Thats not why were here either Jessie started to say before he cut her off too.

Now you, I might take the risk and do, he said, looking her up and down.

Jessie wasnt sure whether to be more pissed at his aggressive ogling or his crass dismissal of Karen. Ultimately she decided not to indulge her anger about either.

As flattering as that is, sir, she said, were with the police and we need you to answer a few questions.

Jensen laughed.

Thats a new one, he said. I kind of like it. Were you planning to read me my rights and then cuff me? Maybe youre anticipating a rough interrogation, one that might get physical?

Jessie could sense that Karen wanted to take this one and deferred to her.

Detective Karen Bray, she said, holding up her badge and ID with one hand as she casually pulled back her jacket to reveal the sidearm attached to her belt. This is Jessie Hunt. Shes a criminal profiler. As she said, we have some questions for you. You can answer them here at your home, in your bathrobe. Or we can make this more formal down at the station. Its your call, Mr. Jensen.

He looked at Karens ID, then back at her unamused face before turning back to Jessie, who was equally taciturn.

This is real? he asked. Youre not messing with me?

Were not messing with you, Jessie said, deciding to launch in before he got his wits about him. We understand that you were at a party at the Otis Estate last night, is that correct?

What of it? he demanded, recovering faster than she anticipated.

What do you think of Jasper Otis? she asked.

Jensen shrugged.

Rich dude, generous. Keeps quality liquor and hot, young girls around. Whats not to like?

Ever see him lose his cool? Get angry?

I dont know him that well, Jensen said. Why?

Did you run into any old acquaintances while you were there? Karen wondered, jumping in quickly.

Jessie picked up on what the detective was hoping to do and liked the idea. By alternately peppering Jensen with questions, batting him back and forth like a tennis ball, she hoped to keep him off balance long enough to get something worthwhile out of him. It was worth a shot.

It was a huge party. I knew lots of people there, he said.

What do you think of Millicent Estrada? Jessie asked.

He stared at her curiously before answering.

Shes a bitch.

Why do you say that? Karen asked.