A Madam In Need

Laura Miller sat across from me, looking relaxed. However, I sensed that, inside, she was a frightened woman. She was a madam who ran a very exclusive bordello, catering to the Los Angeles movers and shakers. The newspapers dubbed her the "Hollywood Hills Madam," making Laura a minor celebrity. "I asked you to come see me, Mr. Travis, because I'm in a very serious bind," she said. "Yesterday evening, I was going through my little black book, making some notes, when I heard a noise coming from my backyard. I got up from my desk, went to the back yard, and looked. No one was there. I came back inside and returned to my office." Laura paused. "My little black book was gone. I searched my office thoroughly. I'm afraid someone might use the book to harm either one of my... clients or me." She cleared her throat. "I did my research on you. You're a very capable private investigator who gets results. I... I need your help. And I'll pay you generously. Very generously."