Chapters 27 through 33 Summary

Later that day, Spenser finds a list of names and addresses, including Elaine Brooks who was Mel's girlfriend. Spenser notes that the address listed isn't where he found Elaine and checks the rest of the list against the card file and the telephone directory. Those on the list are among the homeowner and casualty policies listed in Mel's card file. They check out the list and find that all the properties are burned. Spenser begins to look into the individual properties and talks to the insurance company that held the policy on Elaine Brooks' bogus property. Spencer learns that the policy was in effect six months, that the company believed it to be arson but couldn't prove it, and that two winos had died in that fire. The company representative warns Spenser not to withhold information, reminding Spenser that they throw...