Before they shut down all cooperation, I spoke to a helpful security guy there. Hes actually interested in joining the department. Anyway, he gave me all their available archived video for the last week. He also let me patch into their live feed. I think he was trying to impress me. But apparently that didnt get conveyed to his bosses because the feed is still active. I dont think theyd allow it if they knew we had access.

How does that help us? Karen asked.

Jamil looked like he wanted to enjoy this moment a little longer but seemed to sense it wouldnt be appreciated.

Weve only done facial recognition from Saturday evening to Sunday midday because we assumed that the murderer arrived for the party and left when it ended. But with the archived footage, we can check to see if Gilliard arrived earlier and left later.

His fingers flew over the keyboard for a few seconds before he looked up again.

Done, he said. We should have the results soon.

Jessie didnt want to waste any time.

I need to make a quick call, she said. Keep me posted.

She walked out to her car, turned on the radio, and made the call. When it picked up, she spoke quietly.

Are you at work? she asked and when she learned the answer was yes continued. I need your help.

*

When Jessie dashed back into the research room fifteen minutes later, she was so short of breath she couldnt speak at first.

Are you okay? Karen asked, worried.

Ive got news, Jessie panted. But I cant say where I got it.

Both of them stared at her, waiting. She held up her hand while she sucked in air.

I really need to get in better shape.

When she was finally able to speak normally again, she launched in.

Milly Estrada was Gilliards lawyer, she said. It didnt show up in the files we looked at when we were at her office on Sunday because they limited our access exclusively to clients who had cases before a court and he never did. But shes represented him for years. My source wouldnt get more specific than that. But they did share that her phone logs from work show that she had multiple conversations with Gilliard this week, including a call on Friday afternoon.

Jamil immediately pulled up a new window and began a search. Within seconds, he had several tabs open and began flipping among them.

It looks like he hasnt posted on any social media outlet since Thursday night, he said. Kind of odd, considering that up until then, he was active on all of them.

A beep from one of the monitors made them all turn in that direction.

Whats that about? Karen asked.