“We want Bell’s records,” Kathryn said. “We want his bank accounts. If this was all his idea, you might get some leniency if you help.”

“If I could, I would. For God’s sake, why won’t you believe me? I’m the one who was in his office. I have the combinations to both safes. I’m the one who left the puddles. I took some money, but there were no records. I swear to God, there were no files in either safe. That son of a bitch,” Newsom said, jerking her head in Bell’s direction, “left me stranded outside Rehoboth Beach. I had to hitch a ride with a trucker to get back here to town. I hate his guts. It was his idea, all of it. I did go along with it, I’m not denying that, but he got the bulk of the money. He even shortchanged the surrogates. We, the other lawyers and I, had to give him a percentage of everything we took in.”

“So where does he keep his records?” Kathryn asked.

“I don’t know. Probably home. Maybe a safe-deposit box. He led me to believe everything was in the safe built into the floor in his office. I know now that was a lie, like everything else he told me. That’s why I took his money. Please, I’m freezing. Can I have a blanket?”

“No,” Kathryn said.

Bell woke up in time to hear Newsom’s last words. “You bitch, you stole my money! I hope you rot in hell!” Then he realized he was stark naked. He bellowed like a wild bull in heat. “Give me my clothes! How dare you do this to me! How dare you!”

“Will you please just shut up?” Nikki said.

“Don’t you dare tell me to shut up. Who do you think you’re talking to?”

“Who do we think we’re talking to? For goodness’ sake, isn’t it obvious we’re talking to a naked guy with an itty-bitty little dick,” the ever-blunt Kathryn said. “Hey, it rhymes.” She giggled.

“It’s getting light out,” Alexis said. “It’s almost seven o’clock.”

Myra dropped to her knees. “Mr. Bell, my name is Myra Rutledge. I am going to ask you this once and only once. Nod if you understand.”

“Kiss my ice-cold ass,” Bell said.

“That was really rude, Mr. Bell. We do not tolerate rudeness. So, we’re going to suit up and work you over,” Kathryn said.

Alexis dived into her Red Bag and pulled out latex gloves and clear plastic raincoats, the kind Disney World issues to their customers when an unexpected rain shower crops up.

Annie reached for a screwdriver as Nikki spread clear plastic tarps all over the floor.