A.L. ended the call and pushed back his chair. “You drive,” he said to Rena. “I’ve got one more call to make.”

When they arrived at the bank, they saw the security guard at the front door. They showed badges and he said that he’d been expecting them. He didn’t ask why they were there; he just opened the door and looked the other way.

They walked through the lobby, past the empty teller windows, and back toward the area where the loan officers called home. A couple desks were empty but there were five people already working. Steven Hanzel was one of them. They approached from an angle that allowed A.L. to see that Hanzel was reading the sports page on his computer.

“Good morning, Mr. Hanzel,” A.L. said. “Not sure if you remember me. I’m Detective McKittridge and this is my partner, Detective Morgan.”

Steven minimized his screen. “Of course, what can I do for you, Detectives?”

“We need a few minutes of your time. The first floor conference room has been reserved for us.”

That seemed to get Hanzel’s attention. “Okay. Uh...let me just get a pen and paper.”

Had probably been drilled into his head—never go to a meeting without pen and paper. They waited while he found a yellow legal pad and a nice-looking pen. They motioned for him to lead the way.

When they got there, A.L. realized that somebody had already put a carafe of hot coffee and cups in the center of the table. Tamara Federer got things done. He liked that. He poured a cup for himself and Rena. Offered one to Steven but the man shook his head.

“Steven, with your permission, I’d like to record this conversation.” A.L. set his cell phone between him and Hanzel. “Is that okay?”

“I guess.”

He switched on the record function. “This is Detective McKittridge and Detective Morgan speaking with Steven Hanzel. Today’s date is Monday, September 14, and we are speaking in the first floor conference room of the Baywood Bank. Mr. Hanzel has agreed to have this conversation recorded.” A.L. picked up his pen.

“Steven,” A.L. said, “I want to talk to you about the personal relationship you have with Kara Wiese.”

“Um...who said that we have a personal relationship?” Steven tapped his own pen against his paper.

“We have you on video this morning at the park. Meeting Kara. It looked rather personal.”

Hanzel scratched his head. “We’re good friends. Okay, more than friends. No law against that, right?”

“She’s married,” A.L. said.

“Well, that’s not going to last.”

“How long has the relationship been going on?” Rena asked.

“Five, six months,” Hanzel said.

“You’re good friends with Troy Whitman, right?” A.L. asked.

He looked surprised at the quick change in topic. “You know I am.”

“You’re also his loan officer?”