She was dropped off several miles south at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a place she knew all too well due to multiple, injury-related stays. After getting out, she hurriedly navigated multiple halls, stairwells, and elevators, ultimately emerging just across from the Beverly Center shopping mall.

She joined the crowds there, exiting on the east side and hopping into another rideshare waiting for her on La Cienega Boulevard. Only then did she proceed to a house a block from her actual destination: the rented cottage of Beto Estrada.

Once she got out, she walked slowly, eyeing every car that passed by. No one slowed down or gave her a second glance. Still, she cast nervous looks over her shoulder as she walked up to the front door and knocked. It took much longer than she liked for him to respond.

Go away, he said through the door. You cant be here.

We need to talk, Mr. Estrada, she insisted.

Its not safefor either of us.

I took precautions getting here, Mr. Estrada. I wasnt followed. But if someone guesses that I was coming here and they see me on your front porch, all that effort is for nothing. Please let me in.

There was no answer. Jessie began to think that hed simply walked away and planned to ignore her presence.

Go the side gate, he said. Ill unlock it.

She darted over quickly to the wooden gate. While she waited, an unpleasant sense of guilt overcame her. It wasnt until she had decided to come here to see him that she started to think about taking evasive measures. And even then, she hadnt considered the extent to which he might be freaking out.

At least she had the support of the LAPD behind her as she fought the power of Jasper Otis. Beto Estrada might be a successful attorney, but ultimately he was just a private citizen going up against a billionaire with unlimited resources and apparently, few scruples. He must be terrified.

When Estrada got to the gate, he opened it just enough for her to slide through. Without a word, he led her to the small backyard.

Wouldnt you rather go inside? she asked.

He shook his head.

I dont think its secure, he said. Besides, you wont be staying long. Why are you here?

Even before shed arrived here, Jessie suspected that Estrada would be reluctant to sign on to what she had in mind. Looking at him nowexhausted, grief-stricken, and even more suspicious than she was of everyone around him, the chances seemed almost impossible. And yet she had to ask.

I need you to go on the record about Otis. I need to you to say what you heard on that recording and reveal where you got it.

Why would that be, Ms. Hunt? he asked bitterly. Could it be because you lost it?

Why do you say that? she asked, taken aback.