“And that means what to you besides Chanel Gilbert comes from Hollywood money?” He opens a paper evidence bag as we continue to talk as if nothing is abnormal.

“It tells me she parked herself here. But she lived somewhere else. Possibly metaphorically.” I feel a presence and turn around.

The four officers in black ballistic gear are in the doorway.

Chapter 35

CHAPTER 35

MARINO FOLDS THE TOP OF THE BROWN PAPER BAG, sealing it with red tape.

“Battery operated, wireless, and probably installed not all that long ago.” He says this to Ajax, who suggests they call in the cyber investigation unit to sweep the house for surveillance devices.

“We should get that going ASAP,” he adds.

“Not until we’re done and the hell out of here. I don’t need any more cops stomping through.” Marino finds a Sharpie in the scene case.

“Thanks a lot.”

“I wasn’t talking about you. I meant the geek squad, and while they’re at it they also should look for anything capable of jamming radio signals and rerouting cell phone traffic.” Marino uses his teeth to pull the cap off a Sharpie.

“Someone might be listening. Where there’s one device there are probably others,” Ajax warns him. “These days I assume there’s cameras everywhere.”

“Let them listen. Screw whoever it is including the Feds. Hello, Feds,” Marino says loudly, rudely. “So nice of you to join us.”

“Nothing caught my attention when we were looking around but that doesn’t mean you’ve got privacy. Like I said, I never assume I’ve got privacy except hopefully in my own home.” Ajax is talking to both of us. “And even there we got cameras. But I know where they are in that case.”

“Maybe Chanel Gilbert didn’t have privacy either. Maybe she was being spied on.” Marino just keeps on talking. “Or maybe she was blocking any attempt at someone spying on her. No matter which it is we should be asking the same question. Who the hell was she and what was she involved in?”

“You’re clear in here,” Ajax lets us know but his eyes are riveted to me now.

I know what his opinion is. He doesn’t have to say it and out of respect for me he won’t. But he wears his doubt like a sandwich sign and there can be no question what he would advise if asked. He’d point out that if the situation merits a special response team searching the property then I shouldn’t be here.