“Corporate litigation,” said Susan Appel. “Both Hal and Mike will be the first to tell you they have no experience in criminal law, but they want to make sure we’re protected.”

Barb said, “Alpha dogs.” Out of a suede weave bag came a folded sheet of legal-sized paper.

Milo read, put it down. “You want guaranteed confidentiality.”

Barb said, “Doesn’t seem too much to ask, seeing as how we’ve come forth voluntarily.”

Susan said, “We’re not even sure we know anything useful. Frankly we hope we don’t. But just in case.”

“We could be in danger,” said Barb. “If we have hit upon something.”

“Knowing the perp,” said Sue. “Then ratting him out.”

Milo said, “Ladies, this kind of citizen involvement is so important. But even if I signed this, it would be worthless because I don’t have the authority to grant—”

“So who does?” said Barb.

“I really don’t know, ma’am. It’s never come up.”

“Oh, c’mon. I see it all the time. Law and Order, Crossing Jordan.”

Milo said, “Sometimes on federal cases, there are grants of confiden—”

“See?” Barb swiveled hard and tapped her sister’s knee. “That’s exactly what Mike said.”

Susan said, “Hal still thinks it could apply to a nonfederal case.”

Barb rolled her eyes.

Milo said, “Ladies, I promise to do everything I can to ensure your utmost security. Your names will not be part of any public record unless there’s a trial and a defense attorney requests—”

“That’s exactly what Mike said.”

“Hal’s not denying that—”

“Ladies, if it gets to that point — and that’s a big if — the suspect will be in custody.”

“What about bail?” said Susan.

“Unlike on TV, murderers don’t get bail, ma’am.”

“Murderers,” said Barb Bruno. “Hard to believe it happened to our property, so… degrading — you’re saying you won’t sign, Lieutenant?”

“I can sign it, but I’d be lying to you, ma’am. And if you do have relevant information, you really need to tell me.”

Silence.

“Ladies, you know as well as I do that it’s your obligation.”

Barb said, “Seems as if we’re being punished for doing our civic duty. If we hadn’t come forward on our own, we wouldn’t be in this position.”

“That’s true of any hero,” said Milo.

Barb blushed. The color spread to her sister’s face, as if by sibling osmosis.

Susan said, “We’re not trying to be heroes, but…”

Barb said, “I guess in a sense we are heroes.”

Milo folded the sheet and put it in his jacket pocket. “Please. Tell me why you’re here.”

Barb’s turn to mess with her hair. Susan watched, fascinated.

The sisters looked at each other.