Sean searched for Faith Parker Monroe and there was little on her. But he did find a photo in a magazine where she was quoted about a case she had pursued against a corporation. He didn’t have time to read about the case, but the woman in the photo was clearly a younger version of the woman he saw in the bar.

What was Robert Clemson doing with Faith Monroe as his lawyer? This was a hell of a big coincidence—and then not wanting to be seen by her husband? They didn’t act like lovers or ex-lovers. She had the attitude of someone who was in charge, and Clemson was worried. Concerned.

“A prickly financial situation.”

Sean waited three minutes, then left.

Chapter Twenty-nine

THURSDAY NIGHT

Jennifer drove Lucy back to her car. They had discussed the possible implications of what Sean observed, and Lucy asked her, “You talked to the woman Clemson had drinks with that night. What was she like?”

“Smart, attractive, too young for the guy, but who am I to judge.”

“Where does she work?”

“I didn’t ask. But I have her name and address. Shall we go by?”

It was after eight, but Lucy thought it might be important. “Is it far?”

“A condo on the River Walk.”

“I’m ready.” Lucy texted Sean to give him the heads-up.

“You sure? You look tired.”

“I was up early to serve a warrant in Kerrville. It’s been a long day. But I’m good.”

“I was ready to go home after my shift and binge watch Netflix, but this is more fun.”

Max definitely had the wrong impression of Detective Reed, Lucy thought. She was a good cop, she liked her job, and she was willing to go above and beyond. Reed likely put up every barrier for reporters, Max included.

“Did you suspect anyone else before Stanley Grant confessed?” Lucy asked her.

“No. We looked at both her partners, Grant and Corta. But they didn’t click for me, and while Grant’s alibi was weak, he seemed to be sincere in his grief. But I’ve seen people kill and regret it—their grief is real, even if they have a streak of self-preservation. I looked heavier at Corta because ex and all, but his alibi was solid. I talked to the people up in Bandera, and there’s no way he could have gotten back in time to kill her. But the manner— She knew her killer. No defensive wounds, up close and personal like that.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

“She didn’t have enemies that we could find—no restraining orders, no lawsuits against her or the company. And she hadn’t even dated much after her divorce. One ex-boyfriend we talked to—he didn’t click at all, he’d moved on, they hadn’t even dated that long. I wondered if she and her ex were still doing it, if you know what I mean.”