He listened intently as if what she was saying comported with suspicions he already had but wouldnt share. When he replied, it was more generally.

Once the mole is caught, we can make our next move.

What would that be? Jessie asked.

Get someone to go on the recordmaybe the mole, maybe someone from one of these cases who hasnt settled, maybe a new victim, maybe the source who gave you the file. Once someone speaks out, the floodgates should open.

You think someone will really speak out against Jasper Otis? Jessie asked skeptically, Because Im pretty sure my source wont.

Well see, he said with more confidence than she would have expected. I have some tools at my disposal that I prefer not to share just now. I may be old, Hunt, but Im also wily.

But she started to say.

No more buts tonight. Its getting late. Dont you have folks waiting for you at home?

Jessie looked at her watch. It was already 5:36 and shed promised Hannah shed be home for dinner at six. A rush of angst passed through her as she realized she was in danger of violating her promise.

Yes, she said. If Im not home in twenty-four minutes, I may have to sleep in the backyard hammock.

She was already halfway across the courtyard when she heard Decker call out good luck.

*

Jessie made it with three minutes to spare.

After dinner, John the night nurse helped Hannah with the dishes. Jessie retreated to the guest bedroom to change. Suddenly the weight of the day hit her. She had a source afraid he was a dead man walking. Shed uncovered a massive sex-trafficking ring that had been essentially ignored for a decade. She kept hitting dead ends in her murder investigation. A billionaire mixed up in both was suing her into the ground. Her wheelchair-bound, barely verbal boyfriend looked completely wiped out from his first full day at home. And, though Hannah was all smiles, Jessie got the unsettling feeling that her half-sister was hiding something big. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

Its open, she said.

Hannah opened it, a look of trepidation on her face.

Can I talk to you about something? she asked.

Of course. Come on in.

Hannah entered and closed the door behind her, a sure sign that this wasnt going to be a chat about her calculus grade.

I have to tell you something, she said. When you hear it, you might be a little pissed at me. But you have to promise not to interrupt or say anything until Im done.

Okay.

I need you to promise, Hannah reiterated.

I promise, Jessie said, wanting to give the girl space to be honest but terrified at what she might be about to hear.