Maybe all thats true, Hunt. But spinning theories doesnt do us much good. You have to prove it. So go out there and do your job. Find Millicent Estradas killer. Let me worry about the recording. If they end up connecting, well deal with that too. But right now, your job is to solve this murder. Got it?

She nodded reluctantly.

Where are you headed now? he asked.

To her law firm to see if any cases she handled suggest motive.

Good, he said, getting out of the car. Take Detective Bray with you. You need someone to help keep you grounded right now.

Yes, Captain.

He started to close the door, then stopped himself.

And Hunt, dont mention any of this to her. Until we know more, this is strictly need to know and she doesnt.

At least they agreed on that.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Karen Bray was already waiting when Jessie got there.

The offices of Halsey, Burt, Tyler & Estrada were located in a massive tower in Century City, just a long red carpets walk away from the building that served as Nakatomi Plaza in Die Hard. This skyscraper wasnt as celebrated but it was equally impressive, forty stories high and housing at least a dozen of the most prominent firms in the city.

You ready for this? Jessie asked when she met Karen at the main entrance to the office on the thirty-seventh floor.

It was this or noshing on chips and bean dip while watching three-hundred-pound men wearing pads slam into each other for a few hours. I think I made the right choice.

How did the soccer game go? Jessie asked, not wanting to directly probe her new partner about the state of her marriage.

Karen smiled, obviously not fooled.

I didnt know you were such a fan, Jessie, she said, before adding, The Hornetsthats Ryans teamwon five to three. They celebrated with pizza and ice cream and then more pizza.

Your sons name is Ryan?

Karen nodded.

I didnt want to say anything, for obvious reasons.

I appreciate that, but its okay, Jessie told her. Its not like I dont think about my Ryan five hundred times a day anyway. You mentioning your son isnt going to send me on a misery bender, at least not one worse than Im already on.

Then youre made of stronger stuff than me, Karen said. If anything like that happened to my husband, Cal, my already brittle hair would be completely gone.

Jessie nodded, not saying anything about the conversation she overheard. Karen smiled again.

Surprised to hear that? Dont be. We have our moments, my hubby and I, but hes a good guy and a good man. He just tends to forget that when his team is playing, so I remind him.

Not my business, Jessie said.

Youll get there too one day, Karen said.

Jessie couldnt help but laugh.