Maybe one more thing. It doesnt have to do with your requests but I thought you might want to know. Around five forty-five a.m., theres footage of what looks like a catering staffer, a guy in his twenties, leaving through the main entrance. A few seconds later, a tall, middle-aged woman ran out after him. She caught up to him and looked like she was yelling at him. He said something back to her and she hauled off and slapped him. She hit him so hard that he was knocked to the ground.

Jessie had a sneaking suspicion who the slapper might be.

You said the woman was tall and middle-aged, she noted. Was she wearing a business suit with a scarf, with black hair tied up in a bun?

Thats the one, Jamil said.

Her name is Nancy Salter. Shes Otiss estate manager. Can you do a check on her when you get a chance? I know we wont be able to track her location but we can at least look at her criminal history.

On it, Jamil said.

Youre a lifesaver, Jessie told him. Dont hesitate to pummel me with updates. Im heading back to Holmby Hills now.

After hanging up, Jessie called Bray to update her on what Jamil had learned. When that was done, it still took her nearly an hour to finally get to the estate. Bray was waiting outside the gate. She didnt look happy.

Whats the problem? Jessie asked.

Theyre not letting me on the property. They say that Otis got a stay from a local judge, restricting any future searches without a warrant. I checked at the station. Its true. Theyve also reneged on the promise to provide the security footage from the entire estate. All we have is what they originally provided from the main entrance to the South House.

These arent the choices an innocent man makes, Jessie fumed, trying but failing to rein in her anger. Ive had just about enough of this guy and his games. I want this case solved.

Youre preaching to the choir, Karen said. Its unbelievably suspicious. The problem is, now that theyve informed me, Im stuck. I cant proceed with anything here until the situation is resolved.

Jessie thought for a moment. When she replied, she was smiling slightly.

If youre amenable, heres what I think you should do. Go back to Central station. See if you can get that warrant. Use Captain Decker if you have to. I think well have better luck if we go to a judge we deal with regularly, rather than one who might be in Otiss pocket. Besides, by then Jamil may have locked down more details on where Rance Jensen and Percy Avalon were that night. If not, maybe you can think of some avenues of inquiry that didnt occur to him.

All that sounds fine, Karen said, a curious look on her face. But where will you be while all this is going on?