There was a long silence in which Jessie knew the man was deciding whether he was really ready to pull the trigger on a choice that would change his life forever.

I think we can dispense with the euphemisms, Ms. Hunt. Do you still have that friend in the FBI, the one who could help protect me?

Of course, Jessie said.

Could he protect someone else too?

Who would that be? she asked, keeping her voice level.

The source who gave me that audio file.

I think that could be arranged, Jessie promised. Shall I have your source picked up?

No need. Shes here with me now. Were currently in a secure office at the firm. Ajax and three of his closest friends are with us.

That seems wise, Jessie said, finally allowing herself to get keyed up. Did you say she?

Yes, Estrada replied. I think its safe to tell you now. My source is Maura Shore, the widow of Detective Brian Shore. We met a few months ago at a charity function to help find housing for young girls whod been snuck across the border to serve as sexual slaves. When she learned that I was an attorney, she entrusted me with the file. She had no idea my firm represented some of Otiss business interests. I never told anyone about the file, not even Milly.

So Milly getting killed at Otiss home was unrelated to this? Jessie asked.

I believe so, Estrada said. I dont think he even knew about the file until I passed it along to you. He may have been surveilling you because you questioned him about Millys death. It was just an unhappy coincidence that we discussed the file while he was having you followed.

I apologize again for that, Jessie said.

You couldnt have known, he said. Its hard to fully comprehend the reach of a man like Otis until youre in his crosshairs.

But you do and Mrs. Shore does too and youre still willing to come forward?

Its time for this to end, Ms. Hunt, he said. I havent gotten a good nights sleep since I heard Marlas voice. Between me and Maura Shore, that should be enough to tie Otis to these cases and to her husbands murder.

Jessie nodded, though no one could see her.

Sit tight, she said. Im going to reach out to the bureau now. Expect a call from Agent Jack Dolan soon. Hell work out the logistics of bringing you in. And Mr. Estrada?

Yes?

Thank you.

By the time Captain Decker and Gaylene Parker walked in ten minutes later, everything had been arranged. Jessie decided not to fill them in just yet.

Hows Detective Bray doing? Decker asked as he took a seat at the conference table.