“Would you be surprised if you heard that he was guilty of evidence tampering?”

“I can’t say it would be a shock.” He cocked his head curiously. “Are you saying that he used illegal means to get Kay convicted? Why?”

“Again, that’s confidential within the appeal process at this point. But it does raise an important point. Assuming that Kay didn’t kill Carl, obviously someone else did. Does the fact that the real killer is out there roaming around free worry you?”

“For my own safety? Not at all. Carl and I were on the opposite sides of every business decision, every proposed action of Spalter Realty—as well as every personal matter that ever came up between us. We never had the same friends, the same goals, the same anything. It’s highly unlikely that we’d have the same enemy.”

“One last question.” Gurney paused, more for dramatic effect than because of any indecision. “What would you say if I told you that your mother’s death may not have been accidental?”

“What do you mean?” He blinked, appeared stunned.

“Evidence has come to light that connects her death with Carl’s.”

“What evidence?”

“I can’t go into that. But it seems persuasive. Can you think of any reason that the person who targeted Carl would also have targeted your mother?”

Jonah’s expression was a frozen mix of emotions. The most recognizable one was fear. But was it the fear of the unknown? Or was it fear of the unknown becoming known? He shook his head. “I … I don’t know what to say. Look, I need to know what … I mean, what kind of evidence are you talking about?”

“Right now that’s a confidential part of the appeals case. I’ll see that you’re informed as soon as possible.”

“What you’re saying is … absolutely bizarre.”

“It must seem that way. But if any explanation occurs to you, any scenario that you think might connect the two deaths, please let me know right away.”

The man’s only visible response was a small nod.

Gurney decided on another abrupt change of direction. “What do you think of Carl’s daughter?”

Jonah swallowed, shifted in his chair. “Are you asking me if she could … could have killed her father? And her grandmother too?” He looked lost. “I have no idea. Alyssa is … not a healthy person, but … her father? Her grandmother?”

“Not healthy in what way? Can you be more specific?”

“No. Not now.” He looked at his watch, as if baffled by the data it conveyed. “I really have to go. Really. Sorry.”

“Last question. Who else might have wanted to kill Carl?”

He turned up his palms in a gesture that conveyed frustration with the question. “Anyone. Anyone who got close enough to see the rot behind the smile.”