“I think I would defer to Ryan on this. Let him take the heat for giving her too much information. We have to live here and work with SAPD.”

“Fair enough.”

“She really cares about Ryan.”

“He’s a good guy, and Kate really likes him.”

“My sister-in-law is very particular about the people she likes.”

“I know, but she loves me, and that’s all I care about. Let’s go to bed before you fall asleep here.”

“I want to shower first. It’s been a long day and I feel sticky.”

“May I join you?”

She smiled and kissed him. “That would make it perfect.”

Chapter Thirty-eight

SATURDAY MORNING

Detective Reed was taking lead, which was appropriate since the Victoria Mills homicide was her case. Lucy was happy to be able to participate as her partner.

The DA and AUSA were hesitant about bringing any of the accusations of money laundering and illegal gambling into the equation because they had no hard evidence yet—other than Simon Mills’s statement. Ryan had explained earlier that a scheme like this would take months to investigate, but because they had a strong beginning and substantial documentation he felt confident that the FBI office would be able to put a case together within weeks.

But it wouldn’t be today.

Today they wanted Faith Parker Monroe for the murder of Victoria Mills. They had sufficient circumstantial evidence, but the DA was still hesitant because Faith was a lawyer.

Jennifer fought long and hard for a warrant, however. They had Clemson’s statement that he picked up Faith at the crime scene at ten thirty, which was in the time of death window; Ash Dominguez had provided a report that Victoria’s blood was on the passenger side of the car; and both Mitch and Simon knew that Victoria was having an affair with Faith’s husband—which was motive.

However, Lucy felt strongly that Faith’s primary motive was because the Albright bones had been found. Faith knew that if Victoria heard about the bones she would know they were the Albrights’—or that once they were identified Victoria would realize that Faith and/or Harrison had killed her best friend and her family. Victoria was deeply involved in Harrison and Simon’s illegal gambling operations and subsequent money laundering, she would be able to turn over solid evidence had she been motivated to do so.

Yet … a woman scorned could never be underestimated.