‘You’re not wrong,’ Alyssa agreed. ‘But I think it was more than that. Her husband’s affairs and the financial aspect were just her excuses to release the evil person she already was inside. And since everyone’s here, I thought I’d let you all know that the DA called this morning. The judge refused bail for Tatiana and Leigh Ann, claiming they were flight risks, and agreeing that a monitoring bracelet wouldn’t be much of a deterrent.’ A chorus of relieved sighs floated around the room. ‘As for Wainwright, Morton, Harper, and Mendez, bail was set at ten million each, cash only.’

‘What about Steve Yarmini?’ Joe asked, but before Alyssa could answer, Hammond appeared in the doorway and stepped inside, closing it behind him as he did.

That was never a good sign.

‘Guards found Yarmini in his cell around six this morning. He hanged himself with his bedsheet.’

Alyssa and Cord shared a look, but it was Cord who asked, ‘How did he manage that when he’d been removed from the general population over death threats and was on suicide watch?’

Hammond shrugged and glanced around the room at the others. ‘We’ll be launching an investigation into that matter.’

Ruby poked her head in. ‘Alyssa, there’s a Spencer McKay on line one for you. He said it’s urgent and that he tried your cell, but it went to voicemail.’

Alyssa glanced down at her phone. A blinking red light in the corner showed she’d missed a call. Huh. She wondered why she hadn’t heard it. ‘Thanks, Ruby.’

She felt everyone’s eyes on her as she picked up the extension. ‘Mr. McKay, I heard about your client.’

‘Yes, well, heads should roll. But that’s not why I’m calling you. Last night, Yarmini left a message on my phone. I got it this morning. He gave me a list of names you’re going to want to take down. Tell me when you’re ready.’

‘Hold on. I’m going to put you on speaker. My captain and team are with me.’

Hammond’s eyebrows arched high, but he remained where he was.

‘Okay, go ahead.’

‘As I was saying, my client left a message on my phone giving me a list of players you might be interested in and asked if I’d pass the information on to you. Taylor Adamson is a manager at the Builder’s Depot near the canyon. He was one of Salazar’s first clients. Yarmini met him because Salazar asked if Yarmini would show the man how to get to the house in Placitas. He didn’t indicate how Salazar knew Adamson.’

Alyssa’s team began to shift in their seats as tensions grew.

‘Aaron Anderson is the president of Wellington Power Company near Lovington and was what Yarmini referred to as a “frequent flyer.” You may have heard of Harold Devigne. He’s a United States health official who lives near Show Low, Arizona. The final name he gave me is Doctor Darren Coen from Tucson.’

Joe and Tony exchanged swift glances with each other before shifting their eyes to Alyssa and Cord as they all wondered if Coen was the reason Tatiana had purchased a bus ticket to Southern Arizona.