festive in death - droppdf1.droppdf.com/files/jqmuz/festive-in-death-j-d-robb.pdf · 2015. 6....

TITLESBYJ.D.ROBB

NakedinDeathGloryinDeathImmortalinDeathRaptureinDeathCeremonyinDeathVengeanceinDeathHolidayinDeathConspiracyinDeathLoyaltyinDeathWitnessinDeathJudgmentinDeath

BetrayalinDeathSeductioninDeathReunioninDeathPurityinDeathPortraitinDeathImitationinDeathDividedinDeathVisionsinDeathSurvivorinDeathOrigininDeathMemoryinDeathBorninDeathInnocentinDeathCreationinDeathStrangersinDeathSalvationinDeath

PromisesinDeathKindredinDeathFantasyinDeathIndulgenceinDeathTreacheryinDeathNewYorktoDallasCelebrityinDeathDelusioninDeathCalculatedinDeathThanklessinDeathConcealedinDeathFestiveinDeath

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Robb,J.D.,date.Festiveindeath/J.D.Robb.p.cm.ISBN978-1-101-61727-41.Dallas,Eve(Fictitiouscharacter)—Fiction.2.Policewomen—NewYorkState—NewYork—Fiction.3.Personaltrainers—Crimesagainst—Fiction.I.Title.PS3568.O243F4720142014003754813'.54—dc23

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CONTENTSTitlesbyJ.D.RobbTitlePageCopyrightEpigraphChapter1Chapter2Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5

Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17Chapter18Chapter19

Chapter20Chapter21Chapter22Epilogue

Sinhasmanytools,butalieisthehandlewhichfitsthemall.

—OLIVERWENDELLHOLMES

AtChristmasplayandmakegoodcheer,

ForChristmascomesbutonceayear.

—THOMASTUSSER

Men,Simathought,can’tlivewiththem,

can’tbeatthemtodeathwithanineiron.

Butagirlcouldexactsomerevenge,andshewasagirlbentonjustthat.

Nobodydeservedagooddoseofrevenge—orabeatingwithanineiron—asmuchasTreyZiegler.Thefuckballhadbootedheroutoftheapartmentthey’dshared,eventhoughshehadthesame

territorialrightstotheplaceashedid.

Inthesevenandahalfweeksoftheirunofficialcohabitation,she’dpaidhalftherent,halftheexpenses,includingfoodandbeverage.She’ddoneallthecleaning(lazybastard),allthemarketing.Andinthatsevenandahalfweekshadgivenhimthebestyearsofherlife.

Plussex.Afterconsiderable

thought,in-depthconversationswithclosefriendsandconfidants,twoten-minutesessionsofmeditationandsixtequilashots,she’doutlinedpreciselyhow,where,andwhentoexactherrevenge.

Thehowinvolvedthatnineiron,anextensivecollectionofcashmeresocks,anditchingpowder.Thewherewasthatone-bedroomapartmentoverLittleMike’s

TattooandPiercingParlorintheWestVillage.

Thewhenwasrightfuckingnow.

Hewouldn’thavechangedthelocks—cheapbastard—anddidn’tknowshe’dgivenacopyofherswipetooneofthosefriendsandconfidants,whoalsohappenedtobeherboss,rightafterthey’dmovedintogether.

Andifhehadchangedthe

lock,herfriendsaidsheknewpeoplewhoknewpeople,wouldtagoneup,anditwouldbedone.

Simawasn’tsureshewantedtoknowthepeoplewhoknewpeopleorhowtheywouldgainaccesstotheapartment.Butsheknewshewantedin.

Sowithherfriendbesideherformoralsupport,shepulledoutherswipekeytoopenthemaindoortothe

apartmentsoverthetatparlor.Hertequila-fueledgrin

spreadwiderwhenthelocksclickedopen.

“Iknewit!He’dneverbotherspringingforthemoneytohavemedeactivated.”

“Maybenotonthisdoor.Westillhavetoseeabouttheapartment.”Herfriendgaveheralong,hardlook.“You’reabso-posohe’snotinthere?”

“Totally.Hissupervisor

sprangfortheweekendseminar,beenintheworksforweeks.Nowayhe’dblowitoff.Freehotelroom,freefood,andachancetoshowofffortwodays.”

Simaturnedtowardtheskinnyelevator,startedtotakeoffhergloves.

“We’llwalkup.Leaveyourgloveson,remember?Nofingerprints.”

“Right,right.It’smyfirstbreak-in.”Withanervous

giggleSimastartedupthestairs.

“It’snotabreak-in.Youhaveakey,andyoupaidtherent.”

“Half.”“Hesaiditwashalf.Did

youevercheckforsurehowmuchtherentwas?”

“Well,no,but—”“Sima,you’vegottostop

lettingyourselfgetpushedaround.Whatyouwerepayingforthesqueezeboxup

hereprobablycoveredthewholecha-cha.”

“Iknow.Iknow.”“You’regoingtofeelalot

betterafteryoucutoutthetoesinhissocks.Remembertheplan—onesockfromeachpair,alittlenipsoitstartstounravel.YoustartonthatwhileIputtheitchingpowderinhismoisturizer.Thenwereplacethegolfclubwiththetoyone,andwebook.Wedon’ttouchanythingelse.In

andout.”“Andhewon’tknow

whatthehell.He’snotgoingtogolfuntilhegetssomebodytopaytheindoorfee,sothatcan’tcomebackonme.Thesockswillmakehimcrazy.”

“He’llfigureithappenedatthedrycleaners.Hedeservesit.Aguywhohashissocksdry-cleaneddeservesit.”

“Yeah.Andtheitching

powder?He’llgoscreamingtothedoctor,figuringhe’sgotanewallergy.Fuckball.”

“Fuckball,”herfriendagreed,righteously,astheyfinallyreachedthefourthfloor.“Momentoftruth,Sima.”

Onalongbreath,Simasteadiedherself.Climbingthreeflights,dressedinherwintercoat,scarf,boots,hat—December2060wasasbitterasherheart—shehad

workedupalittlesweat.Shepulledoutthekey

again,crossedthefingersofherfreehand,swiped.

Locksthumpedopen.Simagaveatriumphant

hoot,andwasimmediatelyshushed.

“Youwanttheneighborspokingout?”

“No,but—”Beforeshecouldfinish,Simafoundherselfpushedinsidewiththedoorquietly,firmlyclosed

behindher.“Turnonthelights,Sim.”“Right.”Shehitthe

switch,thenhissed,“Lookatthismess!Ihaven’tbeengoneaweek,andhe’salreadygotcraptossedeverywhere.Lookinthere!”Shewalkedtowardthekitchenbumpasshepointed.“Dirtydishes,takeoutboxes.Ibetthere’rebugs.Ew,Ibetthere’rebugsinhere.”

“Whatdoyoucare?You

don’tlivehere,soyoudon’thavetopickuphismessorworryaboutbugs.”

“Butstill.Andlookatthelivingroom.Clothestossedallover,shoesjust—Hey!”Shemarchedover,pickedupascarlet-redhighheel,thenscoopedupabrawithyellowpolkadotsoverpurplelace.

“Inevernoticedanytranytendencies.”

“Becausehedoesn’thaveany!”

“Iknow,Sim.It’slikewealltoldyou.Heonlybootedyoubecausehesniffedupanewskirt.Andjeez,it’sbeenlikeaweeksincehedidthebooting,soyouhavetofigure...Don’tblubber,”sheorderedasSimastartedtodojustthat.“Geteven!Comeon.”

Focusedonthetaskathand,shepulledtheshoe,thebraaway,tossedthemdownagain,tookSima’sarm.“I’ll

getyoustartedonthesocks.”“Isortoflovedhim.”“Sortofissortof.He

treatedyoulikecrap,soyoupayhimback,thenyoucanmoveon.Trustme.”

Sima’stears-and-tequila-blurredeyestrackedbacktothebra.“Iwanttobustsomethingup.”

“You’renotgoingto.You’regoingtobesmartandhithimwhereithurts.Vanityandwallet,thenwe’regoing

togodosomemoreshots.”“Lotsofthem.”“Bunchesoflotsof

them.”Simasquaredher

shouldersandnodded.Withherhandinherfriend’s—moralsupport—theystartedtowardthebedroomshe’dsharedforsevenandahalfweekswithhercheap,cheating,callousboyfriend.

“Hedidn’tevenputupanyChristmasdecorations.

Hehasacoldheart.”Shecouldn’thavebeen

moreright.TreyZieglersatpropped

onthebed,thelongchestnut-and-gold-streakedhairhewassoproudofmattedwithblood.Hiseyes—mostrecentlytintedemeraldgreen—staring.

Thekitchenknifejammedinhiscoldheartpinnedacardboardsigntohiswell-tonedchest.Itread:

SantaSaysYou’veBeenBad!!!Ho.Ho.Ho!

AsSimapeeledoffscreams,herfriendslappedahandoverhermouth,draggedheraway.

“Trey!Trey!”“Shutitdown,Sima.Just

shutitdownaminute.Jesus,whatamess.”

“He’sdead.There’s

blood.He’sdead.”“Igotthat.Holyshit.”“Whattawedo?OhGod!

Whattawedo?”Runningawaywouldbe

awesomebut...Evenbuildingsaslousyasthisprobablyhavesomesecurity.Orsomebodymighthaveseenthemcomein.Orheardthemworkouttheplanovertequilashots.Orsomething.

“You’vegottocalmdownsome—anddon’ttouch

anything.Notanything.I’vegottotagupsomebody.”

“You’regoingtohavesomebodycomegetridofthebody?”Simadraggedherfingersdownherthroatasifshewerebeingstrangled.“OhmyGod!”

“Gripreality,Sima.I’mtaggingacop.”

•••

wointhemorning,twointhe

Tfreakingmorninginthe

frozenbowelsofDecember,andshehadtorolloutofawarm

bedbesideahothusbandanddealwithwhatmightbeadeadbody—oradrunkenprankbyawomanwhodrovehercrazyonthebestofdays.

Inmomentslikethis,beingacopsucked.

ButLieutenantEveDallaswasacop,soshepulledupinfrontofthedingyboxofa

buildingintheWestVillage,grabbedherfieldkit—iftherewasanactualDB,itwouldsavehercomingbackoutforit—andstompedacrosstheicysidewalk.

She’dhaveusedhermastertoswipein,butthedoorclickedandbuzzedasshereachedforit.

Shedidn’tmuchlikethelookoftheelevatorintheskinny,smellylobby,butoptedforit.Thesoonertoget

thisover.Shejammedhercold

hands—shehadn’tthoughtofgloves—inthepocketsofherlongleathercoatandscowledwithgoldenbrowneyesatthenumberscreepingfromonetotwotothree,andfinallytofouronthedentedpanel.

Whenthedoorsopened,shestrodeout,atall,lean,prettypissed-offwomanwithashaggycapofhairnearlythesamecolorashereyes.

Beforeshecouldbangafistonthedoor,itopened.Therestoodthewomanwhocutherhair—oftenwhetherEvewantedtheserviceornot.Who’dseenhernaked—andthatEveneverwanted.

“Ifyou’refuckingwithme,I’mhaulingyourassinforfilingafalsereport.”

“HandtoGod.”Trinashotupahand—fingerstippedinswirlsofholidayredandgreen—thenusedthe

othertoyankEveinside.“Hisname’sTreyZiegler,andhe’sreallydeadinthebedroom.”

“Who’sthat?”Evedemanded,jerkingaheadtowardthewomanwithanexplosionofredcurlssmashedunderablackwatchcapwhowascurrentlyholdingsomesortofred-and-blueplasticgolfclubandblubbering.

“That’sSima.Hisex.Shelivedhere.”

“Youlivehere?”EveaskedSima.

“Yes.No.Idid,buthe—thenhe...He’s...he’s...he’s...”

WhenSimadissolved,EveturnedbacktoTrina.“Stayhere,don’ttouchanything.Don’tlethertouchanything.”

Shetooktheshortfivestepstothebedroomdoor,lookedin.

Okay,thatwasadead

man.Shesetdownherfieldkit

topullouther’link.Shecalleditin,arrangedforherpartnertobenotified.

“You.”ShepointedatSima.“Sitoverthere.Don’ttouchanything.”ThenshegesturedTrinaovertothekitchenbump.“Ifshedoesn’tlivehere,howdidyougetin?”

“Shestillhasherswipe.Orthecopyshemadeforme

whenshehookedintotheplacewithhim.Heonlykickedheroutaweekago.”

“Whydidthetwoofyoucomehere—andyou’rebothlit.Icanseeit,hearit,smellit.”

“Abouthalflit,”Trinacorrectedwiththefaintestsmirk.Eve’sflat,narrowgazehadhershiftingsidetoside,givinghertowerofhair—swirledinthesamecolorandpatternashernails—alittle

toss.“Okay,look,full

disclosure,right?Treydumpedher.Shecamehomefromworkandhe’dpackedherstuff,saidtheyweredoneandtogetout.”

“Theyhadafight.”“Hellno.She’sgotthe

spineofaworm—can’thelpit—soeventhoughshe’sbeenpayingtherent,hesaidhalfbutIknowwhatthisdumpshouldgoforanditwas

plentymorethanhalf.AndshepaidforDecember,soshepaidthismonth’srent,andshehasrights.Right?”

“Justkeepgoing,”Eveordered.

“Okay.Soshejuststartscrying,takesherstuffandgoes.Anyhow,shegotaflopforaboutaweek,doesn’ttellmeoranyofus’causeshesaidshewasallembarrassed,thenfinallyspillsit.Ihaveheratmyplace,onthe

pulloutuntilshecangetittogether.”

“And?”“And?”“Letuswindaroundto

tonightandthedeadman.”“Right.Well,tonight,a

bunchofuswerehangingafterwork,andtherewastequila.Andwegotthisideaaboutpayback.He’ssupposedtobeinAtlanticCityforacoupledays,soweboughtthetoygolfcluband

someitchingpowder.Weweregoingtounravelthetoesofhissocks,putthepowderinhisfacecream,replaceoneofhisclubswiththetoy,thenbook.That’sit.Wecamein,headedbackthere,sawhim.Ipulledherout,taggedyou.”

“Itchingpowder?”“Seriousshit.”Trina

noddedwisely.“He’d’vewantedtoscratchhisfacedowntothebone.Hedeservedit.Lookather.”

Simasat,headbowed,tearsdripping.

“JesusChrist.Didyouknowthisguy?”

“Yeah,some.Massagetherapist,personaltrainer.HeworkedatBuffBodies,thefitnessplacenearmysalon.Mostofthestaffthereusemysalon.Simaworksforme.That’showtheymet.”

“Didyoueverrollwithhim?”

“Shitno.”Trina’seyes—

aboldChristmasgreenliddedwithgoldglitter—reflectedbothinsultanddisgust.“Guywasaprickandaplayer.Icandobetter.Simdidn’tthinkshecould.Self-esteemissues,youknow?”

“Whoseredshoes,whoseunderwear?”

“Noclue.NotSim’s.”“Stayhere.”“Hey,Dallas,goeasyon

her.She’sarealsweetie,andItalkedherintothis.I

thoughtgivinghimapunchwouldmakeherfeel,youknow,empowered.Otherwise,somebodyelsewould’vefoundhim,andshewouldn’thavethatinherhead.”

“ForallIknowthetwoofyoudidhim,andpulledmeintocoveritup.”

Trinasnortedoutalaugh,soberedinstantlyatEve’sstonystare.“Shit.Really?Comeon!”

“Stayhere.”Shewalkedbackoverto

whereSimasatquietlyhiccupingthroughtears.

“Tellmewhathappened.”“Trey’sdead.Somebody

killedhim.”“Beforethat.Howdid

youandTrinaenduphere?”“Oh,well,afterworkwe

—meandTrinaandCarlosandViviandAce—weallwenttoClooney’s.”

“Clooney’s?”

“It’sabar.Wehangtheresometimes.Theirtwistedonionsareprettygood,sowegotsomeandsomecheesybitsandsomemargaritas.ThenwedidsomeshotsbecauseIwasfeelingbadaboutTreydumpingme.SoAcesaid—IthinkitwasAce,ormaybeVivi,howIshouldgetsomeofmyownback,thensomebodysaidIshouldcomeoverandtosshisstuffoutthewindow,butTrina

saidno.Shesaidthatwastooobvious,andIcouldgetintrouble.Ishoulddosomethingmoresubtle-like.Thenwewentandboughtthetrickclubandthepowder,andwecamehere,and—and—Trey!”

“Okay.”Eveheldupahand,hopingtowardoffhysterics,thenquicklywoundSimaback,pullingoutdetails.

Details,shethought,that

linedupwithTrina’sstatement.

“Didheeverknockyouaround,Sima?”

“What?Who?Trey?”Hertear-drenchedeyes,outlinedinshimmeringblueandsilver,widenedtohorrifiedsaucers.“No!He’dneverdothat.”

“Notphysically,”Trinasaidfromacrosstheroom,andearnedanotherstonystare.“I’mjustsaying.He

didn’ttuneherup,buthepickedatherself-esteem.Heknockedthataroundplenty.Hewasn’tgoodtoyou,Sim.”

“Sometimeshewas.Heusedtobe.”

“Didhecheatonyou?”Eveaskedher.

“Ididn’tthinkso,but...”Shepointedtotheshoeandbra.“Thosearen’tmine.”

“Washeintroublewithanybody?Women,work,illegals,gambling?”

“No...Idon’tthink.He,Iguess,wassortofdistantlately,andspendingmoretimeatworkoronhiscomputerworkingonroutinesforclientsandstuff.Iaskedhimifsomethingwasupatwork,sincehewastherelatealot,buthesaidno.AndhowIshouldmindmyownbusiness.”

“Hewasuptosomething.”WhenthecommentgotTrinaanother

stareshetossedherhandsintheair.“Icanhearyouoverhere,andit’sstupidtopretendIcan’t.Hewasuptosomething.”

“Suchas?”“Idon’tknowsuchas,I

justknowsomething.Alotofmypeople—staff,clients—useBB,andsomeofthemuseTreyforpersonaltraining,orformassages.Wordwasgoingaroundhewasactingweird—morethan

usual—thepastcouplemonthsmaybe.Putasecondlockonhislockeratthegym,spentalotofafter-hourstimetherewhenhedidn’thaveaclient.Acouplemutualclientstoldmehewastalkingaboutopeninghisownplace,likeahigh-classspadeal,maybeonSt.Bart’sorNevisorsomeshit.”

“Younevertoldme!”TrinashruggedatSima.

“Iwasgoingto,butthenhe

dumpedyou.Ididn’tseethepointsinceitwasonlytherumorchamber.AndIfiguredifwedidthedeedheretonight,maybewe’dseesomethinglyingaround.Likeconfirmation.”

“Didhehaveanyvaluables?”EveaskedSima.“Anythingworthstealing?”

“Oh...”“Iseeamini-compthere

—prettyhighend,theentertainmentscreen,good-

sizedbutportable.Howaboutjewelry,art,cash?”

“Hehasareallygoodwristunitforwork—asportsmodel—andareallynicedressone.And,um,hiscollectionofearhoops,andacouplerings.Oneyellowgold,onewhitegold.Heneverworethemwhenhewasworkingbecausetheygotintheway.He’sgotthegolfclubs,andlikegolfaccessories.Hedidn’tkeep

anymoneyaroundthatIknowof.Wedidn’treallyhaveanyart,exceptacouplephotographshehadtakenandframed.”

Shegesturedtothephotographs—ofthedeadguyinsportsskinwear,posingtoshowoffhisbiceps,hisdelts.Theyflankedashelfthatheldseveraltrophiestoppedwithafiguredressedthesame,doingthesame.

“Holdon.”Eveturnedto

openthedoorattheknock,thensteppedout—leavingthedooropen—toinstructthetwouniformswho’dreportedtothescene.

“Okay,Ineedsomeinformation,”shesaidwhenshesteppedbackin,closingthedoor.“Thenameofhisemployerorimmediatesupervisor,alistoffriendsand/orcoworkers.Didhehavealive-inorseriousrelationshippriortoyou,

Sima?”“Oh,well,Iguess.Sure.”“Hebouncedaroundon

AllaCoburnrightbeforeSim,”Trinasaidhelpfully.“Mutualclient.SheownsNaturalWay,ahealth-foodplacenearBB.AndFYI,shewasprettyrippedabouttheirbreakup.Putonthegood-riddanceface,butshedidn’tmeanit.Iknowwhat’swhatwithpeoplewhositinmychair.Plushebangedalotof

hisclients.”“Hestoppedthatwhenwe

gottogether,”Simsaid,blinkingatTrina’slookoffrustratedsympathy.“Hedidn’t?But—buthesaid...”

“We’lltalk.Anyway,hissupervisor’sLillByers,andshe’lltalktoyoustraight.You’ddobetterwithcoworkers.Hedidn’thangwithanybodyforlongoutsideofwork.”

Sensingtherewasmore,

Eveonlynoddedasshenoteddownthenames.“Anofficer’sgoingtodriveyouhome.”

“Wecanjustgo?”Simaasked.

“Stayavailable.You’reatTrina’sfornow?”

“Well,I—”“She’swithmeuntilthis

allshakesout.You’rewithme,Sim,don’tworryaboutit.”

Thatstartedfresh

waterworks,soEveopenedthedoor.“GodownwithOfficerCho,”shetoldSima.“Trinawillberightdown.”

OnceEvegotSimaout,sheturnedtoTrina.“Spill.”

“Okay,Iwantedtobecarefularoundher.Hewasanasshole.I’msorryhe’sdeadandallthat,butthat’smostlyforher.Look,he’dbarelyrolledoffAllabeforeherolledontoSima.Guywasaplayer,andauser.Someof

thestuffinhere?It’shers,butshedidn’tthinkofsayinghey,mystuff.Shedidalltheworkaroundhere,youknowwhatI’msaying?Pickingupafterhim,stockingtheAutoChef,seeingaboutthelaundryandthedrycleaning.Fuckerdry-cleanedhisfreakingsocks.”

“Getout.”“HandtoGod!You’re

goingtofindalotofslickclothesinhiscloset,lotsof

top-drawerface,hair,bodyproducts.Assholewasapeacock.Helookedgood,I’llgivehimthat,buthesweptwomenup,thensweptthemoutafterhegotwhathewasafter—andnotjustsex.”

“Whatelse?”“Youcanbethedidn’t

buythosewristunitsforhimself,orhalfthatslickwardrobe.Hescoutedoutrich,olderwomen.Clients,likeIsaid.Orthat’stheword.

Probablyoneofthemjammedthatknifeinhisheart,butitwasn’tSim.Shedidn’tkillhim.”

“Iknowthat.”“Shecouldn’t—oh.Well,

solid.”“Doyouknowwho

belongstotheshoesandthepolkadots?”

“No,butIcouldmaybefindout.”

“Leavethattome.Gohome.Andnexttimeyoudo

abunchofshots,gohome.”Emboldened,Trinaticked

offpointsonherfestivelytippednails.“Shepaidtherent.Shehadakey.Someofherstuff’sstillhere.She’sgotarighttocomein.”

“Gotthat.Buttheitchingpowdercouldbeconsideredassault,thesocksdestructionofpropertyandthegolfclubtheft.It’sinventivepayback,butit’snotworththelegalfees.”

Trinashruggeditoff.“Anyway,thanksforhandlingit.”Trinanarrowedhereyes,gotthelookinthemthatchilledEve’sblood.“Youcouldusealittleshapingonthedo,andahydratingfacial.Winter’sabitchonskin.”

“Pushit,Trina,andI’llhaveyoutakenintoCentral,putintheboxandmakeyougothroughallthisagain.”

“JustsayingwhatIknow.

We’llgiveyoutheworksbeforeyourbigbash.”Shesteppedtothedoor,paused.“Sim’salittlenaiveandwaytrusting.Somepeoplenevergetoverthat,evenwhentheyendupcoveredwithbruises.”

Trueenough,Evethought.

Evewalkedbacktowardthebedroom,pickedupherfieldkit.She’dgottenoveranynaiveteandexcessivetrustlong,longago,she

decidedasshepulledoutacanofSeal-Ittocoatherhands,herboots.

Acopdidbettercynicalandsuspicious.Consideringherselfarmedwithhealthyportionsofboth,shewentintodealwithdeath.

Shetookaslowscantoallowherlapelrecordertodocumentthescene,includingthebloodspatteronthewall,thesmearsofitonthefloor.Andthegore

clingingtothebaseofwhatappearedtobeanothertrophy.

Anopensuitcaseholdingpreciselyfoldedclothessatonthefootofthebed,oppositesidefromthebody.

“Itappearsthevicwaspacking—nearlydonewithit—forascheduledtrip.Witsstateawork-relatedseminarinAtlanticCity.Alotofclothesforacoupledays,”shecommented.“Which

wouldcoincidewithwits’opinionofvicasapeacock.Nicethreads,topline,”shesaidafteraquicklook.“Alsoverifyingwits’statements.”

Shepokedinalittlemore,cameupwithasmallbaggiefilledwithdriedleaves.

“Whathavewehere?Itlookslike...tealeaves.”Sheopenedit,sniffed—andhadaflashofthefloweryteaMira,thedepartmentshrink,sworeby.“Smellsliketea.Doesn’t

looklikeanyillegalsubstanceI’vecomeacross.Baggingforanalysis.Notapriorityaswe’renotgoingtobustthedeadguyforpossession.”

Shecrossedback,crouchedtoexaminethelargetrophywiththefigureofaseriouslyrippedmale,cladonlyincompressionshorts,flexingbothbiceps.“Acoupletrophieslikethisinthelivingroom.Thebloodand

graymatteronthisone—PersonalTraineroftheYear,2059—indicatesitwasusedtostrikethevictimontheleftsideofthehead.”

Sheliftedit,pursedherlips.“Yeah,it’sgotsomeweighttoit.Acouplegoodwhackswoulddothetrick.”

Settingitdownagain,sherose,walkedbackinthelivingroom,liftedtheothertrophies.

Twincirclesofclean

underthem.Dustskimmedtherestoftheshelf.

“Themurderweaponwasn’therewiththesetwo.”Shewalkedbackintothebedroom,foundasimilarcircleonthedresser.

“Themurderweaponsatrighthere.Thekillerandvicareinthevic’sbedroom.Noovertsignsofbreak-in,soit’sprobablethevicknewhiskiller.Nosignsofastruggle—nonefromavicwhowins

personaltrainertrophies,soitdoesn’tlooklikeaphysicalfight.Noscuffle,butmaybeanargument.Thekillerpicksupthetrophy,andbashes.

“Butdoesn’tleavethebodywhereitfalls,andthat’sinteresting.Thekillerdragsthebodytothebed—leavessomebloodsmearsontheway,heftsitonthere,propsitup.Takesthetime—andhastherageorcoldness—togettheknife,writethemessage,

andstabwhatI’mbettingwasadeadmaninthechestjusttoicethecookie.”

ShetookherIdenti-pad,hergauges,outofherkit,rosetowalkovertothebody.

VictimisidentifiedasTreyArthurZiegler,mixedracemale,agethirty-one.Residedthisapartment.Single.Nomarriages,nolegal

cohabs,nooffspringonrecord.

Sheheardthedooropen,pauseduntilsheheardtheclompofherpartner’sboots.

“Backhere,”Evecalledout.“Sealup.”

DetectivePeabodycametothebedroomdoor.Pinkcowboyboots,bigpuffycoat,acouplemilesofrainbow-stripedscarfandabrightblue

hatwithearflaps.Shelooked,Evethought,

likeanEskimorunningawaytothecircus.

“IsawTrinadownstairs,”Peabodybegan,thenlookedatthebodyonthebed.“Wow,ho,ho,humbug.”

“Yeah,hewon’tbegoinghomeforChristmas.”

“IgotfromTrinathiswasherpal’sex-boyfriend.”

“Whotheyfoundwhentheysnuckintoputitching

powderinhisfacegunk.”“Fun.”Peabodypulled

thecapoffherdarkhair,stuffeditinherpocket.“Youdon’tthinkTrinahadanythingtodowiththedeadguy.”

“IwishIdid,thenIcouldtossherinacage.”

“Aw.”Peabodybeganunwindingherscarf.

“Butaccordingtomyon-site,”Evecontinued,removingthegauges,“it

lookslikeheboughtitabouteighteen-thirtyhours.We’llcheckTrinaandSima’salibi,butit’sgoingtoholdup.Besides,Trina’stoocageytokillsomebodythisway,andthefrienddoesn’thavetheballs.”

Evereplacedhergauges,pulledoutmicrogoggles.“Checkandseeifthereareanysecuritycams,thengoaheadandcallintheMEandthesweepers.Let’sgetthe

uniformsstartedonacanvassofthebuilding.Maybesomebodyheardorsawsomething.”

“Ohboy,abunchofpissed-offneighbors.”

“Notoncetheyfindoutthere’sbeenamurder.Peoplelovefindingoutsomebody’sdeadandthey’renot.Getthatgoing,thenwe’llgothroughtheplacewhenI’mdonewiththebody.”

Evefitonthegoggles,

leanedovertopeerattheshatteredsideoftheskull.“So,Trey,”shemurmured,“whathaveyougottotellme?”

Deathkilledanyillusionofprivacy.Aftershe’d

examinedthebody,Evebeganasystematicsearchofthebedroom.

AsTrinastated,Treyownedanextensivewardrobe.Slick,sexyworkoutgear,spiffysuits,stylishclubwear.

“Hecoordinatedhissocksandunderwear,”shecommentedwhenPeabodycamebackin.“Colorsand

patterns.Whodoesthat,andwhy?”

“Ireadthisarticleabouthowwhatyouwearunderyourclothesisallaboutwhatmakesyoufeelempoweredandincontrol.It’stheUnderYou.”

“Ifwearingmatchingboxersandsocksmakesyoufeelempowered,you’reaweenie.He’sgotstandardover-the-countermalebirthcontrol,afewunimaginative

sextoys,someporndiscsinthebedsidegoodiesdrawer.Golfclubs,variousgolfparaphernaliaintheclosetwithhisclothes.Nofemaleclothesinhere.”

“Didyoucheckthis?”Peabodyheldupa’linksealedinanevidencebag.

“Yeah,someclientchecks,acoupleguyconversations,someout-goingstowomen,notyetanswered.Nobody

threateningtokillhim.”“There’saknifeblockin

thekitchenwithonemissing,”Peabodysaid.“Theonestickingoutofhimlookslikepartoftheset.”

“Bashwiththetrophy,it’shandy.Thengetalittlecreativewiththekitchenknife,againhandy.”Eveputherhandsonherhips,thenwalkedouttothelivingarea.

Shescannedtheroom—messy,sloppy,butnothing

thatindicatedafight.“Okay,consideringthere’snosignofbreak-in,nosignofstruggleouthere,thevicletthekillerin.Heknowshim—orher.He’swearingdrawstringpantsandaT-shirt—at-homeclothes,sohe’scomfortablewiththekiller,enoughthattheywentbacktothebedroomtogether.”

“Maybehewasforcedintothebedroom.Maybethekillerhadasticker.”

“Ifthekillerhadasticker,”Eveargued,“whybashthevicintheheadwithatrophy?Plus,thevic’sextremelybuff,soI’vegottofigurehe’dputupafight.Butthevicwastakenbysurprise.Theygobackinthebedroom.Forsex?Thebed’smessedup,somaybetherewassex.”

“Red-shoeslady?”“Possibly.”Evestudiedtheshoes,the

bra,alloutinplainsight.

“Butifyouhavethecoldbloodtohauladeadguyontothebed,gointothekitchen,ripoffthetopofatake-outpizzabox,writeupthemessage,taketheknife,gobackinthebedroom,stabthedeadguy,wouldn’tyouhavethebrainstograbyourshoesandunderwear?

“You’vegotenoughbrainsandcoldbloodtotakethemarkerusedtowritethemessage—becauseIhaven’t

foundoneonscene—towipeofftheknifehandleandthetrophybasesoyoudon’tleaveprints,butyouleaveyourpolka-dotbraandredshoes?”

“Yeah,it’dbeaprettybigoops.”

“Still...Maybethere’ssex,orthestartofit—he’sfullydressed,soeithertheydidandheputhisclothesbackon,orhenevergotthemoff.Eitherway,before,

during,after,whoevercamebackherewithhimgrabbedthetrophy,swung.Vicgoesdown,butyoubashagainbecausewe’vegotonewoundonthesideofthehead,oneonthebackofthehead.Youdon’tpanic,youdon’tkeepbashingsothere’ssomecontrol.Butyou’vegotaneedto—haha—twisttheknife,soyoudigupsomecardboard,writethenote.You’vegottohaulhimonto

thebed,prophimup,thenjamtheknife,withnote,intohischest.”

“Thatpart’sjustmean.Yeah,murder’stheultimatemean,”PeabodysaidwhenEveglancedather.“Buttheknifeandnote’ssaltinthewound.Seriously.”

“It’ssteelinthechest.Hereallypissedyouoff,”Evecontinued.“Butyoupaidhimback.There’ssatisfactionhere.Quickviolence—

probableimpulse—followedbyacold-bloodedflourish.”

“Well,justforthesakeofargument,sayit’sRedShoes.”

Tryingtovisualizeanalternatescenario,Peabodycircledsaidshoes.

“Thingsgethot,they’removingalongintothebedroom.Shechangeshermind,hegetspushy—bash.Ortheydothedeed,thenheactslikeajerk.Says

somethingaboutherweight,hertechnique,orwhatever.Bash.Sheholdsittogetherlongenoughtosethimuplikethis—it’sallfuryandadrenaline.Thenshepanics,andruns.”

“Possible.”She’dputawaypeoplewho’ddonestupider,Eveconsidered.“Let’shavehiscomptakenin,gothroughit.Andlet’sfindRedShoes.”

“They’rereallynice

B

shoes.Iwonderwhatsizetheyare.”

“Jesus,Peabody.”“Justwondering,”she

saidandhurriedtothedoortoletinthesweepers—andavoidEve’swrath.

•••

ydawn,Zieglerlayonaslabatthemorgue,

thesweepersswarmedoverhisapartment,andtheinitial

canvassofthebuildingnettedanot-unexpected“nobodysawnothing.”

“Ivotetheclassiccrimeofpassion.”Peabody,onceagainwrappeduplikeawomanfacingtheIceAge,walkedoutofthebuildingwithEve.“Jewelry,cash,credits,plastic,electronics,fancysportsequipmentstillonpremises,nosignofbreak-in,obvioussignsofhanky-panky.”

“Howdoeshanky-pankytranslatetosex?Whocomesupwithwordslikethat?”

“Probablypeoplewhodon’thavesex,whichdoesn’tincludethedeadguy.ThelabshouldbeabletogiveustheDNAonwhoeverhehanky-pankiedwithwhenthesweepersgetthesheetsin.

“Iwishitwouldsnow.”“Ifthestateofhis

apartment,andTrina’sstatementabouthimbanging

anythingnotalreadynailedareindicators,they’llprobablyfindmultipleDNA—What?”HerbraincaughtupwithPeabody’slaststatement.“Snow?”

“Ifit’sgoingtobethiscold,itshouldsnow.”PeabodyjumpedintoEve’scar,shivered.“It’salmostChristmassoweshouldhavesnowanyway.Snow’spretty.”

“Thenwecouldcreep

behindtheplowsthatshoveitagainstthecurbswhereitturnstoblacksludge,windourwaythroughallthevehiclesthatspunoutbecausepeopledon’tknowhowthehelltodriveinthesnow,orstepoverallthepedestrianswhosliponthesnowysidewalks.”

“Youneedagooddoseofholidayspirit.”Peabodywriggleddownintoherseat,gratefulandhappywiththe

automaticseatwarmers.Shethought,atthatmoment,awarmasswasahappyone.“Weshouldgetsomehotchocolate.”

Evedidn’tsparePeabodyaglance.“We’regoingtothegym.”

“Ifwegothotchocolatefirst,wecouldworkitoffatthegym.”Peabodytriedawinsomesmile,gaveitupwithashrug.“I’llrunthesupervisor.”

“Whatafineidea.”Evenavigatedthestreets,

stillquietintheweakwinterdawn.Streetlightsfizzedoff,leavingtheaircoldandgraywithpuffsofsteamrisingintermittentlythroughthesubwayvents.Shepassedonehalf-emptymaxibuswherethepassengersalllookeddazedandpalelygreeninitsflickeringsecuritylights.

Evenattheearlyhour,shehadtowrangleaparking

spotinaloadingzone,halfablockfromBuffBodies.

SheflippedonherOnDutylight.

“LillByers,”Peabodybeganastheygotoutintothefrigidswirlofwind.“Agethirty-eight,divorced,oneoffspring,male,ageseven.EmployedwithBuffBodiesfortwelveyears,currentlyasmanager.Littlebumphere—arrestedfordestructionofproperty,disturbingthe

peace,sixyearsback.Shetookatireirontoherex-husband’svehicle.Iguessitwasn’tanamicabledivorce.”

“There’snosuchthingasanamicabledivorce.”

Thelightsofthegymshonebrightagainstthewidefrontwindows.Theglassrosehigh,toexposethreespaciousfloors.ThroughthefirstlevelEvesawseveralbodies—appropriatelybuff—running,lunging,lifting,climbing.

Whilethemaxibuspassengershadlookedstunnedandweary,thedawnworkoutbrigadeappearedterrifyinglyalert.

“Ihatethemall,”Peabodymuttered.“Everyoneofthem.Justlook.Allperfectlypackedinfrostyoutfitsdesignedtoshowoffeverycut,rip,andripple.Smuglooksontheirfaces,asheenofsweatontheirskin.Andzeropercentbodyfatamong

thewholebuffbunch.HowamIsupposedtoenjoymyfrothyhotchocolatenow?”

“Youdon’thaveafrothyhotchocolate.”

“InmymindIdid.Nowevenitsimaginaryfrothygoodnessisspoiled.”

“Buckup,”Evesuggested,swipedhermasteroverthemembers’entrancepad,andwalkedinside.

Straightintoawallofnoise.

Screaming,pounding,throbbingmusicblastedoutofthespeakersandbangedagainsthereardrums.Shesawawomanonacyclecrouchedover,facefierceasshesangalong,presumablyatthetopofherlungs.

Hereyeslookedjustalittleinsane.

Machineswhooshedandwhirled,feetslappedontreads,weightsclinkedandthumped.Theopenthree-

storyspaceboastedajuicebar—currentlyunoccupied—onthesecondlevel,andwhatlookedtobeclassrooms,glassedin,onthethird.

Shecouldseemorebuffbodiesperforminggracefulyogasunsalutationsbehindtheglassofoneoftherooms.

“Musthaveamazingsoundproofing,”Evedecided.

Thecheck-indesk—asemicircleofglossywhite—wascurrentlyunmanned,but

Evespottedawomaninsnugshortsandanequallysnugteesportingthegym’sdoubleBlogowhippingaclientthroughaseriesofpunishingsquatsandlungesonateeterboardwhilehecurledtwenty-poundfreeweights.

“Comeon,Zeke!Quadsofsteel!Getlow.Pushoff.Squeeze!”

“Excuseme,”Evebegan.“Onesec.Digforit,

Zeke.Fivemore!”

“Ihateyou,Flora.”Sheabsolutelybeamedat

him.“That’sthespirit,that’swhatIwanttohear.Fourmore.”

“LillByers?”Evesaid.“Shouldbehere,should

beinheroffice.Don’tyouquitonme,Zeke.Don’tyouquit.Three.Squeezeit,pumpit,form,form,form.Twomore.Justpastcheck-in,”sheaddedforEve.“Yougotit,yougotit,lastone.Finish

strong.”Eveheardtheguy

collapse,gasping,whenFlorawhistledherapprovalonthelastset.

“Thirty-secondwaterbreak,”FloraannouncedasEveheadedtowardtheoffice.“Thenit’stimeforcrunches.”

“You’reamonster,Flora.”

“That’swhatyouloveaboutme.”

“MaybeIshouldgeta

personaltrainer,”Peabodyspeculated.“IfIhadsomeonelikethathammeringatme,I’dhaveaperfectheart-shaped,drum-tightassinnotime.”

“You’dblastherwithyourstunnerbeforetheendofthefirstsession.”

“Otherthanthat.”Throughthenarrowglass

oftheofficedoorEvesawawomanwithaskullcapoforangehairandabodyhoned

scalpelsharpsittingatacompwithtwoscreensrunning.

OneshowedtheCGIimageofawomancarryingmaybetwenty-fivetothirtyextrapoundsstrugglingthroughasessionofcorework—crunches,leglifts,crisscross—whiletheotherranaspreadsheetofnamesandfiguresinvariouscolumns.

Eveknockedbriskly.Thewomantweakedone

screensothefigurepushedthroughsomesinglelegstretches.

Ratherthanbangontheglassagain,Evepushedin,said,“Hey!”

“Let’saddfivefullroll-ups,”thewomansaid,andthefigureonthescreenmoanedandbeganthem.

Evetappedthewomanontheshoulder.Shesquealedandjumpedasifshe’dbeenscalded,spunaroundto

goggle,thentolaugh.Andfinallyremovedearplugs.

“Sorry,sosorry,Ididn’thearyoucomein.Thefirstshiftwantsthemusicuptoscream,soIusethese.WhatcanIdoforyou?”

“LillByers?”“That’sright.I’mthe

manager.”Evepulledoutherbadge.

“LieutenantDallas,DetectivePeabody.Istheresomewherewecantalk?”

ThehealthycolorinLill’sfacedroppedtogray.“Mykid.Ismykidokay?IsEvanokay?”

“It’snothingtodowithyourson.It’soneofyouremployees.”

“OhJesus.”Sheranahandoverherbrightcapofhair.“Sorry.Mykid’swithhisfatherforafewdays—apre-Christmasdealastheasshole’sgoingtoBelizewithhiscurrentslutovertheactual

holiday,sotoobadforhisson.Anyway.”Sheletoutalongbreath.“Something’supwithoneofmygang?”

“Istheresomewherequieterwecantalk?”Eveasked.

“Sure.Relaxationroom,thisway.”Sheledthewayoutoftheoffice,acrosstheworkoutarea,passedaminiself-servejuicebar,upthecurlofstepstothesecondlevelandintoaroomwith

softgraywalls,twolongbenchesandahalfdozenpaddedsleepchairs.

Thedoorclosed,broughtsilence.

“Weofferclientsameditativespacetobalancethings.Yinandyang.Somebody’sintrouble?”

“TreyZiegler.”“Crap.”Lilldroppedonto

abench,gesturedforEveandPeabodytohaveaseat.“Hesworehe’dbehaveinAC.Do

Ihavetopostbond?”“HenevergottoAC.I

regrettoinformyouTreyZiegler’sdead.”

“Dead?”Shedidn’tgograyagain,butstiffened,toetocrown.“Whatdoyoumeandead?Likedead?”

“Exactlylikedead.”“OhmyGod.”She

shovedup,holdingherhandsoneithersideofherheadasshewalkedupanddowntheroom.“OhmyGod.Was

thereanaccident?”“No.We’reHomicide.”“You’re...”Lillstopped,

droppeddownagain.“Homicide.Murder?Somebodykilledhim?How?When?”

“Hewaskilledyesterdayevening.Whendidyoulastseeorspeakwithhim?”

“Yesterday.Abouttwo—no,closertoone.Ilethimgoearlysohecouldfinishgettinghisshittogetherand

gettoACintimeforthemixer,getfamiliarwiththefacilities.IsentGwen,too.IsGwenokay?”

“Gwen?”“GwenRollins,oneofour

instructors.”“Weretheytraveling

together?”“No,no.”Shepaused,

nearlydidaneyerollbeforeshecaughtherself.“No.”

“Didn’tgetalong?”“Didn’tnotgetalong.

Jesus,whathappenedtoTrey?”

“That’swhatwe’regoingtofindout.Didanyonehaveaproblemwithhim?”

“Notamurderproblem.Givemeasec,okay?”

Shesatthere,pressedherfingerstohereyes,tooklongslowbreaths.“He’ssomebodyIworkedwith,saweveryworkday,andsometimesoffdaysifhecamein.Yougettobepartof

eachother’slives,youknow,inaway.Weweren’ttightoutsidethework,buthewaspartofmylife.Nowhe’sdead.”

Sheloweredherhands,metEve’sgazedirectly.“He’s—was—agoodtrainer.Hetappedintotheclientreallywell,knewhowtomotivate.Betterattheone-on-onethangroup—hecouldn’tspreadhisattentionouttoagroupverywell,soI

didn’tusehimasaGroup-XinstructorunlessIwassqueezed.Damngoodmassagetherapist.Iusedhimafewtimesmyselfforthat.”

Shepushedherhandsthroughherhairagain,huffedoutabreath.“Andhewaskindofanasshole.”

“Whichkind?”“Withwomen.Hewasa

user.Didn’tseeanyproblemjugglingthem.Likedtheattention,andhebragged

abouthissexlife.Ihadtotellhimtochilltheremorethanonce.”

“Didhehitonclients?”“Sure,andviceversa.But

hewascarefulthere,Imeancarefulnottoscrewitup.Loseaclient,losemoney,andhelikedmoneyasmuchassex.Sohe’dkeepitlightwiththeclientsifitwentinthatdirection.He’dbeenlivingwithsomebodyforafewweeks,butthatbrokeoff.

SimaMurtagh—butshewouldn’thurtanybody.Bestthingthathappenedforherwhenhecutherloose.He’dbeenplayingaroundonherthewholetime.”

“Didsheknow?”“Idon’tthinkso.”Lill

sighed.“She’sasweetkid.Sheworksatthesalonjustdowntheblock.UltraYou.Iknowhewastappingacoupleclientswhentheyweretogether.Heleanedtoward

olderwomentherewithdisposablescratch.Thekindwho’dbookahotelsuiteforafewhoursoranight,buyhimdinnerorgiftsandnotgetemotionalaboutthewholething.And,shit,hewasrollingwithAllaagain,I’mprettysure.”

“AllaCoburn?”“Yeah,yeah.Sheowns

NaturalWay—it’slocal,too.Theywereathingforawhile,thenheditchedher,orshe

ditchedhimdependingonwho’stellingit,andhewentforSima.Alla’samember,andIwalkedinonherandTreyinaclutchjusttheotherday.Hegotabiglaughoutofit.”

Shelookeddownatherhands,miserably.“You’vegottounderstand.Theguyhadthelooks,thebody,thecharmwhenhewantedtouseit,andfromthereports,knewwhattodoinbed.”

“Didyouevertestthatoneoutforyourself?”

Lill’sheadcameupagain,andagainhereyesweredirect.“No,andtworeasons:I’mhissupervisor,andIlikemyjob.I’vegotakidtothinkabout—whichactuallymakesitthreereasonsandEvan’snumberone.Andthelast?IwasmarriedtoaTreyZiegler–typeforfouryears.Idon’trepeatmyself.”

“ButIbetyoucouldput

togetheralistofnameswhotriedhimout.”

“Yeah.”Lillhuffedoutabreath,pressedherfingerstohereyesagain.“Yeah,Icould.Youthinkitwasajealousthingorsexthingthatdidhim?Igetthat.Iwantedtodrop-kickmyexoutatwelve-storywindowplentybeforeweweredone.Stilldonowandthen.”

“Butyoutookatireirontohiscarinstead.”

Lillwinced.“Yeah,Idid.Look,Icomehomesickoneafternoon—crappycold.Thingsweren’tgreat,butwehadakidandIwantedtotrytostickitout.He’ssupposedtobewritingsomefreelancetravelarticle,watchingEvan,andIcomehome.Evan’sinhiscrib,crying,soakingwet,andtheasshole’sinbed,bangingournext-doorneighbor.ItookEvanstraighttomymother’s,gothim

changed,fed,settled,thenIwentback,gatheredupallofEvan’sstuff,mystuff,Icouldcarrywhiletheasshole’ssaying,Hey,don’tgetsowoundup.She’dcomeontohim.Ihaven’tbeenputtingoutmuchanyway.Heneededtorelax,andhewasn’tafuckingnursemaid.”

“He’sluckyyoudidn’thithimwiththetireiron,”Peabodycommented.

“Ohyeah,heis.Me,too,

Iguess,butIhadakidtothinkoffirst.Iwasgoingtotakethecar—hell,itwashalfmine—andhe’syellingoutthewindowhowifI’mgoingI’mgoingonfootwithwhat’sonmyback.IfItakethecar,he’scallingthecopssayingitwasstolen.SoIlostit.Igotoutthetireiron,beatthelivingcrapoutofthecar.Endedupgettingarrested.Itwasworthit.”

“It’sgottobeirritating,

havingsomeonelikeyourexonstaff.”

“God.”Sherubbedherhandsoverhershortcropofhairagain.“Okay.Itmakesmejittery,butIgetwhereyou’recomingfromsoI’lltellyoustraight.ThefirstcoupleoftimesIsawhimplayingoneoftheinstructors,Igavethemtheword.Youknow,youwanttobecareful.Andgottoldtomindmyown.SoImindedmyown,

evenwhenIlostafewinstructors.IlaiditouttoTrey.Iloseanother,I’mgoingtofindawaytoloseyou.Hedidn’tlikeit,butI’mthefreakingmanager,andI’dhavegottenridofhim—professionally,”sheadded.“HestoppedhittingoncoworkersbecauseheknewIcouldandwouldcuthimloose.WhathedidoutsideBB?It’snotformetosay.”

“Rumorishewas

thinkingaboutstartinghisownplace.”

Lilllaughed.“Hewouldn’tbethefirsttohavethedream.TreygotprettygrandrecentlyfromwhatIheard.Butitwasjusttalk.Look,hetargetedwomenlikeSimaandAllabecausetheywerehardworkers,becausethey’dpaytherentorthebulkofit.Hecouldliveoffthemandblowhispayonclothesandsportsequipment.

He’dneverhaveputenoughscratchtogethertofinanceaplacelikethis.”

“I’mtoldhewasdoingsomeafter-hoursworkaroundhere.”

“Iworkdays—I’vegotEvan—butyeah,he’dbeencominginoff-hours.Staff’sallowedtousethefacilitiesofftheirshift,oradjusttheirscheduletosuitaclient.WerunsixA.M.totenP.M.,andInoticedhimswipinginpretty

regularlyaftertenonthelog.Hesaidhewasusingthecompstoprogramsomenewtrainingsessions,gettingalateworkoutinwhentheplacewasquiet.Hebroughtintheclients,earnedhispayandcommission.Ididn’tmakeathingofit.”

“Okay.Hehasalockerhere.”

“Allthestaffhavelockers.”

“We’dliketogetintoit.I

cangetawarrant.”“Noneedforit.Ifhe

doesn’twantthecopstohavealltheinformationtheycangetonfindingoutwhokilledhim,he’stoostupidtoliveanyway.”

Intrigued,Evenodded.“That’sonewayoflookingatit.”

Lilltookthemdowntothestafflockers—atightlittleroomwithwallunits,twonarrowbenches,atoiletstall

andaskinnyshower.“Wehaveanotherstaff

lockerroomonthethirdfloor.Mostlytheguysusethisone,thewomenusethat,butthey’recoed.Heputasecondlockonhisacoupleweeksago.Peopledo,sometimes—clientsandstaff.WhichiswhyIhaveauniversalmasterbecausehalfthetimepeopleforgettheircodes.”

Lillranitunderthefirst

lockonce,thentwice.Frowned,ranitunderthemainlock.

“It’snotreading.”“Letmetrymine.”Eve

steppedin,repeatedtheprocesswiththesameresults.“He’sgonetosometroublehere.That’sinteresting.”SheglancedatPeabody.“McNab.”

“Onit.”“I’mcallinginsomeone

fromourElectronics

DetectiveDivision.He’llaccessandconfiscateanythinginthelocker.Youcanbepresentifyouwant.”

Withherhandsonherhips,Lillfrownedatthelocker.“IkindofdojustbecauseIwanttoknowwhatthehellhe’sgotinthere.”

“Meanwhile,whydon’tyougivemealistofnames.People,youknow,whomighthavewantedtotakeatireirontohiscar.”

Lilllaughedweakly,said,“Crap.”

WhiletheywaitedforMcNab,EvehadPeabodydoarunonAllaCoburnandthenamesLilllistedwhileEvetalkedtotheinstructorsandtrainersonduty.

ShebrokeoffwhenshespottedMcNab.

Hestoodoutamongthehardbodies,thesix-packs,theoiledguns.

Thenagain,hestoodout

anywhere.Inhislongredcoatand

brightgreenwatchcaphelookedlikeaskinnytwiginaforestofsequoias.Thelongtailofhishairbouncedsunnilyathisbackasheprancedinongelbootsthesamecolorasthecap.Alineofsilverringsglitteredonthecurveofhisear.

Shewatchedhisprettyfacelightup,followedthedirectionofhisgazeto

Peabody.Love,Evethought,came

inallcolors,shapes,andsizes.

ShecutacrosshispathbeforetheEDDaceandherpartnerdidsomethingembarrassinglikelocklipsonduty.

“Doublelocks,”shesaidwithoutpreamble.“Onefactoryinstalled,oneadd-on,bothreprogrammedtoblockmasteraccess.”

“Gotyourbypassrighthere.”Hepattedoneofthehalfdozenpocketsofhiscoat.“Somesweatbox,”headdedwithaglancearound.“YourDBworkhere?”

“Hedid.”“Guesshediedfit.Makes

youthink,doesn’tit?Eatrabbitfood,sweatdaily,dieanyhow.Hey,She-Body.Youforgotyourtoewarmersthismorning.”Hepulledapairofthingelsoutofoneofhis

pockets.“Thanks.Aw,you

activatedthem.”“Can’thavemygirl’s

tootsiescold.”“Don’tsayawagain,”

Eveordered,anticipating.“Andneversaytootsies.You’rewearingbadges,forGod’ssake.Thisway.”

Sheknewdamnwelltheydidtheirlittlefingertapbehindherback.

“Nothingstoodoutonthe

run,Lieutenant.”Peabodymadeupforthefingertapwithabriskreport.“Acoupleminorbumps,onewithsomeoutstandingtrafficviolations,butnothingthatrang.Coburn’srunherbusinessoutofitscurrentlocationfornearlysixyears.”

“Okay.Nobodylikedhim.Mostofthecoworkersdon’tcomerightoutandsayso,butit’sclearhewon’tbeespeciallymissedaround

here.Wordslikearrogant,sneaky,ambitious,andassholearethemostpopular.”

ShenoddedtoLill.“LillByers,themanager,

willwitnessouraccesstothedeceased’semployeelocker.I’dalsolikeDetectiveMcNabtotakealookatanycomputerZieglerwouldhaveused.”

“Oh,man.”Lilldidthehandoverhairscoop.“Staff

loungeonthethirdfloor.We’vegottwominisupthere.Mostlyeverybodybringstheirownpocketortab,butweprovidethetwominis,fullsoftware.Idon’tknowhispasscode.”

“Icangetit,”McNabassuredher.

Insidethelockerroomhepulledascanneroutofhispocket,ranitoverthefirstlock.

“Changedthefactory

default,upgraded.Wait.”Usinghisthumbshekeyedinsomesortofcode,ranthescanneragain.“Seriousupgrade.Bank-vaultqualityonagymlocker.Huh.”

“Howlongisthisgoingtotake?”Evedemanded.

“Heredidtheworks,andhe’sgotathirteen-digitcodeonthere,layered.It’sgoingtotakeafewminutes.”

Evejammedherhandsinherpockets,thoughtof

Roarke.Herhusband,theformerthief,wouldlikelyslipthroughthedamnlockslikesmoke.Butshecouldhardlyaskhimtoputapauseonhisdayasemperorofthebusinessworldtoopenadamngymlocker.

“Whywouldhegotoallthistrouble?”Lillwondered.“Whatthehellhashegotinthere?”

“That’swhatwe’regoingtofindout.”

“Whythehellnotgetalockboxathome,orabankbox?”

EvewatchedMcNabpainstakinglyworkthroughthecode.“Employeelocker’sfree,right?”

“Yeah.”Lillsighed,shookherhead.“Cheapbastard.Shit,shit!That’shorrible.He’sdead.Ididn’tmean—”

“Don’tworryaboutit,”Eveadvised.

“MaybeIcouldgetyouallsomething.Somejuice,asmoothie.Wehavesomereallyniceteas.Whydon’t—”

“Gotit!”Thelastnumberclicked,

disengagingtheprimarylock.“Okay,heputtwolayers

oftwelveonthisone,”McNabmuttered,moretohimselfthantheroom.“Totaloverkill,totalwaste’causeallIhavetodois...Yeah,

yeah,yeah.”Numberspoppedupon

hisscanner,glowingredashetappedhisthumbs,jiggledhiships,tappedhisfootinthedancesomanye-menchoreographedwhileworking.

SecondstickedtominutesuntilEvehadtopaceawayandbackagainafewtimestokeepfromnagginghimtogetthedamnthingopen.

“Nearlythere,Dallas.Not

suchatrickyone.Justtedious.Hespentalotoftimeonthelayers,butnopizzazz.Justtakessometime.”Heglancedoverather,grinned.“Watchitbeemptyafterallthis!Wouldn’tthatbeabitch?”

“Don’tmakemekickyourass,McNab.”

“Lastsequencecomingup,lockingin,and...bam!Overridden.It’sallyours,Lieutenant.”

“Okay,let’sseewhatwassofrickingimportant.”

Itwasn’tempty.Wrappedpacksofbills

formedneatstacksandrows.Lowdenomination,Evenoted,bandedinthousand-dollarpacks.

“Holyshit!”LillclampedahandonEve’sshoulderassheleanedin,goggled.“Holyshit,wheredidTreygetallthatmoney?Cashmoney.Whohasthatkindofreal

moneyanywhere?”“Goodquestion.Peabody,

let’sgetanaccuratecountwithMs.Byersaswitness,thensealandlog.Heputthesecondlockonwhen?”

“Ah.God.Maybeamonthago,”Lillmanaged.“Maybemorelikesixweeks.Yeah,morelikesixweeksago.”

JustwhatkindofsidebusinesshadZieglerlaunchedinthepastfewweeks?Eve

wondered.Whateverithadbeen,ithadprovenlucrativeanddeadly.

“Ahundredandsixty-fivethousand,Dallas.Ahundredandsixty-fivethousand-dollarstacks,andonebrokenstackwithfivethousand.Crispnewtwenty-dollarbills,”Peabodyadded.“Rubber-banded.Notbank-banded.”

“Sealitup.McNab,gothroughthestaffcompshere,thentakehishomeunit,his

’link.Dotheworks.Weappreciateyourtimeandcooperation,”shetoldLill.

“Willyoukindofkeepmeuponthings?Ican’tbelieveTreyhadallthatmoneyinthere.Ican’tbelievehe’sdead.Noneofthisisreallygettingthrough,youknow?”

“Willletyouknowwhatwecanwhenwecan.”

“Okay.Oh,listen,letmegetyouabag.A

complimentaryBuffBodiesgymbag.Youcan’tcarryallthatmoneyoutofhereinthoseclearbags.”

“Goodthought.”Onceitwasloadedupin

theboldredbagwiththeglitterydoubleBlogo,Eveglancedatherwristunit.“We’regoingtotakeagood,hardlookathisfinancials.Weneedtogetthisintoevidence,thendoublebackhere,talktoCoburn,checkin

withMorris,andstartworkingdownZiegler’sclientlist.”

“Iknowbut,Dallas?I’mcarryingahundredandsixty-fivethousanddollarsinagymbag.”PeabodyslungitoverhershoulderlikeSantaClausastheywalkedbackoutintothecold.“Imean,jeez!Ho,ho,freakingho!”

“I’veneverheldthismuchmoneyatonetime

inmylife.Ithoughtitwouldbeheavier,”PeabodysaidastheywalkedintoCopCentral.

“Whatkindofassholekeepsthatmuchcashinastafflockeratagym?Cheapbastard’sright.Wantedthecash,”Evespeculated.“Norecordofitthatway,youcanwashcasheasyenough.”

“I’llstartonthefinancials,butnowaythat

wassaveduporlegit.Itwasallnewmoney.Newmoneysmellsreallygood.”

“Nosniffingtheevidence.”Evehoppedofftheglide.

ShewantedtoswingintoHomicide,checkafewthings,starthermurderbookandboardwhilePeabodydugintothevic’sfinancials.Thenthey’dcirclebackaroundforinterviews.

PlusherofficeatCentral

offeredtheonethingshehadn’thadaccesstosinceshe’dbeenrudelycalledoutofawarmbedinthemiddleofthenight.

Realcoffee.Sheturnedintothe

bullpenandthenoiseofcomps,voices,’links.Someonehaddugoutatattyandtawdrylengthofsilvergarland,strungitoverthesidewindows.Aneventattiersignannouncing“HAPPY

HOLIDAYS”hungcrookedlyfromit.

Perhapsthesamedeterminedelfhaddraggedinthepitiful,spindlyfaketree,proppeditinacorner.IDshotsofdetectivesanduniformsdecoratedthebrancheswithEve’sstuckonthestubbytop.

“Seriously?”Theslick-suitedDetective

Baxtersteppedovertostudyitwithher.“Santiagopulled

itoutoftherecycler.”“Wastenot,wantnot,”

Santiagosaidfromhisdesk.“Carmichaeldidthedecorations.”

“We’rethespiritofHomicideChristmas,”Carmichaelclaimed.“Ifmurdercopscan’tbefestivethistimeofyear,whocan?”

“What?‘Happyholidays,fucker,you’reunderarrest’?”

Carmichaelgrinned.“Worksforme.”

“It’snotbad.Peabody,financials.”Sheturned,startedtowardheroffice,andgotthenextsurprisewhenRoarkewalkedout.

Helookedperfect—asifthegodshadgottentogetheroverdrinksonenightanddecidedtojointogethertocreatesomethingextraordinary.Sothey’dcarvedthefaceofawickedangel,addedeyesofwildblue,thensculptedamouth

designedtomakeawomanyearntohaveitpressedtohers.

Thoseeyeswarmednow,themouthcurved.

Love,shethoughtagain,cameinallcolors,shapes,andsizes.

She’dhitthejackpotwithhers.

“Thereyouare,Lieutenant.”TheIrelandofhisbirthwoundsmoothlythroughhiswords.“Ijustleft

youamemocube.”“DidIforgetmytoe

warmers?”Hiseyebrows,thesame

inky-blackasthehairthatspillednearlytohisshoulders,raised.“Yourwhatnow?”

“Nothing.Comeonbackifyou’vegotaminute.”

“Idonow.”Hebrushedahanddown

herarmastheystartedback.Hisversion,shesupposed,of

thePeabody/McNabfingertiptap.

“Yourmenweren’tsurewhentoexpectyouback.Ihadaquickmeetingdownthisway,soIstoppedin.”

Theysteppedintohertinyoffice.

Roarkecuppedherfaceinhishands,kissedherbeforeshecouldobject.“Goodmorning.”Thenheflickedafingerdowntheshallowdentinherchin.“You’veputina

longdayalready.”“Deadguy,”shesaid

simply.“Andwhatdoesthedead

guyhavetodowithTrina?”“Exofafriend.Ineed

coffee.”SheturnedtotheAutoChef,programmedtwo,hotandblack.“Iwasreadytostrangleherwithherownhairforgettingmeupandoutatthathour,but—Oh,thankfatSantaandallthepointed-nosedelves,”shesaidatthe

firstsipofcoffee.Shetookanotherhit,then

shruggedoutofhercoat,tosseditaside.“Sheandherpalgotjuicedup,wenttotheex’splacetodosomemischief—itchingpowderlevel.Jesus,aretheytwelve?Insteadtheyfindtheexdead.Bashedinthehead,thenstabbed.Killerleftafestivenote.”

Hefollowedit,andher,easilyenoughashesippedhis

coffee.“You’veeliminatedTrinaandthefriend?”

“Yeah,yeah.Guywasanasshole.WorkedoveratBuffBodies.We’vejustcomefromthere.IhadtosendforMcNabtoaccesshisemployeelocker.Thevicdoubledthelock,programmedittoblockmasters.”

“Apityyoudidn’ttagmeasIwasclose.”

“Didn’tknoworImight

have.”“Andwhatwashe

hiding?”“Ahundredsixty-five

thousandincash.Alltwenties,allnewbills.”

“Interesting.Now,that’sveryinterestingindeed.”

“Notahugehaulinthegrandscheme—aRoarkegrandschemeanyway—butanicepileforaguywholivedinacrampedlittleapartmentinadiceyneighborhoodand

likedreallyniceclothes.”“It’sconsiderable,”

Roarkecorrected,“inanyscheme,whentuckedawayinagymlocker.”

“Yeah,itis.Thewayitlooks,hegotthewindfallinthelastfewweeksanddumpedTrina’sfriendshortlythereafter.Hewasalreadybangingsomebodyelse.Andhewasuptosomethingatwork.Don’tknowwhat,butsomething.McNab’sonhis

electronics.Peabody’sonthefinancials.I’mgoingtowriteupthereport,openthebook,thengotalktotheexbeforehislastex.”

“Busy,busy.WhatdidhedoatBuffBodies?”

“Personaltrainingandmassagework.”

“Hmm.Thesortofintimacythatleadspeopletotalkaboutpersonalbusiness.Blackmail?”

“Myfirstpick.”Shecould

appreciatehe’dleantherefirst,too.“I’vegottofigurewhateverhewasinto,itwasanewenterprise.Hemadenoisesaboutstartinghisownplaceinthetropics.”

“ItwouldtakemorethanundertwohundredKtostartupatropicalfitnessbusiness.”

“Yeah,buthewasanasshole.”

“Perhapsonewhoplannedtoaddtothat

windfall.I’llletyougetbacktoit.Icanfitaquickbitofshoppinginbeforemynextmeeting.”

“Don’tsayshopping.”Hegrinnedather.

“Haven’tfinishedyet,haveyou?”

“There’stime.Plentyoftime.”

“Mmm.Barelystartedthen.”Hekissedherbetweentheeyebrows.“Bestofluckthere.I’llseeyouathome.”

“Istarted,”shecalledout,heardhimchuckleashewalkedaway.“Sortof.”

Frowning,shepickedupthememocubehe’dleftonherdesk.Activated.

Iwasintheneighborhood,soIstoppedin.Charmingholidaydecorinyourbullpen,Lieutenant.AsIdidn’tgiveyouyour

dailyreminderthismorning,considerthisthat.You’vetwodaysuntilourholidayparty.Meanwhile,takecareofmycop.

“Twodays?Howdiditgettobetwodays?”

Shedroppeddownatherdesk.Okay,sheadmitted,shoppinghadnowbumpeduptotheurgentareaonherto-

dolist.Butfirstthingsfirst.Shebegansettingupher

murderboard.Blackmail,shethought.

Extortion.Ascam.Nowayshe’dbuyZiegler

cameintomorethanahundredfiftylargebylegalmeans.

Sowhohadheblackmailed,extorted,scammed?

Whoeveritwaswouldtop

herlistofsuspects.Shejusthadtogetthere.

REDSHOES,shewroteonhernotes,thengrabbedhercoat,headedout.

“Peabody,withme.”“Nothinghinkyinhis

financialsIcanfind,”Peabodysaid,scurryingtokeepup.“Helivedclose,butnotbecausehespentalotonfoodandlodging.It’sallclothes,skincare,bodyandhairservices,thatsortof

thing.Hespentonhimself,hisappearance.Nomajordepositsorwithdrawals.Alotofcharges,butintheareasIsaid.Heendsupwithalotoflatefees,butheeventuallypays.”

“So,it’sallshowandself-indulgence.Andsex.”

“Sortoflikealicensedcompanionwithoutthelicense.”

“Notbad,Peabody.”Everiskedtheelevator,

wonderedwhohadhadthebrightideatopumpinholidaymusicinacopshop.Andhowshecouldpunishthem.

“Hecould’vestartedchargingforsexontheside,butIdon’tcarehowgoodhewas,nobody’sworththatkindofscratchinsideafewweeks.Aclientcouldgetagood,experienced,safeLCforareasonablerate.Butblackmail’sanotherthing.

Threatentotellaspouse,maybe.”

“Shortsighted,”Peabodycommentedastheyreachedgaragelevel.“You’dforsurelosetheclientifyoublackmailedher,thenyoulosethecommissionandanychanceformore.”

“Somepeopleonlyseetherightnow,andendupkillingthegoldenduck.”

“Goose.Thegoldengoose.”

“Duck,goose,what’sthedifference?They’rebothweird-lookingbirds.”

“DidyoueverplayDuck,Duck,Goose?”

Evepulledoutofthegarage,intotraffic.“DidIeverplaywithducksandgoose—geese?WhythehellwouldI?”

“No,thekids’game,whereyousitaroundinacircle,thenonekidwalksaround,tappingtheotherkids

onthehead.Shesays,‘Duck,duck,’untilshetapsoneandsays,‘Goose.’Thenthatone,thegoose,chasesheraroundthecircle,triestocatchherbeforeshegetstowherethegooseonewassitting.Ifshedoesn’tcatchher,shegoesaroundthecircle.”

Evestaredoutthewindshield.“Thathastobethedumbest-assgameofalldumb-assgames.”

“It’skindoffunwhen

you’resix.WehadroastgoosewhenwewenttoScotlandtovisitMcNab’sfamilyoverChristmas,”Peabodycontinued,obviouslycaughtinatheme.“Itwasreallygood.We’redoingthequickinandoutshuttlethisyeartoseemyfamily.It’llbesoyandtofuandlotsofveg,whichdoesn’tcompare.Butmygrannywillbake,alot—andthatmakesupforeverything.Shemakesthe

mostincrediblemincemeatpie.”

“Ithoughtyourguysdidn’teatmeat.”

“Mostlytheydon’t.Mincemeatisn’tmeat.”

“Thenwhydotheycallitmeat?”

Peabodysatamoment,baffled.“Idon’tknow.Maybeitusedtohavemeat,butmygrannydoesn’tmakeitlikethat.It’sallkindoffruitandspicesandIthink

somewhiskeyorsomething.Ihavetoaskfortherecipenow.Ilikemakingpies.”

Holidayshoppinghadinfecteddowntown.Withalltheshopsopen,hypinggiftseveryonehadtohave,parkingbecamemorechallenging.Evebeatoutaminiforasecond-levelspacebypunchingverticalandzippingupandinwithacoupleofcoatsofpainttospare.

“Jesus,Dallas,warnme

nexttime.Lookthere’sabakery.Bakeriessometimeshavehotchocolate,andalwayshavepastries.IhadasimulatedeggpocketfromVending.Itwasworsethanitsounds.Alotworse.”

“Later,”EvesaidandarrowedstraighttoNaturalWay.

Itwasaquietlittleplace,homey,withwhatEvethoughtofasFree-Agey,forestyfairymusicplaying

softly.Itsmelledofcranberries,

andalittlepine,ahintofcinnamon.And,indeed,shesawthedailyspecialdrinkwassomesortofcranberry-cinnamontea.

AfewpeoplesatattinytablesdrinkingoutofmugsthecolorofstoneoreatingwhatlookedtoEvelikegrassandberries,orinonecaseamuffinthatresembledtreebark.

Thecountergirlofferedadreamysmile.“WelcometotheNaturalWay.Whatcanwedoforyourbody,mind,andspirit?”

“Youcangettheowner.”Eveheldupherbadge.

“Oh,you’dliketoseeAlla?She’sbusyinthekitchen.We’vealreadyrunoutofouryamberrymuffins,andwe’relowonournipnannapie.”

“That’saproblem.You

needtogether.”“Ido?”“Yes,forthegoodofyour

body,mind,andspirit.”“Oh,okay.”“Whatthehellis

nipnanna?”Evewondered.“Turnipandbananapie.”Eveturnedherhead,

lookedhardintoPeabody’sface.“You’vegottobelying.”

“Not.Myauntmakesit.It’snotquiteasbadasit

sounds,butalmost.Yamberrymuffins,now—that’syamsandcranberries—that’sprettygoodstuff.”

“Please.”“It’snoappleDanish,but

it’sprettygood.”Allasteppedout.Her

chestnuthairwasbundledunderasquatchef’scap,leavingherfresh,prettyfaceunframed.Sheworealong,flowereddressoverawillowyform,andagraybib

apronoverthedress.“Isthereaproblem?”she

began.“Couldbe.”Eveshowed

herthebadge.“Weneedtotalk.”

“Idon’tunderstand.I’muptodateoneverything.Businesslicense,healthdepartment.”

“It’snotaboutthat.Isthereaplacewecantalk?”

“We’rereallybusyintheback.”Sheglancedbehind

her.“We’rerunningholidayspecials,andthey’repayingoff.Wecangrabthattableoverthere.Dora,let’shavethree-drinkspecials.Icouldusealittlebreak.”

“Rightaway,Alla.”Shepulledoffhercapas

shewalkedaroundthecounter.Along,sleektailofhairtumbledout.

“What’sthisabout?”“TreyZiegler.”Irritationflickeredin

Alla’slargebrowneyes.“Whatabouthim?”shedemandedasshesat.“Ifhe’sintroubleandlookingformetobailhimout,hecanforgetit.”

“He’sdead.”“What?”Shejerkedback

asifpunched.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Hisbodywasfoundearlythismorning.Whendidyoulastseehim?”

“That’snotright.That’sa

mistake.”Notears,Evenoted,butif

shewasfakingtheshockanddenial,shewasdamngoodatit.

“You’vemadeamistake,”Allasaid,thewordsslow,careful.“Trey’snotdead.”

“TreyZiegler,”Evesaid,keepinghertoneflatandbriskasshebroughthisIDshotuponherPPC.“ThisTreyZiegler.”

“Thiscan’tberight.Thiscan’tbetrue.”

Stillnotears,buttremblesinthevoice,inthehands.

“Youandthevictimwereinvolved.”

“Vic—victim?Victim?”“Hereyouare,Alla.

Wouldyouliketosplitayamberrymuffin?Afreshbatchjustcameout.”

“We’refine,”EvesaidwhenAllaonlystaredstraightahead.“Goaway.”

“How...whathappened?How?”

“WhendidyoulastseeorspeakwithTreyZiegler?”

“I...”“Areyoumissingapair

ofredshoes,Alla?”“OhGod.OhGod.”She

coveredherfacewithherhands.“Iwasgoingtolie.Idon’tevenknowwhy.Ican’ttakeitin.Isawhimyesterday,justyesterday.Hewasfine.”

“Tellmeaboutyesterday.”

“I’dseenhimthatmorning,early,atthegym.BuffBodies.Iwasthereformyearlyyogaclassand...we’dstartedthinkingaboutseeingeachotheragain.He’dbrokenthingsoffwiththewomanhe’dbeenlivingwith,andhesaidhemissedme.Itwasstupid.Iwasstupid,butheaskedmetocometohisplace.Itookoffforacouple

hours,evendressedupforit.Stupid,stupid.AndIjumpedrightbackinbedwithhim.

“Imissedthesex,”sheadmitted.“He’sgoodinbed,andhe’sgotawayofmakingyoufeelyoumatter,foraslongashewantstomakeyoufeelthatway.Afterward,hestartedtalkingaboutgoingtoArubaorSt.Bart’s,startingupafitnessspa.AtfirstIthoughthewasaskingmetogowithhim,howwecould

startupthiswholethingtogether.Itwasfantasy,butitwasnice.Butthatwasn’tit.”

Shepressedherhandtohermouth,rockedherselfamoment.“Thatwasn’titatall.Wehadasecondroundofsex,andIreallyneededtogetback,butIwould’vestayedifhe’dasked.That’showstupidhecouldmakeme.InsteadhesaidIwasoneofthebestbangs,thatIcouldmakealivingatit.LikeIshouldbe

flattered.ThenheaskedifI’dbeinterestedindoingathreesome,thathehadthisclient,andshewaslookingforalittleadventure.He...Hesaidhe’dpayme.”

Tearsshimmerednow.“He’dpayme.”

“Thatmust’vepissedyouoff.”

“Icouldn’tbelievehowstupidI’dbeen.Howstupid,andallforanorgasm.Itoldhimtogotohell.Istarted

grabbingmyclothes,andhe’slyingtherelaughing,saying,Oh,comeon,baby,it’llbefun.Howhe’dmakeitworthmywhile,howIwasthefirstwomanhe’dthoughtofwhenitcameup.”

Thetearsflowedoutnow,butnotfromgrief.Evereadtheshameclearly.

“That’swhathethoughtofme.Iallowedhimtothinkthatofme.Igotout,Igotout,andIsaid...OhmyGod,I

saidIwishedhewasdead.Nowheis.”

“YouleftinDecember,withnoshoes.”

“Ihadmyworkshoesinmybag.”SheshowedEvethenavybluerecycled-materialclogs.“Ididn’teventhinkaboutthedamnredshoes.Ineverwanttoseethemagain.Iworethemforhim.Iletmyselfthinkhecaredaboutme,buthedidn’t.”

“Whattimedidyouleave

theapartment?”“Um,aboutthreeinthe

afternoon.Iwenthome,tookashower,andIcamerightbackhere.Ineededtowork.IthinkIwasbackherebeforefour.Youcancheckwithanyofthestaff.”

“Andwhattimedidyouleavehereyesterday—fortheday?”

“Six-fifteen,six-thirty.Iwenthome.Iliverightupstairs.Iwenthome,andI

hadagoodcry.ThenIatemyentiresecretstashofcookiedoughicecream—therealstuff.Idrankahalfbottleofwineandwatchedcheesyvids.”

“Didyoutalktoanyone,seeanyone?”

“No.Iturnedoffmy’link.Iwantedtowallow,soIwallowed.Ididn’tkillhim.IsaidIwishedhewasdead,butIdidn’tkillhim.”

Backoutside,Evegauged

thedistancefromthehealth-foodstoretothecrimescene.

“Shecouldhavewalkedoutofhereatsix-fifteen,gonebacktohisplace,bashedhimonthehead.PlentyoftimetogetfromheretotherebyTOD.”

“Yeah,butherstatementreallyrings,”Peabodyargued.“Eatingicecream,drinkingwine,watchingsadvids.It’swhatalotofwomendoafterabadbreakuporan

emotionaljolt.”“Whichiswhyshe’drun

thatrouteforus,wouldn’tshe?Itmayring,butshehadmotiveandshe’sgotnoalibi.”

“Itfeelsmorelikeshe’dhavebashedhim,ifshe’sinclinedtobashing,whenhebroughtupthethreesomeandpayingherforit.”

Thoughsheagreed,Eveshrugged.“Maybeshe’saslowburn.Let’sgocheckin

T

withMorris,thenwecanstartworkingontheclients.Maybewecanfindoutwhohehadinmindforthethirdmemberofhisthreesome.”

•••

hewhitetunnelofthemorguesmelledofa

recentcleaning.Somethingthatbrushedlemonsoverdeathandleftanundertoneofindustrialantiseptic.

Evewonderedifthosewhospenttheirdaysandnightsworkinginitswarrensevennoticed.

ShepassedVending’sbrightandcolorfullights,feltalow-levelcravingformorecaffeine,noddedtooneofthecrewpushingabodybagonagurney.

Notallthedeadwerehers,shethought,butinanoddway,theyallbelongedtoMorris.

Shefoundthechiefmedicalexaminerstandingoverherdead,aclearprotectivecapeoverMorris’ssharplyelegantsuitofforestgreen.

Twomorebodieswaitedonsteelslabs.

“You’vegotabackup,”shecommented.

“Holidays.Somedeckthehalls,othersopttohauntthem.Anapparentsuicidepact,butwe’llsee.”He

loweredhismicrogoggles,smiled.“Alongdayforyoualready.Canweofferyousomerefreshment?Ihaveorangefizziesinthefriggie.”

Peabodybrightened.“Yeah?”

“Iknowmycops.Pepsi’scold,Dallas.”

“Thanks.Youlook...cheerful.”

“Ihadacoupleofdaysoff,visitedsomeoldfriends.Itwasgoodforme.”

“Nice.”Anditwasgoodtoseehimwearingcoloragain,lookingrelaxed.Inthemonthssincehe’dlostthewomanheloved,thegriefandstrainhadweighedvisiblyonhim.

ShecrackedthetubePeabodybroughther,tookaswigofcoldcaffeine.“So.Ziegler,Trey.Hewon’tbedeckinganyhalls,either.”

“Bluntforcetrauma,triedandtrue.”

“Personaltraineroftheyeartrophy.”

“Ah,theirony.Yourvicwasratherfiercelyfit.Exceptionalmuscletone,lowbodyfat,nosignswhatsoeverhepaidforbodywork.AndImustsayhisskin’swonderfullytautandsmooth.”

“Helovedhimself,alot.”“Hehadabunchofhigh-

endproducts,”Peabodyadded.“Hair,body,skin.

Someofitwasn’tevenopenedyet.”HerwistfulsighearnedahardstarefromEve.“Itjustseemslikeawaste,that’sall.”

“Anditdoesn’tseemghoulishtocovetadeadguy’sfacegunk?Face-to-face,thefirstblow?”EveaskedMorris.

“Yes.Strikinghere,ontheleftforehead,andthesecondonthebackoftheskull.”

Heturnedtohisscreen,broughtuptheviewofthesecondwound,nowcleaned.“Whilethefirstblowwouldhaveincapacitated—severeconcussion,considerablebleeding,leavingthejaggedgashyouseehere,thesecond,adown-blowofconsiderableforce,fracturedtheskull,drivingbonefragmentsintothebrain.Deathwithinminutes.Thetrophyhadsomeweight,I’dsay.”

“Yeah,it’shefty.Agoodsix,sevenpounds.Abouteighteenincheshigh.”

“We’lljustaddthatin.”Heturnedtohiscomp,keyedinsomedata.

“Ithadafigureontop,”Peabodyadded.“Rippedbody.”Sheheldoutherarms,flexed.

“Ofcourse,”Morrismurmured,hisexoticeyesamusedasheaddedmoredata.“Fromtheangles,the

depthoftheheadwounds,theattackwouldhavegone—probabilityninety-six-point-eightpercent—likethis.”

Onscreentwofiguresfaced.Onegrippedthetrophyinbothhandsswungrighttoleft,strikingtheotherfigureonthetemple.Ziegler’sfigurestaggeredback,thenpitchedforward.Asitfell,theattackerswungagain—nowlefttoright—strikingthebackoftheskull.

“Double-handedblows.”“Consideringtheweight

oftheweapon,andtheangles,theforce,that’smyconclusion.Likeswingingforthefencesonthefirst,thenroundingback,strikingdown—almostachop—forthesecond.”

“Zieglerwassix-one.Youhavethekilleraboutthesameheight.”

“Yes,fromtheangles,neartothesame.Aninchor

twoeitherway,butIwouldn’tsaymore.AndI’dalsoconcludethekillerhadexcellentupper-bodystrength.Thesewerenotglancingblows.”

“Yeah,Igetthat.Thenyou’vegotahundred-eightypoundsofdeadweight—allmuscle—tohauloffthefloorandontothebed.”

“Ourkillerisn’taninety-poundweakling.Anoldcliché,”MorrissaidatEve’s

blanklook.“Asfortheknifewound,thevicwasdeadbeforethatwasinflicted—andstilltherewasconsiderableforceused,enoughtobreakthetipoftheknife.”Hegesturedtoasmallsamplebowl,andthetinypieceofmetalitheld.

“Somebodywasreallypissedoff,”Eveacknowledged.“Didthevichavesexbeforedeath?”

“Ican’tthinkofanyone

whowouldn’tliketo,butIcan’ttellyou.He’dshoweredorbathed—andthoroughly.Hesportswhat’scalledaContinental.”

Evelookeddownattherazorthin,sharplyedgedzigzagofhairatthecrotch.“Yeah,Inoticedthat.Weird.”

“Buttidy.Hisgenitalsandwhatpubichairhehaswerethoroughlywashedandgroomed.Hediedclean.He’dconsumedabouteightounces

ofredwinelessthananhourpriortodeath,afieldgreensaladandanenergydrinkabouttwohoursprior.”

“Hehadalittlebagofdriedleavesinhissuitcase.Lookedandsmelledliketeatome,but...”

“Thetoxisn’tbackyet—they’rebackedupasusual—butfromtheconditionofhisbody,hisorgans,I’ddoubthehadanyhabitualillegalsuse.Iseenosignshetookanysort

ofdrugsonaregularbasis.Thiswasaveryhealthymaninpeakphysicalcondition.”

“Personaltraineroftheyear.”

“Inlifeandindeath.”“Thanks.”Sherolledup

heremptyPepsitube,two-pointeditintohisrecycler.“Thathelped.”

“Anytime.I’mlookingforwardtoyourparty.It’sthebashoftheseason.”

“Yeah?I’dguessZiegler

W

probablyfeelshisbigtrophywasthebashoftheseason.”

“Ha,”Morrissaid.

•••

ithPeabody,Eveworkeddown

Ziegler’sclientlist,givingprioritytowomenofmeans.

ShehitthemanagingpartnerofaSoHoartgallery,theCFOofareal-estatecompany,theownerofa

smallchainofboutiquedayspas,andacoupleofwomenwho’dmarriedwellandspentmostoftheirtimespendingmoney.

“Thelastonewasskinnyasasnakeandbarelyfive-foot-four.”

“Andhercurrenthusbandissix-foot,alsohasaBBmembership,andplayslacrosse.Jealoushusbandsqualify,Peabody.Werunhim.”

“Gotit.”Evewalkedtowardthe

elegantthree-storybrownstonedrenchedinholidayglamour.“We’lltakethisone—NatashaQuigley,spouseJohnJakeCopley—bothclients.Thenwe’llcallitfortheday.”

“Yay.Mybutt’sdragging.”

“Well,hikeitup.”Sherangthebuzzer.

Goodafternoon.

Thecomputerizedvoiceintonedpolitereserve.

Pleasestateyournameandyourbusiness.

“LieutenantDallas,DetectivePeabody.NYPSD.”Eveheldupherbadgetobescanned.“OurbusinessiswithMs.QuigleyandMr.Copley.”

Youridentificationhasbeenverified.Onemomentplease.

“Peopleoughttoanswertheirowndoorsonceinawhile,”Evesaid,“justtoseewhatitfeelslike.”

“YouhaveSummerset,”Peabodypointedout.“Andareallybiggate.”

BeforeEvecouldrespond,thedooropened.Awoman—noadroid,Eve

realizedquickly—inasmartgrayuniformsmiledwiththesamereservedpolitenessasthesecuritycomp.“Pleasecomein.Ms.Quigleywillseeyou.”

Thehouseopeneduptoasoaringthree-storyfoyer.Free-formsilverchandeliersdrippeddown,showeringlightoverwhatEvethoughtmightbetheoriginalwoodfloors.

Thatspaceflowedintoa

livingareawhereafiresnappedinsideablackmarblehearth,atreedrapedincrystalsandredribbonglittered,andtwowomensatonamassivecircularsofadrinkingclearliquidoutofmartiniglasses.

Theywerebothblond,bothlookers,withenoughsimilaritiesinsharpfeaturesandcoloringforEvetosurmisefamilyconnection.

One—theoldestby

maybefiveyearsinEve’sestimation—tappedthecushionbesideher.Asleek,narrowarmglidedup.Shesetherdrinkonit,rose.

“I’mNatashaQuigley.ThismustbeaboutTrey.Martellajusttoldmehewasmurdered.Mysister.We’rebothclients.Actually,we’reallclients.Myhusbandandhers.Howcanwehelp?”

“WhendidyoulastseeorspeakwithMr.Ziegler?”

“I—oh,I’msorry,thishasbeenashock.Please,sitdown.CanIofferyouanything?”

“We’refine,thanks.”Evetookachairwithalow,semicircularback.Everythingintheroomseemedtofollowtheroundtheme.

“Sorry.”Natashasatagain.“Ithinkthisisthefirsttimewe’vehadpoliceinthehouse—officially.IhadmyusualTuesdaymorning

sessionwithTrey.Iworkwithhimtwiceaweek.TuesdaysandThursdays,tenA.M.ThursdaysIfollowtheworkoutwithamassage.Wedidn’thaveasessionscheduledtodayashewasgoingoutoftowntoaconference.”

“Andyou,Mrs.Schubert?Sinceyou’rehere.”

“Oh.”Martellatookaquicksipofherdrink,bitherlip.“Itwould’vebeen

Wednesdaymorning.IwasWednesdaymorningsandFridayafternoons.So,um,yesterdaymorning.Tillysaidhediedyesterday,butIsawhim,andhewasfine.”

“Tilly?”Eveprompted.“TillyBurke.Sheheard

fromLola.YouwenttoseeLola,andshetalkedtoTilly.Tillydidn’tworkwithTrey,sheworkedwithFlorabecauseshewantedafemaletrainer,butsheknewTrey.

EveryoneknewTrey.”Shepaused,drankagain.

“I’mtalkingtoomuch.”“Yes,youare.”Natasha

pattedherontheleg.“It’supsetting.”

“Itfeelsawful.”“Howlongwereyou

clients,specificallyofMr.Ziegler’s?”

“Itmustbesixmonthsnow.Alittlelongerforyou,Tella.”

“IswitchedtoBB.Tilly

andIusedtogotoSensibleFitnessbuttheyjustgotreallyboring,andBBhadjustremodeled,doneawholevampoftheirlockerrooms.Ithassuchagoodfeel,sowejoined,thenTashjoinedwhenItoldherhowmuchmoreIlikedit.ThenIstartedworkingwithTrey.Hereallyuppedmygame.IboughtTreyforLanceforhislastbirthday.”

“Shemeansshebought

herhusbandweeklypersonaltrainingsessions,”Natashaexplained.“Tellaravedso,Itookatwo-weektrialwithhimmyselfandIwashooked.”

“Didyousocializewithhim?”

“Socialize?”Natashaliftedaneyebrowasifthequestionbaffledher.“Youmeanpersonally?Ihadlunchwithhimafewtimesinthejuicebartodiscussfitness

optionsandstrategies.”“Andoutsidethegym.”“Notreally.ThoughJJ

andIinvitedhimtoourclubonceortwice.Wefelthe’dvastlyimprovedourtennisgame.Speedandendurance,”sheaddedwithasmile.“Andhisfocusonupper-bodyworkseriouslystrengthenedmybackhand.HeandJJplayedgolfnowandthen,”sheadded.“They’rebothfanaticsaboutgolf.”

“Didyouevergotohisapartment?”

“Whyno.WhywouldI?”Eveshiftedherattention

tothesister.Martellagaveallherstoherdrink.“Mrs.Schubert?”

“Yes?What?”“DidyoueverseeMr.

Ziegleroutsideofthefitnesscenter?”

“Oh,well...Hecametotheclub.Tash,I’mgoingtoaskHesterforanotherdrink.”

“Mrs.Schubert?”Evesaid,voicefirmandflat.

“Yes?”“Howlongwereyou

sexuallyinvolvedwithMr.Ziegler?”

“That’saridiculousquestion,”Natashasnappedout.“That’sincrediblyrude.Tella,youdon’thavetodignifythatwitha...”Shetrailedoffafteralookathersister’sface.“OhGod.Martella!”

“Itwasn’tlikethat!Itwasn’tlikethatatall!Iwasgoingtotellyou,Tash,Iwasjustabouttotellyou,butthentheycamein.Itwasjustonetime.Well,twotimes,butonthesameday.Anditwasweeksago.Weeksandweeks.”

“Idon’tthinkyoushouldsayanymore.”Natashaputarestraininghandonhersister’sarm.“Idon’tthinkmysistershouldsayany

morewithoutlegalrepresentation.”

“That’sherchoice.We’llneedyoutocomewithus,Mrs.Schubert,intoCentralforfurtherquestioning.You’refreetocallinyourlawyerorlegalrepresentative.”

“ButIdon’twanttogowithyou.”Hervoicecrackedandherbigblueeyespleaded.“Idon’twantthat.Lancewouldfindout.Tash,it

wasjustthatonetime.LanceandIhadthatbigfight.Youremember.AndhejustleftonthatbusinesstripevenwhenIwassoupset.Listen.Justlisten.”

Shetookhersister’sdrink,tossedbackthecontents.

“ItoldTreyallaboutit,aboutthefight,abouthowLancejustleftwhileweweremadateachother.AndhecouldseeIwasreallyupset.

Hesaidhe’dcomeovertothehouse,givemeamassage,helpmerelaxanddetox.Sohedid.”

“Andsexwaspartoftheservice?”Eveasked.

“No!Inever—Itwasn’tsupposedtobe.Iwasupsetandhewassympathetic,andcaring.Heevenmademetea,startedwithsomeReikijusttohelpmefindmycenter,thenhestartedthebodymassageand...itjustsortof

happened.”“Twice?”Natashasaid

crisply.“Yes.Itwasjust...Iwas

sorelaxed,justdrifting.Ineverfeltsoloose,anditwasallsowarm,andsmelledsogoodwiththeincense.”

“Incense,”Evemurmured.

“Andtheteawassonice.”

“Whatkindoftea?”Eveasked.

“Herbaltea.Aspecialblend.”

“Ibet.Mrs.Schubert.Martella.Lookatme.DidyouintendtosleepwithTrey?Wasityourintentionordidyouconsiderhavingsexwithhimbeforethatincident?”

“No.No.Imean,he’sreallygreat-looking,andthatbodyisamazing.Butno,Iswear.Inevereventhoughtaboutit.Ilovemyhusband,I

really,reallydo.It’sjustIwassotenseandupset,andhe—Trey—didn’thaveanyopeningsforamassageordetoxduringworkinghours.Hewasdoingmeafavorbycomingover,makingapersonalvisit.”

“Forhowmuch?”“Twothousand,butitwas

anin-home,personaltreatment.Afterward,Igotupsetagain.I’dcheatedonmyhusband,butTreysaidit

wasn’tlikethat.Itwasjustfindingmybalance,openingupandlettingoutthenegativefeelings,embracingthepositive.Beingallclearagain,IcouldunderstandhowmuchIlovedLance.Andhewasright.ButLance,hewouldn’tunderstand.”

“Howmuchdidyougivehimtobe...discreet.”

“Iaddedathousanddollarsasapersonalthank-you,andweagreedwe’d

neverthinkaboutitorspeakaboutit.AndIreallydidn’t,speakaboutit.”

“Didheeverofferyoutheteaagain?Beforeorafterthatincident?”

“No.Idon’tgetmassagesfromhimanymore.Itdidn’tseemright.Ididn’twantto—Ijustdidn’twanthimtotouchmeagain,remindme.IgetmassagesfromTrudyattheclubnow.AndI...”Sheflickedawayatear.“Iwas

goingtoswitchtoGwenfortraining.Ijusthadn’tfiguredouthowtodoitwithoutmakingeveryoneupset.”

“Whoinitiatedthesex?”Eveasked.

“God.Idid.I’msoashamed.Itwasmyfault.Allmyfault.”

“Youinitiated—afteryoudrankthetea?Afteryouwereonthetable,andhe’dlittheincense?”

“Yes.Ijustfeltsodrifty,

andso...needy.It’sterrible.”

“Whatareyouimplying.Doyouthinkhegavehersomething?”Natashagrippedhersister’shand.“DoyouthinkhegaveTellasomesortofdrug?”

“He’dneverdothat.Hewasonlytryingtohelpme.Hedidhelpme.Please.”SheheldoutbothhandstoEve.“Please,Idon’twantLancetoknow.Hewouldn’t

understand.”“Whatyoutellyour

husband’suptoyou,”Evesaid.“Wherewereyoubetweenfiveandsevenlastnight?”

“IwaswithTilly.Wewereatthesalon.WewereatUltraYou.Wehadtheworksdone.Hair,nails,facials,bodytreatments.AllforTash’sandJJ’sbigpartylastnight.IwasatthesalonwithTillyfromoneuntilseven.

Wehadthefull-blisspackage.”

Sixhoursinasalonsoundedlikethefull-torturepackagetoEve.“Ineedyourfriend’sfullnameandcontact,andthenameofyourtechnicians.”

Thestreetlightshadflickeredonwhilethey’d

beeninsidetheQuigleybrownstone.She’dstartedthedayinthedark,Evethought,andwouldenditthesameway.

“Youthinkheslippedhersomething.”Assheopenedthecardoor,Peabodyglancedbacktowardthehouse.“SodoI.”

“I’mleaningthatway,andleaningtowardwhatever

itwashe’dpackedinthesuitcase.Tea.”Evegotinthecar,drummedherfingersonthewheel.“Somethinginthetea,andhedecidestotakeasupplywithhimtotheseminar.Eitherhehadatargetthere,orhe’dpickonethatstruckhisfuckingfancy.”

“AndhetargetedMartellaSchubertbecauseshewasrich,attractive,vulnerable.Andshetrustedhim,”Peabodyadded.“Shefeltsafe

withhim.”“Easiertoroofiethe

trusting.Shejustblurteditallout,”Eveadded.“Ifitwentthewayshesays,hewenttoherhomeacoupleweeksago.Theoddsofusfindingthatoutwereslim,butsheblurteditout.”

“I’dsayshe’slousyatkeepingsecrets,butshekeptthisonefromherhusband.”

Eveedgedoutintothestreet.“Maybeshedid,or

maybehefoundout,wentovertoTrey’s,andbashedhimintheheadwithatrophy.Ifshekeptitzipped,it’sbecausesheconvincedherselfitwassomeZenthinginsteadofcheating.Ineedtogetabettersenseofwhosheis,butmyinitialtakeisnotsomuchdumbasgullible.She’sledaprivilegedlifestyle—theQuigleyscomefrommoney—andshemarriedmoney.Shetookherhusband’sname.

That’sabitold-fashioned,soI’mgaugingheraromantic.Again,ifitwentasshesaid,Ziegleropenedherup.Heplayedthesympatheticear,offeredheraservice—notsex.Aservice.Andhecomeswithteaandincense.”

“Itchangesthings—addsadditionalmotive,andmaybesuspects.Withsomeluckthelabcananalyzethehairstrandsyoutalkedherintogivingus.”

“Ifhertiming’strue,andit’sonlybeenacoupleweeks,theycanfindRohypnoloroneofthecompoundsinthehair.Eitherway,we’llknowmorewhenwegettheresultsofthestuffinthebaggie,thestuffinthelocker.Ishould’veputarushonthat.”

“Itlookedliketeainthebaggieanditlookslikeincenseconesinthelocker.Fussy,butnotespeciallyweirdforsomebodytotake

theirownteaonatrip.Notweirdtofindincenseconesinalockeratafitnessclubwithmassageservices.”

“Maybenot.”Stillsheregrettedtaggingthemlowpriority.

“Butwhywouldhedoit?”Peabodywondered.“Hehadagirlfriend,anotheronereadytojump,andfromwhatwe’rehearingplentyofactionfromclientsanyway.Whydoseonetogetsome?

She’d’vepaidhimthemoneyforthestraightmassageandsympathy.”

“Conquest.Ego.Practice—biggerpaywhenyouaddthe‘pleasebediscreet’money.Whothehellknowswhatgoesonintheheadofsomebodysoinlovewithhisowndick?I’mbettinghefiguredhewasdoingherafavor.”

Considering,Evetookacorner.“I’lldropyouhome.”

“Youwill?”“It’sontheway,

basically.”And,sheremembered,Peabodybeganandendedherdayinthedark,too.“Checkthealibi.It’sgoingtohold,butcheckitthrough.”

“It’sTrina’ssalon.Icantagher,getthefullskinny.”

“Yeah,youdothat.”“It’sawonderhedidn’t

tapthesister.She’sjusthistype,right?Justintoher

forties,plentyofmoney,reallyattractive.”

“Whosayshedidn’t?”“Well,shedid.”Butnow

Peabody’seyebrowsdrewtogether.“Butyeah,shestrikesasabetterliarthanlittlesister.”

“We’llsee.Andwe’llrunthroughtherestoftheclientlisttomorrow.MartellaSchubert’snotgoingtobetheonlyonehedosed,ifhedosedher.Wecanstart

workingthatangle.”“He’sourdeadguy,”

Peabodysaid,“butIreallyhatewhenthey’refuckheads.”

“Beingafuckhead’sagoodreasontopunchsomebodyintheface,nottocaveintheirskull.”

“Still,Iwishhe’dbeenaniceguy.Ontheotherhand,thenhe’dbeadeadniceguy,andyou’dhavetofeelbad.Somaybebeingafuckhead’s

better.”“Justcheckthealibi,

Peabody.”Evepulledovertothecurb.

“Onit.Thanksforthelift.Hey,lookatthathoodie!”

Shepointedtoasidewalkstallandthevirulentorangehoodedsweatshirtwithananimatedhuladancerplasteredoverthefront.

“That’sjustperfectforMcNab.Alittlefrom-Santapresent.”

“DoesheknowSantadoesn’texist?”

“Santaexistsintheheartsofalltruebelievers.”Faceaglow,Peabodypattedherown.“CanIborrowfiftybucks?”

“What?”“I’mshortuntilpayday.”“You’reshorteveryday.”“Ho,ho,ho.Financially,

inthiscase.Please?He’dreallylovethathoodie.”

“Christ.SantaClausand

huladancers,”Evemutteredasshedugintoherpockets.

“Oh,there’sonewithagyratingElvisinaSantahat!Howmuchfunisthat!”

“Elvishasbeendeadahundredyears.Howisitfuntohaveadeadmangyratingonyourchest?”

“Elvisneverdies,justlikeSanta.No,it’sthehulagirl.Except—”

EveshovedmoneyatPeabody.“Go,buyMcNaba

ridiculoushoodie.Getoutofmycar.”

“Fun!Shopping!Bye!”Evepulledout,flickeda

glanceintherearview.AndsawPeabodydoingahappylittlebounceinfrontofdancing,gyratinghoodies.

MerryChristmas.Butitgotherthinking,

madehercurseandcheckthetime.Ifsheonlyhadtwodays,andtodaywaspracticallyover,whenthe

hellwasshesupposedtobuystuffforpeopletherulessomehowdictatedshehadtobuystufffor?

Sheheadeduptown,tookadetour.Itwasalittlelateintheday,buttherewasachanceshe’dfindasourcewhocouldwrapitallupforher—oratleastsomeofit—quickandeasy.

Shedrovebyfirst,spottedthekidonhiscorner,manninghisstall,thendealt

withtheinsanityofparking.Shehadtohoofittwo

blocks,throughtheragingseaoftourists,ofshoppers,ofsemi-saneNewYorkersjusttryingtogetthehellhomeaftertheworkday.

Shestudiedthestallassheapproached.Scarves,capes,socks,gloves,mittens,caps,hats—thekidhadexpandedsincetheirlastencounter.

Shewatchedhimmake

change,foldthreescarvesintoaclearbag.“Haveagoodone.”

Thenhisdarkeyesshiftedover,methers.Hisgrinspread.“Yo,Dallas.Whatyousay?”

“Yo,Tiko.Businessisgood.”

“Businessistight.”Hewasasquirtofathing,

akidwhoprobablyshould’vebeenhomeplayingvideogamesorsweatingovermath

homework.Butatheart,Tikowasabusinessman.

“Youcatchanybadguys?”

“Nottoday,buttheday’snotover.Lateforyououthere,isn’tit?”

“Holidaybusiness.Igottillseven-thirty.Mygranny’sgoodwiththat.Deke!Helpthatladythere.Oneofmyemployees,”Tikotoldher,noddedtowardaskinnykidwearingfingerlessglovesand

anearflapcap.“Igottwo.”“Employeesnow?”Hiseyesdidanamused

danceunderthebrightstripesofthewatchcapheworepulledlow.“FortheChristmasrush,sure.Gotsomenicescarveshere.Gotcotton,gotwool,gotcashmere,gotsilkblends.Youcanmatch’emupwithglovesandacap,makeagiftset.”

“Yeah.Yeah.”She

stuffedherhandsinherpockets.“I’vegotsomegirltypesIneedtogetstufffor.”

“Whatkindofgirltypes?Friends,relations,coworkers?”

Evehuffedoutabreath.“Friends,Iguess.Friends.”

“Goodones?Orthekindyoujustgottacomeupwithshitfor?”

Shehadtolaugh.Heknewthescore.

“Goodones.”

“I’mgonnatakeyoutomyassociate.”

“Yourassociate?”“Yeah.Deke,Manny!

Youmindthestorenow,anddon’tscrewaround.Youcomeonwithme.”HetookEve’shand,marchedhertothecorner.“Yourememberthatshopyoubustedlasttime?Itoldyouabouthowtheywerebadguys,andyoucameandtookthemdown?”

“Yeah.Streetthieves,

identifytheftracket.”“Gotanewbusinessin

thatshopnow.Mom-and-popdeal.They’regoodpeople.They’regoingtofixyourightup.”

“Arethey?”Willingtotryifitfinishedthisshoppingcraponceandforall,shecrossedthestreetwithhim.

“True.Giveyouagooddeal,too,sinceyou’rewithme.”

Hezigged,hezaggedhis

waythroughthecrowds,thenzippedintothelong,narrowstore.

“Hey,Pop!”Theman,probablyno

morethanthirty-five,usedalonghooktoreachthestrapofoneofwhatlookedlikeahalfmillionbags.Hesnaggeditoffthewall,loweredit,offeredittothewaitingcustomer.

ThensmiledatTiko.“Hey,Tiko!”

“Hey,Mom.”Thewoman,backatthe

counter,foldedandfluffedtissueintoashoppingbag.“Tiko!”

Youngforthemom-and-poplabel,Evethought.TheylookedentirelytoorelaxedandhappytobeNewYorkCitymerchants.Andneitherworeblack.

“Happyholidays,”thewomansaidasshegavehercustomertheshoppingbag.

“Youcomebackandseeus.”TikodraggedEvestraight

back.“ThisisDallas.She’sthecopwhoclearedthisplaceoutsoyoucouldrentit.”

“Oh,LieutenantDallas.Tiko’stoldusallaboutyou.I’mAstrid.”Sheofferedahand.“It’sgreattofinallymeetyou.”

“Dallas,sheneedspresentsforsomegirlfriends.Howmanyfriendsyougot?”

“Crap.Ineedsomething

for...Iguessthere’sfiveIneedtotakecareof.”

“Letmejust...Ben,thisisTiko’sLieutenantDallas.”

“Nokidding?Greattomeetyou.Ifyou’llexcusemeaminute,I’llberightwithyou.”

“Doyouseeanythingyoulike?”AstridaskedEve.

“Idon’tknow.”Therewerebags,withstraps,withoutstraps,satchelsandcases,tinylittlepursesthat

wouldbeabsolutelyuseless,enormousonesthatcouldholdaroomoffurniture.“Idon’tgetthisstuff.”

“Ladieslikebags.Don’tyougotbags?”Tikodemanded.

“Ihavepockets.Ihaveafieldkit.I’vegotafilebagwhenIneedit.”Andshehadthedozensofgirliebagsthatfoundtheirwayintoherclosetalongwiththedozensofshoes,theforestofclothes.

Herhusbanddefinitelygotthatstuff.

“Whydon’tyoupickoneofthefive,”Astridsuggested.“Tellmealittleabouther.”

“Ah.Okay,elegant,classy,notrigidorstuffy,butclassy.Mostlygoesforsoftcolors,butcansurpriseyou.Everythingalwaysgoestogetherlikesheworkeditoutonaprogramfirst.Professional,smart.Kind.”

“Ilikeheralready.I’ve

gotsomethinginthebackthatjustcamein.Ithinkitmightwork.”

“Toldyouthey’dtakecareofyou,”TikosaidwhenAstridhurriedoff.

“Thestuffinthebackisn’thot,isit?”

Insultcoveredhisface.“Whatyouthink?Thesearegoodguys.”

“Okay,okay.Shoppingmakesmetwitchy.Whyistheresomuchof

everything?”“Sonoteverybodyhasthe

same.”Astridcamebackwitha

box,slippedoutthelong,narrowbag.“Ionlyorderedafewofthese,justtoseehowwedid.They’rehand-painted.Reallyspecial,Ithought.”

“Ah.”Evestudiedit.Smooth,alittlesilky,withapastelgardenofflowersandajeweledbutterflyasaclasp.

“Sincethey’rehand-

painted,they’reoneofakind.”

“Iguesssheis,too,”Evesaid,thinkingofMira.“Ithinkshe’dgoforit.”

“Igotanicesilkscarfthatcolorpink.”Tikotappedoneoftheflowers.“Youfluffitupinsidethepurse,andyougotclass,likeyouwant.”

Eveeyedhim.“Sold.Movingon.NowI’vegotonewho’soutthere.Nothing’stoomuch,toowild,too

anything.Color,bright,changeable,bouncy.Oh,andshe’sgotakid.Agirlkid,notquiteayearold.”

“Oh,I’vegotit.”Astridclappedherhandstogether.“Wehavethesegreatmother-daughterbags.Justsomuchfun.Practical,too,asthey’llconvertfromshoulderbagstohandbagstobackpacks.”

Astridpointedup.Evespottedanexplosion

ofbrightcolors,bigbag,

smallbag,hookedtogether.Andapairwithasparklyunicorndancingovereach.

“Ohyeah,that’sMavisandBella.Theunicornset.”

“Letmegetthehook.”WhileAstriddidjustthat,

EvelookeddownatTiko.“Ibetyou’vegotascarfthat’llgowithit.”

“Igotascarfforthemamabeperfect,andIgotababygirlcap,apinkoneshapedlikethathorsewith

thehorn.”“Jesus,Tiko,you’re

killingme.Sold.”Fortyminutesaftershe’d

parked,Eveloadedshoppingbagsinhercar,thengotbehindthewheel.

Thenjustsatthereuntilherheadstoppedspinning.

God,shewantedadrink.Twodrinks.

TellingherselftobegratefulChristmasonlyhitonceayear,shepulledback

intotrafficandfoughttheholidayrageofitallthewaytothegatesofhome.

Diamondwhitelightstwinkledinthetreesalongthedrive,lendingafancifulairtothegrounds.Andthehouserose,allgorgeousgraystoneandshiningglass,afancyitselfwithitstowersandturrets.

Lightsglimmered,gleamed,outlininghomeagainstthenightsky.

Greenerydrapedanddripped,addingwarmthtoelegance.Candlesglowedineverywindow,andthatwaswelcome.

She,thelostchild,hadgrownusedtoitsbeauty—thatwaslove.Butshewouldnevertakeasingleinchofitforgranted.Thatwasgratitude.

Atthemoment,someeighteenhoursaftershe’dwalkedoutitsdoors,the

prospectofwalkinginagainmainlybroughtrelief.

Shegotoutofthecar,intothecoldwherethewindkickedatherlikeabad-temperedchild.Shedraggedtheshoppingbagsoutoftheback.Howhadsheboughtsodamnmuch?Theentireeventseemedlikesomekindoffeverdreamnow,leavingherexhaustedandwithalow-levelheadache.

Shedragged,pulled,

lifted.Howdidsheevenknowsomanypeopleinthefirstdamnplace?Howhadithappened?

Tissueflicked,threatenedtofly,boxesclunked.Shetoldherselfifthebagsrippedshe’dleavethewholestupidlotwhereveritfell.

Withbagsthumpingagainstherlegsshehauledeverythingtothedoor,foughtitopen,staggeredin.

Hewasthere,ofcourse,

lurking—thescarecrowinablacksuitthatwasSummerset.Roarke’smajordomostoodinthebrilliantlylitfoyer,asmirkonhispale,bonyface,andthefatcatGalahadsquattinglikeafurryBuddhaathisfeet.

“IsthistheGhostofChristmasPresent?”Summersetwonderedaloud.

Evenarrowedhereyes.Shewantedtofling

somethingback,somesharp-edgedretortaboutcadaversonholiday,but...

Shedumpedeverythingwhereshestood.“I’llpayyouathousanddollarstowrapeverythinginhere.”

Hisstone-grayeyebrowswingedup.“Ican’tbebought.However,”hesaidasthecatpaddedovertosniffatbagsandtissue.“Icouldbepersuaded.”

“Whatdoyouwant?”

“You’rehostingapartynightafternext.”

“Iknowthat.OfcourseIknowthat.”Nightafternexttookitdowntooneday,didn’tit?Shedidn’twanttothinkaboutit.

“Preparationsforwelcomingtwohundredandfifty-sixpeopleintoyourhomebeginateightA.M.”

Shethought:Twohundredandfifty-sixpeople?JesusChrist.Why?Butshe

said,“Okay.”“Participate.”“Butwhatif...”She

lookeddownatthepileofbags,attheass-endofthecatashetriedtoburrowintoone.Surrendered.“Done.”

Sheshedhercoat,tosseditoverthenewelpost—asmalldefiance.

Therewasnoshameinretreat,Evetoldherselfassheboltedupthestairs.Therewouldbeotherbattles,other

wars.Sheaimedstraightforthebedroom,andonamoanflungherselfonthegloriousbluelakeofthebed.

Tenminutes,shevowed.She’dtaketenminutestorecoverfromshoppingtraumaandSummersetnegotiations.Thenshe’dgotoheroffice,setupherboardthere.ClearherheadandstartworkingonwhokilledTreyZiegler.

Assholeornot,he

deservedthebestshehad.Tenminutes,shethought

again,anddroppedintosleeplikeananchorintothesea.

Shedriftedoutagain.Therewasaweightonherasssherecognizedasthecat.Fingerstwinedwithhers—Roarke’s.

Sheopenedhereyes,lookedintotheimpossibleblueofhis.

Thebedroomtreetwinkled.He’dlitthefire,so

theflamessimmeredlowandred.Allthingsbeingequal,she’dhavecurledupagainsthimandgonerightunderagain.

Butallthingswererarelyequalforacop.

“Ishopped,”shesaid.“DearGod!Areyouall

right?ShouldIcallfortheMTs?”

“Smart-ass.Ihookedthekid—yourememberthekid.Tiko.”

“Ah,yeah,theyoungentrepreneur.Iremember,fondly,thepiehisgrandmotherbakedus.”

“He’sgottwootherkidsworkingforhimfortheholidays.Expandedhisstock,too.HedraggedmeovertothisplaceIbusted.Newtenants.TheysortoflookliketheycouldberelatedtoPeabody.Free-Agey.Andthen...itwaslikeI’dwalkedthroughsomeportal

intoanalternateuniverse.”“Thealternateuniverseof

aretailestablishment,withoutcrime.”

“That,”sheagreed.“Sotherewasallthisstuff,andsomebodywaslikethiswouldbegoodforthisperson,andI’mokayfine.Thenit’sthiswouldbegoodforthatotherperson,andfine.Jesus,okay,fine.Butitkeptgoingandgoing.Andthekidstartedhaulinginstuff

fromhisstall,sayingyouputthisscarforwhateverwiththatthing,andthisthingwiththeother.Ijustkeptsayingokay,fine,okay,becauseIwantedittobeover.

“Imighthavepost-traumaticstress.”

Hekissedherlightly.“Poorbaby.”

“Youdon’tmeanthat.Youthinkit’sfunny.Youthinkit’sfunnybecauseyou’dhaveactuallyenjoyed

allofit.Butitgetsworse.”“Howisthatpossible?”“Iwasweakenedbythe

experience.ImadeabargainwithSummerset.”

Hepressedlipstoherbrowasifcheckingforfever.“ItmaybetoolatefortheMTs.”

“Haha.Nowbecausehe’sgoingtowrapallthatstuff,Ihavetoparticipateinpreparationsfortheparty.Whyaretheretwohundred

andfifty-sixpeoplecoming?”“Ibelieveit’llbecloserto

two-seventy,andwewelcomeyourparticipation.You’reaboss,remember?You’llassign,delegate,decide,order.Youmightevenenjoyit,alittle.”

“Idon’tthinkso,butadeal’sadeal.”Sheshiftedalittle,studiedhim.Shethoughtofherreactionthatmorningwhenhe’dwalkedoutofheroffice

unexpectedly.Soperfect,sopretty.All

hers.“You’renotwearingyour

suit.”Sheranahanddownthecloudsoftnessofhisstone-graytee.

“I’vebeenhomeabitlongerthanyou.Actuallygotaquickswimin.”

“Huh.Thatdoesn’tseemfair.Yougetarefreshingswim,relaxingclothes,andIgetmurderandshopping

mayhem.PlusI’mstillwearingmyboots.”

“Itdoesn’tseemjust,doesit?Let’sseewhatIcandotoevenitallout.”

Heleveredup,liftedoneofherlegs,workedofftheboot.Repeatedtheprocess.“Better?”

“It’sastart.”“Wemightbothbemore

relaxedifyouweren’tarmed.”Hereleasedherweaponharness,peeleditoff.

Laiditonthefloorwithherboots.“Now?”

“Murderandmayhem,”sheremindedhim.“Youhadmoneyandmeetings.”

“Quiteabitofboth,actually.”Hestraddledher,drewoffthenavyV-neckshe’dpulledoninthemiddleofthenight.“HowwouldyoufeelaboutowningalittletowninTuscany?”

“Atown?Comeon.”“Avillage,actually,and

quitecharming.”Smilingdownatherheunhookedherbelt.“Anoldramshacklevillathatcouldbeashowpiecewiththerighttouches.Lovelyviews,narrowcobbledstreets,theremainsofamedievalwall.”

“Youboughtatown.”“TomorrowIwill.”He

drewhertrousersdown,down,off.“Mywifehassuchlong,amazinglegs.”

“Theyhelpmegetfrom

pointAtopointB.”Heranhishandsupthem,

calftothigh.“You’renotgoinganywhereatthemoment.”

Thediamondhe’dgivenherwhenshe’dacceptedhelovedherhungaroundherneck,restingonhersimplewhitetank.Heliftedit,rubbedhisfingersovertheteardropshapeofit,rememberinghowshockedshe’dbeenbythegift—the

diamond,andthelove.“Morerelaxednow?”“I’mgettingthere.When

IdrovehomeIthoughtwhatIneedisareallybigglassofwine.ThenIgothereandIthought,No,whatIneedistofallonmyfacefortenminutes.Butthatwasn’tquiteit,either.”

“Whatwas?”“WhatIneeded—whatI

need—”Shepushedup,wrappedherarmsaround

him.“Isyou.”Thoselong,amazinglegs

hookedaroundhiswaist.Herhandsslidup,grippedhishair.Holdingon,hethought,tohim,tothem,towhattheymade.

Allwarmthandwelcome,allstrongandreal.

Hecouldshedhisdayassheshedhers,mouthtomouth,hearttoheart.

Theyswayedthereonthebigbed,holdingon,sliding

intowhatwasforbothofthemhome.

Hepressedhislipstoherthroat,tothepulsethatbeatforhim.“Imissedourtimethismorning,justthatbitoftimeovercoffeeandbreakfast.”

“Iknow.Me,too.”“Itmakesitallthemore

precious.”Hislipsbrushedhercheekbone,hertemple.“Thosetimes,thesetimes.”

Sheburrowedintohim.

“Everytime.”Shelaywithhim,gentle

strokesandlong,softkissesthatwashedawaythehoursbetween.Justhim,justthemforthislittlespaceoutsidetheworldwithallitsnoiseandharshlights,meanshadows.

Sheslippedhisshirtupandaway,gaveherselfthepleasureofthewarmflesh,theleanmuscle,archedlikeapurringcatundertheskillofhishands.Herheartbeganto

kick,itsbeatspurredbyhislips,histongue,histeeth.

Needspread,simmeringlowlikethefireinthehearth,thensnappingintoflame.

Hetookherover,healwayscould,soneedandpleasureknottedtogether,tight,tight,drivingherup,holdingheronthatsinglepinpointofglory,thenovertorelease.

Shecouldhaveweptfromthesimplejoyofit.

Cuppinghisfaceinherhands,shefoundhismouthwithhersagain.Sankwithhim,sankdeep.Murmuring,sheeasedhimontohisback.Nowshestraddledhim,nowshetookhimin.Slowly,slowly,slowly,hereyesonhisface.shetookhishands,pressedthemtoherheartasshebegantomove.

Fluidaswater,buildingonthepleasure,drawingitoutandoutwhileherheart

thuddedunderhishands.Helethertake,lether

givewhilethebeautyofitburnedinhisblood.Firelightshimmeredgoldonherskin,caughtinhereyes.Gauzylayersofsensationthickeneduntilhewonderedhecouldbreathethroughthem.

Shepressedahandtohisheart,leanedovertotakehismouthwithhers.

“Eve.”“Iknow,Iknow,Iknow.”

Risingupagain,sheletherheadfallback,lethereyesclose,androdethembothintotheperfectdark.

Nowincomfortableat-homeclothes,aglassof

wineinherhand,andslicesofsomesortofsavorychickenalongwithlittlegoldenpotatoesandsomeunidentifiableleafygreenonherplate,Evefiguredthelongdayhadrewards.

Shefeltlooseandrelaxednowinsteadoftiredandtraumatized.Andthoughthey’dmissedtheirmorningritual,atleastthey’d

preservedtheevening’s.She’dsetupherboard—

orstartedto—andnowshecouldrollthroughthedayoverdinneratthelittletableinherhomeoffice.

“First,”Roarkebegan,“whatdidyoubuy?”

“Alotofstuff.Heavyonbags.”

“Alotofstuffmakesforaheavybag.”

“Exactly.”Shepointedathimwithherfork,then

stabbedsomechicken.“Ifpeopledidn’tcartaroundsomuchstuff,theywouldn’tneedbagstoholditall.Handbags,shoulderbags,totebags.Peoplecarrytheirlifearoundwiththem,likerefugees.Idon’tgetit.”

“Butyouboughtthemanyway,asgifts,whichiswhatgivingisallabout,isn’tit?”

“Thereweresocks,too.Fuzzysocks,”she

remembered,dimly.Itwaslikethefogofwar,sherealized.“Andcaps,andthingstoputotherthingsinthatgointhebags.Theymakefancylittlecasesjustforlipdye.It’scrazy.”

“Youcan’tbeserious!”Hewidenedhiseyes,gotanarrowedstarefromhers.“Astonishing.”

“Funny.AndIgotropedintobuyingatalkingunicorn.”

“Excuseme,awhat?”There,atleast,she’d

surprisedhim,shedecided—andwasn’tsurewhyshefounditsatisfying.

“AtalkingunicornthatgoesintheunicornbagforBellathatmatchesthebig-assunicornbagforMavis.It’spink—theunicorn—withasilverhornthing,anditsaysstuff.Anditdances.It’sprobablygoingtoscaretheshitoutofher.”

“Iwagershe’llloveit.”“Itkindofscaredme.But

Tikokeptzippingout,thenzippingbackwithmorestuff.Hehadtotaghisgrandmother,getalittleextratimeduetoallthezippingoutandback.Ithinkheputthewhammyonme.”

“Yethereyouare,withyourshoppingdone.”Hetoastedher.“Kudos.”

“I’drathergohand-to-handwithacoupleof

Zeused-upchemi-headsthangothroughthatagain.Whatisthisgreenstuff?”

Roarkeonlysmiled.“Anyprogressonyourinvestigation?”

“I’mlearningthevicwasprobablyabiggerassholethanIalreadythought.I’llverifytomorrowwhenIgobythelab,butIthinkheroofiedonewoman,andprobablymore.”

Roarke’ssmilefaded.

“Thatmakeshimmorethananasshole.”

“Yeah,itdoes.AndifI’mright,it’sadamnshamehewon’tgethisasskickedforit.Butsincehegothimselfmurdered,I’vegottodothejob.”

“Awomanwhofoundoutwhathedidtoher?I’dbeinclinedtotakehersideofit.”

“Hedeservedacage,notaslab.Maybeawomanwho

foundouthe’dgivenheraboost,maybeahusbandorboyfriendwhofoundout.Maybeawomanwhodidn’tlikehimjugglingherwithothers,oraguywhodidn’tlikebeingcheatedon.Alotofvariables.Thenyouaddinthemoney,somaybeblackmail,whichneverendswell.”

“Andyetremainsaclassic,”Roarkecommented.

“Secretsplusgreed

generallyequalsaslabforsomebody.”

“Copmath.”Roarkeliftedhiswine.“Andusuallyaccurate.”

“Hisclientlistskewsheavilyfemale,thoughhe’sgotmenonit.Italsoskewsheavilymonied.”

“Andsomewherealongthelinehetappedthewrongwell.”

“Yeah,I’mthinking.Ithink,too,thisnewareaof

business—themoneyforsexand/orblackmail—wasfairlynew.Notthathedidn’tcheatandreapsomereward,butgoingintoitheavier.HekeptTrina’sfriendarounduntilacoupleweeksago,butheaddedthelockstwoorthreeweeksearlier.”

“Hedginghisbets,perhaps,”Roarkesuggested.

“Makingsurehehadanicestockpile,workingonsniffinguptheexbeforethis

ex.Itcouldbe.Andyeah,tappedthewrongwell.”

Sheglancedoveratherboard,attheIDsshe’dstartedputtingup.“Hehadalottochoosefrom.I’mgoingtohavetotalktoSimaagain,andthatmeansIhavetotalktoTrinaagain.”

“Didyoubuyheragift?”“No.”Appalled,she

gapedathim.“WhywouldI—Idon’thaveto—DoI?I’mnotgoingbackthere,Roarke.

Theyweredecent,thebagpeople,butI’mnotgoingback.”

“Whydon’tItakecareofthatforyou?Sheisyourhair,face,bodyconsultant—whetheryouwanthertobeornot.Asmalltokenwouldbeappropriate.”

“Thisisway,wayoutofhand.”Shepouredmorewine.“It’scompletelyoutofhand.”Inhershock,sheatetheleafygreenstuff.“You’ve

gothercomingoverhere,don’tyou,tojumpallovermyhair,faceandbodybeforetheparty?”

“It’sthepriceyoupay,darlingEve,forhostingwhatmanyconsideranimportantholidayevent.”

“I’mfindingthosechemi-heads,”shemuttered.“I’mgoingoutandhuntingoutacoupleofZeused-upchemi-heads.”

“Won’tthatbefun?

Wouldyoulikemetocheckyourassholevic’sfinancials?Seeifhehadanymoretuckedaway.”

“Idon’tthinkhedid,butitwouldn’thurtifyou’vegottimeforit.”

Shelookedbacktowardtheboard.“Ifhewantedtotradesexformoney,whynotgetalicense?Potentially,hecould’vemademore,andmadeitlegit.”

“Some,includingyou,

stillseelicensedcompanionsasprostitutes.”

“Well,sexformoney.”Roarkeshookhishead,

offeredheraroll.“Licensed,regulated,taxed,safe.Peoplepayfortherapy,forphysicaltraining,”headded,noddingattheboard.“Forspiritualguidance,andsoonandsoon.Peoplepayforallmannerofbasicneeds,andotherstraintoprovidethoseneeds.Sexisabasicneed.”

“It’slegalsoI’vegotnobeefwithit.Butyou’vegotapoint.”Sheconsideredherboardwhilesheate.“Hedidn’tseeitasabusinesstransaction—ordidn’twantto.Didn’twanttoseehimselfassellingaservice.Hewasdoingthemafavor,allowingthemtobaskinthewonderofhislooks,hisbody,hisskill.Themoney,themoneyhejustifiedasitallowedhimtokeepuphislooks.”

Shesippedatherwine.“Yeah,yeah,yeah.Itstartsoffforfun,fortheconquest—andyougettohavesexinanicehotelsuitemaybe,havesomechampagne,agoodmeal—maybeshebuysyouatokenortwo.Shehadagoodtime,didn’tshe?Thenmaybeyoudecidetoworkitsosheunderstandsalittletokenorsomeunder-the-tablecashwouldreallybeappreciated.Yougaveheragoodtime,

shegivesyoualittlebonus.What’stheharm?You’renotsellingyourself;she’sjustshowinghergratitude.Justafriend,justaclient,givingyousomethingextrabecauseyougavehersomethingextra.”

“Itsoundslikeyou’regettingtoknowhim.”

“Maybe.TheoneItalkedtotoday,theoneIthinkheroofied?Hechargedhertwograndforanin-home

massage—thatwasalwaysgoingtobesexforhim.Sohecouldcallitamassage,aservice,somethingspecialforaclient,andhecouldsetarate.Ibethe’sdonealotofin-homesrecently.Massages,personaltraining.Acouple,threethousandashot.Itaddsup.Addinthepillowtalk,andyeah,youcouldworksomeblackmailintoit.Fucker.”

“Buthe’syourdead

S

fucker.”“Yeah.Yeah,heis.”

•••

oshegaveZieglerhertime,herattention,the

bestshehad.Shewroteuphernotes,

puttogetheraprogressreport,includingalltheinterviewsconducted.

Shecreatedachartlistingtheclientswhohadsofar

admittedtohavinganykindofsexualrelationshipwithZiegler,andhowmucheachhadadmittedtopayingincash,gifts,hotelexpenses.

Besideeachnamesheaddedmaritalstatus,orcohabstatus,addedhowmanyofthosehusbands,cohabs,werealsoonZiegler’sclientlist.

Sheraneachone,digginginforanyinstanceofviolentbehaviororcriminaloffenses.

Shecross-checkedwith

thenamesTrinahadprovided,didapassoncoworkers.

Andconsidered.WhenRoarkewalkedin,

shehadherfeetuponthedesk.“Anotherangle,”shebegan.

“It’snotthefinancialone.Unlesshe’sagreatdealmorecleverthanIgivehimcreditfor,hedoesn’thaveanyaccountsotherthanwhatyouhaveonrecord.”

“Didn’tfigureonit,butit’sgoodtohaveanexpertopiniononit.Acompetitor.I’vebeennarrowlyfocusedonclientsandsex.Buthewasbashedwithatrophy.Hegetsandkeepsalotofwealthyfemaleclientsnotonlybecause—byallaccounts—he’sgoodathiswork,butbecauseheoffersthemsomehard-bodiedsex.Hemakessolidcommissions,theextrafromsex,andhegets

recognition.Thetrophy—Ichecked—alsocomeswithacashprizeofagrand.He’swonthelastthreeyearsrunning,andwasfavoredtowinthisyear.ButinsteadofgoingtoACfortheconference,andcampaigningforthecompetition,he’sinthemorgue.”

“Youthinkanothertrainerkilledhimforathousanddollarsandatrophy?”

“Prestige,potentially

moreclients,braggingrights.Hedidn’thavefriendsatBuffBodies.Ibethedidn’thaveanyatothercenters,either.Somebodyheknew—itwasaface-to-face,close-inattack.So,yeah,maybeacompetitor,anassociate,apeerwho’dhadenoughofhim.”

“Anassociate,”Roarkerepeated,“acompetitororapeer.Youcouldaddthesexin—becauseyoucannever

havetoomuchofit—andspeculatethatthiscompetitorwasalsousedforsex,orcheatedon.”

“That’sagoodone.That’sathought.I’dsayPeabodyandIaregoingbacktothegymtomorrow.”

“Withthatinmind.”Hetookherhand,pulledherup.“Let’sgotobed.”

“Didn’twedothatalready?”

“Andsleep.It’snearly

midnight.Ifyoukeepatthismuchlongeryou’llhavebeenupfortwenty-fourhours.”

“IfeellikeIwanttopushit,andit’sbecauseIdon’tlikehim.”

“Youwon’tlikehimanybettertomorrow.Youcanpushthen.”

“ItlookslikeIwill.WhateverelseyoucansayaboutZiegler,hewasn’tlazy.Betweenworkandsex,theguykeptrevvedeverydamn

S

day.”“Asyoudo.”Hetugged

heralong.“Timetoshutdowntheengines.”

•••

hewoketothescentofcoffee,andreally,it

didn’tgetbetterthanthat.Andyetitdid.Whensheslitopenher

eyes,shesawRoarke.Fullydressedinoneofhisruler-of-

the-business-worldsuits—thecatsprawledoverhislap.Hesatonthesofainthebedroomsittingarea,workingonatablet.Financialnumbers,data,codes,scrolledbyonthescreenhe’dswitchedtomute.

Thefaintbluewashfromtabletandscreenprovidedtheonlylight,makinghimlookbothmysteriousandfascinating.

Shehadnoideaofthetime,wastoolazytolook.

Insteadshewatchedhimworkwhileshetickedofftheorderofwhatsheneededtodothatmorning.

SheneededtotagPeabody,tellherpartnerthey’dmeetatBuffBodies,pursuetheangleofcompetitorkiller.Swingbythelab,browbeatorbribeDickhead—ChiefTechDickBerenski—ontheteaandincense.TalktoTrinaandSimaagain.Andshethought

anotherpassthroughthecrimescenewasinorder,thistimelookingspecificallyforteaandincense.

Dothat,shedecided,beforethelab.Havethesamplesrightthereinhand—ifshefoundmore.

Andontomoreinterviewswiththevic’sclients.

Someonewhoknewhim.Someonehe’dletintheapartment,letintothebedroomwhilehepackedfor

hisbusinesstrip.Client.Coworker.

Blackmailmark.Lover.Wouldhehavebeen

confidentorarrogantenoughtoletamarkoraseriouslypissed-offclient,lover,associateintothebedroom?

Shesuspectednot,butitwouldn’thurttogetanexpertopinion.

AddaquicksessionwithMiratothelist.

“Lightson,twenty

percent,”Roarkesaid,lookingoverintohereyes.“Youmightaswellhavesomelightsinceyou’rethinkingsoloud.”

“Iwasthinkingveryquietly.Youhavebatears.”

“Whenitcomestoyou,apparently.”

Shepusheduptosit.“What’reyouworkingon?Icantakeaninterest,”sheaddedwhenhecockedaneyebrow.“At...shit,five-

thirty-eightinthemorning.”“Actually,youmightbe

interested.We’vemadeafewchangestothedesignofAnDidean,andhaveaddedamemorialroofgarden.”

TheoldbuildinginHell’sKitchen,shethought,he’dboughtwiththeplantorehabandturnitintoasafehousefortroubledkids.Andwherethebonesoftwelveyounggirlshadbeendiscoveredbehindthewalls.

“That’snice.”“We’llhaveadomesoit

canbeusedyear-round,andthosewehousetherecanlearnsomethingofhorticulture.Thearchitect’swonderingifweshouldusestonesorbencheswiththenamesofthegirlswhodiedthere.”

Everose,sayingnothingasshecrossedtotheAutoChefforcoffee.ThecatdesertedRoarketosprintover

toher,windingslylybetweenherlegs,everhopeful,sheknew,thatfoodwasinvolved.

“Ithink,Iguessyou’reaskingwhatIthink.”

“Iam,”hetoldher.“Ithinkcreatingagarden

showsrespect.AndIthinkthekidsyou’dshelterthere,educatethere,don’tneedtoberemindedofcrueltyanddeath,butoflife.Ofthe,well,gardenofpossibilitiesoflife.”

“Ithinkyou’reexactlyright.Thankyou.”

“Anytime.I’mgoingtograbthirtyinthegymbeforeIgetready.”

Coffeeinhand,shetooktheelevatordown,gotinagoodrunalongasimulatedshorelinewithbluewavesbreaking.

Afterablisteringhotshowerwiththemulti-jetsonfull,shesteppedintothedryingtube.

“It’stoobadtherestoftheworldcan’tbeheateduplikeashower,”shecommentedassheheadedforhercloset.

“Sinceitcan’tyou’llwanttodressforit.Notaswindytoday,though,accordingtothequestionablyreliableforecast.”

Shegrabbedasweatersheknewtobewarmdespitebeingthinandsoftasatissue,straight-leggedpantsanda

vestthatwouldaddwarmthandcoverherweaponharness.

Afterpullingonclothes,shegrabbedapairofboots.

“Notthoseboots,”Roarkesaidwithbarelyaglancewhenshecameouttositandpullthemon.

“What’swrongwiththeseboots?”

“Notathing,butthegraywiththemocklaceswillpickupthecolorofthatsweater,

polishthingsoff.”“Idon’tneedtopolish...

Fine,fine,fine.”Easier,shefigured,tochangethedamnbootsthangetintoafashiondebateshe’dcertainlylose.

Plusshewantedtoseewhatwasunderthesilverdomesonthetable.Ifshechangedtheboots,maybeitwouldn’tbeoatmeal.

Hepouredhercoffeeasshesatdownagain.“Goodmorning,Lieutenant.”

“We’llseeaboutthat.”Sheliftedthedome.“Ohhellyeah,it’sagoodmorning.”

“Ithought,consideringyesterday,you’dearnedpancakes.”

Sheimmediatelydrownedtheminsyrup.

“They’reallappleandcinnamonny.”

“Anddeservebetterthanbeingavehicleforsyrup,butahwell.”

Inanycase,heloved

watchingherappreciationoffood,especiallysinceshesooftenforgottoeatit.

“ImightneedabribeforDickhead,”shesaidbetweenbites.“Consideringhe’shadtwenty-fourhours,mywrathshouldbeenough,butjustincase.”

“Takehimabottleofunblendedscotch,”Roarkesuggested.“We’veseveralalreadyingiftbags.It’llthrowhimoff-balance

straightawayifyouofferhimaholidaytoken.”

“Itwould,wouldn’tit?Ireallyhatetogobearinggiftsandall,butanylackofcooperationafterthatwouldmakehimanevenbiggerDickheadthanheis.It’skindofwin-winforme.”

“It’stheoldcatchingmoreflieswithsugarthanvinegar.”

“Whywouldanyonewanttocatchflies?Whatyouwant

istomakethemgothehellaway.”

“That’sapoint,andnowanotherclassicadagebitesthedust.”Hepattedherleg.“Breakfastwithyouisacontinuingeducation.”

“IdowhatIcan.Ifitturnsoutthevic’sblendofteaincludedadate-rapedrug,Icanusethattopryopenmoreofhisclients.Outragetendstoturnofffilters.”

“You’venevermentioned

nextofkin.”“Onlychild,parents

divorcedwhenhewasten.Bothremarried.HebouncedbetweenthemotherinTucsonandthefatherinAtlantauntilhewasofage.Neitherofthemhaveseenhimformorethansixyears.Theywerebothshaken,butIdidn’tgetanysenseofclosefamilyties.”

“Sonofriendsorfamily.”“Notreally.Andfrom

whatIcantell,byhisownchoice.Friendsandfamilytakework.”

Shethoughtofherforty-minutebattleforsanitywithTikoandthebagpeople.FuckingA,ittookwork.

“Allhisworkwasfocusedonhimself,”sheadded.“Speakingoffamily,IguessyougotallthegiftsofftoIreland.”

“Idid,yes.Youdidsomeworkthere.”

“Ididn’tshop.”“Youhelpedmedecide

onseveralthings,andtheCopsandRobberscompgameforyoungSeanwasyouridea.”

“Hewasaneasyone.PeabodyandMcNabaredoinganin-and-outshuttleforChristmastoherfamily.Youdon’twanttodosomethinglikethat,doyou?”

“WehadThanksgiving,andthatworkedwellforme,

havingthemallhere.IlikehavingourChristmas,youandI.”

“Ido,too.AndsinceI’dreallyliketogetthiscaseclosedbeforethat,I’dbettergetgoing.Goodpancakes,”shesaid,leanedoverandkissedhim.

“I’llseeyoutonight.Wemighttalkaboutstrategyforthedealyou’vemadewithSummerset.”

“I’mtryingnottothink

aboutthat.”Sheshovedup.“Where’sthehooch—forDickhead?”

“Fourth-floorgiftroom.”Shestaredathimforten

silentseconds.“Wehaveagiftroom?”

Onahalflaugh,heshookhishead.“Oneday,darlingEve,youreallyshouldgothroughtheentirehouse.Eastwing,fourth-floortower.”

“Okay.”Sinceshewasn’tcompletelysurewherethat

was,shewalkedtotheelevator.Orderedit.

“Don’tbothershakingboxes,”hecalledout.“Noneofyoursareinthatlocation.”

“Idon’tsnoop,”shesaidasthedoorsshut.

But,ofcourse,nowshewantedto.

Giftrooms,shethought.Whogavesomanygiftstheyhadtohaveanactualdedicatedroomtoholdthem?

Thedoorsopened;she

steppedout.Herjawdropped.Apparentlytheydid.Shelvesandcountersheld

acolorfularrayofwrappedgiftswithshiny,elaboratebows.Giftbagsinsilverorgoldorredorgreenstoodlikeuniformedsoldiers.

Sheopenedoneofthedoorsalongthewall,discoveredmoreshelveswithrigorouslyorganizedgiftsnotwrapped.Fancycandlesetsorfancybathsets—male,

female,orunisexvarieties.Boxedwineglasses,

elegantpictureframes,electronics,evensometoys.

Whythehelldidshehavetogoshoppingwhenshecouldjustcomeuphere?

Shefoundmoreruthless—tothepointofscary—organizationwithgiftboxes,wrappingpaper,tissuepaper,ribbonsandbows.

Everythingaspristineassomehigh-endgiftboutique

andallinthetalltowerroomcompletewithawallscreenandacomp.Shejustbetthecompheldacompletecatalogofthecontentsoftheroom,downtothelastinchofshinyribbon.

Shegrabbedoneofthesilvergiftbags,checkedthecontents.

Bourbon.Checkedagoldone,

foundthescotch,then,outofcuriosity,checkedoneofthe

redbags.Cognac.ShefoundIrishwhiskeyinthegreenbags—figured.

Bothimpressedandintimidated,shegotbackintheelevator,orderedthemainfloor.

Shegrabbedhercoatoffthenewelpost,anddecidedamanwhoownedhalftheworldanywaymightaswellhavearoomloadedwithstuffhepreparedtogiveaway.

Atleastsheknewjust

wheretogothenexttimesheneededabribe.

She’dleftearlyenoughthattrafficstayedlightandgavehertheopportunitytobypassMira’sadminwho’dgivehergriefforaskingforaquicksession.Insteadsheshotav-mailstraighttoMira’s’link.

“I’dlikeaquickconsulttodayifyoucanfitmein.I’msendingyoutheZieglerfile.MostlyIwanttobesureI’ve

gottherighthandleonhim.Ifyoucan’tsqueezeinaconsult,maybeanoverviewprofile,vicandkiller.Appreciateit.”

ThefirstadblimplumberedacrosstheskyasshehittheedgesoftheWestVillage.Itannouncedalast-minuteSALESALESALEattheSkyMallrunninguntiltenP.M.ChristmasEve.

Jesus,evenshewasn’tsolameshewaitedtill

ChristmasEvetograbagift.Then,amazingtoher,it

announcedadoor-busterSALESALESALEattheSkyMallbeginningatoneA.M.onDecembertwenty-sixth.

Whywouldpeopledothat?WhatcouldtheypossiblyneedtobuythedayafterChristmas,inthemiddleofthenightthedayafter?Hersecondthoughtwasshebelievedshewouldself-terminateifshehadtomakea

livinginretail.Sheparked,notedshewas

abouttenminutesearly.RatherthanwaitforPeabody,sheoptedtogoin,getstarted.

Ear-splittingmusicgreetedheragain,butthistimewithsomeamusementassherecognizedMavis’svoicewailingabouthavingfunnowthatlovewasdone.

ShespottedLillcrouchedbesideapunyguywhostruggledsweatilythrough

somepush-ups.Evecrossedover,heard

themanwheezingevenoverMavisandthethump,thumpoffeetracingnowhereontreads.

“Needaminute.”Lillnodded.“Comeon,

Scott,justtwomore.Don’tyouquitonme.Allright!”sheshoutedwhenhecollapsedinaheap.“Thirty-secondbreather,thenIwantyoutodotenminutesonthe

tread.Levelfive,Scott.Don’twimpout.”

“Okay.”Hegotshakilytohisfeet.“Okay,Lill.”Andstaggeredtowardthetread.

“I’vegottokeepaneyeonhim,”Lillsays.“He’sreallycomingalong.”

“Didhestartoutatacrawl?”

“Justabout.It’sclientslikeScottmakethisjobworthwhile.Hereallytries,hereallyworks.Doyouhave

newsaboutTrey?”“I’vegotsomefollow-up

questions.Thistraineroftheyearthing,howcompetitive?”

“Very,orelsewhat’sthepoint?Isubmitprogressreportsforallmytrainers,showingtheimprovementsoftheirclients.Andeachtrainersubmitsthreeseparateoriginalprogramsthey’veputtogether.Thetrainer’sfitnessandestablishedroutinesare

alsofactoredin.It’saprocess.Why?”

“Whowashismaincompetition?”

“Hardtosayforcertain,butintheBBfranchise,I’dgowithJuice—JacobMaddow.Butthenhe’soneofmine,soI’mbiased.Andthere’sSelene,she’srightupthere.She’soutofourMorningsideHeightslocation.OutsideBB,I’dleantowardRock.Hehashisown

gym—bare-bonesplaceinMidtown—WestSide.RockHardit’scalled—andheis.ButIhavetosayIfiguredTreywouldgrabtheprizeagainthisyear.He’dworkedupsomefierceprograms.”

“Didtheyallknoweachother?”

“Sure,youtendto.RockandJuicehangtogether,haveforyears.I’d’velostJuicetoRockHard,butmostofJuice’sclientswouldn’thave

gonewithhim.Theyliketheperkshere.”

“AnytroublebetweenanyofthemandZiegler?”

“Crap.”Sighing,sherubbedherorangehair.“Juiceisago-alongguy,afamilyman.Hesurewasn’tafanofTrey’s,andmaybetheyhadafewwordsnowandagain.ButJuiceisn’tonetostarttrouble.Idon’tknowSeleneallthatwell,butIheardTreyhitonher.Didn’tmatterto

himshe’sgay—shehastits,andthatwasenoughforTreytogiveitashot.Rockhatedhisever-fuckingguts,buttheydidn’truninthesamecircles.”

“Thenwhythehate?”“Sometimeback—maybe

closetoayear—TreybangedRock’ssister.Theywerebothatsomeclub,andshewasprettywasted.Hetookherhomeandbangedher,thenbraggedaboutit.Heknewshe

wasRock’ssister.Juicewarnedhimtoshutup,andfinallyIhadtotellhimtoshutup,atleastaroundhere.IheardheandRocksquaredoffaboutit,andTreybackeddown.ButIdon’thavethedetails.Ididn’twantthem.ThetruthisTreywasapersonalpaininmyass.Butprofessionally,hewasanasset,andit’smyjobtoholdontotheassetsaroundhere.”

“Okay.”

“AboutRock.Ididn’tthinkofhimyesterdaybecauseitwasclosetoayearago,andasfarasIknowthosetwoneverseeeachotherexceptmaybeattheACconferenceorthecompetitionwehaveinNewYorkeveryspring.That’sit.”

“Istillneedtotalktohim.Tothethreeofthem.WherewouldIfindJuice?”

“Seetheguyovertherebench-pressingaboutone-

fifty?That’sJuice.”“Okay,thanks.”“He’saniceguy.He’s

gotawife,akid,andanotherkidcoming.”

“I’llkeepthatinmind.”Evemovedovertothe

weightarea,andthemancurrentlybench-pressingmorethansheweighed.

“JacobMaddow?”“Juice,yeah.”He

continuedtopress,sweatslickedonhispleasantface,

onhisveryimpressivebiceps.Buthegaveheraquicksmile.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”

“LieutenantDallas,NYPSD.”Sheshowedhimherbadge.“I’dliketotalktoyou.”

“AboutZiegler?Iheardyesterday,whenIcamein.”Hesetthebarinthesafety,slidoutfromunder.

Hehitaboutsixfeet,Evegauged,andmostofit

muscle.Heworehisstreakedbrownhairinastubofatail.

“Wecantakeitintheprivateclassroom.Nobody’sinthererightnow,andwewon’thavetoyellateachother.”

“Worksforme.”ShespottedPeabody.“Oneminute,that’smypartner.”

“MindifIgetadrink?”Hegesturedtowardthejuicemachineinthecorner.

“Goahead.”

“Getyousomething?”“No,thanks.”She

signaledtoPeabody,thenmotionedherovertothemachine.“DetectivePeabody,JacobMaddow.GoesbyJuice.We’regoingtotalkinprivate.”

“It’sjustthroughhere.”Heledthemintoaroom

withfrostedglasswallswherethenoiseleveldroppedtoabackbeatmurmur.

“IwanttosayI’msorry

aboutwhathappenedtoZiegler,butI’mnotgoingtolie.Weweren’tfriends.”

“Whydon’tyoutelluswhereyouweretheeveningbeforelast,fromsayfiveP.M.toseven.”

“Home.Mydayoff,sowedon’tgetasitter.Ihadmykidwhilemywifewasatwork.Shegothomeaboutfive.Weateaboutsix,Iguess,andthenshetookMimiupforabath.Ispent

thenexttwohoursputtingthistricyclethingtogetherforMimiforChristmas.Itcomescheaperunassembled,butletmetellyou,itain’tworthit.”

“Youdidn’tgetsenttoAC?”

“Lillwould’vesprungforit,butthisclosetoChristmas,Iwanttobehomewithmyfamily.Plus,mywife’spregnant.Sevenmonthsalong.”

“Iheardyou’reoneofthe

topcompetitorsforthenexttraineroftheyearaward.”

“Igotashot.”Hechuggeddownjuice.“It’dbenice—thecashprize—withanotherkidcomingalong.Anothergirl,”hesaidwithaquicksmile.“I’msurroundedbygirls.”

“IalsoheardyouhadsomewordswithZiegleroveryourfriendRock’ssister.”

“Okay,sure—thatwasawhileback,butsure.Look,

I’veknownKyriasinceshewasakid.Whenthishappened,shewasbarelylegal,and,okay,sowingsomewild—buthedidn’thaveanybusinesstouchingthat.ButthatwasZiegler.IknowdamnwellhemessedwithherbecauseshewasRock’s.Ididn’tlikehearinghimbragaboutit,soItoldhimtoknockitoff,andIwarnedhimhedidn’twanttheshithewasspreadingtogetbackto

Rock.”“Andwhenitdid?”“Rockdidwhatany

brotherwoulddo.Hegotinhisfaceaboutit.Andassoonashedid,assoonashedid,Zieglerbackedoff.”

Afteralookofdisgustforthecowardice,Juiceguzzledsomeofhisdrink.“Heshutup,”Juicecontinued,“andheslunkoff.Hewasn’tgoingtoriskapounding.Iknowhespreadsomeshitabout

Rock’splace,butthatdidn’tmatter.RockHarddoesn’tcatertothesamekindofclientswedohere,sothatwasn’tanyskinoffRock.ButthatwastheonlywayZieglercouldtrytogethisownback,smearingRock’srep.”

“Ifsomebodysmearsmyrep,I’mgoingtowanttogetupintheirface,”Evecommented.

“Itdidn’tmatter.Theguywaslikeagnatbuzzing.You

justignoreit.ThewayIfigured,eithermeorRockwouldtakethatawardnextspring,andthatwouldpayZieglerback.”

“Hewasfavored.”“Notanymore.”Juice

shookhishead.“Iknowhowthatsounds,butIsaidIwasn’tgoingtolie.Ihatedthesonofabitch.”

Outside,Eveheadedforhercar.“Acompetitormayjustbeagoodanglehere.I’ll

fillyouinonthethreetopcandidatesIgotfromLillonthewaytoZiegler’sapartment.”

“Didyouseethearmsonthatguy?Andthepecs?”Peabodybundledherselfinthecar.“Iwonderwhathechargesforpersonaltraining.”

“You’vegotaccesstoagymrightatCentral,”Everemindedher.

“Idon’thaveaccessto

thosearms.”PeabodyglancedbackasEvepulledintotraffic.“Orthosepecs.”

Evebrokethesealontheapartmentdoor,stepped

inside.Itsmelledofdeathand

sweeperdust.“Logicalplacefortea’s

thekitchen,right?Wheredopeoplekeepincense?”

“Therewasn’tanyinthebedroom,notthatIremember,”Peabodybegan.“Ifheusesitonoff-the-bookorin-homemassages,maybehehassomewithhisgear.”

“Checkthegear,I’llcheckthekitchen.”

EvemovedintothesmallU-shapedkitchen,gaveitaquickoverview.StandardAutoChef,friggie,compactoven,three-burnerrange,minidishwasher.

NotthatZieglermademuchuseofit,shenoted.Dishes,glasswarepiledinthesink,emptyornear-emptytakeoutboxesscatteredthecounter.Thesweepershad

takenthelidlesspizzabox,butshecouldn’timaginewhatthatmighttellthem.

Inanycase,theobviousconclusionwas,Zieglerhadbeentoolazyfortherecycler.

Outofcuriosity,sheopenedthefriggie.Energydrinks,litebeer,boxwine,ajugofoneofthosemixedfruitandveggiejuices,asmallcontainerofsoymilk.

ShecheckedthemenuontheAutoChef.Acoupleof

wholewheatbagels,aveggiepizza,coffee,veggiehash,andtofuturkey.

Notea,shenoted,andturnedtotheshortlineofcupboards.

Soychips,drycerealthatlookedlikebarkandtwigs,somedehydratedberries,severalbottlesofvitaminsandsupplements.Andthreesmallcontainersofleafysubstanceslabeledastea:RelaxationTea,Digestive

Tea,EnergyTea.Shebaggedthemall.“Coneincense—avariety

pack.”Peabodycameinwithaclearcaseholdingaboutadozencolorfullittlepyramids.“Inhismassagebag.It’sasmartwaytotransportandstore,kindoflikeasmallfishingtacklebox.They’realllabeledbyscent.Noneofthemsaysex-inducing.You’vegotpatchouli,vanilla,lavender

andsoon.”“Idon’tthinkhe’dlabelit

sex-inducing.I’vegotthreeteas—thelooseleafstufflikeinthebaggie.”Evesteppedoutofthekitchenbump.“We’lltakeanotherpassthroughtheplace.Thesweeperswouldn’thavebeenlookingforanythinglikethis.Thenwe’lltalktoSimaagainbeforewegetthesetothelab.”

“Ifanyofthiscontains

M

somesortofdate-rapedrug,heprobablyuseditonher,too.Imean,whywouldn’the?”

“Yeah.I’mcountingonit.”

•••

usicplayedatTrina’ssalon,butnotatthe

head-throbbingvolumeofthegym.Hereitprovidedabouncybitofbackground.

TheplacesmelledalittletoomuchlikeameadowforEve’staste—withafaintunderpinningofchemicals.Godknewwhattheymixedupheretoslatheronyourhair,yourface,andotherpartsoftheanatomy.

Peoplesatinbrightlycoloredchairssippingfizzydrinks,babblingawaywitheachotherorfocusedonprovideddiscs—fashionmags,beautymags,music—

whiletechsslatheredorsnippedorpainted.Productslinedthewalls.

Fartherback,thinpartitionsofferedsomeprivacyforwhateverthehellwentonbehindthem.Theplacebuzzedwithvoices,littletoolsthatclippedorhummedorbuffed,andchairsbeingliftedorloweredorreclined.

Awomanwithafountainofred-tippedwhitehair

talkedcheerfullyonanear-linkwhileshetappedatattooedfingeratacalendaronherscreen.

“Isqueezedyouin,Lorinda.Two-fifteen,NewYear’sEve,withMarcus.You’vegothislastblock.Oh,don’tIknowit!We’llseeyouthen.HaveawonderfulChristmas!”

Shetappedherearpiece,beamedatEveandPeabody.“Goodmorning!HowcanI

helpyoutoday?”“We’relookingforSima

Murtagh.”“Sima’swithaclient,but

she’sgotanopeningat...”Tap,tapwiththefingertattooedwitharedbutterfly.“One-thirty.”

“We’renothereforaservice.”Evedrewoutherbadge.

Thewoman’slime-greeneyeswentwide.“Oh!Oh.You’rehereabout...”Her

voicedroppedtoawhisper.“Trey.It’sawful,”shesaidinthesamehissywhisper.“Justtragic!Letmejustrunbackandcheckwheresheisonherservice.”

Shehoppedoffthestoolandclickedherwaytothebackonthetoweringheelsofthigh-highredboots.

Evestartedtospeak,thennoticedPeabodywasn’tbesideherbuthadedgedovertoacountertoplaywith

samples.“Stopit,”Eveordered.“It’sjustsittinghere.”

HurriedlyPeabodyrubbedsomecreamoverherhands.“Anditsmellsreallygood.”

“Tryforsomedignity,”EvemutteredasTrinasweptinfromtheback.

Unlikeherreceptionist,Trinaworeflat-soledshoes—butEvefoundithardtodeemthempracticalasred-nosedreindeerscavortedoverthem.

“Simaneedsacoupleminutes.She’satacriticalpointoftheservice.Shecantakefivewhenshefinishesapplyingthefullmask.Youshouldcomeback.I’vegotonetreatmentroomopen—we’reslammedwithholidaypartyprep—butwecanuseitforafew.”

“Fine.”Evestartedbackwithher,grabbedPeabodybythearmtomakesureherpartnerdidn’tgobackto

playingwithsamples.“Youdidn’tmentionZieglerusedpersuadersonwomen.”

“Dowhat?”“Youknow,alittle

somethingintheteatomakeawomanmore...agreeabletohavingsex.”

Trinastoppeddeadinfrontofalineofcushychairswheresomewomenhadtheirfeetinbubblybluewater,othershadthemcoveredwithgreengoo,andstillothershad

techspaintingtheirtoes.“Iknewit.Iknewit!

Fucker.”“Youknew,butdidn’t

thinkitworthmentioning?”“Ididn’tknowknowit,

butIknewit.Fucker,”sherepeated,angrycolorrisingupinherhigh-planedcheeksasshestompedofftowardadoorinherreindeerbooties.

Insideshepacedaroundapaddedtable,passedshinysilvercountersholdingwhat

lookedtoEvelikedevicesoftorture.

“Youcan’tsayshitlikethatifyoudon’tabsolutelyknow.ButIknew.Inmygut.”

Shethrewupherhands,stillpacingsotheredlab-stylecoatsheworeoverablackskinsuitflapped.

“ItoldyouI’vehadsomewomeninmychairwho’dsleptwithhim,andsomeofthemsaidhowtheydidn’t

planonit,buthowtheyjustgottheurgeduringasession—alwaysahomesession.Massageorpersonaltraining.”

“Names.”NowTrinastoppedinher

tracks.“Comeon,Dallas,myclientshavetoknowIwon’tmouthoffabouttheirpersonalbusiness.Theyhavetotrustme.”

“It’smurder,Trina,andgettingdosedisahellofa

motiveforit.”“Christ!Noneofmy

clientskilledtheslimybastard.”Shekickedacabinet,asentimentandtemperrelieverEveunderstood.“Fine,fine.Fuck.I’llgiveyouthenames,butyougottaletmecontactthemfirst,givethemaheads-up.Ineedtomakeitrightwiththem.”

“Nodetails,Trina.Youcantellthemthecopsforced

youtogivetheirnamesaspartoftheinvestigation,butthat’sit.”

“Damnit.Damnit.Iwishhewasn’tdeadsoIcouldpeeltheskinoffhisballs.Sima.Motherfucker!Heprobablyusedsomethingonher,too.”

EvenasshespokeSimapokedherheadinthedoor.“I’mreallysorry.Icouldn’tleavemyclientuntilI’dfinishedtheapplication.”She

camein,closedthedoorbehindher,thentwistedherhandstogether.“DoyouknowwhokilledTrey?”

“Theinvestigation’songoing.Sima,doyouknowwhereTreygothistea?”

“Tea?Oh,youmeantheherbals.Gosh,Ireallydon’t.Heboughtitloose,anditcameinlittlebags.FirsttimeIthoughttheywereillegals,maybeZonerorsomething—andIwasreallysurprised

becausehe’ssocarefulaboutwhatgoesintohisbody,youknow?Buthesaidtheywerespecialtyherbals,justanicelittleperkforclientsbeforeamassageorafteraworkout.Hedidn’tevenchargeextra.”

“Andtheincense?”“Idon’tknow.Hehardly

everburneditathome.Itwasforclientsagain.Youknow,aromatherapy.”

“Heusedathome,withyou?”

“Afewtimes.”“Didheevermakeyou

tea?”“Sure,afewtimes.To

helpmerelaxafteratoughday.Theteaandincense,andashouldermassage.”Tearsshimmered.“Hecouldbesosweetthatwaywhenhewantedto.”

Outofthecornerofhereye,EvesawTrinasetherteeth,turnaway—andsawPeabodygiveherarmarub.

“Letmeaskyou,Sima,andIneedyoutobesquarewithme.Whenhemadethetea,littheincense,didyouhavesexwithhim?”

“Well...Iguess.”Shefrownedalittle,flushedalittle.“Yeah,Iguess.I’dgetrelaxed,youknow.”

“Afterahardday,”Evecontinued.“Soyoumaybeweren’tfeelingmuchlikehavingsex...untilyougotrelaxed.”

“Sometimesyou’reonyourfeetforlikeeighthours,hardlyabreak.Itjustcangothatway,andthat’sgoodbecauseitmeanspeopleaskforyouespecially.Butwhenyougethome,maybeyoujustwanttositdown,watchsomescreen,maybegotobed—tosleepImean—alittleearly.”

“Sure,Iknowhowitgoes.”

“Everybodydoes,right?Well,mostly.Trey,Iswear,

hecouldwanttodoittwiceadayeveryday.”

“Soyoumaybejustwantedtokickback,watchsomescreen,andhewantedsex.”

“Hewasn’tpushyaboutit.IfItoldhimIwasreallytiredorwhatever,hewasokaywithit.”

“He’dmakeyousometea,torelaxyou.”

“Yeah.Anditdid,andI’dstartgettinginthemoodafter

all.”“Sima,I’vetakena

statementfromoneofhisclients,onewhowasn’tinthemood,either,untilhemadehertea.”Evewaitedamomenttoletitsinkin—sawitdidn’t.“It’sprettycleartherearegoingtobemore.”

“Idon’tunderstand.”“We’retakingtheteainto

thelabfortesting,andIbelievethey’llfindsomeformofdate-rapedruginthe

mix.”“No,no,hewouldn’tdo

that.HolyGod!You’rewrong.Trina.”

“Youthinkaboutit,Sim.Think,”Trinainsisted.“Didheevermakeyouthedamnteawhenyoualreadywantedtohavesex,orafteryouhadsex?Orinthemorningbeforeyoubothleftforwork,oranygoddamntimeyoudidn’thavesexafterdrinkingit?”

“I...He...”Hereyes

filled.“No.But—whywouldhedothat?Whywouldhedothattome?Hedidn’thavetodothattome.Imeansometimesyoujustwanttosleeporjustcuddle.Don’tyou?”

“Sureyoudo,honey.Sure.”Trinawentover,huggedSimaclose.“It’snotonyou,anddon’tyouthinkthat.It’snotonyou,andit’snotaboutsex.”

“But—”

“It’sabouthimwantingtomakeyoudosomethingyoudidn’twantto,sohecouldfeellikeabigman.Anybodywhodoesthatissmall.”

“Icaredabouthim.Ithoughthecaredaboutme.”

“Henevercaredaboutanybodybuthimself.”OverSima’shead,Trina’seyesmetEve’sfiercely.“Andthat’snotonyou,either.”

•••

RunthenamesTrinagaveus,”

Evesaidastheystartedbacktothecar.

“Onit.Itreallyflattenedher.”PeabodypulledoutherPPCtobegintherunswhenshegotintothecar.“Imagineit.Imaginefindingoutsomeoneyouthoughtcaredaboutyou,someoneyoulivedwith,sleptwith,slippedyouasexdrug.Ifhedid.We’renotahundredpercentsure.”

“I’msureenough.Profileit,Peabody.Everythingweknowaboutthevic.Ishethekindofguywhomakesteaforhisgirlfriendwhenshe’stootiredforsex?”

“Probablynot,no.”“Andthen,coincidentally,

onceshedrinksthetea,she’s,bang,inthemoodtodoitafterall?Ifthat’sstraighttea,I’lleattheleavesdry.”

“It’srape.”PeabodyscowledatherPPCasshe

worked.“Ifwe’reright,andIthinkweare,it’srape.It’snodifferentthanholdingaknifetoherthroat.Ittakeschoiceaway.”

“That’sexactlyright.”“Itwasbadenoughwhen

hewasjustanasshole.”“Whateverhewas,he’s

dead.Wedothejob.Wecanthinkit’stoodamnbadTrinadidn’tgetachancetoskinhisballs,butwedothejob.”

Sheansweredthein-dash

’linkwhenitsignaled,watchedMiracomeonscreen.

She’sdonesomethingdifferentwithherhair,Evethought.Whatdidtheycallthatsleeksortofcurve.Abob?Whydidtheycallitabob?Whatkindofnamewasbobforhair?

“Eve.I’vereadthereportyousent.Iactuallyhaveafairlylightmorning,soIcancertainlymeetwithyou.”

“Great.I’vegotanotherstoptomake,butI’mnotsurehowlongit’sgoingtotake.”

“Ifyoucanbehereinanhour,Ihavetime.Ifnot,Ihavetime,abit,laterthisafternoon.”

“I’llmakeitinanhour,thanks.”

“Hey,Dr.Mira.”Peabodyangledover.“Ireallylikeyourhair.”

“Oh,thanks.”Aswomendid,Mirafluffedatit.“Not

toosevere?”“Totallyno.”“Iwantedachange,soI’ll

livewithitafewdays.I’llseeyouinanhour,Eve.Ihaveasessionabouttostart.”

“I’llbethere.Thanks.”Evesignedoffasshe

huntedforparking.“Whydowomenalwayswanttochangetheirhair?Iftheylikeditoneway,whychangeittoanotherway?”

“Forfun.Orjusttomix

thingsup.Youchangeyourshoesoryourjacketorwhateverallthetime.”

“They’renotattachedtome.”

“Sochangingyourhairmakesitevenmoreaboutyou,thewayIseeit.”Peabodytwistedalockofhairthatpokedoutfromhercap.“IthinkI’mgoingtotrysomethingdifferentfortheholidays.Ishould’vetalkedtoTrina.”

“Ishouldn’thavebroughtitup,”Evedecided,pullingintoaslot.“We’lltakeSchubert’shairtoHarvo.”

“TheQueenofHairandFiber.”

“Yeah,her.Justgiveittoher,askhertogetustheresultsassoonasshecan,thenwe’llgetDickheadtomakesometea.”

•••

Holidayfeverhadinfectedthe

labwithcoloredlightsandatree—twicethesizeofthepunyreject

inHomicide—decoratedwithevidencebags,brushes,tweezers,andothersweepertools.

ButthecenterpiecewasafatSantadressedlikeasweepertotingabannerthatread:

CSISANTAKNOWS

WHENYOU’VEBEENBAD!

ItkindofgaveEvethecreeps.

Butthen,sodidDickBerenski.

Still,shecartedhergiftbagtowardhislongcounterwherehesatonhisrollingstool.Hisspideryfingersswitchedbetweentwocomputers.Hesportedahalf-assedgoatee—thatwasnew.

Thepointytriangleonhischin,thesparcehairabovehisupperlipmadeherthinkofgraffitidrawninexpertlyonanegg.

Shesetthegiftbagonhiscounter.“MerryChristmas.”

Hepausedinhiswork,gaveherthenPeabodyawarylookbeforereachingintothebag.

Surprisefloodedhisface,thendelight—demonstratedbytheshiftinthepoorexcuse

foramustachewhenhisskinnylipscurved.

Thenwitheyesdartingleft,right,heshovedthebottlebackintothebag,shovedthebagintooneofthedrawersofhisworkstation.

“Thanks.”Evewiggledfingersat

Peabody,wholinedupevidencebagsonthecounter.

“What’sthis?”Berenskidemanded.

“That’swhatIneedyou

totellme.Now.”“Youwantmetodoan

analysisonallthis,rightnow?”Heswepthisarmoverhisworkstation.“Can’tyouseeIgotworkgoinghere?”

“Thisiswork,too.Wehadsamplessentinalready.”

“Lowpriority.”“Nowit’shighpriority.

Startwiththis.”ShepushedthetealabeledRelaxationtowardhim.“Thatmightbeenoughforrightnow.If

you’resobusy,delegate.Howlongdoesittaketoanalyzesometealeaves?”

“Getinline.We’llgettoitwhenwegettoit.”

Sayingnothing,Evetappedthedrawerwherehe’dhiddenthescotch.

Heradiatedinsult.“Thatwasagift.”

“Yeah,andifyoueverwantanothergift,you’llanalyzethisevidence.”

MaybeSummerset

couldn’tbebought,shethought,butsheknewdamnwellDickheadcould.

“I’mdoingyouafavor.”Hepointedoneofhislong,skinnyfingersather.

“Okay.”Hesnatchedupthetea,

didafastrolltotheotherendofhiscounter,mutteringalltheway.

Satisfied,Evesaidnothing,leanedonhersideofthecounter.Shewatchedhim

pullonthingloves,opentheevidencebag,unstopthecontainer.

Hetookasniffofit,frowned.“Chamomileandlavendershit.”

Hetooktweezersoutofatray,transferredsomeoftheleavesintoatube,putthetubeinaslotofasmallmachineonthecounter.Herepeatedtheprocess,thistimeaddingliquidtothetubewithaneye-dropper.

“Whyareyoudoingthat?”

“DoItellyouhowtodoyourjob?”

Eveonlyshruggedashegavehertheevileye,thenwentbacktowork.

Heloweredaclearlidoverthetubes,ranthoseskinnyfingersoveracontrolpanel.Themachinebegantohum,andEve,stillleaningonthecounter,feltitvibrate.

Curious,shepushedoff

thecounter,intendingtowalkdownforacloserlook.

“LieutenantDallas,DetectivePeabody.”

Dr.GarnetDeWinter,thenewforensicanthropologist,sweptup.Sheworeahotpinklabcoatoverapink-and-greenstripeddressthatmoldedhertall,curvybody.She’dslickedherhairbackintosomesortofsleektwistthatmadeherexoticeyesdominatethesharp-featured

face.Hergreen,ice-pickheels

sportedtinypinkbowsattheanklestraps.

“Dr.DeWinter.”“Someonemustbedead.”“Someonealwaysis.”“That’strue,isn’tit?Oh,

well,itkeepsusbusy.Richard,Ijustwantedtocomedownandthankyouforgettingthatreporttomesoquicklythismorning.”

Richard?Evethought,

andwatchedBerenskipreen.“Noproblem,Doc.We’re

onthesameteam.”“Yes,weare.”Shemoved

down,laidahandonhisshoulder,studiedthecomputerscreenalongwithhim.“Chamomile,lavender,valerian.Tea?Asoother?”

“Sofar.”Stuffingherhandsinher

pockets—nowayshewastouchingDickhead—Evemoveddownthecounterto

readthescreenherself.“What’sthat?”she

demandedwithalong,unpronounceableelementscrolledon.

“Holdon,”Berenskimurmured,thennoddedasasecond,thenathirdelementpoppedup.

“Thosesureashellaren’therbs.That’saRohypnol-bremelanotidecompound.Eroticawithatwist.It’sasexdrug.”

DeWinterglancedoveratEve.“Thecombinationwouldstimulatethesexualdrive,yes,andpotentiallylowerinhibitions.Theteaisarelaxationblend,andwouldmaskthechemicals,addtothelackofinhibitionandcertainlyincreasesexdrive.”

“Yourvicdidn’thaveanyofthisinhim,”Berenskitoldher.“Isawhistoxscreen,anditwasclean.”

“No,hedidn’tdrinkit.He

useditonwomen.”“Whatyou’vegothereis

likeasupersoother,andit’slacedwithillegals.Sortofamilddate-rapedrug.”

Evescorchedhimwithalook.“Nothing’smildaboutrape.”

“Don’tgettwisted.Iain’tsayingthat.I’msayingtheproduct’sonthemildside.It’snotlikewhoreorrabbit,andtheuser’slikelytofeelrelaxedinsteadofjumpyafter

thejob’sdone.Itdon’tmakeitlegal,anditsuredon’tmakeitright.Yourvicwasanassholeifheusedthiswithouttellingthewomenwhatitwas.”

“Nomemorylosswiththis,”DeWinteradded.“Nowildupanddownsordesperation.Butcomplianceandescalatedsexualdesire.Hisvictims,asthat’sjustwhattheywere,wouldlikelyhavethoughtthemselves

agreeable,evenpleased.Afterward,againdependingonthecircumstances,theremayhavebeensomeregretorembarrassment.”

“Heusedthese,too.”EvegesturedforPeabodytoputtheincensecaseonthecounter.“Incombination.”

“I’llcheckthemout.Youwanttheotherteasanalyzed?”

“Yeah,dothewholelot,butIthinkwehitthemother

lode.Appreciatethequickwork,”sheadded,andturnedtogo.

DeWinterfellintostepbesideher.Evesparedheralook.

“Richard?”“Itmakeshimfeel

special,andbymakinghimfeelspecialIoftengetmysamplesandspecimensmovedtotheheadofhislist.Isheabitofadick?”DeWintersaidwithahintof

asmile.“Absolutely.Buthe’salsoexcellentathiswork.”

“Ijustbribehim.”“Alsoaviableoption.I

wantedtosayI’mlookingforwardtoyourparty.Li’sbringingme.”

“Morris?YouandMorris?”

“Yes—andno,sodon’tlooksoappalled.Wehavethedead,anappreciationofmusic,andabsolutelynointerestinarelationshipin

common.Soit’sniceforbothofustohaveadateforyourparty.So,I’llseebothofyouthen.”

“Itisnice,”Peabodysaidastheyheadedout.“It’snicethatMorrishassomeonetohangoutwith.He’sasociableguy.”

“Maybe.”EvehadyettomakeuphermindaboutDeWinter.

Evepushedthroughthedoor.“Iwantyoutostarton

Trina’slist,starttalkingtothesewomen.AnyoneofthemadmitstodrinkingZiegler’stea,giveherthedetails,andgetafullstatement.Pressthemoneyangle,too.Let’sfindoutwhogavehimcashandwhy.Getafeelforthem,Peabody.”

“Becauseoneofthemmight’vekilledhim.”

“Getstarted.I’vegottogettoCentral,meetwithMira.I’lltagyouassoonas

I’mdone,catchupwithyou.”“I’vegotthis,Dallas.I’ll

bethesympatheticcop—becauseIdosympathize.Icanusuallygetmorethatwaythangoingintough.”

“Isthatthefly,sugar,vinegardeal?”

“Yeah,Iguessitis.”“Istilldon’tgetit,”Eve

saidandstrodetohercar.

Mira’sadminofferedsilenceandafrostystare

whenEvewalkedintoMira’souteroffice.Evewonderedifsheshould’vegrabbedanotheroneofthosehandygiftbags,butthewomanwiththeicyeyestappedherinteroffice’link.

“LieutenantDallasishere.Ofcourse.”Shetappeditagain.“Youcangoin.”

“Thanks.”Eveopenedthedoor,walkedin.“Your

admin’spissedIwentaroundher.”

Miraglancedupfromtheworkonherdesk,smiledalittle.“She’sprotective.ButIdohavesomefreetimethismorning,andIdoenjoyconsultingonyourcases.”Sherose.“Tea?”

“Definitelynot,butthat’ssomethingIwanttodiscusswithyou.”

“Tea?”MirasaidagainassheturnedtoherAutoChef.

“Yeah.TurnsoutZieglermixedalow-gradedate-rapedrugwithloosetea,breweditupwhenhegottheurge.”

Eveflippedouthernotebook.“ARohypnol-bremelanotidecombomixedwithchamomile,lavender,andvalerian.DickheadcalleditEroticawithatwist.”

“Isee.”Miraprogrammedonecupoftheflower-smellingteasheliked.“I’mnotsurprisedtolearnthat.”

“Because?”“Sit,”Mirainvited,

bringingherteaovertooneofherprettybluescoopchairs.

Theysuitedher—elegantandfunctional.Asthesoftcoralofherdress,theslightlyboldercolorofherankle-breakingheels,theunderstatedbutexcellentjewelrysuitedthedepartment’stopshrinkandprofiler.

“Hewasanarcissist,”Mirabegan.“Extremelyself-focused.Hischoiceofcareer,andapparentskillatit,providedaservicetoothers,butputhimincontrolofthem,physicallyandemotionally.Evenspirituallyforsomewhoconsidertheirphysicalregimenakindofreligion.Italsoputhiminthespotlight.”

“Yeah,Igetthat.Addthephotos—ofhimself—inthe

apartment,themirrors,theclothes,thereallyextensivecollectionofhairandbodyproducts.Hecould’veopenedhisownstorethere.Ialsogetsomepeoplecanself-focus,canindulgethemselveswithoutbeingnarcissists.Orrapists.”

“Rapists.”Mirasippedhertea.“Tellmeaboutthat.”

“Oneofthewomenwhosleptwithhim—married,aclient—describedthe

experience.”ShelaidoutMartella

Schubert’sstatement,hersuspicions,andthediscoveryofthetea.

“Helacedteatogainthiswoman’s—andyoubelieveotherwomen’s—acquiescenceforsex.Teaheservedthemasifakindofromanticgesture.”

“Exactly.Heevenuseditonhisformerlive-ingirlfriendwhenshewasn’tin

themood.”“Hewouldn’thaveseenit

asrape.”“Thatdoesn’tchangethe

fact.”“No,buthewould’ve

seenitasakindofseduction.Settingthescene.Anditagain,puthimincontrol,physicallyandemotionally.Tothismansexwasanotheractofbeingadmired,avalidationofhisprowess,hisphysicalappearance,his

body.Hegavethemaservice,he’dthink.Hegiftedthemwithhisskill.Andaswithhisotherskills,whyshouldn’thebepaidforit?Anarcissist,asexaddictwithsociopathictendencies.”

“Nofriends,”Eveadded.“Coworkerswhocouldrespecthisskill,butonlytoleratedhimatbest.Allthatmoneyinhislocker.”

“Hissecret.Bankingorinvestingmoneyisso

ordinary,isn’tit?Hewasextraordinary.Andwhyshouldhemakeanefforttobefriendlywithcoworkerswhenhewassoobviouslysuperior?”

“Toospecial,toosuperiortogothroughtrainingandchannelsandgetalicenseforsex.”

“Whytrainforsomethingheexcelledat?Bescreenedbysomebureaucracy?Alicense?Fartooregimented.”

“Anditcosts.Wordis—andit’sbearingout—hewascheapwitheverythingbuthimself.Hedealtincash,cashonly.Unreportedcash.AndIthinkgreedyenoughtoresorttoblackmail.”

“Oh,absolutely,thoughagainhewouldn’thaveconsidereditblackmail.Theexchangeofpayforaservice.”

Mirasippedhertea,recrossedherveryfinelegs.

“Inhismind,hedeserveditall,andmore.Ibelievehe’dhaveescalated—sexandmoney—ashewenton.Theuseoftheillegalscertainlydemonstrateshisdrivingneedtohaveexactlywhathewanted,tocontrolthewomenheselected.Theynotonlysuccumbedtohisallure—inhismind—butpaidfortheprivilege.Everysuccesswouldreinforcehisself-belief,andhewouldhave

wantedmore.”“Theawards—the

trophies—theyplayedin.”“Reinforcingagainhe

wasspecial,abovetherest.You’reapproachingthisfromadifferentangle,”Miracommented.“Aprofileofyourvictimratherthanthekiller.”

“ThemoreIlearnabouthim,themoreit’sclearprettymuchanyonewhoknewhimcould’vedoneit.Temper,

payback,anargumentoversex,blackmail,acompetition,aclient.Ithinkthemurderitselfwasamomentoffury,impulse,buttherest...”

“Cold,calculated.Stillangry.Howcouldyoudriveaknifeintoadeadmanunlesstherewasanger?Themessageleft?Aninsult.Abrutalsortofsarcasm.”

“Adefinitefuck-you.”“Precisely.Theangerwas

personalandintense,but

controlled.Absoluterage?You’dexpectmoreviolence.AndIagreewithyourconclusioninyourreportthatheknewhiskiller,hadnofear,notimetodefend.Hewasaverystrongandfitindividual.Buttherewerenosignsofstruggle,nooffensiveordefensivewoundsonthebody,justthekillingblowsandthepostmortemstabwound.Andnothingtaken?”

“Notthattheex-girlfriend

knew.Plentyofeasymoneyinelectronicsandjewelry,sonotrobbery,no.Ican’tknowifthekillergavehimsomethingtheexdidn’tknowabout,thentookit.Jewelryagainormorecash.Buthewaspackingtogooutoftown,andletthispersonintheapartment,andbytheevidenceatthescene,letthispersonintothebedroom.”

“Hewasfullydressedwhenkilled.”

“Dressed,yeah.Thebloodspatteronthesweaterfromtheheadwound.Idon’tthinkthekillercameforsex,orZieglerwaslookingforsex.HeshouldhaveleftforACaboutthirtyminutesafterTOD,andhewasn’tfullypacked.”

“Areyouthinkingoneofthewomenherapedlearnedwhathe’ddone?”

“I’vegotPeabodytalkingtoashortlistrightnow.

Couldbethat.Couldbeahusband,aboyfriend,especiallysinceyousayhewouldn’thaveconsidereditrape,wouldn’tseethewronginit.”

“More,thewronginitwouldn’thavematteredtohim.”

“Right.Oritcould’vebeenacompetitor,”Eveadded.“I’vegotoneguyIneedtotalkto.Oneofthetopcompetitorsforthestupid

award—andZieglerhadsexwithhisbarelyofage,impairedatthetime,sister.”

“Again,I’mgoingtoagreewithyou.Anyoneofthosetypescouldhavekilledhiminthisway,atthistime.Thatisn’tagreatdealofhelp.”

“IthelpsthatIdon’tleantooheavyonitbeingawoman.Thebedroomasthekillingfield.Itleanedwomantome.Thekillerwasabout

thesameheight,butevenashorterwomaninheelswouldfillthebill.Butthewayyou’veprofiledhim,Icanseehimlettingsomeannoyedguybacktherewhilehepacked.It’slikeanotherslap,isn’tit?I’mbusy,gotplacestogo.Youcanhaveacoupleminutesofmyvaluabletime.”

“Hemusthavebeenaninfuriatingindividual.Yetheaccumulatedclients,and

short-termgirlfriends.Heknewhowtobecharmingandattentive.Mostnarcissistscanbe,particularlyifitgainsthemadmirationandattention.”

“Hegotplentyofboth.Themurderweapon.It’sprobablyanimpulse—somethingrightathand—butyoucan’tmisstheirony.

“Thanksforsqueezingmein.I’dbettergocatchupwithPeabody.”

“DennisandIarereallylookingforwardtotomorrownight.It’soneofthehighlightsofourholidayseason.”

“Really?”“YouandRoarkethrowa

marvelousparty,Eve,inyourgorgeoushome.Andtherearealwayssomanypeoplethereweenjoy.Ialsoknowthatwhileatleastpartofyouwouldbethrillednevertohostorattendanotherpartyin

yourlifetime,you’llenjoyit,too.”

“Ihadtomakeadealwiththedevilandagreetohelpwiththeprep.”

Miralaughed.“NotRoarke—Summerset.”

“That’swhyyou’retheheadshrinkaroundhere.Yeah.”Shepushedtoherfeet.“Asiftheyneedmetotellsomebodywheretoputapotofflowersorwhatever.”

“I’msureSummerset

E

couldrunthepreparationsseamlessly.But,Eve,yourparticipationisvalued.”

“Yeah?Let’shearhimsaythatafterIscrewitup.”

•••

vecaughtupwithPeabodyonthecorner

ofWestTwelfthandBroadwayaftersqueezinghercarintoaskinny,overpricedlotacoupleblocksnorth.The

walkthroughthebriskwinterairgaveheralittlemoretimetothink.

“Howmanydidyoutalkto?”Eveasked.

“Thefirstthree,soonlyonemoreonTrina’shotlist.Butthere’sstillmoreontheoverallclientlist.”

“We’lltalktothelastonTrina’s,thenhuntupRockBritton.He’sprobablyathisgym,andit’snotthatfar.”

“Okay.Oh,look,there’sa

cart.Wecouldgrabacoupleofdogs,andIcouldfillyouinbeforewetalktothelastwoman.KiraRobbins.”

“You’rethinkingaboutfillingyourstomachmorethanfillingmein.”

“Twobirds,onedog.Each.”

Amused,Eveheadedforthecart.“Stillshort,right?”

“Justtillpayday.Westartedthissavingsprogram—McNabandme.We’ve

almostgotenoughputawaytogivetoRoarke.”

Evestoppedatthecart.“WhywouldyougivemoneytoRoarke?Healreadyhasalmostallthemoneyinalltheknownuniverse.”

“Toinvestforus.Hesaidhewould,andwhowouldyoutrustmoretodothatthanRoarke,whohasalmostallthemoneyinalltheknownuniverse?”

“Goodpoint.”Sheheld

uptwofingersatthecartoperator.“Loaded,”sheadded.“Andsmart,”sheaddedforPeabody.

“Wefigured,inacoupleyearsmaybewecouldbuyaplace.That’sakindofinvestmentfromaninvestment,soweputsomeawayeachpayday,andit’slikegone.”Sheswipedherpalmstogether.“Imeanit’ssomethingweagreednottodigoutexceptfor

emergencies.NotforChristmaspresentsandgoingtothevidsandstufflikethat.”

“That’spretty...adult.”“Iknow!It’salittle

scary.”“TubeofPepsi,”Evetold

thevendor,glancedatPeabody.

“Ialreadyhadafizzy.Damn.MakemineaDietPepsi.”

“Okay.”Withthedogsin

hand,EveturnedbacktoPeabody.“Report,”shesaidandtookherfirstbite.

“LouanneParsons,”Peabodybeganastheystartedtowalk.“Itappedheratwork.SheandafriendownagiftboutiqueinSoHo,notthatIcouldaffordanythinginthere.Anyway,shedenied,initially,anysortofsexualencounterwiththevic.She’sinalong-termmonogamousrelationship.Butwithalittle

prodding,sheadmittedtoit.Onetime,shesaid.Justonetime.She’dhurthershoulder,andZieglercameovertodoamassage.”

“Withtea.”“Yougotit.Longand

short,whenIfilledherin,shedidn’tgetmad,shestartedtocry.Justsatthere,tearsstreaming.Shedidn’tstrikeme,Dallas.Ididn’tgetthetiniestbuzzfromher.”

“Alibi?”

“Attheboutiqueuntilfive,bothherpartnerandaclerkverified.Saysshewenthome,boyfriendgothomefromworkaroundfive-thirty,andtheystayedhomeuntileight.Wentout,metfriendsfordinner.Shesaidshewasgoingtotellherboyfriend,allofit,anddidn’tknowwhathe’dthinkordo.They’vebeentogethersixyears.SheaskedifI’dgivehertimetodothatbeforewetoldhim.”

“We’lltoggleherdownfornow,andtakeapassattheboyfriend.Maybehefoundout,tookcareofZieglerhimself.Next?”

“TeeraBlankhead.Onhersecondmarriage,moneyonbothsides.BigconvertedloftinGreenwichVillage.Threekids.Onefromhisfirst,onefromherfirst,onetogether.Sheadmittedit,waspissy.Whatthehellbusinesswasitofmine?Shewentoutof

orbitwhenItoldherthedetails.Cried,too,butshewasragingwhileshecried.”

Peabodytookanotherbiteofhersoydog.“Man,whyarestreetdogssogood?Anyway,Blankheadhasaprettysweetgyminherhouse,thoughshegoestothefitnesscentertwiceaweek.ShehadZieglercomeover,twiceamonthforapersonalsession.Hehadtheteaiced,calleditanenergy/detox

blend.Theyendedupfinishingthesessionbydoingitonheryogamat.Saidshewaspissedatherselfafter,thatsheandherfirsthusbandhadbothcheated,andshe’dgoneintothissecondmarriagepromisingherselfshewouldn’t,nomatterwhat.Shestoppedthepersonalsessionsafterthat,andkeptittothefitnesscenter.”

Peabodysuckeddownsoda.“Shehasatemper,and

she’stall—aboutyourheight—strong.Shewasbelievable,butIcouldseeherpickingupabluntobjectandbashingZieglerinarage.”

“Whereabouts?”“Charitylunchdealuntil

aboutthree.Shesayssheoptedtowalkhome,didsomewindow-shopping.Oldertwokidshadafter-schoolactivities,husbanddinnerandabasketballgamewithacouplefriends,andthenanny

hadtheyoungestataholidayparty.Shewasaloneathomeuntilafterseven,whenthekidsstartedcomingin.”

“Thenwekeepherhighonthelistfornow.”

Peabodystoppedinfrontofatrim,whitewashedbuilding.“Robbinsliveshere.Forty-two,currentlysingle.Twopreviouscohabs,nomarriages.She’sawriter.Fashionblogsandbooks.Shehastheentirefifth—top—

floorofthebuilding.Ifoundanarticleonher,”Peabodyexplainedastheywalkedtotheentrance.

Thebuildingdidn’tboastadoorman,butitdidincludedoorandlobbysecurity.AttheswipeofEve’smaster,acomputerizedvoicerequestedherbadgenumberforverification.Onceshe’dgivenit,thesametinnyvoiceaskedthenatureofherbusiness.

“Itshouldn’tbeanyofyours,”Eveshotback.“Policebusiness.We’reheretospeakwithKiraRobbins.”

Thankyouforyourcooperation.Ms.Robbinswillbenotifiedofyourvisit.Pleasewait.

“Itjustpissesmeoffonprinciple,”Evesaid,movingacrossthepolishedconcretefloortothepolishedsilverof

theelevator.“Havingabunchofchipsandcircuitstellmewhattodo.”

Shejammedtheupbutton,scowledwhenthevoicesaid:

Onemomentplease.Ms.Robbinsrequeststhenatureofyourbusiness.

“YoucantellMs.Robbinsthatifshedoesn’tengagethiselevator,we’ll

comebackwithawarrantandalotmorecops.”

Thankyou.Yourmessagewillberelayed.

“FuckingA,”Evereplied,butsecondslater,theelevatordooropened.Inside,beforeshecouldorderthefifthfloor,thevoicespokeagain.

ThiscarwillnowtakeyoudirectlytoMs.Robbins’s

residence,wheresheisexpectingyou.Pleaseenjoyyourvisitandtherestofyourday.

“GoodGod,dotheyevershutup?”Evewonderedastheelevatorsmoothlyrose.“Idon’tgetwhypeopletellyoutoenjoyyourday,muchlessmachines.Iftheydon’tknowyou,whatthehelldotheycare?”

“Nomanisanisland?”

Peabodysuggested.“Whywouldanybodysay

that?Anisland’sascoopoflandfloatingaroundonabunchofwater.”

“Ithinkitmeans—nevermind,”Peabodydecidedasthedoorsopenedontoawidefoyerwithabunchoftallpottedtrees.

KiraRobbinsstoodbetweentwofloweringtrees,awaterfallofblondhairspillingovertheshouldersof

ashort,snugreddress.Sheworematchingheelsandlipsandacuriouslookinslantedblueeyes.

“Ihonestlythoughtitwasajoke,butyouarethecops.Iknowyou,”shesaid,pointingafingerwithaglossyrednailatEve.“EveDallas.Roarke’sinamorata,andtopcopofIcovefame.AndDeliaPeabody.MyGod,”shecontinued,movingtowardEve,“that’safabulouscoat.

Justfabulous.Italianleather,slightlymasculinecut,whichonlymakesitmorefemaleonyou.Andpowerful.AndIlovetheboots.WouldyoumindifIgotapicture?‘LieutenantDallas,FashionableCop.’Agreatarticlefortomorrow’sblog.”

“Yes.I’dmind.We’rehereonofficialbusiness.Wehavesomequestions.”

“I’malwaysonofficialbusiness.Andspeakingof

boots.”ShesmileddownatPeabody’s.“Thoseareadorable.Well,comein.Wecanhaveadrinkandgetdowntobusiness,whateveritmightbe.”

Sheturnedintoalargeopenareawithwindowsoverlookingdowntown—andatallholidaypinedecoratedingoldandsilverinthecenter.

Alow-profilesofainabuffcolorwasmountedwith

bold,floralpillows.Itfacedasmallarchedfireplace.Glossyblacktablestoppedwithbrightwhitelampswithblueshadesflankedfloral-printchairs—withbuff-coloredpillows.

“Sowhatwillitbe?”“Answers,”Evetoldher.“Imeanttodrink.”

Robbinsheadedtowardahigh-glossblackbar.“Ifeellikesomefizzylemon.”

“We’refine.You’re

acquaintedwithTreyZiegler?”

“Trey,ofcourse.”Robbinsopenedthesmall,built-infriggie,tookoutatallbottle.“Iheardaboutwhathappenedtohimlastnight,andmorewhenIwenttothegymthismorning.It’sterrible,ofcourse.Hewasaterrifictrainer.butIdidn’texpecttohavethecopscometomydooraboutit.”

Sheploppediceinalong,

slimglass,pouredthelemondrinkoverit.“Sure?”

Eveonlyshookherhead.“Youdon’tseemtoobrokenupaboutit.”

“WhywouldIbe?Hewasaterrifictrainer,butthereareothers.Andhewaskindofashitotherwise.”Shecarriedherdrinktothesofa,satdown,leanedback.“Haveaseat.”

“Youdidn’tlikehim?”“Personally?Notreally.

Hewasgreattolookat.Imeanthatbodywasakiller.AndheknewhowtoworkmesoIkeptmineinshape.Buthewassmug,arrogant,andnotterriblysmart.”

“Butyousleptwithhimanyway.”

Robbinsloweredtheglassshe’dstartedtobringtoherlips.Hervoicewentascoldastheiceinherglass.“Whatdoesthathavetodowithanything?”

“Sexcanoftenleadtomurder.”

“Isthatso?Ihadn’tthoughtofit.Forme,itgenerallyleadstorelease,orwhat’sthepoint.AmIactuallyasuspect?Seriously?BecauseIsleptwithhimonce,againstmybetterjudgment,I’lladd.Idon’tknowwhatthehellIwasthinking.”

“Daybeforeyesterday,betweenfiveP.M.andseven.

Wherewereyou?”“Here,working.I’m

nearlyfinishedwithanewbook,andIhavetheblog.I’vebeenputtinginalotofdayhoursonbothasIspendmosteveningsout.Holidayparties,events—they’remyfodder.”

“Alone?”“Yes,alone.”She

gestured.“Iprefertoworkalone,withoutdistractions.Ihaveanassistant,butI’vegot

heroutmostdaysrightnow,scoutingthestoresandboutiques,sendingmepictures.”

Shedranknow.“God.I’msupposedtohaveanalibi.IhaveaJanuaryonedeadlineonthebookIwanttomeet,thenI’mgoingtoMilanandParis,doingcoverageofspringtrends.Ididn’tkillamanbecauseIwasstupidenoughtohavesexwithhim.Itwasgoodsex,forthat

matter.Eventhoughhe’snotmytype.Hewasanasshole—onapersonalscale,Imean.”

“Howmuchdidyoupayhim?”

Robbinshissedthroughherteeth,“Whatthehell?Igavehimfivethousand.Hedidn’tcomeoutandsay—exactly—thatsomeofthecompetitioninmyfieldmightfinditamusingthatI’dsleptwithmytrainer,butwhytake

thechance?Itwouldn’tmakethatmuchdifference,Iknowhowtospinit.Icouldprobablydoaseriesofblogsonit,but...theassholefactor.”

Shesighed,drank.“Iwasembarrassed,”sheadmitted.“EmbarrassedIhadsexwithamanIdidn’tlike,onapersonallevel.SoIgavehimfivethousand,saidthiswasnice,butlet’skeepitbetweenus,andthatwasthat.I

figurednextspringwhenmymembership’sup,I’dswitchgyms.”

“Hehintedatblackmail?”“Iguessthat’stheterm

forit,yeah.”“Whendidthishappen?”“Acoupleofmonthsago.

No,morelikesixweeks,Iguess.Notmyfinestmoment.”

“Hecamehere?Anat-homemassage?Trainingsession?”

“Acombo.We’ddonethat—notthesex—acoupletimesbefore.Myassistant,too.Igavehimextratoworkwithheracoupletimes.Itwasfun.”

“Wasyourassistanthereforthisone?”

“No.”Herrightleg,crossed

overtheleft,begantoswing.Evereadirritationandnervesinthemovement.

“Look,dowehavetogo

overeverydamndetail?Ihadsexwithhim,Ipaidhim.It’shumiliating.ButIdidn’tkillhim.”

“Whatdidyouhavetodrink?”

“JesusChrist.”Robbinsshovedup,threwherhandsintheair.“Iwasdoingaworkout.Iwasn’tdrinking.Sometea.Justsomeherbalteahemade.Iicedit,anditwasniceenough.”

“Didhelightincense?”

“Sowhat?”ButRobbins’seyebrowsdrewtogether,andshesatagain.“Yes.Rightbeforethemassage.Themassagethatwasn’tamassagebecauseIdecidedI’dratherhavesex.Howdoyouknowabouttheincense,whatdoyoucareaboutthetea?”

Colordroppedoutofherface.“Jesus,Jesus,didhedrugme?OhGod,didhegivemesomething?”

“WebelieveZieglerroutinelygaveat-homeclients,potentiallyothers,adate-rapedrugintheguiseoftea,andaccentuateditwithincensethatwasalsolaced.”

“Isee.”Shepressedherlipstogether,lookedaway.“Thatexplainsit.Iwasn’tattractedtohimthatway,simplywasn’t,butthatevening...Iinitiatedit.”Hervoicetrembledalittle.Shepickedupherglassagain,

drankslowly.“IinitiateditalmostassoonasIwasonthemassagetable.”

“No,youdidn’t,”Evesaid.“Heinitiatedandtookyourchoiceawaywhenhegaveyouthedrugwithoutyourknowledge.”

“Idon’tknowhowtofeelaboutthis.”Shepressedthecoldglasstoherforehead.“Idon’tknowhowtofeel.IwasrapedwhenIwassixteenbyaboyIthoughtlikedme.He

slippedmesomething,too.Notenough,becauseIdidn’treallydrinkmuch,justenoughIfeltweirdandoff.Notenough,soIsaidno.AndwhenIsaidno,heheldmedown.Hehurtme,andheforcedme.AndIdidn’ttellanyone,Iwassoashamed.ItwasyearsbeforeItoldanyone,andcametotermswithit.Nowthis.”

Sheclosedhereyesagain.“Treydidn’tforceme.He

didn’thurtme.”“Yes,hedid.”Eve’sflat

tonehadRobbinsopeninghereyesagain.“Hedidn’tholdyoudownorputbruisesonyou,butheforcedyou.Herapedyou.”

“You’reright.You’reright.”

Hereyesfilled.Evewatchedherwageafightagainstthem.Winit.

“NowIhavetocometotermswithitagain.Iwill.

Well,backtotherapy.”Sheliftedherglassintoast.“Whatfun.”

“Icangiveyouacontactforarapecenter,”Peabodytoldher.

“That’sokay.Ihaveashrinkontap.Idon’thaveanalibi,anditlookslikeIhadamotive.Ididn’tkillhim,butI’msureashellgladhe’sdead.Whathappensnow?”

Everose.“Wetalktootherpeopleinyoursituation.

O

Andifwefindoutyou’relyingandyoudidkillhim,we’llbebacktoarrestyou.”

“Great.Terrific.”Robbinsmanagedaweaksmile.“That’sstillafabulouscoat.”

•••

nthewaydowntothelobby,Peabody

brooded.“Don’tsulkoverit,”Eve

ordered.“Spillit.”

“I’mnotsulking.I’mconsidering.Herstatementmakesitunquestionableourvicuseddate-rapedrugsonnumerouswomen,atleastoverthelastcouplemonths.Anditalsoconfirmsheextortedmoneyfromatleastsomeofthem.Eitheroneofthoseactsequalsmotive.Combinethem,anditbecomesareallystrongmotive.Iknowshedoesn’thaveanalibi,butIdon’t

thinkshedidit.”“Becauseyoulikedher.

Andbecauseyoufeltsympathyafterherclaimshe’dbeendate-rapedinthepast.”

“Well,yeah.Inpartanyway.Didn’tyou?”

“Ididn’tnotlikeher.Asfortheclaimofpreviousdaterape,shealsoindicatedsheneverreportedit.Wecan’tconfirmiteverhappened.”

“No,wecan’t,and,yeah,

itcould’vebeenabidforsympathy.ButIbelievedher.”Stillbrooding,Peabodysteppedoutoftheelevator,crossedthelobbywithEve.“Iguessyoudidn’t.”

“Actually,Idid.Goingthroughthathumiliationandtraumaasecondtime?Addstothemotive.”

“Ididn’tthinkofitthatway.”PeabodyglancedupatRobbins’swindowsastheywalkedtothecar.“Damnit.”

“We’vegotanasshole,fuckhead,serialdaterapistasavic,Peabody.We’regoingtofeelsorryforprettymuchallthesuspects.Thewomenheused,thespouses,boyfriends,fathers,brothers,friendswholearnedaboutit.Andnowweveerofftoyetanotherangle.”

“Anotherangle?”“Competitors.”Sheslid

behindthewheel.“David‘Rock’Brittonalsohasa

personalmotive.Thevicbangedhisbabysister—andmaybe,whoknows,heslippedhersomethingtogetherbetweenthesheets.”

“Well,hell.”PeabodypulledtheaddressofthegymoffherPPC,pluggeditintothedashcomp.“IhopeIdon’tlikehim.”

Evelikedhim,ormoreaccuratelylikedhisgym.

Alot.ShesawRockHardasa

bare-bones,sweat-and-gruntfacility.Clean,well-lit,andwithoutasinglefrill.Top-of-the-lineequipment—includingheavybags,speedbags,andasparringringthattookcenterstageappealedtothosewhocameintoputintheirtime,showeroffthesweat,andmoveonwiththeir

day.Nomusicplayed,sothe

soundoffistsstrikingbags,ofjumpropeswhizzingthroughtheair,andfeetslappingthefloorplayedallthetunesnecessary.Lyrics?Grunts,curses,insults,andordersnottodropyourguard,don’tbesuchapussy,sangout.

Shelikedtheindustrialbeigewalls,theno-nonsensegrayfloor,thefilmywindows

thatblockedoutthestreetandsidewalk.Thiswasn’taplacetopreen.Itwasaplacetowork.

ShemadeRockfromhisIDphoto,watchedhimholdingaheavybag,spittingouthard-lineencouragementtothewoman—strippeddowntosportsbra,shorts,andsweat—whopummeledit.

“Fromtheshoulder,Angie,ferchrissakes.Use

yourhip.Switchitup.Rightcross!Leftcross!Rightcross!Jab,jab,jab!”

Thoughshehatedtobreakitup—thewomanwasgame—Evecrossedover.Shepalmedherbadgebehindthewoman’sback,waitedforRock’sdarkbrowneyestoskimoverit,lifttoherface.

“Finishhimoff,Ang.Pepperhim.Pepperhim.Go,go,go!Okay,okay,takeabreather.”

“ThankJesusandhislovingmother,”AngiesaidinaBrooklynaccentthickasabrick.Shehuggedthebag,swayedwithitwhileshecaughtherbreath.

“Iwanttenminuteswiththerope,”Rocktoldher.

“You’reafreakingsadist,Rock.”

“You’redamnstraight.”Hetossedheratowel,jerkedhisheadtoEveandstartedbacktowardwhatshesaw

wasanofficeevensmallerthanherown.

Hegrabbedapowerdrinkoffaskinnyshelf,thecontentsofwhichtoocloselyresembledinfectedurineforhertaste.Buthegluggeditdown.

“Ziegler?”hesaidinavoicethatsuitedhisname.Hard,withroughedges.

“That’sright.”Heshrugged,wiggleda

thumbtowardaratty-looking

foldingchair.“We’refine,”shetold

him.“YouandZieglerweretopcontendersforthepersonaltrainerawardcomingupthisspring.”

“Maybe.”Heshruggedexcellentshoulders,nakedbutforthestrapsofablacktank.Atattooofadragon,breathingfire,coiledaroundhisimpressivebiceps.“There’salongwinterbetweennowandspring.

Thingschange.Iguessthingshaveseeingthefucker’sdead.Igotnoproblemwithhimbeingdead.Didn’tmakehimthatway,butIgotnoproblemwithit.”

“Youhadanaltercationwithhim.”

“Weweren’tbuds.”Hissmilehintedtowardasneerbeforeheguzzleddownsomemoreurine-coloredliquid.“Ihatedhisever-fuckingguts,buthewasn’tsomebodyI

thoughtaboutmuch.”“Thealtercationwasdue

tohissexualrelationshipwithyoursister.”

Nowthosedarkeyesfired.“Trickingadrunkgirlintobed,thenbootingheroutwhenshe’shalfsickandconfused,thenbraggingonit,ain’tnorelationship.Heknewshewasmysister.Hedidittorileme.Heriledme.”

“Inyourplace,I’d’vewantedtokickhisass.”

“Consideredit.MaybeIwould’ve,butyoucanaddcowardtohisothersins.IntheendIgotinhisface,Itoldhimifheevertouchedheragain,eversaidhernameagain,andIheardaboutit,I’dbreakthatprettyfacehewassoproudof.”

“Maybehedid...mentionhernameagain.”

“NotthatIeverheard.”Rockrestedahiponthecornerofhisdentedmetal

desk.Hewasabigmanwith

strong,definedarms,abroadchest,afacethatsportedacoupleofscarsandanosethatlistedtotheleft.Attractive,shethought,inarough,hard-edgedway.

“Youbox?”Eveasked.“Usedtodosome.Iliked

itokay,butIgottiredofpunchingpeople,soIswitcheditup.Ziegler,hehadthatsweetgigatBuff

Bodies,buthelikedtogivemethezingovermyplacehere.Juice—he’stheonetoldmeyou’dbecoming—saidhowZieglerwasjealousbecausehewantedhisownplace.Noreasonforhimtogoaftermybabysister.Diditforspite.Diditbecausehecould.”

“Hebeatyououtofthetopawardthelastcoupleyears,”Evepointedout.

“Yeah.Don’tgiveashit

aboutthetrophy,buttheprizemoneywould’vebeenhandy.BB,placeslikethat,they’vegotastrongrep,sotheirtrainersgetone,andthatweighsonthecompetition.BB’sgot—whatdoyoucallit?”

“Cachet?”Peabodyventured,andhepointedafingerather.

“Yeah,that.I’vebeenbuildingupmyplace.Cachet,maybenot,butI’msolid,and

I’vegotastrongfollowingnow.Mytimewascoming.Idon’tkillsomebodyoveracontestandagrand.”

“Addinyoursister,”Evesaid.

“Idon’tkillsomebodyoverwhat’sdone.Itdoesn’tchangewhat’sdone.”

“Wherewereyouthedayhewaskilled?”

“Heretillaboutfour.Gotinatfour-thirty—A.M.—thatdaytoworkwithaguy—

welterweighttryingtomakeacomeback.SoIleftaboutfour.Wenthome,hadabeer,ashower,turnedonsomesports,didsomepaperwork.It’shardtogetanypaperworkdonehere,workonprogramsforclients.ThenIwenttomymama’sfordinner.Gotthereaboutseven,I’mguessing.Maybealittleafter.Ididn’tclockit.Wenthomeaboutnine,stayedin.”

“Didyouspeakorsee

anyonebetweenthehoursoffiveandseven?”

“No.Yougoingtoarrestme?”

“Notyet.”“Wheredoesyourmother

live?”“Sameapartment

building,twofloorsdown.Imovedtheretohelpherout.Shethinksit’stheotherwayaround.We’reprobablybothrightonthat.”

He’dsmiled,arealone,

whenhespoke,butnowhisfacehardenedagain.“Shedoesn’tknowaboutKyria.Idon’twanthertoknow.Yougotnoreasontobringthatup,ifyoutalktoher.”

“No,wedon’t.Weappreciateyourtime.”

“That’sit?”“Haveyougotanything

elsetotellus?”“It’sgoingtosoundlike

spite.”“WhywouldIcare?”

“Okay.I’mjustgoingtosay,hehadmoremoneythanheshouldhave,seemstome.Morethanheshould’vehadfromthework.Idon’tknowhowhecamebyit.”

“Butyouhaveyoursuspicions,”Evefinished.

“Ido.KyriawasprettyupsetwhenIfoundout,whenIpushedheraboutwhathappened.Shefinallytoldmehowhekickedheroutrightaftershediditwithhim.She

saidhowshewantedtostay,shedidn’tfeelgood,didn’tfeellikeshecouldgethomeonherown.Andhesaidwomendidn’tstayinhisplaceunlesstheypaidforit.Saidmaybehe’dletherstaytillmorningforathousand.Girldidn’thavethatkindofmoneyonher,sohetossedherout.”

Hestareddownintohispowerdrink.“Ifigurehegotwomentopay.Everybody

knewhebangedclients—that’suptotheclient,tomywayofthinking.Notmybusiness.Butwhenyouchargemoney,that’snotlegalwithoutalicense.Maybehehadone.”

Rockshruggedagain,drankagain.“ButIdon’tthinkso.”

“Weappreciatetheinformation,andthetime.”

“AreyougoingtohavetotalktoKyria?”

“Wemay.”Heletoutalongbreath,

stareddownatwhatwasleftofhisdrink.“Goeasy,willyou?She’sembarrassedithappened.Putitbehindherthewayyoushouldwithmistakes.Butshe’sembarrassed.”

“Understood.”Evewalkedtotheofficedoor,openedit,turnedback.“Ilikeyourplace.”

Hisgrinspread,quick,

bright,addedunexpectedcharmtohisface.“Youbox?”

“Ifight.”Evesmiledback.“There’sadifference.”

Peabodywaiteduntiltheywereoutside,thenpokedafingerinEve’sbiceps.“Youlikedhim.Youdon’tthinkhediditbecauseyoulikehim.”

“Ilikedhim.Iknowhedidn’tdoitbecausehe’dhaveusedhisfists.Iknowhedidn’tdoitbecausethevic

wouldneverhaveopenedthedoortohimmuchlesstakenhimbackintothebedroom.Therewould’vebeensignsofstruggle,ofafight.Alternately,ifBrittonhadgrabbedthetrophyonimpulse,ragewouldhavejumpedrightinwithit.Hewouldn’thavesettledfortwoblows.He’dhavebeatenZiegler’sheadin,andhe’dhavegonefortheface,too.The‘prettyface’Zieglerwas

soproudof.”“Oh,well,whenyouput

itthatway.Butyoustilllikedhim.”

“HesaidrightouthehatedZieglerandwasn’tsorryhewasdead.Thattakesballs.HeresistedcavinginZiegler’sfaceand/orskullmonthsagowhenthesisterthinghappened.Thattakescontrol.Ilikeballs.Irespectcontrol.”

“Arewegoingtotalkto

thesister,themom?”“Idon’tseeanyreasonto

rushthat.”Time,toEve’smind,tocirclebackaround.“We’regoingbacktodoafollow-upwithNatashaQuigley.”

“Okay.Why?”“Becauseshe’slying.She

sleptwithZiegler.Ifigureditforalieyesterday.I’mmoresureofitnow.She’sgood-looking,wealthy,aclient.Married.She’saprimetarget.

We’llgoshakeitoutofher.”“Okay.Whywouldshe

lie,especiallywhenshecould’vejumpedrightonthehe-gave-me-tea-toogambit?”

“First,becausewedidn’tknowforcertaintheteawaslaced,andthatpossibilitycameoutaftershe’dalready—prettyvehemently—deniedhavingsexwiththevic.”

“That’sright.”Peabodypulledherearflapsdownmoresecurely.“We’vegotso

manywomeneithersayingtheypaidhimforsex,orsayingtheypaidhimtokeepitquietaftertea-inducedsex,we’regoingtoneedaspreadsheet.Orachart.”Shebrightenedalittle.“Ilikemakingcharts.Anyway,ifthat’sfirst,what’ssecond?”

“Second,becauseit’sjusteasiertosayno,notme.”

“Itis.Andit’sknee-jerk,too,atleastfromthewomenI’veinterviewed.”

“Andthird,Ibetshewasweirdedknowingsheandhersisterhadsleptwiththesameguy.”

“Thatwouldbeweird.”Peabodypiledinthecar.“Mysister—theoneclosesttomyage—andIhadaseriousthingforthesameguywhenwewereteenagers.Sowetookanoaththatneitherofuswouldmoveonit.Wefoughtaboutitfirst,butwetookanoath.”

Peabodysettledback.“Itturnedouthe’dhaveratherourbrothermovedonhim,butwedidn’tcatchthatuntilwe’dtakentheoath.Zekedidn’tmoveonhimbecausehe’snotintoguysthatway,buthe’d’veswornanoathotherwise.

“It’sgoingtobegreatseeingthemallonChristmas.Iwonderwhateverhappenedto...Whatthehellwashisname?Stanley,Ithink.Yeah,

StanleyPhyster.ButhewantedeveryonetocallhimStefano.”

“Andyoudidn’tgetthegay?”

“Huh.Goodpoint.”Theywentbacktothe

brownstone,wereadmittedbythesamedomesticdroid.Astheysatinthelivingarea,EvepulledoutherPPC.“Lookstern,”shesaidtoPeabody.

“Okay.”

“Notconstipated,stern.”Peabodyrelaxedthelook

fractionallyasQuigleycameclippingin.

“I’msorry.I’mjustbackfromacommitteemeeting,andwasonthe’link.CanIorderupanythingforyou?”

“We’refine.”“Doyouhavemore

questionsaboutTrey?”sheaskedasshetookaseat.“Idon’tknowwhatmoreIcantellyou.”

EvelookedupfromherPPC,deliberatelyturnedthescreenaway,butkeptitinherhand.“YoucanstartbytellinguswhyyoudeniedhavingsexwithTreyZiegler.”

“BecauseIdidn’thavesexwithhim.”

“Peabody,whathappenswhenanindividualliestothepoliceduringaninvestigation?”

“Chargesare

forthcoming.Obstructionofjusticeisgenerallyfirst,butwecanfollowthatwith—”

“We’lljuststartthere,”Eveinterrupted.“Andhere:Youhavetherighttoremainsilent.”

“Wait.ForGod’ssake.Thisisridiculous.”

“You’regoingtowanttolistentoyourrightsandobligations,Ms.Quigley,”Eveadvised,thenrecitedtherestoftheRevisedMiranda.

“Doyouunderstandyourrightsandobligationsinthismatter?”

“I’mnotanidiot.OfcourseIdo.AndIresentbeingtreatedlikeacriminal.”

“You’regoingtohavecauseforevenmoreresentmentthenwhenwetakethisinterviewdowntoCentral.”Everose.

“I’mnotgoinganywhere.Youcan’tforcemetogoanywhere.”

“Peabody?”“Thesuspectcan

voluntarilybequestioned.Orwecangetawarrantcompellinghertosubmittoquestioning.Sheis,ofcourse,entitledtoalegalrepeitherway,butthesecondoptioncouldincluderestraints.”

“Thisisridiculous.”Colorrodehighonhercheeks;herhandsballedintofists.“It’soutrageous.I’mcontactingmylawyer.”

“Pleasedo.Hecanmeetushere,ifyouspeakvoluntarily.Ormypartnerwillgetthewarrant,andyourrepresentativecanmeetusatCentral.Yourchoice.”

“ItellyouIdidn’thavesexwithTreyZiegler.”

EvelookeddownatherPPC,backatQuigley.“You’relying.”

“Whatdoyouhaveonthere?Whatareyoulookingat?”

“Peabody,getthewarrant.”

“Wait,wait.Just...wait.”Quigleydroppeddownagain.“Allthis,allthisinsanityoversex.Allright,Isleptwithhim.Ididn’twantTellatoknow.Idon’twantJJ—myhusband—toknow.Idon’tseeit’sanyofyourbusiness.”

“Yourbedmatewasmurdered.”

“Well,Ididn’tkillhim.

WhywouldI?Oversex?”Shewavedthatawaywithaflashoftheemeraldonherfinger.“Itwasstupid—noonelikestobroadcaststupidity.It’shumiliatingtotalkabouttostrangers,topolice.Mymarriagehasbeenabitfraughtforthelastfewmonths.”

“Fraught?”“We’vebeeninarough

patch,andwe’reworkingthroughit.Marriageshave

roughpatches.”Shecrossedherarmsoverherchestdefensively.“Infact,thingsaregettingbetter.But,well,Ihaveneedslikeanyone,andTreymadeitobvioushewasattracted,thathewasinterested.HewassympatheticwhenItoldhimthingsweren’tgoodbetweenmeandJJ,andthat,well,andthatweweresleepinginseparaterooms.Hesuggestedhecomehere,whenJJwas

away,andgivemeaprivatemassage.”

Rising,shewalkedtoacabinet,tookoutadecanter,pouredherselfamberliquidinashortglass.“Iknewwhathemeant.Itwasn’tasecretheofferedseparateandprivateservices.”

Shestareddownattheglass.“Intimateservices.Iwasn’tgoingtohavehimcomehere,inmyhome.Iwouldn’t...notinthesame

bedIsleptinwithmyhusband.So—asIalsoknowotherclientshad—Isuggestedahotel.Ibookedasuite,orderedupchampagne.Hemetmethere.Wewentthroughthepretense—ortheforeplay—ofthemassage.Thenwehadsex.He’sgoodatit,andJJhadn’tbeenattentiveinsometime.”

“Howmuchdidyoupayhim?”

Colorstainedhercheeks

againbeforeshedrank.“Threethousandextra,thenIbookedanotherprivatesession.Wehadtwoaweekforthreeweeksbefore...hedied.WewerebookedforonerightafterChristmas.IwasgoingtocancelthatasJJandI...thingsarebetter.We’retalkingabouttakingaholidayafterthefirstoftheyear,JJ’sidea.We’retryingtofindthemagicagain.”

“DidZieglerthreatento

tellyourhusband?”“Whywouldhe?Wehad

amutuallybeneficialarrangement.IfhetoldJJ,itcouldn’tcontinue.Ihadn’tcanceledthelastsessionasyet.”

“Why,ifyou’recomingoutofthatroughpatch?”

“God.”Sherubbedhertemple.“I’dthoughtI’dseehimoncemore—notforsex—buttotellhimwehadtoendit.I’dplannedtogive

himalittleextra,athank-you.Andthen...NotonlydidIlearnhe’dbeenkilled,butthatmyownsistersleptwithhim.Heshouldn’thavesleptwithTella—it’sjustunseemly.Andbelieveme,itwasawkwardwhenshetoldme.”

“‘Unseemly,’”Everepeated.“‘Awkward.’”

“Yes.Awomanmightshareahairdresser,forinstance,withhersister.A

designer,adecorator.Butnotalover.Itwasabusinesstransaction,basically.Iknewthatgoingin.But...awomaninmypositioncan’thireaprofessional.Anaffair—andIcouldletmyselfthinkofitasanaffair—ithadmore...romance.”

“Wereyouinlovewithhim?”Peabodyasked.Quigleylaughed.

“Please.Isaidbefore,I’mnotanidiot.Heprovideda

service,Ipaid.ButhewassomeoneIknew,someonewhounderstoodmybodyandmyneeds.Itwasgoodforme.Itmayhavehelpedmymarriage,thoughJJwouldneverseeitthatway.I’dliketosalvagemymarriageifIcan.I’mrealisticenoughtoknowthatmaynotbepossible,butI’dliketogiveitsometime,andtry.”

“Yousetthetimeandplace,aclearunderstanding

whatwastotranspireonbothsidesofthisarrangementwithZiegler.”

“Yes.Mymarriagemayhavebeeninthatroughpatch,butIhaveenoughrespectforJJnottocarryonanaffairinthehomeweshare.”

“You’resosureyourhusbanddoesn’tknow?”

“Ifhedid,evenifhesuspected?Thewaythingshavebeenthelastfewweeks,he’dneverhavesuggestedwe

takeatrip,spendaweekinTahitirekindlingourmarriage.No.”Shesetherjaw.“He’dhavethrownitinmyface,andcalledadivorceattorney.”

“WouldhehavethrownitinZiegler’sface?Wasn’thealsoaclient?”

“ConfrontTrey?No,no,he’dblameme,andhe’dneverletmeforgetit.Hewouldn’thaveconfrontedTrey.”Butshewetherlips,

drankagain.“JJ’sexcitable,andhe’sbeenangrywithme—andIwithhim—buthe’snotreallyaviolentman.He’dneverhave...hewouldn’t.”

“Youdon’tsoundconvinced,”Evepointedout.

“Becauseyou’rethrowingallthisatme.”Hervoicerose,flirtingwithhysteria.“Becauseit’sallsoupsetting.Ihadanaffair,andIpaidforit.Literallyandemotionally.”

Shetookanotherdrink,

breathedinandout.“Myhusbanddoesn’tknow,andIwanttokeepitthatway.I’dliketomendthefraysinmymarriage.IfIcan’t,I’dprefertoendthatmarriageascleanlyaspossible.”

“Doyouloveyourhusband?”Peabodyaskedher.

“Iwantachancetofindout,that’sall.I’dlikethechancetofindouttheanswer.”

“WherewereyouwhenZieglerwaskilled?Yoursistergaveusherwhereabouts.”

“Iwashere,preparingforthepartythatnight.Youcanquestionthedomestics,thedecoratingteam—they,andI,werehereallday.Ihadcateringstaffarriveatseven-fifteen,andwasheretospeakwiththem.Iwashereallday,supervisingthepreparations.”

“Andyourhusband?”

“I’mhonestlynotsure,andit’sridiculous.Iwasworkingwiththestaff,thecaterers,soI’mnotsurewhenhearrived.ButIknowhewasherebyseven-thirty,ashewasdressingwhenIranuptochangeforthefirstarrivals.”

“Where’syourhusbandnow?”Eveaskedher.

“I—athisoffice,Isuppose.Please.”Shesatagain,leanedtowardEve.“Lieutenant,Detective,please

don’ttakeawaymychancetosavemymarriage.IfyoutellJJIhadanaffairwithTrey,it’sover.Hewon’tforgivemeforit.Ionlywantthechancetofixthings,totrytoholdontomymarriage.Imadeamistake—astupid,selfishmistake—butrightnowwhatIdidhurtsnoonebutmyself.IfyoutellJJ,ithurtshim,anddestroysthefuturewewanttomaketogether.Please.”

“Ican’tmakeyouanypromises,butwewon’tsharethatinformationunlesswefinditnecessarytotheinvestigation.Whileyourmarriageisyourpriority,Ms.Quigley,findingthepersonresponsiblefortakingTreyZiegler’slifeisours.”

Evegottoherfeet.“DidZieglereverpushyouformoremoney,everindicatehemightuseyourrelationshipwithhimagainstyou?”

“No.Itwas,asIsaid,mutuallybeneficial.Weenjoyedeachotherforabrieftime.Nomore,noless.”

“Okay.Thanksforyourtime.”

“Whatwouldyoudo?”Quigleyrose,claspedherhandstogether.“Inmyplace,whatwouldyoudo?”

“Ican’ttellyou.I’mnotinyourplace.”

Peabodybundleduphercoatagainastheystepped

outside.“Whatwouldyoudo?Wouldyouconfessthecheating,orburyitlikeshe’stryingtodo?”

“Iwouldn’thavecheatedinthefirstplace.”

“Well,yeah,but—”“There’sno‘but.’”Eve

pulledopenthecardoor,slidin.“Yougointomarriage,youplowaroad.You’regoingtohitroughpatches,andsomemayberougherandlastlongerthanothers,but

you’vegotchoicestomake.Youworktosmooththemout,youholduntiltheydo,ortheydon’t.Youstickwiththeroad,oryougetoff.Butyoudon’tdosomethingtomakeitworse,don’tdosomethingthatmaybemakesyoufeelbetterfortheshorttermwhileitsuckerpunchesthepersonyou’remarriedto.

“PluginCopley’soffice.We’lltalktohimnext.”

Peabodykeyedthe

addressintothein-dash.“Somepeoplecheatbecausetheycan’tseeawayout.”

“Bullshit.There’salwaysawayout.Youjusthavetopaytheprice,whetherit’smoney,status,theemotionalhit,orallofthatandmore.Cheating’scheapandit’slazy.”Pausingatalight,shedrummedherfingersonthesteeringwheel.“It’snotjustaboutsex,”shesaid.“Marriageisaseriesof

promises.”Whenshe’drealizedthat—marriageequaledpromises—shehadn’tfearedit.Asmuch.

“Maybeyoucan’tkeepthemall.Thewholetill-death-do-us-partbusiness.Maybeyoucan’tkeepthatone.Lifecanbelong,andpeoplechange,circumstanceschange,sookay.Yourealizeyoudon’treallywantthislifeorthisperson,orthepersonyoumadethepromisesto

isn’twhoyouthought,orthey’vechangedinawayyoucan’tacceptorsupport.Whatever.Youmakeachoice.Stickandtrytoworkitthrough,ordon’t.Butdon’tgivemetheboo-hoo,I’mnothappysoI’mgettingnakedwithsomebodyelseontheside.Itinsultseverybody.

“Walkorwork,”sheconcluded.“Butdon’tmakeexcuses.”

“Icanfeelthatway

personally—andphilosophically.But...peopleareflawed.”

“Peoplearen’tflawed,Peabody.Peoplearedeeplyfuckedup.”

“So,consideringthat,didn’tyoufeelalittlesorryforher?ForQuigley?”

“Imightifshegrewapairandwenttoherhusband,toldhimshe’dfuckedup,beenstupidandselfishandsoon.Shecheated,nowshe’slying.

How’sthatgoingtofixanythingifshe’sseriousaboutfixingthings?Addedtoit,Idon’tfeelsorryforeitherofthematthispointbecauseoneofthemmayhavekilledZiegler.Sinceshe’saknowncheaterandliar,shemaybelyingaboutZieglernotpushingformore.Andifhedid,bash,bash.Ortheillusionofromancesheclaimswasmorereal,andshefindsouthe’splayingherlike

heplayedtherest.”“Bash,bash,”Peabody

saidasEvehuntedforparking.

“Or,Copleydidfindout,confrontedZiegler.Bash,bashfromhisside.Solet’sstayobjectivehere.”

Peabodyclimbedoutofthecar,pulledonhergloves.“Prettymucheveryonewe’veinterviewedhadmotivetobash,bash.Ourvic’stheguypeoplelovedtohate.They

usedhim—asatrainer,asanemployee,asamassagetherapist,asabedmate,butanyoneofthemcould’vepickedupthattrophyandgivenhimacouplesolidwhacks.”

“Andmurdertrumpscheating,lying,blackmail,andbeingageneralasshole.Solet’sseewhereJohnJakeCopleyfallsonthemap.”

Insidethesteel-graylobbyoftheofficebuilding,

Evebadgedthesecurityguardatthesign-instation.“JohnJakeCopley.ImageWorksPublicRelations.”

Hescannedherbadge,nodded.“That’syourthirty-ninthfloor,elevatorbankB.”

Peabodypulledherglovesoffastheyjoinedasmallpackofsharpsuitsfortheelevator.Halfofthemnatteredawayonearbuds,othersfrownedimportantlyat

their’linksorPPCsastheyscrolledthroughdata.

Oneofthem,asix-footblondeinadarkpurplecoatwithlipsdyedtomatch,didboth.

“TheSimpsonmeetingranover,”shebarkedastheyallpiledonthecar.“Shiftmythree-thirtytothree-forty-five,andmyfourtofour-thirty.IknowIhaveafour-thirty,Simon,you’regoingtoreschedulethatforfive—

drinksatMaisonRouge.I’llfollowupwiththefive-thirty,sameplace.Keepthesemeetingsonschedule,Simon.There’llbehelltopayifImissChichi’sholidaypageanttonight.I’monmywayupnow.Getittogether.”

Asthewomanmarchedoffonthetwenty-secondfloor,Evedecidedshe’dholdherownstunnertoherownthroat—onfull—ifshehadtolivebymeetingsscheduled

minutebyminute.She’dmuchratherscrew

thosemeetingsupbyflippingoutherbadge.

WhichshedidattheglossygoldreceptioncounterofImageWorks.

Atrioworkedthecounter,allindarksuits,allwithperfectgroomingandtoothy,professionalsmiles.

Thesleekbrunette’ssmiledidn’twaverafraction.“WhatcanIdoforyou,

Officer?”“Lieutenant.”Evetapped

thebadge.“Dallas.WithDetectivePeabody.WeneedtospeakwithJohnJakeCopley.”

“Mr.Copley,ofcourse.”Shetappednailspaintedcold,hardblueonherscreen.“I’mshowingMr.Copleyintheexecutiveloungeforastrategymeeting.ButhedoeshaveafewminutesfreelaterthisafternoonwhereIcan

scheduleyouin.”“Doyouseethis?”Eve

heldupthebadgeagain.“Thisismystrategymeeting.Where’stheexecutivelounge?”

“It’sthroughthedoubledoorstoyourright,downtotheendofthehall,totheleft,throughthedoubledoors,and—”

“I’llfindit,”Evesaid.“But...It’sfor

executives,”thebrunettesaid

asEveturnedaway.Evemerelyheldupher

badgeagain,keptwalking.“Ireallylovethatpart,”

Peabodysaid.“I’malittleashamed,butIcan’thelpit.”

Theypasseddoors,bothopenedandclosed,busyhivesofcubes,turnedthecorner,passedastaffloungewithVendingandacouplesofas,awallscreenscrollingthroughads.

Thingsquietedthrough

thenextsetofdoors.Evenoddedatyetone

moreset.“Oddsare,”shesaid,andstrodetothem,pulledthemopen.

Laughterpouredout.Onthewallscreena

golferteedoffontheeleventhholeundersunnyskiesonacoursegreenasIreland.Aroundtheroommen—butforalonewomanwholookedboredandannoyed—satorstoodwithdrinksinhand.

JJCopleystoodinfrontofthescreen,teeingupjustashisCGIcounterpart.Handsomeandfitinshirtsleevesandloosenedtie,heswung.Onscreen,hisavatarperfectlymirroredthemove—andsentthelittlewhiteballsoaring—overasandtrap,overasparklingbluepond,andontotheedgeoftheeleventhgreen.

Raucousapplauseensued.“Andthat’showit’s

done.”Grinning,heturnedtowardanotherfitandhandsomemanholdingaclub,thenspottedEve.

“Ladies?CanIredirectyou?”

“Copley,JohnJake?”“Guilty.”“Well,thatmakesit

easy.”Evetookoutherbadgeagain.“Youhavetherighttoremainsilent—”

“Whoa,whoa!”Helaughed,butthistimealittle

nervousaroundtheedges.“What’sallthisabout?”

“Murder,”Evesaidflatly.“TreyZiegler.”

“Oh,right,right.Damnshame.I’dbehappytositdownwithyouin,say,thirty?We’reinastrategysession.”

“Yeah,Icanseethat.Nowworksforme.Doesnowworkforyou,DetectivePeabody?”

“Yes,sir,itdoes.Thisroomworks,too,butthenso

doesCentral.”“Yeah.”Evestaredinto

Copley’seyes.“Eitherway.”“Fine,then,fine.Never

letitbesaidIdidn’tcooperatewiththeboys—orgirls—inblue.Fellas,givemetheroomforafewminutes.Guys—oh,andMarta—Ineedtheroom.We’lltakethisupassoonasI’mfinished.”

EvewatchedthelonewomanshootCopleyalook

ofcooldislikebeforeshefiledoutwiththerest.

“Haveaseat.WhatcanIgetyou?”

“Answers.”“Noproblemthere.”He

droppeddownontoablacksofa.“Itlookedlikeweweregoofingoff,butthefactiswerepresentthecompany—andthespokesman—forthegames.Anewsetofinteractivesportsgamesandtrainingvidstheyhopedto

launchnextspring.We’reworkingintandemwiththeadcompanyonasmoothlaunch.Yougottaknowtheproducttoreptheproduct.”

“Sure.TellmeaboutyourrelationshipwithTreyZiegler.”

“He’s—hewas—mypersonaltrainer.Damngoodone,too.Iworkedwithhimatmygym.BuffBodies.”

“Andoutsideofthegym?”

“Weplayedgolfacoupleoftimes.Helovedthegame.Heandmybrother-in-lawandIplayedafewtimes.Treatedhimtoaround,somedrinks,thatsortofthing.”

“Whenwasthelasttimeyouwereinhisapartment?”

“I...WhywouldIgotohisapartment?”

“Youtellme.”“Ineverwentthere.No

reasonto.Hewasadamnedgoodtrainer,workedyou

untilyouwantedtocrylikeagirl.Gaveagoodmassage,too.Prettygoodgolfer.Butweweren’tbuddies,ifthat’swhatyoumean.”

Herose,walkedtothewetbar,pouredhimselfatallglassofwater,squeezedalemonsliceintoit.“Sure?”Hetippedtheglassrightandleft.

“Yes.Whenwasthelasttimeyousaworspoketohim?”

“Iguessitwould’vebeenMondaymorning,regularsessionwithhimatthegym.Iactuallyhadonescheduledyesterday,buttheytaggedme,toldmehe’dbeenkilled.Thatwasashocker,”Copleyadded,drankdeep.

“Didheeveraskyouformoney?Hityouforaloan?”

“Money?”Copleydrankagain,slidonehandintohispocket,jiggledwhateverhecarriedinthere.“No.Ialways

slippedhimsomeextraafteramassage,butheneverhadhishandout.Look,Ilikedtheguy.Hewasagoodtrainer,soIlikedworkingwithhim.Igavehimacoupleperks—golfattheclub,likethat.Wehadsomelaughsonthecourse.That’sit.”

“Didheevercontactyouathome,atyouroffice?”

“Whatfor?”“I’maskingyou.”“Idon’tremember

anythinglikethat.I’dseehimacoupletimesaweekatthegym.AcoupletimesattheclubwheneitherIorLance—mysister-in-law’shusband—setitup.MaybeonceaweekI’dgetamassagefromhim.That’sit.”

“Areyounervous,Mr.Copley?”

“ThecopsaretalkingtomeaboutaguyIknewthatwaskilled.So,yeah,some.PlusI’vegotworkwaiting.I

can’ttellyouanythingaboutwhathappenedtoZiegler,so...ifthere’smoreyoushouldgothroughmylawyer.We’llkeepitsmooththatway.Isthatit?”

“Fornow.”Evestartedforthedoor.“Oh,youmentionedyourbrother-in-law.Butyoudidn’tmentionyourwifealsousedthedeceasedasatrainerandamassagetherapist.”

“Sowhat?”

“Interesting.”Leavingitasthat,Evestartedout.

Shewalkeddownthewidehallwayagain,throughthedoors,glancedatPeabody.

“He’slying.”“Ohyeah,heis.”

ShewantedCopleyinthebox,Evethought,but

knowinginherguthewaslyingdidn’tequalproof.Theminuteshetappedhim,he’dlawyerup.Shedidn’tbegrudgehimlegalrepresentation—ruleswererulesforreasons—butalawyerwasboundtoblockanddodgeherquestions,seeshewasonafishingexpedition.

ButCopleywaslying,

andtherewasdamnwellareasonforthat,too.

“Wedig,”shetoldPeabodyastheytooktheelevatorupfromthegarageatCentral.“WedigonCopleyuntilwefindenoughtostandon,thenwebringhimin.He’snotgoingtotalktousagainwithoutalawyer,sowefindsomeholes.”

Shecheckedherwristunitfortimeasacoupleofuniformspulledina

heroicallydrunkSantawholooked—andsmelled—likehe’dspentsometimerollingaroundinreindeerdung.

“Really?Youcouldn’ttakethatupthestairsacoupleflightstothedrunktank?”

“GottatakehimuptoSexCrimes,Lieutenant.He—”

“Hey,littlegirl!”DrunkSantasentEveablearysmile.“IgotwhatchawantforChristmasrighthere!”

Hegrabbedhiscrotch,pumpedhiships,thenspreadopenaslitinthedirtyredpantstorevealanunfortunatelygrimypenis.

“That,”theuniformfinished.

“Ilike’emnaughty!”Santaexclaimed,thenbrokefantasticwind.

“Oh,forChrist’ssake.”“Somebodycracka

window!”Santasuggested,andadded,“Ho,ho,ho!”

Evedidbetter.Sheleapedofftheelevatoronthenextfloor,oneshortstepinfrontofPeabody.Asthedoorsshut,sheheardSantabellow,“MerryChristmastoall!”rightbeforethegaggingnoises.

“Ithinkthatwasalive.”CautiouslyPeabodysniffedatherownsleeve.“Wemayneeddetox.Uniformsdon’tgetpaidenough.”

“Nobodygetspaid

enougharoundhere.Sendadepartmentalmemo.Nobodyridesinthatcarforamonth.Thatshouldbeaboutlongenough.I’mnotkidding,”sheaddedwhenPeabodylaughed.

“Onit.”“Meanwhile,backto

murder.WedigonCopley.Hisbusiness,hismarriage,hisfinances,anypriorsnomatterhowminor.Hispolitics,hisreligion,his

favoritefuckingcolor.Everything.”

“YouthinkmaybeZieglerwasblackmailinghim.”

“It’spossible,”EvesaidassheandPeabodysteppedontoaglide.“It’sjustaspossiblehiswife’sflingwithZieglerwasn’tasdiscreetasshethinks.Let’sgetacoupleofuniformsovertoZiegler’sbuildingwithashotofCopley.Maybewe’llfindsomebodywhosawhimvisit

Ziegler’sapartment.Wejustneedtofindonelietodeepenthehole.”

“Hestruckmeastooweenie.Shit!IwishIhadn’tsaidweeniebecauseitmakesmethinkofthatsickpervert’sweenie.DowesmelllikeDrunkSantafart?”

“Ifwedid,peoplewouldbedivingoffthisglidelikelemmings.”

“You’reright.”Still,Peabodytookanother

cautioussniffofhersleeve.“Weescapedintime.IneedareplacementfortheWword.Copleystruckmeastoowussy.There,aWforaW.”

“Wussieskill,too.”Evesteppedofftheglide,headedforHomicide.“Hefindsouthiswife’sbeendoingthetrainer.Hethinks:Thatasshole’sfuckingmywife,laughingatmebehindmyback.I’mpayinghim,andhe’sdoingmywife.Itook

himgolfingatmyclub,forChrist’ssake.Whothefuckdoeshethinkheis?”

“He’dbepissed,”Peabodyagreed.“Anybody’dbepissed.”

“HegoestoZiegler’splacetoconfronthim—ormaybeifhereallyisawuss,hegoestopleadwithZieglertobreakitoff.Eitherway,whywouldn’tZieglerlethimin?‘Hey,man,I’mpacking,butcomeonback.What’s

up?’”“Copleysays,‘You’ve

beenbangingmywife.Ithastostop.’”

“Maybe.AndmaybeZieglerstartsoffdenying,maybenot,”Evespeculated.“Maybehepushesformoney.‘Justprovidingaservice.Icanstoptheservice,butyouhavetomakeupthefee.’Simplebusinesstransaction.Ziegler’snotworriedaboutthisguy.Hell,he’sthe

trainer.‘Yourwifewashappytopay,soifyoudon’twantmeprovidingtheservice,coughitup.’”

“AndCopleysnaps.Bash,bash.”

“Maybe,”Evesaidastheyturnedintothebullpen.

Someonehadaddedadentedmenorahtothedecor.Itstoodonabedofvirulentgreeneryshesuspectedwassupposedtobepineboughs.Besideitstoodasicklygray

figureinaSantasuit,grinningviciously.

“Whatthehellisthat?”shedemanded.

Santiagoglancedupfromhiswork.“It’sZombieSanta.We’retryingtobeinclusive.”

“TheymakeZombieSantas?Whothinksofthingslikethat?”Shakingherheadatallmankind,shestrodetoheroffice.

ItsurprisedhertofindFeeneystudyingherboard.

TheEDDcaptain,herformertrainerandpartner,worearumpledsuitthecolorof...reindeerdung,Evedecided.Wirysilverstrandspokedthroughhisexplosionofgingerhairlikecarelesslytossedtinsel.

Likethesuit,hisfacehadarumpled,lived-inlook.Hiseyesmighthaveresembledabassethound’s,buttheywerecopsharpashescannedherphotos,timelines,data.

“Yourvicwasanasshole.”

“Completely,”sheagreed,walkingstraighttoherAutoCheftoprogramtwocoffees,strongandblack.“Leadsuspect,asofnow,isthisguy.”

ShebroughtupCopley’sIDshotafterpassingFeeneycoffee.“Oneofthevic’sregularclients.Turnsoutthevicwasbanginghiswifetwiceaweekforthelastfew

weeks—forasidefee.Sheclaimsthehusbanddidn’tknow.”

Feeneygavethecoffeeasurfaceblow,drank.“It’shardtohideregularbanging.”

“Damnright.”Pleasedtohavehimtobouncearoundthespeculations,sheeasedahipontothecornerofherdesk.“Roughpatch,thewifeclaims.Separatebedroomsforawhile.”

“Nosexforawhile’sa

roughpatch.Separatebedroomsisacrater.”

“Yeah?”Heeyedher.“Howlong

youbeenmarriednow?”“Coupleyears.”“Takemyword.Youcan

climboutofacrater,butit’sharderthanridingoutaroughpatch.”

“Sheclaimstheyclimbedout,mostly,andareworkingontherestoftheway.Butifhefindsoutshegotnaked

withtheirmutualtrainer,it’soffthecliffforthemarriage.”

“Youdidn’ttellhim.”“Notyet.Weranthe

basicswithhim,andhewasnervous.Andhewaslying.Somethingmorethere,somethingwiththeviche’shiding.Sohe’stopofmylistrightnow.”

“Smashedhisheadin,hauledthebodyontothebed,thenputaknifeinthechest.Withaho,ho,ho.”

LikeFeeney,shestudiedthecrimesceneshot,drankcoffee.

“Thelast’sakindofrage,isn’tit?”shesaid.“Acoldone.Thesmash,bash,thatstrikesmeashot.Buttheflourish?Ittakescoldblood.Copleycouldfit.”

“Aliar’sonething.Anervousone’sanother.Youcouldshakeitout.”

“Yeah,buthe’salreadybroughtuptheLword.I’m

goingtodosomediggingonhim,lethimsettle.Hisbusinessisaboys’club.”

Feeney’sshaggyeyebrowsrose.“Heworkswithkids?”

“No—bigpublicrelationsfirm,butherunsitlikeaboys’club—ontheexeclevel,atleast.OnewomaninthemeetingIbrokeuptoday,andshedidn’tlookrealhappywithhim.Ithinkhe’sanasshole,butIhavetoask

myselfifI’djustliketofindanassholekillerformyassholevic.”

Sheshrugged,sippedcoffee,studiedherboard.“Hehadalotofclients,usedalotofwomen.Thekillingfield’sabigone.”

“Somebodywhoneededtoputastickerinadeadguy’sgoingtobreakatsomepoint.”

“That’swhatIthink,too.Ineedtobetherewhenit

happens.”Henodded,andfora

momentortwotheydranktheircoffee,studieddeathincompanionablesilence.

“Thewife’sallovermetowearamonkeysuittomorrow.”

Evefrowned,shiftedherthoughtprocess.“Why?”

“HowthehelldoIknow?You’refemale.Whydowomenlikemendressedupinmonkeysuits?”

“Idon’t,especially.”“Tellmethis.”Hepointed

ather.“IsRoarkeputtingonamonkeysuitforthisshindigtomorrow?”

“No.Idon’tknow.”Forunexplainedreasons,shehadamomentofpanic.“HowwouldIknow?”

“Youlivewithhim.”“Ilivewithme,too,andI

don’tevenknowwhatI’mwearingtomorrow.”ButRoarkewould,shethought.

Jesus,wasshesupposedtoknowwhathewaswearing?Wasthatanotherdamnmarriagerule?

“Didhewearonelastyear?”Howwasshesupposedtoremember?Butshetried.“Idon’tthinkso.Icanaskhimnottoifthathelpsyouout.”

“Dothat.Youdothat.”Witharighteousnod,Feeneysmoothedahanddownhiswrinkledjacket.“Badenough

tohavetogetallfanciedupwithoutthat.”

“Tellme,”shesaid,withfeeling.“I’mtheonewho’llhavetohaveglopallovermyfacewhileIwalkaroundonstilts.”

“Whatyougetforbeingfemale.”

“It’snotright.”“Thewifelikesthefancy,

andthestilts.Looksgoodonher,too.Anyway.”Hescratchedathisear.

“Anyway,I’mgoingtotellyoushemadeyouguysabowlinherpotteryclass.It’snotbad—doesn’tevenwobble.Much.”

“Ah...thatwasniceofher,”Evesaidcautiously.

“Ifigurehowmanybowlscansomebodyuse,butthat’snotsomethingyousaywhenyou’remarriedtosomebodywhokeepsmakingthem.Unlessyouwanttohitaroughpatch.”

“Igetit.”“SoIgotthis.”He

reachedintotheinsidepocketofhisuglyjacket,tookoutasmall,slimsquarewrappedinshinyredpaper.

“Oh,”Evesaidwhenheshoveditather.

Shewaslousyatgivinggifts;shewasworseatgettingthem.

“Ididn’twanttogiveitovertomorrow,withthepartyandthepeopleandallthat.”

“Okay.Thanks.”Afteranawkwardpause,shededucedshewasmeanttoopenitonthespot.

Shepulledoffthepaper,crumpledit,shotitintoherrecycler.Sheliftedthelid,juststared.

SmallreproductionsofthemedalssheandRoarkehadbeenawardedthemonthbeforefloatedinsideclearglass.Etchedbeneatheachweretheirnames,theaward,

andthedatepresented.“Thisis...”Herthroat

closeduponher.“Alot,”shemanaged.“Thisisalot.”

“Ifiguredyoucouldputitsomewhereyoucouldtakealookatwhenthejobgetsheavy.Maybenothere.It’salittlelikebraggingifyouputitinhere.”

“Yeah.Itshouldbeathome.It’sRoarke’s,too.”

“Thehighesthonorgivenacop.”Therewasalightin

hisvoicethathadherthroatcloggingonher.“Thehighestgivenacivilian.Iwasrealproudofbothofyou.”

Shestruggledforcomposurebeforesheriskedlookingupathim.“That’salot,too.”

“Can’tgetalittlesentimentalatChristmas,whencanyou?Well.”Hegaveheralightpunchonthearm,settledthemboth.“Igottagetback.Nomonkey

suit,”heremindedher.“I’lltellhim.Thanks,

Feeney.”Shestayedwhereshewas

whenhewalkedout,ranherfingertipoverhername,overRoarke’s.

Shelookedupatherboard,attheimageofTreyZieglerproppedinbed,thatmockingnotepinnedtohischestwithakitchenknife.

“Youwereanasshole,Ziegler.Auser,awhore,a

rapist.IwishyouwerealivesoIcouldtossyouinacage.Butsinceyou’redead,you’regoingtogetthebestI’vegot.”

Carefullysheputthelidbackonthebox,setitaside.

Shesatdownwithwhatwasleftofhercoffee,andwenttowork.

Nearlytwohourslater,sheprogrammedanothercupofcoffee,drankitstandingatherskinnywindowlooking

outatthehustle-bustleofNewYork.

SheheardtheclompofPeabody’sboots,didn’tbothertoturn.“Itgetsdarksodamnearly.”

“Wejustpassedthesolstice,sothedaysarestartingtogetlonger.”

“Ittakestoodamnlong.Copleylooksordinary.Parentsdivorced,halfsibonthefather’sside.Averagestudent.Littledingon

possessionrightoutofcollege,thatwouldprobablyhavegoneawayifhehadn’tmouthedofftothecops.Traffictickets,andIdugintothosealittle.Hewenttocourtoneveryoneofthem,andintwocasesendeduppayinganextrafineformouthingofftothejudge.So,sometemperthere,somerighteousness,someassholeybehavior.Nothingviolent.”

“Ididn’tfindanything

there,either,”Peabodysaid.“Firstmarriagelastedfouryears—norecordofdomesticdisputes,buthesurefiledalotofpapersontheex.Thesplitprobablycosthimthreetimeswhatitwouldhaveifhehadn’tkeptpushingthebuttons.Still,shehadmoremoneythanhedid,andnoprenup,sohefoughthiswaytoabiggerchunkthanhemight’vegotten.”

Intrigued,Eveturned.“I

hadn’tlookedatmarriageoneyet,butQuigley’srollinginit.Hisincome’safractionofhers.There’saprenup,betyourass.Secondmarriageforboth,yeah,shecoveredherself.Itmightbeinterestingtogetapeekatthetermsofthatone.”

“She’stheadmittedcheater.Itseemstomehe’dmakeoutbigger,considering.”

“Itdoesn’tmeanshe’sthe

onlyonewhocheated.”Peabodypursedherlips.

“Hmm.Hadn’tgonethere.Ididtakeafirstpassathisfinancials.Ididn’tseeanythingoutofline,nothingtoindicatehe’ssteppingout.Unlesshe’sdoingitonthecheap.Nohotelbillsinthecity,nosecondrentgoingout,nopersonaltravelthatdoesn’tjibewiththewife’s.Andnowithdrawalsthatsayblackmail.”

“He’dhaveanexpenseaccount.That’sworthalook.Andmaybe,havingmarriedasecondtimetoawomanwithmoney,helearnedsomethingaboutsockingmoneyaway.”

She’dseeifRoarkewantedtoplaywiththat.

“FromwhatIcansee,he’sgoodathisjob,”Evecontinued.“Maybearighteousassholewhenitcomestobeingcaughtdoingsomethingwrong,orwithan

estrangedwife,buthe’sworkedhiswayupatImageWorkstopartner.”

“Icouldn’tfindanythingthatsaidotherthanhecanbeajerk,buthe’sprettymuchalaw-abidingprofessionalwithsomeskillinhischosenfield.”Peabodyliftedhershoulder.“Icouldn’tfindanyrealdings.”

“Itdoesn’tmeanthey’renotthere.Packitinforthenight.”

“Areyou?”“Prettymuch.IthinkI’ll

swingbytheSchubertsonthewayhome,pokeatthehusbandalittle.Imightgetanotherangle.”

ShetiltedherheadwhensheheardtheoncomingprancingsherecognizedasMcNab.

Heboppedintoherdoorway.“Hey,Dallas.Peabody,youofforon?”

“Justgoingoff.”

“Me,too.Wecangohometogether.Igotsomedatafromyourvic’shomemini,LT.I’d’vehaditearlier,butIgotpulledoffonahotone.Justgotbacktothisacouplehoursago.”

HeofferedEveadisc.“Report?”“What’sinterestingisthe

accountingprogramIdugout.Itdoesn’tlistnames—justinitials—butIdidaquickcrosswithhisclientlist,and

there’splentythatmatch.Somerepeats,someone-offs.Andhelistsamounts.Itwouldlookup-and-upifIdidn’tknowwhatPeabodytoldmeabouthowhetooksomeclientsforaridebetweenthesheets—atacost.He’slistedthemasprivatemassageortrainerorconsults.Initials,dates,fees,andwhatI’mthinkingisaratingsystem.”

“Rating?”Everepeated.

“Hey,someguysareshits.Hequalifies.He’sgotsomeratedwithstars.Onetothree.Ifigureheratedtheclientson,youknow,performance.”

“Scumfuck,”Peabodymuttered.

“Wouldn’tsayotherwise.”Thenheleanedin,whisperedsomethinginPeabody’searthatmadeherflushandgiggle.

“Youjustsaidsomecrap

abouttherenotbeingenoughstars,orsomethingequallyfullofit.”

McNabonlygrinned.“WhatcanIsay?I’maromantic,notascumfuck.”

“Gohome,getout,scram.Bothofyou.”

“Seeyoutomorrow.Party!”Peabodydidaquickjiginherpinkboots,thendashed.

Alone,Eveturnedthediscinherhand.Itwould

wait,shethought,untilhome.Itwasn’tmuchofa

detour,andEvewantedtotieoff,oratleastshorten,asmanylooseendsasshecouldmanagebeforetheparty,theweekend,thewholecrazyChristmasextravaganzasuckedupanytimeforworkandreality.

Oncesheparked,shejoinedthesidewalktraffic—thoseheadedhome,thoseheadedout,thosehauling

shoppingbagsandlikelyonaself-imposedforcedmarchtoanotherretailoutletwheretheycouldaccumulatemoreshoppingbags.

ThanktinybirthdayJesusshewasdonewiththatpart.

TheSchuberttownhousesatwithinspittingdistanceofMartella’ssister’sbrownstone.Still,therelativelyshortdistanceputitinamoreactivesectionwhereEveimaginedstreet

artistssetupduringtheday,andthesnugoutdoorspacesafewrestaurantsboastedlikelydidyeoman’sdutyingoodweather.

AnactualhumanvoicerespondedtoEvewhenshebuzzedatthedoor.

“MayIhelpyou?”“LieutenantEveDallas,

NYPSD,tospeakwithMartellaorLanceSchubert.”

“Onemomentplease,Lieutenant.”

Ittookhardlymorebeforeawomanwithtoffee-coloredskinandicyblueeyesopenedthedoor.Sheworehergoldenbrownhairindozensofthinbraidsallgatheredintoatail,andmadesimpleblackpantsandwhiteshirtlookglamorous.

“Pleasecomein,Lieutenant.I’mCatianaDubois,Mrs.Schubert’ssocialsecretary.MayItakeyourcoat?”

“I’vegotit.”“Ifyou’llcomewithme.”

Sheledthewayleftthroughthefoyer—everythingbrightandfreshwiththosetall-stemmedredflowersEvecouldn’trememberthenameofgroupedtogetherinabundanceonalongtable—intoaspacioussittingroomwithmorebrightandfreshinboldcolors,silverytrim,andatinyfireplacesimmeringinthewall.

Thetreecenteredinthewindow.Angelsflewonitsbranchesandshimmeredinitstinywhitelights.Underit,elegantlywrappedgifts,artisticallyarranged,addedmorecolor.

“TheSchubertswillberightdown.CanIofferyousomething?Coffeeortea—orhotcider?”

Thecidersoundedtempting,butshehopedtomakeitquick.“No,thanks.”

“Pleasesit,becomfortable.It’salovelypicture,isn’tit?”CatianasaidasshenoticedEvestudyingtheimageofMartellainmilesoffrothybridalwhitecaughtinthearmsofastrikingmaninformalblack.

“Great-lookingcouple.”“Theyare.Andstillvery

muchlikethenewlywedsyouseethere.Lieutenant,Idon’tknowifit’sappropriateornecessary,butI’dliketotell

youIknewTreyZiegler.Notwell,”sheaddedquicklywhenEveturnedtoher.“PartofmybenefitsisamembershiptoBuffBodies.Ididn’tworkwithMr.Ziegler.Idon’tuseatrainer,butIattendsomeclasseswhenIcanjugglethemin,andIoftenusethefacilitiesintheearlymorningorafterwork.SoIknewhim,alittle.”

“Didyoueversleepwithhim?”

Catianawinced.“You’redirect.ButIsupposethat’sbest.No.Hedidn’tappealtomeinthatway,whichfromwhatIsensedwastheexceptionratherthantherule.Ididn’tlikehim,andIdidn’tlikethathehitonme—subtly,butunmistakably.Maybesomeoneelsewouldhavetakenhisofferofafreetrialasatrainerasacourtesy,orawaytodrumupbusiness,buttome,itfelttoo...

suggestive.Ican’tsayhecrossedanylines,buthebrushedawfullyclosetothem—forme.Andwhenhebrushedtoocloseformypersonalcomfort,Itoldhimtopissoff.”

“You’redirect.”Catianasmiled.“Icanbe.

Itriedtobebothfirmanddiscreet,butIthoughtIshouldtellyouincaseIwasn’tasdiscreetasIassumed.Hedidn’tlikemy

reaction,andwhenoneofthewomenIoftentookaclasswithaskedmeout—andmyreactionwassurprise,shewasembarrassed,andtoldmethewordwasIpreferredwomen.IthappensIdon’t,anditwaseasytotracetherumor’ssource.”

“ToZiegler.”“Yes.Iletitgo.Itdidn’t

mattertome.Iwasn’tlookingtostartanysortofromanticorsexual

relationshipatmygym,soitdidn’tmatter.Andheleftmealone.IassumehebelievedtheonlyreasonIturnedhimdownwasbecauseIwasinclinedtowardwomen.Butthen...”

ShetrailedoffasMartellaandherhusbandcamein.

“Idon’twanttoholdyouup.CanIgetyouanythingbeforeIgo?”sheaskedMartella.

“Whydon’tyoufinishit

off?”EvelookedatCatiana,thenheremployers.“Anyproblemwiththat?”

“You’retellingher?”Martellaasked.“Youshouldtellherallofit.Tellher,Cate.”

“Allright,thanks.I’dratherfinishitoff.Iwouldn’thavethoughtanything—ornotmuchofanythingofit,Lieutenant,butafter...Inbrief,acoupleweeksagothemanI’vebeenseeingfora

whilestoppedbythegym.Iwasmeetinghimforbreakfastbetweenclassandwork,buthecameinjustasIwascomingoutofthelockerroom.Iguessitwasobviouswe’reinvolvedasseveralpeopleaskedmeabouthimthenexttimeIwentin.”

“They’restillattheglowstage,”Martellasaid.“It’ssweet.”

“It’sstillnew,”Catianasaid.“Ihadamassage

bookedthatweek,endoftheday,withmyusualtherapist.Butwhentheycalledmeoutoftherelaxationroomintothemassageroom,Zieglerwasthere.HesaidLola—myusual—wasn’tavailable,sohewasdoingmymassage.Heofferedmesometea.Ideclined,andIsaidI’dreschedule.”

“Why?”“Bottomline?”She

movedhershouldersinan

elegantsortofshrug.“Ididn’twanthishandsonme,itwasassimpleasthat.SoIwalkedout,gotdressed,wenthome.Thatwasacoupledaysbeforehewaskilled.Iwouldn’thavethoughtanythingofit,justanannoyance,but...”

“Itoldhereverything.”Martellagropedforherhusband’shand.“ItoldCatianaandLanceeverythingaboutwhathappened,about

whatyoufoundout.About...Hewasgoingtodoittoher.Yousaidwhenyoucontactedmethismorning,he’dputsomethinginthetea.”

LanceSchubert,justasstrikingashisweddingphoto,drewhiswifeclosetohisside.Hiseyes,hardasstone,heldEve’s.“That’srape.It’snodifferentfromsexualassault.”

“No,it’snot,”Evesaid.

“Ifhehadn’tmademyskincrawl—anditwasassimpleandasvisceralasthat—I’dhavegoneaheadwiththemassage.”

Catianarubbedherarms,thensighed,leanedinalittlewhenLanceputanarmaroundherinturn.

“I’dhavetriedthetea.WhenMartellatoldme,Irealizedhewasn’tjustannoying,wasn’tjustsomeonewhomademefeel

uncomfortable.Hewasapredator.Idon’twanttogetinthewayofwhatyou’reheretotalkabout,butIthoughtIshouldtellyou.”

“Iappreciatethatyoudid.Itwashispattern,andyourinstinctsweregood.Walkingoutkeptyoufrombeinganothervictim.”

“Ididn’twalkout.Ilethimin.I’msosorry,Lance.”

“Stop.”HeangledtopresshislipstoMartella’s

hair.“Stop.”“I’llleaveyoutotalk,”

Catianabegan.“Stay,please.Canshe

stay?”MartellaaskedEve.“I’vetoldherallofit,thenshetoldme.Ithelpsalittle.”

“It’suptoyou.”“Whydon’twesit?Let’s

allsitdown.”Lanceledhiswifetothesofa,keptherhandinhis.

“Mr.Schubert,you’reawarethatthedeceased,Trey

Ziegler,administeredanillegalsubstancetoyourwife,withoutherknowledge,andwhileshewasundertheinfluenceofsame,rapedher.”

Schubert’ssmooth,handsomefacehardened.“Yes.”

“Andwhendidyoubecomeawareofthesecircumstances?”

“Thisafternoon.Catianacontactedme,toldmeIneededtocomehomeassoon

aspossible.Icamehome—byone-thirty—andTellatoldmewhathadhappened.”

“IthoughtI’dcheated.”TearsswirledinMartella’seyes.“IthoughtI’dcheatedonLance,andIcouldn’tunderstandhowIcouldhave.Itriedtotellmyselfitwasjustanawfulmistake,justsex,andataweakmoment,butitmademesickinside.Thenyoucontactedme,andtoldmethere’dbeen

somethinginthetea,thathe’dputsomethingintheteahe’dgivenme,and...”

“Shefellapart,”Catianasaid.“Iwashere,andwhenshegotoffthe’link,shewenttopieces.Shetoldmeeverything,andwhenshewascalmenough,Itoldherwhathadhappenedwithme.IgaveherasootherandgotintouchwithLance.”

“YoualsoworkedwithZiegler,”Evesaidto

Schubert.“Youhadnoindicationpriortotodayofthisincidentwithyourwife?”

“None.Iwouldn’thavethoughtofit,consideredit.Iknewsomethingwaswrong.You’vebeentryingtoohard,”hemurmuredtoMartella.“Iknewtherewassomething,butIneverconsidered...IfIhad,ifI’dknownwhathedid,I’dhavekilledhim.”

“Lance!”“I’dhavekilledhim,”he

repeated,hisvoicestonecold,amirrorofhiseyes.“I’dhavebeatenhimtopulpwithmyownhands.IwishIcould.She’snaive,kind,trusting,”hesaidtoEve.“Hetookadvantageofallofthat,andthefactthatwe’dhadastupidfight,andIwentoutoftownonbusinessbeforewe’dresolvedit.Herapedmywife.I’dhavegoneafterhim,andI’dhavebeatenhimintothegroundforit.”

“Didyougotohisapartment?”

“Idon’tevenknowwhereitis.ButI’dhavefoundout.No,”hecorrected,furyaliveineveryword.“No,I’dhavegonetowhereheworks,wherehe’ssoproudofhimself,wherehepreensandstruts,andI’dhavetakenhimapart,inpublic.Humiliatedandhurthim,thewayhehumiliatedandhurtmywife.Herapedher,thenhe

extortedmoneyfromher.Ididn’tkillhim,more’sthepity.ButI’dshakethehandofthepersonwhodid.”

“Ishouldneverhavelethimcomehere.Ishouldn’thave—”

“You’renottoblame.”Schubertturnedhiswifetowardhim,tookhershouldersgently.“You’renottoblameforthis,foranyofit.”HedrewMartellain,lookedatEve.“She’snotto

blame.”“No,”Eveagreed,“she’s

not.Therewereothers,Martella.We’refindingalotofothers.They’renottoblame,either.”

Sheletitallcircleinhermindonthedrivehome,

hopingshe’dfindasolidplaceforatheorytoland.Butthegroundremainedtoosoft.

Toomanypeople,shethought,withtoomanymotives.Alibisthatsheimaginedcouldbetoppledoratleastshakenwithenoughofapush.

Maybeitwastheseasonofgoodwilltowardmen—notthatshe’dfoundthatever

heldfast—butwithZieglerillwillseemedtheprimaryemotion.

Anddamnit,shefeltsomeillwillofherown.Shewantedtoshutthedoorontheinvestigation—andthekiller—tieitallupsoshecouldenjoythefestivities,theholiday,thelights,thetree,thetimewithRoarke.

ThroughoutherchildhoodChristmashadbeenemptyorpainfulorjustlacking.Aday

otherkidsrushedoutofbedtotearoffpaperandribbonandfindshinydreamsrealized.

Untilshe’dbeeneight,herbestgifthadbeenifherfatherhadbeentoodrunktoknockheraround.Orworse.

Andaftershe’dkilledRichardTroy—tosaveherselffromthe“orworse”—she’dbeennoone’schild.Afoster,anadd-on,atoken.Partofthatwasprobablyher

ownattitude,sheadmittedasshedrovethroughthegates.Butshe’dhadprettybadluckinthesystem.Stateschoolhadbeenblandandgray,buteasier.

Butnow,shehadhome—asbrightandshinyasitgot.ShehadRoarke,theepitomeofallgifts.Andforreasonsthatoftenbaffledher,shehadfriends.Morethanshesometimes—mosttimes—knewwhattodowith,but

they’daddeddimensiontoherlifewhileshewasn’tlooking.

Thinkingofhervictim,ofwhathe’ddonetofillhisownlife,shefoundherselfgratefulforwhatshehad.

Even—whenshewalkedinandsawhim—Summerset.

Sortof.Thecatprancedoverto

her,jinglingalltheway.ShesupposedithadbeenSummersetwho’daddedthe

bowandbelltoGalahad’scollar.

She’dhavesaidsomethingsnarky,butthecatappearedtoenjoytheadornment.

“ThefirstteamofdecoratorswillbehereateightA.M.sharp,”Summersetinformedher.“They’llbeginintheballroom.Asecondteamwillarrivebytentocompleteworkontheterraces.Cateringarrivesat

fourintheafternoon,andwaitstaffatsixforarun-through.Otherauxiliarystaffwillarrivebysix-thirty.”

“Okay.”“Yourstylistwillarrive

bysix,givingherninetyminutestodealwithyou.You’llbefinished,preparedtogreetguestsatseven-fifty-five.”

“Idon’twantninetyminutes,forGod’ssake,withTrina.Whoneedsninety

minutestogetreadyforaparty?”

Eyebrowsraised,Summersetlookeddownhisnose.

“Thearrangementshavebeenmade.Thescheduleisset.Thegiftsyoubroughthomearewrapped,labeled,andunderthetreeinthemastersuite.Whatyou’vehadwrappedorareintheprocessofinexpertlywrappingforRoarkeremain

intheBlueRoom.”Hereyesnarrowed.

“Whatwereyoudoinginthere?”

“Myduties.Doyouwanttherestofthosegiftswrappedandbroughtdowntothetreeinthemainparlor.”

“I’lldoit.”Herbackstiffened.“Iknowtherules.I’msupposedtodoit.There’sstilltime.Just...stayoutofthereuntilI’mfinished.”

Flustered,sheshotupthe

stairswiththebelledcatjing-a-lingingafterher.

Shehadn’tforgottenRoarke’sgifts—Godknewshe’dsqueezedherbraintoputtytocomeupwiththingstherichestmaninthefreeworldwouldn’thaveandmightwant—butshe’dmostlypushedasidetherealityofwrappingthemup.

Nowshehadtodothat,orderdecoratorsaround,dealwithTrina,makenicewitha

housefulofguests,and,ohyeah,closeamurdercase.

Maybeshecouldhiresomeone(notSummerset)tofinishwrappingRoarke’sstuff.Itwasn’treallycheatingifshepaid.Peoplediditallthetime,didn’tthey?

Infact,howdidsheknowRoarkepersonally,physicallywrappedupwhateverhegother?

Stewingoverit,shemarchedintothebedroom

whereRoarkestoodpullingonasteel-graysweater.

“Doyouwrapmygiftsyourself?”

Hefinishedpullingonthesweater,shookbackhishair,eyedher.“Isn’tthatwhatelvesarefor?WhywouldIputgood,enterprisingelvesoutofwork?”

“That’sright.”Shejabbedafingerathim.“That’sfuckingAright!”

“I’mgladweagree.”

“Wheredoyougettheelves?”

“Eachmustfindone’sown.”Hewalkedover,caughtherfaceinhishands,kissedher.“Hello,Lieutenant.”

“Yeah,hey.Letmeaskyousomethingelse.”

“I’mheretoserve.”“What’sthefirstthing

you’ddoifyoufoundoutI’dcheatedonyouwith...anelf.Asexy,buffelf.”

“Thefirstthing?”“Yeah,gowiththegut.”“I’dtossyououtonyour

ear,nakedasI’dhaveburnedallyourclothesalongwiththerestofyourbelongings.”

Reasonable,shethought.“Whatifthingswere

reversed,financially,andthebigbulkofthedoughwasmine.”

Heflickedafingeroverthedentinherchin.“Whatdifferencedoesthatmake?

You’dbenakedonthestreet,weepingasyoubeggedforforgivenessthatwouldnevercome.”

“Harsh,butfair.”Amusementlivedinthose

wildblueeyes,butsheseriouslywantedthatgutinstinct.

“Okay.WhatifyoufoundoutI’dbeenduped,slippedanillegalsotheelfcouldbangmewithoutmyconsent,butwithoutmyobjectionasI

wasundertheinfluence?”“Iwouldbeattheelfinto

elfinoozeimmediatelyandmercilessly,then...acid,Ibelieve,”hesaidafteramoment’sthought.“Acidwouldbethefinaltouch,pouredliberallyovertheooze.”

“Nice.Withyourfists—thebeatingintooozepart?”

“DoIloveyou?”“Yeah,youdo.”Shegave

hischestalightpunch.“Sap.”

“Thenithastobemyfists.Heputhishandsonyou.Minehavetobeonhim.”

“Yeah.Yeah.”Shesat,pulledoffherboots.“Yeah.Theyloveeachother.”

“Whoarethey?”“TheSchuberts—Martella

andLance.Thevicdosedher,andhe’sonmylist.Buthe’sdownthebottombecause,yeah,Ithinkhe’dhaveconfrontedZieglerifhe’d

known.Ithinkhe’dhavehuntedhimdownlikeasickdog,andIthinkhe’dhavegottenphysical.Butnotthegrab-a-blunt-objectphysical.Ifhe’dknownshe’drolledwithZiegler,whetherornothe’dknownaboutthedate-rapedrug—he’dhaveusedhisfists.That’showhestrikesme.Still,Ihavetoconsider.”

Shegotuptodigoutthicksocks.“She’sthesister

ofanotherofZiegler’smarks—thoughthesister—NatashaQuigley—waswilling,andpaidforsex.Idon’tlikethehusband—Quigley’s.He’sgotawussy,entitledthingthatrubsmewrong.Ican’ttellifit’sjustthatorifhe’ssendingoffbells.ButIwantagooddigonhisfinancials.”

“Ah.Playtimeforme.”“Itwouldhelpmeout,if

you’vegottimeforit.”“Whydon’twehavea

drink,somefood,andyoucantellmemoreaboutit?”

Herfirstthoughtwastogeteverythingdown,writeitout,thensherealizedshemighthaveitmoreconciseafterrollingitaroundwithhim.

“Worksforme.Oh,Inearlyforgot.WegotaChristmaspresent.”

Shedugintohercoatpocket,tookoutthebox.“FromFeeney.Hewarnedme

hiswife’smadeusabowl,butthisisfromhimtobothofus.”

“Ifindhiswife’spotterycharming.”

“Yeah,Iknow,sinceyouactuallyfindplacesforitinsteadofaccidentlybreakingitorhidingitinsomedarkcloset.Gofigure.ButIthinkyou’rereallygoingtolikethis.”

Heopenedthebox,tookouttheglass,andsimply

staredatit.“Ihadthesamereaction.

Hesaidhewantedustohaveit,toremember,tobeabletoseeitwhenthingsgotheavy.Hesaidhewasreallyproudofus.Andlikethat.Ididn’treallyknowwhattosay.”

“Itmeansagreatdeal,”Roarkemurmured.“Averygreatdealthathe’ddothis,thinkofdoingit.”

“Iknow.Andhegotthat.Hesaidhethoughtweshould

keepitathome,becauseifIputitinmyoffice,itwassortoflikebragging.”

Roarke’slipscurved.“TrustFeeney.”

“Ifigurehe’sright,thatitshouldstayhere.AndIthought,notmyoffice,notyours,becauseit’sourstogether.Ithoughtmaybeitshouldstayinherebecausethisisourspace.Especiallyours,Imean.”

“Yes.Especiallyours.”

Afteraglance,Roarkemovedovertoatableinthesittingarea,setthegiftdown.“How’sthat?”

“It’sgood.”Shejoinedhandswith

him,startedout.Thecatracedahead,ringingcheerfully.“DidSummersetputthatstupidbellonhim?”

“Iputthatstupidbellonhim.”

“You?”Sheshothimastunnedglance.“Seriously?”

“Itwasaweakmoment,”Roarkeadmitted.“Givehimabitofthefestive,Ithought.Andnowhe’sringinglikeamadthing,mostofitonpurposetomymind.He’senjoyingit.”

“Thebow,too?”“Isaiditwasaweak

moment.Ihadtoputinseveralshortappearancesatanumberofofficepartiestoday.Obviously,itloweredmyresistance.”

“Howmuchdidyoudrink?”shewondered.

“Notatall,butIwillnow.”Inherofficeheopenedthewallslot,choseabottleofwine.“Agood,heartyred.Howaboutasteak?AlltheminglingbetweenmeetingsmeantImissedlunchaltogether.I’mstarving.”

“Icouldgoforsteak.It’sthefirstthingIeverateinthishouse.WhydidIrememberthatnow?”

“Holidaysentiment.”“Iloveyou.”Hesetthebottleaside,

steppedovertogatherherin.“It’salwayslovelytohearyousayit.”

“IthoughtofittodaywhenIwaslisteningto,watchingtheSchuberts.Theyloveeachother.Icouldseeit,clearaswater,becauseIcanfeelit,allthewaythroughme.SoIdon’tthinkthey’reinvolvedwithZiegler’s

murder.Whichisstupidbecauselovingeachotherdoesn’tmeanoneofthemdidn’tbashZieglerthenshoveaknifeinhim.”

“Butyoudon’tthinkso.”“Idon’t.ButI’malittle

worriedaboutthatholidaysentiment.Ineverusedtohaveit.”

“Aby-productofhavinglove,andhome.”Hedrewherback.“Andlife.”

“Iguessso.I’llget

dinner.”“No,youdealwiththe

wineandI’llgetdinner,orelsethere’llbenothingontheplatesbutsteakandpotatoes.”

“Whydoestherehavetobeanythingelse?”

“BecauseIloveyou.”“Yeah,yeah.”Butshe

openedthewine,pouredforbothofthem.

“LetmetellyouaboutMartella’ssocialsecretary.”

Astheysat,shewentoveritfromthestart.

“Ibelievedher,”Evesaid.“Therewassomethingsoupfrontandclear-eyedaboutit.Andstill,it’ssodamnedconvenient.NowayIcanproveordisprovewhatshetoldme,anditlaysonthepattern,givesMartella,eventhehusband,somecover.”

“Andstillyoubelieveher.”

“DoIjustwantto?

MaybeI’mlosingmycynicaledge.”

“Never.”Laughing,hetoastedher.“You’reacopthroughandthrough,Lieutenant.Yourcynicismandyourinstinctsremainsolid.Tome,thestorysoundsplausible,andslidesrightintothepatternofyourvictim’sbehavior.She’sattractive,thisCatiana?”

“Astunner.Moreastunnerthanheremployer,

andIgotnovibe—notevenasniffofone—ofinterestbetweenherandthehusband.”

“Butyou’regoingtorunher.”

“Sure.”“There’smypoint.”He

tappedhisglasstohers.“Yourcynicismremainsintact.”

“Whew.Sothesister.”Evecutmoresteak,considereditanothermiracle

shecouldindulgeinactualcowmeatonanysortofregularbasis.“YesterdayshesaysnothingwentonbetweenherandZiegler.IletitgobecausewegotinformationfromMartella,butitdidn’tjibe,notaltogether.AnditfitlesswhenweconfirmedZieglerusedthedrugonseveralwomen,didtheextracurricularwithseveralmoreforpay.Andthestraightsexforpay?He

exploitedfemaleclientswithmoney,andlooks,andwithabouttentofifteenyearsonhim.Richolderwomenwithtimeandmoneytospend.NatashaQuigleyfitthatcriteria,butshewantstosaynothinghappened?”

“Notallrich,married,somewhatolderwomenfallinbedwithagigolo.”

“Gigolo.”Experimentally,sheletitrolloverhertongue.“Thatword’s

toofunandfancyforZiegler.”

“Youprefer?”“Scumfuck,butbackto

thepoint.Sure,notallrich,married,somewhatolderwomenfall,butshefithispatternofmarkrightdowntheline.Soifshe’dsaid,yeah,hemadethemoves,butshedoesn’tpayforsex,orshegetssomuchsexathomeshecan’thandlemore,oranythingthatrangtrue,okay.

Adozenwaysshecouldhaveplayedit,butsheplayeditwrong,soIknewdamnwellshe’ddoneitwithhim.”

Sheate,liftedherglass,thengrinned.“Hey,you’reright.Cynicismintact.”

“Andinstinctscorrect,Itakeit.”

“Yeah,shespilleditonceIpoppedthecork.Roughpatchinthemarriage.That’sparforthecourse,right?Idon’tgetusingthatasan

excusetoplayaround.”Playfully,hewalkedhis

fingersupthebackofherhand.“Whichiswhyyou’renotnakedonthestreet,mydarlingEve.”

“Twocansaythat.Anyway,madeamistake,blahblah.Tryingtofixthemarriage,pleasedon’ttellmycluelessspouseorhe’llleavemeandsoon.Tellsmeheneverdosedher,butshewillinglyaccepted,bookeda

hotelsuite,paidhimforservicesrendered.Butshewasdonewithitwhensheandherhusbanddecidedtotrytopatchthingsup,andhowthey’retakingatripaftertheholidays.”

“Shethinkslyingtohim,deceivinghimaboutthis,willimprovethings?”

Pleasedhehadthesamereaction,thesamequestion,shescoopedupabiteofsomesortofcreamypotato.“Alot

ofpeoplethinkthatway.WhenInudgedheronwhatwouldhedoifheknew,sheclaimedhe’snotviolent.Buttherewasalittlehesitation.AndwithsomecheckingIfoundhe’sgotaquickfuse.Nothingreallyphysical,butalotofmouththat’sgottenhimintrouble.

“Andhe’sanasshole.”“Whatsort?Thereareso

manykinds,”Roarkepointedout.

“That’ssotrue.Misogyny,whichisjustafancywordforamanwhotreatswomenlikepropsorlesserconveniences.Hewasnervouswhenwetalkedtohim,butsnotty,too.Idon’tthinkhecaredforbeinginterrogatedbyacoupleof‘girls.’”

“Wellnow,he’llruetheday.”

“WhichisfancytalkforI’llkickhisassintheboxifIcangethimthere.Which

leadsmetolookingformoney.Mostofit’sthewife’s.Soaguylikethathasarichwife,Ijustbethe’sgotsomehiddenawaysoheneverendsupnakedinthestreet.Andifhe’sgotsomehiddenaway,justmaybewecanfindwithdrawalsthatmayindicatehewaspayingZieglertobequietaboutsomething.Orthathehasaskirtorskirtsonthesideforthoseroughpatches.Hotel

roomsorgifts,oralittlelovenest.Something.”

“Wellnow.Youdidn’tlikehimatall.”

“Notevenalittle.”“I’mhappytolook.What

didyousayhedid?”“Publicrelations.

Somethinghe’sapparentlyprettygoodat.Sohe’shighonmylist.Alongwithhim,Ihaveafemalewritertypewhowasoneofthevic’sclients,whoheslippedthe

drugto,whohasnoalibiforthetimeinquestion.Andaformerboxer,currentgymownerandtrainerwhohatedthevic,andhadgoodreasontowantsomepayback.

“Thereareothers,”sheadded,“whichistheproblem.WehavenoshortageofpeoplewhomighthavegivenZiegleragoodwhack,withwhatcouldbearguedascause.”

“Youcouldgivemean

earlyChristmasgift,”Roarkesuggested.“Providemealist,andI’llcomboverallthefinancials.”

“Youreallywouldconsiderthatagift.”

“Stealingwassuchbloodyfun.”Heleanedback,gesturingwithhisglassbeforesavoringmorewine.“Thethrillofslidingthroughthedark,intoplacesmeanttobelockedandbarredtome.Placeswithsuchbeauty—the

sortaDublinstreetratcouldneverhopetosee,muchlesstouch.Andneverhold,neverkeep.Beyondtheneedforsurvivalthatstarteditwithliftinglocksorpinchingpurses,itbecameaworldofpossibility,asmuchanartasthepaintingsorjewelryImighthavenicked.”

“Didnick,”shecorrected.“Didindeed,”hesaid

withthewistfulaffectionofmemory.“Andbeyondthe

lightfingersandslippingintothedark,therewasthetechnologythatsoappealedtome.”

“Ageekthief.”“Asyoulike.More

slipping,moresliding,morelifting.Moreworldsofpossibilities.Nowthestealing’soffthetable,isn’tit?”

“Itis—youtookitoffyourself.”

“Withoutasingleregret

fromwhereI’msittingnow,lookingattheonlyworldofpossibilitiesIneedforalifetime.”

“Isthatlikesayingtherearen’tenoughstars?”

Curious,hesmiledather.“Itcouldbe.Butthepointis,darlingEve,survivalthroughpossibilities,andthosepossibilitiesbecameakindofgameorindulgenceasI’dlearnedtomakemyownthroughbusiness.

Legitimately.Amancanputasidegamesandindulgencesforbiggerprizes.”

Heliftedherhand,kissedherfingers.“Itdoesn’tmeanhecan’tenjoyabitoftheslippingandsliding,iftheliftingisinagoodandrighteouscause.Yougivemethat,bytrustingme,andsharingwhatyouarewithme.I’veamedalthatsitsbesideyours,floatinginglass,givenmebyamanwho

standsasyourfather.AmanIrespectmorethanmost.Ihavethataswellbecauseyougavemeotherpossibilities,openedotherworldstomethatwereoncebarredandlocked.”

“Youopenedthemyourself.Youearnedthemyourself.”

“I’dneverhavelookedtowardthematallwithoutyou.Itdoesn’tmeanIcan’tenjoypokingmyfingersinto

bitsofbusinesssomewouldsayIhavenobusinessin.

“I’llfindtheaccounts,”hepromisedher,“asIagreethey’retheretobefound.Andconsiderthetimewellspent.”

Shebroughtherhandtohischeek.“ThenMerryChristmas.Oh,wait.Shit.Don’twearatux.”

“Ihadthoughttochangeintoblacktieforabitofcyberstealth,butIcanstayas

Iamifyoulike.”“No,tomorrow.Feeney’s

wife’sbeenonhimaboutwearingone,andhe’sstandingfirm—butifyouwearone,she’lldoghimonit.Sodon’t.”

“Iwasn’tplanningonit.”“Good.Thenit’ssimple.

WhatamIwearing?”“Notatux.”“Againgood,because

she’dprobablydoghimforthat,too.Youaren’tgoingto

tellme,”shedecidedafteramoment.

“Ifyoudon’tlikewhatLeonardodesignedfortheoccasion,youcanchoosesomethingelse.Ihopeyouwon’t.”Hekissedherhandagain.“I’veseentheholographicimage,andyou’lllookamazing.”

“IfI’mgoingtolooksoamazingafterIputiton,whydoIneedanhourandahalfwithTrinaslatheringstuffall

overmefirst?”Hegaveherhanda

squeeze,thenaquickpat.“Istayoutofsuchmatters—formyownwell-being.”

“I’mnotgoingtothinkaboutit.That’stomorrow,andthisisnow,andwhoknowsanyway?”

“Succinctlyput.”“Shutup.Moneyforyou,

murderforme.”Sherose,bentover,kissedhim.“And,Iguess,forusitdoesn’tget

Smuchbetter.”

•••

hesatatherdesk,coffeeattheready,herboard

infullview.Andwentbacktothebeginning.

Shebroughtthecrimescenereconstructiononscreen,studiedthetwofigures,theangles,thearcofthefirstblow,thesecond.

Tobethorough,she

checkedhernotes,foundSima’sstatement,recheckedAllaCoburn’s.Thetwowomenknowntohavehadaccesstothebedroombothstatedthevic’slatesttrophystoodprominentlyonthebureau.

Sothereconstructionheldfromherpointofview.Asdidtheprobability—97.4percent—themurderwastheimpulseandpassionofthemoment.

Aman,approximatelysixfeetinheight—orawomanofthatheightorinheelsthatliftedhertoit.

UnlessSimahadbeenstandingonabox,thatleftherout.AndhoweverEvefeltpersonallyaboutTrina,shecouldn’tseethehair-and-skinmonsterbeatingaguy’sheadinbecausehe’ddissedafriend.

Coburn.Possibleifshe’dwornfive-inchheels,which

strangelywomendid.Butthenwhyleavesomuchevidencetyinghertothescene?Panic?Possible.Butwritinganote,gettingaknifefromthekitchen,jammingthatknifeintoadeadbody,didn’tspeakofpanic.

Ifawomanhadthecoldbloodforthat,shehadenoughcontroltograbherbraandhershoes.

Still...Eveplayedwithhernotes.Wouldthatsame

womanbecleverenoughtoleaveincriminatingevidencebehindasakindofcover?Astretch,Evethought.Somethingtoweighin,butshejusthadn’tgottenshrewdcalculationfromAllaCoburn.

LillByers,thevic’ssupervisor.Absolutelynoevidenceshe’dhadanythingbutaprofessionalrelationshipwiththevictim.Physically,she’dfit.Height,strength,andshe’dhaveknownthe

vic’saddress.She’dknownatleastsomeofwhathedidontheside.

Possiblekickback?Vicpaysherapercentageofhissidebusinessinordertorunitsmoothlyoutofthefacility.Shewantsmore,theyargueoverit,shelosesit.

Weak,Evethought,justweak.Andthecomputeragreedwithherata53.6probability.

David“Rock”Britton.

Abouttherightheight,certainlystrongenough.Motiveandpotentialopportunitywiththelackofanalibi.

Thecomputerlikedhim,shenoted,withaprobabilityofnearlyninetypercent.Butthecomputerhadn’tlookedinhiseyes.Ifhe’dgoneafterZiegler,he’dhaveusedhisfists.

Thefashionblogger.Tallenough,fitenough.Andif

herpreviousexperiencewithdaterapeheldtrue,morethanenoughmotive.Somebodygotawaywithitonce,byChrist,thisfuckerwasn’tgettingawaywithit.

Somotive,noalibi,physicallyable.

Everose,walkedaroundherboard,rearrangedsomephotos,somedata.

Shesatagain,studieditagain.

Ofthatgroup,theblogger

wenttothetop.Theflourishofthenote,theknife?Yeah,shecouldseeit.Insulttoinjury.

MartellaSchubert.Delicate—butthatwaspersonalitymorethanphysicality.Sheseemeddelicate,alittleonthefragileside.Monied,pampered—andtherewasalwayspowerinmoney.Takenatfacevalue,herstatementindicatedshehadn’tknownshe’dbeen

dosed,feltguiltyforbetrayinghermarriage.

And,takenatfacevalue,herstatementcouldindicateshefeltguiltyenoughtoconfrontthevic,arguewithhim.Hewantsmoremoneytokeeptheirtrystasecret.Shelosesit.

Itcouldplay,Evemused.Shecouldseethatplayingout.Butshecouldn’tseethedelicateMartellaaddingtheflourish.

ButwhowasshewiththefirsttimeEvehadinterviewedher?

Thesister.Bigsister.Impulse,rage,violence,

panic.Whatifshe’dcalledon

thesister.Tash,I’mintrouble.Oh

God,he’sdead!Ikilledhim.WhatshouldIdo?

Whatwouldbigsisterdo?Wouldsheruntotherescue,assessthesituation?Andwith

theknowledgethevichadsleptwithherandthesister,leadwithalittleofherownrage?

Thenote,theknife,thenunity.Eachkeepingthebigsecretwhiledribblingoutbitsoftherest.

Maybe.OrNatashaQuigley

alone.SheclaimedthearrangementwithZieglerwasover,endedwithherhopesofmendinghermarriage.

MaybeZieglerdidn’twantitover—wantedhertokeeppaying.Ormaybeshe’dfoundoutabouthersister,confrontedZiegler.

Alibireasonablytight,Evemused.Butallfromstaffofonekindoranother,andstaffoftensaidordidwhattheyweretoldtosayanddo.

Andphysicallyshefitthebill.

Asforthehusbands,shecouldn’tseeSchubert.Like

Rock,he’dhaveusedhishands,hisfists.

NowJJCopleydidn’tstrikeherasaguywholedwithhisfists.Abluntobjectseemedmorehisstyle.Andtheflourish,well,thatfit,too.Paybackwithoutanychanceofconfrontation.

Shecouldseehimstabbingadeadman.Yeah,shecouldseeit.

Butmaybeshecouldseeitbecauseshejustdidn’tlike

him.Regardless,hetoppedthe

listofthisnextgroup,withhiswiferunningaclosesecond.

Andstill,notenough,Evethought.

Soshegotmorecoffee,satagain,putherfeetuponthedeskandlettheentirebusinessbeginagaininsideherhead.

Roarkeglancedup,distracted,bythejingle

bells.GalahadslunkintohisofficejustaheadofEve.

“Ihavesomedataforyou,”hetoldher,“butI’mnotaltogetherfinished.”

“Okay.”Shesetafreshglassof

winebesidehim,knowinghecutoffthecaffeineintakeahellofalotearlierthanshedid.

“Thanks.Andthisisfor?”

“Interrupting.Goaheadandfinish.I’mjusttakingmybrainintoanewspace.”

Thecatgatheredhimself,leapedontoRoarke’slapwitharingingofbells,kneadedandcircledwhileEvewanderedtothewidewindow.

Hishomeofficespacewassleekerandsnappierthanhers,shethought—bydesign.He’dcreatedherstomirrorheroldapartment,andtolure

herinwiththefamiliar.Clever.Wasn’titinterestinghow

thatsingleroomwasindeedjustaboutaslargeasherformerlivingspacealtogether?Shehadn’tgiventhatmuchthoughtbefore,hadjustfoundherself—initially—baffledandtouchedthathewouldgotothetrouble,thathewouldunderstandhersowellsoquickly.

Shelookedoutthe

window,overthegrounds,theholidayfantasyofthemshiningagainstthedark.He’dthoughtofthat,too,builtthat,too.Forbothofthemnow.

Sheglancedoverhershoulderatthepaintingshe’dgivenhimontheirfirstanniversary,oneofthetwoofthemunderthebloomingarboronthatsummerday.Theirweddingday.

He’dplaceditthere,wherehecouldseeitfromhis

workstation.She’dcometoknowhim,too,hadn’tshe?Enoughtoknowhe’dcherishthatimageoftheminthatmomentofpromise.

Hecouldseethatwhenheworked,whenhewheeledanddealedfromthisspot.Whenheboughtandsold,orderedandcajoled,anddidallthethingsshedidn’tfullycomprehend.

Hesatnow,hairtiedbackinworkmode,thesleevesof

hissweatershoveduptotheelbows,thecatcurledinhislap,andhiseyes—sobrilliantlyblue—focusedononeofthethreescreensheutilizedtodotheslippingandslidinghe’dtalkedabout.

“Youhavesomethinginsidethebrainyoubroughtinhere,”Roarkesaidashecontinuedtowork.“Youmightaswellletitout.I’mjusttyingthingsuphere.”

“Ihavethreepeople

hoveringatthetopofmysuspectlist.Thecomputerdoesn’tcompletelyagree,probability-wise,butthey’remythree.”

“Copleybeingone.”“Definitely.Andhiswife

—NatashaQuigley.I’vegotacoupleoftheoriesthatcouldputherinthemix.”

“ShedevelopedactualfeelingsforZiegler,nolongerwantedtoshare.Killedhimratherthanwatchhimbed

otherwomenforfunandprofit?”

“Huh.Thatwasn’toneofthem,butI’lltossitin,rollitaround.”

“Who’syourthird?”“KiraRobbins,the

fashionwriter.”Roarke’sbrowsliftedas

helookedawayfromthescreens.“Really?”

“Noalibi.Physicallyshefitsthereconstruction.Addinformerrapevictim.Ican’t

positivelyconfirmthat,butitrangtrue.You...yougetanearforitwhenyou’vebeenthroughit.”

Hepickeduphiswine,sipped,saidnothing.

“There’sapartofme,Icanadmit,thathopesit’snotherbecauseofthat.ButIhavetoconsiderit.Ifshewasrapedasshesaid,asateenager,itleftamark.Noamountofhealingerasesthemark,andwhatIdidn’tpull

inwhenItalkedtoher?Ifithadbeendonetoherbefore,wouldn’tshehavewondered,suspectedithadbeendoneagain?Forthesecondtimeinherlifesheexperiencesdaterape,butcouldshe,didshe,justpassthisoneoffasbadjudgment,aspersonalweakness?ThemoreIaskmyselfthat,themoreIcallitbullshit.”

“Youbelievesheknewwhathadhappened,what

he’ddone.”“Ibelieveshehadto

wonder,andIknowIhavetotalktoheragain,andpushthat.AndI’msorryforit.Ifitturnsoutshe’sthekiller,I’mgoingtobesorrier.”

Hesatback.“TherewasatimeI’dhavequestionedyouonthis.There’sapartofmethatstilldoes,eventhoughIknowtheanswer.EventhoughIunderstandit,andalmostfullyacceptit.”

“Can’tchangewhatwas,”shesaidwithashrug.“Soyoudealwithwhatis.”

“Itleavesamark.”Eyesonhers,herepeatedherwords.“Noamountofhealingfullyerasesit.Shewasavictim,andifshekilledhimshehadreason.AreasonyouandIbothunderstandfartoowell.Hewasanuglysort,avicioususerofpeople,arapist.Butyou’llstandforhimevenoverawomanhe

usedsomeanly.Youhaveto.Youhaveto.”

Herepeateditbecausethatsinglerealitylivedinbothofthemnow.

“Morethanthejob,it’saduty,andyoursenseofright.Yourline.”

“Mylineandyoursrunonlysofartogetherbeforetheyforkoff.Sometimesthat’sabalance.Sometimesit’saproblem.”

Considering,sherana

fingeraroundthelipofoneofthewobblybowlsFeeney’swifehadgiventhem.

He’dputthathere,too,shethought—likethepainting—inhisspace.Becauseheunderstood,hevalued,connections,symbolsoffamily—farbetterthanshe.

“So.Ifitturnsouttobeher,I’llpushforMiratoevaluateher,thecircumstances,herstateof

mind,thePTSDangle.Mira’sevalshaveweight.”

“Theydo.Asdoyours.”“Butthat’sjumping

forward,andjumpingfar.Whereitisnow,I’llleanonher,pushbuttons,evenknowinghowitfeelstohavethempushed.”

“You’llstandforher,too,ifshe’skilled.Becauseit’salwaysmorethanthejob,morethanduty.”

“It’snotaboutme.”

“Bollocks.”Hesaiditmildly,evensmiledalittlewhenshefrowned,thoughherwordsstirredupmemoriesofwhatheknewshe’dsurvived.“Investigatingobjectivelydoesn’tremoveyou.Yourexperiences,yourunderstandingofvictimologyfromtheviewpointofthevictimisasmuchapartofwhatyoudo,whoyouare,asyourtrainingandyourinstincts.Youare,forever,all

pointsofthetriad,Lieutenant:victim,killer,cop.Andyouknoweachsectionintimately.”

“BecauseI’venotonlybeenavictim,I’mnotonlyacop,butI’vekilled.”

“Yes.Tosaveyourownlife,tosavethelivesofothers,you’vetakenlives.Itweighsonyoueverybitasmuchaswhathappenedtoyouwhenyouwereadefenselessandinnocent

child.Anditmakesyouwhoyouare.”

“Maybeit’sbollocksbecauseIdon’twantittobeher.”Becausethatweighedonher,too,shestuckherhandsinherpockets,wanderedhisspace.“Because,objectivityasidefortherighthereandnow,IwantittobeCopleybecauseitwouldgodowneasier.”

“Imaybeabletohelpyouthere.”

“Yeah?”Shestopped,turnedbacktohim.“I’lltakeit.”

Roarkeliftedthecat,givinghimanapologeticstrokeashesethimonthefloor.ThenheswiveledhischairtowardEve,smiled,andpattedhisknee.

“Getserious.I’mnotplayingofficewhoopee.”

“Theprice,andafairone,forthedata.”Hepattedhiskneeagain.

Sherolledhereyes,butwalkedover,satonhislap.“Satisfied?”

“Ihopetobe,eventually.Butfornow.”

Hedancedhisfingersoverkeys,putdataonthewallscreen.

“AsyoucanseetheQuigleymoney—andhereNatashaQuigley’sshareofit,whichisquitecomfortable.”

“Ha.Apaltryquarterbillion?”Sheangledherface

towardhis,grinned.“ChumpchangefromwhereI’m—literally—sitting.”

“Bethatasitmay.”“Yeah,beitormayit,

thispartIknew.Thesister’sgotaboutthesame.Investments,trusts,andwhatnot,alldownthesameroaduntileachhittwenty-five.Somedivergencethere,choices—differentinvestments,expenses,bigsisterpurchasedtheNew

YorkbrownstoneandasecondhomeinAruba,aflatinParis—allinherownname.Littlesisandherhusband,whoalsohasanevenpaltrierhundredandseventy-five-ishmilofhisown.TheyboughttheNewYorktownhousetogether.ShealsohasaParisflat—samebuildingasbigsis,boughtonherownacoupleyearspriortohermarriage.Andasacoupletheyowna

placeonSt.Lucia.Copley,ontheotherhand,hasapatheticsixmillioninhisownname.”

“Allbutbeggingonthestreet.”

“Comparatively.”Shifting,shehookedanarmaroundRoarke’sneck,studiedthenumbers.“Hegetscreditforearningit,amilatatime,butit’sgoingtosting,isn’tit,tohavehiswholeshotbewhathiswifewouldthink

ofaspocketchange?”“Doesit?”Thistimesherestedher

headagainsthis.“Notaslongasyoukeepthecoffeecoming.Butforhim?Hestrikesmeasashowboater,justthewayhecameacrosstoday.”

“Hehasatasteforthefinerthings,Ican’tquibblewiththat.Wardrobe,vehicles—thoughthewifeappearstobereasonablygenerousthere.

Hisexpenseaccountatthefirmisconsistentlyatthemax.Hetravelsverywell,professionallyandpersonally.”

“Thisisallontheup-and-up?”

“Thispart,yes.Hedoes,however,havetwootheraccounts,bothsetupoffshore—sincethemarriage—andbothunderverythinfronts.Hewenttosometroubletohidethem,andthey’dlikely

staytuckedawayfromanysurfacesearchhisspouseorhermoneypeoplemightengage.Unlessitgotserious.”

“Oritgotseriousinamurderinvestigationwithanexceptionalcivilianconsultantpokingintoit.”

“Orthat.”Heswitchedscreens

manually.“Twelvemillionhere,eightthere.”

“Where’dhegetit?”

“ThoseweresomeoftheendsIwastyingup.I’llwanttodigabitdeeper,butagainonthesurface,fromskimming.Personalandbusinessexpenses,carefullyandcraftily—andthepersonalwouldbefromhiswife.”

“He’sstealingfromhiswife.”

“Abitatatime,andthosebits,I’vefound,gobacktotheearlydaysoftheir

marriage.Notparticularlygreedyinit,butconsistent.Someofit’searnedrightenough,justseparatedoutintotheseotherareas—outofthefamilycoffersyoumightsay.Soloinvestments,sometaxwrangling—allclosetothelinebutnotreallyoverit.”

“What’sthatone?Themonthlydirectpaydeal.Sixthousand,thefirstofeverymonth.”

“Ah,you’veasharpeye.

Thatwouldbethemanagementfee,whichincludesthrice-weeklycleaning,allmaintenanceandsoforthonacondo.UpperEastSide.Boughtwithoneofhisshellsaboutsixmonthsback.Asthere’snocoordinatingincomefromtheproperty,Iwouldn’tcallitaninvestment.”

“Aplaceofhisown—oppositeendofthecityfromthefamilyhouse.”Eve

shiftedagain,anglingherheadasshefollowedthenumbers.“Smellslikealovenesttome.”

“Ithasthatcachet.You’llalsoseesomeoutlay—hotels,restaurants,boutiques.Gobackaboutfourmonths,there’sconsiderabletodesignvendors,furniture.”

“Featheringthenest.Whatdoesthatmean?Dobirdsusefeatherstomaketheirnest?Whywouldthey?

Howwouldthey?Idon’tgetit.”

“Icouldn’tsay,butIagreewiththeidiom.Heboughtit,furnishedit,andassomeoftheoutletshepaidoutoftheseaccountsareladies’boutiques,I’dsayhealsooutfittedthebirdhe’snestingwith.”

“He’sgotasidepiece.”Whenshestartedtorise,

Roarkesimplywrappedhisarmsaroundher.“I’mnot

done.Keeplooking.”She’dhavelookedbetter

ifshecouldgetup,move,butshesettledback.Afterall,he’ddonethework.

“Cashwithdrawals,threeweeksrunning—backsixweeks—forfivethousandeach.Payingsomebodyoff?Hastobethevic.Wait,wait—itdoublesatthatthree-weekmark.Weeklyagain,butfortenthousandeach.That’snotwalking-around

money.”“Perhapshewalksinvery

rarifiedareas.”“I’mcallingbullshit

there.That’spayoff,anditjibeswiththeaccountingMcNabpulledoffZiegler’scomp.”

“Whydidn’tIknowaboutthis?”Roarkecomplained.

“Lostinthedetails,sorry.IjustwentoveritbeforeIcamein.McNabpulledakindofledgerfromthevic’s

homecomp.Amounts,initials,hehadthemlistedaslegitservices.Training,consults,massages—butthat’syourbollocks.”

“Notmine.”“Anybody’s.Healso

ratedsome—whichhavetobethesexscales—withastarsystem.HegaveKiraRobbinstwoandahalfoutofthree.”

“Yourvictimtrulywasmorethanabitofapig.”

“Yeah,butmypig.I’vegottheseamountscorrespondingtotheinitialsJJ—listedasprivatetrainingsessions.Didn’tfiguretheywere.Can’tprovetheyweren’t.Butseeinghewithdrewtheamounts,incash,fromhiddenaccounts?Thatsayspayoffloudandclear.Itsays,tome,Zieglerfoundoutaboutthesidepiece,Copleypaidhimtokeepitshut,thenZieglergot

greedy.Doubledthepayoff.Couldstarttopissyouoff.Maybehewantedmoreyet.

“Ineedthesidepiece.Ineedtotalktoher.”

“ThatIcan’tgetyou.”“Yeah,youcan—have.

Yougothotels,restaurants,boutiques,thelovenest.Somebodyatthoseplacesknowsher.Icanfindher.Iwillfindher,andCopleywillhavetoldhersomething.WhocanhebitchtoaboutZiegler

hosinghim,orhiswife?Hissexbuddy.”

Shecircledaround.“Hiswifeclaimstheyweremendingthings,thathesuggestedtheytakeatrip.Maybehe’sbrokenitoffwiththesidepiece.Thatwouldpissheroff,wouldn’tit?Nestjustgotfeathered,andnowhe’sdoingwhatacheatinghusbandusuallydoes,runsbacktohiswife.Hisrichwife.Toomuchpressure

fromZiegler,”shespeculated.“Andhecaved.”

“You’reputtinganothersuspectonyourboard.Themistress.”

“Mistressistooniceawordforawomanwholetssomecheatingbastardbuyhershoes.Ipreferlazy,greedybitch.”

“Harsh,withoutknowingcircumstances.Perhapsshelovesthecheatingbastard.”

“Nobodylovesacheating

bastard.Hehashiddenaccounts,hehasaseparateaddress,asidepiece,andverylikelyhe’sbeenpayinghispersonaltrainerblackmail.Hedefinitelytopsthelist,withthewifeandthegreedy,lazybitchrightupthere.

“Maybesheknew.”“I’mgoingtoassumeyou

meanthewife.”“Yeah.”Evenodded,

liningitupinherhead.“She

knowshe’sgotsomethinggoingontheside.Theymostlyknoweveniftheydon’tknowexactly.Itcausestensioninthemarriage.Separatebedrooms.”

“Separatebedroomsismorethantension,”Roarkecommented.“It’safractureinthefoundation.”

“Yeah,Feeneysaidthesame.Soyou’vegotyourcrater,oryourfracturedfoundation,”shecontinued.

“ButCopley’shappyscrewingthesidepiecesohe’sfinenothavingtoscrewhiswife.Exceptnowhe’sgettingpressure.Fromthewifewhoretaliatesbyhavingsexwiththeirmutualtrainer,andismaybethinkingfuckthismarriage.Maybefromthesidepiecewhowantshimtoleavethewife,andhedoesn’twantthatbecause,lotsandlotsofmoney,andtheprestigeoftheQuigley

nameandsocialstatus.Hewouldn’twanttogivethatup.Thenthere’sZiegleraddingmorepressure.Doubledtheamount...”

“Copleyendsit,ortriesto,withthesidepiece,”Roarkesuggested,“andthatupstheante.It’smoreimportantnowthatlittleinterludebekeptquiet.”

“Goodthinking.”“Allinall,asordidbitof

business.I’msurprisedthe

morgue’snotlitteredwithbodiesoftheparticipants.”

“It’snotoveryet.IstillneedtotalkwithRobbins.Shefitsfairlyneatly.ButCopley,he’sjusttailor-made.”

Considering,Eveshifted,slidanarmaroundRoarke’sneckagain,toyedwithhishair.“Ineedtwohours.”

“Ihaveallthetimeintheworld,”heassuredherashisfingersdancedupherthigh.

“Notforthat.Jeez,sitonaguy’slapandhegoesstraightintosexmode.”

“We’reweakandpredictablecreatures.”

“Ineedtwohourstomorrow,firstthinginthemorning,toseeifIcangetalineonthesidepiece,talktotheblogger.IfIfindthesidepiece,ImayneedalittlemoretimetoworkonCopley,butIcouldmaybedoitintwo.”

“You’retellingmethis,whiletacitlyalludingtosex,because...?”

“Justacouplehours.”Shegavehimalight,teasingkiss.“Icanbebackbyten.Noonlatest.AndI’lldiverightintopartyprepandallthat.Totalfocusonit.”

“I’venoproblemwiththat.But,”headdedwhenshesmiledandleanedinforanotherkiss,“youdidn’tmakethedealwithme.You

madeitwithSummerset.”“It’sourparty,right?You

couldtalktohim.”“It’syourdeal.Youtalk

tohim.”“Damnit.”“Meanwhile...”He

scoopedherup,stood,startedoutoftheroomwithher.

“I’mnotfinishedyet.”“You’veenoughtochew

onuntilmorning.Andyoudidsitinmylap.”

“MaybeIdon’twant

sex.”“Youshould’vethought

ofthatbeforeyoutriedtouseittowiggleoutofyourdeal.”

“Ididn’tmakethedealwithyou.”

“Exactly.”“Damnit.”Eveplotted

howshecouldgetoutandbackbeforeSummersetknewthedifference.

Thenwiththebedunderher,hermanontopofher,shedecidedtoworryaboutit

Sinthemorning.

•••

omewhereinthedark,thedreamformed.She

didn’tfightit,didn’ttrytostruggleoutofitsgrip,butgaveovertoit.

Throughthedarkcamethebright,brightlights,thepoundingmusic.Shesawthemonthetreads,onthemats,ontheothermachines,

deckedincolorfulgymwear,astheirfaces,theirbodies,gleamedwithsweat.

TreyZieglerstoodinthecenter,atopakindofdaisthatslowlyrevolvedtogivehimathree-sixtyperspectiveofthespace.Heworeblack—snugblacktoshowoffeverycutandripple.

Helooked,sherealized,likethetrophythathadkilledhim.

“TheyhavetodowhatI

tellthem,”hetoldEve.“I’mthetrainer.”

“Atleastoneofthemdidn’t.”Shegesturedattheknifehiltprotrudingfromhischest,andthenotewithitslargeredlettersanditssinglelineofblood.

“I’mthetrainer,”heinsisted.“I’mthebest.Ihavetrophiestoproveit.Whyshouldn’ttheypaymore,plentymore,forthebest?Youthinkthey’dlooklike

thatifitwasn’tforme?Shit.Deskjockeys,socialites,richbitches,andlazybastards.”

“Inotherwords,”Evesaid,“clients.”

“That’sright.They’vegotgoodbodiesbecauseofme.They’dpaysomesculptortocarvethefatofffortwicewhatIget.Ikeep’emhonest,soIdeservemore.”

“Youdidn’tsettleforthat,Ziegler.Youdidn’tsettleforwhatyoudeserved.”

“Whysettle?Allthatgetsyouisadumpofanapartment,crappyshoes,andsomedumb-assbimbowhiningformore.Nopain,nogain.”Smirking,hetappedhischest,eithersideoftheknife,withhisthumbs.“Igotgain.”

“You’rearapist.”“Hellno!You!”He

shoutedoverthemusic,jabbedafingerintheairatMartella.“Bumpupthose

weights!Squeezethosebiceps.Letmeseesomesweat!Ineverrapedanybodyinmylife,”hesaidtoEve.

“Youdruggedthem.”“Allnaturalproduct,”he

insisted.“Justtohelpthemrelax,easethoseinhibitions.Somewomen,theytellthemselvestheydon’twantit,buttheydo.Ijustgavethemalittlehelprelaxing.Andeveryoneofthemgotoff.”Hegrinned,cuppedhiscock.

“I’mthetrainer.”“You’reanasshole.You

rapedthem.Andthosewomenwhowerewilling,thoughGodknowswhy,yousoldyourselfto.Illegally.”

“It’snotsellingtotakeanicetipforexceptionalservice.Theygotoff,didn’tthey?Sowhatiftheygavemeafewbucks?”

“Othersyoublackmailed.”

“Soyousay.Somebody

offersmeafewbuckstokeepmymouthshut,whyshouldn’tItakeit?I’mbetterthanthisplace.I’mgoingtohavemyownplace.Youtakemoneyforwhatyoudo,”hepointedout.“You’renodifferentfromme.Jesus,JJ,Iwantrealpush-ups,notthosewussygirlexcusesforpush-ups.Burnitupalittle.

“Theykeepcomingback,”ZieglertoldEve,“becauseI’mthebest.”

Theykeptcomingback,shethought.Copley,Quigley,theSchuberts,Robbins,Sima,AllaCoburn.Allofthemlifting,runninginplace,lunging,sweating.

AndallofthemwatchingZieglerwithhateintheireyes.

“Theycomeback,buttheyhateyou.”

“Iain’tinitforlove.”“Formoney,forsex,for

whatyouseeaspower?Itgot

youkilled.”“That’snotmyfault.

You’resupposedtofixit,sofixit.”Hereachedout,grabbedherarm,squeezed.“Youneedtobuildmoremuscle.Icanhelpyouwiththat.Icanhelpyouwithalotofthings.”

“Keepyourhandsoffme.”Sheyankedaway,butheonlygrinned.Grinnedasthebloodfromtheshatteredskullbegantodrip.

“What’reyougoingtodoaboutit?”Hegrabbedheragain.“Areyougoingtotrytostopmelikeyoustoppedyouroldman?”

Herhandclosedoverthehiltoftheknife.Shefeltthewarm,wetbloodinherhand,remembered,rememberedhowitsprayedandpouredwhenshe’dhackedandhacked.

Hegrinnedatherwhilethebloodslidbetweenher

fingers.“Ifyouhadachanceto

killhimnow,you’ddoit.You’dcuthimtopiecesifyouhadachancetodoitalloveragain.”

“No.”AndGod,dearGod,thatwasarelief.“No,Iwouldn’t.I’mnothelplessnow,notafraidformylifenow.I’mafuckingcop.”

Sheshovedhimback.“I’macop,”sherepeated.

“AndI’lldomybestbyyou.”

“I’mthebest!”heshoutedasshesteppeddown,walkedtowardthedoors.

“You’renothing.You’reworsethannothing.Butyou’remine.”

Shewalkedout,intothenight.Shelookeddownatherhands,foundthemclean.

Shewokeinthesoftgraylightofmorninginthewarmthofherownbed.

“It’sallright,”Roarkemurmured,drawingher

closer.“You’reallright.”“I’mallright,”she

repeated.“Myhandsareclean.”Sheheldoneup,turneditinthequietlight.“Myhandsareclean.”

Onahalflaugh,sheshifted,foundhiseyesopenandonhers.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Ilivehere.”“That’sright.Me,too.

Butwhatareyoudoingherewhenthesun’sup?Why

aren’tyouconferencingwithZurichorbuyingasolarsystem?”

“I’msleepingwithmywifeonaSaturdaymorning.”

“Thedayoftheweekdoesn’tmeansquatinyourendlessquestforworlddomination.Couldbeyou’reslipping,pal.ThenwherewillIgetmycoffee?”

“Icanalwaysbuyasolarsystemthisafternoonifitmakesyoufeelmore

confidentinmyabilitytosupplycoffee.”

“Shakemyconfidencethere,Icouldgohuntforanothersupplier.Hemightnotbeaspretty,butIhavemypriorities.”

“Feelingplayfulthismorning,areyouthen?”

“Maybe.Myhandsareclean.”

“Soyoukeepsaying.”“It’simportant.Andsince

theyare...”Sheranahand

downhischest,anddown,thenclosedherfingersaroundhim.“LookwhatIfound.”

“Andnowthatyouhave?”

“Icanprobablythinkofsomethingconstructivetodowithit.”

Butfirstshesimplyrolledontopofhim,herfaceburiedinthecurveofhisthroat,herheartbeatinglightlyonhis.

Warm,shethought,

everythingsowarmandsmoothandeasy.

“WelosetoomanySaturdaymornings.”

Heranahandupanddownherback.“Thedayoftheweekdoesn’tmeansquat.”

Shelaughed,pressedherlipstothatcurve,thenliftedherhead.“You’reright.”Shekissedhim,lightastheirheartbeats.“Butsincesolarsystemsareforlater...”

Shetouchedherlipstohisagain,thentookhersslidingdownthelineofhisthroat,overhischest.Whatevertheday,itwaslovelytohavethetimetojustbewithhim,tofeelasshefeltnow.Warmandsmoothandeasy.

Assheroseuptostraddlehim,bellsrangandtherewasanunmistakablesoundofirritationjustbeforethethumpofthecatdesertingthebedforthefloor.

“We’veannoyedthecat,”Roarkecommented.

“Well,three’sacrowdanyway.Exceptit’sreallynot.Onetoomanypeopleinagivencircumstancesdoesn’tmakeacrowd.Whyaresayingssostupid?”

“Likethesolarsystem,perhapswecanconsiderthatlater.”

“Goodidea.”Sheleaneddown,andthis

timethekisswaslong,slow,

deep.Stirringthembothsothehandsslidingdownherbackfistedinthethinmaterialoftheshirtshewore.

Nottoomanypeoplehere,shethought,justtheexactrightamount.Justhim.Justher.Shefelthisneedforher,wakenedsoquickly,thestrengthofit,thedepthofit.Itwasalwaysawondertoher.Shehopeditalwayswouldbeasthewonderaddedalayerofbeautyover

desire.Hisheartbeatalittle

quickeragainsthers.Shesworeshefeltthevibrationofitassheroseupagain.

Thoseeyes,stillwatchingher,madlyblueandbeautiful,asshecrossedherarms,drewhershirtupandoff.Assheshifted.Asshelowered.Asshetookhimin.

Themorninglightbathedherinsilver,thelongtorso,theleansculptedarms.And

inthemorninghushtherewasnosoundbutherbreathandhis,andthesoftslideofthesheetsasshemovedoverhim.Slowly,almostgentlyrockingtobringthepleasureinlong,quietwaves.

Theheatofhertrappedhim,gloriously,broughthimlightassurelyasthesunslippingthroughtheskywindowoverhead.

Shegavethemthemorning,areminderofwhat

theyweretogethernomatterwhatthedaymightbring.

Asherrhythmquickened,sodidhisheart,hisblood,hisneed.

Shearchedback,astrongandslenderbow,withamoaningsighasshegaveherselftothatheat,tothatlight.

Thenonceagainshebenttohim,bracingherselfasshecapturedhismouth.Andmoving,rocking,giving,took

thembothoverthatfinalwave.

Shelayonhimagain,hearttoheart,beatsfastandthicknow.Thistimehersighwaslongandlazyandreplete.

“Theyshouldmakealaw.”

Eyesclosed,bodyloose,hestrokedherbackagain.“Therearesomanyalready,aren’tthere?”

“Alawthateverydayhas

tostartwithanorgasm.”“IbelieveIcouldadhere

tothatlawwithoutcomplaint.”

“Youshouldrunforofficesoyoucouldmakeitthelaw.”

“IfIranforofficeI’dhavemyselfcommittedasIwouldhave,unquestionably,lostmymind.”

“Yeah,there’sthat.”Shesnuggledin.“Ihadadream.”

“Iknow.Itdisturbed

you.”“Someofit.Everybody

wasinthisenormousgym.LikeBuffBodies,butbigger.Justasloud,butbigger.Allmysuspectsandplayerspumpingandsweating,withZiegleronthisplatformrunningtheshow.Eveninthedreamhewasafuckhead.‘I’mthetrainer,’hekeptsaying.”

Sheliftedherhead.“That’sthething,wasthe

thingforhim.Withouthim,thewayhefigured,they’dallbefat,lazyslobs.Hemadethem.He’sthetrainer,andtheydidwhathetoldthemtodo.Thesex—willingorcoerced—wasjustanotheraspectofit.Samewiththemoney.Alljusthisduebecausehe—inhismind—wastheoneincharge.Hiswholeexistence,really,wasonebigpowertrip.Thepeoplewhocametohimfor

traininghadmoremoney,moreprestige,morewhatever,buthecalledtheshots,andtheyfellinline.”

“Doesthathelpyou?”“Mostlyit’sjust

reaffirmingwhatIalreadyknew,maybekickingitupalittle.Stayonapowertriplongenoughwithoutrealpower?Somebody’sgoingtokickyourass.Heputhishandsonme.”

“Soyoukickedhisass,

dream-wisespeaking?”“No.Icouldhave.Icould

havedoneworse.Hebaitedme.Hesaidwewerethesame,takingmoneyforservice.That’stoostupidtogettherise,soheputhishandsonmeandaskedwhatIwasgoingtodoaboutit?WasIgoingtocarvehimuplikeIhadRichardTroy.”

“Ah,Eve.”Heshiftedtowraparoundher.

“No,that’sthething.

Maybepartofmewantedto.AndIclosedmyhandaroundthehiltoftheknife—hehadtheknifeinhim,likehedidwhenIfoundhim.ButIdidn’tuseit,didn’tevenconsiderusingit.BecauseI’macop.BecauseeventhoughIcanseehesharedsometraitswithTroy—thepowertrip,theuttercontemptforothers—I’macopandhe’savictim.He’smine,andthat’sthat.Iwalkedout,and

myhandswereclean.”“DarlingEve,theyalways

havebeen.”Shepressedintohim

again,intocomfort.“Iwasn’tsure,Idon’tknowwhy,butIwasn’tahundredpercentuntilthatmomentinthestupiddreamwhenIputmyhandonthehiltofthatknifeifI’dkillhim—ifIhadn’tkilledTroybackthenandhewalkeduptomenow,wouldI,couldI,killhimforwhat

he’ddonetome?”Sheletoutabreath.“No.

I’ddowhateverittooktolockhimup,toputhimaway,tomakehimpayeventhoughpaymentneverbalancesthescales.IkilledhimthenbecauseIwaspowerlessandterrified.I’mnoteitherofthoseanymore.I’macop,andmyhandsareclean.”

Hetookherhands,kissedthem.

“Maybeit’snotallthe

waybehindme,”shesaid.“Ikeepthinkingitis—whentheworstofthenightmaresstopped,whenIwentbacktoDallas,whenIgotthroughmymother,McQueen.Butthere’salwayssomeotherangletodealwith.I’mokaywithit.Ithappened,allofithappened,anditleavesamark,likeIsaid.ButI’mokaywithit.”

Shecurledinclose.“AndI’vegotyouonaSaturday

morning.”Theystayedastheywere,takingjustalittlemoretime.

Overbreakfastinthebedroomsittingarea,she

outlinedherstrategyfortheday.

“IthoughtabouttaggingReo,tryingtowrangleawarranttosearchCopley’slovenest.”Evebitintosomebacon—honestly,goodsex,ahotshower,thenbacon?Didamorninggetanybetter?“Reo’sasmartAPA,andshe’llfollowthedotsIlayout.Butevenso,it’salong,

skinnystretchforprobablecause.”

“Icouldgetyouin.”“Yeah.”Sheslidaglance

hisway.“It’stemptingtogotheclever-fingersandlock-pickroute,butno.”

“Iownthebuilding,”hesaidandatesomeeggs.

“Ishould’vefigured.Butevenwiththat,there’snolegalpegtohanganentryandsearchon.”

“Generalmaintenance,

possiblegasleak,suspicioussounds,smells,behavior.Iimaginetherearepegs.”

“Weakones.”“Soyourplanis?”“Tolie,ifandwhen

necessary.I’llgetthroughbuildingsecurity,I’vegotabadge.Ifnothingelse,I’llknockondoors,seeifIcangetanameand/ordescriptionofthesidepiecefromneighbors,trackherfromthat.Iwantaconversation.”

“Itmaybeshelivesthere.”

“Yeah,that’sthehope,butI’mnotcountingonthatmuchgoodluck.Eitherway,itwon’ttakelong.Unless...”

“Unless?”“SayItrackherdown,

haveaconversationandshesays:JJwenttoseethatawfulman,andtherewasaterribleaccident.Itwasn’tSugarDaddy’sfault.”

“SugarDaddy.”“Hequalifies.Andshe

sayshowCopleytriedtoreasonwithZiegler,butZieglergotphysicalandthenonethingledtoanother.Boo-hoo.”

“Butyou’renotcountingonmuchgoodluck.”

“I’mjustpointingoutthe—veryslim—possibilityImightbemorethanacouplehours,consideringifIfindher,ifsheblabs,I’dhaveto

goarrestCopleyandtrytogrillhimbeforehescreamsgetmealawyer.Likethat.”

“Allveryreasonable,butyoudon’thavetoexplaintome.I’mboundtobefairlywelloccupiedmyself.I’vesomeworktotidyup,thensomepreparationtooversee.”

“Right,but...”Shetoppedoffhiscoffee,senthimacalculatedlyinnocentlook.“IfyoushouldhappentorunintoSummersetwhile

I’mgone,youcould—”“No.”“Comeon.”“Absolutelyno.Your

deal.”Shesulkedoverhereggs.

EvenbaconlostsomeappealwiththeprospectofwranglingwithSummerset.

“Isn’titbadenoughIhavetofacehoursofswarmingdecorators,thenendthatsmallnightmarebyhavingTrinapourgunkall

overme?NowIhavetofacethesmirkingdisapprovalofourresidentcorpse?”

“Yourunanentiredivisionofmurdercopsfirmly,cleverly,andefficiently.You’dstepinfrontofastunnertosaveaninnocentbystander.Youwould,andhave,facedoffwithviciousmurderers.IthinkyoucanhandleSummerset,decoratorsinouremploy,andahair-and-skin

consultant.”Hetoppedoffhercoffee

inturn.“Buckup,Lieutenant.”

“Biteme.”“I’llschedulethatin.”Shedownedthecoffee,

rose.“Fine,butit’snotmyfaultIdon’tknowwherethehellheis,andit’sareallybighouse,so...”

Shebrokeoff,hadtoholdbackasnarlwhenRoarkesimplyliftedhiseyebrows.

“Okay,fine!”Thebattlelost,shestalkedovertothehousecomp.“Where’sgoddamnSummerset?”

Goodmorning,darlingEve.SummersetiscurrentlyintheParkViewguestroom.

“Great.Wherethehellisthat?”

BeforeRoarkecouldanswer,thecomputer

continuedinsmoothtones.

TheParkViewislocatedhere.

Thelittlescreendisplayedafloorplanwithareddotpulsinginoneoftherooms.

“Theelevatorwouldtakeyoudirectlythereifyourequestit,”Roarkepointedout.

TherewasmorechanceSummersetwouldhave

movedonifshehoofedit.Soshestalled.“Doalltheguestroomshavenames?”

“It’sasimplewaytoorganizethem.Wouldyoulikealist?”

“No.Howmanyarethere?”

“Morethanenough.”“Ha!”Shepointedathim.

“Evenyoudon’tknow.”“Thenumbercanvaryas

someofthesalons,thesittingrooms,evenentertainment

areascanbeutilizedasguestrooms,ifneeded.Shouldn’tyoubeonyourway?”

“I’mgoing.”Sheshovedherhandsinherpockets.“I’llbebackinplentyoftimetodowhatever.”

“I’msureyouwill.AndI’llwishyouluckeventhoughwithityoumightbelonger.”

“Right.”Shehesitated,butcouldn’tfindanotherreasonableexcusetostall.“If

it’slonger,I’llletyouknow.”Whenheonlysmiled,she

walkedout.Shedetouredtoheroffice,fiddledforafewminutes,grabbedthecoatshe’dleftthere,thenfollowedtheroutefromthescreenmap.

Everythingsmelledfaintlyofpineandcranberries—howwasthatevenpossible?Floorsgleamed,artshone.

Shefoundthebedroom,

startedtoknock.Stoppedherself.Itwasherhouse,too,sheremindedherself,andopenedthedoor.

Easytoseehowitgotitsnameaswindowsframedwithshimmeringdrapesopenedtoaviewofthegreatpark.

Thebedstruckherassortofregalwithalotofdeepcarvingondarkwood,andmoreshimmeringstuffflowingoveritunderabold

gardenofpillows.Galahadsprawledover

thefootofthebedasifhelivedthere.

Summerset,inhishabitualfunerealblack,setalargepaintedvasefilledwithbloodredliliesonatable,turnedtoher.

“Istheresomethingyouneed,Lieutenant?”

“No.Whatareyoudoinginhere?Arethoseflowersforthecatorwhat?”

“I’msureheappreciatesthem,butno.You’reentertainingthisevening,andtherewouldbethepossibilityaguestmightoverindulgeandbebestservedbystayingthenight.”

“That’swhatSober-Up’sfor.”

“Regardless,hospitalitydecreesguestroomsarepreparedforanyeventuality.It’scalledcourtesy.”

“I’dsaycourtesyisnot

gettingshit-faceddrunkwhenyoucometosomeone’shousetoaparty,butthat’sjustme.Ihavetogooutforaboutanhour.I’llbebacktodothestuff.”

Hearchedoneskinnyeyebrow,madeherteethwanttogrind.“It’spolicebusiness.I’mthepolice.I’mnotwelshingonthedeal.I’llbeback.”

“Asyousay.”“That’sright,asIsay.

So...gofusswithotherbedroomsforpotentialdrunks.”

Shewalkedout.Shewouldnotfeelguiltyfordoingherjob.Shehadapossiblelead,andshehadtofollowupwhileitwashot,didn’tshe?Damnright.

Butshecheckedthetime,quickenedhersteps.

SheconsideredpullingPeabodyin,butdidn’tseethepoint.Ifshepulledaname

outofthefishingexpedition,shecouldtossittoherpartner,havePeabodydoarun.

Whilesheherselftoldpeople,whoknewbetterthanshedidanyway,wheretoputflowersandlightsandshinyballs.

Andmaybe,ifshegotthroughthatfast,andPeabodycameupwithsomesolidinformation,shecouldsqueezeoutanotherhourto

tugthatline.She’dhonorthedeal,

she’dcontribute,butshewasn’tgoingtospendanentiredayplayingladyofthemanor.Itmadeherfeelstupid.

Sheheadedeast,zippingthroughtraffic—blissfullylightastheshopshadn’topenedyet.Itdidn’tstoptheadblimpsblastingoutwithakindoffreneticdesperationabouthowmanydays,hours,

minutesshoppingtimewereleft.

Thecartswereopen,smokingwithofferingsofeggpocketsandseasonalchestnuts,doingearlybusinessforthepoorsapswho’dopenthoseshopsanddealwiththeSaturday-before-Christmasinsanity.

ASkyMallblimpannouncedthefirsttwohundredpayingcustomerswouldreceiveaFREEGIFT!

ShedecidedworkingsecurityattheSkyMallrankedhighonherlistofworsttenjobs,rightuptherewithsharktankcleaners—somebodyhadtodoit—andproctologists.

Consideringthemotivationsofobtainingamedicaldegreetopokeintoassholeskeptherentertaineduntilshepulledupinfrontoftheshinyglass-and-steelbuildingoverlookingtheEastRiver.

Sheexpectedthedoormaninhisblack-and-goldliverytohustleoverandbitchabouthersubstandardvehicle,andwaspreparedtosnarlathim.

Hewasquickonhisfeet,actuallyopenedthecardoorbeforeshecould.

“Lieutenant.”Heofferedherahandandadignifiedsmile.“I’llkeepaneyeonyourvehicle.”

Shenarrowedhereyes.“Roarkecontactedyou.”

“Momentsago.I’mBrentifthere’sanythingIcanhelpyouwith.Ididcheckourrecords,asRoarkerequested.I’mafraidwehavenoJohnJakeCopleylisted.”

EvepulledoutherPPC,scrolledthroughtoCopley’sIDshot.

“Doyourecognizehim?”“Yes,ofcourse.That’s

Mr.Jakes.”Brent’seyeswidened.“Oh,Isee!Mr.Jakes—orMr.Copley—has

number37-A.Thenortheastcornerunitonthirty-seven.HesharestheunitwithMs.Prinze.”

“Fullname?”“Oneminute.”Hetook

outhisownhandheld.“Mr.JohnJakesandMs.FelicityPrinze.”

“Okay.Givemeasense.”“They’rerelativelynewto

thebuilding.Idon’tseeMr.Jakes—Copley,”hecorrected,“often.I’mpretty

sureheworksdowntownasIchattedonceortwicewithhisdriver.Ms.Prinzeisverynice,ah,considerablyyounger.She’sa...performer.”

“Ibet.Whatsort?”“FromwhatI’veheard,

shewasadancer.She’stakingactingclasses,danceclasses,andIbelievevoicelessons.”

“Okay.Issheupthere?”“I’dsayyes.She’snot

whatyou’dcallanearlyriser.Hasshedonesomethingwrong,Lieutenant?”

“I’mgoingtofindout.”“Ihopenot,”hesaidashe

openedthedoorofthebuildingforher.“She’saveryniceyoungwoman.ShouldIcallupforyou?”

“No,thanks.DoyouknowifCopley’supthere?”

“Ican’tbesureasIcameonthismorningateight.Hehasn’tgoneinoroutsince

I’vebeenonthedoor.”“Ifyouseehim—comein

orgoout—tagme.Thisnumber.”

ShepassedBrentacard,walkedtotheelevator.“Iappreciatethehelp,Brent.”

“AnythingIcando,Lieutenant.”

Shesteppedintotheelevator,textedPeabodythenameofthesidepiece,theaddress,thebarebones,withinstructionstodoafullrun.

Theelevatorrodesmooth,butthenRoarkeknewhowtobringsmoothintoabuilding.Thehallwayonthirty-sevenwaswide,quietandtastefullypainted,withcarpetsofclassyblackswirlsonelegantgray.

Goodsecurity—andshe’dhaveexpectednothinglessthereinaRoarke’sproperty.Discreetcamsworkedintothecrownmolding,andeachapartmentoutfittedwithtop-gradepalmscreens,cams,

andalarms.Shestoppedat37-A.

Doubledoors,shenoted,toaddthatmorepowerful,importanttouch.Shepressedthebuzzer,waited.

Shegaveitthreetries—increasingthelengthofthebuzz—beforetheintercomclicked.

“Isthatyou,baby?”“Idon’tknow,sweetie.”“Huh?”“Dallas,LieutenantEve.”

Eveheldupherbadge.“I’dliketospeakwithyou,Ms.Prinze.”

“You’rereallynotsupposedtotrytosellstuffinthebuilding.Youcouldgetintrouble.”

“I’mnotsellinganything.I’mthepolice.”

“Thepolice?”“NYPSD.Dallas,

LieutenantEve.”“Oh...But...Howcan

Ibesureyou’rethepolice,

OfficerEve?”“Lieutenant.”Forthe

secondtimethatmorningEvestrugglednottogrindherteeth.“LieutenantDallas.Lookatthebadge,Ms.Prinze.Youcanscanit.”

“Idon’tthinkIknowhowtodothat.Thiswholesecuritythingyissocomplicated.”

Sinceshehadsomesympathyfortechnologyfumblers,Evedugfor

patience.“Okay.DoyouknowBrent—thedoorman?”

“Oh,sure.He’sjustasweetheart.”

“Youcancalldown,verifywithhim.Icanwait.”

“Oh,well,shoot,that’sokay.”Locksclickedandsnickedbeforethedoorsopenedtoframeaseriousbombshell.

Shecouldn’thavebeenmorethantwenty-oneortwenty-two.Curvyasa

countryroad,shestoodmaybefive-twoinherbarefeetwiththeirglitteryredtoes.Eachbigtoesportedapaintedsnowflakeinbrightwhite.

SheworewhatEvesupposedwouldbecalledapeignoir—whiteasthesnowflakes—aduetofalongsilkygown,cutlowonveryhealthybreasts,andanunbeltedrobewithfluffywhitefeathersdeckingthe

collar.Shehadaheart-shaped

face,allroseandcream,withadeeplybowedmouth—accentedwithatinybeautymarkatthecorner.Sleepyeyesinchina-dollbluesmiledoutofathickfringeofdarklashes.

“I’mnotsupposedtoletjustanybodyin,youknow?Butsinceyou’rethepolice...OH!Ijustloveyourcoat.It’ssototallymag!

Icouldn’tcarryit,but—OH!Isitrealleather?”

BeforeEvecouldrespondorevade,Felicityreachedouttostrokethesleeve.“OH!Itis!It’sjustgooshy-smooshy.Iloverealleather,don’tyou?Iwonderiftheymakeitinred.Ilovered,andIcouldhaveitcutdowntoknee-lengthmaybe.Where’dyougetit?”

“Itwasagift.”Thechina-dolleyes

sparkled.“Ijustlovegifts,don’tyou?”

“CanIcomeinandspeakwithyou,Ms.Prinze?”

“Oh,sure,sorry.YoucancallmeFelicity.I’msortofthinkingofdroppingthelastname—professionally,youknow?It’smorefun,andsexier.Justonename.Youknow,likeRoarke.”

“Huh”wasthebestEvecouldthinkof.

“Youknow:Roarke.The

abso-ultrichguy.Andcompletelyiced.Heactuallyownsthisbuilding.Iwoulddietomeethim,wouldn’tyou?”

“Well.”Shedecideditwasbestnottomentionshe’djustrecentlybangedsaidabso-ulticedRoarkeintoamutualpuddle.

“Hey,sorry!Youmaybewantsomecoffee?Ihaveastashofreal.Policeprobablydon’tgetrealverymuch.I

haveafriendwhosebrotherisapolicemanbackinShipshewana.He’sasweetheart,buttheysuredon’tmakemuchmoney.”

“Whatship?”“Shipshewana,”Felicity

saidwithabubblygiggle.“Indiana.That’swhereI’mfrom,butI’vebeeninNewYorkalmostawholeyearnow.Ijustgotup,soIcouldsureusesomecoffee.I’llgetussome,okay?”

“Great.”ItgaveEveachanceto

think.ShewatchedFelicitywalkaway—whoknewanasscouldmoveinsomanydirections—thentookstock.

Aslovenestswent,Eveconsidereditupscale.Agood-sizedlivingareawithastellarviewoftheriverthroughawallofglass.Theholidaytreestoodfrontandcenter,risingfromfloortoceiling,toppedbyawhite

angelandcoveredwithredandgoldballs.

ShesuspectedCopleyhadletFelicityhaveherwaywiththedecorasitrantobrightandfussy,feathersandbeads.Likeacheerfulbordello,Evedecided,allplushandgirlie.

Shewandered,notedthediningalcove—largeenoughfordinnerpartieswitharedlacquertableholdingacenterSantaeasilythreefeettall.

Shemovedquietly,tooka

quickscanofapowderroom—redaccents,fussysoaps,frillytowels—aroomwithaballetbar,akeyboard,awallscreen,rolledyogamats,aglass-frontedfriggiestockedwithbottledwater.Onewallheldascreen,anotherwascompletelymirrored.

Shetookaquickglanceinthemasterbedroom—goldsandreds,morefeathersandbeads,ahugemirroredbed,abureautoppedwithahalf

dozenfancyperfumebottles,amasculinechestofdrawers.Achaisepiledwithstuffedanimalsanddolls.

Gaugingthetime,EveslippedbackintothelivingareajustbeforeFelicitycameoutcarryingaredtrayholdingtwoflowerycupswithamatchingcreamerandsugarbowl.

“Ididn’taskhowyoutakeyourcoffee.”

“Justblack’sgood.”

“Ugh!Ilikelotsofcreamandsugar.”Shesetthetrayonalowtable,sat.Whensheleanedovertodoctorhercoffee—andshedidmean“lots”—Eveexpectedtheimpressivebreaststotumblerightoutofthepeignoir.

“So.”Felicitysatback,holdinghercupwithherpinkiecurledout.“AreyouallreadyforChristmas?”

“Prettymuch.Listen.”Howtobegin?Witha

standardsidepiece,she’dhaveknownherapproach.Butbombshellornot,thisonewasgreenasgrass.“YouliveherewithJohnJakeCopley?”

“YouknowJJ!”Delightpinkenedhercheeks.“Whydidn’tyousayso!Isn’theadream?He’sthesweetestman,andsogoodtome.I’mnotreallysupposedtotalkabouthimtoomuchbecause,well,youknow,hehastoget

hisdivorceandall.”“Howdidyoumeethim?”“Oh,hedidn’ttellyou?”“Wedidn’tgetintothat.”“Itwassocute!I’ma

dancer.I’mgoingtobeatriplethreat—that’swhatmyvoicecoachsays.I’mtakinglessons,andactinglessons,andmoredancelessons.JJ’spayingforallofit.I’maninvestment.”

Sheflushedprettily.“Anyway,Ijustcouldn’t

stayinShipshewanamywholelife,couldI?”

Evegotastrangepictureofapirateshipsailingthroughfieldsofcornandcows.“Idon’tseehow.”

“Iknow.EventhoughImisseverybodylikecrazy,youhaveto,youknow,trytolikefulfillyourdestiny.MytheaterteacherbackhomesaidIhadrealtalent.Anaturaltalent.SoIcametoNewYork.Iwanttoworkon

Broadway,butit’sreallyhard.Theycanbesomeanattheauditions.AndIdidn’thaveasmuchmoneyasmaybeIshouldhave.Thingsarereallyexpensivehere.Igotajobasawaitress,butitgetsreallyconfusing.ThenIgotadancingjob.Inoneofthoseplaces,youknow.”

Shewincedalittle.“Yeah,Iknow.”“Itwasembarrassingat

first,butlikeSadiesaid,

everybody’sgotabody,sobigdeal.Andifyouhaveaniceone,youcanmakesomerealmoney.Ididn’tlikeitawholelot,butIwaswillingtosacrificeuntilIgotmybigbreak.You’vegottopayyourdues.”

Shetookasipofhercoffee-flavoredcreamandsugar.

“So,”Evespeculated,“youmetJJattheplacewhereyoudanced.”

“Ohyeah,right.OnenightJJcamein,andhegotalapdance.Andthenhegotanotherone,andheboughtmeadrink.Hewantedto,youknow,butIdon’tdothat.I’mnotlicensed,plusIdon’twantto,youknow?Forlikemoney.”

Eveconsideredthefancyapartment,thefeatherypeignoir—reservedjudgment.“Okay.”

“SoJJwaswithsome,

whatdoyoucallit,colleagues,andsomeofthemgotalittlepushy.ButnotJJ.Anyway,hecamebackthenextnightandboughtmeanotherdrink,andhewasnicetotalkto.Thenheaskedmeout.”

Shepinkedupagain.“Arealdate.Dinnerandeverything.Hetookmeoutafewtimes—twicetoaBroadwayshow,whichwastheult.Thenwe,youknow,

butitwasn’tlikehewasacustomer.Weweredating.Ididn’tknowhewasmarried,thenhetoldme,andIwasgoingtobreakitoffbecause,youknow,that’sjustnotright.”

“Hedidn’ttellyouhewasmarriedbefore...youknow?”Evequalified.

“No,butheexplainedhowhiswife’ssoawful,andcontrolling,andhe’stryingtogetadivorce,andtheydon’t

evenhavesex.”“Shedoesn’tunderstand

him,appreciatehim,”Evesaid.

“Iknow!”IronywaftedoverFelicity’sblondcurls.“ThenheboughtthisplacesoI’dhaveanice,safeplacetolive.Andhegotmethelessons.AndIhavechargeaccountsandeverything.Ijusthavetobepatient.Itgetslonelysometimesbecausehehastotravelsomuchfor

work,andhe’stryingtoconvincehisterriblewifetoagreetoacivilizeddivorce.He’ssosweettome,andafterhegetshisdivorcewe’regettingmarried.See.”

Sheheldoutherhand—fingernailspaintedlikehertoes—toshowofftherockonherringfinger.

Evethoughtbacktothehiddenaccounts,calculatedwhattherockwouldgofor,ifreal.Nochargesor

withdrawalscorresponding,tohermemory.

ItstruckherFelicitygottheclichédlineandthefakediamond,andwasnaiveenoughtobelieveboth.

“We’rejustcrazyabouteachother.We’dspendeveryminutewecouldtogetherifitwasn’tforhisawfulwife,andifhedidn’thavetotravelforwork,likeheisnow.”

Evewonderediftheygrewthemallthisnaiveand

gullibleinShipshewana.“He’sawayonbusiness

now?”sheasked.“Yeah,hehadtoleavea

coupledaysagotogiveabigpresentationwayoutinNewL.A.He’sreallyimportant,butyouknowthat,sotheclientpeoplewantedhimespecially.Buthe’sgoingtobebackforChristmas.Hemaybehastospendmostofitwithhiswife,becauseofhowpeoplegossipandstuff,but

we’regoingtohaveourownChristmashere.Isn’tthetreepretty?”

“Yeah,it’spretty.DoyouknowaTreyZiegler?”

“Uh-uh.IsheafriendofJJ’s?Ihaven’tbeenabletomeethisfriendsbecauseofgossipandhowhisawfulwifewoulduseittoruinhiminthedivorce.It’snicetomeetyou,soIcanhavesomebodytotalkwith.Sadie,myfriendfromwhereIused

todance,saysmenneverdivorcetheirwivesliketheysay,butJJ’snotlikethat.We’recrazyabouteachother.”

“Soyouhaven’tseenJJforacoupledays?”

“Uh-uh.Hehadtogooutoftown,likeIsaid,kindofallofasudden.Buthetagsmeeveryday,andhesenttheflowersovertherejustyesterday.”

Herextraordinarybreasts

swelledoverthesilkandfeathersasshesighed.

“He’ssuchasweetheart.He’sunderalotofstresswhatwithworkandhiswifesowedon’tgooutsomuchanymore.Heneedsthequiet.She’s,whatdoyoucallit,vindictive.SoItrytobereallyunderstanding,andmakethingsniceforhimwhenhe’shere.”

“I’msureyoudo.Whendidheleavetown?”

“Um.Wednesdaymaybe.Wasit?”Shecaughtherpoutybottomlipbetweenherteethasshetaxedhermemory.“Igetmixedup.Hehadtodothepartywithhiswife—youknow,forappearances—thatnight.Didyougo?”

“Icouldn’tmakeit.”“Oh,toobad.Ilove

parties.JJwasgoingtocomeoverhereafterward.Andweweregoingtogohaveabig,

fancybrunchatthecaviarplaceforatreat.Ijustlovecaviar,don’tyou?Buthehadtogooutoftown.”

“Andhe’snevermentionedZiegler?”

“Idon’tthinkso.Isheaclient?JJtakesreallygoodcareofhisclients.That’swhyhe’ssosuccessful.”

“Ibet.”“Doyouwanttogoout

forbreakfastmaybe?Mytreat.Idon’thavedanceor

actinglessonstoday,andmyvoicecoachdoesn’tcomeuntiltwo.”

“I’msorry.Ican’t.”“Oh,doyouhavetogo

already?”FelicityaskedwhenEverose.

“Ido,butmaybeI’llcomeback.WhenJJ’shere.”

“Thatwouldbemag!Wecanhavealittleparty.”

“Whydon’tyougetintouchwithmewhenyouexpecthim?”Evepulledouta

card.“We’llhavethatlittleparty.”

“Sure!Thisis,well,it’sjustmagolicious.Ican’twait.”

“NeithercanI.”Sheopenedthedoor,glancedbackatthebombshell.“Youknow,Felicity,yourfriendSadiesoundsprettysmart.”

“Oh,she’sreallysmart.She’sareallygoodfriend,butsheworriesaboutme,anddoesn’thaveto.ShethinksI

shouldgobacktoShipshewana.”

EvedecidedSadiemightbetheonlypersoninNewYorkdealingFelicitythetruth.

“Haveyoutalkedtoherrecently?”

“Italktohermosteveryday.JJdoesn’twanthertocomeherebecause,well,peopledon’talwaysunderstandaboutthedancing,but...you’vegottohave

girlfriends,right?”“Yeah.Whatdidshesay

aboutJJhavingtogooutoftown,allofasudden?”

“Oh,well,Sadiedoesn’ttrustmostguys.She’shadsomebadexperiences.SheneverthinksJJ’stellingmethetruth.”

“LikeIsaid,shesoundsprettysmart.Maybeyoushouldlistentoher.Yououghttotagherup.And,Felicity?Maybeyoushould

askyourselfwhyanimportant,successfulman’sdoingout-of-townbusinessoveraweekendinsteadofgrabbingashuttlebacktotakeyououtforcaviar.”

Leavingitatthat—thebestshecoulddo—Evemadeherwayout,noddedtoBrent.

Shehatedfeelingsorryforthewoman—no,shecorrected,girl.Nomorethanagirlreally.Butitbalancedout,shesupposed.Thesorrier

shefeltforFelicity,themorecontemptshefeltforCopley.

Firstchance,shepromisedherself,thetwoofthemweregoingtohavealong,fascinatingconversation.

Anditwasn’tgoingtobemuchofaparty.

KiraRobbinsletEveinherself.Shelooked

heavy-eyed,strained,andworebaggyfloweredpajamapantsandagrayNYCsweatshirt.Afarcry,Evethought,fromthesmartreddressandheelsofthedaybefore.

“Youwanttogooveritallagain.”Shedidn’taskEvetosit,didn’tofferheradrink,justfloppeddownonthesofa.“That’showthisworks.

Justgoingoverandoveritagain.”

“Yousaidyouwerealone,nooutsidecontact,duringthetimeZieglerwasmurdered.”

“Yeah.Damnbook.Ihaven’twrittenawordsinceItalkedtoyouyesterday.I’mnotgoingtomakedeadline.Ijustwanttosleep,but...”

“HowmanytimesdidZieglercomehereforaprivatesession?”

“Four—no,five.Twicewithmeandmyassistant,threetimesjustme.Ithink.”

“Howmuchextradidyougivehimforaddingintheassistant?”

“Ah...fivehundred.”Robbinsrubbedthespotbetweenhereyebrowswithtwofingers.“Yeah,five.”

ItjibedwithZiegler’saccounting.

“Howmanytimeswereyouintimatewithhim?”

“Itwasn’tintimacy.There’snothingintimateabouthavingyourchoicetakenaway.Hehadsexwithme—once.Herapedme.Once.”Somethingfiredinhereyes.“Itwasn’tintimacy.”

“You’reright.”“You’rewondering—I’m

wondering—didIaskforit?DidIopenthedamndoortoit?Ihadhiminhere,Ipaidhimtocomehere.Iknewhewasauser.Iheardthetalk,

butIkeptgoingtohim,Ihadhimcometome.”

“Why?”“Hewasareallygood

trainer.”Shepressedherfingerstohereyes.“OhGod.Hewastoughonme,andcharmingaboutit.Hehelpedkeepmeinshape.Fashionblogger,”shesaidwithabitterhalflaugh.“Youhavetolookgood.You’renotcompetingwiththepeopleyou’rewritingabout—the

starsandbutterfliesandtrust-fundbabies—butyouabsolutelyare.Ididn’twanttogotoabodysculptor—wantedtodoitmyself.That’ssomethingtofeelsmugaboutwhenyouknowwho’sgettingworkdone,andhowoften.SoIstuckwithhim.IstuckwithTrey.”

Sheletherheadfallback.“SoI’maskingmyselfdidIaskforit.Whenithappenedbefore,Iwasinlovewiththe

bastard.Justakid,andinlovethewayyouareatsixteen.After,hesaidI’dwantedit.I’dteasedhim.Sohe’dgivenmealittlesomethingtorelaxme,sohe’dheldmedownwhenIsaidno,whenIsaidstop.ButI’dwantedit,andifImadeabigdealaboutit,everybodywouldknowI’daskedforit.”

“Nooneaskstoberaped,Kira.”

“No,andIknowbetter.I

justcan’tgettoityet.IthoughtIcouldhandleZiegler—noproblem.I’msmart,I’mstrong,Ilearnedhowtotakewhathappenedbeforeandgetsmarter,getstronger.Butknowing’sonething,feeling’sanother.”

Hereyesfilled;shepressedherfingerstothemasiftopushthetearsbackin.“Sorry,roughnight.”

“You’dbeendosedandrapedbefore,butyoudidn’t

wonder—youdidn’taskyourself—ifithadhappenedagain.Youjustgottheurge,hadsexwithamanyou’vestatedyouweren’tattractedto,didn’tevenreallylike.Andafter,didn’twonder?”

“Ineverthoughtofit.Itneversomuchasfloatedovermyhead.I’dputitbehindme.Iwasn’tthatgirlanymore.Iwastoosmart,toostrong,toocareful.Itcouldneverhappentomeagain.”

Shesqueezedhereyestightforamoment,balledherfistsuntiltheknuckleswhitened.“Butitdid.Itdidhappenagain,andIfeeljustlikethatsixteen-year-oldgirl.Maybeevenworse,becauseIreallybelieveditcouldn’thappenagain.”

Sheloosenedherhands,tookacoupleslow,deepbreaths.“Ididn’tkillhim,that’sthebestIcangiveyou.Iwouldn’thaveifI’dknown

beforesomeoneelsedid.ButIwouldn’thavemadethesamemistakeIdidatsixteen.I’dhavegonestraighttothecops.AndifsomepeoplewantedtothinkI’daskedforit,fuckthem.Fuckthem.”

Onahalflaughshescrubbedherhandsoverherface.“Yeah,roughnight.ButI’vegotanappointmentwithmytherapistinacouplehours.”

“Good.Youmeant

nothingtohim.”“What?”“Understandthat,”Eve

said.“Youmeantnothing.Youwerejustanothernotchtohim,anotherbody,anotherwayforhimtofeelimportantandpowerful.Youdidn’taskforit,youdidn’topenthedoortoit.Youwerejustanotheropportunityforhim,anotherincomesource,andthat’sit.”

“That’ssupposedtomake

mefeelbetter?”“Uptoyou,butit’struth.

It’sfact.”Kirabreathedoutagain.

“It’sharsh,andmaybebecauseit’sharsh,itmakesmefeelbetter.”

“Iappreciatethetime.”Evestartedforthedoor,stopped.“Ifigureyou’llmakethatdeadline.”

“Ohyeah?”“Yeah.Youwon’tlethim

screwyouoveragain.”

S•••

hemulledovertheconversation,her

impressions,whatshe’dseen,heardandfeltonthedrivehome.Allsheneededwasmaybeahalfhourmore—thatwasn’tmuch—towriteitallup,shootitofftoPeabody,Mira.

And,okay,maybeanothertenorfifteentoupdateherboard,reviewthedata

Peabodywouldhaveaccumulatedbynow.

Forty-fiveminutes,anotherhourtops,thenshe’dswitchgears,gointofullparty-prepmode.

Itwasfair.Satisfiedwiththebargain,

shedrovethroughthegates.Andstoppedthecarinthemiddleofthelongdrivetogape.Appalled.

Trucksandvansandpeoplecrowdedandswarmed

attheentranceofthehouse.Thosepeoplecartedtrees—howcouldtheypossiblyneedmoretrees—plants,flowers,cratesandboxesandGodonlyknew.

Shewatchedassomeofthevehiclesdrovearoundthesprawlinghouseto,sheassumed,goaroundthesideorthebackwhereundoubtedlythey’dunloadmoretrees,plants,flowers,cratesandboxesandGod

onlyknew.Theycomprisedanarmy

ofworkmen,decorators,gofers.Andsheimaginedthisfirstwavedidn’tincludethesecondforcethatwoulddealwithfoodandbeverage.

Youdidn’tneedarmiesforaparty.Youneededarmiesforawar.

Apparently,thiswaswar.Andwherethehellwas

shesupposedtodumphercar?

Seeinglittlechoice,andhopingtoavoidthevariousbattalionsforaslongaspossible,shedrovearoundtothegarage.

Shesatinthecaramoment,drummingherfingers,tryingtorememberhowtogainaccess.Damnplacewasasbigasahouse.Normallyshejustparkedoutfront.SheknewSummerset—inhisanal,everythinginitsstupidproperplaceway—

remotedwhatevervehicleshedumpedthereintothegarage,andhaditremotedbackoutfrontinthemorning.

Soshedidn’thasslewiththegarageasarule.Sheconsideredleavingitwhereitwas,butthatfeltstupid.Instead,shetappedthein-dash,taggedRoarke.

“Lieutenant.”“Yeah,hey.ThoughtI

shouldtellyouI’mback.”“Andinatimelyfashion.”

“Yeah.There’sabunchofeverybodyoutfront.AparkinglotofvehiclessoI’mgoingtopullintothegarage.”

“Well,allrightthen.”“But,thethingis,Ican’t

rememberthecode.”Onthedashscreen,he

smiledather.“Eve,haveyoustillnotreadthebloodymanualforyourvehicle?”

“IfindstuffwhenIneedit.”

“Inthatcase,you’llfind

you’veonlytoaccessyourin-dashcomp,requestaccessories,orderthegaragedoorsopenbyremote.Ithasyourvoiceprint.You’dclosethemthesameway,orbythegaragecomponceyou’veparked.”

“Right.Gotit.Thanks.”“Icouldpointout,thatif

you’dreadthemanual,youcouldhaveparkedoutfrontandsentthecartothegaragebyremote,butthatwouldbe

rubbingitin,wouldn’tit?”Ratherthanrespond,she

cuthimoff,snarledafterthescreenwentblank.“Smart-ass.Computerengage.”

Engaged,Dallas,LieutenantEve.

“Accessories.”

Accessoriesconfirmed.Wouldyoulikealistingbyalphaorderorby

category?

“Justopenthedamngaragedoor.”

Doyouwishtoopenthegaragedooratyourcurrentlocation,whichisresidence,oranalternatelocation?

“WhythehellwouldIwanttoopenadoorwhereI’mnot?Nevermind.Open

thedoor,currentlocation.”

Garagedoor,residence.Wouldyouliketoopenthemaindoor,thereardoor,thesecondlevel—

“Maindoor,forGod’ssake.Openthemaingaragedoor,residence.”

Garage,residence,maindooropening.

Shewaitedwhileitrose,slowandsilent,thendrovein.

Shewouldn’tbothertorollhereyesatthenumberofvehicleshousedinside.Orjustaminoreyeroll.All-terrains,sedans,sportscars,musculartrucks,sexymotorcycles.

Someflashy,someclassy,somesinewy,somesleek.

Shewasprettysuretherehadbeensomerefinementssinceshe’dlastbeeninside—

sheknewtherehadn’tbeenaslotlabeledDLE,themakeofhercar,thelasttimeshe’dbeeninhere.Noquestionthere’dbeensomeadditionsbecausethemanpurchasedvehiclesthewayothersmightbuysocks.

Shepulledintotheslotasthecomputeraskedpolitely,

Doyouwishtoclosethemaingaragedoors,residence,atthistime?

“Yeah,yeah,dothat.”Shegotout,glanced

aroundatRoarke’sshinytoys,andspottedapristineworkcounter—whoelsehadapristinegarage?—withacomputer,anAutoChefandafriggie.

“Agarageyoucouldlivein.Whoelse?”

Inspired,shecrossedtothecounter,narrowedhereyesatthecomputer.

“Computeron.”

Itsprangimmediatelytolife.

Goodmorning,Dallas,Lieutenant,Eve.

“Yeah,yeah.Canyouinterfacewithmyhomeofficecomputer?”

Affirmative.Wouldyouliketodosoatthistime?

“Yeah,I’dliketodoso.

OpenfilesonZiegler,Trey,subsetInterviews.CreatenewdoconPrinze,Felicity,crossedwithCopley,JohnJake.”

Working...

“PullupanyincomingcommunicationordatafromPeabody,DetectiveDelia.”

Secondarycommandinprogress.Initialcommand

complete.

“Whydoesn’tmyofficecompworkthisfast?”

Wouldyoulikeascananddiagnosisofthisspecificcomputer?

“What’sthepoint?Negative.”

Acknowledged.Secondarycommandcomplete.

“GivemePeabody’sdatafirst.Onscreen.”

Dataonscreen.

She’dbeenrightonFelicity’sage.Barelytwenty-one.BornShipshewana,Indiana,oneofthreeoffsprings—allfemale—ofJonasandZoePrinze,withFelicitybeingtheyoungest.Nocriminal,notevenalittle

dent,unlessshecountedtwominortrafficviolationsduringtheteenageyears.

Andshedidn’t.Graduatedhighschool,

andPeabodyhadaddedtheshinybits.Homecomingqueen,captainofthecheerleaders,theleadintheschoolmusicaltwoyearsrunning,presidentofthetheaterclub.

Twoyearscommunitycollege,majoringintheater.

Employed,part-time,forthreeyearsatGo-Hopasaserver.

RelocatedtoNewYork,residedforsevenmonthsinAlphabetCity—aflop,Evenoted,readingPeabody’sresearchontheaddress—thatrentedbythehour,day,orweek.

Employedasadancer,StarshineClub,forthreemonths.Currentresidence,thebig,shinyapartment

overlookingtheriver.Nomarriages,nocohabs,

nocurrentemployment.Acorn-fed,naivekid,

potentiallywithsometalent,withbigdreams,whogotherselfscoopedupbysomeguytwiceherage.Whowaspotentiallyakiller.

Eveaddedhernotes,compilingthemintoareport.

Asshereaditover,refinedit,thesidedooropened.

Roarkewalkedin.“Didyougetlost?”He

cockedaneyebrow.“You’reworkinginthegarage?”

“Itwashere,andit’squiet,andIonlyneededafewminutes.”Sheglancedatherwristunit,winced.“Orso.”

She’drefinelater,ifnecessary,butshotthereporttoPeabody,toMira,andasanupdatetohercommander.

“That’sit.I’mgoingin.Whyaretheremoretrees?”

“Thanwhat?”“Thanwealreadyhad.

GuyswerehaulinginmoretreeswhenIdroveup.Why?”

“Becauseit’sChristmas.”Hetookherhand.“Ifyouneedmoretime,youdon’thavetotakeitinthegarage.”

“It’sniceinhere.Avehiclepalacewithtechnologyandsnacks.Butthat’sitfornow.”

Shecouldalwaysslipawaylater,squeezeinalittle

more.“Allrightthen.Wanta

liftback?”Hegesturedtoashortline

ofmotorizedcarts.“I’vegotlegs.”“WhichIadmireasoften

aspossible.”Stillholdingherhand,he

ledheroutthesidedoor.“We’llstrollbackthen,andyoucantellmeaboutthesidepiece.”

“She’spitiful.No,that’s

notfair.”Shestuckherfreehandinherpockettowarmit.“She’sakid,Roarke,twenty-oneandpainfullynaive.Fromsomeplaceoutincornland.Shipshewana,Indiana.”

“Shipshewana?Areyouwindingmeup?”

“It’sanactualtown,Ilookeditup.Ifyouconsideraplaceaboutonesquaremileatown.Barelysixhundredpeoplelivethere.Alotofthemfarm.Theyprobably

havemorecowsthanpeoplethere.”

Thethoughtofwhichgavehertheseriouscreeps.

“SoouryoungsidepiecebidfarewelltoShipshewana,cametothebrightlights,bigcity,andendedupinariver-viewapartment,beingkeptbyamarriedman.”

“That’stheshortofit,”sheagreed.“Thelong’sgotmoregrayareas.She’sdesperatetobeaBroadway

star.CametoNewYorkforthosebrightlights,andendedupworkingatastripjoint.”

“Alltoocommon,isn’tit?”

“Saysshejustdanced—nosex—andyouhavetobelieveher.Notjustthatopenface,thewayshejustbabblesoutreamsofinformationbecauseshe’slonely,butherbackgrounddatafinishesthepicture.Copley’ssetheruptherewiththeusualbullshit.

Hiswifedoesn’tunderstandhim,treatshimbad,he’sworkingonadivorce,thenthey’llgetmarried.”

“You’resayingtheygrowthemgreeninShipshewana.”

“IfFelicity’sanexample,theydon’tgrowthemgreener.And,meanwhile,Copleywillinvestinherfuturebypayingfordanceandvoiceandactingclasses.Andshesleepswithhimwheneverhe’savailable,

fawnsoverhim,makeshimfeeldesirableandimportant.Shethinkshe’soutoftownrightnow,onimportantbusiness.”

“Didyoutellherotherwise?”

“Notdirectly.Shewouldn’thaveboughtitfrommeanyway.Isortofputacouplethoughtsoutthere,andsteeredhertowardtalkingtoherstripperfriendwhoseemstoknowthescore.Shetook

meforapalofhis,waspitifullygratefultomeetwhatshetookasapalofhis,tospendtime,totalkabouthimbecause—shesays—she’snotreallysupposedtotalkabouthimorthem.Fucker.She’sgoingtohaveafewscarsfromthis.Still,maybethey’llbegoodforherinthelongrun.”

“AndZiegler?”“Shedidn’trecognizethe

name.Shedoesn’tknow

anythingonthat.Copleytellsherwhatworksforhim,andthat’sit.Butwhatittoldme?She’syoung,sexy,andbuiltlikeeverystraightman’swetdream.”

“Isthatso.Haveyouaphoto?”

“Pervert,”shesaidmildly.“Perhaps,butasastraight

manIcouldverifyyourfindings.”

“Myfindingstellmehewantstokeephissexytoyas

longashecan.Hegetssex,adoration,anddevotion,andsincehe’spayingforitoutofmoneyhe’sskimmedfromhiswife,it’safullwinforhim.OnehemighthavekilledforifZieglerfoundout,threatenedtoclueinthewife.”

“SoyoumanagedtocrossanameoffyoursuspectlistwiththeyoungBroadwayhopeful,andgainanotherareaofmotiveforoneofthe

toponyourlist.Notabadbitofworkinashorttime.”

“IhadPeabodydotherunonher,sothatsavedmetime.Dataindicatesthekidcamefromasolid,two-parenthousehold,hastwooldersisters,playedwellinschool.Whydotheycallit‘homecoming’?”shewondered.

“Whocallswhat‘homecoming’?”

“People—thethingin

highschool.”“Ah.”Hepausedbya

sidedoorofthehouse.“That’sanAmericanthing,isn’tit?”

“Youlivehere,”sheremindedhim.

“Ido,yes.Ithinkit’ssomethingtodowithfootball.Americanfootball,andaparticulargamethatgetsspecificallycelebratedwithadance,perhapsaparadeaswell.Andtheychoose

studentstobekingandqueen.”

“That’sjustweird.Butshewasoneofthose,andheadcheerleader,leadsinplays,part-timeworkatsomefast-foodjointuntilshecamehere.Afewmonthsworkinginastripclubshould’vescrapedsomeofthegreenoff.Itdidn’t.Ithinkitgoesdowntothebone.”

“Youlikedherquitealot,”hesaidastheywent

inside.“Idon’tknowifitwas

like,butIhopesomebodycancushionthefallwhenshefindsoutthetruthaboutCopley.”

“Asolidfamily,oldersisters.Thatcouldprovidethecushion.”

“Iguessitcould.Eitherway,myjobistodrillCopley.She’sgoingtotellhimIwasthere.”Consideringit,Evesteppedintothe

elevatorwithRoarke.“Thenexttimehetagsherup,she’lltellhim.That’sgoingtochaphisass.HowdidIfindoutabouther—wasitsomethingZieglerhaddocumented,whichremindsmetocheckZiegler’sspreadsheetonhissidebusinesses.He’sgoingtowanttoknowexactlywhatFelicitytoldme,andifhe’snotsmartandcarefulhowhedoesthat,he’sgoingtohave

evenridiculouslygullibleherwonderingwhatthehell.Unlessherstripperpaldoesthatfirst.”

Shesteppedoutwithhimintoherhomeoffice.“Whatarewedoinginhere?”

“Youwon’tneedyourcoat,norImine.”Hetookhers,thenhisowntoasmallclosetsheneverthoughtaboutmuchlessused.“Andyou’llwantabitmoretimetoupdateyourboard,checkthat

spreadsheet.”“Itwon’ttakelong.”“Again,youdon’tanswer

tomeonthis.”Hershouldershunched.

“I’mnottalkingtoSummersetagain.I’mback.I’llbeupthere,onthebattlefieldinlikefifteenminutes.”

“I’msureI’llseeyouatsomepointduringthefray.”Hetookhershoulders,yankedherinforahard,

quickkiss.“Secureyourweapon,wouldyou,Lieutenant,beforeyoujoinin?Otherwiseyoumaybetemptedtouseitbeforewe’redone.”

“I’dkeepitonlowstun.”“Regardless.”Hekissed

heragain.“Ifyourunmuchoverthefifteen,”hesaidashestartedout,“Summersetwillhavesomethingtoholdoveryourheadforyears.”

“Crap.”Thatwassotrue.

Shewentstraighttoherboard.SheaddedFelicity’sphoto,somebasicdata,crosseditwithCopley’s.Thenafteramoment’sthought,withNatashaQuigley’s,withaquestionmark.

Shecouldn’tbesurethewifedidn’tknowaboutthesidepiece.

Steppingback,shestudiedit.

Ofalltheplayers,Felicity

andSimastruckherasthemostnaiveandvulnerable.ThoughSimanotasmuchasFelicity.Thenagain,EvefigurednooneovertheageoffourcouldequalFelicity’slevelofnaivete.

Still,wasn’titinterestingthatZieglerandCopley—victimandpotentialkiller—bothhitonthenaiveandtrusting?Copleypaidthefreight—ormoreaccuratelyhiswife(whetherornotshe

knewofthearrangement)paidthefreightforlivingquarters,expenses.ZieglerhadexploitedSima’sdesireforahotboyfriendsoshepaidmostofthefreight.

Butthey’dbothmanipulatedwomentogetwhattheywanted.

Zieglermadeahabitoutofmanipulatingandexploiting,shethoughtasshecircledtheboard.

HadCopley?

Maybeanotherpassathisfinancialswouldtellher,butforthatshe’dhaveasmootherpathwithRoarke.Plus,shejustdidn’thavethetimerightnow.

Butshecouldsqueakoutalittleforthespreadsheet.

Atherdesk,shebroughtitup,scrolledthroughlookingforCopley’sinitials.

Shehighlightedthem,transferredthepaymentsanddatestoherboard.

Shefoundothersetsofinitialswithdifferentamounts,butnothingelseasconsistentoverthepastsixweeks—whichcorrespondedtothenewlocksonthevic’semployeelocker.

RecordsandpaymentsforNQ(NatashaQuigley),MQS(Martella),KR(KiraRobbins),alljibedwiththeirstatements.These,too,sheaddedtoherboard.

Therewereplentyof

others,he’dhadahellofasideline.Thoseshecouldcrosswithclientsalreadyinterviewedalsojibed.Extortioninsomecases,orstraightmoneyforsexinmostoftheothers.

Sexandmoney,twoofthetopmotivesformurder.ShecouldascribebothtoCopley,addinfearofexposure,whichwouldlikelyleadtolossofmoneywhenthewifebootedhim.

Andwouldn’tshe?Goingthrougharough

patch,tryingtosavethemarriage.QuigleyhadallbutbeggedhernottotellCopleyaboutthesexualarrangementshe’dhadwithZiegler.

Shebacktrackedtohernotesonthatinterview,refreshedhermemory.

QuigleystatedifCopleyknewshe’dbeensexuallyinvolvedwithZieglerhewouldendthemarriage.

Becausehewouldn’ttoleratethecheating,Eveassumed.

ButwhatifQuigleyhadcoppedtoCopley’sarrangementwiththesexyyoungthing,hadusedthatknowledgetopressureCopleyintofixingthemarriage—orlosingthebighouse,thebigincome,thestatus?Itwouldn’tdoforhimtogetwindshe’dbeenplayingaroundonthesiderightalongwithhim.She’d

loseherleverage.ShegivesCopleythe

ultimatum.HedecidesZieglerdouble-crossedhim.KillsZiegler.Fitofpassionandtemper,followedbytheflourish.MerryChristmas,fucker.

Goeshome,parties,tellsthewifehe’llbreakitoff,they’llgoonatrip.Hastotellsexyyoungthinghe’sbeencalledoutoftown,giveitallachancetocooldown.

He’dhavetobreakitoffwithFelicity,orconvinceQuigleyhehad.WithZiegleroutofthepicture,he’dhaveabetterchanceofkeepingthingsstatusquoifheplayedpenitentwiththewife.

AnotherroundwithQuigley,Evedecided.DropFelicity’sname,getareaction.Ruinamarriage,mostlikely,shethought,butonethatwasbuiltonapileofliesandbetrayalsanyway.

Likelytoppleitonthatshakypile,butpotentiallybagamurderer.

Somethingtothinkabout.“Butnotnow,damnit.”Seeinghertimewasmore

thanup,sheshutdown,hurriedfromtheroom.

Hurriedback,mutteringcursesasshestrippedoffherweaponharness.Shesecureditinherdeskdrawer,securedtheofficedoorsforgoodmeasure.Thenboltedinthe

I

directionoftheballroomtofacethemusic.

•••

twasawar,sherealizedwhenshepulledupatthe

openballroomdoors.Justaschaotic,justasfraught,justasnoisy.

Someshoutedorsnappedoutordersordirectionslikecommanderstothefootsoldierswhohauled,carried

orclashed.Somestoodontoweringladdersthatmadeherstomachjitter.

Peopleofallsizes,shapes,colorsswarmedtheenormousroom,trudgedorscurriedinandoutoftheopenterracedoorswheremoreofthemswarmed.

Thetreesrecentlybroughtinstoodineachcorner,celebrationalgiantsnowoutfittedorbeingoutfittedwithlights,goldbeads,red

berries,andlongdropsofcrystal.Underone,someonearrangedboxeswrappedinredpaperwithgoldbows,goldpaperwithredbows,asmeticulouslyasifplacingexplosives.

Shesawwhatappearedtobemilesoftinywhitelights,acresofgreenery,poundsofberries,andenoughcrystalstoblindthesun.

Thatdidn’tcountwreaths,filmydrapery,plants,or

flowers.Shethoughtabout

runningaway,dealingwithSummerset’srighteouswrath.Itcouldbeworthit.

Sheactuallytookonetestingstepinretreat.

“Mrs.Roarke!”Awomanburstthrough

theswarm.Shewavedatablet,streakedacrossthecrowdedflooronglitteryairboots.Whatlookedlikeacouplesetsofpainted

chopsticksstuckoutandupfromhermessilybundledhair.

Noretreat,Eveorderedherself.Nosurrender.

“Dallas.LieutenantDallas.”

“Yes,yes,ofcourse.Pardonme,I’mjustalittlefrantic.Ha.Ha.Ha.”

Sheactuallylaughedlikethat.Inthree,distinctHa’s.

“Weworkedwitheachotherbefore.”Shestuckout

herhand,gaveEve’sasolidpump.“I’mOmega.”

“That’saname?”“Hahaha.Yes,indeed.

I’mtheheaddesigner.IrealizeyouandIdidn’thaveachancetogooverthedecoranddetailsforthisevening’sevent,butRoarkedidsignoffonthedesign.”

“Okay.”“Naturallythereare

alwaysafewtweakson-site,particularlywhen

coordinatingwithothervendors.Andwhilethefloristhasdoneanamazingjob...”

Sheturned,aimedalookatanotherwomanjabbingfingersintheairwhileacoupleofguyshauledaroundabiggoldurnwithenormousredandwhiteflowers.Thelookdidn’tspeakofadmiration.

“Anamazingjob,”shecontinued,“therearesomeadjustmentsweneedto

make.”“Okay.”“Ijustneedtogoovera

fewpointswithyou,andaddressafewquestions.Allofus,ofcourse,wanttonight’seventtobeabsolutelyperfect.”

“Right.Okay.”Evebracedherself,thought:Ready.Aim.“Fireaway.”

•••

Withintenminutes,withher

headthrobbing,sheadmittedRoarkehadbeenrighttotellher

toleaveherweaponinheroffice.

Really,shewouldhavedoneaserviceforallmankindtostunthedecoratorandtheflorist.

Withinthirty,sheconsideredgoingback,gettingtheweaponandtakingthembothout.

Theycomplimentedeachotherwithicysmilesandwordslikebrilliant,beautiful,bountiful.Thenjabbedateachotherwithsharplittleinsults.

Theurnsweretoogoldagold.Thetullewastoofussy.

Thefloristclaimedhermeasurementswereprecise.Thedesignerdisagreed—herswere.AndasfarasEvecouldtelltherewerebareinchesbetween.

“Ineedthatspaceformypoinsettiasnowflakes,”theflorist,whointroducedherselfasBower(seriously),insisted.“They’vebeencreatedspecificallyandexclusivelyforthisevent.”

“Asyoucanclearlyseeonmydesign,thatspaceisrequiredforthegifttable,andyouaretoprovideforthattable—permynotes—goldminitrees,redamaryllis,andwhiteflamelesscandles.”

“Wediscussedthisdesignchange,Omega.”

“Idon’trecallthat,Bower.”

“Weabsolutely—”“Whatgifttable?”Eve

demanded,andstoppedbothwomenfromsnarling.

“Theholidaygiftsforyourguests,”Omegatoldher.“Agoldbagfortheladieswillcontainalimitededitionbottleofthenewfragrance,SnowQueen—notonthe

marketuntilFebruary.Aredbagforthegentlemenwillcontainaportablebarsetinacustom-madecase.Atlastcount,thenumberofguests—”

“Idon’twanttoknow.”Evewavedthataway.“Wecanputthegiftbagsinoneoftheotherroomsoutthere.”

“But...Well,Idon’twanttoinsultyourguests,ofcourse,butifthegiftsareplacedelsewheresomemight,

mistakenly,ofcourse,takemorethantheirshare.Orsomeofthestaffmighthelpthemselves.”

“Ifwe’regivingstuffaway,whatdowecare?There’sthatsalonplaceoutthere—wegetspilloverintherewhenwehavethesedeals.Justsetupthegiftsinthere,dothesnowflakethinginhere.Problemsolved.Next?”

“I’dhavetoseethesalon

area,”Omegainsisted.“InordertodisplaythegiftstothebestadvantageImayneedtomakefurtheradjustments,addsomedecorationstothatspace.”

“Helpyourself.Thatway.”Evepointed.“Hangaleft.Youwanttoaddtinselorlightsorwhatever,finebyme.”

“We’llneedtobesuretherearecomplementaryfloralarrangements,”Bower

putin.“Great.Makeithappen.”Bothwomen,elatedwith

theideaofhavinganotherspacetohaggleover,rushedoff.Eveletoutasinglegratefulbreath.

“Welldone.”Roarkesteppeduptoher,offeredheratubeofPepsi.

“Thanks.”Shecrackedit,guzzled.“Whydoyouhavegiftsforeverybody?Theygettocome,gettoeat,getto

drink,getlivemusic.Iseethestageoverthere.”

“They’reguests,it’sChristmas.It’satoken.”

“Theydidn’tsoundliketokens.Butit’syourdough.”

Heslidanarmaroundherwaist,kissedhertemple.“Ourparty.”

“Yeah.”Clearedoffloristanddecorator,shetookafreshlookaround.

Allthetreesupanddressed,and,okay,they

lookedprettyterrific.Shewatchedaguyinawatchcapandcombatbootsfiddlewithsomesortofhandheld—thengrinaslights,palegold,spreadtinystarsovertheceiling.

“FuckingA,I’mjustthatgood!”hecalledout,andsomeonelaughed.

Tables,sheassumedforfood,rangedagainstthetwosidewalls.Littlehightopsclusteredhereandthere,all

drapedinthatpalegoldagain.Shenotedsomeofthemalreadyheldalowdisplayofredflowers,tinygoldpinecones,whitecandles.

Shebegantoseehowitwouldbe.

“Prettysnazzy.”“Onehopes.”Hetookthe

tube,hadasipforhimself.“Butfriendly.And—Iget

thecrystals,thesnowflakes.It’sChristmas,it’swinter.

Butit’swarm.It’swelcoming,Iguess.”

“Thenwe’vehitthemark,haven’twe?”

“Hey!”Shecalledacrosstheroom,grabbedthetubebackfromRoarkeandstrodeovertotwoworkmenwheelinginanothertowerofflowers.“Don’tbringthatinhere.”

“Bowersaid—”“It’stoomuchforinhere.

It’lllookbetteronthe

terrace.”“ButBowersaid—”“Idon’tgivearat’sass

whatBowersaid.Thisismyparty.I’mincharge.Takeitout.I’llshowyouwhere.”

Slippinghishandsintohispockets,Roarkewatchedherpointtheworkmenoutagain.

Yes,indeed,hethought.They’dhitthemark.

Evewouldn’tsaysheenjoyedacoupleof

hoursorderingarounddecoratorsandfloristsandthepeoplewho—apparently—fearedthem.Butshecouldn’tdenyacertainsatisfactioninit.Andadeepersatisfactionfrommakingsureeveryoneinvolvedfearedhermore.

Stillitwaswithhugereliefshesnuckaway,confidenteverythingwasunderasmuchcontrolas

possible,tograbtwentyminutes—okay,maybeanhour—inheroffice.

Shecheckedherincomingsfirst,surprisedandgratefultofindonefromMira.

Sheopenedit,scannedit,thenhomedinononesection.

VictimZieglerandSuspectCopleybothdemonstrateaskillinrecognizingtheneedsanddesires,strengthsandweaknessesofothers,and

forgedcareerswhichutilizedthatskill.Zieglerinpersonaltraining,i.e.,thedesireofaclienttoappearmoreattractiveorbecomemorefit,whatwillmotivatethemtosucceedorappeartosucceed.Hisinstinctforcullingthroughthoseclients,andothers,forwomenwhowouldbeamenabletoexchangingmoneyforsexandhisexploitationofsame.Hissuccessintheseareasencouragedhimtoexpandhislimits,exploitingotherclientsforgain,usingillegalsto“persuade”otherwomentoengageinsex,thenexploiting

themforfinancialgain.InSuspectCopley’scase,

hisskillsguidedhimtopublicrelationswherehecouldreadclients,usingwordsorimagestocreatecampaignstoinfluenceopinion.Hissecretaccounts,financedprimarilywithmoneytakenfromhiswife,demonstrateaneedtocontroland,again,forgain.Whilehiscareerbenefitsmakehimfinanciallysecureinhisownright,herequiresmore,andfeelshedeservesmore.

He,likeZiegler,has—atleastfortheshortterm—

successfullylivedtwolives.Withmoneytakenfromhiswife,moneyhewouldfeelrightfullyhis,Copleyhasestablishedasecondresidencewherehehasplacedawomanforhisownsexualgratificationandego.Hischoice—ayoung,naivewoman—demonstratesaneedfordominance.Hiswifehasmore—maturity,experience,andmoney—thereforehecannotdominateinthatrelationship.Heexploitsayounger,financiallyinferior,andinexperiencedwoman,usinghisskillstoidentifyherneeds,desires,strengths,

weaknesses,andusingdeception,fabricatingfacts,ensuresherdevotionwhilehecontinuestobenefitfromhiswife’sfinancialandsocialpositions.

Bothindividualsdemonstratenarcissistictendencies,predatorysexualbehavior,aneedtoprovetheirself-worthanddesirabilitythroughsex,show,andmoney.

If,asyoubelieve,ZieglerblackmailedCopley,thebenefittoZieglerwouldhavebeenmoneyandademonstrationthatthoughCopleyappearedsuperiorin

socialstatusandfinancialholdings,Ziegler“won.”ThecostofsaidblackmailtoCopleywas,inadditiontothedollarsandcents,alossoffaceandego.

Consideringtheunplanned,impulsivenatureofthemurder,asperevidence,followedbythedeliberatephysicalandpersonalinsult,Copley’sprofileandpersonalitymakehimastrongsuspect.Thestressandfearofdiscoverybyhiswifeandbythewomanhehasestablishedinasecondresidence,alongwiththeshameofbeingbestedby

someonehewouldconsideranunderling,increaseshisprobabilityinthisincident.

Ifandwhenheisbroughtinforformalinterview,Iwouldliketoobserve.

“Yeah,we’llmakesureofit.”

Sexandmoney—andego—forbothofthem.Andbothworkingovertimetoappearsuperiortoothers,betterthanothers.

Sherecalledthewoman

inCopley’sstaffmeeting—ignored,knowingit,bothpissedandresignedbyEve’stake.Includedinthemeeting,Evethought,butnottreatedliketherest.Justalittlelessthantherest.

Itmadeherthinkofcountryclubsandgolf,andtreatingamanwhoprovidedaservicetoafancyroundandmanlydrinks.

Followingahunch,shedidsomedigging.Inten

minutes,shehadthegolfproatCopley’sclubonthe’link.Infivemore,withsomepushing,shehadCopley’sregularcaddy.

Inaboutsevenmore,withsomepersuasion,shehadaveryclearimageofhowthatinitialroundofgolfwentdown.

Sheaddedtohernotes—anecdotalevidencemaybe,butitwasaddingup.

Forgettingthetime,she

wentbacktoherincomings,openedonefromPeabody.

Hadabrainstormduringmypedicuresodidsomesurfing.GotsomeskinnyonCopley—couplearticlesattached.Gistis:Firstwifecamefrommoney.NotQuigleymoney,butprettyshiny.Fiveyearsin,divorce.Accusationsofcheatingonbothsides.Wordis,heendedupwithaniceifnotprincelysettlement.

Wasnext-to-engagedtoanotherhighflieracoupleyearslater.Accusationsof

cheating—andoneofthecheateeswas—waitforit—NatashaQuigley,alsomarriedatthattime.HeandQuigleygotmarriedtwenty-twomonthslater.

RomanticstoryishewhiskedherofftoHawaii,whereherfamilyhasahomeonMaui—proposed.He’dalreadyappliedforthelicense,donethepaperwork,evenboughtheradress,theflowers—thensprangitonher.Theygotmarriedthenextdayonthebeach.Somerumorsatthetime—hewassteppingoutwithhisformeralmost-fiancée,andtherewas

troubleintheQuigley-Copleyparadise—quashedwiththeelopement.

Ireallyliketheromancestuff,butitsoundslikehegotcaughtcheatingorwassuspectedofsamebyQuigley,andhandleditwithaquickiewedding.Sewedupthebirdinthehand,right?

ThisisallGossipChannelstuff,soneedslotsofsalt.Buthe’scomingoffasonofabitch,Ithink.

Can’twaittodanceonmysparklynewtoes!Seeyou

soon.

P,DD

“Goodwork,”Evemurmured.Shesavedtheincoming—she’dreadthearticleslater.

Fornow,shepulleduphisfinancialsagain,emphasisonhishiddenaccounts.Sidepieces,evenwhenyoudidn’tbuyafancyapartmenttokeepthemin,costmoney.

Dinner,gifts,littlegetaways.

Shebegancombingthrough,broughtupQuigley’saswelltotrytocoordinate.

Hereyes,achingfromstudyingfigures,liftedtoRoarkewhenhecamein.

“Idideverything.Iwasjusttakingabreakfromit.I’veonlybeeninhere...forty-sixminutes,”shecalculatedafteraquickcheck.

“I’llsayagain,I’mnotin

chargeofallthat.IwillsayIjustdidawalk-through.Itlooksverywell,andtheadjustmentsyoumadehereandthereworknicely.Also,firstwaveofcatering’sjustarrived.Theheadthereisnosetonosewiththeheaddecorator.Theremaybeblood.”

“Ifso,I’llmakethearrest.I’mjustgoingtoletthatplayoutforabit.”

“Howaboutaglassof

wine?”“Ohyeah,howabout

that?IgotareportfromMiraandIreallywantedtoreadit.ItaddsweighttoCopleyasmyprimesuspect.ThenItalkedtohiscaddy.”

“Asingolf?”Roarkeaskedashepouredwine.

“Yeah.HerreportandanalysisgotmethinkingabouthowheandZieglerbothhadthisegothatneededstroking—sex,status,money.

Sohowwouldthegolfgamego?IplayeditwiththecaddythatIwasdiggingforinfoonZieglerseeingashe’sdead,thentickledoutwhatIwantedaboutCopley.Copleyplayedbenefactor—andmadesureZieglerknewit,feltit.Hisclub,hiscourse,hiscaddy,histreat.”

“Forsomeagiftisonlyasymboloftheirownsuperiorposition,whichmakesitnotagiftatall.”

“I’djustsaythegiftcamewithsharp,stickyribbons—whichisprettymuchthesame.”

“Andmorevisual.Ziegler’sreactiontoCopley’slargess?”

“ThecaddysaidZieglerexpressedgratitudebutdidn’tmeanit,notifyoupaidattention.ThecaddysaidhethoughtCopleywasalittleungracious,butprobablybecauseZieglertrouncedhim

fourholesinarow,andCopleygetsalittletestywhenhe’slosing,whichhetoldmemeanshe—thecaddy—getsblamedandgetsstiffedonthetipattheendoftheround.”

“SoweaddpoorsportsmanshiptoCopley’ssins.”

“Thecaddyconfided—webonded—thatCopley’sknownforhurlinghisclubsintothetreesafterabad—whatisit—slice.Andonce

afterabadlie—lay?”“Don’taskme.”Roarke

onlyshrugged.“I’mnofanofthegame.”

“Afterwhateveritwas,Copleyandtheguyhewasplayingagainstgotintoashoutingmatchthatwentintoapushy-shoveymatch.Theotherguyendedupinthewatertrapthing.”

“Extremelypoorsportsmanship.”

“Wetguythreatensto

kickCopley’sass,sueoffwhat’sleftofit.He’spullinghimselfoutofthedrink,”Evecontinued.“Peoplearestartingtozipupinthosecartthings,andCopleybacksdown,lotsofapologies.Buystheguyahigh-classputter.Andaccordingtothecaddy,bad-mouthsthewetguyeverychancehegets.”

“Wehavepoorsportwhohasapoortempertomatch,andisalsoacowardly

backbiter.”“That’swhatIsee.So

backtoZieglerandthatgolfgame.Ziegler’sclearlywinningbythesixthhole.”Shepausedtodrink.“Whodecidedhowmanyholestherehadtobe?”

“Again,IonlyplaywhenIcan’tavoidit.Asksomeoneelse.”

“MaybeIwill.Meanwhile,Ziegler’sahead,Copley’sbitching.Butthen

Copleyorderedupdrinks—primebrew.HestucktowaterandpowerdrinkswhileZieglergothalfcutand,beinghalfcut,losthisfocusandhisform.”

“AndCopleywontheround?”

“Yeah,rubbeditinsome,buttookZieglertothenineteenthholeformoredrinks.Igetwhytheycallthebarthenineteenthhole,butwhyarethereeighteento

beginwith?”“It’sasgoodanumberas

any,”Roarkesupposed.“Whyfourbasesinbaseball?”

“Becausetheymakeadiamond.”

“Onemightaskwhatadiamondhastodowithbaseball,butIwon’torwe’llbeatthishalfthenight.Let’sjustfinishoffthegolf.”

“Right.Copleyhadhimbackacoupletimes,butwith

thebrother-in-lawalong,andthat’saboutitforthegolfportion.ThenPeabodycameupwithmoreweight,butofthegossipvariety.Talesofcheating,divorce,cheating,elopements.”

“Imayneedmorewine,”Roarkeconsidered.

“Quickversion.Copleycheatedonfirstwife,cheatedonalmost-fiancéewithcurrentwife,andmayhavecheatedoncurrentwife

beforeelopementwithalmost-fiancée.”

“Hekeepsbusy.”“Yeah,andforbothof

themit’sallaboutsexandmoney.Notforpleasure,butforegoandpower.TheyhadalotincommononlyZieglerwasblackmailingandsleepinghiswayup,Copleymarriedhiswayup.”

“Yetthesidepiece—thiswouldbeFelicity?”Hetappedthephotoonthe

board.“Yeah,Shipshewana

Felicity.”“She’slovelyandvery

young.ShipshewanaFelicitydoesn’thavemoneyorsocialstatus.”

“Sheprovidesthesexandtheadoration,andmakesCopleyfeelsuperior.”

“Iftherearen’tanyfeelings,genuineones,involved,whynotfindthatsexandadorationwith

money?”“Hewouldn’tbethefirst

wholostitoverbigeyesandtits.Maybethistimeouthewantstobetheonewiththebigbucks,comparatively.Butifhiswifecutshimoff,hecan’taffordhiscurrentlifestyle.Hecanaffordagoodone,onealotofpeoplewouldbehappywith,butnotwhathe’sgottenusedto.SoZieglerheldthatthreat.”

Evestudiedherwine.“I

havetogoupthere,don’tI?Ihavetogobackuptherewiththecrazypeopleintheballroom.”

“That’suptoyou.”“WhichmeansIhaveto

goupthereandstepbetweencaterersanddecorators.I’mnotwrongforpreferringmurderers.”

“I’dneversayso.Butbeforeyougofacetheworst,IhaveanearlyChristmasgiftforyou.”

“We’realmostthere,whydoesithavetobeearly?”

“It’sfortonight,andasTrinawillbeherewithinthehour—”

“Why!Whydidyouhavetosaythename!”Shegrippedherhairinherfists,turnedafastcircle.“Iwasmellowing.”

“You’llmuddlethroughit.Inanycase,she’llneedthis.”

Heheldoutasmall,

wrappedbox.Eveeyeditsuspiciously.

“Isitsomethingshe’sgoingtoslatheronme?”

“Iwouldn’tthinkso.Openit,findoutforyourself.”

Shedealtwiththefussyribbon,toreattheshinypaper.

Theclassyboxhadthenameofthejewelryembossedonthelid.

Ursa.

Thegenerationalfamily-runshopwhichhadprovidedherwithasolidleadonanotherkiller.SherememberedUrsa—thedignifiedoldermanwho’dbeensoappalledhe’dpurchasedantiquewatchesstolenfromdeadparentsbytheirungratefulandmurderousson.

“Youpayattention.”“Toyou?Always.”“Idon’tknowwhatitis,

butitmeansalotyouwentthere.”

“It’sagoodplace,asyousaid.Runbygoodpeople.TheyaskedthatIgiveyoutheirbest.”

Sheshookthebox,heardthesoftrattle.“Thisprobablyis.”

Helaughed.“Weallagreeditsuitedyou.”

Sheopenedit.Itwassomesortofcomb.Fromitsjewel-encrustedpeakfella

richmedleyofdiamondsandrubies.

“Trinawillknowhowtoworkitintoyourhair.”

“Youalwaysfigureoutanotherwaytohangshinythingsonme.”Sheshookitlightly,watchedthestonesdance.“Itmoves.It’sreallybeautiful.Itlooksold—inagood,classyway.”

“Earlytwentiethcentury,reputedlyaweddinggiftfromgroomtobride.Afew

generationslater,thefortunewassquandered,andthis,amongotherthings,wassold.Mr.Ursaacquireditinanestatesaleacoupleyearsago,and—hetellsme—keptitinthevault,waitingfortherightperson.Hethoughtyouwere,andsodidI.”

“Sinceyou’regivingittomenow,IbetitgoeswithwhateverI’mwearinglater.”

“Ibelieveitdoes.Youcanjudgeforyourself,butI

hopeyou’llwearit.”“I’llwearit.”Shestepped

up,kissedhim.“EventhoughI’llhavetosufferthroughTrinastickingitinmyhair.”

“That’slove.”“Lookslike.Andsowe’re

even...”Shewenttoherdesk,

openedadrawer,tookoutasmallboxwiththesamewrappingandribbon.“Oneforyou,early.”

Theflickerofsurprise,

thehalfsmiletoldhershe’dcaughthimoffguard.“Really?”

“You’renottheonlyonewhocanthinkaboutstuff.”

“Apparentlynot.AnditseemsUrsaknowshowtobediscreet.Henevermentionedhe’dseenyou.”

“Maybeyougottherefirst—butinthatcase,samegoes.”

LikeEve,heshookthebox,thenunwrappedit.He

couldn’tbegintoguessasbuyingjewelryofanykindwasn’tonherradar.Butinsideasmallwhiteflowermadeofmother-of-pearlandplatinumnestled.

“Youdon’tgofortheshinystuff—nothingbutawristunitforyou.Buttwocanplay.It’salapelthing.Awhitepetunia.”

“Yes,Isee.Yourweddingflower.”

Whenhelookedup,when

thosefabulousblueeyesmethers,shesawshe’dhitthemark.

“Hemadeit.Mr.Ursa.Ican’ttakemuchcredit.Ijustaskedhimifhecouldmakeupthislittlething,andhedidtherest.Smallbecauseyoudon’tgofortheflash,butpersonal,Ifigured.Anditholdsontothelapelwiththislittlesupermagnet,sonopinsorholes.Hisidea.”

“Youhaditmadefor

me?”“Hedidthework.”“Itcouldn’tmeanmoreto

me.Thethought,orthesymbol.Thedayyoucarriedtheseflowersisoneofthebestdaysofmylife.”

Shegavehimasmirk.“Oneof?”

Hedrewagraybuttonoutofhispocket.“ThedayImetyou,thedaythisdroppedoffthathideoussuityouwore,isanother.”

“Sap.”“Guilty.”“Me,too.”Shemovedin,

heldhimclose.“I’mfeelingprettylucky.Evendecorators,florists,caterers,andTrinascan’ttakethataway.”Shetippedherheadup.“Italmostmakesmewanttohaveaparty.”

Laughingagain,hekissedher.

“Aw,lookhowsweetyoulook!”

Eveglancedover,watchedMavisFreestonebouncein.Sheworeredtightswithbootsofthesamecolorthatslickeduptowardthecrotchasparklingwhitetopbarelymanagedtocover.Herhairwasatumblingmassofsilver-streakedblue.

“Itcan’tbethatlate,”Evesaid.

“I’mearly.Wayearly.IcamewithTrina.Shewantedplentyoftimetosetup.

Leonardo’shangingwithBellauntillater,andhe’llzipuptownafterthesittercomes.IfiguredIcouldgetdressedhere,surprisehim,becausemyoutfitisfan-mega-tastic.Andevenifhediddesignit,hehasn’tseenmeinityet.”

Shedancedovertothem,fairy-like,evenontheskinnyheelsofherboots,wrappedarmsaroundthemboth.“Merry-squared!IsototallyloveChristmasandyouguys

W

andeverybodyelse.”“Howdoyoufeelabout

caterers?”“I’vegotgoodwill

pumpingoutofmypores.Extreme.”

“Thencomewithme.”

•••

henMavissteppedintotheballroomshe

gasped.Thenshesquealed.Thenshebounced.

“Thisisultramazing!Holywow,Dallas,it’slikeavidsetorafairyland.It’slikebothandwithelegantetossedin.”

Evetookalonglook.Themassivetrees,thelights,theflowers—theplantingsthatlookedasiftheygrewoutofpristinemoundsofsnow.Allthepalegold,shimmeringovertablesandchairs,theboldred,thebrightwhite,thearborofgreeneryandcrystals

aroundthefireplace,combinedtojustthat.Ultramazing.

Awomaninsharpblackmarchedin,gaveEvetheeye.“Whyisn’ttheterracebarsetup?Wedon’thavetimetostandarounddoingnothing.”

Mavispattedthewoman’sarm.“She’ssototallynotoneofyou.She’stheboss.Hey,youguysaregoingtopassdrinks,too,right?Thebubblyforsure.Andlittlenibbly

food.Isoabso-posolovethebubblyandlittlenibblyfood.Ifyouneedtopractice,I’mallinforvolunteer.Hey,Dallas,maybeyoushouldhavenibblytraysinthatotherroom,youknowtheone.Peoplehangintheresometimes,andnibblytrayswouldbemag.”

“Nibblytrays,”Evedirectedthewomaninblack,“inthesalonwherethegiftsaredisplayed.”

“Ofcourse.We’llsetthatup.”

“Great.”EveturnedtoMavis.“Anythingelse?”

“Oh...let’ssee.”Forthenextfewminutes,

EveentertainedherselfwatchingMavissendtheheadcatererscramblingtocomplywithsuggestions,wishes,additions.BecauseitwasChristmas,sheoptedformercy,andpulledMavisaway.

“Thatwasfun,”Maviscommented.

“Notforher,butyeah.Best,everything’sundercontrol,Ikeptmypartofthedeal,andSummersetcanpolishitalloff.”

“Nowwegettogroom.Myfavoritepre-partyactivity.”

“Why?”Mavishookedherarm

throughEve’s.“Becauseitfeelsgood,itsmellsgood,

andwhenit’salldone,youlookgood.Butwe’renotgoingtolookgood.”

“We’renot?”“Hellno.We’regoingto

lookultramazing.TakeiteasyonTrina,okay?”

“Again,Isaywhy?”“She’sstillalittle

whackedaboutfindingthedeadguy.Sima’sdeadguy.She’sbeenputtingonthebravesinceshe’slookingoutforSima,butsheletitdrop

withme.SoIknowshe’sstillprettywhackedaboutit.Mostpeopledon’tfinddeadbodiesunlessthey’reyou.Findingthem,Imean,notbeingthem.”

“Shewouldn’thavefoundadeadbodyifshehadn’tbeenwheresheshouldn’thavebeen.Okay,okay,”EvemutteredwhenMavisjustlookedather.

“It’sworsemaybebecausesheknewhimand

reallydidn’tlikehim.”“Nobodyreallyliked

him.”“Simadid.Mostly.”“Didyouknowhim?”“Nope.Idon’tuseBuff

Bodies.IstartedusingFitPlus.It’s‘plus’becausetheyhavealltheseparent/kidclasses,orkidclasses.Weallgo,myhoneybear,ourBellisimaandme,whenwecan.OroneofusgoeswithBella.Completelyfamily