Yes, but I didnt really need to. That guys more ubiquitous than most actual celebrities. Fifty-one years old. Self-made billionaire, media mogul who started one news network, was forced out, and started a new one out of spite. Has a mini-studio that makes half a dozen movies a year. Owns eleven newspapers and multiple high-profile websites, including the major source of gossip on the web. Has an amusement park and resort in Georgia and another one under construction in Oklahoma. Has two planes, a yacht, and the entire floor of an Upper West Side apartment building. And maybe most relevant for our purposes, is a twice divorced bachelor who likes models and actresses and regularly throws parties at his place for hundreds of people. He had one last night.

Sounds like the kind of fella who will be more than happy to open his home to some nosy investigators, Jessie said sarcastically.

Were about to find out, Karen replied. Were here.

They had pulled up to an iron gate. The driveway behind it twisted back a good seventy-five yards before disappearing behind a grove of trees. The actual house was too far back to be seen.

Should I try the buzzer? Karen asked.

May as well, Jessie said. They cant be surprised were here. I assume cops have been coming and going for hours.

Karen had to get out of the car and walk over to the intercom system, which was about five and half feet high, almost as tall as she was. She pushed the button.

Estate. How may I assist? asked an officious male voice.

She held up her badge and ID for the cameras next to the speaker.

Detective Karen Bray, LAPD, along with criminal profiler Jessie Hunt. Were part of the investigative team.

There was a brief silence before the voice returned.

Proceed up the drive to the roundabout. Please park in the staff lot to the left of the main house. Someone will meet you.

I guess were considered staff now, Jessie said when Karen got back in the car.

Get used to it, Karen replied as the huge gates slowly opened. Folks in this neighborhood have treated the police as their personal errand boys for years. Its one of the reasons I left. I got tired of having to kowtow to people just because of their bank accounts.

Jessie said nothing but silently decided that this gave her more reason to like Karen Bray. Anyone who chafed at the arrogance of the powerful got a point in her book. They drove up the driveway, passing the grove, until the house came into view.