It was more of a compound, to be accurate. From what Jessie could tell, it had three distinct sections with connecting passages that together formed a sharp-edged U, with the most impressive section in front. Designed in the style of a French country palace, it was three stories tall while the side sections were only two. As they pulled up, Jessie could see that off to the right were tennis courts and a greenhouse. To the left, she saw a pool and an adjoining pool house. She could see the edges of other structures that she guessed were cabanas or small guest houses.

They parked in the assigned lot, between a black-and-white and a coroners van. They had just gotten out when a cute, petite young woman approached them with a clipboard. She wore a white tennis skirt and a short-sleeved royal blue collared shirt monogrammed with the cursive letters JO. She gave a perfunctory smile before launching in.

Hello, Im Matilda, part of Jaspers Estate Team. Im here as your guide. Ill be taking you to join your colleagues. But before we enter the house, I need you both to sign these NDAs, please.

Jessie and Karen exchanged surprised, mildly amused looks.

Were law enforcement professionals, Karen said slowly. We dont sign non-disclosure agreements with private citizens.

Oh, dont worry, Matilda said as if this was just a misunderstanding. Its not for anything related to the unfortunate tragedy. Its merely to confirm that you wont reveal or discuss anything or anyone you might see on the premises that would infringe on Jaspers privacy or possessions or the privacy of his guests.

Is that all? Jessie asked acidly.

Yes, Matilda replied, not picking up on the sarcasm.

In that case, Jessie announced, were law enforcement professionals. We dont sign non-disclosure agreements with private citizens.

But your colleagues all signed without a problem, Matilda protested, holding out the clipboard beseechingly.

Thats actually a big problem…for them, Karen said. Now, please stop shoving those papers in our face and take us to the crime scene.

Matilda, crestfallen, lowered the clipboard.

Hey, Jessie said in her best buck-up voice. If your boss gives you a hard time about this, tell him we threatened to arrest you. But for now, we need to see that body, so lets get moving.

Matilda nodded and turned, motioning for them to follow. She led them through the grand foyer of the central section, or as Matilda called it, the South House. They passed an imposing spiral staircase that coiled up all three stories. Behind it was glassed-in elevator.

The incident occurred in West House, in Jaspers personal wing, Matilda said as she scurried along.

Personal wing? Karen repeated.