The detectives leave me alone in the room. It is a very long time before they return.

Chapter 37

I am about to be hoisted by my own petard, by the kinds of cruel coincidences that get the wrong guys accused. I search for some corner of my spinning head that can respond with plausible answers to these determined detectives.

I gulp down my water and ask for more.

“Yes, clearly I knew Tiffany…I hired her for that CrawDaddy commercial way back when.” Shut up, asshole. Just answer the questions.

“And just how well did you know her?”

“Not well. Honestly. She knew the creatives better, since she was in the business. She knew Bonnie Jo.” Uh-oh. Too much information!

But of course, if they know about me and Bonnie, they probably know about me and Tiffany.

“I mean…I knew her…but I didn’t really know her, if you get the drift…”

“Would you be surprised to learn that we know otherwise? We’ve talked to people. Clearly you had an extended, ongoing relationship with her, too. It’s obvious she was in love with you, MacGhee. Even CrawDaddy’s CEO knew all about it.”

“Sure. Parker Roberts and I stayed in touch for a while after the shoot. He was cool.” I babble on. “First time we met Tiffany out in LA he takes one look at her boobs and says, ‘Are those real?’ She goes, ‘Real expensive.’ From then on it was like a match made in heaven.”

“Stop the bullshit, MacGhee. How could all of that be if you didn’t know her well? Really well. Can you answer that?”

It’s time to come clean. Past time. I’ve got my fists clenched in full view…relax!

I take a deep breath.

“Actually, yes. I plead guilty. I have a weakness where women are concerned. Not especially proud of it…but I’ll own it. Tiffany and I stayed in touch over the years. Or more accurately, she stayed in touch with me. Anyway, we’d see each other from time to time, you know. Get together. Long lunches…

“So it’s no wonder she would feel like this was the real deal.” I try a joke. “I can tell you from experience those boobs were worth every cent she spent on them…”

“C’mon, MacGhee. Let’s make this easy on both of us. Enough of the bullshit…”

“This isn’t a crime. Grounds for divorce, maybe, though I hope my wife doesn’t have to know. But not a crime…”

Detective Quinn isn’t listening anymore. His eyes pierce mine.

Chapter 38

I’m sweating bullets. I stand up and take my jacket off. I suck down more water.

“Listen carefully, MacGhee.…” Quinn says.

“Is all this really necessary? I…” and I get the unmistakable stare that says Yes, it is, so shut up and listen.

“You have the right to remain silent, and refuse to answer any questions. Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to consult an attorney.…”

“Detective, please. I know this stuff. I…”