Perry placed both of his hands on the table and leaned over towards Warren. “Did you ever try to get even with someone who is stinking rich, or according to you, someone you think is stinking rich, when you’re shit poor? It doesn’t happen. Daddy wasn’t supporting Gabrielle at this point.” Perry laughed. “This proves she didn’t know Bethany lost everything. So how could I have?”

No, Gabrielle’s daddy was supporting Bethany. “It works when you get creative. There are some advantages money can’t buy,” Gavin said.

“I beg to differ.” Perry picked up his chair and sat back down.

“Evidence of a crime, hard evidence against someone, always gives you an upper hand.”

“You mean blackmail, don’t you?”

“Yes, but not for money, for control. Once you take money out of the picture you’re on an even playing field.”

Perry laughed. “That doesn’t give you control. That makes you dead.”

“Exactly,” Gavin said.

“Please, detective, I know you don’t believe me but I had nothing to do with Gabrielle’s death.” Perry pulled out another cigarette and casually pushed his chair back from the table, giving him room to cross his legs.

“You’re not with Bethany anymore. What caused the break-up a second time?” Warren asked.

“Like I told you earlier. I didn’t love her. Didn’t love her the second time around either. We’re simply not right for each other.”

Gavin decided to let that line of questioning go. Unless he found some proof, Perry would never admit what his true intentions with Bethany were. “Can you tell us about Melinda?” Gavin asked.

“Sure. There’s not that much to really tell though. Melinda is the real bitch. Really competitive. She’s very smart. Gabrielle and Bethany were no match for her. I think they knew this all along.”

28

Val and Gavin sat in in his office, each with a cup of coffee. There was one small window behind Gavin. Val glanced outside. The snow blew sideways and she hoped it would ease up a little in time for her ride home. Gavin had his latest documents spread out before him on the desk.

“Perry isn’t terribly fond of Melinda, but he really didn’t elaborate much on specifics other than to say he thought she was an awful bitch. And that she seemed to have something on Gabrielle and Bethany. Just what that was, he didn’t know. Neither Bethany nor Gabrielle spoke about it.”

“I’ve met Melinda and have to say, she wasn’t my favorite person,” Val said with a smirk.

“I think I know, at least, what Gabrielle’s issue was with her.” Gavin took a sip from his coffee cup.

Val’s face tightened. “I’m listening.”