“Be that as it may, Lara, John Nguyen likes what Monte has to say. Which is that you were the one who ambushed Bobby. Monte admits to following Bobby when he left the crypt and to waiting until Bobby caught a red light then jacking him, pulling him out of his car, and dragging him over to where he says you shot Bobby. He even admits to putting Bobby back in the car. All you did, according to his version, is pull the trigger. John likes that story because it doesn’t depend on coincidence.”

Silence.

“This is ridiculous, Lieutenant.”

“So is sticking lynx hair on trees where it doesn’t belong. Which, when you think about it, isn’t that different from wiping away a stain. A stain Monte was too macho to get rid of at the scene—like you said, he’s a gambler, likes to take risks. Probably told you no way would they even analyze the stain. Two people are found in a sexual pose, there’s semen, why even suspect someone else contributed? I’m willing to believe he intimidated you that night, Lara, that’s why you couldn’t get rid of the stain right then and there. You both had guns but Monte’s was bigger. Size mattering and all that. You were training your little gun on Doreen while Monte did his big-gun thing, weren’t you? Then he strangled her, came on her leg.”

Silence.

“Lara?”

Silence.

“Lynx hairs, stains, it’s always about playing with evidence, Lara.”

Silence.

“Now you’re getting kind of closed up, Lara, the way you say Monte tends to be. That is not in your best interest, John Nguyen will not appreciate that.”

Silence.

“Lara, I’ve been open to your explanations, will continue to be open. But you’ve got to meet me halfway. Like that trip to Port Angeles to get the money. We’ve got Monte on video taking those suitcases, but both your names on the passenger list to Seattle. On a day you were off-shift.”

Silence.

“Tell me what really happened, Lara. Start at the beginning, it’s in your best interest.”

“We’re over.”

“Pardon?”

“Over. Finished. I need to have an attorney.”

“You’re saying you absolutely want an attorney.”

“Finished.”

“Suit yourself, Lara. You always do.”

CHAPTER

42

Knock on the door.

Milo said, “Entrez-vous.”

A Mutt-and-Jeff duo of female sheriffs stood over Lara Rieffen.

“Thank you, ladies, give this one the full strip—use that room across the hall.”

The shorter cop said, “Will do, Loo.”

He turned to Rieffen. “See you around, Lara? Or should we start using Kathy? For old times’ sake.”

Her reply was scalding eyes and a toss of strawberry blond.

The taller cop said, “I like your highlights. What do you use, L’Oréal?”