Four uniformed cops were milling about. There was a woman in a crime scene unit jacket standing with a man in a suit, who was leaning just outside a door Jessie assumed led to the bathroom. He was in his late forties, with unkempt black hair and a paunch that threatened to burst the buttons on his dress shirt.

Thats Ernie Purcell, Karen said, nodding at the man in the suit. He was likely the assigned detective before HSS pulled rank. I doubt hell be psyched about it.

Why is that? Jessie asked.

Ernies kind of territorial, she warned. Hes also a bit of a toady. If hes on this case, it means the higher-ups want it resolved quickly and cleanly.

So youre a big fan then? Jessie mused.

I dont like to speak ill of anyone. But hes going to be an impediment to doing this the right way.

Good to know, Jessie said as she crossed the enormous bedroom, glancing out the floor to ceiling windows, past the balcony to the expansive lawn below. In the distance she saw a large garden with a hedge maze and what she thought might be enclosures for a petting zoo.

Ernie Purcell looked up with a scowl etched on his face. In that moment Jessie decided that the best way to deal with this guy was to get him back on his heels. If he felt in control, it would be that much harder for her to get the information she needed. She wanted him unsettled, even if that required a little creative storytelling.

Whore you? he demanded unsociably.

Ernie, she said when she got to him. Youre hurting my feelings here. Are you telling me you dont remember we met at the True Blue Gala last year? You were so friendly back then, some girls might say too friendly. And now youre acting all standoffish. Whats a gal to think?

I didnt go to the gala last year, he said flatly.

Wow, Jessie said, getting into the spirit of the lie. You must have really knocked back quite a few to have forgotten our time together. Ill try not to take offense. Maybe you can make it up to me by giving us the lowdown.

Lady, I dont know who you are… he started before Karen cut him off.

Sure you do, Ernie, she said. You might not remember the gala. But I saw your eyes when Ms. Hunt walked over. You recognize her from being on your old boob tube. Theres not a cop in this city who isnt familiar with the exploits of Jessie Hunt, so you can quit pretending. Moreover, if shes here, you know why. Youre just upset that youve been relegated to the second team.

If it was possible, Purcells scowl got even more pronounced.

Not great to see you, Bray, he muttered. I thought we were rid of you for good. And Im nobodys second teamer.