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can’t talk to anyone,” Vega replied. “I can’t even talk to Filipino cops in neighboring towns. ‘That’s not your job, young lady’ is all I ever hear.” She looked at Hack. “You’re navy girlfriend, what’s-her-name, Cassandra?”
    â€œIt’s Leeandra,” Hack corrected her.
    â€œOkay, Leeandra. She works at the supply depot, right?”
    Hack leaned forward and set his beer down hard. “What do you mean? I’m sure she’s not involved with black market stuff. She’s not the type.”
    â€œI’m not saying she’s involved,” Vega laughed. “But maybe she can help.” She put a hand on Decker’s leg. “Maybe you guys can look around the ship, too. It’s about navy material, and that’s your job. It’d only be natural to do some extra checking on things.”
    Decker leaned back and put his hands behind his head. “What do you think, guys?”
    â€œCount me out,” said Mo. “You’ll come up with wild schemes, and Hack and me’ll be the ones who do the dirty work.”
    Decker shot Mo a look of mock surprise. “When have I ever talked you into doing something you didn’t want to do?”
    â€œAbout every other weekend for the past year.”
    â€œI believe that’s an exaggeration,” Decker smiled. “I am deeply offended.”
    Mo nudged Hack with his elbow. “You don’t need me, you got the new guy to do your ‘detective’ work now.”
    Hank put his hands up as if he’d been accused of something. “I don’t like the sound of this,” he said.
    â€œLook, Decker, just go the navy police,” Mo said. “If the black market has anything to do with Kippen taking a dive, they need to be the ones to investigate.”
    â€œWe’re talking murder,” Decker said, his voice tight.
    â€œHold on, guys,” Vega interrupted. “I didn’t say there was a murder. Besides, the navy investigator found no motive, so I doubt there’s any connection between the missing parts and Kippen’s fall. But I do know something’s going on with the black market. Just look around the ship a little. That’s all. I’m just interested in your inventory problem because if there’s something fishy going on, I’ll need hard evidence to go to my boss.”
    Decker sipped his beer, and tipped the bottle toward Vega. “Let me think.”
    â€œMaybe we should wait a week or so and see how things go in the supply department,” Hack said.
    â€œA week?” Vega protested. “Someone could cover their tracks by then.”
    â€œBut maybe Kippen’s body will be found and it’ll be clear it was an accident.”
    â€œEven if they find him, it won’t prove he wasn’t pushed,” Decker said.
    Mo looked at Hack and pointed at Decker with this thumb. “I don’t like the sound of this. All I know is that if Columbo here gets involved in whatever is going on, it ain’t going to end well for anybody. Especially you and me.”
    â€œThis could go on all night, guys,” Vega said, changing the subject. “Let’s get out of here. It’s getting crowded, and the band’s about ready to start.”
    Decker, Hack, and Mo agreed and the three sailors and police officer walked out of Cal Jam and stood on the crowded sidewalk.
    â€œI’m headed to T’s Tavern,” Mo said. He looked at Hack. “Wanna tag along?”
    â€œNo, I’m going to Leeandra’s.” Hack glanced toward the corner. “Gotta find a ride.” He turned to Decker and Vega. “What about you two?”
    Vega slipped her arms around Decker’s waist and looked up at him. “We have dinner plans.”
    â€œI bet you do,” Mo said, with a smirk as he turned on his heel to head toward his favorite dive.
    Decker laughed. “Unfortunately for me,