“… And that’s about it,” Glynis finished. Looking across the table at Jake, she added, “Unless you have something more.”

“Just that all three bodies have been cremated, so you won’t be able to get much forensic evidence,” Jake said.

Mankowitz smiled condescendingly, then took a careful sip of her iced tea. “Forensic evidence is important on television shows, Mr. Ross. In the real world…” She shrugged.

“That man Perez as much as admitted that Professor Sinclair and his wife were murdered, along with Dr. McGruder.”

“Your word against his,” Mankowitz said.

Jake pointed out, “Perez also said he could leave the state, maybe even leave the country.”

“It’s not much to go on,” the FBI agent said. She picked up her menu and began to study it.

“I know we don’t have any firm evidence,” Glynis admitted, “but doesn’t it seem obvious to you that they were murdered?”

Mankowitz put down her menu and turned in the booth to face Glynis. “Ms. Colwyn, to begin with, murder is a state or local offense, not federal. We’ve known for some time that the gambling casinos are used to launder narcotics money, but that gets us involved in the tribal governments of the Native Americans who own and operate the casinos.”

“They’re operated by people from Las Vegas,” Jake said.

Ignoring him, Mankowitz went on, “There’s not much we can do about this, except add your suspicions of murder to a file that’s already pretty damned thick.”

“But Senator Leeds is involved!” Glynis insisted.

Mankowitz gave her a look that was little short of disgusted. “Yeah, open an investigation on a United States senator. During his reelection campaign. That would be a swell career move for me.”

Jake said, “But you’re missing the point. Why did they have to murder Sinclair and his wife? What’s the connection to their drug and gambling operations?”

“Look,” Mankowitz said, her dark brows knitting, “I’m just a very junior player here. I’ve only been in the field a few weeks and this is my first assignment. My boss told me to listen to what you had to say and report back to him.”

“And then?” Glynis asked.

Mankowitz shrugged again. “That’s up to my boss. But going after a U.S. senator? Get real.”

Jake looked at Glynis. “Now you know why they keep Leeds on their payroll.”

Glynis nodded glumly. They ate dinner in almost total silence. Someone started singing Irish ballads to a guitar accompaniment as they finished their meals. Jake was glad to get up and leave.

Glynis looked close to tears.

Labor Day

LABOR DAY