVD the_AT top_NN1 of_IO Lookout_NP1 Mountain_NNL1 ,_, they_PPHS2 started_VVD the_AT door-to-door_JJ ._. 
If_CS the_AT inhabitants_NN2 were_VBDR n't_XX already_RR in_II the_AT act_NN1 of_IO evacuating_VVG ,_, Beakman_NP1 knocked_VVD and_CC rang_VVD the_AT bell_NN1 ,_, then_RT pounded_VVD on_II the_AT jamb_NN1 with_IW his_APPGE Maglite_NN1 ._. 
Once_RR ,_, he_PPHS1 hammered_VVD at_II a_AT1 door_NN1 so_RG long_JJ that_CST Trenchard_NP1 shouted_VVD from_II across_II the_AT street_NN1 ._. 
"_" You_PPY 're_VBR gon_VVGK na_TO knock_VVI down_RP the_AT goddamned_JJ door_NN1 !_! 
If_CS they_PPHS2 do_VD0 n't_XX answer_VVI ,_, nobody_PN1 's_VBZ home_RL ._. "_" 
When_CS they_PPHS2 reached_VVD the_AT first_MD cross_NN1 street_NN1 ,_, Trenchard_NP1 joined_VVD him_PPHO1 ._. 
The_AT cross_NN1 street_NN1 cut_VVN up_RP a_AT1 twisting_JJ break_NN1 in_II the_AT ridge_NN1 ,_, and_CC was_VBDZ lined_VVN with_IW clapboard_NN1 cabins_NN2 and_CC crumbling_JJ stone_NN1 bungalows_NN2 that_CST had_VHD probably_RR been_VBN built_VVN in_II the_AT thirties_MC2 ._. 
The_AT lots_PN were_VBDR so_RG narrow_JJ that_CST most_DAT of_IO the_AT houses_NN2 sat_VVD on_II top_NN1 their_APPGE own_DA garages_NN2 ._. 
Trenchard_NP1 said_VVD ,_, "_" Ca_VM n't_XX be_VBI more_DAR than_CSN eight_MC or_CC ten_MC houses_NN2 in_II here_RL ._. 
C'm_VV0 on_RP ._. "_" 
They_PPHS2 split_VV0 sides_NN2 again_RT ,_, and_CC went_VVD to_II work_NN1 ,_, though_CS most_DAT of_IO the_AT residents_NN2 were_VBDR already_RR leaving_VVG ._. 
Beakman_NP1 cleared_VVD the_AT first_MD three_MC houses_NN2 easily_RR enough_RR ,_, then_RT climbed_VVD the_AT steps_NN2 to_II a_AT1 rundown_JJ stucco_NN1 bungalow_NN1 ._. 
Knock_VV0 ,_, bell_NN1 ,_, Maglite_NN1 ._. 
"_" Police_NN2 officer_NN1 ._. 
Anyone_PN1 home_RL ?_? "_" 
He_PPHS1 decided_VVD no_PN121 one_PN122 was_VBDZ home_RL ,_, and_CC was_VBDZ half_RR21 way_RR22 down_II the_AT steps_NN2 when_RRQ a_AT1 woman_NN1 called_VVN from_II across_II the_AT street_NN1 ._. 
Her_APPGE Mini_NP1 Cooper_NP1 was_VBDZ packed_VVN and_CC ready_JJ to_TO go_VVI ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 think_VV0 he_PPHS1 's_VBZ home_RL ._. 
He_PPHS1 does_VDZ n't_XX go_VVI out_RP ._. "_" 
Beakman_NP1 glanced_VVD up_RP at_II the_AT door_NN1 he_PPHS1 had_VHD just_RR left_VVN ._. 
He_PPHS1 had_VHD banged_VVN on_II the_AT jam_NN1 so_RG hard_RR the_AT door_NN1 had_VHD rattled_VVN ._. 
"_" He_PPHS1 's_VBZ an_AT1 invalid_NN1 ?_? "_" 
"_" Mr._NNB Jones_NP1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 has_VHZ a_AT1 bad_JJ foot_NN1 ,_, but_CCB I_PPIS1 do_VD0 n't_XX know_VVI ._. 
I_PPIS1 have_VH0 n't_XX seen_VVN him_PPHO1 in_II a_AT1 few_DA2 days_NNT2 ._. 
Maybe_RR he_PPHS1 's_VHZ gone_VVN ,_, but_CCB I_PPIS1 do_VD0 n't_XX know_VVI ._. 
He_PPHS1 does_VDZ n't_XX move_VVI so_RG well_RR ,_, that_DD1 's_VBZ why_RRQ I_PPIS1 'm_VBM saying_VVG ._. "_" 
Now_RT she_PPHS1 had_VHD the_AT irritated_JJ expression_NN1 of_IO someone_PN1 who_PNQS wished_VVD she_PPHS1 had_VHD n't_XX gotten_VVN involved_VVN ._. 
Beakman_NP1 climbed_VVD back_RP to_II the_AT door_NN1 ._. 
"_" What_DDQ 's_VBZ his_APPGE name_NN1 ?_? "_" 
"_" Jones_NP1 ._. 
That_DD1 's_VBZ all_DB I_PPIS1 know_VV0 ,_, Mr._NNB Jones_NP1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 does_VDZ n't_XX move_VVI so_RG well_RR ._. "_" 
Beakman_NP1 unleashed_VVD the_AT Maglite_NN1 again_RT ._. 
Hard_RR ._. 
"_" Mr._NNB Jones_NP1 ?_? 
Police_NN2 officer_NN1 ,_, is_VBZ anyone_PN1 home_RL ?_? "_" 
Trenchard_NN1 ,_, finished_VVN with_IW his_APPGE side_NN1 of_IO the_AT street_NN1 ,_, came_VVD up_II the_AT stairs_NN2 behind_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
"_" We_PPIS2 got_VVD a_AT1 hold_NN1 out_RP ?_? "_" 
"_" Lady_NN1 says_VVZ the_AT man_NN1 here_RL does_VDZ n't_XX move_VVI so_RG well_RR ._. 
She_PPHS1 thinks_VVZ he_PPHS1 might_VM be_VBI home_RL ._. "_" 
Trenchard_NP1 used_VVD his_APPGE own_DA Maglite_NN1 on_II the_AT door_NN1 ._. 
"_" Police_NN2 officers_NN2 ._. 
This_DD1 is_VBZ an_AT1 emergency_NN1 ._. 
Please_RR open_VV0 the_AT door_NN1 ._. "_" 
Both_DB2 of_IO them_PPHO2 leaned_VVD close_RR to_II listen_NN1 ,_, and_CC that_DD1 's_VBZ when_RRQ Beakman_NP1 caught_VVD the_AT sour_JJ smell_NN1 ._. 
Trenchard_NP1 smelled_VVD it_PPH1 ,_, too_RR ,_, and_CC called_VVN down_RP to_II the_AT woman_NN1 ._. 
"_" He_PPHS1 old_JJ ,_, sick_JJ ,_, what_DDQ ?_? "_" 
"_" Not_XX so_RG old_JJ ._. 
He_PPHS1 has_VHZ the_AT bad_JJ foot_NN1 ._. "_" 
Down_RP on_II the_AT street_NN1 ,_, she_PPHS1 could_VM n't_XX smell_VVI it_PPH1 ._. 
Beakman_NP1 lowered_VVD his_APPGE voice_NN1 ._. 
"_" You_PPY smell_VV0 it_PPH1 ,_, right_RR ?_? "_" 
"_" Yeah_UH ._. 
Let_VM21 's_VM22 see_VVI what_DDQ 's_VBZ what_DDQ ._. "_" 
Trenchard_NP1 holstered_VVD his_APPGE Maglite_NN1 ._. 
Beakman_NP1 stepped_VVD back_RP ,_, figuring_VVG Trenchard_NP1 was_VBDZ going_VVGK to_TO kick_VVI down_RP the_AT door_NN1 ,_, but_CCB Trenchard_NP1 just_RR tried_VVD the_AT knob_NN1 and_CC opened_VVD the_AT door_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 swarm_NN1 of_IO black_JJ flies_NN2 rode_VVD out_RP on_II the_AT smell_NN1 ,_, engulfed_VVD them_PPHO2 ,_, then_RT flew_VVD back_RP into_II the_AT house_NN1 ._. 
Beakman_NP1 swatted_VVD at_II the_AT flies_NN2 ._. 
He_PPHS1 did_VDD n't_XX want_VVI them_PPHO2 to_TO touch_VVI him_PPHO1 ._. 
Not_XX after_CS where_CS they_PPHS2 had_VHD been_VBN ._. 
The_AT woman_NN1 shouted_VVD up_RP ,_, "_" What_DDQ is_VBZ it_PPH1 ?_? "_" 
They_PPHS2 saw_VVD a_AT1 man_NN1 seated_VVN in_II a_AT1 ragged_JJ club_NN1 chair_NN1 ,_, wearing_VVG baggy_JJ plaid_NN1 shorts_NN2 and_CC a_AT1 thin_JJ blue_JJ tee-shirt_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 was_VBDZ barefoot_JJ ,_, allowing_VVG Beakman_NN1 to_TO see_VVI that_CST half_DB the_AT left_JJ foot_NN1 was_VBDZ missing_VVG ._. 
The_AT scarring_NN1 suggested_VVD the_AT injury_NN1 to_II his_APPGE foot_NN1 occurred_VVD a_AT1 long_JJ time_NNT1 ago_RA ,_, but_CCB he_PPHS1 had_VHD a_AT1 more_RGR recent_JJ injury_NN1 ._. 
Beakman_NP1 followed_VVD Trenchard_NP1 into_II the_AT house_NN1 for_IF a_AT1 closer_JJR look_NN1 ._. 
The_AT remains_NN2 of_IO his_APPGE head_NN1 lolled_VVD backwards_RL ,_, where_CS blood_NN1 and_CC brain_NN1 matter_NN1 had_VHD drained_VVN onto_II the_AT club_NN1 chair_NN1 and_CC his_APPGE shoulders_NN2 ._. 
His_APPGE right_JJ hand_NN1 rested_VVN on_II his_APPGE lap_NN1 ,_, limply_RR cupping_VVG a_AT1 black_JJ pistol_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 single_JJ black_JJ hole_NN1 had_VHD been_VBN punched_VVN beneath_II his_APPGE chin_NN1 ._. 
Dried_JJ blood_NN1 the_AT color_NN1 of_IO black_JJ cherries_NN2 was_VBDZ crusted_VVN over_II his_APPGE face_NN1 and_CC neck_NN1 and_CC the_AT chair_NN1 ._. 
Trenchard_NP1 said_VVD ,_, "_" That_DD1 's_VBZ a_AT1 damned_RG bad_JJ foot_NN1 ._. "_" 
"_" Suicide_NN1 ?_? "_" 
"_" Duh_NN1 ._. 
I_PPIS1 'll_VM call_VVI ._. 
We_PPIS2 ca_VM n't_XX leave_VVI this_DD1 guy_NN1 until_CS they_PPHS2 get_VV0 someone_PN1 here_RL to_TO secure_VVI the_AT scene_NN1 ._. "_" 
"_" What_DDQ about_II the_AT fire_NN1 ?_? "_" 
"_" Fuck_VV0 the_AT fire_NN1 ._. 
They_PPHS2 got_VVD ta_TO get_VVI someone_PN1 up_RP here_RL to_TO wait_VVI for_IF the_AT CI_NN1 ._. 
I_PPIS1 do_VD0 n't_XX want_VVI us_PPIO2 to_TO get_VVI stuck_JJ with_IW this_DD1 stink_NN1 ._. "_" 
Trenchard_NP1 swatted_VVD futilely_RR at_II the_AT flies_NN2 and_CC ducked_VVD like_II a_AT1 boxer_NN1 slipping_VVG a_AT1 punch_NN1 as_CSA he_PPHS1 moved_VVD for_IF the_AT door_NN1 ._. 
Beakman_NN1 ,_, fascinated_VVN ,_, circled_VVD the_AT dead_JJ man_NN1 ._. 
Trenchard_NP1 said_VVD ,_, "_" Do_VD0 n't_XX touch_VVI anything_PN1 ._. 
We_PPIS2 got_VVD ta_TO treat_VVI it_PPH1 like_II a_AT1 crime_NN1 scene_NN1 ._. "_" 
"_" I_PPIS1 'm_VBM just_RR looking_VVG ._. "_" 
A_AT1 photo_NN1 album_NN1 lay_VVD open_JJ between_II the_AT dead_JJ man_NN1 's_GE feet_NN2 as_CS21 if_CS22 it_PPH1 had_VHD fallen_VVN from_II his_APPGE lap_NN1 ._. 
Careful_JJ not_XX to_TO step_VVI in_II the_AT dried_JJ blood_NN1 ,_, Beakman_NP1 moved_VVD closer_RRR to_TO see_VVI ._. 
A_AT1 single_JJ picture_NN1 was_VBDZ centered_VVN on_II the_AT open_JJ page_NN1 ,_, one_MC1 of_IO those_DD2 Polaroid_NN1 pictures_VVZ that_CST develop_VV0 themselves_PPX2 ._. 
The_AT plastic_NN1 over_II the_AT picture_NN1 was_VBDZ speckled_JJ with_IW blood_NN1 ._. 
The_AT flies_NN2 suddenly_RR seemed_VVD louder_JJR to_TO Beakman_NP1 ,_, as_RG loud_RR now_RT as_CSA the_AT helicopters_NN2 fighting_VVG the_AT flames_NN2 ._. 
"_" Trench_NN1 ,_, come_VV0 here_RL --_JJ "_" Trenchard_NP1 came_VVD over_RP ,_, then_RT stooped_VVD for_IF a_AT1 closer_JJR look_NN1 ._. 
"_" Holy_JJ Mother_NN1 ._. "_" 
The_AT Polaroid_NN1 showed_VVD a_AT1 female_JJ Caucasian_NN1 with_IW what_DDQ appeared_VVD to_TO be_VBI an_AT1 extension_NN1 cord_NN1 wrapped_VVD around_RP her_APPGE neck_NN1 ._. 
The_AT picture_NN1 had_VHD been_VBN taken_VVN at_II night_NNT1 ,_, with_IW the_AT woman_NN1 sprawled_VVN on_II her_PPHO1 back_RP at_II the_AT base_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 trash_NN1 bin_NN1 ._. 
Her_APPGE tongue_NN1 protruded_VVD thickly_RR from_II her_APPGE mouth_NN1 ,_, and_CC her_APPGE eyes_NN2 bulged_VVD ,_, but_CCB they_PPHS2 were_VBDR unfocused_JJ and_CC sightless_JJ ._. 
Beakman_NP1 heard_VVD himself_PPX1 whispering_VVG ._. 
"_" You_PPY think_VV0 it_PPH1 's_VBZ real_JJ ?_? 
A_AT1 real_JJ woman_NN1 ,_, really_RR dead_JJ ?_? "_" 
"_" Du_VD0 n_56 no_VVI ._. "_" 
"_" Maybe_RR it_PPH1 's_VBZ from_II a_AT1 movie_NN1 ._. 
You_PPY know_VV0 ,_, staged_VVN ?_? "_" 
Trenchard_NP1 opened_VVD his_APPGE knife_NN1 ,_, then_RT used_VVD the_AT point_NN1 to_TO turn_VVI the_AT page_NN1 ._. 
Beakman_NP1 grew_VVD scared_JJ ._. 
He_PPHS1 might_VM have_VHI been_VBN only_RR a_AT1 reserve_JJ officer_NN1 ,_, but_CCB he_PPHS1 knew_VVD better_RRR than_CSN to_TO disturb_VVI the_AT scene_NN1 ._. 
"_" We_PPIS2 're_VBR not_XX supposed_JJ to_TO touch_VVI anything_PN1 ._. "_" 
"_" We_PPIS2 're_VBR not_XX ._. 
Shut_VV0 up_RP ._. "_" 
Trenchard_NP1 turned_VVD to_II the_AT next_MD page_NN1 ,_, then_RT the_AT next_MD ._. 
Beakman_NP1 felt_VVD numb_JJ ,_, but_CCB excited_JJ ,_, knowing_VVG he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ seeing_VVG a_AT1 darkness_NN1 so_RG terrible_JJ that_CST few_DA2 people_NN would_VM ever_RR imagine_VVI it_PPH1 ,_, let_VVD alone_RR face_VVI it_PPH1 ._. 
These_DD2 pictures_NN2 were_VBDR portraits_NN2 of_IO evil_NN1 ._. 
The_AT mind_NN1 that_CST had_VHD conceived_VVN of_IO these_DD2 things_NN2 and_CC taken_VVN these_DD2 pictures_NN2 and_CC hidden_VVN them_PPHO2 in_II this_DD1 album_NN1 had_VHD entered_VVN a_AT1 nightmare_NN1 world_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 had_VHD left_VVN humanity_NN1 behind_RL ._. 
Beakman_NN1 would_VM have_VHI stories_NN2 for_IF his_APPGE kids_NN2 when_RRQ he_PPHS1 returned_VVD to_II school_NN1 ,_, but_CCB this_DD1 story_NN1 would_VM not_XX be_VBI among_II them_PPHO2 ._. 
"_" They_PPHS2 're_VBR real_JJ ,_, are_VBR n't_XX they_PPHS2 ?_? 
These_DD2 women_NN2 were_VBDR murdered_VVN ._. "_" 
"_" I_PPIS1 du_VD0 n_56 no_VVI ._. "_" 
"_" They_PPHS2 look_VV0 real_JJ ._. 
He_PPHS1 fucking_RR killed_VVD them_PPHO2 ._. "_" 
"_" Stop_VV0 it_PPH1 ._. "_" 
Trenchard_NP1 lifted_VVD the_AT album_NN1 with_IW his_APPGE knife_NN1 so_CS they_PPHS2 could_VM see_VVI the_AT cover_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 showed_VVD a_AT1 beautiful_JJ sunset_NN1 beach_NN1 with_IW gentle_JJ waves_NN2 and_CC a_AT1 couple_NN1 leaving_VVG footprints_NN2 on_II the_AT sand_NN1 ._. 
Embossed_VVN in_II flowing_JJ script_NN1 was_VBDZ a_AT1 legend_NN1 :_: My_APPGE Happy_JJ Memories_NN2 ._. 
Trenchard_NP1 lowered_VVD the_AT cover_NN1 ._. 
"_" Let_VM21 's_VM22 get_VVI away_II21 from_II22 these_DD2 flies_NN2 ._. "_" 
They_PPHS2 left_VVD the_AT album_NN1 as_CSA they_PPHS2 had_VHD found_VVN it_PPH1 ,_, and_CC sought_JJ solace_NN1 in_II the_AT smoky_JJ air_NN1 ._. 
Part_NN1 One_MC1 Lookout_NP1 Mountain_NNL1 Our_APPGE office_NN1 was_VBDZ a_AT1 good_JJ place_NN1 to_TO be_VBI that_DD1 morning_NNT1 ._. 
There_EX was_VBDZ only_RR the_AT tocking_NN1 of_IO the_AT Pinocchio_NP1 clock_NN1 ,_, the_AT scratch_NN1 of_IO my_APPGE pen_NN1 ,_, and_CC the_AT hiss_NN1 of_IO the_AT air_NN1 conditioner_NN1 fighting_VVG a_AT1 terrible_JJ heat_NN1 ._. 
Fire_NN1 season_NNT1 had_VHD arrived_VVN ,_, when_CS fires_NN2 erupted_VVN across_II the_AT Southland_NP1 like_II pimples_NN2 on_II adolescent_JJ skin_NN1 ._. 
Joe_NP1 Pike_NP1 was_VBDZ waiting_VVG for_IF me_PPIO1 to_TO finish_VVI the_AT paperwork_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 stood_VVD at_II the_AT French_JJ doors_NN2 that_CST open_VV0 onto_II my_APPGE balcony_NN1 ,_, staring_VVG across_II the_AT city_NN1 toward_II the_AT ocean_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 had_VHD not_XX spoken_VVN nor_CC moved_VVD in_II more_DAR than_CSN twenty_MC minutes_NNT2 ,_, which_DDQ was_VBDZ nothing_PN1 for_IF Pike_NN ._. 
He_PPHS1 often_RR went_VVD soundless_JJ for_IF days_NNT2 ._. 
We_PPIS2 were_VBDR going_VVG to_II work_NN1 out_RP at_II Ray_NP1 Depente_NP1 's_GE gym_NN1 in_II South-Central_JJ Los_NP1 Angeles_NP1 when_CS I_PPIS1 finished_VVD the_AT grind_NN1 ._. 
The_AT first_MD call_NN1 came_VVD at_II nine_MC forty-two_MC that_DD1 morning_NNT1 ._. 
A_AT1 male_JJ voice_NN1 said_VVD ,_, "_" Are_VBR you_PPY Elvis_NP1 Cole_NP1 ?_? "_" 
"_" That_DD1 's_VBZ right_JJ ._. 
How_RRQ can_VM I_PPIS1 help_VVI you_PPY ?_? "_" 
"_" You_PPY 're_VBR a_AT1 dead_JJ man_NN1 ._. "_" 
I_PPIS1 killed_VVD the_AT call_NN1 and_CC went_VVD back_RP to_II work_NN1 ._. 
When_CS you_PPY do_VD0 what_DDQ I_PPIS1 do_VD0 ,_, you_PPY get_VV0 calls_NN2 from_II schizophrenics_NN2 ,_, escapees_NN2 from_II Area_NN1 51_MC ,_, and_CC people_NN claiming_VVG to_TO know_VVI who_PNQS killed_VVD the_AT Black_JJ Dahlia_NP1 and_CC Princess_NNB Diana_NP1 ._. 
Pike_NN said_VVD ,_, "_" Who_PNQS was_VBDZ it_PPH1 ?_? "_" 
"_" Some_DD guy_NN1 told_VVD me_PPIO1 I_PPIS1 was_VBDZ a_AT1 dead_JJ man_NN1 ._. "_" 
Pike_NN grunted_VVD ,_, then_RT said_VVD ,_, "_" Smoke_VV0 ._. "_" 
I_PPIS1 glanced_VVD up_RP from_II the_AT work_NN1 ._. 
"_" Where_RRQ ?_? "_" 
"_" Malibu_NN1 ,_, looks_VVZ like_II ._. 
Maybe_RR Topanga_NP1 ._. "_" 
Then_RT Pike_NN turned_VVD toward_II the_AT door_NN1 ,_, and_CC everything_PN1 that_CST had_VHD been_VBN normal_JJ about_II that_DD1 ordinary_JJ morning_NNT1 changed_VVN ._. 
"_" Listen_VV0 --_JJ "_" A_ZZ1 stocky_JJ man_NN1 with_IW a_AT1 short_JJ haircut_NN1 and_CC wilted_VVD tan_JJ sport_NN1 coat_NN1 shoved_VVN through_II the_AT door_NN1 like_CS he_PPHS1 lived_VVD in_II Fallujah_NP1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 flashed_VVD a_AT1 badge_NN1 as_CS21 if_CS22 he_PPHS1 expected_VVD me_PPIO1 to_TO dive_VVI under_II my_APPGE desk_NN1 ._. 
"_" Welcome_VV0 to_II hell_NN1 ,_, shitbird_NN1 ._. "_" 
