This time, Rosenfelt narrowed his eyes. His jaw clenched as he leveled his gaze on her. ‘Detective, I assure you I had nothing to do with this young girl’s rape and murder, and while I want to help you, I won’t be bullied or harassed, and if you intend to continue pointing your finger at me, I’ll be forced to contact my attorney which in turn will force you to wait to get answers. If that’s what you want, then proceed with your barely cloaked accusations. But before you do, I want you to understand that I can either be an ally or an enemy, and it’s really up to you which I am.’

Cord spoke before Alyssa could. ‘Mr. Rosenfelt, security cameras spotted someone driving a 2017 red Dodge Viper removing Meghan Jessup’s body from the trunk and tossing her inside an abandoned restaurant. Last night we discovered that same Viper driven off a cliff out in Rio Rancho. That Viper, sir, is registered to Rosenfelt Holdings and Finance.’

‘Are you asking me a question, Detective?’

‘Why would someone driving a 2017 Dodge Viper registered to your company be dumping a dead body – branded with your company logo – if you don’t know anything about it?’

Fixing them both with a steady look, he said, ‘I’m reaching into my pocket to grab my phone, Detectives, so I’d appreciate it if you didn’t jump the gun so to speak and shoot me because you’re afraid I’m reaching for a weapon.’

Despite his words, Alyssa and Cord both shifted so their hands hovered over their service pistols, relaxing them only when they saw the phone.

Rosenfelt punched in a number and brought the phone to his ear. From where she was standing, Alyssa heard the woman on the other end answer.

‘Kimberly, drop whatever you’re doing. I need to know who’s driving the 2017 Dodge Viper in Albuquerque, and I need to know now.’ His hand tapped impatiently on his sweating glass of ice water as he waited for his secretary to supply an answer. When she came back on the line, his eyes cut over to Alyssa. ‘Steven Yarmini. You sure about that? Yes, I want his address and phone number. And Kimberly, this conversation is not to be discussed when I hang up. Not with anyone. Am I clear?’

Eye contact unwavering, voice firm, and a decisive nod later, he shared the information. ‘Steve Yarmini is in charge of my Albuquerque holdings. His responsibilities include meeting with investors as well as scouting out acreage I may be interested in purchasing. He’s been with my company for approximately four years, and to my knowledge has never given me cause to suspect him of any wrongdoing, much less something of this heinous nature. That being said, you claim to have seen the car he drives at the scene of the crime and later discovered it at the bottom of a cliff. And while I may be many unsavory things to certain people in this world, and my methods may not always be met with approval, one thing I will not be accused of is rape and murder. And if someone in my employ is guilty, I, along with my company, will do what it takes to bring that person to justice. On the other hand, I assure you, if my employee proves to be innocent, in the wrong place at the wrong time, I, along with my company, will provide counsel and fight the charges.’