‘Shall we?’ Rosenfelt moved past the detectives as he led the way off the tarmac and into the lobby, strutting through as if he owned the place, proving how much clout he truly did have. Without slowing his stride in the slightest, he passed the receptionist’s desk, throwing over his shoulder, ‘Jenny, my usual conference room is available, I presume?’

Star-struck, eyes shining bright and fluttering her eyelashes in a movie-like caricature of a love-sick creature, Jenny rushed to assure him. ‘Yes, of course. As soon as we were informed you were arriving, we made sure to have it ready in case you required it.’

Tottering on ridiculously high stilettos, she moved from behind her counter to follow him but stopped when Rosenfelt waved a hand in the air with the command, ‘Be sure we’re not interrupted, Jenny.’

Alyssa and Cord exchanged looks. Rosenfelt was a man who was used to being in charge and expected people to obey. Well, he was in for a surprise because she was also used to being in charge, and she was going to get answers from the man, no matter what it took.

Rosenfelt stopped at a large, ornately designed wooden door, which opened into a spacious conference room. He stepped inside and ushered Alyssa and Cord in before closing the door, crossing to a linen-covered table and pouring a glass of ice water from the pitcher perched in the middle. ‘Anything for you?’

‘No, thank you. I’d actually like to get down to business, if you don’t mind.’

He gave a curt nod. ‘Certainly. Why don’t you start by telling me what this is about?’ He made a show of checking the expensive Rolex on his wrist.

Alyssa didn’t bother to ease into things because she wanted to see his first reaction before his mind had time to conjure up excuses. ‘What can you tell me about the rape and murder of Meghan Jessup?’

One eyebrow shot up, and he frowned. ‘Come again?’

‘I said…’

‘I know what you said, Detective. I have no idea what you’re talking about. As I’m in Albuquerque, and you’re with the Albuquerque Police Department, I’m going to put two and two together and assume this Meghan woman is also from here. Since I haven’t been in New Mexico for more than a year, much less Albuquerque, I’m not sure why you’d think I’d have anything to do with anyone’s rape and murder. And I don’t mind telling you I’m a little insulted that you would assume I do.’

‘Mr. Rosenfelt, Meghan Jessup was fourteen years old. And not only was she raped and murdered, she was discovered with your company’s logo branded into her hip. How do you explain that?’

His hands dropped to his side, and he shook his head as if he hadn’t heard correctly. ‘Excuse me? When was this?’

Of course, it was possible Rosenfelt was a great actor, but to Alyssa, his shocked reaction seemed genuine. Still, she pushed. ‘Tuesday, the twenty-first. Is it coming back to you?’