None taken, Jessie said, throwing the hose over her shoulder. Im actually a peon too, and a new one, so Im right there with you. Do you clean the pool every Monday?

Yep. And Fridays too. Those are pre-party prep days. Mondays are for post-party cleanup. Theyre the worst.

Why do you say that? Jessie asked, moving the hose closer to her face as they passed two employees walking by in the royal blue JO shirts that served as the Otis Estate uniform.

You wouldnt believe the stuff Ive had to fish out of the pool, he said. The hot tub is even worse.

What kind of stuff?

Trust me, he said, visibly shivering at the memory. You dont want to know. Lets just say that with some of the things Ive found, Im surprised the health department hasnt raided this place. And theres no amount of chorine that could get me in that water.

They had reached the edge of the pool near the supply room. Jessie glanced around. There were about a dozen people lounging on chaises, most nibbling at pastries. Despite the early hour, a few young women were already in bikinis soaking up the sun.

Thanks for your help, the pool guy said, extending his hand. Im Mike, by the way.

Nice to meet you, Mike, Jessie said, shaking his hand but not giving her name. I hope todays cleanup isnt too painful. I guess I better get back to my job too.

She grabbed a stack of towels and stacked them on her shoulder high enough to block her face from anyone she needed to avoid. Then she wandered over next to two youngish, model-looking women in robes sipping mimosas. She hoped they might be in a chatty mood.

Anyone sitting here? she asked them as she plopped down in the lounge next to them.

They exchanged disdainful looks before the blonder of the two replied.

Is staff supposed to be chatting with guests like this?

Oh, Im not staff, Jessie assured her as she laid out some of the towels and undid an extra button near the top of her shirt. I just like to have a lot of towels for extra cushion. I hate it when these chairs leave lines on my skin. So are we back to normal yet or is all this police stuff still going on? I mean, I thought I was going to have a relaxing week on the West Coast and I get here to discover theres a frickin murder investigation going on.

I wouldnt sweat it, the less blonde woman said. Theres nothing major going on until the oiled-down Twister party tomorrow night. By then, Im sure Jasper will have this whole thing taken care of.

Im sorry, Jessie asked. Did you say oiled-down Twister party? Thats a thing?