‘Short version: she hails from Ohio from a lower middle-class family, and she was the only child born to Oscar and Lisa Penn. When she was five, her mom died. At the age of eighteen, she moved here to attend the University of New Mexico, which is where she met Gabriel Kensington. Ten years ago, her father, who was the sheriff in a town of about four hundred, died of lung cancer. From what I could gather from online articles and local newspapers, Lydia allowed the Fraternal Order of Police to arrange the services. She showed up – alone – the day of the funeral, attended, and then hired an estate sales company to liquidate her father’s meager holdings before flying back the next day. If she has social media accounts, I’ve found no evidence of them. Almost all her public appearances seemed to be linked to her husband’s dealings, charities, et cetera. Besides that, adding my own opinion, based on everything I’ve read, Lydia Kensington acquires acquaintances rather than friends.’

Alyssa trusted Hal’s instincts – she couldn’t think of a time when he’d failed her in that respect – but she asked for verification anyway. ‘What makes you say that?’

‘Because she’s rarely photographed with anyone other than her family, and that’s usually just Gabriel. Of those very few pictures that I came across where she posed with other women, she always stood just a hair farther back, and her smile appeared forced. But again, this is me injecting my opinion.’

‘Your opinion is usually pretty spot on, but don’t let me saying that go to your head.’

‘Too late,’ Hal joked.

Both Alyssa and Cord chuckled. ‘If there’s nothing else, I’ll let you go, and we’ll see you in a few minutes.’

‘Nothing from me. Joe and Tony might have an update by the time you arrive, though. I’ll see you when you get here.’ Hal ended the call without waiting for a goodbye.

Alyssa glanced at Cord. ‘Looks like speaking to the Kensingtons’ neighbors will have to wait.’

‘Looks like.’

With most of the hot air balloons down, people were either crowding the field, the art festivals, or partaking of a late breakfast in any of the numerous restaurants around town. Because of that, traffic was kind, so it only took them eight minutes to arrive back at the precinct. ‘I’m almost afraid to say it out loud,’ Alyssa said as she and Cord headed across the parking lot, ‘but I sure hope that’s a sign that things are going to go smoothly for us on this case.’

Cord barked out a laugh. ‘You’re funny. And you’ve also probably just jinxed us. So, thanks for that.’