Clooney said, “New eye? Not that it matters. Agent Giusti, I agreed to this meeting because I’m hopeful we can clear up any remaining concerns you have about Ms. Storin’s involvement in this tragic incident in Brickson and finish this witch hunt. Then you can all turn your attention to finding the real murderer. We have offered plausible alternatives: a patient or one of their family members who might have blamed Dr. Madison for an injury or a loved one’s death seems the most logical. You have focused on my client for long enough, wasted valuable time. It must stop. When we’ve answered your questions, when my client and I leave today, I expect your assurance she’s been cleared of all suspicion and this harassment will stop.”

Varno said, “That will depend on your client’s answers, Mr. Clooney. We have a lot to cover, so let’s proceed.”

“Ms. Storin,” Sherlock said and she smiled at her. Storin started, blinked behind the glasses, and remained silent, still the continued picture of disinterest. Sherlock said, “Ms. Storin, even though I’m new to this case, they’ve told me a lot about you.”

Say something, I want to hear your voice.

“I’m sure they have, Agent Sherlock, and yes, I’ve heard of you as well. Some people think you’re important,” Storin added with a touch of impatience in her voice and a dismissive shrug.

Storin’s voice was low, sort of husky, really quite lovely.

Kelly rose. “Ms. Storin, you have stated on record that your Walther PPK was stolen two weeks prior to the three murders at the Madison house, is that correct?”

“Yes, it is.”

“You further stated that your second husband, Mr. Martin Orloff, purchased the gun for you and showed you how to use it, but you rarely touched it. Is that correct?”

“I told you he showed me how to fire the gun, so I knew how it worked. I never used it again, as I’ve told you several times already. I’ve also told you I don’t approve of guns, the reason I never wanted it in the first place.”

“You found the gun missing and reported it stolen to the Brickson police. Is that correct?”

Storin merely nodded and studied a fingernail.

Clooney began tapping his Mont Blanc pen on the conference tabletop. “What is the point of going over all this again, Agent Giusti? Move along. Let’s get this done.”

Kelly nodded. “Let me remind you, Ms. Storin, that lying to a federal agent is a felony.”

Storin gave her a flat-eyed stare. “I have no reason to lie to anyone.”

Sherlock saw Mr. Clooney’s hand close over Storin’s—to keep her from saying more? Probably.

Kelly said easily, “Moving along then. Agent Sherlock visited the Madison house on Tuesday. Do you know what she noticed?”

“Get on with it, Agent,” Clooney said. “Cut the cute drama.”