I take him almost every week, she said testily. How hard is it for you to cut up some orange slices, sit on a lawn chair while cheering occasionally, then hand out said orange slices?

Whatever the person on the other end of the line said, it didnt go over well.

Im terribly sorry that youll have to miss the Rams game. Maybe you can record it. And if not, they play about fourteen more this year, so I think youll get over it.

They were approaching a severe-looking woman standing on a stone staircase overlooking the garden and hedge maze. Jessie got the distinct suspicion that it was Nancy Salter and glanced back at Karen, giving her the official time to wrap it up look. Karen nodded.

Just make it work, she said. We all have burdens. You have to find his cleats. I have to go solve a murder. Goodbye.

Karen hung up just as they came to a stop. Jessie glanced over at Ernie Purcell. To his credit, he gave no indication that hed heard a word of the conversation.

Detectives, Matilda said, this is Nancy Salter. Shes the estate manager for Otis Estate. Nancy, you already know Detective Purcell. This is Detective Karen Bray and Jessie Hunt, a criminal profiler.

Nancy Salter looked formidable. She appeared to be in her late forties. She was tall, even looking down at Jessie, who was five foot ten. Her coal black hair was tied up in a tight bun that made her already pinched face look like a raisin. She wore no obvious makeup but had on an elaborate business suit, complete with a doily-style scarf that made Jessie wonder if shed walked into an episode of Downton Abbey.

Hello, Nancy Salter said, her voice both loud and nasally. Were pleased to have you. Ive scheduled a ten thirty a.m. meeting with Jasper to discuss what hes able to share regarding the matter in question. In the meantime, Ive collected some of the revelers from last nights festivities that are still on the property. If you wish to interview them, Ill take them to you now.

She began walking without waiting for permission.

How many people are we talking about? Karen asked as they all rushed to keep up.

About two dozen, Id say.

Were going to need the names of everyone who attended the party last night, Karen said.

Nancy Salter looked back at her and seemed on the verge of laughing, but managed to contain it.

Im afraid thats quite impossible, she said.

Why? Karen pressed.