‘The police didn’t raise any security concerns about the crime,’ Caprice replied. ‘They said it was drug-related. One dealer shoots another. Honestly, I wanted it kept under the radar as much as possible. It’s not a great campaign story when an employee of the foundation turns out to be connected to drug trafficking.’

‘I’m not sure it’s that simple,’ Cab said. ‘Justin was looking into the Labor Day murders before he was killed.’

Caprice’s brow furrowed with concern. ‘Are you sure about that?’

‘I am. Was he working for you?’

‘No, of course not.’

‘I thought maybe you hired him before you hired me.’

She shook her head. ‘I didn’t.’

‘If he was killed because he was asking questions about Birch’s death, then the threat against Diane is real and serious. I think you should increase security around her.’

Caprice nodded. ‘I will. Do you know if Justin discovered anything that would help you?’

‘Not yet.’ He added: ‘I’m not the only one interested in Justin’s death. Ramona Cortes asked to see me. She mentioned Justin, too. She doesn’t think his murder was drug-related.’

‘Ramona,’ Caprice said, shaking her head. ‘Well, I doubt she knows anything more about the case than you or me. She’s just stirring the pot. Anything that might embarrass Diane would draw Ramona like a magnet.’

‘Do you know her personally?’

‘Of course. Remember, I’m a lawyer, not just a pretty face. We go back a long way. Lyle and Ramona were classmates in law school, before their political paths diverged. She’s very ambitious. People think the Attorney General is supposed to be above politics, when in fact it’s one of the most political positions in any state. It’s no surprise that so many top elected officials started out as AGs. You have the power of prosecution and you have a platform to get lots of publicity for what you do. Believe me, Ramona wants Diane out of the race any way she can, because she thinks she can beat the Governor head to head.’

‘She tried to talk me out of working for you,’ Cab said.

‘I bet she did.’

‘She has a pretty Machiavellian view of Common Way. She thinks you’re not above using ruthless political tactics.’

Caprice smiled. ‘We’re not.’

‘Within the law?’

‘Naturally within the law, but we play to win. I don’t apologize for that. The other parties are simply upset that we’re getting better at the game than they are. Don’t let sour grapes from Ramona concern you.’

Cab didn’t doubt that Caprice was right about Ramona. In dealing with politicians, every word, every smile, every truth, every lie, was layered with motives. He didn’t need to ask who was trying to play him, because everyone was. They all had their own agendas.