There was no need to rankle anyone in the Maldeaux family. No one wants to piss off a media empire. It was early. Thaddeus Maldeaux was half dressed. He was barefoot, wearing slacks and a summer t-shirt. His hair was still wet from the shower and slicked back, making him look like a forties movie star. ‘Glad to meet you,’ he said to Gratelli at the front door. Gratelli had expected a butler or at least a maid, but got the superstar himself. ‘I appreciate your coming over here. It’s a little early in the morning to face bureaucracy. Or maybe I should say reality.’ Maldeaux smiled his charming smile and nodded for the investigator to come in. ‘Listen, I’m getting some breakfast together. Let me fix you something.’ ‘Thanks,’ Gratelli said. ‘I’ve eaten.’ ‘I’m so hungry. Do you mind hanging around the kitchen while we talk?’ ‘No, that’s fine.’ On one hand the home was less than he would have imagined. There seemed to be a lack of gold and crystal. The decor was restrained.
