“He’s actually not that bad an actor,” Jessie said. “After having met him, I have to say that projecting on-screen charm really is proof of his talent. Because in real life—not so much with the charm.”

“So does that mean you’re a big fan of Bridegroom?” he teased.

“I’m more passionate about the sequel,” she said, unable to suppress a smile. “You know, he’s working on a new movie now called I.T. Guy. He thinks it may get him award nominations.”

There was a long pause in which it looked like Ryan was about to ask her something. But before he did, there was a knock on the door. It was Murph.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he said. “But Agent Dolan sent an officer over with your phone and a request to call him when you get a chance.”

“Is everything okay?” Jessie asked.

“No idea. That was the entirety of the message.”

“Okay, thanks. I’ll be right out,” she said, then turned back to Ryan. “I guess this is bye for now. But I’ll check back in on you tomorrow.”

“You sure your bodyguard out there will let you come back?’

“Wild horses couldn’t keep me away,” she said with a wink.

Then she was out the door and walking away before he could see her face turn a bright shade of crimson.

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

“She copped to all of it.”

Jessie listened to her phone on speaker as Dolan gave her the rundown on Gayle Jerebko’s confession.

“You didn’t have to use the recording?” she asked.

“Nope. She even handed over the keys she used.”

“Did she have a lawyer with her?”

“I had barely Mirandized her before she was telling me everything. She gave all the details. The only thing she kept asking was if being honest would get her out in time to see her kids get married.”

“Is one of her kids about to get married?” Jessie asked in surprise.

“Eventually, I guess,” Dolan said. “But right now, they’re teenagers. I told her I couldn’t promise anything but that I’d bring it up with the prosecutor.”

“You don’t sound committed to doing that,” Jessie noted.

“It might be better if you make the case, Hunt.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m not sure how convincing I’d be. She killed a girl by jamming keys in her throat. I don’t care if she has kids. That demands justice.”

Jessie didn’t disagree, though the fact that she’d used the possibility of leniency as a means of getting the confession gave her a bit of pause. Dolan apparently didn’t expect an answer because he barreled onto another topic.

“Anyway, enough about that. We caught the killer.”

“I caught the killer,” Jessie corrected.

“Whatever,” he continued, undeterred. “The killer’s been caught. Your father won’t be dropping in anytime soon. And based on the lifesaving tip he gave you at the bar last night before knocking you out, Crutchfield seems more interested in being your bestie than doing you harm. I’d say all of that calls for a drink or five. What say we meet up later? You can even bring that surly bastard Murphy along if you want.”