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Later thathe pulled off the Hollywood Freeway into a typical California maze of close-built residential blocks interspersed with commercial plazas Zavala wasn’t sure what he expected, but after the explosion in Baja and the bizarre deaths of Hanley and Pedralez, he was surprised to find a well- sandwiched between a Staples office supply store and a Pizza Hut

The lobby was open and airy The cheery receptionist who greeted hiiven him directions on the phone He didn’t have to exert his Latin charm She readily answered questions about the company, showered Zavala with brochures, and said to call if he ever needed hydraulic engineering services He went back out to his rental car and sat behind the wheel staring at the unassu what to do next His cell phone buzzed Austin was calling from his office at NUMA headquarters

“Any luck at your end?” Kurt said

“I’ outside the Mulholland Group as we speak,” Zavala said He filled his Austin in turn told Joe about his visit to the Garber center, his conversation with Buzz Martin, and the revelations from Max

“You’ve accomplished a hell of a lot more than I have,” Zavala said

“All blind alleys so far I’ to upstate New York this afternoon to see if I can clear up thepilot While you’re in LA stad”

They agreed to co up and called inforh to the newsrooave his name and asked for Randy Cohen in the business section

Moments later a boyish voice came on the phone

“Joe Zavala, what a nice surprise! How are you?”

“I’ative reporter west of the Mississippi?”

“Doing what I can with the limited brain cells left fro NUMA afloat?”

“As a matter of fact I’ive me a hand”

“Always ready to do what I can for an old college pal”

“I appreciate that, Randy I need some information on a California-based costad Corporation?”

The other end of the line went silent Then Cohen said, “You did say Gogstad?”