His eyes were red and puffy, though he appeared to have stopped crying a while ago. Unlike in his pictures, he wore glasses, and had on blue jeans and a sweatshirt with Rutgers emblazoned on the front. It reminded her that both Estradas had fought hard to get where they were: New York City public schools, state universities, and finally Rutgers Law School, where theyd first met.

Please tell me youre not with the press, he said. I was hoping to get at least a few hours of peace.

No, Mr. Estrada, she said, taking off her sunglasses and pulling out her ID. Im not with the press. But Im afraid I cant offer you much in the way of peace. Im Jessie Hunt. Im a criminal profil

I know who you are, Ms. Hunt. I didnt recognize you at first with the sunglasses. But in this city, youd have to live under a rock to not be familiar with your reputation. And any lawyer who isnt probably doesnt deserve his degree.

Jessie wasnt entirely sure how to take that. Was it stopping multiple serial killers that made her memorable? Almost getting killed on numerous occasions? Or having her social media hacked and getting falsely accused of writing racist, vitriolic Facebook posts? She decided not to ask.

Then you can guess why Im here, she said, settling on cool professionalism as her default response.

Milly?

Yes sir, she confirmed. May I come in?

No detectives or uniformed officers with you?

I didnt think it would be necessary, she said confidently. And since Ive been tasked as the primary investigator, I wanted to get a jump on things while theyre fresh.

Of course, come in, Estrada said, opening the door for her and leading her to the small living room.

The television was paused. On the screen was a frozen image of Milly Estrada in a swimsuit on a beach, holding a glass of a red, tropical-looking concoction.

Whats that? Jessie asked.

Estrada looked at the screen.

That was from our anniversary vacation two years ago. We went to Maui.

He picked up the remote and pressed play. Milly Estrada came suddenly to life. She sipped from her straw and waved for him to stop filming.

Are you trying to get me disbarred? she asked playfully. If footage of me half-drunk in a two-piece got out, Id never score another high-profile client again.

Are you kidding? Beto Estrada asked from behind the camera. If people saw how you look in that thing, itd double your client list.

She smiled broadly as her face turned red.

Turn that thing off and get over here, she purred.