“In my experience, that’s going to get her in hot water.”

Sean didn’t comment, and Max wondered if he was worried as well.

They went to the last property on the list, then Sean drove back to her hotel. “Call when you’re done,” Sean said. “We’ll compare notes. And I know I don’t have to tell you this, but be careful if you leave. Hotel security is really good, but there’s still public access. If you want, you can stay with Lucy and me.”

“I appreciate that, but I’ll stay put for now.”

Sean didn’t leave until Max walked through the main doors. She appreciated the watchful eye, but Ryan clearly had said something to Sean, because he hadn’t been over protective until they spoke.

She went up to her suite considering how she wanted to approach Simon Mills. By the time she reached her door, she had a plan. While she didn’t know how Sean thought he could get Mitch to turn on Harrison Monroe, Max was certain her idea would work with Simon.

She stared at the crime scene photos while waiting for Simon to answer. It took him so long she thought the call would go to voice mail; fortunately, he picked up.

“Hello, Simon. It’s Maxine.”

“Are you back in New York?”

“No.”

“Why the hell not? The case is closed.”

“The case is not closed, Simon.”

“I know my dad asked you to help, but he isn’t thinking straight. He’s getting confused.”

“I talked to him at great length the other day; he certainly didn’t act confused.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“It’s what you said.”

“Dammit, don’t twist my words!”

“Why are you so defensive, Simon?”

“Look, Max, I understand why my dad is frustrated. He liked Stan. We all did. He was one of my best friends. So when he changed his plea my dad had hope. But Stan killed Victoria. The first time I saw him in prison, I asked him. I asked how the fuck he could kill my sister. After everything we’d been through. And he said, ‘I’m sorry, Simon. I don’t know what happened, I snapped, I’m sorry.’ I can still hear him.” He paused, but Max didn’t speak. A moment later, Simon said, “For what it’s worth, I don’t think he planned to kill her. I think he just got mad. Victoria could do that, sometimes. If she discovered he was gambling again, stole money from the company, she knew exactly how to make you feel like you were trash. And he killed her. Regretted it and confessed. I believe it, Max, and you should, too.”