She paused as she’d been taught, but when Piper didn’t interject, she answered. “All I know is that he was killed. That’s where it stops and starts.”

Detective Stewart shot Detective Bryant a look before she turned her attention back to Izzy. “Sergeant Tybee was shot. It appears a struggle ensued, based on wounds on the sergeant’s body, and he was killed with his own weapon. We think maybe he was killed in self-defense.”

Ah, and they were looking into women who might fit the bill—Izzy included.

Detective Stewart looked at her notepad. “How did you know the sergeant?”

“I worked with him.” Short, simple statements. Just like she’d practiced with Piper.

“Did you leave Arlington PD because of him?”

Talk about not much of a windup. But Piper had also instructed Izzy that she had to be truthful at all costs—even on the difficult topics—because if they caught her in a lie, they would use it against her. “Yes.”

“Why?”

She sat silently, not sure how to answer.

Piper touched her arm. “Detective Stewart, let’s not dance around the issues here. If you have a direct question to ask my client, then please do so.”

Detective Stewart nodded. “Very well. What I’m about to tell you is disturbing, but it’s not my intent to upset you. Do you understand?”

A wave of unease rushed through her in anticipation. “Yes.”

“When we searched the sergeant’s home, we found these.” Detective Stewart opened a manila folder and slid it across the table.

Izzy leaned in and scanned the pictures spread out in front of her in bright vivid color. Pictures of her. Candid shots—her at the grocery store, coffee shop, jogging. Her breath caught as she started to see dancing stars in front of her eyes. She might be sick.

Piper noticed her reaction. “Take a deep breath, Izzy. Here’s some water. I think she’s going to need a minute.”

Detective Stewart nodded. “Of course.”

They sat in silence that hung in the air like a heavy weight as Izzy tried to think through what she was seeing. How long had the sergeant been watching her? When he’d confronted her, she’d had no idea that he’d been lurking in the shadows. Finally, she spoke up. “Obviously I didn’t know about these.”

Detective Stewart leaned in. “I know this is difficult. Just please bear with us for a few more minutes, okay?”

Izzy nodded.

“We’re still combing through a lot of evidence, including electronics, but there’s something I have to ask you about.”

She knew it. This was about the text messages.

“Agent Cole, were you violently assaulted by the sergeant?”

Izzy sucked in a breath. “Yes.”

“Sexually assaulted?”