Looking down at the hand holding the drive, she saw that it was trembling slightly. The anxiety of the moment threatened to overcome her. Estrada, despite his seeming openness, was still a source of suspicion. What if he was using her curiosity against her?

Shaking her head at how quickly shed gone down the rabbit hole, she dismissed the theory and popped in the drive and clicked on the file.

Identified only by the name Marla, it started to play. A male voice began to speak in what sounded like an empty room. His voice echoed off the walls.

The date is April 19th, 2017. The time is 11:41 a.m. This is Detective Brian Shore commencing interview with subject Marla, not her real name. Are you ready to proceed?

Yes, sir, a female voice said meekly. She sounded about twelve.

How old are you?

Fifteen.

Where do you live? Shore asked.

Im originally from Reseda but for the last few months Ive been staying in Pacific Palisades.

Can you describe your living situation?

There was a brief silence, after which the detective added, Its okay. Youre safe now.

That seemed to give the girl the confidence to answer.

Its a huge house. There are nine of us there, although the number of girls changes a lot. We share bedrooms, usually three but sometimes four per room.

Are you there voluntarily?

Were kept there, she said. They have security guards and a huge wall so that no one leaves without permission.

What happens at the house?

Thats where were kept for when were needed, she told him.

Needed for what?

To have sex with the men, she said as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Jessie gasped softly, then glanced around the garage to make sure no one had heard her despite the closed doors and windows. The detective continued.

You were kept at this house against your will and men would come there to have sex with you, also against your will?

Yes, she confirmed. I mean, I didnt fight it after the first few times. But I didnt want it.

Did you recognize any of the men who came to the house? Shore asked.

No. But sometimes I was blindfolded. I think when that happened, I was with someone famous.

Were you only made to have sex at this house?

No, she said. Jessie could tell from the quaver in the girls voice that they were entering delicate territory.

Where else?

I was taken on a private plane to a country where they spoke another language.

Did you recognize the language?

Uh-uh, she said, sounding apologetic.

Thats okay, Detective Shore said. Did you recognize anyone on the plane?

There was no response.

You cant just nod, Shore reminded her. We need a verbal response.

Yes, I recognized someone.

Who was that? he asked.

The rich guy, Otis.

Are you referring to Jasper Otis?

Uh-huh, she answered quietly.