Because she left me hanging just before I went to court on a bogus assault charge. She was supposed to be this superstar lawyer but when she got worried that she couldnt win, she cut me loose. I ended up serving a hundred twenty-two days in prison, where I had to have three guards escort me from my solitary holding cell to the yard for workouts, all because there was a risk that another inmate might want to make me his personal trophy. So yeah, not a fan. Why?

Shes dead, Mr. Jensen, Jessie said, watching him closely as she spoke. And she was at the party last night. So were wondering if you ran into her at any point?

His eyes went wide for a moment, though Jessie couldnt tell whether it was shock at the news or fear at the unspoken accusation. Impressively, it only lasted a second before he regained his disdainful, gruff manner.

I think you should talk to my lawyer. I had to get a new one, you know.

Are you sure thats how you want to handle it, Mr. Jensen? Karen asked, as if she was concerned for him. We ask a simple question about your whereabouts and you immediately refer us to your lawyer?

What were you expecting?

I dont know, Karen said, maybe a word of compassion about her loss? A question about how it happened? A firm denial that you saw her at any point? An offer to provide a list of people who were with you and could verify that you didnt interact with her? Any of those, I could understand. But talk to my lawyer? That tends to make us law enforcement types perk up.

He looked at her imperviously.

Hey, anything that makes you a little perkier is a plus, Id say. Youre looking pretty run down, Detective.

Is that really the response you want to stick with? Jessie asked, jumping in before Karen got the urge to reply in kind. I mean, we obviously know you were there. Weve already spoken to people who attended about your…proclivities. Were pulling footage from the dozens of cameras on the property that will verify how you spent your time. And yet, you seem intent on alienating the very people who will determine how aggressively to pursue you as a person of interest. That seems like a dicey way to go. You want to take one more shot at it? Amid all the activities you partook in last night, did you see Millicent Estrada at any point?

She knew she was taking a risk. No one theyd spoken to had specifically mentioned Jensen doing anything illegal and she doubted theyd get any incriminating footage. But unless he was confident that hed been a good boy, she figured she could instill a little doubt in him.