With one eye on his office door, Jake began. He told her about the extent of the destruction at the Jensen house; the way the parents had shielded their kids; and the light plea deals his office had accepted. Reminding her that this was all off the record, he told her how the DA played golf and tennis with many of the fathers, and how he’d encouraged Jake to go after the less-connected kids whose futures weren’t quite so bright. Jake could hear the whisper of Alisha’s pen as she took steady notes. But it wasn’t until he got to the part about Dominic Finch’s kid that she really began to sound interested.

“Well, what do you know?” she said. “Dominic Finch is a name I’ve heard before. He’s been in some hot water down here for exploiting loopholes in the affordable housing rules for new developments. You say his kid was at this party, destroying a house? That’s rich. You know, Jake, I think there might be something here. But your office isn’t going to look too good. Why did you call me?”

“I’m gonna catch it on this case either way,” Jake said. “What I’d like to see is some justice for the Jensens, and some accountability from the perpetrators. The Jensens haven’t received a single apology from any of these kids. Can you believe it?”

“I’m afraid I can,” Alisha said. “I’ve got a niece and nephew that age, and as far as I can tell, they’re basically sociopaths. Of course, my sister thinks they walk on water. Okay, thanks for the tip, Jake. I know that this is off the record, but I’ll have to call you for an official comment.”

“That’s fine,” Jake said. “But the person you’ll really want to talk to is Hal Buckley.”

“I’ll follow up. And do me a favor, Jake? If you’re planning on running for anything—say, district attorney—promise to give me the exclusive. It sounds to me like there might be an opening soon, and you seem like a guy on the make.”

Jake smiled, but he kept his voice light. “I don’t think I’m quite there yet,” he said. “But you’ll be the first to know.”