Youre relieved, Matilda, she said. Take your break. Ill escort our guests to see Jasper. Please come to the personal wing momentarily so you can retrieve them upon the completion of their visit.

Matilda nodded and scurried off. Salter led them back along the route theyd followed previously, away from the pool and cabanas, past a series of guest houses, skirting the petting zoo and the hedge maze as they returned to the back entrance of South House.

Find the missing goat? Jessie asked.

We did. Thanks for your concern. Unfortunately, one of our keepers suffered a kick to the shin while retrieving him. Hes been sent to the ER with a possible breakjust another day in paradise.

It was a testament to Salters general inscrutability that Jessie couldnt tell if she was being serious or sarcastic. They turned right from South House and again passed the hall connecting it to West House. They were just starting up the stairs when Karen pointed down to the end of the corridor.

Is that where the mold problem is? she asked.

Indeed, Salter replied. We only just learned of it. Now that whole area has to be closed off while they do the remediation. Were lucky it didnt happen last month when Jasper was hosting a wedding. There were a dozen overnight guests, including four in that wing. We would have had to scramble to find them accommodations. Small blessings, I suppose.

She climbed the stairs even faster than Matilda. Jessie was out of breath trying to keep up. When they arrived at the entrance to Jaspers wing, Salter pressed a button on the intercom.

Yes, Jasper asked.

I have our friends from LAPD here to speak with you, Salter replied.

Please show them in, Nancy, he said.

She led them through the array of rooms until they came to his private dining room. Salter motioned for them to take seats. They did as she moved to the corner of the room, where she remained standing. Moments later Otis arrived, talking on his cell phone.

Tell them its my final offer, he said as he took a seat, silently mouthing sorry to them. He waited for several seconds before replying, I expect an answer one way or another by noon tomorrow. Otherwise well move on to Belgium.

He hung up without saying goodbye, put the phone in his pocket, and gave them his most charming smile. It felt false to Jessie.

So, he said, jumping right in. As I told you earlier, Im not sure how much help I can be. But Im here to try. What do you want to know?

Where were you last night between three and four in the morning? Karen asked, launching straight in.

He sat there for a moment with a look of contemplation on his face.