festive in death - droppdf1.droppdf.com/files/jqmuz/festive-in-death-j-d-robb.pdf · 2015. 6....
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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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Version_1
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
friendly,sowelikeit.ButIknowSimaalittle,andTrinagavemethewholelowdownonthedeadguybeforehewasdead,andmoreLDafterhewas.She’salittlebitfreakedyou’regoingtoarrestherforsomething,butyou’renot.Right?”
“IwouldifIcouldjusttokeepheroutofmyhair.Literally.”
WithMavis,Eveturnedintoherbedroom.
Trinastood,quietlyarrangingwhatEvethoughtofasherinstrumentsoftortureonsomesortoftablebesidesomesortofsalonchair.Anothertable—amassagetable,Everecognized—stoodinfrontofthesimmeringfire.
“Hey!”Hervoicebright,MavisbouncedtoTrina.“Dallasisalldone,andearly!Wecangetthispartofthepartystarted.Howaboutwe
haveadrink?”“Iwantashower,”Eve
said.“Butgoahead.”“Whenyou’redone,if
you’dcomeoutinjustarobe,”Trinasaid,voicesubdued,eyesonhertools.“We’llstartwiththemassageandbodyglo.”
“Whatthehell’sabodyglo?”
“It’sahydratorwithalightsheen.Wecantestitonyourarmtomakesureyou
approve.Ialsobroughttheno-sheenifyoudecideagainstit.”
Evenarrowedhereyes.Shedidn’tliketherealTrina,withherbriskbossinessandsneakyways.Butshelikedthisfake,mealymouthedTrinaevenless.
“Whatever.”Evespottedthegiftbagonherdresser,pokedatit,notedTrina’snameonthetag.Roarkehad,aspromised,seentoit.
“Thisisyours.”Evepickedupthebag,pusheditatTrina.
“What?”“Athing.AChristmas
thing.”Eveturnedaway,started
towardthebath,spunbackwhensheheardtheblubberingsobs.
Trina,withhertowerofswirlyhair,weptintoherhandswhileMaviscooedandstroked.
“Shit.Shit!Whyisshedoingthat?Stopdoingthat.Imeanit.”
“It’smyfault.Sima’sawreck,anditwouldn’tbesobadifshehadn’tseenhim.He’dstillbedead,thefucker,butshewouldn’thaveseenhimsoshewouldn’tbesobad.It’smyfault.Andyougavemeapresent.”
“I’lltakeitbackifyoustopthat.Idon’tevenknowwhatthehellitis.Roarkedid
it.GofindRoarkeifyou’regoingtodothat.”
“Ithought,whatifI’dtalkedherintogoingandwhoeverkilledhimwasthere,andkilledher.Ithought—”
“Snapoutofit!”Eveslappedouttheorder,causingMavis’smouthtodropopeninshock,andTrina’sheadtojerkup.
“What-if’saren’tdick.Itdidn’thappen.It’snotyourfaultshewentthere.Didyou
dragherkickingandscreaming?Andeventhen,he’d’vebeendeadanyway.Hewasashit.Anasshole.Arapist.Ablackmailerandacheat.I’llfindwhokilledhimbecausethat’smyjob,butifshe’swastingtearsoverhim,somebodyneedstotellhershe’sjuststupid.Andifyou’reblubberingoverwhatcan’tbechangedanyway,you’restupid.”
“Dallas,”Mavisbegan.
“Shutupaminute.Youwantwhat-if?Whatifshe’dgonebackintheretogetherthingsortoconfronthim,andfoundhimherself?Alone.Withoutyoutheretoholdittogether?Shedidn’thavethefirstcluewhattodo.Youdid.Youtaggedme.Thefuckerdeservedmorethantoelesssocksanditchingpowder—notthatitwasyourplacetogivethattohim—buthedidn’tdeservedead.He
deservedacoupledecadesinacage,butamIblubberingbecauseIdon’tgettogivehimwhathedeserved?Sosnapoutofit.”
Therewasamomentofabsolutesilence.ThenTrinasniffed.“You’reright.You’refuckingAright.AndwhenI’mdonehereI’mgoingbackandhavingacome-to-JesuswithSima,evenifIhavetogetherdrunkfirst.”
“Great.Nowthatit’s
settled,Iwantashower.”Sheremembered,pulledtheboxfromherpocket.“Roarkewantsthisinmyhair.”
Trinaopenedit.BothsheandMavisoooohed.BothsheandMavisswipedtearsfromtheircheeks,lookedbackatEve.
“It’satotalwinner,”Trinadecreed.“I’mgoingtodosomethingdifferentwithyourhair.”
“What?No.No,you’re
not.”“Notwiththecutorcolor.
ForChrist’ssake,haveIfuckedupyourhairyet?”
“No,but—”“Yougetapieceofart
likethistowearinyourhair,yourhairshouldearnit.I’mgoingtothinkaboutit.Gettheshower,butdon’tuseanyscent.I’mgoingtotakecareofthat.”
“Idon’twanttohave—”“Youdon’tknowwhat
youwant.I’lltakecareofit.You’dbettergetinthereandwashup.Unlessyouwantmetotakecareofthat,too.”
“Keepoutofthebathroom.”Evestalkedoff.
RealTrinawasback.Maybe,ifshe’dgivenittime,she’dhavelikedfakeTrina.Nowshe’dprobablyneverknow.
Itcouldhavebeenworse,Evesupposed.
Shecouldhavebeenattackedbyflesh-eatingcows.Noonewouldeverconvincehercowsdidn’toccasionallyenjoyameatysnack.
Soitcould’vebeenworse.
ShetoldherselfsowhileTrinaslatheredstuffonher—themostlynakedher—andMavischeerfullybabbled.Totakehermindoffwhatwas
goingon,Eveknewverywell,especiallywhenTrinashiftedgears,shiftedher,andlayeredsomesortoftoxic-lookinggreengooalloverherface.
Thentoldhertorelaxfortenminutes.
Whocouldrelaxwithtoxic-lookinggreengooallovertheirface,thatwaspossiblyliterallytoxic?
ButMavisstuckaglassofchampagneinherhand,and
eagerlysatwhileTrinastartedpaintingMavis’sfacewiththearsenalofpaints,brushes,powders,andGodknewwhatelseshearmedherselfwith.
Apparently,fromtheconversationEvetriedtoignore,Mavishadbeenthroughthegreengoostage—self-inflicted—thatmorning.
Thegoocameoff,andasfarasEvecouldtelldidn’ttakeherskinwithit.More
gunkwenton,withMavischatteringasshestrippeddownnaked.ItalwayspuzzledEvehowsomepeoplecouldbenakedwithoutasinglequalm.
Fortunately,Mavisdressedagaininateeny-tinysparkleofadressthatmadeEvethinkofaprettilywrappedpresent,rightdowntotheshinybowonMavis’sass.Sheslidonhigh,thin-heeledshoeswithskinny
strapsthatwoundaroundherankle,hungatrioofglitteryballsoneachear,anarmyofglitterybraceletsononearmhalfwaytotheelbow,allwhilechatteringaway.
Itwassortoffascinating,Evedecided,evenadmirableinaway,andGodknewitwashardnottobeamusedandhappywithMavisshininguptheroom.
“Oh,that’sjusttherightlipdye,”Mavisdecreed.
“Subtle,barelythere.Justslickingthemup,highlightingtheirshape.”
“It’sallabouttheeyes,”Trinasaidwisely.
EvestudiedthesparklinggoldandsilverglitteronMavis’seyelids.Feltherentirebeingclutch.
“Idon’twantmyeyesallglittereduplikethat.Nooffense,Mavis.”
“Totallynonetaken.Glitteryeyelidsaresonot
Dallas.”Shedidalittlespin,studiedherselfinthemirror.“Andsocompletelyme.Abso-magonme,Trina.Partyperfect.Yours,too,”sheadded,turningbacktoEve.“InaDallasway.Promise.”
Shecrossedherfingeroverherheart.“Hey,Treen,ifyouhavetime,canyoudoatempboobtatforme?I’mthinkingalittleChristmastreewithtwopresentsunder
it.Bellaonone,Leonardoontheother.”
“Sweet.Yeah,noprob.SoonasI’mdone.”Shesteppedback,gaveEvethelong,beadyeye.“Yeah,yeah,that’sgoingtowork.”
Shemovedbehindthechair.Outofthecornerofhereye,Evesawherpickupatube,squirtsomeofthegunkthatlookeddistressinglylikecuminherhand.
“Doyouhavetodothat?”
“It’sagoodproduct,especiallygoodforyourhair.”
Shepulled,tugged,scrubbed,thenpickedupatoolthatlooked—distressinglyagain—likeaveryskinnydildo.
“Whatisthat?Whatdoesthatdo?”
“Magic,”Trinasaid,andwentbacktotugging.
“Whatareyousprayingonit?”Evedemanded.“Why
areyousprayingstuffonit?”“Becauseit’smyjob.”“Chill,”Mavisadvised,
circlingthechair.“Ooooh,Igetit.Ohyeah,wayuptown,Trina.Softandsexy,right?”
“That’stheplan.”“Definesexy?My
commander’sgoingtobehere,andprobablythechief.Withspouses.Idon’tneedsexyhair.”
“Chill.”TrinaechoedMavis’sword,buthertone
wasalotmoreforceful.“It’sthecenterdeal,”
Mavisbegan.“Shedoesn’tlikeit.”
“Whatcenter?Myhairhasacenter?”
“Imeanyou.I’mexplainingtoTrinahowyoudon’tlikethecenterspotwhenit’snotcopstuff.Itwigsyoualittle.But,youknow,it’syourpartyandhello,Roarke,soitjustis.”
ShepickedupEve’s
glass,putitbackinEve’shand.“Drinkyourchampagne.You’lltogglearoundsome.”
“Idon’twanttotogglearound.Iwanttobefinishedwiththispart.”
“Nearlyare.Mave?Handmethecomb,willyou?”
“A-plusclass,”MaviscommentedasshepassedthecombtoTrina.“Okay!”sheaddedasTrinaplacedthecomb.“Trina,you’rethe
bestestofthebestest.”“Solid,”Trinaagreed,but
toEve’sconsternation,didmorespraying.
“Myhair’swhat’sgoingtobesolidifyoukeepthatup.”
“Done.Takealook.”SheswiveledEve’schairaroundtofacethemirror.
Itwasashockbutnotajolt,whichwassomethinganyway.Herfacemostlylookedlikeherface.Herlips
werekindofred,butthedyewassheerandprettysubtle.Andnoglitterystuffonhereyes,sothatwasabigplus.Insteadshelookedmoredefined,shesupposed,andfussierwiththepalegoldonthelids,andallthedarkerstuffblendedinwherever.
Butshecouldrecognizeherself.
Thehairwasn’tlikeherhair.Wasit?Scoopedback,higheronthetop,fussier
againwithalittlebitofcurl.“You’vegottoseethe
back,”Mavistoldher,andgrabbedabighandmirror.“It’sallabouttheback.”
Mavisheldupthemirror;Trinaangledthechair.
Evesawnowthehighertopandlittlebitofcurlheldupwiththecomb.Afewmorelittlecurlsdangleddownwiththerubiesanddiamonds.
“It’s...girlie.”
“Beagirltonight.Itwon’tkillyou.Thedofitsthecombandthedress.”
“Howdoyouknowitfitsthedress?Idon’tevenknowwhatthedressis.”
“HowamIsupposedtodoyouupifIdon’tknowwhatyou’rewearing?Isawthedress.Thedoandtherestofyouaredesignedfortheoutfit.”
“Andit’sfabulolicious,”Mavisassuredher.
“Whydon’tyougetit,Mavis?Roarkesaiditwouldbefrontandcenterofhercloset,shoesandaccessorieswithit.”
“I’malloverthat!”“Youlookgood.”Trina
beganpackinguphertools.“Myworkalwayslooksgood.I’dleaveyouthelipshine,butyouwouldn’tremembertoslickitupanyway,soI’llleaveitwithMavis.She’llremindyou.Yourman’s
goingtolookstrip-me-nakedgood’causehewasbornthatway.Youneedtolookgood.”
“Idon’twantpeopletostripnakedwhentheylookatme.”
Onabrayoflaughter,Trinacontinuedtopackup.“They’regoingtolookatyouandthink:That’sonefrostybitchcop.Maybeyouwerebornthebitchcop,Iaddedthefrosty.It’swhatIdo.”
“Icanlivewiththat.Fora
party.”“Thisisthemax,”Mavis
cooedasshecamebackoutofthecloset.“Themaximummag.Itlookslikesomebodymeltedoldgoldcoinsandmadeadress.That’smyLeonardo.”
EvestudiedasMavishelditup.Apale,luminous,somehowwaterygoldwithwhatlookedlikeaverylow-scoopednecklineandlongthinsleeves.Shewouldn’t
havecalledit—quite—teeny-tinylikeMavis’sdress.Butitdefinitelyearnedtiny.
“Isthatallofit?”“You’vegotthebodyfor
it.Runwaymodelbutwithmuscletone.”Trinaclosedtwosatchels,thesizeoftheDakotas—NorthandSouth.“Thefabric’swhyIusedtheGoldDustshadeofbodyglo.”
“You’regoingtolookawesomillion,”Mavis
declared.“Wanthelpgettingintoit?”
“Icangetmyselfdressed.”
“Stepintoit,pullitup,”Trinaordered.“Don’tputitonoveryourhead.Comeon,Mavis.We’llfindaspotandI’lldoyourtemp.”Sheshoulderedeachenormoussatchel,pickedupthesmallgiftbag.“Thanksforthecandles.Ireallylikeburningthefragrance,likethere’sone
foreachseason.”“Noproblem.Ididn’t
really—”“Thanks.”Trinacuther
off.“We’llhavethechairandtableoutofthewayafterIdothistemp.”
“Rightbehindyou,Trina.”ButMavisscurriedovertoEveasTrinawalkedout.“Youhelpedher.”ShekissedEve’scheeklightly.
“Ididn’tdoitonpurpose.”
“Maybenot,maybethat’sevenbetter.SeeyouatPartyCentralatPartyTime!Andwe’llallwootothehoo!”
Alone—atlast—Evetookherglassofchampagne,drank.Breathedforaminuteortwo.Allthatfemaleenergyinoneplacetendedtomakeherjittery.And,yeah,Mavishaditright.Allthatenergyfocusedalittletoocloselyonhermadeherjittery.
Shelookedatthedress
again,thentheshoesMavishadsetdownbythebed.Goldagain,withhighredheels,redpipingaroundtheedges,evenaroundtheopentoes.But,thankfully,nofussystraps.Still,shewasn’tputtingthemonuntilzerohour,shepromisedherself,andglanceddownatherfeet.
Hertoenailswerepaintedgold.Whenhadthathappened?
She’dlivewithit,that
wasall.Itwasonenight.Shecouldlivewithgoldtoenailsforonestupidnight.
Shesawtheincrediblytinythong-typedealwiththedress,sighedandwiggledintoit.Happily,Leonardohadbuiltinthetitsupport,sonowshewiggledintothedress—asordered—frombottomup.
Itfitlikeithadbeenmadeforherbecauseithadbeen.Sotherewascomfort,atleast,
anditwasreallynicefabric,soft,sleek,withagleamratherthanaglitter.Shecouldlivewithgleam.
Sheopenedthejewelrycase.Long,twistydiamond-and-rubydropsfortheears,anotherrubyinastar-shapedsettingdanglingfromthreethinchainstwinklingwithtinydiamonds.Herdressywristunit,andatrioofthinbangles—oneruby,twodiamonds.
Shehadsomesmallreliefshe’d,atleast,seenallthepiecesbefore.Sohehadn’tgoneoutandboughthermore.
Sheputontheearrings,thenecklace,wasfightingwiththelastbanglewhenRoarkecamein.
Trinawasright,shethought.Hedidlookstrip-me-nakedgoodinhisdarksuitandhisperfectlyknottedtieofgoldandred.Hewore
thelittlepetuniaonhislapel.“Whendidyouget
dressed?”“Iusedalternatequarters.
Youlookwonderful.Absolutelywonderful.”
“Theword’sultramazing.”
“Itcertainlyfits.”Hecircledhisfingerintheair,smiledwhenshehuffedathim.“Indulgeme,wouldyou?”
Shedidtheturn.
“Oncemore?”heaskedasheapproachedher.Thenhecaughthershouldersfromtheback.“Wellnow,that’sadorable.”
“What?What?”Shestruggledtoseeherownback,caughtsightofsomethingpaintedjustabovethelow,nearlyass-brushing,backofthedress.“Shit.Shit!Whatthehellisthat?Whatdidshepaintonme?Getitoff!”
“Ibelieveit’sasprigofmistletoe,andIwouldn’tremoveitfortheworld.”
“Whywouldshedothat?”Aggrieved,Evekepttwistingtotrytogetafulllook.“Iwasactuallynicetoher.Sortof.”
“Thatmaybewhy.Mistletoe,Eve.Andwhatisthetraditionforundermistletoe?”
“HowthehelldoIknow—thatkissingthing?That’s
thekissingdeal,right?”“Soitis.Anditappearsto
meshe’sjustgivenyouacelebrationalwayofsayingkissmyass.It’syou,darling.Absolutelyyou.”
“She’snotsupposedto—wait.”Shetwistedherselfaroundagain,narrowedhereyesinthemirror.“Kissmyass?Huh.MaybeIwon’tkickhersfordoingit.”Sheuntwisted,lookedathim.
“Youdressedmeto
matchthedecorations.”“Preciselytheopposite.
Thedecorationswerechosentospotlightyourdress.You.”Heflickedafingerdownthedentinherchin.“Weshouldgouptotheballroom,bereadytogreetguests—orwe’llbothsufferSummerset’swrath.”
“Okay.”Orderingherfeettosuckitup,sheputontheshoes.“Ifmenhadtowearheels,they’dbeoutlawed
I
acrosstheland.”Butshetookhishand,
walkedwithhim.
•••
tdidlookprettygreat,Eveadmitted,andlookedeven
betterreallywhenpeoplebegantoarrive.Whentheybegantominglearoundorgatherinclutches.Serverswovethroughwithofferingsfromthespectaculardisplay
offoodorsparklingdrinksfromoneofthebars.
Speakingofcolorful,shespottedPeabodyandMcNabcomein.HeworeChristmasredtailswithasilvershirt,areindeertie,andshortsilverboots.Tocomplement,Evesupposed,Peabody’sfrothydressofhollygreenpickedthroughwithglitterysilver.Sinceherpartner’shairwasamassoftinycurlswithsilverbandingwoventhrough,Eve
feltlessself-consciousaboutthehintofcurlsinherown.
“Peabody.”Roarkekissedherhand,thenhercheek,thenherlips.“You’regorgeous.”
“Ohboy.Ireallyworkedonit.”
“You’reavision.Ian,you’realuckyman.”
“Yougotit.Hereyougo,She-Body.”Hepluckedtwoglassesofchampagnefromatray.“Thisistheiciestpartyoftheyear.We’rereadyto
cuttherug,kicktheheels,shakethebooty.”
“Lookatthefood.It’ssopretty.WehavetodanceassesoffsoIcaneatthefood.Isthatasugarplumtree?It’sasugarplumtree.OhmyGod.”
“Beforeyoupicksugarplums,”Eveinterrupted,“Ineedyouaminute.”
Wantingtogetthispartoverwith,Evestartedout—gotwaylaidtwicebypeople
whowantedtobesociable—andfinallymanagedtogetintothesalon,shutthedoorbehindPeabody.
“It’sgoingtobehoursofthat,”Everealized.“Hoursofpeoplewantingtotalktome.”
“Here,youneedthismorethanIdo.”PeabodystartedtohandEvetheglass.“Wait,there’smore.”Instead,shewalkedovertotheicebucket,pouredchampagneintoa
glassonthetraynearby.“Great.Good.Thanks.
Listen.”“I’mgoingtokeep
diggingonFelicityPrinzetomorrow.Ithinkshe’sclear,likeyoudo,butIcandigdeeper,seeifthere’sanythingthere.”
“Thisisn’taboutthat.”ShepickedupaboxfromthetablewhereSummersethadarrangedherwrappedgifts.“It’sforyou.Roarkehas
somethingforMcNab.”“Oh!Weputyoursunder
thetreedownstairs.Icangogetit.”
“No,we’llgettoit.Thanksinadvance.I’mjust—I’mgivingtheseouttonightwhenIcan,that’sall.”
“SoIcanopenitnow?IlovewhenIcanopenitnow.Thepaper’ssopretty.”
Shepickedatitdelicately,carefullybreakingseals.
“Jesus,Peabody,ripthedamnthingopen.Idon’thaveallnight.”
“Icanuseitagain.Ihaven’twrappedeverythingyet.”
Sheslidtheboxfree,carefullyfoldedthepaper,preservedtheribbonandbow.Andfinallyopenedthebox.
“Oh!”Shepulledoutthegift,staredatit,eyesandmouthwide.“It’samagic
coat.It’smyownmagiccoat.It’spink!It’sapinkmagiccoat.Holyshit!Holypinkmagicshit,Dallas.”
“ThepinkwasRoarke’sdoing.Youcan’thangthatonme.Isaidbrown.”
“Ihavetositdown.No,Ihavetotryiton,thenIhavetositdown.Holyshit,yougotmeapinkmagiccoat.”
“Don’tblubber!Whyistheresomuchblubberingtoday?”
“ThankGodIusedallwaterproof,sweatproof,smudgeprooffaceenhancers,becauseI’mgoingtoblubber.Dallas,wow.Justwow,it’sleather.It’spinkleather.”
“Thepink’snotonme.Ever.”
“Holy,holy,holyshit.Ican’tstopsayingit.”Sheswungthecoatonoverthefrothydress.Itlookedsillywithit,Evethought,themilitarystyleofitoverthe
partydress.ButapparentlyPeabodydidn’tthinkso.Shetwirledinitsotheknee-lengthpinkleatherbillowedandswirled.
“OhmyGod,it’sbeyond.Justbeyond.Itfeelslikeleather.Itisleather.Ithaspocketsandprettybuttons.Andit’smagic.andit’spink.”
“Ican’tgoaroundwearingcoatswithinternalbodyarmorwhenmy
partner’snot.”Peabodystoppedtwirling.
Shedidn’tblubber,butacoupletearstrickleddown.“Itmeanssomuchtome,thatyou’dhaveitmadeforme.Formysafety.Thatallbyitselfmeanseverything.Buttherest?Itdidn’thavetobeleather,itdidn’thavetobepink.Butyoudidthatbecauseyouknewitwouldmakemehappy.”
“Yougetstunnedorstuck
orblasted,it’sprettydamnedinconvenientforme.”OnPeabody’swaterylaugh,Evesighed.“You’re...family.That’sit.”
Peabodygrabbedher,squeezed.“Okay,okay.”Evetappedherontheback.“Okay,okay.”
“Iloveyou.Peopledon’tsaythattopeopleenough,soI’msayingit.Ireallyloveyou,andI’mgoingtoletgoinasecondbecauseIknowit
weirdsyou.Butthanks.Thankyousomuch.”
“Okay.”“Ihavetogothank
Roarke.”Peabodypulledback.“AndshowMcNab.ThenIneedtoputitawaysafe.IstheresomeplaceIcanputit?”
“GiveittoSummerset.He’llstowit.”
“Right.Oh,wow.Justwow.I’mthankingyouagainrightnowbynothuggingyou
againandkissingyouonthelips.”
“AndI’msayingyou’rewelcomebynotputtingabootupyourass.”
Stillwearingthecoat,Peabodyboltedout.
Evetookanotherminute.Shereallyhadn’tsignedoffonthepink,butthatwasokay.Inthebigpictureway,thecolorhadbeentheicingonthePeabodycake,soitwasokay.
EveopenedthedoorjustasCharlesMonroeandLouisewalkedup.“Hey.”
Charlesdidkissheronthelips.“MerryChristmas,LieutenantSugar.”
“MerryChristmas.Hey,ifIgiveyouapresent,”shesaidtoLouise,“canIhaveacoupleminutestotalktoCharles?”
“Whatkindofpresent?”Smiling,lookingelegantandsleekinashimmerofwinter
white,Dr.LouiseDiMattowinkedatherhusband.“He’saprettyspecialpresenthimself.”
Evesteppedback,gesturedthemin.ShefoundthegiftbagforLouise.“Thiskind.”
“Iwaskidding,butI’lltakeit.”Louisepulledoutfrothafterfrothofsparklytissuepaper,unearthedthehandbag.
Itborroweditsshape
fromtheold-fashioneddoctor’sbag,changeditupwiththecolorofsmokylavender,thesilverbuckles.
TheinestimableTikohadpolisheditoffwithoneofhisscarves—deeppurple,metallicsilver,tiedartisticallyonthehandles.
“Oh,Iloveit!Dallas,it’sfabulous.It’sgorgeous—andthescarfisjustlovely.Thankyou.”
Evegotanotherhug,a
bussonthecheek.“Good,welcome.Now
givemeacoupleminuteswithCharles.IfyouseeSummerset,he’llstowthatforyou.”
“Icanbuildanoutfitaroundthisbagandscarf.”
Whensheleftthemalone,Charlesgesturedtotheicebucket.“Mind?”
“No,goahead.It’saparty.Ijustwantedacoupleminutestopickyourbrain—
exploityourtwocareers,ifit’sokay?”
“It’salwaysokay.Soyou’repickingforsex?”
“Youcouldsay.WhenyouwereanLC—andIguessnow,too,inyoursextherapistjob,did/doyourunintomanypeoplewhotradesexformoney?Unlicensed.Whojustmakeasidelineoutofit?”
“Sure.Notalwaysmoney,butcompensation.Clothes,
jewelry,afavor,atrip.Somelivetheirlivestradingsexformoneyorthings.You’dknowthat.”
“Yeah.”Butthiswasdifferent,shethought.“Imeansomeonewhopursuesitasaserioussideline,evenkeepsbooks.”
“Well,thatwouldbelesscommon.”Hesat,avid-starhandsomemanwhomighthavebeenbornwithafluteofchampagneinhishand.“I
haven’tworkedwithanyoneintherapywhohasthatissue,butIknewafewinmyLCdays.”
“Andwhatsortofclientelearewetalking?Whatdrivesthebargain,onbothsides?”
“Fortheprovider?Sexisacommodityorapowerorsoconfusedwiththeirself-worththeycan’tseparatethetwo.Forthereceiver,it’smostusuallyromanticconfusion.
Theycantellthemselvesit’snotbusiness,whichinthiscaseitis,justnotlegalbusinessorstructuredbusiness.Or,oftenifthere’sanageormonetarygap,thereceiverfeelsthey’resimplytakingcareofthegiver.Simplyprovidingthemwithlittlegiftsoradvantages.Thisgivesthemthepower,oratleasttheillusionofit,intherelationship.”
“Whynotjustgotoan
LC,keepit...”“Insidethelines?For
someitmightbemoreexciting,ormoreintimate,oritcouldbetherelationshipdevolvedintopayforplay.Whowaskilled?”heasked.“Theproviderorthereceiver?”
“Provider.Ialsosuspecthimofblackmail.AndIknowinseveralcasesitwasn’tareceiverinthesensetheyagreed.Hedosedthem.”
Hiseyeschanged,hardened.“Thatchangesquiteabit.Doyouknowifhe’dattemptedtogetalicense?”
“NotasfarasIcantell.Hekeptaspreadsheet,kepthismoneyoffthebooks,butkeptapersonalrecord.Womenonlyforthesex.Andsomewerefinewithpayinghim.Others,generallyyoungerthanthewillingones,someofthemmarried,
heluredin,dosed,raped,thenblackmailed.”
“He’dneverhavegottenthroughthetrainingorthepsychteststogetalicense,notinNewYork.Notevenstreetlevelifhe’dbeenscreened.Whatyou’redescribing,tome,issomeonewhofeltnorealconnectiontothereceiver.It’sabusinesstransaction,ofcourse,butanintimateonethatrequires,atleastonthehigherlevels,
somefinesse,somecareandconsiderabletrainingtohandlevariousneedsandsituations.Aboveall,therehastobetrustintheprovider.Amanlikethiswouldneverhavebeenabletogainrealtrust.You’vespokenwithMira?”
“Yeah,andthisisallrunningalongherlinesandmyown.Butyou’vebeeninthelife,andnowyoutreatpeopleforsexstuff.”
Nodding,Charlessippedthefrothywine.“Doyoususpectoneofthewomenheused?”
“Maybe.Maybe.Itfeelslike,ifthat’sthecase,okay,youbashhimintheheadacoupletimesonimpulse.That’showheboughtit.Butthenifyou’regoingtoaddaflourish,andthekilleraddedone,wouldn’tyoucutoffhisballs,orjabtheknifeinhisgroin—somethingthat
relates?”“First,letmesay:Ouch.
Theystabbedhimafter—soyou’rethinkingitmighthavebeenajealouspartnerofoneofthewomen,oroneofthepeople—maleorfemale—heblackmailed?”
“Maybe.Likely.I’mgatheringinformation.”
“Whatsortofflourish,ifyoucantellme?”
“Stabbed.Hisownkitchenknife.”
“Imeantwherewashestabbed?”
“Inthechest.”“Theheart?”“Notexactly.Itwas
more...oh.Theheart?Symbolically,you’rethinking.”
“Somereceiversfallinlove.It’sagoodLC’sjobtowalkthelinebetweentrustandaffection,evenatouchofinfatuation,andlove.Aclientwhofallsinloveis
dangerous,totheLC,tothemselves.Aknifethroughtheheart?”
Hedrankagain,shookhishead.“I’mnocop,soIcan’tsay,andimagineyouseeplentywho’vebeenstabbedinthatareawithoutanylovegainedorlost,but...”
“Yeah,but.Somethingelsetothinkabout.Iappreciateit.”
“Absolutelyanytime.”Herose,tookherhandtowalk
outwithher.“YouandLouisestill
lookprettyshiny.”“Ifeelprettyshiny.
Marriageisanadventure.Andacomfort.”
Forsome,Evethought.Forothers?ShethoughtofQuigleyandCopley.Forothers,maybeacompetition.
Themusicrollednow,andtheballroomthrobbedwithit,andwithpeople.Somany,Everealized,had
arrivedinthetimeshe’dbeeninthesalon.
ShespottedFeeney—wearingnotamonkeysuitbutablackonesheknewhekeptformemorialsandfunerals—byoneofthebarschewingthefatwithJenkinson.AndNadine,wearingice-picksilver,dancingwiththedamn-nearseven-footCrack.Theacereporterandthesex-clubownerlookedtobehavinga
hellofagoodtime.She’dhavetogetNadine
inthesalon,giveoutthatgift.AndtherewasMiraand
thetrulyadorableMr.MirasittingatoneofthetableslaughingwithCommanderandMrs.Whitney.Sheprobablyhadtogooverthere,saysomething.Butsherarelysawhercommanderyuckingitup,soshe’djustwaitonthat.
“Andthereyouare.”
SheturnedtoRoarke.“Yeah,righthere.IguessyouknowPeabodylikedthecoat.”
“There’slittlemoresatisfyingaboutgivingthaninseeingthereceiversogenuinelyhappy.”
“Ha,thatslidesalongwithmyquicktalkwithCharlesaboutsex.Case-relatedsex.”
“Naturally.”“PlusIwantedtogive
Louiseherthing.IneedtogetMiraandNadineandtheotherstogivethosethings.ThenI’llbedone.”
“Andifyoutakeafewmomentstobrainstorm—case-related?I’mfinewithit.Aslongasyoudancewithme.”
“But—”Themusichadchanged,
turnedslow,romantic,alittledreamy.Still,shealwaysfeltsodamnawkwarddancingin
public.Hegatheredherin,circledwithher,laughedintohereyes.
“Youhavesuchinterestingareasofmodesty.Couplesroutinelyholdeachotherwhentheydanceslow.”
“Yeah,maybe,butIbetnotthatmanyofthemhavetheircommandingofficerwatching.”
“Adance.I’mnottakingoffyourclothes,Eve.”
“Ibetyouareinyour
mind.”“Well,Iamnow,so
thanksfortheidea.”Whenshelaughedatthat,
hecaughtherforaquick,lightkiss.Sherespondedbylinkingherarmsaroundhisneck.
“Whatthehell.It’saChristmasparty.”
Evealwaysfeltstrangeandalittleawkward
socializingwithCommanderWhitney.Herstrongestimageofhimwouldalwaysbeofhimbehindhisbigdesk,NewYorkCityrisingupinthewindowbehindhim.Hisdark,carewornfacesober,hisbroadshouldersholdingtheweightofcommand.
Soseeinghimdancing(includingthebootyshakealreadymentionedby
McNab)withhiselegantandsomewhatscarywifejustthrewherworldoutofkilter.
Shedidn’thavetheknackformingling—notlikeRoarke,whoapparentlykneweveryoneonoroffplanet,orhadthetalenttoactasthoughhedid.Stillshehandledthesmall-talkthing,evenwithpeopleshedidn’tknow.BigwigsfromwhatshethoughtofastheRoarkeUniverse,theirspousesor
dates,research-and-developmenttypes,businesscolleagues.
Mostlytheywantedtotalktoeachother,ordanceorhitthebarandbuffetssoshecoulddotheduty,andmoveon.
Butitstruckherodderyettoseeherpeoplemixwithhis.ToseeBaxterleaningononeofthetableschattinguponeofRoarke’sR&Dexecs.Thenagain,theexecwas
female,single,andsexy,soitwasn’tashock.
AndtherewasCaro,Roarke’sefficientadmin,dancingwiththeadorableDennisMira.Overthere,SantiagoengagedinanobviouslyanimateddiscussionwithacoupleofRoarkeengineersovertallglassesofbrew.
“Here.”Nadinewalkedup,handedEveaflute.“Eveninthatamazingdressyou
looktoomuchlikeacopjuststandingoverhere.”
“Theworldshavecollided.Iobserve,”Evesaidandsipped.“Andtheredoesn’tseemtobeanydamageordestruction.”
NadinescannedasEvedid.“You’vethrownpartiesincludingbothworldsbefore.”
“Yeah,buttheyseemtogetmoreheavilypopulated,andthenativesfromeach
havemorecrossover.”“Andstill,theplanet
spins,”Nadinefinished.“Iloveyourparties.FirstbecauseIknowtherearegoingtobesomanypeoplehereIknowandlike,andpeopleImaynotknowwhoareinteresting.Andsecond,inacaseliketonight,Igetafabulousgift.Ireallydolovethatbag.”
“Whydoyouhaularoundsomuchstuff?That’sthe
question.”“HowdoIknowwhatI
mightneedatanygiventimeduringtheday?It’sbettertobepreparedforanything.Oh,Morrisisgoingtoplaywiththeband.Ilovewhenheplaysthesax.He’sbetter,”shesaidquietly,“butstillcarryingalotofsad.I’veneverlostanyoneI’vereallyloved.Idon’tknowhowanyonehandlesit.”
“Silvershirt,redtie,
silverbandthroughthebraid.”
Nadineangledherhead.“What?”
“Color.He’sbeenwearingmorecoloragainforawhile.He’sgettingthroughit.”
“Youknow,I’mobservantandfairlyintuitive,too—reporter,writer—butI’dneverhaveputthattogether.You’reright.He’slettingsomecolorbackintohislife,
andthat’sgoodtosee.So.What’sthestoryonhimandDeWinter?Aretheyathing?”
“No.”“Well,youcertainly
soundsure,and,ifI’mnotmistaken,determined.Don’tyoulike...speakingofwhich,Ibelieveshe’sheadingoverhere.Andspeakingofamazingdresses.”
DeWinterworehot,slickredinalongsleekcolumn
thathuggedeverycurve.Asideslitrannearlytoherhip,revealingalong,long,tonedlegandjeweledheelsthatsparkledliketheChristmaslightswitheachstride.
“Dallas.Ihaven’thadachancetothankyouforthehospitality.It’safabulousparty.Yourhomeisbeyondspectacular.”
“Thanks.Ah,NadineFurst,Dr.GarnetDeWinter.”
“We’vemet.The
Sanctuarycase.”StillDeWinterextendedahand.“IverymuchenjoyedthelastbroadcastofNow,butI’vebecomeaseriousfanofyourworkaltogether.”
“Thanks.I’maseriousfanofyourdress.Valencia?”
“Yes!Whataneyeyouhave.ItturnedouttobeafunchoicewhenIsawMorrishadchosenaredtie.”Shesippedherownchampagne,tossedbackherhair—anexplosion
ofcaramel-and-goldcurls.“Ilovetohearhimplay.”
“So...youandMorrisaredating?”
Nadine’scheerysmiledidn’tdimunderEve’sbalefulstare.
“Keepingeachothercompany.Neitherofuswant,orareready,I’dsay,fordating.Ihavemydaughtertoconsider.AndhehasAmaryllis.Ithinkit’seasierforhimtotalkaboutherwith
measIdidn’tknowher,orknowthemtogether.Buthe’scertainlymademytransitiontoNewYorksmoother.”
“Oh?”Nadinebroadenedhersmile.“Howso?”
“Itcanbechallengingtobethenewperson,especiallythenewpersonincharge.Morrisgivesmeasoundingboard,andagoodsenseofthepeopleIworkwith.OneofthereasonsIleftD.C.wasIfeltI’dbecomecomplacent,
andneededachange.Itwasawell-runmachine—Iinsistonthat—butthestructure,andtheindividualpersonalities,didn’tallowformuchcamaraderieor...joy.I’vefoundbothhere.”
Shegesturedtotheballroom.“Theworkwedo?Allthreeofus.It’sdifficultandsooftendark.Withoutthis?Withoutthepersonalconnections,thejoy,theinterestineachother,itcan
becomemoredifficult,anddarker.Iwanttobeabletoputonanamazingreddressnowandagain,listentoamanIfindsmartandinterestingplaythesaxophone.Iwanttoeatanddrinkandtalkaboutnothingparticularlyimportant—oraboutthevitallyimportant—withpeopleIlike,respect,andadmire.Doingsomakesmebetteratmywork.Itmakesmeabettermother.”
ShesippedherchampagneasshestudiedEve.“Youdon’tlikemeyet,butyouwill.I’llgrowonyou.”
“What?Likemold?”DeWinterthrewbackher
headandlaughed,fullandthroaty.“Possibly,andIsuspectyoumightdothesameonmebecauseIdon’tlikeyouyet,either.We’llsee.WhatIdoknow,absolutely,isyou’rehisfriend.You’re
Li’sgood,strongfriend.IcanpromiseyouI’mhisfriend.Sothat’sabeginning.”
“Iusedtoflirtwithhimnowandthen,”Nadinemurmured.“IstoppedafterColtrainewaskilled.”
“Youshouldstartagain.Normalkeepshimsteady.Dallasgiveshimthat.Didyoucomestag?”DeWinteraskedNadine.
“Yeah.Ithoughtaboutbringingadate,butIreally
wasn’tinthemood.Datingovertheholidaysgetssodamnsticky—tooimportant,toosymbolic.”
“Iknow!Iswearit’stheonlytimeoftheyearIhalfwishIwasmarriedsopeoplewouldstopaskingifIhaveadateforChristmas,forNewYear’sEve,forthisparty,forthatevent.”
“God,yes!AndifyouhaveadateNewYear’sEve,somepeopleareinyourface
with:Soisitserious?”“Exactly.LastyearIwas
seeingsomeone,verycasually,thenbecauseI—againstmybetterjudgment—askedhimtoaholidayevent,peoplewerealloverme!”
“Tellmeaboutit.”They’dangledtoward
eachother,Evenoted,drawnbythethemelikemagnets.
“Ihadtostopseeingsomeonebecausehestartedpressuringmeabout
ChristmasplansbackinOctober,”Nadinesaid.“Itmakesyoucrazy.”
“Domesticviolence,suicide,andhomicidepercentagesriseexponentiallybetweenThanksgivingandNewYear’s,”Evecommented,andgotbaffledlooksfrombothDeWinterandNadine.“Carryon,”shedecided,andslippedaway.
Sheconsideredducking
intothesalon—tenminutes’quietandsolitude—butcaughtvoices,laughter,soveeredtheotherway.Shecouldsneakdownstairstoheroffice,shethought,grabthoseten.Butifshegotcaughtinthere—Summerset—there’dbehelltopay.
Plentyofotherroomsuphere,shethought,andheadedawayfromthemusic,thevoices,thelights,turnedintowhatsherecalledwasa
smallishsittingroom.Feeneywassprawledin
oneofthebig,overstuffedchairs,hisfeetup,histieloose.Helookedhalfasleep,withthemutedwallscreenshowingbasketball.
Heshotherasheepishlook.“Justwantedtocheckonthegame,takeabreak.”
“Great.You’renowmyexcuse.”Shedroppedintoanotherchair,heavedoutabreath.“Jesus,Feeney,why
dopeoplelikeparties?”“Likethisone?Prime
boozeandeats,greatspace.Andmostlygirls—someoftheguys,too—getachargeoutofsprucingupfancy.Sheila’shavingthetimeofherlife.WhenIduckedout,shewastalkingtoAnaWhitneyandsomeRoarkeexecaboutknitting.Thethreeofthemwereintoitlikeitwastheirreligion.Ineededten.”
“IjustduckedoutonNadineandDeWintertalkingaboutdating.Aboutholidaydating.”
“Maybeyouwinthisone,butknitting’sprettyclose.Music’ssolid,though.Roarkeknowshowtorockthehouse.How’sthecasegoing?”
“I’vegotsomestronglines.I’mlooking...”Shetrailedoffwhenshesensedmovement,glancedovertoseeSantiagohesitateinthe
doorway.“Privateparty?”heasked.“No.Justtakingabreak
fromthecrowd.”“ThenI’min.”He
broughtinabrewwithhim,grabbedachair.“It’sahellofaparty,LT.Hellofaparty.IwastalkingtothisguyDerrick,worksforRoarke.Heplayedminorleagueballforacoupleyears—screweduphisarm,switchedtoprogramminganddesign.
Anyway,he’sgotalocalleagueplaysball.I’mgoingtocheckitout,seeifIcangetinonthat.”
“Whatdoyouplay?”Feeneyaskedhim.
“Highschoolandcollege?Shortstop.Gotapartialrideincollegeonthesportsscholarship.There’snothinglikebaseball.”
“Youdidn’tstickwithit?”Eveasked.
“Iwantedthebadge.Love
toplay,butit’splayforme.Notthejob.Iwantedthejob.”
Theytalkedbaseball,talkedshop.Evetoldherselftogetup,goback,doherduty.ThenReinekestrolledin.
“Hey.AnybodyelsegottheweirdseeingWhitneytearupthedancefloor?”
“Yes!”EveandSantiagosaidtogether,andFeeneyshookhishead.
“Youthinkbecausesomebody’sgotafewyearsonyou,theydon’thavethemoves?MeandJackcoulddanceanddrinkthelotofyouintotheground.”
“Idon’tseeyououtthere,”Reinekepointedout,floppedintoachair.
“Youwill.”Carmichaelcamein,
lookinglooseinalittleblackdress,barefeet,andsparklyredtoenails.“Isthisthe
bullpen?”Shesatonthearmof
Santiago’schair,coppedhisbeerforasip.“Whew!Someparty,boss.Someseriousparty.IjustsawDickheaddoingthesexydancewithDr.DeWinter.Ihadtoremovemyself,savemyeyes.She’sprettysexy.IfIwentforgirls,I’dbeprettywoundup.ButDickhead’sjustscary.”
“Christ.Ibettergetbackoutthere.”
“Youcouldbenextinthesexy-danceline.”
Evestartedout,pausedlongenoughtotapthetatatthebaseofherspine.
“Whatisthat?”Reinekedemanded.
“Itstandsfor‘kissmyass,’”shetoldhim,andleftthecoplaughterbehindher.
Mullingtactics,shetookthelongway,duckedoutside,thenstartedaroundtowardtheballroomterrace.
Anybodyasked,she’dbeendoingherminglingoutthere.
ThedetourcausedhertowalkinonTrueheartinalip-lockwithhisgirlfriend,whichcausedallthreepartiesamomentofdeepembarrassment.Evekeptmovingwhilethecoupleflushedscarletbehindher.
SheranintoBaxternext,justinsidetheballroom.“Hey,Dallas,wannadance?”
“Absolutelynot.Don’t
youhaveadateorsomething?”
“Amancan’tbringadatetothiskindofshindig.It’stoosymbolicofseriousbusinessthisclosetoChristmas.Anditpreventshimfromtrollingthesinglefemales.”
“Sothat’sactuallytrue,onbothsidesoftheline.Huh?”
“Sinceit’saparty,andalsotrue,I’mgonnatellyou
youlookincendiary.Lovetheasstat.”
“Whatareyoudoinglookingatmyass,Detective?”
“Becauseit’sthere,”hesaid,unrepentant.“Allwrappedinprettygold,andwe’reoffdutyandit’sasafeasstolookatasit’smarried.”
“Oddly,Ifindthoseallreasonableanswers,butstopitandlookatsomeoneelse’sass.”
“Yes,sir.Wantsomeofthis?”Hetookafluteoffapassingtray.
“Whythehellnot?”Asshesipped,shespottedRoarke,smilingasheleaneddowntokissMavis.
“It’snice,”Baxtersaidwithaneasy,contentedsigh,“whenthefamilygetstogether.”
Sheglancedupathim.Adamngoodcop,shethought,andnotnearlyassuperficial
S
ashelikedtopretend.“Onedance,”shedecided.
“Andkeepyourhandsoffmyass.”
•••
hedidseeFeeneydance,aspromised.It
amusedhertoseehimholdhisownwiththeridiculouslyenergeticPeabodyandMcNab.Whenheshedhissuitcoatforasecondround,
Evepickeditup,checkedthesize.
“Iwanttogethimamagiccoat,”shesaidtoRoarke.“Ishould’vethoughtofitbefore.Maybehe’snotinthefieldmuchlikeheusedtobe,butheshouldhaveone.Shitbrownbecausehewearsalotofshitbrown,sohemustlikeit.Canwegethimamagiccoat?”
“Ofcoursewecan.Forty-tworegularinshitbrown.”
“Good.”Sheslippedanarmaroundhiswaist,letherheadrestlightlyagainsthisshoulder.“Myfeetarefuckingkillingme.”
“Anumberoftheladieshaveshedtheirshoes.Youcoulddothesameifyoudidn’thavethisnaked-feet-in-publicphobia.”
“Feetarepersonal.Idon’tknowwhynobodygetsthat.”
Amused,inlove,hebrushedhislipsoverher
temple.“Thecrowd’sthinningabit.Wecanfindatable,sitforawhile,tillitthinsmore.”
“It’sokay.They’repasttheif-I-can-just-sit-downstage.It’slikefamily,likeBaxtersaidtomebefore.Someofthemareyourfamily,somemine,someours,butluckily,fortonight,they’reallgettingalongfine.Plus,they’reintermixing,sowe’llseehowthatgoes.
Santiagomightendupplayingballwithoneofyourguys.Baxter’sgoingtoendupsleepingwiththatblondeovertherefromyourR&D.CaroandMirahadtheirheadstogetherlikesistersorwhatever.Lotsofthatkindofthinggoingontonight.”
“Howdoyoufeelaboutthatintermixing?”
“I’mokaywithit.Wasn’tsure,butI’mokaywithit.Still,aftertonight,Idon’t
wanttotalktoanybodybutcops,suspects,wits,andyou.Notinthatorder,butthat’sprettymuchitforme.Foraslongaspossible.”
“Understood.Wecouldwhittlethatdownconsiderably.DoIhavetonegotiatewithyoutoconvinceyoutotakeapost–NewYear’sbreak.You,me,anisland.”
“I’mthere.Aslongas—”“Alsounderstood.Cases
cleared,nopursuitofsomemadkillerinprogress.”
“Beingmarriedtoacopsucks.”
“You’reentirelywrong.”Becausesheknewhe
meantit,shesmiled.“DoyouthinkMcNabcouldbeagenuinefreakofnature?Nobodyshouldbeabletomoveortwistthatwayiftheyhaveactualbonesandaspine.MaybeIshouldaskDeWinter.Who’snot
involvedromanticallywithMorris,whichisgood,butishisfriend,whichisalsogood.Plus,Ilearnedtonightyou’renotsupposedtodateovertheholidaysunlessyou’redeadlyseriousbecauseofthesymbolismandmadness,andSantiagoplayedshortstop.AndTrueheartandhisgirlfriendmustbeseriousbecausetheyhadtheirtonguesdowneachother’sthroatsduringtheholidays,
andyouhavesomeguy,someexec,whoconsidersknittinghisreligion.”
“My,my,Lieutenant.You’vemingled.”
“Damnstraight.Ittookconsiderablechampagneconsumption,butIheldupmyend.”
Hegaveherassalightpat.“Beautifully.”
Sheheldupherend,ifshesaidsoherself,throughtheleave-takingwhere
entirelytoomanypeopleinsistedonhuggingher.Becausetheywereslightlymorethanhalflit,anditwassimple,SummersetpouredPeabodyandMcNabintooneoftheguestroomshe’dprepped,andthatwasfinewithher.
Assheexpected,Baxterandtheblondelefttogether,andwithtwingleamsintheireyes.
Whenthelaststraggler
wasoutthedoor,Evehobbledtothebedroom,priedherabusedfeetoutoftheshoes,wincedherwayintothebathroomtousethegunkTrinahadlefthertotakeoffthegunkTrinaputonher.
Shestrippedoffthejewelry,rememberedthehairthing,foughtitout,draggedandrakedherfingersthroughherhairuntilitfeltnormal.Shestrippedoffthedress,thethong,grabbedalong,baggy
T-shirtandfellintobed.“Whattimeisit?No,
don’ttellme.Yes,tellme.”“It’sabouthalfthree.”“God.”Thecatwalkedupthe
bed,jingling,sniffedather,climbedoverher,andmadehimselfanestinthesmallofherback.
Roarkeslidin,kissedherbetweentheeyebrows.
“Didmypart,”shesaid,wordsslurring.“Notsobad.”
S
Anddroppedawaytosleeplikethedead.
•••
hewokealone,whichwasnosurprise—and
evenlessofonewhenshecheckedthetime.Afterten?Ten?
Shesatup,rubbedherhandsoverherface.Neededcoffee,neededtomove.Aftercrawlingoutofbed,shehit
theAutoChef,primedherselfwithcaffeine.
She’dtakeaswim,shedecided.Afewhardlapswouldclearherhead,shakeoutthepost-partydregs.ThenshecouldorderPeabodyoutofbed—herownfaultshedranktoomuchtogetoutofrangethenightbefore—andtheycouldworkonthecaseforacouplehours.
Sheturnedtowardtheelevator,thenconsideredit
wasthemiddleofthedamnmorning.Somebodycouldjustwalkinonherdowninthepool.Shedugoutablack,tank-stylesuit,pullediton,pulledthesleepshirtoverit.
ShedebatedtaggingRoarke,tellinghimtocomejoinher.Buthe’dverylikelygetideasoncetheywerebothwet—andtherewerepeopleinthehouse,probablylotsofpeopleclearingoutthepartydebrisintheballroom.
Besttokeeptheswimsolo.
Shesteppedoutoftheelevator,intothelushnessoftropicalplants.Sheheardthemusic,alow,quiethum,andthoughtRoarkehadbeatenhertoit.
Somaybeshewouldn’tmindifhegotideasaslongas—
“God!”Sheslappedherhands
overherface,buttheimage
ofPeabodyandMcNabgropingeachotherinthepoolremainedburnedonherretinas.“Why?Whyaren’tIblind?Whyistherenomercy?”
“Sorry!”Peabodysangitout.“We’renotnakedoranything.Roarkesaidwecouldusethepool,andthereweresuitsinthedressingroom.We’rebothwearingsuits.Promise!”
Evespreadherfingers,
riskedpeekingthroughthem.Theywerehalfnaked,
McNabstandinginwaist-highwater,bonychestbareandgleamingwet,butstandardblacktrunksbelowthewaterline.Peabodyworebrightbluethatshowedoffplentyofcleavage.HardlyawonderMcNab’shandshadbeenfullofPeabody’sgirls.
Shewasn’tgoingtodenyherselfaswim,refusedtogiveintothecowardlyurge
toturnaroundandgobackupstairs.
“Thishalfismine.”Shecutahandthroughtheair.“Thathalf’syours.Stayonyourside.”
“Thanksforlettingusstay,”McNabsaidwhensheyankedofftheshirt.“Nothinglikeagoodnight’ssleepafteranacesparty,andthebonusroundofaswim.”
“Right.Yourside,myside,”sherepeated,anddived
in.Sheputthemoutofher
mind,concentratedonthemovement,oncuttingthroughthewater,pushingoff,cuttingthroughagain.Herbodyloosened;herbraincleared.
Twenty-fivelapslater,shefelthuman—wantedmorecoffee.Sheletherselfsinkdown,riseup.
AndsawPeabodyandMcNab,stillthere,floating
sidebyside.Tohersurprise,shesawRoarke,sittingatoneofthelittletables,drinkingcoffee.
Shesankagain,pushedoffagain,swamunderwatertothefarend.Shegotout,dripping,reachedforhiscoffeefirst,thenatowel.
“Goodmorning,”Roarkesaid.
“It’sabetteronenow.Iguessyou’vebeendealingwiththeafter-party
breakdown.”“ActuallyIhadsome
otherbusiness.Summerset’sonthat.Howaboutsomebreakfast?Icoulddowithsome.Iwaitedforyou.”
“Sure,yeah.”Whenhemerelyarchedhiseyebrowsather,sheturnedaround.“Breakfast,fifteenminutes,myoffice.”
Peabodyfloppedover,treadingwater.“That’dbesweet.It’sokay?”
“Ijustsaidso.Fifteen,”sherepeated,andheadedintothelushplants.“Iusedupmylimitedsupplyofgraciouslastnight.”
“Idon’tthinkPeabodyorMcNabrequireit.You’llwantsometimetoworkwithher.There’snopointinanyonegoinghungrywhileyoudo,isthere?”
“Iguessnot.Theywere,youknow—startinginonitwhenIcamedown.Hertits
werehalfoutofthesuit.”“SorryImissedit.”“Youwouldbe.Pervert.”Hegrabbedherasthey
steppedoutoftheelevator,scrambledherbrainswiththekiss.“Ifonlyyou’dsaidthirtyratherthanfifteenminutes,I’dshowyouabitofperversion.”
Shelaughed,butwiggledfree.“Ididn’tfigurethey’dbeoutofbed.IonlybotheredwithasuitbecauseI
rememberedthere’dbepeoplehere,doingstuff,andbettertobecautious.IfI’dgottenuptenminuteslater,they’dhavebeennakedandhumpinglikewhales.”
“Dowhaleshump?”“Itsoundsright.”“Oddlyenough.I’llsee
aboutbreakfastwhileyougetdressed.”
“I’llbequick.”“Bethat.Andlater?After
whateverworkbothofus
havetodealwithtoday,I’dlikeadate.”
“Adateforwhat?”“Adateforloungingwith
you.Avid,somepopcorn,afirecracklingandabsolutelynothingtodobutliethere.”
Theimagemadehersmile.“Thatsoundslikeaperfectdate.”
Absolutelyperfect,shedecidedasshedressedinblackjeans,adove-graysweater,soft,flatboots.She
dugouttheteardropdiamondpendant,slippeditonunderhersweater.Shestartedtoreachforherweaponandharness—habit—rememberedshe’dsecureditinherdeskdrawer.
Sheshovedherbadge,her’link,otherdailyparaphernaliainherpockets.
Whatelsedidpeopleneedtocarry?shewonderedassheheadedouttowardheroffice.Workstuff,maybe—soafile
bagorabriefcase.Butnobodycouldeverconvinceheroneofthoseplanet-sizedpurseswasnecessaryforsurvival.
Shecaughtthescentoffood,ofcoffee,andfollowedhernosetoherofficewherethetablesheandRoarkeoftensharedhadbeenextendedtoholdsettingsandchairsforfour.
ShewatchedRoarkecomeoutofthelittlekitchen
carryingalarge,coveredtray.“Youhavedroidstodo
that.Iknowyoudo.”“Indeedwedo,butit’s
funtofussabityourselfforfriendsandfamilyhereandthere.IwentwithfullIrish,allaround,asaScotwouldrecognizethesimilartradition.”
“Theyeatenoughforfivepeopleatbreakfast,too?”Eveaskedasshewenttoherdesk,gotherweapon.
“It’safinemealthathitsallthenotes.”Hewalkedtoher,slunganarmaroundhershoulders,studiedtheboardasshedid.“Haveyouaplanofactionthen?”
“Sortof.Workingonit.I’mthinking,pokeatthewife,gethertogiveawayalittlemoreonthehusband.Copley’shandsaredirty,andIthinkthey’rebloody.She’snotstupid.Ididn’tgetstupidfromher.IfIplayitright,
she’llwonder,andshemaytellmesomethingIcanhookonto.Orthesister.Notstupid,either,butsoft.Icanprobablyfindaspotortwoonhertopush.Ifsheworriesaboutthesister,Imightgetsomethingoutofher.”
“I’veafeelingthatfamilywon’tbehavingahappyChristmas.”
“Notifthingsgorightonmyend.”
PeabodyandMcNab
camein,bothwearingloungingpants,loosetops.
“Where’dyougetthoseclothes?”Eveasked.
“Summersethadthemforus.Soft.”Peabodyrubbedherownsleeve.“It’dbeweirdtoeatbreakfastinpartyclothes.Weirdertotalkaboutthecasewearingthem.”
“Thenwe’lleat,andwe’lltalk.”Evesteppedbacktothetable,liftedthecoverfromthebigplatter.
“Wow!Lookatallthat.Smellallthat.”Peabodysniffedtheair,sighed.
“It’stattiescones.”McNab’sfacelitlikeachild’s.“Youhavetattiescones.Remember,Peabody?WehadsomewhenwewenttoScotland,tospendtheholidayswithmyfamilythere.Mygrannymadethem.”
“Potatoscones?Ohyeah.Deadlyanddelicious.Good
thingIdancedlikeamaniacforhours.”
Roarkegesturedthemtosit.“Summersetmadethemup,thinkingyoumightenjoyabitofhome.”
“Fuelup,”Eveadvised.“Afterthis,theparty’sover.”
“Tattiescones,”McNabsaidagain,anddivedin.
Tattiesconesweren’thalfbad,Evediscovered.
NorwaseatingthemthemorningafterabigpartywithPeabodyandMcNab.Sheletthepostgameanalysis—asshethoughtofit—runitscoursewithdiscussion,comments,opinionsonwhoworewhat,whodidwhat—andwithwhom—whosaidwhat.
Itwasanoddity,really,justhowmuchgossipcould
bedistilledoverafullIrish.“I’mstilltryingtoprocess
myreactiontoseeingDickheaddoingthesexydance,”Peabodycommented.
“IneverwanttohearthewordsDickheadandsexydanceinanysortofconjunctionagain.Seriously,”Eveadded.“That’sanorder.Movingforward.”
Shegesturedtotheboard.“Copleyremainstopofthe
list.Hefitstheprofile,hisfinancialrecordsdemonstrategreedanddeception,andindicatepotentialpayoffs.Hisinitialsarelistedonthevic’sspreadsheetwithamountsthatcorrelatetosaidpayoffs.”
“Givinghimmotive,”Peabodyagreed.“ButthensinceZieglerwasthemanawholelotofpeoplelovedtohate,awholelotofpeoplehadmotive.”
“Accurate.Nowlookat
themethod.Twohard,andwebelieveenraged,impulsiveshotswithahandybluntinstrument.That’swhereIbumpdownseveralofthewholelotofpeople.Rockcouldhavepummeledhimintopaste—andifthevicshowedanyinjuriesfromafight,abeating,we’dbelookinghardathim.LanceSchubertdoesn’tshowuponthespreadsheet,buthemighthavelearnedaboutthevic
havingsexwithhiswife,confrontedhim.ButmypersonalprobabilityindexsaysSchubertwould’vegotteninapunchortwo,andstraightoff.Haveitoutstraightoffratherthanheadingbacktothebedroomwhilethevicpacked.”
Shepushedawayfromthetablebeforesheatemorebaconjustbecauseitwasthere.“McNab,whatdidyoudowhenyouthought—
mistakenly—CharleshadbouncedonPeabody.”
“Ipunchedhim.”McNabdancedhisfingersupPeabody’sarm.“That’sallfive-by-fivenow.”
“Becausehehadn’tbouncedonher,andbecauseCharlesisareasonablesortofguy.Butmypointis,yourfirstimpulsewasfistintheface.Schubertstrikesmeasthesame,andIdon’tseehimlettingitrestwithhiswife,
whojustdoesn’thavetheguiletolietomeabouthimknowing.Still,he’snotoffthehook.”
“Vicaskshimtocomeby,”Peabodyspeculated.“Tellshimtotrytoextortmoneyforkeepingitquiet.”
“Exactly.Instantrage.Grabthehandybluntobject.Andenditwiththeflourish.Theflourishfitshim,anditfitsCopley.WhatCopleydoesn’thaveisSchubert’s
senseofself-worth.Schubertdoesn’thaveCopley’sgreed,orhispatternofgoingafterwealthywomen,cheatingonthem,cashinginonthem.
“Copley’sreaction,tomymind,wouldrunlike:Jesus,hetookZieglertohisclub,treatedhimtogolfanddrinksandallthat.EventhoughZiegler’ssoobviouslysociallyandfinanciallyinferior.Hedidhimfavors,andwhatdoesheget?
Blackmailed.It’sgoneonlongenough,timetotakecharge,timetoshowthisassholewho’stopdog.Heloseshistemper,whichisalsopattern,grabstheweapon,becausehe’snotthetypewhogoesintoafightfair.NowlookwhatZieglermadehimdo.Butit’snotenough.Zieglerhumiliatedhim,sohe’llreturnthefavor.”
“Smarter,wouldn’tit
havebeen,totosstheplaceabit?”Sittingback,Roarkelingeredovercoffee,ascomfortablewithcopandmurdertalkashewaswithbusinessandfinance.“Takesomeofthevaluables,makeitappeartohavebeenaburglaryoraconfrontationwithsomeonewho’dtakesomeprofitfromit.”
“He’snotsmart,that’sthething.Cageymaybe,butthat’sdifferent.Andhe
neededtogettheknifein—literally,figuratively—toboosthisownego.”
Shecircledtheboard.“Thenagain...CharlesmentionedsomethinglastnightwhenItalkedthroughthiswithhim.Knifeintheheart.Maybeit’sastretch,butitcouldmeanaromanticconnection.”
“Backtothegirlfriends?”McNabspeculated.
“Idon’tseeit,justdon’t,
butI’dlikeyoutolookalittlecloserthereifFeeneycanspareyou.Sima’scovered.ShewaswithseveralpeopleinapublicplacewhenZieglerwaskilled,butyoucouldprythelidoffAllaCoburn,andtakeapassatsomeofthewomenwhopaidhimforsex.”
“There’salwaystimetotakeapassatwomen,”McNabsaidandgotPeabody’selbowinhisside
forhistrouble.“Ifitwassex—justsex—
thesymbolismwould’vebeenknifeintheballs,soifweplaythattune,it’sromance,emotion,notjustsex.Peabody,youandIaregoingtoplaybothanglestoday.Enragedhusbandand/orblackmailvic,infatuatedmarriedfemale.Andthethirdangleofunderminingthemarriedfemalesenoughtospillontheenragedhusband.
Ifitapplies.”“NatashaQuigley,
MartellaSchubert.”“Yeah,we’regoingto
splitit,savetime—andaltertheapproach.YoutakeSchubert.She’ssofter,morevulnerable,morenaive.She’llrespondtoyourgentle,sympatheticapproach.YoutellherhowyouoncehadromanticfeelingsforanLC.”
“Ididn’t!Notexactly.Just...Ijust...”
“Playit,”Eveinsisted,“ifplayingitgetsyouin.You’regoingtotalktoheronyourdayoff,justtogetaclearpicturebecauseyourpartner’spushingtheangleherhusbandfoundoutthere’dbeensex,andmovedonZieglerevenbeforeitcameoutthesexhadn’tbeenconsensualduetodrugging.Ifthat’snottheapproach,you’llfindanother.”
“Maybe,ifitseems
playable,IcanhintaroundthatIthinkCopley’smorelikely.Thejust-between-usbit,anditlookslikeCopleywaspayingZieglerblackmailmoney.Thesistersseemedprettytight,soifshethinkshersister’shusbandcouldbeakiller,shemightopenupmore,toprotectthesister.”
“That’snotbad.”Evepaused,studiedMartellaSchubert’sfaceonherboard.“That’snotbad.Ifshehas
anydirtonCopleyshe’smorelikelytogiveittoyou.Giveitatry.Let’sseeifwecanbringthistoahead.”
“Andyou’lltakeQuigley.”
“She’snotnaive,notsoft.Icangoinharder,shoveitather.SheusedtheillusionofromanceasanexcusetopayZieglerforsex,soIcanhammeronthat.AndIcanpushhowshe’ssoworriedCopleywillfindout.Maybe
hehas,whatthen?AndImightbeabletoplaythesameangleasyou—yoursister’shusbandisonmyshortlist.Likeyou,I’llplayitsoIgetin,gofromthere.”
“IsitokayifItakeMcNab?We’reacouple,andIcanusethat.Igetwhatit’sliketobeinlove,andallthat.Ihaveasister,too,allthecommon-groundbusiness.”
“MaybeIcantalkherintolettingmewireupthehouse
’link,herpersonal’link,”McNabspeculated.“Putitouttherelikeit’sforherprotection,hersister’sprotection.”
“Ifshebitesonthatshe’smorenaivethanIfigured,butthrowitin.Ifshebites,makedamnsureyougethertoofficiallysignoff.Idon’twantitcomingaroundtokickusintheasslater.”
“Solid,”McNabpromised.“I’lltakesometoys
withme,incaseshegoesforit.”
“Fullreportwhenyou’redone.Butfirst,forGod’ssakegohomeandputcopclotheson.”
“Igettowearmypinkmagiccoat.”Peabodyjumpedup,didaquickdance.“Hotdog!Thanksagainforallofit,foreverybitofit.”
“Sendusapictureofyourladyinhercoat,”RoarkesaidtoMcNab.
“Yougotit.We’lltotallyrockitoutwithhercoat,myboots.Ultimatethanksforall.Solid.”
“Thengetout,”Evesaid.“Solid.”
Whenthey’dgone,EveturnedtoRoarke.“Whatboots?”
“ThecustomairbootswegavehimforChristmas.I’msureItoldyou.”
“Maybe.Whocanremember?Don’tsaythey’re
pink.”Eventhethoughthadhersqueezingthebridgeofhernose.“Justdon’t.”
“They’retheMcNabtartan,aboldandratherattractivered-and-greenplaid.”
“Red-and-greenplaidairboots.Well,they’renotpink,sothat’ssomething.I’mgoingtogetgoingsoIcangetbackandwecandothatvid-and-popcornthing.”
“I’mwithyou,”hesaid.
“AndlikeMcNab,I’llgetafewtoysincasesheagreestoatap.”
“Shewon’t.Youdon’thavetoscrewupyourdayonthis.”
“Howcoulditbescrewedup?Withyou?”
“Youcouldbehandy,”sheconsidered.“Money,socialstatus—it’sherlanguage.Andifhe’sthere,youcouldlurehimofftoshowyouhisgolfclubsor
something.”“Now,thatmightscrew
upmyday,butI’llriskit.”“Getyourtoys.I’llmeet
yououtfront.”Bythetimeshegotdown,
thevehiclewaswaiting.Notherdeceptivelybland-lookingDLE,butabig,brawny,blackSUV.
“Arewedrivingupamountain?”sheaskedRoarkewhenhecameout.
“Whocansay?Idida
littleduediligenceonCopleyandQuigleywhenIpokedintohisfinances,butIassumeyoutookmoretimewiththatend.Youcanfillmeinwhilewedrive.”
“They’rebothcheaters,”shesaidflatly.“Werebothattachedwhentheyfooledaround,thenhefooledaroundsomemore,thentookherofftoHawaiiforanelopementheplanned,usingherfamily’sfacilities.”
“Youdon’tlikeeitherofthem.”
“Notawholelot.”“Whichiswhyyousent
Peabodyofftothesisterandbrother-in-law,becauseyoudolikethem.”
“Idon’tlikeordislike.Buttheystrikemeasprettystraight.Notsqueaky.Martellathoughtshe’dscrewedZieglervoluntarily,andpaidhimofftokeepitsecretinsteadofsuckingitup
anddealingwithit.Andhestruckmeasalittletoocalmaboutthewholethingonceitcameout.Quigley,Copley?They’relyingoutright,buttheothertwohidethings.Maybethey’rehidingmurder.”
“Itmaybebothofthem—theSchubertsaredealing,intheirownway,withthetraumaofit.It’sadoubleblowforhim.Thefirst,learninghiswifebelieved
she’dbetrayedhimwithanotherman.Thesecond,knowingshedidn’tdoasshe’dbelievedbutwasdruggedandraped.It’sagreatdealforanymantocopewith.”
He’dknow,Evethought.He’dknowwhatitwastocope.
“Maybe.Maybethey’rebothjusttryingtofindtheirwaythroughit.There’sanotherplayerontheirend.
CatianaDubois,thesocialsecretary—whichisabullshittitleinmyworldoftitles.”
“Forsome,thesociallifeisakindofcareerorvocation,andhavingsomeonetokeeporderishelpful.”
“Youdon’thaveone.”“IhaveCaroand
Summerset.Amanneedslittlemore.”
Shecouldn’targuewiththatone.“Theyseemcozy,
thethreeofthem.Notwe-have-a-threesome-every-Tuesdaycozy,butcozyenough.AccordingtoCatiana,Zieglerhitonherandsheblocked.Hethenspreadthewordshewasalesbian,whichsheletpassbecauseshedidn’tcare.Andhegotpissedwhentheguyshe’sseeingcameintothegymanditbecameapparentshelikedmenjustfine.”
“Sorry,I’mabit
distractedbythethreesomeeveryTuesday.”
“Wipeitoutofyourmind.Thepointis,Zieglerscrewedwith—onvariouslevels—allfivepeopleinthosetwohouseholds.Whataretheodds?”
“Anotherreasonyoulikeoneofthemforthemurder,particularlyCopleyasheappearstheweakestinthemoralsense,andsomewhatofadick.”
“Thatsumsitup.Plusyourbasicmotive,means,opportunity.Becausehehadtime.Hehadenoughtime.Anyofthemdid,really,ifoneoftheotherscoveredforthem.”
“HowdidyougetMcNab’sshoesize?”
“Ihavemyways.”“Youreallydo.Would
youstabmydeadbodyintheheartwithakitchenknifeifIcheatedonyou?”
“Yourmindisthemostmarvelousmachine,”Roarkesaid,withatouchofwonder.“Murdertothreesomestoshoesizestospeculativemurder.No.”
“Youwouldn’tstabmydeadbodyintheheartwithakitchenknifeifIcheatedonyou?”Shefoundherselfoddlyinsulted.
“Therewouldn’tbeenoughleftofittostab.IexpectI’dhavealreadycut
outyourcheatingheartandsetitonfire.This,ofcourse,afterI’d—whatwasyourphrase—‘beatenyourloverintopaste,’afterwhichI’dhavecastratedhim.Butnotwithakitchenknife,mindyou.I’dhaveusedadull,rusty,andjaggedblade,puttingittouseagainintheaforementionedcuttingoutofyourheart.AndI’dfeedhiscockandballstoaviciousrabiddogI’dacquiredforthat
specificpurpose.”“Thatshouldcover
everything.”Now,ratherthaninsulted,shefeltwellloved.“We’reviolent,”shesaidafteramoment.
“Speakforyourself.”Henegotiatedaroundapokeytouristtripletramloadedwithshiveringbodies,sparklinglights,andgarland.“Ifyouhadn’tcheatedonme,Iwouldneverhavelaidahandonyououtsideoflove,
passion,andtenderness.”“YoucleanedWebster’s
clockbecausehewishedI’dcheatonyouwithhim.”
“Thatshouldprovidefairwarning.”
“We’reviolent,”sherepeated.“Wegrewupthatway.Weknowourownnatures,mostlychannelit.Butourinstinctwouldbetoreactwithviolenceinthiskindofsituation.Ortothreatenitinawaythat
should—andalmostalwayswould—havetheopponentbackingdown.Thenwe’downit.That’sournature,too.Thesepeoplearen’tviolent—inthesameway—bynature.Thisviolencewasofthemoment,acontrolsnap,andineverycaseifitwasoneofthefour,agoodlawyerwouldgetthemoffontempinsanity,diminishedcapacity,extenuatingcircumstances.Except,thatgoesdownthe
tubeswiththeflourish.“Theflourishwaspure
ego,wasstupid,wasverymuchbragging.”
“WhichiswhyyoulikeCopley.”
“Whichiswhy.”Sherolleditaroundinher
headwhileheparked.“Followmylead,okay?”“Naturally.Youknow
theymaynotbehomeonthisbrightandcoldSundayafternoon.”
“They’resomewhere.I’llfindthem.”
Evepressedthebuzzer,didthescanningdealforthecomputer.Theprocessmovedquicklythistime,andthehousedroidopenedthedoor.
“Lieutenant.HowcanIhelpyou?”
“IwanttospeakwithMs.Quigley.Mr.Copley,too.”
“I’mafraidMr.Copleyisn’tathomeatthistime.Ms.Quigleyhasanappointment
shortly.”“ThenI’lltrynottokeep
herlong.”“Ofcourse.Pleasecome
in.I’llletherknowyou’rehere.Makeyourselvescomfortable,”sheadded,leadingthemintothelivingarea.“MayIserveyouanything?”
“We’regood.”Evewaiteduntilthedroid
lefttheroom.“Youknowshe’salreadytoldQuigley
whowasatthedoor.Whydotheyalwaysactliketheyhaven’t?”
“It’saprocedure.It’saniceoldbuilding,”heobserved.“Verywellrehabbed.”
“Tasteandmoney?”“Itwouldtakeboth,and
anadmirablerespectforthecharacterofthebrownstone.”
Heturned,asshedid,atthequickclickofheels.“Lieutenant,Iwasn’t
expecting...Roarke.”Natasha’ssmileflashedoutassheclickedover,extendedahand.“Wemet,veryfleetingly,severalyearsago,atanartshowinLondon.”
“It’slovelytoseeyouagain.”
“Please,sitdown.Ididn’tputittogetherwhenIspokewithyoubefore,”shesaidtoEve.“Isupposetheupsetovereverythingfoggedmyfocus.EveDallas,Roarke’s
wife—andthestarofTheIcoveAgenda.”
“MarloDurn’sthestarofthat.I’macop.”
Andyou’realiar,Evethought.She’dmadetheconnectionalready.Whypretendotherwise?
“Ofcourse.IheardNadineFurstisworkingonasecondbookbasedononeofyourcases.I’lllookforwardtoreadingitevenmorenowthatwe’vemet.Evenunder
thecircumstances.”“Where’syourhusband?”Natashablinkedonceat
theflattone,butkepthersmileinplace.“JJ’sgolfing.HeandLanceandtwooftheirfriendshavearegulargameeveryfourthSunday,inFlorida.Theytookthecorporateshuttlethismorning.He’llbebackbysix,ifit’simportant.”
“You’lldo.Thelasttimewespokeyouexpressed
considerableconcernaboutyourhusbandlearningofyouraffairwithZiegler.”
“I...”Thefaintestflush—embarrassment,anger,acombination,roseintohercheeks.“Iwasforthrightwithyou,Lieutenant.I’dprefernottodiscussitagain.”
“IfyouknowNadine’sbook,thevid,you’reawareRoarkeoftenservesasanexpertcivilianconsultant.”
“Youcanrelyonmy
discretion,Natasha.”Roarkespokesmoothly,andwiththelightesttouchofsympathy.
“Iappreciatethat,ofcourse.Still,it’sveryuncomfortable.Itwasn’tanaffair,thoughIpretendeditwasto,well,sugarcoatitformyself.Itwasabusinesstransaction,onbothsides,whichIengagedinduringadifficulttimeinmymarriage.I’mcertainlynotproudofit.”
“Youwereconcernedif
yourhusbandknew,he’dendthemarriage.Yetthiswouldn’tbethefirsttimeeitherofyouengagedinaffairs.”
Thecolordeepened.“Idon’tseewhatthathastodowithTrey’sdeath,ormycurrentmaritalstatus.”
“It’sharderformetobelievehe’dtossitalloutover...abusinesstransaction,giventhehistory.”
“Thehistoryispreciselywhy.We’vemademistakes,we’vebothbeenunfaithfulinthepast.Wepromisedeachotherwe’dneverdosoagain.”
“FelicityPrinze.”Shesawit,immediately.
Natashaknew.“You’renottossingitall
outoveryourhusband’s...businesstransaction.”
“Thatbusinesshasbeenconcluded.”Sheshovedto
herfeet.“Iwon’thaveyoucomehereandinsultme,Iwon’thaveyoupryintomypersonallife.”
“Yourpersonallifeispartofmyinvestigation.Trytellingmethetruth,andIwon’thavetopry.YouknewaboutFelicityPrinze.”
“Yes,Iknew.It’sover.”“Howlonghaveyou
known?”“Weeks.”Shewaveda
handintheair.“I’mperfectly
awareofJJ’spattern,andhisweaknesses.Thesituationputastrainonourmarriage.”
“Theroughpatch.”“Yes.Wediscussed
counseling,argued,discusseddivorce.AndI...IbeganmybusinesswithTrey.Iwassohurtandangry.ThenJJpromisedtoendit,askedforanotherchance.Ineededtothinkaboutit,ofcourse,tosearchmyownheart,butunderitallIwantedtosave
mymarriage.IintendedtoendmyassociationwithTrey,asItoldyou.AndwhenJJaskedifI’dgoawaywithhimaftertheholidays,justthetwoofus,IknewIhadtogivehim,giveus,achance.”
“Youcaughthimcheating.HowdoyouresolveyourfranticconcernabouthimfindingoutaboutyourrelationshipwithZiegler.”
Natashaclosedhereyesamoment,thenreleaseda
breath.“Onemoment,please.”Shesteppedovertothehousecomm.“Hester,pleasecontactBrianneandtellherI’mgoingtobejustalittlelate.”
Shecameback,sat.“I’dlosemyleverage.I’dloseanychanceofpatchingthisup,movingon.IwasfuriouswhenIlearnedaboutthis—this—dancer.InearlytossedJJoutthenandthere,but...Weargued,wesaidtheusual
horriblethingstoeachother.Butamongthosehorriblethingshehadapointortwoaboutmyneglecting...someareasofourmarriage,aboutexpectinghimtobepresentformyeventsandsocialneedswhileoftennotbeingavailableforhis.”
Shepushedatherhair,seemedtogatherherself.“You’remarried.Thereareupsandtherearedowns.Iwantedtimetothink,to
evaluatewhatIreallywantedfromJJ,formyself.Andataweakmoment,IleapedintothisbusinesswithTrey.Itwasstupid,itwasemotional.ByengagingwithTreyIdidprecisely,ornearly,whatJJhaddone.IcanhardlypretendtobeoutragedandlistalltherequirementsforstayingmarriedtohimifhelearnsIhadsexwithourpersonaltrainer,canI?We’reworkingtowardmakingitall
whole,andthiswouldtearitapartagain.”
“Nottitfortat?”Evesaid.“Likemostmen—atleast
inmyexperience—hehasthemind-setthatit’sonematterforamantodally,anotherforawoman.Icanputasidewhathedid.He’dneverdothesame.”
“Whatwouldhedo?”Eveasked.
“He’dslapmewithitandwalkaway,orslapmewithit
andstaytoslapmewithiteverytimewehadaproblem.Icanlivewiththesecret.Icanforgetit.Ican’tlivewithhimholdingitoverme.”
“Youtoldmehewasn’tviolent,butyouuseaviolentwordtodescribehisreaction.”
“Verbally,ofcourse.And...emotionally.”
Buttherewasahitch,aslightone.
“Hasheeverhityou?”
“No!Absolutelyno!Yes,hehasatemper,it’sfoolishtodenyit.Buthetakeshisangeroutoninanimatethings.Hemightthrowsomething,orslamdoors.He’s...it’sabitlikeachildreally,atantrum.Oneofthethingswe’vediscussedisangermanagement.”
Sheleanedforward,earnestly.“Heshouts,anditannoyspeople,putsthemoff.Wehavehousedroidsrather
thanhumanhelpastheydon’tbecomeoffended.Icanpromiseyou,ifheknewaboutTrey,he’dmakemepay,buthewouldn’tphysicallyharmme.Oranyone.”
Sherubbedherhandupanddownherthroat.“Youcan’tthinkhehadanythingtodowithwhathappenedtoTrey.I’dknow.Iwould.Hewashere,gettingdressedforourpartythatnight.Andhe
wascalmandevencheerful.He’dhavebeenenraged,buthewasn’t.Weeven...weweretogetherthatnight,forthefirsttimesinceIlearnedofthatdancer.Hecouldneverhavedonewhatyou’rethinkingthencomehome,andbeensocalmandcheerful,hostedaparty,madelovewithme.Hecouldn’thave.”
•••
Alotof‘hecouldn’ts’inthere,”Eveobservedwhentheywalkedbacktothevehicle.
“Youunsettledher.”“Imeantto.”“Notenoughforherto
agreetoanytaps,whichisapity.”
“Shewasprettyunsettledaboutthat,too.Lotsof‘absolutelynots.’Nospyingonspouse.Nomorepryingintopersonallives.”
“Shemayhaveprotested—andtoomuchasthebardwouldsay—butsheshowedsomefear,plentyofdoubt.”
“Yeah,shedid.Still,theleveragemakesmoresense,ringstruertomethanthe‘Oooh,don’ttellJJIdidthenastywiththetrainer.’There’ssometruthrolledinthere,it’sjustrolledinwithlies,half-truths,andbullshit.Ineedsometimetosortitallout.”
“Shedoesn’tlovehim.”Pausing,Evenarrowed
hereyesathim.“Whydoyousaythat?”
Heopenedthecardoorforher,walkedaroundtoslidebehindthewheel.“Thebitaboutleverage?That’ssomethingyouandImightjokeabout,aswedocuttingoutheartsordancingtangosonbatteredbodiesifunfaithful.”
“WhosaysI’mjoking
aboutdancingonyourbatteredbody?”
Heleanedover,kissedher.“That’slove.Shewantsthatleverage—asifshe’stobebelievedhewouldholdamistakeoverherhead.Leverage,weight,payback.It’snotlove.”
“No.It’sapowerstrugglewithsex.Marriageisthat,sortof—butit’sonlyrightwiththeloveinthere.She’dgoonthistripwithhim,and
they’dmakelovenoises—Idon’tmeansexnoises.Then,ifheisn’tthekiller—inwhichcaseI’llhavehiminacage—he’llcheatagain.Sheexpectsit.Nexttimeshe’llboothim.They’llhaveaprenupsohe’llgetsomething,butshe’stoosmart,themoney’stooold,forhertogointoitwithoutplanningforthis.Cheatedwithher,willcheatonher.”
“Logicalenough,”Roarke
agreed.“Samewithher.Cheated
withhim,andsoon.Shit,whenitcomesdowntoit,theydeserveeachother.
“We’vegotaprenup,right?”
“Wedo,yes.Youreadit,hadyourlawyergooverit.Wesigneditandputitawaywhereweneverhavetothinkofitagain.”
“Yeah,right.Ididn’treaditordothelawyerthing.I
justsignedit.”Hestoppedthecar,
annoyingseveralcarsbehindhim.“What?ChristJesus,Eve.”
“Drive,beforetheygetoutthebats.WhatthefuckdoIcare?Yourmoneywasabigstrikeagainstyouatthestartanyway,pal.Ineverwantedit.”
“That’snotthebloodypoint.”
Sheheardthetemper—
veryreal—edgehistoneandjustshruggeditoff.“It’sexactlythebloodypoint.You’vegotbillionsofbillions,organizations,corporations,enterprisesonandoffplanet,andIdon’tevenwanttoknowallofitanyway.Youhavepeopledependingontheincometheyearnfromthoseorganizationsandtherest.Allthatneedstobeprotected,andifyoudidn’tyou’reamoron.
You’renotamoronorIwouldn’thavemarriedyouandwewouldn’tbetalkingaboutthisanyway.”
“Thebloodypointis,youhaverights,expectations,rightstothoseexpectations.Andspeakingofmorons,whosignsashagginglegaldocumentwithoutreadingitfirst?”
“RoarkeIndustriesneededthelegaldocument.YouandIneverdid.”
Justlikethat,shesawthetemperdissolve.“Ah,Christ,Eve.”
“YouthinkIdon’tknowthedifference?ThatIdidn’talwaysknow?IsigneditbecauseIthought:Great,thistakeswhatgivesmethejittersoutofit.Notallthejittersbecausegettingmarriedgavemeplenty.Butthemainjitters,signedaway,anditgavemesomepeaceofmindonit.AndifyouthinkI’d
takeapennywithmeifyoubootme,youareamoron.ItakewhatIcameinwith.Exceptthis.”Shetappedherweddingringwithherthumb.“Andthis.”Liftedthediamondfromunderhershirt.“They’remine,andifthat’snotinthere,it’sgoingtobeamended.”
“Youleavemespeechless.”
“That’llbetheday.”“Iloveyoubeyond
speech.Beyondreason.”“Thatworksforme.You
workforme.”Sheleanedback,lookeddown.“Imightkeeptheseboots,too,andthecoat.Yeah,ifyoubootme,I’mdefinitelykeepingthecoat.”
Hegrinnedather,tookherhand.
“YoukeepSummerset—that’sfirm.”
“I’mcompletelyagreeabletoallyourterms.”
Sheglancedoverashedrovethroughthegates.“CanIgetalifetimesupplyofcoffeetossedin?Thatshouldcoveritall.”
Againhestoppedthecar.Thistime,hereleasedhissafetybelt,hers,andpulledherintohisarms.“Iadoreyou.ButnoneofthismattersasI’donlybootyouifyoucheatedonme.Thenthere’sthewholebusinessofcuttingoutyourheartandsettingit
onfiretofollow.”“Right.Iforgotabout
that.”Sheheldonamoment,content.“I’dlovetoreadtheQuigley-Copleyprenup.”
“Wouldyoulikemetoarrangethat?”
“Tempting,butno.There’snourgencyonit,andIthinkIstirredupsomedust.MaybePeabodydidthesame.”
Sheleanedback.“I’mgoingtocheckinwithher,
writeallthisup.Thenlet’spickavidwherelotsofshitblowsup,andeatourselvessickwithpopcorn.”
“Afineplan,withoneaddition.”
“What?”“Let’sdrinkconsiderable
winewiththepopcorn,andhavecrazedsexafterthevid—asadoublefeature.”
“Abetterplan.Let’sgetitdone.”
Ittooksometime,gettingeverythingin
placetothepointshefeltjustifiedintakinganotherfewhoursoff.
ShetalkedtoPeabodyatlength,brieflytoMcNab.Wroteherupdate,readPeabody’s.Updatedherboard,herbook.
TheQuigley-Copleyhouseholdwasamess,shemused.Thenagaininherexperienceagreatmany
householdsranonrocky,pitted,oftenuglyground.
“Sometimeswedo,”shetoldthecat,whoseemedmoreinterestedintakingthenextofhislongseriesofnapsinherofficesleepchair.“Therockypart.We’vegotthesmoothrunningrightnow,buttherearealwaysgoingtobebumpsahead.”
Steppingback,shehookedherthumbsinherbeltloops,studyingtheIDshots,
thewaytheylookedtogether.“Bothattractive—gotapolished-uplookaboutthemthatsaysmoneyevenjustintheIDs.Theyevenlooklikeacouple,liketwopeoplewhoshouldfit.Buttheyjustdon’t.
“Theyjustdon’t,”sherepeated,leanedbackonherdesk.
“Peoplecouldsaythataboutus,”shesaidwhenRoarkemovedfromhisofficetohers.“Probablyalotof
themdo.”“Whatwouldthatbe?”“Thatwedon’tfit.”“Ibegtodiffer.”He
walkedtoher,leanedonthedeskbesideher.“Wefitascleanlyasabespokesuit.”
“I’msayingwhatpeopleoutsideitallmightsay.It’sperception,pal.Lookatthem—Quigley,Copley.Theylooklikeaset—that’svisualperception,andprobablesocialperception.Butwhen
youcrackthelid,it’sabadfit.She’snevergoingtotrusthim,notdowntothedeep,andhe’salwaysgoingtolookfortheeasywaytogetmore.Sex,money,prestige.Whenthreatened,ormaybejustbored,theylashout.Bothofthemusedsexforthat.”
“Andpossiblyabluntobject.”
“Yeah,verypossibly.PeabodysaidMartellawasverycooperative,gotalittle
overwroughthereandthere.Thesecretary,Catiana,kepthercalm,asdidPeabody’sinnatethere-thereapproach.Sheagreedtothetap,withalittlenudgeonhowitmighthelpclearthingsup,mightprotecthersister.ItmeantshehadtousetheangleI’mlookingatherspouse,butshe’slookingatCopley,andfeelsshe’sgotthestrongercase.”
“Essentiallyplayingthe
couplesagainsteachothertoseewhatbreaks.”
“Moreorless.It’sinthere.Myguttellsmeit’sinthere.IhadanotherroundwithRobbins,theblogger,andthere’snothingthere.It’snotjustbecauseIgettherapeangle,it’sbecauseIthinkIgether.Andthere’snothingthereonthis.”
“Thenyou’redefinitelyshorteningyourlist.”
“Itlooksthatway.
Peabody’sgoingtotakeanotherpassatthegirlfriend,butIdon’tseethat,either.Ifwedon’ttieituptomorrow...”
“ChristmasEve.”“Yeah,that.Ifwedon’t,it
couldtakedaysmore,ifwe’relucky,withPeabodyheadingofftoherfamily,andeverythingshuttingdown.Hell,halfthecityclosesupbetweenChristmasandNewYear’s,andifmyprime
suspectfliesofftothetropics,Ican’tstophim.Notwithwhatwehave.”
“You’dlikehimtohavehisChristmasgooseandpuddinginacage.”
“Ithinkthebesthe’dgetinacagewouldbefaketurkey,maybeasliceofpie,butyeah.”
“Doestheideathatwithyounippingathisheelshe’sunlikelytohavehappyholidayshelp?”
“IthinkanybodywhocouldshovethatknifeintodeadZiegler,andaccordingtothestatementofwitnesses,partydirectlythereafter,isn’tgoingtosweatit.It’sallabouttherightnow.It’showhecouldsetFelicityupinaswankcondo,forgetabouthismarriagewhilehewasthere,forgetaboutherwhenhewaswithhiswife.
“I’lltellyouwhofits,”sheadded.“Zieglerand
Copley.Twogreedy,selfish,cheatingassholes.Andthat’sallofourtimetheygetfortoday.Let’spopsomecorn.”
“Iwantmyown,”hetoldherastheywalkedoutofheroffice.“I’dactuallyliketotasteitratherthanbutterandsalt.”
“Ikeeptellingyou,thecorn’sjustthedeliverysystemforthebutterandsalt.What’sthevid?”
“We’veanadvancecopy
ofUnbidden.It’sbeingreleasedChristmasDay—veryhotproperty.Alieninvasion,top-flightcast,strongFX.”
“Butdothingsblowup?”“Indeedtheydoifthe
trailerIpreviewedisanyindication.”
“Soundsperfect.”
•••
twas.Stretchedouthiptohip
Ionthesofa,plentyofpopcorn
andanice,smoothredwinetowashitdown.Andtheactiononscreen
hitallthenotes.Alieninvadersbenton
conqueringtheplanet,decimatingorenslavingitshumaninhabitants.Itofferedafeistyyetemotionallyscarredfemalelead,therecklessbutcharmingmalecounterpart,andthemotleyandcourageousbandof
resistancefighterswhojoinedthem.Thestoryworked,theromanceclicked,andlotsofstuffblewup.
Theeffectsworkedsowellshegotmildlyqueasyduringanairbattle.Andthecharactersresonated,causingapangwhenthehero’sfecklessscrewupofabrothersacrificedhimselfforthecause.
Allinall,itprovidedanexcellentexcusetolaze
aroundonaSundayeatingpopcornandgettingalittlebuzzedonwinewhileGalahadsprawledovertheirlegs.
“Goodone.ItwasfunwatchingtheguywhoplayedFeeneyintheIcovevidplaythetoughex–Armyvet.Figuredhewasgoingdown,buthecoppedtothewhinyredheadbeinganalieninfiltratorinthenick.Idon’tgetaliens.”
“Don’tyou?”“They’realwayszipping
down,wantingtotakeovertheplanet,andblowingupmajorcitiesontheway.Itneverworksoutforthem.”
Shetossedmorebutter-and-salt-saturatedpopcorninhermouth.“Smartertostartinthemiddle.”
Hemanagedtoreacharound,snagthewinebottle,pourtheverylastofitintotheirglasses.“Themiddleof
what?”“Thecountry—since
they’reapparentlyallabouttheU.S.ontopofit.Startinthemiddle,thelesspopulatedareas—like,say,Shipshewana,Indiana.”
“OfcourseitmustbeShipshewana.”
“Then,workyourwayouttothecitiesasyougainground,eliminatethepopulations.”Shetookalong,happydrinkofwine.
“You’dthinkiftheycouldgetherefromwhereverthehell,they’dbesmarter.”
“Luckyforus,forShipshewana,andtheplanet,theyaren’t.”
“I’llsay.Whowantsanimplantshovedintothebaseofyourskulltocontrolyourthoughtsanddeeds?”
“NotI.”“Andwhatdothealiens
accomplish?”Woundup,shedrilledafingerinhischest.
“Suretheylevelsomecities,killabunchofpeople—andthere’salwaysatleastoneofthosepeoplewhotriestonegotiatewiththem.”
“Fools.”“Youbet.Afterthey
destroyNewYorkorNewL.A.orEastWashington,becausethoseareusuallyprimetargets,thesurvivorsendupunitingthefracturedworld,creatingherosoutoftheordinary,andhelpinga
coupleofreallypretty,bloodied,andsweatypeopletofindtrueloveandhotsex.”
“Lookingatitthatway,weshouldhopeforanalieninvasion.”
Shesetherpopcornbowlaside,shiftedoveralittleontoherhip.“Wedon’tneedone.Wefoundallthatalreadywithoutthem.”
“AndIdidn’thavetoriskbeingvaporizedtogetyouhere.”
“True,butthat’snotabadwaytogo,right?Gettingvaporizedisquick.Youwouldn’tevenknowit,justppsssht!Gone.Betterthangettingrunoverbyamaxibusorbarelysurvivinganaircrash,orgettingbitteninhalfbyashark.Thenthere’s—”
“Quiet.”Hestoppedhermouthwithhis,addedadanceofhisfingersalongherribstomakeherlaugh.
Herolledherover,then
underhim,pleasedhimselfbyravishingherneck,herthroat.
Galahadsquawked,thenhitthefloorwithasharpringofcollarbells.
Sinking,sheslidherbarefootupanddownRoarke’sleg,anglingherheadtogivehimfreeraccessbeforeturningbackagaintoofferherlips.
Shetwinedandtwistedherfingersinhishair,feltlazyandloose.Winefogged
herbrain;pleasuremistedit.Sheembracedboth,embracedhim.
Thescreenswitchedtoitsholdinghumasthevidcreditsended.Nowsheheardthequietpopandcrackleofthefire,thewhisperoftheirmovementsinthenestofthesofa.
Thetree’slightsshimmeredastheshortdayslippedintothelongnight.
Hepeeledoffhersweater,
sliddowntopossessherbreastswithhismouth,hishands.Asthosemiststhickenedandswirled,shepressedup,stirringmoreheat.Moaningwithit,shetuggedathisshirt.
“Off,off.Toomanyclothes.”
Shefoundhismouthwithhersagainasshefoughtofftheshirt.
Shehadherteethonhisshoulder;hehadhertrousers
halfwaydownherlegs.Hercommunicatorbeeped.
“Ah,bloodyhell”washisbreathlessandbitterresponse.
“Ididn’thearanything.Don’tstop—”Itbeepedagain.“Shit!Shit,shit,shit.”
Shedraggedherselffromunderhim,stumbledtowardthetableasshestruggledtoyankuphertrousers.
“Blockvideo,”sheordered.“Fuck.Fuck.Dallas.”
“Dispatch,Dallas,LieutenantEve.”
Shemuttered,“Why?”Thenwithhertrousersstillunsecured,satonthetable.
“Reportto18Vandam.Onepersondead,anotherinjured.Possiblehomicide.”
“Who’sdead?”shedemanded,shovinguptohookhertrousers.
“Dataincomplete.Seeofficersonscene.”
“ContactPeabody,
DetectiveDelia.Onmyway.”
Sheshovedthecomminherpocket.“That’stheQuigleybrownstone.”
“Iknow.”Hewasalreadyup,puttingonhisshirt.“I’llgowithyou.”
“I’vegotPeabody—”“Christ,Eve,wejustsat
inthatlivingroomafewhoursago.I’mgoingwithyou.”
“God,I’mhalfdrunk.”
Shereachedforherweaponharness.
“TakesomeSober-Upbeforeyouputthaton.AndIcouldusesomemyself.”
“Whatthehelltimeisit?”shemutteredonherwaytothebathroom.
“Twentyafterseven.”Shepaused,glancedback.
“ShesaidCopleywouldbehomebysix.”
Grim,shedashedtothebathroomfortheSober-Up.
Withthat,andthecoffeeRoarkeprogrammedingo-cups,themistslifted,thefogparted.Forthesecondtimethatday,sheclimbedintothemuscularSUV.
“Iplanteditinherhead.Ididitdeliberately,figuringshe’dletsomethingsliptome,ordigoutsomethingandcometomewithit.Ineverfiguredhe’dgoather,neverfiguredhe’dbethatstupid.Ifhekilledher—”
“You’rejumpingyourfences,Eve.That’snotlikeyou.”
Sheclosedhereyes,pulledherselfbackin.“You’reright.Iknowbetter.Nopreconceivednotions.Butyousaidityourself.Sheseemedalittleafraidofhim.Ididn’tofferherprotection,didn’tdrivethatlane,becauseshecould’vebeenpartofitandthefearwasuseful.”
Nopoint,nopointin
speculating,shewarnedherself.Forallsheknew,Copleycouldbedead.
Hercommsoundedagain.“Dallas.”
“Dallas,we’reheadingin,”Peabodytalkedfast,“butit’sprobablygoingtotakeabouttwentyminutes.WewereattheSkyMallandtraffic’sinsane.Wecalledinablack-and-whitetospeeditup,butwe’reprobablytwentyout.”
“Justgetthere.”“Soonaswecan.Doyou
knowtheDB?”“Notyet.I’llgetbackto
you.”Sheshovedthecommin
herpocketagain.TheminuteRoarkepulled
behindablack-and-white,shejumpedout,drewherbadgeoutofherpocket.
Longstridestookhertothedoorwhereauniformscannedherbadge,herface,
skimmedaglanceoverRoarke.Nodded.
“Whathaveyougot,Officer...Kenseko?”shedemanded,readinghisnameplate.
“DB,female,headtrauma.Anotherfemale,enroutetothehospital,unconscious.Headandfacialinjuries.Maleheldonpremises,ID’dasJohnJakeCopley,ofthisaddress.HeID’dtheinjuredfemaleashis
wife,NatashaCopley.Wantedtogowithher,butweheldhimhere.He’sahandful,LT.”
“Igotit.Keephimoutofmywayfornow.Areyoufirstonscene?”
“No,sir,thatwouldbeOfficerShelby.Sheansweredthenine-one-one.SheandmypartnerhaveCopleysecured.”
“Stayonthedoor,Kenseko.Mypartnerwillbe
hereinaboutfifteen.”Asshemovedin,she
heardCopleyshoutingfromanotherroom,threateningtosuetheofficers,theentiredepartment,thestateofNewYork.
Ignoringhim,EvetooktheSeal-ItoutofthefieldkitRoarkeoffered,useditwhileshestudiedthescene.
She’dexpectedtofindMartella,whichprovedtheruleaboutnoexpectations.
Abrunettelaywithherheadonthemarbleledgeofthehearth.Faceup,adeep,longgashscoringherforeheadandrighttemple.Bloodpooled,onthemarble,onthefloor,paintedthehandflungout,stainedthebrightbluecoat,theboldlypatternedscarf.
“CatianaDubois.”“Thesocialsecretary?”“Yeah,that’sher.
Somebodyturnedherover,
somebodymovedthebody.Damnit.Kenseko!”
“Sir.”Hehotfootedfromthedoor.
“Didyouoryourpartnerturnthebodyover?”
“No,sir.OfficerShelbytoldusthescenehadbeencompromisedonherarrival.”
“Allright.Hadastrugglehere,chair’sshoved,tableoverturned,brokencrockeryandglass.Andthat.”
Sheliftedherchintoa
largevaseofthick,facetedcrystal,stainednowwithblood.Morebloodonthefloor,onthecarpetbythecrackedvase.
“Whatthehellwereyoudoinghere,Catiana?”
Forprocedure,shecrossedtothebody,usedherkittoformallyIDthevic.“Victimisfemale,mixedrace,agethirty-three.CatianaDubois,employedbyMartellaSchubert,whoisthe
sisterofNatashaQuigley.Thedeepgash,thebruisingontheforeheadappeartobeCOD.Fellorwaspushed,face-first,hittheledge,theedgeofit,andhithard.Skinny-heeledboots,”shemurmured.“Notmuchtraction.Shelosesherbalance,falls,smashesface-firstintotheedgehere.”
ShetookthegaugesRoarkehandedher.“Shehasn’tbeendeadanhour.”
Gently,Eveliftedherhands,oneatatime,bythewrist,examinedthem.“NodefensivewoundsIcansee,nosignofskinunderthenails,butMorriswilllookcloser.
“She’sgothercoatunbuttoned,herscarfunwrapped.Prettycoldoutthere,soit’slikelyshedidthataftershecamein.Comestothedoor,thehousedroidletsherin.We’llgooverthe
droid.Shecomesinhere...”Sittingbackonherheels,
Evelookedaroundtheroom.“Idon’tseeanycups,anyglasses,brokenorunbroken.Nodrinks,norefreshments.Coat’sstillon,somaybesheplannedtomakeitquick.Anargument,afight,aconfrontation.Withwho?CopleyorQuigley?HeadandfacetraumaforQuigley,butCatianaherehasdelicatehands.Nosignshehit
anyone.IfshefoughtwithQuigley,itgotphysicalandsheknockedherunconsciouswiththatvase,whyisshedeadoverhereandthevaselyingoverthere?Doesn’twork.IfshefoughtwithQuigley,andQuigleyshovedher,killedher,whobashedQuigleywiththevaseandwhy?It’sshaky.
“So.”Sheshovedup.“We’llseewhatCopleyandthedroidhavetosay.”
ThoughCopleyhadstoppedyelling,shefollowedthedirectionithadcomefrom.
Shefoundhimsulkinginasittingroomreflectingmasculinedecor.Deepcolors,leatherseating,heftyentertainmentcenter,golfingartandmemorabilia.
Oneoftheuniforms—older,hadvetwrittenalloverhim—satathiseaseworkingonhisPPCwhileayoung
femalecopstoodatparaderest.
ShesnappedtoattentionwhenEvesteppedin.
Copleylurchedtohisfeet.“ForGod’ssake.My
wife’sbeenattacked.Shemaybedying,forallIknow,andthese—these—stormtroopersareforcingmetostayhere.Ineedtogettothehospital.IneedtobewithTash.”
“Officer.”Evelooked
towardthevet.“Wouldyoucontactthehospital,getMs.Quigley’sstatusandcondition?”
“Yes,sir.”Hesteppedout.
“Sitdown,Mr.Copley.I’llberightwithyou.OfficerShelby,pleasestepoutwithme.”
“Yes,sir,Lieutenant.”“Idemandtobetakento
mywife!Immediately!”“Isaidsitdown.”Eve
snappedit,coldandfast,hadtheshockofitjerkingCopleyback.“Anddousallafavor,simmerdownwhileIdomyjob.”
Shemovedoutoftheroom,tookafewstepsmore,noddedtoShelby.“Runitthroughforme.”
“Yes,sir,Lieutenant.Iwaswalkingmybeat,abouttogotakemytensit-down,whenthenine-one-onecamein.Iwasonlythreeblocks
north,soIresponded.TheDispatchcallcameinateighteen-fifty-nine.Iwasatthislocationbynineteen-oh-one.”
“Youmovefast,Officer.”“Yes,sir,Lieutenant.
Therewasnoresponsetomyknockorbuzzfortwominutes,twenty-threeseconds.IwasabouttorelaysametoDispatchwhentheman,identifyinghimselfsubsequentlyasJohnJake
Copley,answered.Heappearedvisiblydisturbed,shoutedincoherently,andrushedbackintotheresidence.Ifollowedhimin,observedthefemalevictimbythefireplace,thefemalevictimbesideanoverturnedtableapproximatelytenfeetaway.Bothvictimswerebleedingprofuselyfromthehead.IwasforcedtoorderMr.Copleytocalmdown,tonoavail,whileIcheckedthe
pulseoneachvictim.Thewomanheidentifiedashiswife,NatashaQuigley,wasalive.IcalledformedicalassistanceandforbackupasCopleyonlybecamemoreagitated,andsomewhatabusiveinhislanguage.”
“Isthatafact?”“Yes,sir,Lieutenant.He
calledmeauselesscunt,amoronicbitch,andatonepointlaidhandsonmyperson.Iwasforcedto
restrainhim.”“Hegiveyouthebruise
onyourjaw?”“Duringtherestraining
process,yes,sir.”“Imighthavebeenforced
tokickhisass.Restraininghimwasthebetterchoice.”
Shelby’slipstrembledintoaquicksmile.“Yes,sir,Lieutenant.OfficersKensekoandO’Ryanarrivedonscene,asdidthemedicalsatnineteen-oh-eightand
nineteen-oh-ninerespectively.”
Sheclearedherthroat,blinkedabitwhenRoarkeofferedheraglassofwater.
“Goahead,”Evetoldher.“Hydrate,thenfinishyourreport.”
“Yes,sir,Lieutenant,thankyou.”Shegulpedsomedown.“AftermyfellowofficersremovedMr.Copleytoanotherroom,andthemedicalsbegantoworkon
Ms.Copley,IagainspokewithDispatch,whichinformedmeCopleywastobedetainedhereuntilyourarrival.Thenine-one-onecaller,whoidentifiedherselfasNatashaQuigley,wasattackedwhilecallingnine-one-one,andattheendofthecallshoutedout.”
AtthispointShelbyswipedafreshpageonhernotebook.“‘JJ!Whatareyoudoing?JJ,stop,stop!Don’t!’
beforethecallended.There’sabrokenpocket’linkonthefloorinthekillroom.”
“Yeah,Isawit.Goodwork,Shelby.Standby.”EveglancedoveratRoarke.“Whydon’tyoucomeinwithmeforthis?Youaddanextralayeroffearandintimidation.”
“Alwaysgladtolendahand.OfficerShelby.Youshouldgetacoldpackforthatjaw.”
“It’sokay,sir,thankyou.HejustcaughtmewithhisshoulderwhenIrestrainedhim.”
“Nocoldpacktillwedocument,”Eveordered.“Resistingandassaultinganofficerdribblesonsomeicing.”
Evewentbacktothesittingroom.Copleypaced,drinkingwhatlookedlikewhiskeyfromashortglass.He’dobviouslytalkedShelby
intoremovingtherestraints,andjustaswell.
ShenoddedagainwhenO’Ryansteppedup,murmuredinherear.“Standby,”shetoldhim.“Mr.Copley.”
Hewhirledaround,nearlysloppingwhiskeyoverthetopoftheglass.“Whatthehellisgoingonhere?Somemaniaccomesintomyhouseandassaults—wasthatoneofTella’speople?Wasthat
Katherine?”“Catiana.”“Yes!GoodGod.Shewas
dead.Youcouldseeshewasdead.Hereyesstaring.Andtheblood.ButTash.IraninafterIheardherscream.Randownstairs,callingforher,andthereshewaslyingthere,bleeding.Irantoher,triedtoliftherup.Icouldn’ttellifshewasdeadoralive.Icouldn’ttell.Ithoughtshewasdead.Whywouldthat
womanattackTash?”“Idon’tbelieveshedid.
Thescenedoesn’treadthatway.”
“Butithadtobe.”“You’vegotbloodon
yourshirt.Bloodonyourpants.”
“Tash—Tash’sblood.Itriedtopickherup.IheardTashscream,andIrandown.Itwasonlyseconds.Itcouldn’thavebeenmorethanafewseconds.Noonewas
here.Thatbitchtriedtokillmywife.Tashmusthavefoughtback,knockedherdown.”
“Aftergettingknockedunconscious?”
“Before,ofcourse,thenwhentheystruggledorfought—aboutGodknowswhat—shestruckTash.Tashmusthavefallen,maybethewomenslippedandfell.HowdoIknow?”
“Whattimedidyouget
homefromyourgolfouting?”“I’mnotsure,notexactly.
Aboutsix,moreorless.”“Andthen?”“Whatdoyoumean?”“Whatdidyoudoupon
arrivinghome?”“Iwentupstairs,spoke
brieflytomywife.Wetalkedaboutgoingoutlaterfordrinks,fordinner.Ihadaquickshower,changed,ifyouwantspecifics,stretchedout,turnedonthescreen.Iwas
justrelaxing,asmanydoonaSundayevening,whenIheardTashscreamfromdownstairs.”
“Didyouandyourwifeargue?”
“What?Ofcoursenot.”“Didyouarguewith
CatianaDubois?”“No!Ibarelyknowthe
woman.She’soneofmysister-in-law’sstaff.Iwanttoseemywife.Iwanttoknowwhat’shappeningwithTash.”
“She’sinseriouscondition.Shehassomeswellingofthebrain,andisinsurgery.”
HewentsheetwhiteasEvespoke.“Thedoctorsareconfidentshe’llrecover.”
“Lieutenant,yourpartner’sonherwayback.”
“Thankyou,Officer.Askthedetectivewithhertosecurethehousedroidandquestionsame.”
“Yes,sir.”
“Questionthedroid?”Copleyshouted.“Questionme,questionafuckingmachine!Mywife’shavingemergencybrainsurgery.Youcan’tkeepmehere.”
“Shecan.”Roarkemovedtoblockhisexit.“Yes,shecan.”
“Juststayoutofmyway,”Copleywarned,butbackedupashedidso.“Ihaverights!Youcan’tkeepmeinthisroom.I’mnot
underarrest.I’mfreetocomeandgoasIdamnwellplease.”
“Wecanfixthat,”Evedecided,glancedoveratanout-of-breathPeabody.“Peabody,readMr.Copleyhisrights.”
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?You’vealllostyourminds.I’mleaving.”
Hetriedachargeacrosstheroom.Evepivoted,butRoarkewasfaster,and
merelyshotouthisfoot.ItsentCopleyonaface-firstdive.
“Oops,”Roarkesaid.“Peabody,restrainthe
suspect,andreadhimhisrights.JohnJakeCopley,you’reunderarrestforsuspicionofmurder,forattemptedmurder,forassault,forassaultonanofficer.”
“Youhavetherighttoremainsilent,”Peabodybegan,thenhervoicewas
drownedoutbyCopley’sraging.
“Givehimtothefemaleofficer—Shelby.HaveherandtheothertwoofficerstransporthimtoCentral.Toabox.I’llbedowntodealwithhimwhenwe’redonehere.”
“Letmegiveyouahandwiththat,Peabody.”RoarkehauledCopleytohisfeet,andwithPeabodytakingtheothersideperp-walkedhimout,ragingstill.
“Whew.”McNabsteppedin.“AndIthoughttheSkyMallwascrazytown.Thehousedroid’sbeenshutdownsincesixteen-thirty,LT.”
“Shutdown?”“Yeah.Turnedoff.
There’sasecondarydroid,butthatone’sbeenturnedoffsinceaboutnoon.ThemainhousedroidreportsMs.Quigleyorderedhertoshutdown,assheroutinelydoesonSundayswhentheyaren’t
expectingcompanyorentertaining.ShereportsnoonecomingorgoingafteryouandRoarkeearliertoday.Nohelpfromthatquarter.”
“Checkthesecuritycam,andlet’smakeacopyofthat.”
“Onit.”Shepulledouthercomm,
contactedDispatch.“Dispatch,playback
nine-one-onecallfromthislocationmadebyQuigley,
Natasha,ateighteen-fifty-six.”
“Acknowledged,onemoment.Novideorecorded.Audioonly.Playbackcommenced.”
Nine-one-one,whatisyouremergency?She’sdead!Ithink
she’sdead!OhmyGod,Cate.It’s...Wait,please.OhGod.
ThisisNatashaQuigleyat18Vandam.Ineedtoreporta—JJ!Oh,JJ,somethingterriblehappened.JJ!Whatareyoudoing?JJ,stop,stop!Don’t!
Eveheardascream,athud,picturedthe’linkdroppingtotheground.Thentherecordingstopped.
“Playbackcomplete.”
“Okay,copyrecordingtomyfiles.DallasandPeabody,alongwithDetectiveMcNab,currentlyonscene.DallasandPeabodywilltransfertoCentraltointerviewCopley,JohnJake,nowchargedwithsuspicionofmurderandrelatedcharges.”
“Acknowledged.”“Dallas,out.Gotya,”she
muttered.“Yoursuspect’sonhis
waytoCentral,”Roarketold
her.“Andhe’llstewinitfora
while.Whenwefinishuphere,weneedtogobythehospital,checkonQuigley.Ifshe’sawake,we’llgetherstatement.Youcangohome.”
“Whydoyouwanttopunishme?”
Sheshookherhead.“Suityourself.”Shewalkedoutwithhim,joinedPeabody.
“Ilikedher,”Peabody
said.“Therewassomethinglikeableabouther.”
“Yeah,therewas.Contactthesweepers,themorgue.Let’sgetstartedongettingherjustice.”
“Iwascomplaining,sortof,aboutworkingonavicwhowasanasshole.”PeabodylookedbacktowardCatiana.“Andnow...”
“Iknowit.”Evecrouchedtostudythebroken’link.“Lookslikeit’sbeenstomped
on.Shedropsit,hecomesather,stompsonit.Thevaseisrightthere.Itsatonthattable.Hegrabsit,comesather,stompsthephone,smacksherwithit.”
Beforeshecouldask,Roarkehandedheranevidencebag.Shebaggedandsealedthephone.
“Hedropsthevase,doesn’tgiveherthesecondsmacklikeZiegler.Vaseisbigandheavy.Itcracks,but
itdidn’tbreak.Doeshethinksmashingthephoneerasesthedamnnine-one-one?Washetoowroughtup,toofargone,tothinkaboutit?Justattack,justcoveritallup.Thenblameitallonadeadwoman?Hewasupstairs,mindinghisown,heardhiswifescream,randown.”
“Butthere’snoreport,isthere,thathecalledforhelp,formedicals,forthepolice.”
ShelookedatRoarkeas
shemarkedthevase.“Nope.None.IttookShelbytwominutestogethere,andtookhimanothertwotoanswer.Workingonhisstory,gettinghimselfundercontrol.Notenoughtimetosetupafakebreak-inorburglary.Hethinkshe’sgottwodeadwomen,untilShelbychecks,getsapulse.Nowhe’sgottogettohiswife,fixitsomehow.Orrun.ButShelbyhandledthat,andthenbackup
arrived.Hecan’tpushhiswaythroughthreecops.Hehastobeoutraged,theworriedhusband,thevictim.”
Shestoodagain.“Howitlooksis,forsomereason—andwe’llneedtotalktothesister—Catianacomeshere.Copleyletsherin.Theycomeinhere,argue.Maybesheknewsomething,maybehethoughtsheknewsomething.Heloseshistemper,pushesher.Shefallswaywrong,and
that’sit.Hebarelyhastimetothink.Lookwhatshemadehimdo!Andincomeshiswife.Seesthebody.Callsnine-one-one.Hecouldn’thavebeenintheroom.”
Frowning,sheturnedacircle.“Ifhe’dbeenin,he’dneverhavelethercallthrough.Soheranout,togetsomething,tohidesomething,togetadamndrink,buthehadtohavecomebackinatthatpointinthecallwhenshe
saidhisname.She’sruiningeverything.Hehastomakeherstop.Snaps,orisstillsnapped,grabsthevase,chargesin.”
Sheturnedagain,studiedthebodyagain,withguiltandregretclawingather.“Whatdidyouknow?Howdoyoufitin?”
“Dallas.”McNabcamein,passedheradisc.“Gotitcopied.Youcanseetheviccometothedoor.Youcan’t
seewholetherin.You’llseeforyourself,buttomyeyeshelookedupset,worried.Rushedin,talkingfast.”
“Noaudio?”“No,noaudio.”HereyesonCatiana,Eve
slippedthediscintoherpocket.
Ifyouknewsomething,anythingwhydidyoucomehere?Whydidn’tyoucometome?
Butitwastoolateforthat
question,shethought.
TheburlySUVprovedagoodchoicesince
McNabandPeabodyneededtopilein.EveignoredMcNabasheplayedwithcontrolsandoptionsinthebackwhilesheworkedonherPPC.
Catianahadparents—divorced,motherremarried,livinginBrooklyn.Fatheralsoremarried,livinginPhoenix,Arizona.Onesibling,asister,married,two
children,inNewRochelle.She’dneedtogoto
Brooklyn,dothenotification.Butthatmiserywouldcomeaftershe’dcheckedonQuigley.Sheneededto...Wasthatchocolateshesmelled?
Sheshiftedaroundinherseat,narrowedhereyesatPeabody.“What’sthatonyourupperlip,Detective?”
HastilyPeabodyswipedatit.“Ah,um.Alittle
whippedcream.It’shotchocolate.It’srealhotchocolate.Icouldn’thelpit.McNabdidit.”
Unabashed,McNabgrinnedather.“MiniAutoChefbackherehasafullbeveragemenu.Peabody’sbeenjonesingforhotchocolate.Wantsome?”
Yes,Evethought,butsaid:“No.”
“Icedsquaredaccessoriesbackhere,”hesaidtoRoarke.
“Thetotal.”“Wedowhatwecan,”
Roarkeresponded.“Yougotyour
entertainmentwithvid,straightscreen,tunes,books,fullDandCcapabilities,mapping—solo,duet,orfullvehiclemodes.Thenthere’s—”
“Heprobablyknowswhat’sloadedinthisthing,”Eveinterrupted.
“Addintheeatsand
drinks,wecouldmotortoUtah.”
“NexttimeweplantogotoUtah,I’llletyouknow.Meanwhile,we’realittlepreoccupiedherewithmurder.”
“Yeah,aboutthat.Gotthesecuritydiscfromthecrimesceneonhere.”Hisgreeneyesshiftedfromhersdowntothescreenwhilehetookacontentedglugofhisownhotchocolate.“Wemightbeable
toenhanceandanalyzetheshadowofwhoeveropenedthedoorforthevic.It’salongshot,butyougottatryit.Lipreadingprogram’srunningonthevic.We’vegotabetterchanceatthat,butherfaceanglesawayfromthecam,andsheputsherhandoverhermouthoncesoit’sgoingtobejumpy.”
Sometimes,Evethought,sheforgothewasn’tanidiot.“Good.Stayonit.Here’sthe
play,”shesaidtoPeabody.“WetalktoQuigley,ifpossible,getthedetails.Oddsareslimshe’dtrytoprotectCopleyatthispoint,butifshetries,wecouldrunthenine-one-onecallforher,pushit.DB,spouseinthehospital,nobreak-in,afleetoflawyersisn’tgoingtoloosenthenoose.”
SheglancedatMcNab.“IfwegetluckywiththeshadowID,allthebetter.
ConfirmCopleyopenedthedoortothevic,itthrowsouthisclaimofbeingupstairswhenthiswentdown.Inaddition,wetiehimintoZiegler—that’lltakemore,butwe’regoingtodoit.WithQuigley’sstatement,wecanlethimsweat.Thevictim’smotherlivesinBrooklyn.Wehavetogo,notifyher.”
“Man,twodays—less—beforeChristmas.It’salwayshard,butthisisjustharder.”
“Shehasahusbandandastepsonlivingathome,anotherdaughterinNewYork.That’llhelpsome.ThevicmayhavetalkedtoheraboutZiegler,aboutCopley.Wehavetogetwhateverwecan.We’llneedtotalktotheSchubertsagain,asap,andIwanttocheckinatthemorgue,giveanofficialCOD,getMorris’s—I’vealreadyrequestedhim—takeonher.”
“That’salongtimesweating,”PeabodysaidasRoarkeworkedthroughtheparkinggarageatthehospital.“Alongtimeforhimtocomeupwithastory,forthelawyerstoshineitup.”
“It’snotgoingtoshine,notwhenhiswifetellsusheattackedher.Notwhenshegivesusastatementfromherhospitalbed.Igetintheboxwithhim,he’sgoingtobreak.I’mgoingtobreakhim.”
Shewoulddamnwellbreakhim,Evethoughtastheypiledout,walkedtothehospital’smainentrance.
“Lipreadingdoesn’tgiveusmuch,Dallas.”McNabhelduphisPPC.“Ithashersaying:Needtotalk.Break.Comein.Break.Iremembered.Andthat’sit.Vicmovedintothehouse,outofrange.”
“Theshadow?”“Workingit,buthell,
Dallas,thereisn’tmuchthere.”
“Playitout,”shetoldhim.
Shecrossedthecolorfullobbywithitsbusyfoodcourt,passedagroupofkidsinschooluniformssingingcarolsinfrontofabigtree,andarrowedinonasecurityguard.
“NYPSD.”Sheheldupherbadge.“Here’swhatIneedyoutodo,andfast.I
needthefloor,theroom,andthedoctorinchargeofQuigley,Natasha,broughtinearlierthiseveningviaambulance,withsevereheadtrauma.”
“I’mnotsupposedtoaccesspatientinformationwithoutmysupervisor’sauthorization.”
“Rightnow,I’myoursupervisor.Quigley,Natasha.Now.IfshediesbeforeIgettoher,I’mcomingbackfor
you.”“Yes,ma’am.”Hescrambledoff.“Ihatethat‘ma’am’
thing,butokay.”“BetweenMcNaband
me,”Roarkecommented,“wecouldhavehackedthatdataforyouinaboutthesameamountoftime.”
“Would’vebeenfun,too,”McNabsaidwistfully.
“Nexttime.”Evemetthesecurityguardhalfway.
“She’sonsix.Imeanttosaythey’llbringhertosix.She’sstillinsurgery.Dr.Campo’sincharge.”
“Good.Thanks.”Shezippedstraightforthe
elevators.“Stillinsurgery,damnit.It’snotlikelywe’regoingtobeabletointerviewheranytimesoon,”shesaidasthegoton.“We’llpushonthenursingstafftogiveusamoredetailedupdate,gofromthere.”
Thesixth-floorelevatoropenedintoyetanotherlobby—smaller,butallsprucedupfortheholidays.Itheldawaitingarea,Vending,andascatteringofpeoplesittinganxiouslyinmiserable-lookingchairs.
ThewomanatthedeskbeamedabrightsmilethatdimmedwhenEvebadgedher.“IneeddataonQuigley,Natasha.ADr.Campo’soperatingonher.”
“ThePatientPrivacyAct—”
“Istrumped.”Eveslappedherbadgeonthecounter.“Quigleyisthevictimofanassault.IhaveasuspectincustodywhokilledanotherwomanandattemptedtokillQuigley.Ineedherstatus,andIneeditnow.”
“Ineedtocheckyouridentification,andtheidentificationsofthosewithyou.Onceverified,Icanpass
youthroughtothenursingstation.Theheadnurse,JanisVick,wouldbeabletogiveyoutheinformationavailabletoher.”
“Doit.”Whileshedid,Roarke
wanderedovertoVending.Heknewthepreferences,andofferedPeabodyandMcNabfizzies,handedEveaPepsi.
Beforeshecouldcrackitopen,thewomanatthedeskshiftedback.“You’re
verified.Straightthroughthedoubledoors.”
Theybuzzed,clicked,slowlyswungopen.
Moredecorations,brighterlights,andthesoundofrubbersolespaddingontile.Evesmelledhospital,ascentthatalwayshitthecenterofhergut.Sickness,antiseptics,heavycleaners—andametallicunderpinningshethoughtofasfear.
Shemovedtothewide
semicircleofcounterwheresomeofthestaff—allwearingavariationofabright-coloredtunicshesupposedwasmeanttobecheerful—workedon’linksorcomps.
“JanisVick.”Awomanonacompheld
upafinger.Shehadbrutallyshortstone-grayhairwithasnakingbluestreak.Rising,shecamearoundthecounter.
“LieutenantDallas?You
wantthestatusofNatashaQuigley.She’sstillinsurgery.”
“ThatmuchIknow.”“Icantellyoutherewere
somecomplications.HerBPdropped,andatonepointherheartstopped.Dr.Campofoundasecond,smallerbleed.TheywereabletostabilizethepatientwhileDr.Campoclosedthebleeds.Whilethepatienthasbeendowngradedtocritical,the
headsurgicalnursereportsthepatientis,asIsaid,stabilizedatthistime.”
“Howmuchlongerwillshebeinthere?”
“Ican’ttellyouthat,butfromwhatIcangather,thesurgeryshouldbedonewithinthehour.Fromthere,thepatientwillbemonitoredinRecovery.Itcouldbetwohours,orseveralhours,beforeshe’sabletotalktoyou.”
“Whatareherchances?You’renotheadnurseonthesurgicalfloorfornothing,”EvepushedwhenVickhesitated.“Youhaveagauge.”
“Icantellyou,thepatient’slucky.Dr.Campo,inmyopinion,isthebestneurosurgeonwehave.Withherperformingthesurgery,I’dgivethepatientstrongodds.Ifyougivemeyourcontactinformation,Icansee
you’renotifiedwhenshe’sinRecovery.”
Thebestshe’dget,Evedetermined.Theycouldn’twaithourstomoveontherest.
“YouwanttostartonCopley,”Peabodysaidastheyrodedowntothelobbyagain.“Icandothenotification.Icanhandleit,”sheaddedwhenEveglancedather.“YoucanbeworkingonCopleywhilewe—McNab
andme—headtoBrooklyn,takecareofthat.”
Evecrackedthesoftdrinktube,consideredit.“It’llsavetime.I’lltakethefirstpassathimwhileyounotifynextofkin.IfIdon’tcrackhim,firstpass,we’lltryforQuigleyagain,takehimontogether.Youneedtogetthemother,andhaveherpullinthesistersoyoucanworkher.Getthemtotellyouanything,Imeananything,thevicmight
havesaidaboutZiegler,aboutCopley,Quigley.Getasenseoftheconnections.Everythingplaysnow.”
“Iknow.”“Doyouwanttranspo?”“Benice,”Peabodysaid,
thensighed.“Butthesubway’sprobablyquicker.”
“Contactmeonceyouhaveitdone,”Eveordered,andpartedways.“Idon’tlikedumpingthenotificationonher.She’llcarryitlongerthan
Iwould.”“Idoubtthat,”Roarke
said.“Youcarrythemall.”Claimingotherwise
wouldbealie,sheadmitted,andwhybother.“I’llwastemytimesayingthisagain,butyoucouldgohome.”
“It’sneverlessthanentertaining,watchingyouinterrogateasuspect.”
“Whateverfloats.”Shepulledouther’linkashedrove,contactedMira.“Sorry
todisturbyouathome,”shebegan,“butyousaidyouwereinterestedinobservingwhenIhadCopleyinthebox.”
AftermakingarrangementswithMirashecontactedCentraltomakecertainCopleywaswhereshewantedhim.
“InterviewB,”shesaidwhenRoarkedroveintoCentral’sgarage.“Reo’sheadingin.Heusedhisone
contactforhislawyer.Didn’tuseittocheckonhiswife.Thelawyer’swithhim,makinglawyerlynoises.”
“Oneexpectsnoless.”Eveeyedtheelevator
withdistrust,butgoton.“ThelasttimeIwasonthis,DrunkSantaletlooseanuclearfartwhileshowingmehisgrimylittledick.”
“Youleadsuchacolorfullife.”
“I’mprettysurehepuked
rightafterIgotoff,becauseIheardtheyhadtoshutdownthiscarfortwohours.”Shesniffedcautiously.“Youcanstillsortofsmellthedetox.”
“Wecanhopethisrideproveslesseventful.”
Asitdid,shepeeledoffstraighttoheroffice.“I’mgoingtoputafiletogether—DB,thefirst-on-scene’srecordofQuigley,thesceneitself,thenine-one-one.”
“AndZiegler?”
“Secondfile.Imayholdthatback,depending.Hedoesn’tknowhiswife’sstatus,andIcanusethat.Hislawyercan’taccessit—PatientPrivacyAct—sotheydon’tknowIhaven’tinterviewedher.”
“You’lllie.”“Fortunately,Icanliemy
assoff.”Shecheckedthetime.“He’shadagoodlongsweat,thelawyer’stoldhimtokeepitzipped,buthe
won’t.”“He’s...excitable.”
Roarkelookedoverather.“You’llusethat.”
“Damnstraight.Hedoesn’tknowwhatthehell’sgoingonregardingQuigley.He’llhaveastorythough,andhe’llwanttotellit.”
“Andlawyerornot,you’llmakesurehedoes.”
“That’stheplan.”Shepickedupthefiles.“IfyougetboredinObservation,I’ll
findyou.Ifyouwanttogohome,justgo.”
Heputhishandsonhershoulders,kissedher.“I’llbehere.”
Armedwithherfiles,shewalkedtoInterviewB,andwentin.
“Dallas,LieutenantEve,enteringInterviewwithCopley,JohnJake,regardingcasefilesH-28901andH-28902.Mr.Copleyhasexercisedhisrighttolegal
representation.”“EdieMcAllisterwith
Silbert,Crosby,andMcAllister,representingMr.Copley.”
“Sonoted.”“AsMr.Copley’slegal
counselIdemandhisimmediaterelease.”Sheclippedthewordsout,allconfident,outragedlawyer.“He’sbeenheldherefornearlythreehours.He’sbeenpreventedfrom
accompanyinghisinjuredwifetothehospital.He’sbeenpreventedfromcontactingthehospitaltolearnhiswife’scondition.Thisextremehardshipis—”
“YouareawareevidencestronglyindicatesMr.Copleyisresponsibleforhiswife’sinjuries?”
“That’salie!”Copleybangedhisfistonthetable,rattlingthechainsthatsecuredhim.
“JJ.”Thelawyer,aswirly-hairedblondeinpotentred,laidahandonhis.“Youhavenotangibleevidence,and,infact,haveMr.Copley’sownaccountthathefoundhiswifeunconscious.Westronglybelieve,andevidencewillshow,thatCatianaDuboisassaultedMs.Quigley,waskilledduringthestruggle.”
“Ifyou’rethinkingofthatasyouropeningstatementat
thetrial,it’snotgoingtogetyoufar.CatianaDuboiscametoyourresidence—yourownsecuritydiscclearlyshowsthis,andshowsshewasupsetatthistime.Youletherin,youargued.You’vegotanimpressivetemper,Copley,whichIcantestifytopersonally.Youpushedher.Shefell,strikingherheadontheedgeofthemarblehearthinyourlivingarea.”
“Inevertouchedher.I
barelyknowher.Ineversawher.”
“Youdidn’tseethis?”EvetookthecrimescenephotoofCatianafromthefile,tosseditonthetable.“Inyourlivingarea?”
Heglanceddownatthefilephoto,quicklyawayagain.“ImeantIdidn’tseeherbefore.Ididn’tletherin.Iwasupstairs.Natashamusthaveletherin.”
“And,accordingtoyour
fairytale,Catianasubsequentlyattackedyourwife.Why?”
“HowthehelldoIknow?”
“Mr.Copleyisunawareofanyfrictionbetweenhiswifeandthedeceased.”McAllisterspokefirmly,workingtofocusEve’sattentiononherandawayfromherclient.“However,inhercapacityassocialsecretaryforMs.Quigley’s
sister,thedeceasedofteninsertedherselfinpersonalaffairs.”
“Howdidshedothat?”Ignoringthelawyer,EvespoketoCopleydirectly.“Ithoughtyoubarelyknewher?Whichisit,Copley?Youbarelyknewherorshestuckhernoseinyourbusiness?”
“Ididn’tpayanyattentiontoher.ShedealtwithTella’ssocialstuff,withwomen’sbusiness.”
“Define‘women’sbusiness.’”
“Parties,shopping,lunches.”Heshruggeditoff.“Gardenclubsandwhateverwomendo.”
EvesmiledtoothilyatMcAllister.“Isthatyourbusiness?Partiesandlunches?Isthathowyougotyournameontheletterhead?Goingtogardenclubs?”
“Obviously,myclientmeansthevictimhandledhis
sister-in-law’ssocialcalendar.”
“Ithinkwebothknowwhathemeant,andthathe’samisogynisticasshole,butwe’llletthatslidefornow.Wereyouawareofanytensionbetweenyourwifeandthedeceased?”
“No.Idon’tgetintothatsortofthing.ButsheattackedTash.It’sobvious.”
“Contrarily,it’simpossible.”Evetookout
anotherphoto.“Asyousee,therearetenfeet,fourinchesbetweenthedeceased’sbodyandMs.Quigley’s.JusthowdidCatianaDuBoismanagetobashyourwifeovertheheadwiththisleadcrystalvasewhileshewasdead,tenfeet,fourinchesaway?”
“Don’tbestupid,”Copleysnappedevenashislawyerorderedhimtostayquiet.“ThatbitchattackedTash,Tashfoughtback.Thebitch
fell,hitherhead.Clearself-defense.ThenTashtriedtogetout,gettome,andonlymadeitthatfar.”
“Let’shavesomefunwiththat.You’realreadyseeingit,”shesaidconversationallytoMcAllister.“Catianaattacksyourwife,smacksherupsidetheheadwiththisvase—thevasethat’shere,crackedandbloodyonthefloorrightbesideyourwife’s
unconsciousbody.Then,somehow,withafracturedskull,withabrainbleed,yourwifemanagestostrugglewiththedeceased,driveheracrosstheroom,wheresheconvenientlyfallsandkillsherselfonthehearth.Then,inthismiracleofphysicaldetermination,yourwifegetsbackacrosstheroom,neatlyhitsthemarkwhereshewasattacked,anddrops.”
“She’sastrongwoman.”
“Herneurosurgeonagreeswithyou.Shealsosaysyourcreativescenarioisimpossible.Ourreconstructionwillbackthatup.”
Eyesonhim,Eveleanedback,kepthervoice,herbodylanguagealmostcasual.
“YouarguedwithCatiana,youshovedher—likeyoushovedyourgolfbuddy,VanSedgwick,atyourcountryclub.”
“That’sridiculous.That’salie.Heslipped.Inever—”
“Onlyyoudon’thaveahandywatertrapinyourlivingarea,sothisshoveresultedinCatianaDubois’sfall,inherdeath.”
Eveangledforward,justalittle,hardenedhertone,justalittle.“Wheredidyougoafter?Didyoupanic,runoff,tryingtofigureouthowtocoveritup?Anaccident,ithadtolooklikeanaccident.”
Shebuilttheedge—harder,stronger—tappingherfingersfaster,faster,onthecrimescenephoto.
“Butwhenyoucamebackintheroom,Natashahadcomein,hadseen.She’sintheway,damnit!Youhadtogetheroutoftheway.Toshutherup,justshutherup,soyoupickedupthevase,chargedather.”
“Iwasupstairs!”Heshovedup,shookthetable.“I
heardTashscream,andIrandowntohelpher.She’smywife,youignorantcunt.”
“JJ,stop!Sitdown,andstop.Myclienthasnothingmoretosayatthistime.”
“Fine,let’shearwhatNatashaQuigleyhastosay.”
Evesettheminirecorderwithitscopyofthenine-one-onecallonthetable,orderedon.
She’sdead!Ithinkshe’sdead!OhmyGod,Cate.It’s...Wait,please.OhGod.ThisisNatashaQuigleyat18Vandam.Ineedtoreporta—JJ!Oh,JJ,somethingterriblehappened.JJ!Whatareyoudoing?JJ,stop,stop!Don’t!
Copleystaredatthe
recorder,mouthagape.“Youweretooenragedto
hearher.”Evetappedtherecorder.“Toocaughtuptothink.Itwasact.Actnow.”
“That’safake.It’safake!ShewasonthefloorwhenIranin.She...theremusthavebeensomeoneelsethere.Someoneelsemusthavebeenthere.Maybehelookedlikeme.Shewasupset.She...shewasn’ttalkingtome.Shewas...
callingformesoI’dcomehelpher.”
“Maybeyouneedtohearitagain.”Evereplayed,lettingitrununderCopley’sincreasinglyhystericalrants.
“You’redoingthis.It’syou,it’syou!Youhaveitinforme.Iknewittheminuteyoucameintothatmeeting.You’retryingtoframeme.Someoneelsewasthere.Iwasupstairs.”
“JJ,we’redone,”
McAllistersaid,allbutphysicallyholdinghimdowninthechair.“Notanotherword.Doyouhearme?”
“Maybeitwasmorethanrage,morethanpanic.Maybeyousawyourchance.Killher,killthemboth,makeitseemliketheyfought.ItclearsthepathforyouandFelicity.”
“Ididn’t...Howdoyouknow?...Itwasyou!You’rethereasonFelicitymoved
out,you’rethereasonshewon’tanswerher’link.Youbitch!Icouldkillyou!”
“Nohandybluntobject.”LikeCopley,Evesurgedtoherfeet.Sheleanedin,leanedhard.“Zieglerknew,blackmailedyou,andit’sneverenough.Itwouldneverstop.Youmadeitstop.Taughtthatungratefulbastardalesson.Catianaknew,wouldn’tlistentoreason.Youlostyourtemper,shoved
her.Thenit’sNatasha.It’stimetofinishit.Justfinishit.Soyoufracturedherskull.Youthoughtyou’dfinishedit,wouldhavefinishedit,butthecop’satthedoorsofast,toofast.”
Shekeptgoing,raisinghervoiceoverhisrants,hislawyer’sshouts.“Girlcopatyourdoor,stupidcunt,whatthehelldoessheknow?Butshegetsinyourway,shewon’tdowhatyoutellherto
do.Youhavetomakeyourbestpitch,it’showyoumakeyourliving.Butitwon’twork,Copley.It’sallrighthere.”
Sheslappedherhandonthefile.“It’sallrighthere.Ziegler.”Shedugoutthecrimescenephoto.“Catiana.”Slappedhersbesideit.“Natasha.”Addedthelast.“ButyouleftNatashabreathing.Andshe’sgoingtoburyyou.”
Hisfaceglowedred.Hiseyesliterallybulged.Evehalfexpectedhimtojustexplode,spewingflesh,brains,andfuryallovertheroom.
Instead,hecollapsed,wheezing,withsweatslickingthosebrightredcheeks.
“Getamedic!”McAllisterordered,andleapedtokneelbesidehim.
Eveglancedtowardthetwo-wayglass,turnedtothedoor,wrencheditopen.In
secondsMirarushedin.“I’madoctor.Lieutenant,
somewater?”“Shit.Mira,Dr.Charlotte,
enteringInterviewtotreatsuspect.Dallas,exitingInterviewfor—”
Shebrokeoff,tookthebottleofwaterRoarkeofferedfromthedoorway.
“Correction,DallasremaininginInterview.”
Shecrackedthewateropen,offeredittoMira.
“Slowyourbreathing,Mr.Copley.Lookatmenow,you’rehavingananxietyattack.Slowyourbreathing.Sipsomeofthis.”
“Can’tbreathe.”Hewheezed,staringoutwitheyesthesizeofmoons.“Can’t.”
“Slowly.Youneedtotakeslowbreaths.Lieutenant,sendforamedic.”
“Alreadydone,”RoarketoldEvewhenshereached
forhercomm.“We’regoingtogetyou
someoxygen,Mr.Copley.Thatwillhelp.We’regoingtohelpyou,andtakeyoutotheInfirmary.”
“Hisheart,”McAllisterbegan.
“We’llrunallnecessarytests,butthisisasevereanxietyattack.”
“Dying.Chest...”“You’renotdying,”Mira
saidcalmly.“Lookatme.Mr.
Copley,lookatme.I’mDr.Mira.Iwantyoutolookatme,hearmyvoice.”Shesignaledforthemedkitwhenthemedicranin.“GethisBP,”shemurmuredasshetookouttheoxygenmask,activatedit.“I’mgoingtoputthisoveryournoseandmouth.Lookatme,JJ.IwantyoutotakeslowbreathsonceIdo.Slowly.”
“Two-tenoverone-ten,Doc.Benzodiazepineinthe
kit.”“Let’swaitaminute.JJ,I
knowyourchesthurts,it’sdifficulttogetabreath.Itwillpass.Takethosebreaths,slow.That’sgood,verygood.You’regoingtofeelsomereliefinamoment.Breathein.Let’stransporthimdowntotheInfirmary.”
“Willdo.BPone-ninetyoverninety.It’slevelingdown.”
“Noonetalkstohim
outsideofmypresence.”“Getagrip,McAllister,”
Eveadvised.“Youbadgeredhimintoa
heartattack!Don’ttellmetogetagrip.”
“Ms.McAllister,isit?”Inthatsamecalmtone,Mirashutthelawyerdown.“Yourclienthasn’thadacardiacincidentbutananxietyattack,whichispassing.Wewill,ofcourse,examine,test,andtreathim.”
“Iwanthimtakentothehospitalimmediately,andexaminedbyhisownphysician.”
“Notgoingtohappen,”Evecountered,“unlessDr.Miradeemsitnecessary.Outhere,”sheorderedwhenMcAllisterstartedtoprotest.
Shesteppedout,movedseveralfeetawayfromtheroom.“Look,youandIbothknowtherecordwillshowheworkedhimselfupintoarage
thatturnedintoapanicattack.Frickingapoplectic.Medicalassistancewasspeedy,andmedicaltreatmentwillcontinue.Buthegetsitinmyhouse.”
“I’llgetacourtorderforhistransfertoanoutsidemedicalfacility.”
“Tryit,goahead.TherecordandMira’srepwillhold.I’mtakinghimdownfortwomurdersandanattempted.I’vegothimcold,
andhisownwife’saddingtheice.Hehadafuckingpanicattack.She’sbeenonthetablegettingherbrainputbacktogetherforthelastfewhours,sodon’ttrytotwistit.”
“Youwillnotspeaktohimagainwithoutmedicalclearance.”
Eveshrugged.“I’llwait.”Eveangledherhead.“Theothertwopartnersaremen,right?”
“Idon’tseehowthat’s
relevant.”“Andoutoftownforthe
holidays,unavailabletonightinanycase.Otherwise,hewouldn’thaveyouashislegalreponthis.Hedoesn’trespectyou.YouandIbothknowit.He’lluseyou,untiloneofthemaletypesgetshere,butyou’reaplaceholdertohim.”
“You’reinsulting.”“Me?”Evewatched
anothermedicalhustlea
gurneytowardInterviewB.“You’vegotastrangewayofdefininginsulting.”
Evewaiteduntilthey’dwheeledhimout,withMcAllisterstridingalongsidethegurneylikeaguarddog.
MirasteppedtoEve.“I’llgo,overseethetests,butI’mconfidenthesufferedapanicattack.HisBPisinthesaferangenow,andhe’sbreathingnormally.”
“Sorrytomessupyour
evening.”“Notatall.It’spartofthe
job,isn’tit?Youwon’tbeabletocontinuetheinterviewtonight.Icouldn’tapproveit,medically,andhislawyerwillcertainlydowhatshecantoblockitinanycase.”
“Figured.”“Itwasreal.Thepanic
attack.Andthat’ssomethingtoconsider.Hisreactiontotheextremestresswasbothphysicalandemotional.
Ziegler’skillerdidn’tpanic.”“Killingdoesn’tupset
himasmuchasbeingpinnedforitdoes.”Butitleftalittleholeshe’dneedtofillin.“Hewastrappedinthere,withme.Withtheevidence.Withthetruth.Hecouldn’thandleit.”
“It’scertainlypossible.I’llreviewhismedicalhistorytodetermineifhe’sexperiencedtheseattacksbeforeorbeentreatedforthem.”Miraletoutabreath
ofherown.“He’sanuglylittleman,isn’the?Still,I’lltreathimtothebestofmycapabilities,andunlessthetestsprovemewrong,he’llbeclearforyoutointerviewtomorrow.I’llsendyouareport.”
“Thanks.”EvestoodwhereshewasamomentasMirawalkedtowardtheglide.“Fuck.Iwantcoffee.”
“Icoulddowithsomemyself,”Roarketoldher,
wentwithhertoheroffice.“Ihadhim.Iwould’ve
hadhim.”Shefistedherhand.“Hewasn’tlisteningtothelawyer—thegirllawyer.Trippinghimselfupwiththisstory,thenanother.Somebodyelseintherewholookedlikehim?Imean,Jesus.”
Shedroppeddownatherdesk,drankcoffee,scowled.“Panicattack.Hiseyesactuallybulgedoutofhis
head.Morelikeatempertantrum,allrespecttoMira.Hewantedtogoatme.Ifhe’dhadaweapon,he’dhaveusedit.”Shepushedup,pacedthesmalloffice,whileRoarkesatwithhiscoffeeinhermiserablevisitor’schair.
“Hecouldn’tgetthatrelease,sohehadtheattack.Maybe,maybe.Hecouldn’treleasetherageinanyway,sohisbodywentwhack.Ishould’veaskedMiraabout
that,forthemedical/psychtermsforthat.”
“IcanonlyagreewithMira.He’sanuglylittleman.”
“Howdouglylittlemengetlaidthewayheapparentlydid?”Evewondered.“I’mgoingtocontactFelicity,whoapparentlyhadthegoodsensetobreakitoff.AndIwanttotalktotheSchuberts.AndcheckinwithMorris.”
“Nopointinreminding
meIcangohome.Ihaveanexcellentmemory.I’mwithyou,forthefunandfascination.”
“Yourchoice.I’mgoingtocallPeabodyoffthen.Noneedforhertocomein.We’llhitCopleytogethertomorrow.Maybehersoft-pedalwillkeephimfromgoingpurpleandfloppingonthefloorlikeafish.”
Shepulledouther’link.Itsignaledinherhand.
“Dallas.”“NurseVick,Lieutenant.
Dr.CampoauthorizedmetotellyouMs.Quigleyisoutofsurgery.Herconditionhasbeenupgradedtoserious,butstable.Thepatientrequiresrestandquietforthenextseveralhours.Ifyoucheckinthemorning,aftereight,Dr.Campowillbeavailable,andcanletyouknowifMs.Quigleyisuptospeakingwithyou.”
“Fairenough.Thanksforlettingmeknow.I’llbetheretomorrow.”
Eveclickedoff.“There’sgoodnews.IfIcangetherstatement,IcanwrapCopleyupinit.Well.”Shedrainedhercoffee.“Let’sgoruintheSchuberts’holidays.WhateverthatassholeCopleythinks,DuboiswasmoretothemthantheonewhohandledMartella’swomanbusiness.”
“You’ddobetter,aswouldI,withsomethingmorethanpopcorninthesystem.”
“Maybe.”Shefellintostepwithhim.“Wecouldgrabasliceafterthemorgue.”
Hetookherhand.“SeewhatImeantaboutfunandfascination?Howmanypeoplecouldsayjustthat?”
“Allthemanypeoplewhoarecops.”
Helaughedalittle.She
hadhimthere.
AgigglingMartellaopenedthedoorbefore
Evebuzzed.BothsheandLanceSchubertworecoatsandscarves,andbothhadsparklesintheireyes.
Everecognizedthesparkle.Whileobviouslyontheirwayoutthedoor,thecouplehadenjoyedalittlepredeparturesex.
“Oh,Lieutenant,youjustcaughtus.”Martellaslippedherhandintoherhusband’s.
“We’reridiculouslylate.”“I’msorry.Weneedto
speakwithyou.”“Canitwaituntil
tomorrow?”Schubertasked.“Weshouldhaveleftnearlyanhourago.”
Martelladidn’tquitemanagetostifleafreshgiggleasshesentherhusbandanothersparklinglook.“Sorude.”
“I’mafraiditcan’twait.Itwouldbebestifwegoinside,
sitdown.”“Oh,well.Anotherfew
minutescan’tmatterthatmuch.”Asshesteppedbacktoletthemin,Martella’sgazeshiftedfromEvetoRoarke.“It’sRoarke,isn’tit?It’snicetomeetyou.MartellaSchubert.”Sheofferedahand.“Myhusband,Lance.”
“Isupposethisissomesortofofficialbusiness.Wecan’tofferyouadrink?”Lanceledthewayintothe
livingarea,whereheturnedupthelights.
“No,butthankyou.”RoarkewaitedasEvedid
whileMartellaslippedoutofasilveryfurcoat,tosseditaside.Beneathsheworeahotbluecocktaildresswithice-whitediamonds.Schubertdidn’tbothertoremovehiscoat,butsatwithhiswife.
“IfthisisaboutZiegler,”hebegan,“Idon’tknowwhatelsewecantellyou.Iwon’t
sayI’msorryhe’sdead.”“Lance!”“There’snopointin
pretense,Tella.AsfarasI’mconcerned,hegotwhathedeserved.You’vegotajobtodo,”hesaidtoEve.“Butwehaveourlivestolive.”
“We’renothereaboutTreyZiegler,notdirectly.Ihavedifficultnews.”Themostdifficult,andbestdonequickly.“IregrettoinformyouthatCatianaDuboiswas
killedearlierthisevening.I’mverysorryforyourloss.”
“What?No.”Martellagrabbedherhusband’shand.“That’saterriblethingtosay.Cate’sonadate,withSteven.”
“Shewaskilled,andyoursisterinjuredtonightattheVandamresidence.JohnJakeCopleyisincustody,chargedwithhermurderandtheattackonyoursister.”
“Tashishurt?No,no.”
Colorhigh,breathquick,Martellapushedtoherfeet.“You’vegotsomethinghorriblymixedup.IspokewithTashthisafternoon.”
“Tella.”Schubertrose,putanarmaroundher,buthiseyesstayedonEve’s.“Whathappened?”
“Butshe’swrong.”“Tella,”Schubertsaid
again,gently,ashedrewhiswifebackdowntothesofa.“Whathappened?Please.”
“Ms.DuboiswenttotheQuigley-Copleyresidence.WebelievesubsequentlyaconfrontationbetweenherandCopleyensued.Duringwhichshefell,struckherheadonthemarblehearth,andwaskilled.”
“No.No.No.”“CouldIgetyousome
water,Mrs.Schubert?”Schubertlookedat
Roarke.“We’vegiventhestafftheeveningoff.Ifyou
wouldn’tmind—thekitchen...”
“I’llfindit.Iamsorry,”hesaidtoMartella.
“JJwouldn’thurtCate,”Martellainsisted,buttearsstreameddownherface.“Whywouldhedothat?AndTash—she’shurt?Whereisshe?Ineedtogotoher.”
“Shewastakentothehospital,isundermedicalcare.I’llgiveyouthedetails,but,atthemoment,she’s
sedated.”“Please,Ihavetogoto
her.Sheneedsme.”“Whenwe’redonehere,
I’llarrangeyourtransportation.I’vespokentothemedicalspersonally.She’sstable.”
“JJwouldn’thurther.He’dnever—Lance,tellher.”
“Idon’tunderstandit.IplayedgolfwithJJtoday.Wegotbackaroundsix.Hehad
anexceptionalround,wasn’tupset,wasn’tangry.Whydoyouthinkhedidthis?Itdoesn’tmakesense.”
“Ms.Quigleycallednine-one-one.Ontherecordshecanbeheardshoutingyourbrother-in-law’sname,pleadingwithhimtostop,beforethe’linkwasdroppedanddamaged.Anofficerarrivedonscenewithinminutes.Copleywasaloneinthehouse.”
“Someonebrokein—”“There’snosignofbreak-
in,”EveinterruptedSchubertasRoarkecamebackwithatall,clearglassofwater.“ThesecuritycamshowsMs.Dubois’sarrival.Thetimestampofherentranceintotheresidenceisapproximatelytenminutesbeforehertimeofdeath.”
“Shecan’tbedead.Oh,Lance,notCate.NotourCate.”
“Itstilldoesn’tmakesense.JJandCaterarelyinteracted.Whywouldanyonethinkhe...”Schubertstiffened.“Ziegler.ItallgoesbacktoZiegler.”
“Iknowthisishard,buttherearequestionsIhavetoask.”
“Isitmyfault?IsthismyfaultbecauseIlethimcomehere?Ihadsexwithhim.”
“Youdidn’thavesexwithhim,Mrs.Schubert,”Eve
corrected.“Zieglerdruggedyouandherapedyou.That’snotsex.AndthepersonwhokilledCatianaandattackedyoursisterisatfault.Nooneelse.DidyouknowCatianaintendedtogotoyoursister’shomethisevening?”
“No.No.Ithoughtshewasgoinghometogetreadyforherdate.Idon’tknowwhyshewentthere.”
“YousaidsheandCopleyrarelyinteracted.Wasthere
friction?”“Notfriction.”Schubert
rosetoshrugoutofhiscoat,laiditoverhiswife’s.“JJcanbeadickwithwomen,especiallythoseheviewsassubordinates,butthatsortofthingrollsoffofCatiana’sback.Iapologizedtohermorethanonce,butshe’djustlaughitoff.”
“Apologizedforwhat?”“Oh,he’dtellhertoget
himadrink,asifshewere
waitstaff.Itwasn’tsomuchwhathesaid,butthetone.Mastertoservant.I’vespokentohimaboutitanumberoftimes,andhefeignsignorance.SinceCatecouldlaughitoff,Iletitgoratherthanstirupfamilyconflict.”
“Shedidn’tlikehim.Sheneveractuallysaidso,”Martellasaidthickly.“Sheneverwould,butshedidn’t.She’sfamily,too,Lance.”
“Iknow,Tella.Iknow.”“Youdon’tlikehim,
either,”Eveobserved.“Eitherofyou.”
“He’sfamily,”Schubertsaidsimplyashiswifeweptquietlyonhisshoulder.“Youdon’tgettochoose.TellaandTashareclose.He’sTash’shusband.Imightconsiderhimabitofadick,asIsaid,butIcan’tconceiveofhimdoinganyofthis.YouthinkhekilledZiegler,too.”
Ratherthananswer,Evechangedtacks.“YouandCatianamusthavetalkedaboutZiegler.Whathe’ddone,hismurder.Andnowthatit’scomeoutyoursisterandhehadanintimatearrangement,youmusthavetalkedaboutthat.”
“Weweresurprised,allofus,”Schubertconfirmed.“Butthen...he’shertype.”
“Oh,Lance.”“I’msorry,sweetheart,
butgood-lookingusersseemtobeTash’stype.”
“Didthethreeofyoutalkaboutthatsituationtoday?”
“Actually,Ididn’treallytalktoCatetoday,justinpassingasshewasgettingreadytogoasIgotbackfromFlorida.”
“Wedid.CateandIdid.”Strugglingwithtears,Martellaburrowedclosertoherhusband.“IwasalittleangrythatTashhadn’ttold
me,evenwhensheknewhowhorribleIfeltwhenIthoughtI’dcheatedonLance.ItoldCate,andshecalmedmedown.Shedoesthat.Shedid...OhGod.”
“I’mgoingtogetyousomebrandy.”Schubertkissedhertemplebeforeherose.
“YouandCatianatalkedaboutthesituation,”Eveprompted.
“Wedid.Itwasallso...
sosordid,really.Whathappenedtome.CateandLance,they’vebothbeensosupportive.AndTash,too.SoIwasupsetwhenTashfinallytoldmeshe’dhadanaffairwithTrey,andthatJJwashavingonewithsomestripper.Icanunderstand,really,Ican,howTashwouldturntoTrey.Akindofrevenge,Iguess.”
“SoCatianaknewthedetails.”
“Itoldher.Shewaslikemysister,too.She’sfamily.Herpoormom.Oh,Lance,hermother.”
“We’llbethereforher.”HehandedMartellaasnifter,swirledhisown.“CatianawouldneverinsertherselfinTash’smaritalbusiness.Never.”
“WassheinvitedtothepartyattheQuigley-CopleyresidencethenightZieglerwaskilled?”
“Yes.Well,more,really.Tashaskedhertohelpoutwiththeprep.Cate’sawhizwithpartypreparations.Soshewasoverthereagoodpartoftheday.Family,”sherepeated.“TashandCateweregoodfriends,wereclose.ShemusthavegonetheretonighttotalktoTashaboutsomething.Idon’tknow.Ican’timaginetherest.Ijustcan’t.Itdoesn’tseemreal.”
“Youknewaboutyoursister-in-law’srelationshipwithZiegler,”shesaidtoSchubert.
“Ijustfoundout.”“AndCopley?Toyour
knowledgewhendidhelearnaboutit?”
“Idon’tknow.Idon’tknowifheknewornot.Hecertainlydidn’ttellme,orshowanysignsofit.Butthen,Ididn’tknowhewashavinganaffairhimself.It’s
notthewaywelive,TellaandI.Wedon’tlivethatway.”
“Mysister.Please,Ineedtoseemysister.”
“Givemeaminute.”Rising,Evepulledouthercomm,steppedoutoftheroom.
“Doyou...doyouknowwhereCatianais?”MartellaaskedRoarke.“Canweseeher?Canwedosomething?Anything?”
“Iknowthepersonwho’s
lookingoutforhernow.He’skind.LieutenantDallasislookingoutforhernowaswell.It’saterriblethingthat’shappened.Whenterriblethingshappentothosewelove,wecouldn’taskforanyonemorecapableanddeterminedthanLieutenantDallas.”
“HowcouldhedothistoCate,toTash?Ididn’tevenask.I’msoturnedaround,turnedinsideout.Whatdid
hedotoTash?Didhehither?”
“Hashehitherbefore?”Roarkeasked.
“No!Ofcoursenot.I...”Amixtureofhorrorandgriefflashedintohereyes.“Idon’tknowanymore.AnhouragoI’dhavesaidabsolutelynot.I’dneverhavebelieveditofhim,eventhoughhehadatemper.AndI’dhaveswornshe’dhavetoldmeifheeverhad.NowIdon’tknow.I
don’tknowanything.Idon’tknowwhathappenedtomyfamily.”
Evecamebackin.“I’vearrangedforofficerstotakeyoutothehospital,escortyoutoyoursister’sroom.It’sthequickestway.”
“Thankyou.I...Iwanttochange.Idon’twanttogotoTashdressedforaparty.Itfeelswrong.IwanttogoseeCate’smotherassoonasIcan.AmIallowedtodo
that?”“Ofcourse.”“AndSteven.Steven
Dorchester,themanshe’sbeenseeing.Doesheknowwhathappened?”
“Icanhavethattakencareof.”
“Theywereinlove,justthelovelybeginningofit.Shewashappy.Andshewassoworkedupabouttheirdatetonight.”
“How?Workeduphow?”
“Oh,justinahurrytogethome,getready.Shejustseemedworkedupaboutitallofasudden.Distracted.Excuseme,please.Ineedtochange.IneedtogettoTash.”
Whenshehurriedout,EveturnedtoSchubert.“Didyounoticethisdistraction?”
“Idid,nowthatyoumentionit.IwishI’dpaidmoreattention.Isupposethat’salwaystheway.You
alwaysthink,Oh,we’lltalkaboutthattomorrow.Andthen...Idon’twantTellatobealone.”
“We’llletourselvesout,”Roarketoldhim.
“Gottagetthisdown,”Evesaidwhentheywentbackoutside.“Needtoworkitaround,sortitout.Sordid.It’sagoodword.Alsoconvoluted.”
“Doyoustillwanttogobythemorgue?”
“Yeah,Ineedtodothat.AndIneedtogetthisdown.”
“Dothat.I’mdriving.”Helefthertohernotes,
hermuttering,hershortperiodsofsilence,eyesclosed,thenmorenotesandmuttering.
“WhenIwasakid,”shesaidabruptly,“inthewholefoster/stateschoolcycle,IsometimeswishedIhadasibling.Didyouever?”
“Ihadmymates.That
wasfamilyforme.”“Mates.Youthinkofthat
wordfirstaslovers,thattwo-personconnection.Butit’sagoodwordforfriendswhenyoumeanit.MysenseisTellaandCatianaweremates.Sheloveshersister,feelsclosetoher,butforthedeepanddown,she’dturntothemate.She’dhavetoldCatianaaboutwhathappenedwithZieglerbeforeshetoldhersister.Andhere’swhatelse.
NeitherofthemmuchlikeCopley.They’dgolfwithhim,hangout,gotoparties,havefamilydeals,butneitherofthemwouldhaveconsideredconfidinginhim.Theywouldn’thavetrustedhimtokeepaconfidence.AnditirkedthemhetreatedCatianalikeaservant—buttheysuckeditup,mostlyforthesister’ssake.
“Andstill,”shesaidwhentheyarrivedatthemorgue.
“Bothofthemclaim,withapparentsincerity,theycan’tconceiveofCopleyhurtinganyone.”
“Ithink,speakingofgeneralpopulationandnotcops,orme,mostcan’tconceiveofsomeonetheyknowwell,arefamilywith,killinganyone.”
“Alotofthegeneralpopulationarewrong.”
Evestrodebrisklythroughthetunnel,and
throughthedoubledoorsofMorris’sroom.
Heworeaclearprotectivecapeoverasteelbluesuitwithsteel-graychalkstripes,abraidedtiethattwinedthetwotones.Hisdarkhairslickedintothreeslim,stackedtails.Hesatatacounterworkingatacompwhilesomesortofhymnsoaredthroughhismusicsystemlikeangelwings.
“Sorrytopullyouin.”
“Don’tbe.Thenightsarelong;workshortensthem.Andhernights?”Herose,walkedtowhereCatianalayonaslab.“Areover.FillinginforPeabody?”heaskedRoarkewithafaintsmile.
“Iam.”“Ispokewithourfavorite
detectiveshortlyago.Catiana’sfamilyiscominginsoon.Theydon’twanttowaittoseeheruntiltomorrow.I’veenoughtimetosoftenthe
worst.”Heindicatedtheheadgash.“Shehasnootherinjuriestospeakof.Thefallbrokehernose,andasyoucansee,there’ssomeminorlacerations,contusionsonherknees,forearms.Theywouldhavebeenincurredinthefall.”
“Shewentdownhard.”“Thedepthofthewound
wouldindicateconsiderableforce.Thesecondarywoundsonherlimbs?Shedidn’thave
timetobraceforthefall,totrytocatchherself.Shefellface-first,strikingasolidedge.”
“Marblehearth.”“Yes.”“Trippedorshoved?”“Hmm.Itcanbeboth.A
slip’sunlikely,asunlessshe’dbeenimpairedinsomeway—andIfoundnoillegalsoralcoholintheblood—sheshouldhaveattemptedtocatchherself.Herpalms
wouldshowsomeimpact.Againthedepthandwidthofthegashindicateforce.I’dspeculateshewasshovedfrombehind,lostherfooting—”
“Shewaswearingthosehigh,skinnyheels.”
“Hardertoregainbalanceasheels,byconstruction,leanthebodyforward.Shewentdownhardandfast,andhadtheverybadlucktohaveamarbleledgeinthewayof
thefall.Youwon’tgetMurderOneonher.IfoundnosignofoffensiveordefensivewoundsotherthanwhatI’vetoldyou.”
“No,Iknowit.MurderTwo’senough.Still.Areyousureaboutherbeingshovedfrombehind?”
“Highestprobabilitygiventheangleofthewound,thelackofotherinjuriestothebody.”
“Sheturnedherbackon
him.Maybewalkingaway,exceptthefireplaceisontheothersideoftheroomfromthedoorwaytothefoyer.Butsheturnedherback.”
“Pacing.”EveglancedatRoarke.
“What?”“Pacing.Youdothat
whenyou’rethinkingorupset.Strideaway,backandaway.”
“Huh.Yeah.Shewasupset,hadgonetherewithout
tellingherboss—andfriend.Distracted.Gotadatewiththeguyshe’sinlovewith,butupsetanddistractedenoughtostopofftherefirst.Talking,pacing,andtellinghim—speculatively—somethingshe’sfiguredoutorknowsthatcouldimplicatehimwithZiegler.That’swhatplaysforme.And,likewithZiegler,hegoeswiththeragingimpulseofthemoment.Inthiscase,hepushesher.Shefallshard
andfast,andshe’sdead.Bloodcomingfast,too.Headwound,youalwaysgetplentyofblood.”
Evepacednow,andtheactofitmadeRoarkesmile.“Helefttheroom,hadtoleavetheroomorthewifewouldneverhavegottensofaronthenine-one-onecall.Doeshehearher?Maybeshescreamed.Peopledowhentheywalkinonbloodandabody.Soherushesbackin,
seesher.Andthatrageisstillpumping,sohegoesafterher.It’swhatplays.”
“Andfairlytidily,”Morriscommented.
“Yeah,it’sthefairlyIhavetoeliminate.”
“It’sgoingtobedifficultforherfamily—theholidays.Difficultenough,”Morriscontinued,“togetthroughholidaysafteraloss,butwhenthelossissocloselyconnectedtothem,harder
still.”Hesitating,Eveslipped
herhandsintoherpockets.“Iftheyhaveanyquestions,youcantellthemtocontactme.”
“Iwill,butIshouldbeabletoanswermost.”
“Okay,well.Listen,ifyoudon’thaveanyplansforChristmas,youcouldhangwithus.”
Morrislookedather.Hiseyesdarkenedamoment—a
warofemotions.Thenhecrossedtoher.“Youwon’tmind,”hesaidtoRoarke,andlayinghishandsonEve’sshoulders,kissedhercheeks,onethentheother.“Youdon’tneedtoworryaboutme.”
“It’snotthat.It’sjust...we’reprettyloosethatday.Depending.Right?”shesaid,appealingtoRoarke.
“Weare.Andno,”hesaidtoMorris.“Idon’tmindat
all.”“I’mspendingtheday
withmyparents,andsomeotherfamily.Iplantoleavetomorrow,earlyafternoon,ifpossible.”
“Good.That’sgood.”Eveleftherhandsinherpockets,notsurewhatelsetodowiththem.“Haveagoodone,Morris.”
“Andyou.Bothofyou.”HelookedbackatCatiana.“Andwe’llalldoourbestby
her.”Sheworkedonthedrive
home.She’dforgottenaboutdinner,Roarkethought,buthe’dseeshegotfood—evenifitwasthatsliceofpizza—oncetheywerehome.
Hefoundhewantedhome—symbolandsanctuary.Somuchlossinonenight,somuchrageandgrief.Andall,fromwhathecouldsee,generatedfromoneman.TreyZiegler’sgreedhad
spreadripplesofbetrayal,fear,blood,andmurder.
Losttrust,lostlove,lostjoy,lostlife.
Sohewantedhome,eventhoughthoselosseswouldfollowthem.
“Mirareportssevereanxietyattackasbelieved.Nootherissues,andnoreasonCopleycan’tbeinterviewedtomorrow.”Shefrownedastheywoundupthedrive.“Thelawyerwilltrytoblock.
ImayneedtopullReoin,blocktheblock.Iwanttofinishthatfuckeroff.CheckonQuigley,becauseIwanttotalktoherfirstthinginthemorning,tosswhatevershetellsmeatCopley.”
Shegotoutofthecar,lookedupattheskyforamoment.Nostars,shenoted,nomoon.Acoldrainwascoming.
“Iftheyhadn’thadsex,they’dhavebeengonewhen
wegotthere,hadanotherfewhourswithoutknowingthey’dlostsomeonetheyloved.TheSchuberts.”
“I’maware.Thegriefwouldstillcome,Eve,inevitably.Andthefactthey’dbeentogethershowsthey’renotlettingwhathappenedwithZieglerdividethem,martheirrelationship.They’llgetthroughthiseasierbecausethey’retogether.”
“She’sdisappointedinher
sister,”Eveaddedastheywentinside,startedup.“Shewon’tletitgetintheway,ornotforlong,butshe’sdisappointednotjustbecauseQuigleydidn’ttellhershe’dpaidZieglerforsex,butbecauseQuigleycheatedonCopley.Shedoesn’thavemuchrespectforCopleyunderitall,butmysenseisshehasalotformarriage—forthepromisesmade.”
“AndQuigleydoesn’t.”
“Thesecondtime—weknowof—she’scheated.Shedoesn’tdeservetogetherheadbashedinoverit,butshedoesn’tearnalotofrespect,either.”
Inheroffice,stillwearinghercoat,shewalkedaroundherboard.“Ifshe’dbeenstraightwithmefromthestart,maybethingswouldn’tbeasbadastheyare.MaybeIwouldn’tbemovingCatiana’sphototovictim
status,andshewouldn’tbeinthehospital.Martellamightcometothinkthat,andifshedoes,it’sgoingtocracktheirrelationship,too.
“Fuckingsexandmoney,”shemuttered.
“Bothofwhichcanbeenormousplusesaswellasmotivesformurder.Weneedtoeat.”
“What?Oh,weweregoingtostopforaslice.Weforgot.”
“Youmayhave,butIthoughtwe’dhaveithere,athome.”
“Evenbetter.”She’dhauledhimalloverthecity,shethought,lookingatdeath.“I’llgetit.”
“DealwithReo,setupyourblockwithourfavoriteAPA.I’lltakecareofit.”
“Roarke?Awholeshitloadofthingsarebetterbecausewe’retogether.”
“Truerwords,”hesaid,
andwentintothekitchen.Sheate.Shecontacted
Reo,talkedtoPeabody,checkedonQuigley’sstatus—stable,stillout,sisterandbrother-in-lawbyherside—checkedonCopley.Sedated,inacage.
Afteranotherreviewofhernotes,shestreamlinedareport.Shestudiedherboard,ranprobabilities.Andtoeliminateanypossibilities,tookagoodlookatCatiana
Dubois’sfinancials.Prettygeneroussalary,to
hermind,butprobablynotoutofline,consideringwhosheworkedfor,andtheirrelationship.Livedwithinhermeans,savedupforrainydays.
Whydidrainydaysrequiremoremoneythandryones?shewondered.Really,howmuchdidanumbrellacost?
Whenhermind
wandered,shepulleditinagain,rubbedthebackofherachingneck.
ShehadCopley.Shehadhimcold,butitalljustnaggedather.
ZieglertoQuigley—sexformoney.ToCopley—moneyforsilence.ThentoMartella.WasthatZiegler’sshotatCopley,orjustanotherconquest?Whydothesisterofapayingclient?Hadhejustbeenthatarrogant?
Notimpossible.He’dhitonCatiana,too
—aclosefamilyconnection.Sheshuthereyes,triedto
workthroughit.Thenextthingsheknew,
Roarkewascarryingheroutoftheoffice.
“I’mawake,I’mawake.”“Youweren’t.Giveita
rest.”“Iwasworkingstuffout.
Hehitonallthewomen—theQuigley-connectionwomen.
WasittogiveCopleyajab?Sureyoutakemegolfingattheclub,butyoumakesureIknowI’mthehelp.Guesswhat,fucker?I’mdoingyourwife.Ididyoursister-in-law.I’ddoyoursister-in-law’sbestpal,butshe’salesbian.Exceptnot.Catiana’sconnectedtoboth.Icheckedherfinancials,butmaybe—”
“Nootheraccounts,nosecretmoneyhiddenaway.Ilooked.”
“Youdid?”“Idid.”Hesetheronthe
bed.“Anticipatingyou.”“Oh.”Shewatchedhim,
withsleepyaffection,ashetookoffherboots.“Itdidn’tfeelrightanyway,butyou’vegottothinkaboutit.”
“Suspiciousmindsdo,whichequalyoursandmine.Now,we’rebothgoingtoturnoffthosesuspiciousmindssowecanputthemtoworkforustomorrow.”
Shepeeledoffherclothes,didn’tbotherwithanightshirt.Thattooktoomuchenergy.
“Doyouneedasuspiciousonetomorrow?”
“Ineedoneeveryday—yoursandmine,”herepeatedandslidinbesideher.
“It’saftermidnight.”“Wellafter.”“Soit’sChristmasEve.”“Itisindeed.”“I’mgoingtowrapthis
upbytomorrowafternoon,thenwe’llhaveours,right?”
“We’llhaveours.”Whenshestrokedhischeekhedrewherinand,knowinghowtolullher,rubbedherbacklightlyuntilshedroppedaway.
They’dhavetheirs,hethought,butforamomenthesawCatianalyinginherownblood.Others,nomatterthejustice,wouldgrieve.
Hepressedhislipsto
Eve’shair,drewinherscent,andletitlullhimtosleepaswell.
Inthemorning,Evegotoutearlyandstillthe
trafficwasvicious.Thecoldraincame,aspredicted,andbroughtabonusroundoficysleetthatsizzledlikefryingmeatwhenithitthepavementandslickedtheroads.
Shewatchedaguy—sheassumedmalethoughhewaswrappeduplikeanArcticexplorerinahoodedparka—makeadashforaglide-cart,slipandlandsolidlyonhis
back,wherehewobbledlikeanupturnedturtle.
Whilethecartvendor—probablysensingasale—clompedovertohelphimup,askinnyguywearingagrimycapwithgrimierearflapsreachedintothecartandhelpedhimselftosomebagsofchipsandasoftpretzelheshovedintothepocketsofhisevengrimiertrenchcoat.
Spottingthethief,thevendorgavechase,dropping
theArcticguysoheonceagainwobbledandflopped.
Theshortvignetteonstreetlifeentertainedherduringtheredlight.
Shewatchedpeopleslipandslide,carsfishtailastheytookaturntoofast,listenedtotheharshmusicofhornsblastingwhenothervehiclesdidn’tmovefastenoughtosuit.Overhead,overall,anadblimpblastedfranticallythroughthedullgraysky,
announcingTHELASTCHANCE!THEFINALHOURS!sothatChristmasEveinNewYorktookontheauraoftheapocalypse.
SincetheweatherseriouslysuckedandPeabody’sapartmentwasnearlyonthewaytothehospital,Evearrangedtopickupherpartner.Fiveminutesout,shesentPeabodyatext.
Pullingupinfive.Iwait,youwalk.
Whenshedidpullup,sheglancedupatheroldapartmentwindows—currentlyMavisandfamily’swindows—andfoundthemoutlinedwithfestivegreenandredlights.Theyshinedhappilyagainstthecold,grayrain.
Sheimaginedthemup
there,maybedealingwithbreakfast,thekidjabbering,Mavislaughing,Leonardobeamingat“hisgirls.”
They’dcarvedoutagoodlife,shemused.Acolorfulone,byanyone’sstandards,butagood,solidlife.Who’dhavethought,onlyafewChristmasesago,eitherofthemwouldhavearealhome,andallthatwentwithit?
Evenasshethoughtit,shespottedLeonardoatone
ofthelightedwindows—hardtomisswithhisbigframedrapedinarobeswirledwithpsychoticrainbowribbons.OnhishipBella,allsunshinecurls,bounced—and,yes,jabbered.Mavisslippedintoview,andunderLeonardo’sfreearm.
Nice,Evethought,anicelittlesceneofhomelifeinwhathadoncebeenlittlemorethanaplacetoworkandsleep.
ThenshewatchedanothersceneasPeabodycameout.
Struttedout,Evethought.OhJesus,whathadtheydone?
Pinkcoat,pinkboots,amulticoloredcap—heavyonthepink—withafuzzypinkballontop.
Peabodygotinthecarwithawhooshofcoldairandrain.
“Itcouldsnow!They’resayingnoway,butIthink
maybe.Wouldn’titbesweetifitsnowed?Eventhoughwe’reheadingouttonight,itwouldbesweet.”
“You’renotallowedtostrut.”
“Huh?”“Youcanwalk,”Eve
continuedasshepulledawayfromthecurb.“Youcanstrideorclomp.Youcanruninpursuit.Youcanhobbleifwounded.Incertaincircumstancesyoucanstroll.
Butyouarenotallowedtostrut.Copsdon’tstrut.”
“Iwasstrutting?”“Youlooklikesomesort
ofpinkcandywithafuzzyballontop.Struttingpinkcandy.Thestruttingceasesimmediately.”
“Pinkcandy.”InsteadoftheinsultEveintended,Peabodyappearedpleased.“Ilovemycoat.Love,lovemypinkmagiccoat.Itmakesmefeelpretty.Sexyandstrong
andstyling.ThereforeIstrut.”
“Well,stopitor...Crap,isthatDrunkSantacurrentlymooningpassingtraffic?”
“Wow,that’ssomeuglyasshe’sgotthere.ItisDrunkSanta.Oh,please,dowehavetostop?Thinkofthesmell.Fearit.”
“Wecan’tleavethatuglyasshangingoutonNinthAvenue.”Resigned,Evestartedtopullover,then
spottedtwohustlingbeatcops.Pityingthem,shekeptgoing.
“It’saChristmasmiracle,”Peabodysaid,reverently.
“Whydopeopledothat?Why?Whydressuplikeanicon—whichIdon’tgetanyway.He’safatguywithabigwhitebeardinastrangeredsuitwhowantskidssittingonhislap.Kidsshouldbeafraid,butinsteadwe
makehimanicon.Thenassholesdressuplikehimandwavetheiruglyassesattraffic.Whatdotheygetoutofit?”
“Onamorninglikethis?Acold,wetassandafewhoursinthedrunktank.”
“True,butsomehowthat’snotenough.Maybeiftheyplayedthosepoppy,jinglingChristmassongsonanendlessloopinthetankitwouldbeenough.Maybe.”
“ThathastobeagainsttheGenevaConvention.”
“Andstill.”Afterparkinginthe
hospital’sundergroundlot,theyrodetheelevatoruptosix.Evewonderedhowmanysickgermsfloatedaroundlikeinvisiblegnats,justlookingforsomeonetolandon.
Thewomaninthesixth-floorlobbyglancedatEve,noddedinrecognition,
buzzedherthrough.Inside,Evesnaggedthefirstnurseshefound.
“NYPSD.LieutenantDallas,DetectivePeabody.WeneedtotalktoNatashaQuigley.”
“She’sDr.Campo’s.Letmepageher,then—”
Therewasadramaticcrashfromanearbyroom,followedbywailing.
“Idon’twantthatslop!Iwanttogohome.”
“Thefunneverends,”thenursesaidwearily.“Henry,it’sMs.Gibbonsagain.Andyougottheshortstraw.”Thenursetookahandheldoutofhertunicpocket,keyedinthepage.
“CanyougiveusQuigley’sstatus?”
“Icantellyoushehadaquietnight,andwastakendownfortestsearlythismorning.It’sbetterifyouspeaktoDr.Campo—and
theresheis.Dr.Campo,thecopsarehereaboutSuite600.”
Eveshookhandswithashortwomanwearingawhitetunicoverblackpants.Herhairsprangoutinshort,darkcurlsaroundathin,long-jawedface.HersharpgreeneyesassessedEve,thenPeabody.
“IknewtheIcoves,”shesaidinabrisk,no-nonsensetone.“Bothofthem.”
“Me,too.Briefly.”“Didn’tlikethem,never
did.Likethemlessnow.Thatsaid,ourMs.Quigleyisverylucky.Withoutquickmedicalinterventionshe’dbefacingamuchharderroad—ifshe’dlived.Idon’tsupposeyouwantallthemedicaljargonanymorethanIwantabunchofcoptalk.Comestoatrial,Icangiveallofthat.Now,I’lltellyoushe’slucky.Nobraindamage,andnoreasonshe
shouldn’tmakeafullrecovery.Hermemory’salittlespotty,andshe’sexperiencingoccasionaldoublevision,butthat’snotuncommoninthesecases.I’mgoingtotellyouwhatIexpectyoualreadyknowI’mgoingtotellyou.She’sbeenthroughaphysicalandemotionalordeal,requiresrestandasmuchcalmaspossible.Youcantalktoher,butkeepitbrief.Ifshe
becomesoverlyupset,that’sit.”
“Goodenough.”“Wordis,herhusband
whackedher.”“He’sincustody.”“Ihadoneofthoseonce
—ahusband.Insteadofwhackinghim,anditwastempting,Idivorcedhim.”
“Thesimplereasonyou’renotincustody.”
“Stillwishhewas.Okay,thisway.Weseetoomuch
domesticbullshitinhere,”Camposaidassheledthemdownawidecorridor.“Notasmuchasyou,Iexpect,butplenty.Makesmewonderwhypeopledon’tneedtotakeapsychtestbeforetheygetamarriagelicense.”
Campo’sdemeanorchangedfromleaningtowardirascibletogentleasshewalkedinto600.
Thescentofrosesfromthehugebouquetacrossfrom
thebednearlyoverpoweredthestickyscentofhospital.
Natashalayinthebed,theheadliftedtosupportherinanincline.Pristinewhitebandagescoveredtherightsideofherheadandwrappedaroundherforehead,butdidn’tquitecoverallthepurplingbruising.Herhairlayoverherleftshoulderinaloosebraid.Withoutenhancement,withthestrainofthelasthours,shelooked
olderandmoredelicate.Besideher,Martellasatin
aroomysleepchair,hersister’shandinhers,eyesexhausted.
“Doctor—oh,thepolicealready.She’ssleeping.Sheneedstosleep.”Movingslowly,Martellareleasedhersister’shand,rosetowalkquietlyacrosstheroomthatmorecloselyresembledagoodhotelsuitethanahospital.“Canyoucome
back?She’sjusthadallthesetests.She’swornout.LanceranouttogethersomeGreekyogurt,someberries.Yousaidthatwasallright?”
“Yes,that’sfine,”Campotoldher,pattedMartella’sshoulderasshemovedovertostudythenumbersonthemachines.“She’sstable.Martella,youshouldgetsomerestyourself,andsomefood.”
“Iwill.Iwill.ButIdon’t
wanttoleaveheruntil—”“Tella.”Natasha’svoice,barely
morethanawhisper,hadMartellarushingbacktothebedside.“I’mrighthere.Don’tworry,I’mrighthere.”
“Ms.Quigley.”“Whoisthat?”Natasha
turnedherhead.Herrighteyeshowedmorebruisingandsevereswellingfromtheblow.“Oh.Yes.Iknowyou.”
“Areyouuptoanswering
somequestions?”Eveaskedher.
“Icantry.”“Youdon’tneedtotire
yourself,Tash,”Martellabegan.
“It’sallright.Iwanttoknowwhathappened.It’sallsoconfusing.Catiana?IsCatereallydead?Itseemslikeaterribledream.”
“Whatdoyouremember?”
“Iwasupstairs.Iwas
upset,stillalittleupsetfromwhenyou’dbeentherebefore.JJwashome.Yes,that’sright,he’dcomehome.He’dbeen...Wherehadhebeen?”
“Golfing,”Martellaremindedher.“WithLance.”
“That’sright.Yes.Whatdidwetalkabout?I’mnotsure.Ijustcan’tquiteremember.Then...Iwasdownstairs.WasIlookingforhim?Iwentintotheliving
area,and—andIsaw...IsawCate.”
Tearsblurredhereyes,cloggedhervoice.“Isawherbythefireplace.Therewasblood,somuchblood.Iranover.DidIscream?Idon’tknow.Iranover,Iturnedherover,butitwastoolate.Somuchblood,andhereyes...Oh,Tella.”
“Ssh,ssh.”Martellapressedkissestohersister’shand.“Don’tthinkaboutit
anymore.”“Youturnedherover?”
Evepersisted.“Yes.Ithink...It’sall
socloudyandinpieces.IthinkIdid—tryingtohelpher,but...IthinkIscreamed.Inmyhead,myheadwasfullofscreams.Ineededtogethelp.IthinkItriedtogethelp.DidIscreamforJJ?Ithink...”
“Doyouremembercallingnine-one-one?”
“I...Yes!”Shestruggledupalittlehigherinthebed.“Yes,yes.Icalledforhelp.OhthankGod,Icalledforhelp.Icalledforhelp,but...”
Hereyesfilledwithmoretears,moreconfusion.Andfear.“Somethinghappened.Something...someone.”Herfreehandliftedtothebandages.
“Whostruckyou,Ms.Quigley?”
“I...”Thedrenchedeyesevaded.“Ican’tremember.It’snotclear.Ican’tsaybecauseit’snotclear.Ican’tremember.”
“Ms.Quigley,wehavethenine-one-onerecording.”
HergazedartedtoEve,awayagain.“Ican’tremember.Idon’twanttotalkaboutthisanymore.I’mtired.Tella,I’mtired.”
“Youhavetoleavenow,”Tellasaid.“Youhaveto
leaveheralonenow.”“Don’tupsetyourself,
Ms.Quigley.”Dr.Campomovedin.“Youdidverywell.Yougetsomemorerest,andI’llbebacktocheckonyoulater.Lieutenant,Detective,that’sallfornow.”
“Youdon’tneedtobeafraidanymore,”Peabodysaidbeforetheylefttheroom.“You’resafenow.”
Inresponse,Natashachokedoutasob,turnedher
headaway.Unsatisfied,Eveglanced
backtoward600.“Whynottellus?She’slying.Sheremembers.Whynotjusttellus?”
“Confused,conflicted,scared.Hereyou’retryingtosaveyourmarriage—youknowyou’vebothscrewedup,butyou’retryingtopatchitbacktogether.Andinonebigreveal,youfindoutyourhusband’sakiller,andhe
triestokillyou.Addinscandal,embarrassment,mediafrenzy.”
Eveaddedannoyancetodissatisfaction.“Whatkindofworlddoessheliveinwhereawoman’sembarrassedherhusbandtriedtokillher?Wherescandal—whichisinevitableconsideringCatiana’sinthemorgue—weighsovertellingthecops:Holyshit,myhusbandtriedtokillme.Lockhimupand
protectme.”“Anoldmoneyworld,I
guess.”Theyrodebackdowntothegarage.“She’sbeenthroughabigtrauma,andmaybe—yeah,she’slying—butmaybeshe’salsoconvincedherselfshe’sreallynotclear,notsure.She’sgoingtocomearoundwhenshe’ssteadier.”
“Eitherway.”Eveshookherhead.“Wekeeptabsonher,regularupdatesonher
status.Iftheyeventhinkaboutthepossibilityofreleasingher,weknowaboutit.”
“Prettygoodbetshe’sgoingtospendChristmasinthehospital.Atleastit’saswankroom.”
“Hospital’sahospital.WehitCopley,becauseifshedoesn’tcomearound,it’sgoingtostickuptheworks.Let’spullReoin,getthelegaltakeonworstcase,but
wehithimandweworkhim,andwetiethisup.”
ButwhenshewalkedintotheHomicidebullpen,Jenkinsonhailedher.“Yo,LT.There’saguywaitinginthelounge—StevenDorchester.Hewantstotalktoyou.Sayshe’sCatianaDubois’sboyfriend.”
“Okay.I’lltakehim,”shesaidtoPeabody.“Setuptheinterview,contactReo.MightaswellgiveMiratheheads-
up,too.”Shestoodforamoment,
studyingacouplefakeearsofcornnowhangingonthepathetictree.
“Isn’tthecornthingThanksgiving?Whyisfakecornhangingonthattree?”
“ForKwanza,”Jenkinsontoldher.“Trueheartsaidit’soneofthesevensymbols.Helookeditup.We’reall-inclusiveinHomicide,’causewhateveryourrace,color,or
creed,youcangetdead.”“Weshouldwritethatup
underaMerryChristmassign.”
Evemadeherwaytotheloungewithitsscatteroftables,andvendingmachines.Somebodycursedatone,gaveitapunchwiththesideofhisfist.Knowingshewasn’ttheonlyonetowarwiththosemachinescheeredherrightup.
Shescannedafewcops,a
coupletalkingquietlywithcivilians.Thenthemansittingalone,staringdownathisownfoldedhands.
Shecrossedtohim.“Mr.Dorchester.”
Helookedupatheroutofred-rimmedeyes.“Yes.I’mStevenDorchester.You’reLieutenantDallas.”
“That’sright.I’mverysorryforyourloss,Mr.Dorchester.”
“Steven.It’sSteven.I...
keepthinkingI’mgoingtowakeupandit’sallgoingtobeaterribledream.Orit’sjustsomehorriblemistake.But...”
HewentbacktostaringathishandswhenEvesatacrossfromhim.
Strongface,shethought,thoughthestrainshowed.Longishhair,afewreddishstreaksthroughthedarkbrown,asinglesilverstudthroughhisrightearlobe,a
trioofstarsinkedonthebackofhisrightwrist.
Somethingartisticabouthim,shethought.Someonegoodwithhishands.Shespeculatedonit,consideredheandCatianawouldhavemadeanattractivecouple,whileshewaitedforhimtocomposehimselfandspeak.
“There’snothingIcando.I’mgoingovertoseeherfamilythismorning,bewiththem,butthere’snothingany
ofuscando.She’sgone.”Helookedupagain.“Iknowthere’sprobablynotmuchyoucantellme,butifthere’sanything...I’mgoingtobewithherfamily.”
“IcantellyouI’lldoeverythingIcantoseethatthepersonresponsiblefortakingherfromyou,fromherfamily,whotookherlife,ispunishedtothefullextentofthelaw.Theremaybesomethingyoucandoto
help.”“Anything.I’lldo
anything.”“Whendidyoulastseeor
speakwithCatiana?”“Yesterdaymorning,
whensheleftforwork.WewenttoapartySaturdaynight,andshestayedatmyplace.Wewere...weweregoingoutlastnight,thengoingbacktomyplaceagain.SortofanearlyChristmas,justthetwoofus,becausewe
weregoingtotheparents’tonight.Mine,thenhers.WewerespendingChristmasEveathermother’s,thenight,Imean.Theyhaveabigdeal,sowewerestaying,andweweregoingtohaveourownlittleChristmaslastnight.But...”
“Canyoutellmeifshewasupsetaboutanything?Worriedaboutanything?”
“No.Shewasgreat.Weweregreat.I...”Hereached
inhispocket,tookoutaprettylittlebox.“Imadethisforher.Idosomesilverwork,andImadethisforher.Iwasgoingtogiveittoherlastnight.”
Heopenedthebox.Insideasmall,intricatekeyhungonadelicatechain.
“It’sbeautifulwork.”“It’sthesymbol—the
key.Iwasgoingtoaskhertomoveinwithme.Wesaidweweretakingitslow,butI
wantedhertomoveinwithme.So,thekey.Forher.
“Howdidthishappen?”“WhenIhaveallthe
details,IpromiseI’lltellyou.DidshetalktoyouaboutTreyZiegler?”
“Yeah.Jerk.Thatwasherwordforhim.Heputsomemovesonher.Shegavehimthebrush-off,sohespreaditaroundshewentforgirls.Likeifshebrushedhimoffshedidn’tgoformen.Didn’t
botherher.Whywouldit?Iwentbythegymacoupletimes,justtogivehimtheneedle.Probablyshouldn’thave.”
“Youtalkedabouthismurder.”
“Yeah.Itshookherupsome.Shedidn’tlikehim,butstill.”Hestrokedthekey,stillinitsbox,withhisfinger.“Shehasasoftheart.”
“Didshetalktoyouaboutwhoshethoughtmayhave
killedhim?”“Weplayedthatgame,
youcan’thelpit,right?Andafter—whenitcameoutwhathedidtoTella,andCatesaidhedidthesamewithotherwomen,wefiguredoneofthemfoundoutanddidit.Oroneoftheirhusbandsorfriends,youknow.It’swhyshewenttoworkonSunday,eventhoughshecould’vetakenthedayoff.ShewantedtobearoundforTella.”
“Youdidn’ttalktoheronSundayaftersheleftforwork?”
“No.Weweresupposedtomeetateightfordinner,atthisplacewelike,andshedidn’tshowup.Itriedtoreachher,butshedidn’tanswerher’link.Iwentbyherplace,butshewasn’tthere.IevenwenttotheSchuberts’place,buttheyweren’tthere,either.Thenhersister...Hersister
taggedme,andshetoldme.Andeverythingjuststopped.Everythingstopped.Idon’tknowifit’lleverstartagain.”
“Doyouwantsomecoffee?”
“No,thanks,no.Idon’tthinkIcouldswallowanything.”
“Steven,canyoutellmehowshefeltaboutNatashaQuigley,JJCopley?”
“Shegotalongfinewiththem.Shewasreallytight
withTella,andsheandTella’ssistergotalongfine.Shedidn’tmuchlikethehusband.Shesaidhewasalittlebitofaprick.”Hesmiledalittle.“Shehadopinions.She’dhelpMs.Quigleyoutnowandthen.”
“Likeforherholidayparty.”
“Yeah,likethat.Igottogo,anditwasokay.Alittlestiffforme,ifyouknowwhatImean.Butshe’dhelpout
likethatnowandthen.Withparties,sendingoutinvites,orthank-yousifMs.Quigleywasslammed.Shedidn’tmind.Shelikedthejob.”
“Okay.”“Ididn’thelpany.”“Youdid.You’vegiven
meagoodpictureofher.Whoshewas,howshewas.Ihopeithelpsyoutoknowshematterstome.Gettingjusticeforhermatters.”
“Didyoueverwishyou
couldturnbacktheclock?Justoneday.”Hisred-rimmedeyes,swimmingwithtears,boredintohers.“Evenjustafewhours.IfI’dsaid,Pleasedon’tgotoworktoday—orHey,I’llgowithyou.Something.Itwouldn’thavehappened.Didyoueverwishyoucoulddothat,justturntheclockback?”
“Allthetime.”Whenheleft,Evewent
intoherofficetoshakeoffhis
grief.Itwouldn’thelpininterview.
“Knock,knock.”CherReowalkedin.TheprettyblondewithSouthernrootsmighthavelookeddelicate,butEveknewshecouldbeanAmazonincourt.“Iwasinthebuilding,keepingcloseincase.Givemecoffeeandwe’lltalkJohnJakeCopley.”
“Helpyourself.Yougotthereport.Nosignofbreak-in,justhiminthehousewith
deadbodyandunconsciouswife.Wife’snine-one-onecallthatclearlyspeakshisname.”
“Ilistenedtoitmyself.”Withhercoffee,Reowalkedover,satinEve’sdeskchair.“I’mnotsittinginthatawfulvisitor’schair.Youtalkedtothewifethismorning?”
“She’sawake,maybealittleconfusedyet.”Everelayedthegistoftheinterview.“Shewon’tpullthe
trigger,”Evefinished.“Won’tconfirmCopleystruckher.”
“Couldbealittleproblem.”
“Thenine-one-onerecording—”
“Oh,we’llusethehelloutofit,butifIwerehislawyerI’duseit,too.I’dclaimthevictimwasinshock,infear,wascallingforherhusband,wasthenattacked,andthisunknownassailantfled.”
“How—thecamclearlyshows—”
“Outawindow,intoahidey-holeuntilheorshecouldslipoutundetected.It’sweak,Dallas,andIcanpromisewe’lltearittoshreds,butitcouldbealittleproblem.Aconfessioneliminatesthatlittleproblem.We’ddealthemurdertoManOne—”
“Bullshit!”“Listen.ManOneon
Dubois,assaultwithintentonthewife.Hedoestwenty-five—noparole.Anothertenconcurrentonthewife.Again,ifIwerehislawyer,I’dtakeit.Savesatrial,eliminatesthepossibilityoflifeinacage.Twenty-fiveyearsisagoodlongtime.”
“CatianaDuboiswon’tgetanothertwenty-five.”
“Nothingwedochangesthat.ButconsiderhowamanlikeCopleywilldealwitha
quarterofacenturyinprison.”
He’dcryandwailandblubberlikealittlegirl—butitwasn’tenough.“I’llgethimonZiegler,too.”
“IfyougethimonZiegler,deal’sout.”Toillustrate,Reoflickedherfingersintheair.“That’stwomurdersandoneattempted.MurderTwoonboth,buttheadditionoftheknifeintheheart?Thejurywillbe
appalled,Ipromiseyou.Butyouhavetogethim,andrightnow,youdon’thavehim.”
“Theday’syoung.”“Youcantagmeuntil
eight.Aftereight,I’mofftheclockandImeanit,untilDecembertwenty-sixth.Tiehimupbeforethat,we’llputabowonit.Otherwise,haveyourselfamerrylittleChristmas.Imeanthat,too.”Sherose,pattedthebagEvehadgivenher.“Ilovethis.”
Whenshesaunteredout,Evekickedherdesk.“ManOne,myass!”ShethoughtofStevenDorchesterandthekeyhe’dmade,putinaprettylittlebox.FuckManOne.
Shestrodeout.“Peabody!Withme.Let’sdothis,”shesaidasPeabodyscrambledupfromherdesk.
“Hislawyer’snothere.”“Thenshebetterhustle.”Evepushedopenthedoor
ofInterviewB.“Dallas,
LieutenantEve,Peabody,DetectiveDelia,enteringinterviewwithCopley,JohnJake.”
“I’mnottalkingtoyouwithoutmylawyer.”
“Thendon’ttalk.”Evetosseddownherfiles,playedthenine-one-onecall,hitreplay,hititagain.
Onthethirdplayhebroke,justalittle.“Shewascallingforme,callingformyhelp.Anybodywhohearsit
willknowthat.”“Really?Iheardit,that’s
notwhatIknow.Peabody?”“Didn’tsoundlikethatto
me.Justtheopposite.”“Ofcourse,that’sjustthe
twoofus.Wecouldtakeapoll,”EvesuggestedtoPeabody.“I’mbettingpeoplewhohearit—likesayajury—hearwhatwehear.Justlikethey’llhearwhatweheardwhenwetalkedtoNatashathismorning.”
“Youtalkedtoher?Whatdidshesay?”
Eveshookherhead.“Hewantsustoanswerhisquestions,Peabody,buthewon’tanswerours.Doesn’tstrikemeaswhatyou’dcallequitable.”
“Iwanttoknowwhatshesaid!DoessheknowI’minhere,inthisplace?Doessheknowwhatyou’retryingtopull?”
Hebangedbothfistson
thetable.Workinghimselfuptoanothertantrum,Evethought,andturnedcasuallytoPeabody.
“So,whendoesyourshuttleleave?”
Peabodysmiled.“We’recatchingoneatsix,ifwecanclearthings.Butwe’llcatchalateroneifwehaveto.HowaboutyouandRoarke?Bigdinnerout?Quieteveningathome?”
“Youtellmewhatshe
said!”“Now,JJ,youwantto
watchthatanxietyandbloodpressure.MypartnerandIarejustpassingthetimeuntilyourlawyergetshere.”
“Forgetthelawyer.IwanttoknowwhatNatashasaid.”
“Areyouwaivingyourrighttohaveyourlegalrepresentativepresentduringinterview?”
“Fine,yes.Whatdidshesaytoyou?”
“LettherecordshowMr.Copleyhasvoluntarilywaivedsaidright.Whatdidshesay?”Eveturnedstraightaroundtofacehim,smiled.“Shesaidthesonofabitchtriedtokillme.Lockhimupandtossthekey.”
“You’relying.You’realyingbitch.”
“Now,JJ,you’vegottoexpecthertobealittleupsetwhenyoubashherinthehead,whenshe’sspending
herChristmasinthehospital.”
“Inevertouchedher.Ineverhither.Iwasupstairs.I’vealreadytoldyou.Iwasupstairs.Ihadthegameon.Ifellasleep.”
“Fellasleep?That’sanewone.Areyougoingtokeepdoingtheseadd-ons?BecauseIcantellyou,thestory’snotgettingbetter.”
“Oh,Idon’tknow,Dallas.”Peabodyboppedher
shoulders.“You’vegottogivehimalittlecreditfortryingtoaddsometexturetotheoverallbullshit.”
“Idriftedoff.”Hesethisjaw.“Iplayedeighteenholes,shotasixty-eight.That’sfourunderpar.”
“Wow.Aren’tyouspecial?”Peabodycommented.
“Justshutyourmouth,youignoranttwat.”
“Aw,Dallas,hecalledme
atwat.Howcomeyougettobeabitch,butIonlygettobeatwat.”
“It’stherank,”Evetoldher.“You’llmakebitchoneday.”
“Thanks.Thatmeansalottome.”
“I’llmakeyoubothsorry.I’llmakeyoubothpay.”
“Blah,blah,blah.”Eveleveredback,smirkedathim.“Doyouwanttobragaboutyourgolfgame,exchange
insults,oraddmoretexturetoyourbullshitstory?It’sallthesametous.”
“Goddamnit,Iwasupstairs.Iheardherscream.Ittookmeaminute,maybeacoupleminutes,becauseIthoughtmaybeitwasadream.Iwasasleep,alittlegroggy.Igotup,andIcalledforher,andIranout.Irandownstairs.”
“Whydownstairs?”“Becausethat’swherethe
screamcamefrom.”“Ifyouwereasleep,how
doyouknowwhereitcamefrom?”
“Ijustknew.”Heslappedbothfistsonthetable.“Iranin,andIsawheronthefloor,andIsawtheotherone—Tella’sgirl.”
“Tella’sgirl?”“That’sright.AndIheard
something.”Hiseyesflickeredaway.“Likesomebodyrunningmaybe.
Maybeadoorclosing.”“Seriously?Nowthere’s
runningfootstepsandclosingdoors?”
“That’ssomerichbullshittexture,”Peabodyputin.“You’vegottoadmireit.”
Evesnortedoutalaughforform.“Right.So,JJ,whydidn’tyoumentionthesemysteriousrunningfootstepsandclosingdoorstotherespondingofficer?Tomeinpreviousinterview?Or,to
anyfuckingbodybeforethismoment?”
Heswipedbeadsofsweatfromhisforehead,morefromhisupperlip.“Ididn’tthinkaboutitatthetimebecauseIcouldonlythinkaboutmywife.IhadtohelpTash.”
“How?Notbycallingforhelp.”
“Ididn’thavetime!Iwasinshock,andthenthepolicewereatthedoor,andeverythinghappenedsofast.I
wasupstairswhensomebodykilledthatwomanandhurtTash.Iwanttotalktomywife,goddamnit.She’sconfusedandscared,andshehastobeworriedaboutme.”
“Herworry?Thatyou’lltrytokillheragain.She’sdonewithyou,JJ.She’sdone,Felicity’sdone.You’vegotnothingandnoone.”
“YouleaveFelicityoutofit.”ToEve’sshock,tearsswamintohiseyes.“Youtold
herliesaboutme,didn’tyou?Sheleftme!Youtoldherlies,andsheleftme.Iloveher!”
“Who?YourwifeorFelicity.”
“I...”Hepulledhimselfin.“Both.Indifferentways.”
“Thedifferentwayswhereyoutellyourwifeyou’vebrokenitoff,andyoutellFelicityyourwifedoesn’tunderstandyou?”
“Youdon’tknowanythingaboutit.”
“Christ,JJ,doyouthinkwehaven’thadyourtypeinherebefore?Howmanytimes,Peabody?”
“Couldn’tcountthem.”Peabodycastherdarkeyestotheceiling,shookherhead.“Buttheyallthinkthey’reoriginals.”
“They’resodamnsimple.Here’showitwent.YoubraggedtoZiegleraboutthehotdanceryouhadontheside.Heblackmailedyou.
Youfinallyhadenough,eventhoughyou’dbeenpayinghimoffwithmoneyyouextortedfromyourwife.”
“That’sridiculous.”“Wefoundtheother
accounts,JJ.Offshore,shellcorporations.You’reanamateur.Zieglerkeptabook.Yourname’sinit.Themoneyyoupaidhimisonrecord.”
Evepushedup.“Youwenttohisapartmenttotellhimyouweredone,toshow
himwhowasboss.Heworkedinagym,forGod’ssake.Whodidhethinkhewas?Buthewouldn’tletyouoffthehook.Youlostyourtemper—you’regoodatit.Youpickedupthetrophyandyoustruckhim,struckhimagain.”
“Nopanicattackthattime,”Peabodyadded.“Notwhenyou’dfinallysolvedtheproblem.Itfeltgood.Itfeltlikesomethingyoushould
havedonealotsooner.Withouthimintheway,youwerefreeandclear.”
“Soyougotcreative.You’reacreativeguy.Youdraggedhimontothebed,gotaknifeoutofhiskitchen.Youwroteafunnylittlemessage—you’regoodatthat,too—andyoupinneditonhischestwiththeknife.”
“Ididn’tdoanyofthat.”Hisbreathingshortened;sweatslickedhisface.
“That’scrazy.Iwasneverthere.Ineverwentthere.Iwanttotalktomylawyer.Idemandtotalktomylawyer.”
“Peabody,gethimsomewater.Takeitdown,JJ.TakeitdownbeforeyouendupintheInfirmaryagain.Believeme,I’vegotallthetimeintheworldforthis.”
“Idon’thaveanythingmoretosayuntilI’vetalkedtomylawyer.”
“Noproblem.”ShewaitedwhilePeabody
broughtinacupofwater.Hishandshookashe
drank.Evesteppedoverto
Peabody,spokequietly.“Getauniformtositonhimincasehehasoneofthosefitsagain.Let’sfindoutwhat’sholdingupthelawyer.We’vegothimontheropes.Weneedtofinishhimoff.Iwanttochecksomething.Dallas,
exitingInterview,”shesaidfortherecord.
Backinheroffice,shetriedFelicity’s’link.Herstomachclutchedwhenanolderwomananswered.
“Yes?”“ThisisLieutenant
Dallas,NYPSD.IneedtospeakwithFelicityPrinze.”
“Thisishermother.She’snottalkingtoyou.You’rethatfriendofthatCopleyperson.”
ThemusclesinEve’sstomachloosenedagainattheuseofpresenttense.“No,ma’am,Iamnothisfriend.IhaveCopleyincustody.”
“Forwhat?”“Formurder.”“OhmyGod.Ohmy
God!Mylittlegirl.”“Hasshebeenharmed,
ma’am?”“No,no—notthatway.
Buthehurtmylittlegirl’sheartandsoul.Hekilledhis
poorwife,didn’the?”Notforlackoftrying,
Evethought.“Ma’am,Ineedtospeakwithyourdaughter.You’rewelcometostaywithherwhileIdo.”
“YoucanbesureIwill.Chantal!Getyoursister.Rightnow!Shecamehome,”thewomansaidtoEve.“SoI’mgratefulforthat.Shecamehomebecauseshefoundouthe’dbeenlyingtoher,andusingher.AndI’ve
beenholdingher’linkbecausehekepttryingtoreachher.Felicity,it’sthatpolicewomanyoutoldusabout.Shearrestedthatawfulman.”
“Arrested!Mom,letmehavethe’link.Hello,hello.Iforgotyourname.”
“It’sDallas.LieutenantDallas.Felicity,didyouseeorspeaktoJJCopleyafterwespoke?”
“Iwouldn’t.Igotthinking
whenyouleft.I’mnotasstupidaspeoplethink.”
“Nobodythinksyou’restupid,”hermothersaid.
“Hedid.HethoughtIwasstupid,andIwas.ButIstartedthinking,andItaggedupSadie,andwetalked.”
“That’sgood.”“AndafterItalkedwith
Sadie,Ididwhathetoldmenotto.Icalledhishouse.Igotthehousekeeperthing,andshesaidhowshe’dtakea
messagebecausehewasn’tabletocometothe’link.SoIsaid,Oh,he’soutoftown,andthehousekeeperthingsaid,No,hewasinresidence—that’showshesaidit—butunabletocometothe’link,andshe’dtakethemessage.IjustsaidnevermindbecauseIgotupset.Heliedtome.Didyouknowheliedtome?”
“Yes,I’msorry,Felicity,Iknewheliedtoyou.”
“It’swhyyousaidI
shouldtalktoSadie,andshesaidhowIneededtofindoutforsure.SoIdid.Ievenwentoverthere,tohishouse,andIwatched,andIsawhim.Isawhimandhiswifecomeouttogetherandgetinacar,andhewasn’tonatrip.Theywerelaughing.Shewasn’tbeingmeantohim.He—hekissedherbeforetheygotinthecar,andIknewitwasallalie.Icamehome.AmIintrouble?”
“Whywouldyoubeintrouble?”
“Itooksomeoftheclothesheboughtme,andIusedthecreditcardhegotmetopayforthetriphome.Ididn’thaveenoughsinceIstoppedworking.I’llpayitback.”
“Didhegiveyoutheclothes?”
“Yeah,but—”“Didhegiveyouthecard
touse?”
“Hedid.”“Thenyou’renotin
trouble.”“Ilefthimamemocube.I
saidhowIwasleaving,andIwouldn’thaveanythingtodowithsomebodywholiedandcheatedlikethat,andmademealiarandacheater,too.I’mnotcomingback,Idon’tthink.IthinkIdon’tbelonginNewYork.Didhedosomethingreallybad?Worsethanlyingandcheating?”
“Itlooksthatway.”“Hewassonicetome,so
Ilovedhim.Butitwasn’treal.”
“Imayneedtotalktoyouagain,butI’mgladyouwenthome.I’mgladyou’rewithyourfamily.”
“Me,too.Um,MerryChristmas,Dallas.”
“Sametoyou.”Eveclickedoff,satback,
sortedthrough.“Lawyer’shere,”Peabody
saidfromthedoorway.“We’llgivethemsome
time,thenstartagain.”
Evegavethemanhour,takingthetimetofine-
tuneherapproach,thenwalkedthroughthebullpentogetPeabody.
ShesawJenkinsonhadtakenheratherword.
Abannerhungoverthebreak-roomdoor,facingoutsoanywhocameinwouldseethesentiment:
NOMATTERYOURRACE,CREED,SEXUAL
ORIENTATION,ORPOLITICALAFFILIATION,WEPROTECTANDSERVE,BECAUSEYOUCOULDGETDEAD.
Obviously,there’dbeensomediscussion,someteamworkonthewording,butJenkinson’soriginalsentimentremained.Herfirstreactionwasn’ttheamusementshe’dexpected,
butatugofpride.Becauseitwastherighteoustruth.
Shetookaquickscanofthemenandwomenwhoservedunderher.Trueheartinhispristineuniformearnestlyworkingonhiscomp.Baxter,kickedback,designershoesproppedonhisdesk,talkingonhisdesk’link.JenkinsonscowlingathisscreenashechoweddownonsomequestionablesandwichfromVending.
Theroomsmelledoftrulyterriblecoffee,someone’sgreasylunch,thefakepinesomeonehadsprayedonthesillytree.ItsmelledlikecopsatChristmas,shethought.
“Peabody,let’slockthisup.Therestofyou?That—”Shepointedtowardthebanner.“Thatstaysup.AnybodyfromMaintenanceorStandardsorLegaltriestotakeitdown,kickthemtome.”
PeabodyscurriedafterEve.“We’rereallyleavingitup?”
“Howdidwestartthisinvestigation?Givingourtimeandefforttogetjusticeforaworthlessasshole.Thesignstays.Itspeaksthetruth.”
ShewalkedintoInterview,readthenecessarydataintotherecord,thensatacrossfromCopleyandhislawyer.
“So,hereweareagain.”Andletithang.McAllisterbrokethe
silence.“Myclientisavictimof
TreyZiegler,ablackmailer,anextortionist,amanwho—throughevidenceyouyourselfdiscovered—usedillegaldate-rapesubstancesonanumberofwomen.”
“I’llgiveyouZieglerwasalousyhumanbeing.It’sstillillegaltomurderahuman
being,lousyorotherwise.”“Myclientdidn’tmurder
anyone,andattheestablishedtimeofdeathofTreyZieglerwasinhisownhome.”
“Sohesays,buthe’sgotnoonetobackthatup—includingthewifeherecentlysenttothehospital.”
“InevertouchedNatasha.”
“Shesaysdifferent.”“Idon’tbelievethat,”
Copleycontinued,evenashis
lawyertriedtosilencehim.“You’relying.”
“Doyouwantmetoplaythenine-one-onecallagain?”
“JJ.”Withbarbsinthename,thelawyerclampedahandoverCopley’s.“Ms.Quigleywasinfearforherlife,andcalledoutforherhusband.Calledoutforhimtohelpher.”
Evesmiled.“Youcantrythatone,butyouknowwhatthejury’sgoingtohear.From
therecording,fromNatashaQuigley’sownlipsincourt.”
“Ms.Quigleysufferedasevereheadinjuryduringanattackbyanunknownassailant,onewhoverylikelykilledZiegler,onewhoverylikelywasinleaguewithhim.Herrecollection,andhertestimonyontheevents,isn’ttrustworthy.”
“Andthis‘unknownassailant’mysteriouslywentpoof?”
“MyclientbelievesthatCatianaDuboisassaultedhiswife,andinthestrugglefell,waskilled.MyclientbelievesthedeceasedwasinleaguewithZiegler.”
Ragetickledthebackofherthroat.Eveletitshow,letitcome.
“SoyouwanttotrytohangZiegleronher?Letmesaythis,soyoubothhearit.Tryit.Justtryit.Yourclient’saliar,acheat,an
adulterer,afraud.Justwhodoyouthinkajury’sgoingtosympathizewith?Amanwhocheatsonhiswifewithanaiveyoungwomanheliesto—onehe’ssetupwithmoneyhe’sstolenfromhiswife?Amanwhopaidablackmailertokeepthatarrangementquiet?Oraninnocentwoman,onewhoworkedforaliving,camefromanicefamily,hadnosmearsonherrecord?”
“YouleaveFelicityoutof
this,”Copleydemanded.“Italkedtoher,too,just
aboutanhourago.Didyougethermemo?”
Helurchedup;Everosewithhim.
“Youhadnobusinesstalkingtoher.I’mgoingtoexplaineverythingtoher.She’llcomebacktome.Iloveher.I’mgoingtomarryher.”
“Butyoucouldn’tuntilyougotridofthewifeyou
alreadyhave.Killingherclearstheway.”
“Idon’thavetokillher!WhydoyouthinkIpaidZieglertofuckher!”
“JJ,God!Shutup!”“Don’ttellmetoshut
up.”Colorhigh,heroundedonMcAllister.“Youuselessbitch.Whyhaven’tyougottenmeoutofhere?ItoldyouIwantedSilbertorCrosby.”
“You’vegotme.”
Evesatagain,lookedatPeabody.“Now,thisisinteresting.Don’tyoufindthisinteresting,Peabody?”
“I’mriveted.Absolutelyriveted.DidhesaywhatIthinkhesaid—onrecord—thathepaidZieglertosleepwithhiswife?”PeabodyglancedatCopley.“Didyougettowatch?”
“Shutthehellup.You’redisgusting.”
“Hepayssomesleazeto
sleepwithhiswife,andI’mdisgusting?Jeez.Okay,ifyoudidn’tdoitforkinkywatching,whatdidyoudoitfor?”
“ForFelicity!”“Shegottowatch?”Moreprideswelledin
Eve’sheartasCopleysnarledatPeabody.
“Iwanttospeaktomyclientinprivate.”
“You’vehadplentyoftimeforthat,”Evesaid.“It
soundstomelikeJJhasthingstosay.Doyouhavethingstosay,JJ?”
“Damnright.Andyoushutup,”hetoldthelawyer,whojustshookherheadandsighed.
“ItwasloveatfirstsightwithFelicity.Iwantedtogiveherwhatsheneeded,fulfillherdreams.”
“Soyouliedtoher.”“Ididn’tlie.Ijustneeded
time.Iintendedtodivorce
Natasha,butwithoutcertainstipulationsandagreements,thedivorcewouldhaveleftmeunabletofulfillFelicity’sdreams.”
“Youneededyourwife’smoneytofulfillthedreamsofthewomanyouwereditchingyourwifefor.”
“There’snoneedtobecrude.Loveisitsownreason.NatashaandIhadgrownapart,and—”
“Really,sparemeallthe
oldchestnuts.They’reroastingfreshonesoutonthestreet.”
“You’regoingtopayforyourdisrespect.”
“Nameyourprice.”Evepushedintohisfaceagain.“BecauseI’vegotnorespectforyou.You’vegotsomethingtosay,sayit.Clear,ontherecord.YoumadeadealwithTreyZiegler.Explain.”
Thelookhesenther
burnedwithhate,buthespatoutthewords.“Simplyput,IwasawareZieglerhadsexwithclients.Hebraggedaboutittome.Claimedhecouldgetanywomanhewanted.”
Stilltrying,McAllisterchimedin,“Myclientwasn’tawareZieglerusedillegalsubstancesonthoseclients.”
AfteraneyeflickerthattoldEveCopleyhadknown—Copleycontinued,“Of
coursenot.That’sdeplorable.AsfarasIknewallthewomenwerewilling.ItoldhimI’dpayhimifhecouldseduceNatasha.Shehadachoice.”Copleyjabbedafingeratthetableforemphasis.“Shechosetohavesexwithhim,andmorethanonce.Ithadtobemorethanonce,therehadtobeaclearaffairinorderformetopreservemy...financialadvantages.”
“Yourprenupspecifiedifyourwifehadasexualaffair,yougotadivorcewithafatsettlement?”
“It’sfair.”“SoyouhiredZieglerto
drawherintoasexualaffair,oneIassumeyoudocumented.”
“That’sright.It’snotillegal.”
Onthecontrary,Evethought,butthepimpingchargesweren’tworth
mentioning.“Ionlyneededthemtodo
itacouplemoretimes.Bythefirstoftheyear,orrightafter,Icouldfile.”
“ButyousuggestedatripwithNatasha,toshoreupyourmarriage,afterthefirstoftheyear.”
“Okay,Idid.”Heshiftedinhischair,leanedforwardabitasifexplainingtheperfectlyreasonable.“Itwouldneverhavehappened,
butitwasimportantIcameoffastryingtofixthingsup.It’smarriage,”hesaid,obviouslyfrustrated.“It’spersonalbusiness,notpolicebusiness.”
“Ifyouwantedittostaythatway,youshouldn’thavekilledZiegler.”
“Ididn’t!Ionlyneededhimtoscrewheracouplemoretimes.Nowhe’sdead.”
“Hecouldn’tfinishthejobbecauseshebrokeitoff,
orwasaboutto.”“Maybeshedid,maybe
shedidn’t.Buthe’dhavepersuadedher.”
“Onewayortheother?”Evesaid.
“Hetoldmehe’dpersuadeher.”Copleylookedaway.“Itoldhimhedidn’tgetthemoneyuntilhedid.Justtwomoretimes,andIcouldtakeittomydivorcelawyer.”
“Whendidyoutellhim?”
“JustlastweekwhenIwent...”
“Tohisapartment.”“Look,fine.Iwentthere.
Onetime.Justthatonetimebecausehedroppeditonmeatourtrainingsessionshe’dmadenoisesaboutworkingonthemarriage,maybestoppingthesexwithhimthedaybefore.Andshewastalkingtomeaboutfixingthings,gettingteary,gettingflirty.Ijustneededacouple
moretimestosealthedeal.”“Hecouldn’tdoit,buthe
stillwantedmoney.Ifyoudidn’tpayit,he’dgotoyourwife,confess—andyou’dlose.He’dtellheraboutFelicity.Andyou’dlose.Theprickwashittingyoufromeveryangle.Itwasnevergoingtostop.Soyoustoppedit.”
“Ididn’tkillhim.Iwasn’tthere.”
“Thesamewayyouwere
upstairswhenCatianawaskilled,whenyourwifewasattacked?WhathadCatianafiguredout?Whatdidsheknow?She’dtellNatasha,andyou’dloseagain.Shehadtobestopped.Youstoppedher.Butyourwifewalksin,andthat’snotjustlosingyour‘financialadvantage,’that’slosingeverything.Shehadtobestopped.”
“Heusedme.Theyallusedme.I’mthevictimhere.
I’mthegoddamnvictim.Ididn’tdoanything.Iwasn’tthere.IwanttotalktoNatasha.IwanttotalktoFelicity.”
“They’redonewithyou.Whatyou’vegotnowisme.Solet’sstartagain.”
Hefumbledandstumbled,ragedatimeortwo.Hepleaded,andheinsulted.Buthedidn’tbudge.
EvedecidedspendingChristmasinacagemight
addthefinalincentive.Shesenthimoff,raging.“He’stalkedhimselfinto
it,”Peabodycommented.“Didn’tMirasaysomethinglikethat?Howhecouldmakehimselfbelievetheliesoit’shistruth.”
“Somethinglikethat.Itmaybeharderforhimtobelieveafteranothercoupledaysbehindbars.Hekeepstrippingupoverthings.GoingtoZiegler’sapartment,
payingZieglertonailhiswife.We’llkeeppilingupthestumblesuntilhefallsflat.”
“There’smorethanenoughtogototrial.”
“Withoutaconfession,thePA’sgoingtoofferadeal.It’snotenough.MaybeIcouldswallowitonZiegler,butnotonCatiana.We’llhithimagainafterChristmas.Go,grabMcNab’sskinnyass,catchyourshuttle,seeyourfamily.”
“Really?Wehavetowriteupthe—”
“I’vegotit.”“Youalwayssaythat.I’ll
—”“IsayitbecauseI’mthe
boss.Getthehelloutofhere.”
“Thanks.MerryChristmas,Dallas.Don’thitme.”PeabodyflungherarmsaroundEve,squeezed.“IhopeyoulikeyourgifthalfasmuchasIlovemycoat.”
Shedashedoff,presumablytogetsaidcoat.
Inheroffice,Evewroteupthereport,copiedittoReo,thecommander,Mira,Peabody.
Shecouldworkonthetwistsandturnsofit,shethought,maybestraightensomeofthemout,talktoQuigleyonemoretime.
Thenshethought:Thehellwithit.
Shewasgoinghome.
Maybeitdoggedheronthedrive,theinsanedrivefullofrainandrevelers.Itdoggedherenoughforhertouseherin-dashcomp,toramblesomethoughtsandspeculationsintoittosortthroughlater.
Butwhenshewalkedinthehouse,sheorderedherselftoleaveitoutside.
Itwasn’thard,notwhenshewalkedintowarmth,light,laughter.Evenifsomeofthelaughterwas
Summerset’s.Theywereintheparlor,
Roarkesprawledinachair,aglassofwineinhishand.Summersetsatwithperfectpostureacrossfromhim.Shedidn’tthinkSummersetcouldsprawlduetothestickuphisass.
ThensheremindedherselfitwasChristmasandtimeforamoratoriumoninsults.
“What’sthejoke?”she
asked.Roarkesmiled.“Justa
littlestrolldownmemorylane.”
“Howmanypocketspickedonthestroll?”
“Who’scounting?”Herosetokissher,takehercoat,whichhetossedontothearmofasofa.“I’llgetyousomewine.”
“I’lltakeit.Partyfood.”Shestudiedthetrayoffancyfingerfood,choseone,
poppedit.Shewasn’tsurewhatitwasexceptgood.
“Everythingtiedup?”Roarkeaskedwhenhehandedherthewine.
“Tied,butnotpulledtightandbowedup.Still,Copley’sgettingstonesinhisChristmasstocking.”
“That’scoal.”“What’scoal?”“Nevermind.”Roarke
kissedheragain,pulledherdownintothechairwithhim.
Flustered—Summersetwasrightthere—shestartedtopushup.“Wehavelotsofchairs.”
“We’reeconomizing.”Roarkeheldherfast.“SummersetwastellingmeaboutaChristmasduringtheUrbanswhenheandsomemedicsfashionedaChristmastreeoutofrebarandragsamongotherthings.”
“Itwasquitefestive,considering,”Summerset
added.“Welititwithmini,bat-poweredtorches,andsomeenterprisingsoulstoleacaseofMREsfromtheenemycampsowehadafeast.”
“Thatwouldbeyou.”Summersetliftedan
eyebrowatEve.“Perhapsitwas.Makingdocanaddtothesenseofcommunity.”
“Myteamhauledinabrokentree,adentedmenorah,fakeearsofcorn.”
Shesippedherwine.“Itcheeredtheplacerightup.”
Sherelaxed,lettheeveningwashthedayaway.Maybethecopinhercouldn’tapproveofsomeofthetalestheytold—orthethieveryofteninvolved,but...hell,thestatuteoflimitationsmadethemalljustmemories.
“I’vefriendswaiting,”Summersetsaidatlength,androse.
Evebitbackthe
automaticretortinvolvingghoulsandcorpsesandwaittime.Moratorium,sheremindedherself.
“HappyChristmastoyouboth.It’sahappieroneformeknowingthisisahomefulfillingitspromiseandpurpose.”
Gladshe’dbittenbackthebarb,Eveclearedherthroat.“Ithelpshavingsomeonewhoknowswhathe’sdoingtohandlethedetails.”
“Thankyou.Anunexpectedgift.Goodnight.”
RoarkekissedEve’scheekafterSummersetleft.“Unexpected,andsweet.”
“I’mnotsweet.It’struth.I’mbigontruthtonight.”
“Difficultpiecestoyourday?”
“Yeah,andthensome.We’renotgoingtothinkaboutthatbecause,hey,look.Thereareallthesepresentsunderthe—Shit!Shit.”Now
shedidpushup.“Ineedtwentyminutes.”
“Allright.”“Go...dosomething,”
shesuggestedandfledtowrapthegiftsshe’dneglectedtowrapbecausetherewasplentyoftime.
Shehauledthemdowntotheparlor,shovedthemunderthetree.Huffedoutabreath,steppedback.AndnearlyyelpedasshespottedRoarkelyingononeofthesofas
readingabook,thecatstretchedoutbesidehim.
“Ididn’tseeyou.”“SoIdeducedwhenyou
reachedforyourweapon.”“Ididn’tdrawit.You’re
readingabook.”“It’stheYeatsyougave
meourfirstChristmastogether.Irereaditeveryyearatthistime.”
“You’resuchasap.”Butshesmiledwhenshesaiditbecausetheideafilledher
withpleasure.“Doyouwanttoseewhatyougotthisyear?”
“Ido.”Herose,setthebookaside.Thecatjustturnedover,stayedonthesofa.“Wecouldleavethegiftsfromfriendsfortomorrow,”hesuggested,pouredthembothmorewine.“ForChristmasDay.”
“Worksforme.Thenwecouldfinishwhatwestartedlastnight.Youknow,drinka
wholebunchofwine,havecrazysex.”
“Thatwouldabsolutelyworkforme.Or.”Hecuppedahandbehindherneck,kissedherslow.“Wecouldstartattheendofthat,workback.Crazysex,lotsofwine,gifts.”
“It’saplan,but—”Shepulledback,grabbedalarge,clumsilywrappedbox.“Openthis.Ifigureditwouldbethe...”Shethrewherhands
intheair,madeawhooshingsound.“Whatisit?”
“Theexplosion.”“No,no,whentheguy
who—”Withlooselyfistedhandsshewavedherarmsintheair.“Andthemusiciansall—”
“Thecrescendo?”Helaughed,satonthefloorwiththebox.“Idoadoreyou.So,inthiscase,crescendofirst.”
“Yeah.IwanttoseeifIhitthemark.It’sacrappy
wrappingjob.”“It’scharming.”He
untiedtheribbon,torethepaper.Whenheopenedthebox,shegaugedsurprise.Butsurprisedidn’tnecessarilymeanbull’s-eye.
“Youdidn’tgetyourselfamagiccoat,”shepointedout.
“Ihadn’tgottentoit.”Hedrewoutthesoftblack
leather,inclassicstyle,andhenoted—touched—thebuttonsheldthesymbolof
Celtictrinityknots.“Youamazeme.”“Youcanbuyyourown
clothes—youcanbuyeverybody’sclothes,butthisis...Iwantyousafe,too.”
“DarlingEve.”Whenheleanedover,kissedher,sheknewshe’dhitthemark.
“It’llfit,”shetoldhim.“Iwenttoyourguys—theR&Dguysonthelining,andthatwasn’teasy.IthinkIcouldgetintotheWhiteHouseWar
Roomeasier.Andyourtailor.”
Hestoodtoputiton.“It’sperfect.Absolutelyperfect.”
Andonhim,theknee-length,suppleblackleatherwasridiculouslysexy.“There’sanadd-on.Hiddeninteriorpockets.Ifigureaguylikeyoucanfindthemeasyenough.Forcarryingthingsevenanexpertcivilianconsultantisn’tsupposetocarry.”
“Isthatso?”Hedid,indeedfindthem,grinnedlikeaboy.
Doublebull’s-eye,Evethought.Onaroll,shestartedtoreachforanothergift.
“No,yourturnnow.”Heslippedoutofthecoat,laiditwithhers.“We’lljuststickwiththecrescendotheme.”Hechoseasmallbox.“Thisone.”
Sheexpectedjewelry.Hecouldn’thelphimself.So
puzzlementcamefirstwhensheopenedit,foundasimplebusinesscard.“MasterWu?Idon’tgetit.”
“Yougethim.He’llworkwithyou,athisdojo,orhere,intheonewe’rehavingputinbesidethegymonthelowerlevel.”
“Thewhat?Dojo.Here?”“Theworkstartsnext
week.MasterWuwilltrainyou.Ifandwhenyou’reunabletoconnectinperson,
we’vedevisedaholographicprogram.”
“MasterWuwillworkwithme.TheMasterWu?”She’dmetthemartialartslegendbrieflyonacase,hadadmiredhimforyears.“YouboughtmeMasterfuckingWu?”
“Inamannerofspeaking.”
“Holyshit,holyshit!”Shejumpedup,literallydancedaroundtheroom,
stoppingtojabatanimaginaryopponent,destroyingthemwithaviciousside-kick.“MasterWu!”
SheleapedontoRoarke,bowlinghimback,kissinghimhardwhenhelaughed,andwhilethecatranovertoseewhatthehellwasgoingon.
“Thisisthebest.Thisisthemostamazinggifteverinthehistoryofgifts.Youknow
I’mgoingtobeabletoseriouslykickyourassnow.”
“We’llseeaboutthat.”“MasterWu.”Sheshoved
up,pulledhimupwithher.“You’reputtinginadojo.”
“Weare.It’llbefun,won’tit,forbothofus?I’llshowyouthedesign,theplans.Ahnow,”hemurmuredwhentheinsanejoyinhereyescloudedwithtears.
“You,”shesaid,and
wrappedaroundhim.“Youknowme,andyoulovemeanyway.I’llnevergetoverit.”
“Andyou.Mycopputstashpocketsinmymagiccoat.Icouldn’thavedreamedyoubetter.”
Shesniffled,easedback,pulledanothergiftfromunderthetree.“Thisone.Thisoneneedstocomenext.”
“Icouldsithere,with
you,underthesehappylights,andneednothingelseintheworld.Butsinceit’shere,”headded,makingherlaughasheopenedthegift.
She’dframedaphotoofthematthepreviewofTheIcoveAgenda.Notoneoftheglitzyred-carpetshots,butonetakenaftershe’dsquaredoffwithakiller—afterhe’dbloodiedthebastard’sface.
Theystoodsmilingateachother,histornknuckles
onherbruisedcheek.“It’sus,that’swhatyou
saidwhenyousawthis.”Helookedupather.“Soitis,andit’sgoingstraightontomydesk.Openthis.”
Relievedtheemotionaljaghadpassed,sherippedin.Andfoundtheexactsamephoto.Differentframe,butthesamephoto.Nothingcouldhavestruckhermore.
“Lookatus.Weknoweachother.”
“Andloveeachotheranyway.”
“Allglammedup,andyourknucklesbleeding,myeyealreadygoingpurple.Tothinkofallthatbullshitpreppingforthecameras.TheTrinatreatment.Clothes,hair,face—andIendupwithablackeyeanyway.”
“Yougotyourman.Anditwasahellofanafterparty.”
“BaggingFryewasthe
bestpart,but,yeah,itwas.Ifpartiesdidn’ttakesomuchtimeandwork,they’d...Wait.Wait.”
“Forwhat?”“Shehelpedwiththe
partyprep.That’swhatTellatoldmetoday.Catianawasoverthere,helpedout,gotreadyforthepartythere.Catiana.”
RoarkedangledaribbonforGalahadtobatat.“Isuspectit’sChristmasthat’ll
havetowait.”“Ineedto...No,itcan
wait.”Shestartedtoreachforanothergift,buthetookherhand.
“Weknoweachother.”Sheturnedherhandunder
his,grippedtight.“ThankGod.Youcanwearyournewcoat.”
Sosheranthosetwistsandturnsashedrove,wonderedifsheindeedsmoothedsomeofthemout.
Itmadeaconvoluted,nastykindofsense.Andconsideringthoseinvolved,itplayedrightthroughtocrescendo.
Shedidn’tbothertohaveCopleybroughtup,butwentdowntothebowelsofCentral,loggedin,badgedthroughandwalkeduptowhereCopleypacedhiscell.
“Whatdoyouwant?Idon’thavetotalktoyou.Fuckyou,andyouwithher,”
hesaidtoRoarke.“Youcansendforthe
lawyeryoudon’trespect,oryoucanansweracoupleofsimplequestions.Onthenightofyourholidayparty,whattimedidyouseeorspeaktoyourwifeforthefirsttime?”
“HowthehelldoIknow?Iwasn’twatchingthedamnclock.”
“Fine.”Eveturnedaway.“Wait.Whydoesit
matter?ItoldyouwhenIgothome,ItoldyouIwentuptodress.Tashcameinlater.Shewasrunningbehind.”
“Whatabouthair,makeup?”
“Sowhat?Wait,wait.Shehadtodealwithitherself.Shewasrushed,somethingaboutascrewupwithcatering.Shewasupset,saidhowshe’dhadtoputoutadozenfires.Iknowshe’dbeenrunningarounddealing
withthingsbecauseTella’sgirlcalledup,caughtmejustafterIgotoutoftheshower,lookingforher.”
“WhynottagNatashadirectly?”
“Idon’tknow.Ididn’task.Ihadapartytogetreadyfor.Idon’tgetintothedomesticstuff.Tashdealswiththat.Shedealswiththestaff.”
“Howlongdidittakeyoutogetready?”
“JesusChrist.Idon’tknow.Itakemytime.Maybeninetyminutes.”
“SoCatianawaslookingforyourwifeaboutsix-thirty?Sometimearoundsix-thirty?”
“Aboutthat.Sowhat?Thegirlshould’vebeenabletohandlewhatevertheproblemwasinsteadofbotheringus.ButIdidn’tkillherforit.”
“You’reacompletedick,
JJ,”Evecommented,andwalkedawaywithhimshoutingafterher.
“Heis,indeed,acompletedick,”Roarkeagreed.
“Yeah,buthe’snotamurderer.”
EPILOGUEAskeletoncrewmannedthehospital.ThatmeantEvehadtogothroughmorehoopsforadmittancetothesurgicalwing,butshefoundherselftolerant.
WhenshesteppedintoNatasha’sroomwithRoarke,shenotedthey’dbroughtina
tree,gifts,strungsomelights.Natashasatupinbed,
flankedbyhersisterandbrother-in-law.Shelookedmorealert,andhadaddedlipdye,otherenhancements.Sheworealacyrobeoverasilkygown.
“Lieutenant.”Martellacameovertogreether.“Roarke.Oh,youworktoohardtostillbeatitonChristmasEve!Please,havesomechampagne.Thedoctor
saidTashcouldhaveahalfglass.She’sdoingsomuchbetteralready.”
“SoIsee.Youlookbetter,Ms.Quigley.”
“Ifeelmoremyself.Alittleweakandshaky,butmuchbetter.TellaandLancebroughtmeChristmas.”
“Nice.We’llhavetoskipthechampagne,butthiswon’ttakelong.Iwantedtocheckinonyou,andgiveyousomeupdates.”
“Sokind.”“I’mgoingtohavejusta
couplequestions,totieitallup.I’llkeepitsimple.”
“Ofcourse—ifyou’resureitcan’twait.”
“Whenwe’rethisclosetowrappingthingsup,wedon’twantanyloosethreads.”
“Youknowwhathappened?”
“Ido.Mind?”Eveaskedassheeaseddownatthefootofthebed.
“Ofcoursenot.I’msogratefulforyourdedication.”
“Justdoingmyjob.Anddoingit,Ishouldremindyouthatyoucanhavealegalreppresent.Ireadyouyourrightstheotherday,butIcanrefreshyouifyouneedit.”
“Soformal.Noneedforthat.OfcourseIremember.Idon’twantalawyer.”SheactuallypattedEve’shand.“Askyourquestionssoyoucangohomeandenjoyyour
ownChristmas.”“Thanks.Ididspeakwith
yourdoctorbeforeIcame.She’sverypleasedwithyourprogress,andexpectsyoutomakeafullrecovery,andhopesyoucanbereleasedinjustafewdays.”
“Itfeelslikeamiracle.”“I’msureitdoes.Iregret
toinformyouwehaveyourhusbandincustody.He’sbeenchargedwithTreyZiegler’smurder,with
CatianaDubois’smurder,andwiththeattackonyou.”
“OhGod.”“Youhavetobestrong,
Tash.”Martellagrippedhersister’shandassheturnedtoEve.“LanceandItalkedaboutthis.Wewentoverandoveritbecauseitjustdoesn’tseempossible.Butitis.It’stheonlypossibility.Hemusthavelosthismind.”
“He’sadifficultman.Iunderstandyourloyalty,Ms.
Quigley—Natasha,”Evesaid,andgently.“Butit’stimeforthetruth.”
“He’smyhusband.HowdoIacceptallthis?HowdoIacceptmyhusbandisamurderer?”
“It’shard.Ithastobereallyhard.Butwe’vebeenabletoputitalltogether.Theevents,thetimelines,allofit.”
“JJ.”Natashachokeditout.“ItriedtotellmyselfI
wasconfused.Itcouldn’thavebeen...Butwhy,why?WhywouldhehurtCatiana,whywouldhehurtme?WhywouldhekillTrey?
“Tella’sright.Helosthismind.Ishouldhaveseenit,Ishouldhavegottenhimhelpbeforeitwastoolate.”
Martellaslidontothebed,drewhersisterclose.“Don’tblameyourself,Tash.Don’t.”
“Idon’tunderstandit.Idon’tunderstandanyofit.”
“HeknewaboutyouandZiegler,”Evetoldher.
“OhGod.God,Iknewhe’dbeangryifhefoundout,but...”
“Hedidn’tfindout,”Evecorrected.“Hearrangedit.”
“What—”“HepaidZieglertosleep
withyou.”“He...”Thetearsin
Natasha’seyesdriedtohardembers.“Whatareyousaying?”
“I’msayinghepaidTreyZieglertoinitiateanaffairwithyou,which,withZiegler’shelp,hedocumentedinordertoretainagenerousfinancialsettlementwhenhefiledfordivorce.”
“Oh,Tash.”Tellaleanedintooffermorecomfort.Natashapushedheraside.
“He’slying.JJmustbelying.”
“WehaveZiegler’s
records,corroboratingthetransactions.Itwasjustanotherjobforhim—reallylucrativesincebothyouandyourhusbandwere,essentially,payinghimforthesameservice.Justanotherwaytocashin.Youdidn’tmeananythingtohimotherthananotherbody,anothermark.”
“That’snottrue.That’sabsolutelynottrue.”
Theflashinhereyestold
Evewhatsheneededtoknow.
“Heusedyou.Zieglerusedyou,andheandyourhusbandlaughedaboutitbehindyourback.”
“No.Treycaredaboutme.”
“Hecaredaboutthemoneyyougavehim,themoneyhegotfromyourhusband.Hedouble-dipped,anditendedupkillinghim.”
“Wehadarelationship.
Doyouunderstandme?”“I’mnotsureIdo.”“Tash,don’tupset
yourself.Themanwasabastard.Hetookadvantageofyou.”
“Ofyou,”QuigleytossedbackatMartella.“Notofme.Noonetakesadvantageofme.”
“It’shardtotake.”EvepattedNatasha’sleg.“Reallyhardforasmart,strong-willedwomantotakewhen
she’sbeenduped.Everythinghesaidtoyouwasalie,andoneyourhusbandpaidfor—worse,paidforwithyourmoney.Iknowit’srough.ItwasbadenoughwhenyoufoundoutZieglerwasseeingthatidiotAllaCoburnagain,badenoughwhenheliedtoyouabouther,aboutothers.
“Hemadeyoufeelspecial,excited,”Evecontinued.“Whenyousnuckouttoseehimthatday—the
dayofyourparty—youjustwantedtoseehimbeforeheleftfortheseminar.Butyousawhe’dbeenwithsomeoneelse.Thecheapbra,thesluttyshoes,rightthere,inyourface.”
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Martellademanded.Eveignoredher.
“Hebrusheditoff.Hehadaway,didn’the?Shedidn’tmeananythingtohim.Justsex.Didhelaughatyou
whenyoutoldhimyouwouldn’ttolerateit?Didhesneerwhenyousaidyoulovedhim,wantedhimtoonlybewithyou?Washelaughingwhenyoupickedupthetrophyandswungitathishead?”
“Youcan’ttalktoherthatway.”MartellatuggedonEve’sarm.“She’shurt.She’sbeenvictimized.Lance,makeherstop.”
“Wait.”HestaredatEve,
shiftedhisgazeslowlytoNatasha’sface.“Justwait.”
“Idon’twanttotalktoyou.”Natashapluckedatthesheets,blinkedtearsintohereyes.“You’resayinghorriblethings.”
“Youstucktheknifeintohisheartbecausehe’dstuckoneintoyours.Itwasalllies,Natasha.Yours,yourhusband’s,Ziegler’s.Everythingyoudid:lies.Youthoughtyou’dgottenoff
clear,youtoldyourselfyoudidwhatyouhadtodo,andthatwasthat.Butthetimeittook?Thattrippedyouup.Youhadtocancelyourhairandfacetechs.I’vecheckedwiththem,too.”
“Iwasbusypreparingfortheparty.”
“Youweren’thomeatthetimeZieglerdied.Catianalookedforyou,couldn’tfindyou.”
“Iwashome.OfcourseI
washome.Dozensofpeoplesawme.”
“AndwhenIinterviewthem,eachandeveryone,noneofthemwillbeabletoverifyyouweretherebetweensixandseventhateveningbecauseyouwererushingovertoZiegler’sapartment,killinghim,andrushingbackagain.”
“Iwashome,”Natashasaidcoldly.“You’llneverproveotherwise.”
“Surewewill.AndyesterdayCatianarealizedit.Talkingwithyoursister,shestartedputtingittogether.Startedwonderingwhyshecouldn’tfindyouinthehouse,whyyou’dcanceledyourhairandfacetime.Sixtoseven-thirty,accordingtoyourhairandskintechs.Butshewasloyal,Natasha.Shedidn’truntome,tothepolice,shewenttoyou.Shewenthopingyou’dexplain.
Butyoucouldn’texplain.”“Tella,please.Callthe
nurse.Myheadhurts.”“Tash.”Slowly,Martella
easedbackfromthebed.“OhmyGod,Tash.Itcan’tbetrue.NotCate.Youcouldn’t.”
“Butshedid.Shehadtoprotectherself.Maybeyouofferedhermoney.She’dbeshocked,insulted.Youcouldn’ttrusthertokeephermouthshut,soyouargued,
youthreatened.Youshovedher.Didyoumeantokillherorwasitjustahappyaccident?”
Natashashookherhead,lookedpleadinglyathersister.“Ididn’t.Icouldn’t.Believeme.”
“Ithinkitwasviolentimpulse,”Evecontinued.“LikeZiegler.AndlikeZiegler,youcouldn’tleaveitatthat.Afteryouturnedherover,madesureshewas
dead,youknewjusthowtouseitalltoyouradvantage.YoucouldgetridofJJ—havehimlockedawaylikehedeservedforcheatingonyouwiththatlittlestripperwiththebigtits.Itwouldtakesomeguts,butyou’vegotthem.Soyoumadethenine-one-onecall.Youcouldclaimyoublockedvideoinyourrush,yourshock.Youfakedanattack,usingyourhusband’sname.Thenyou
droppedthephone,crushedit.Yougotyourgutsup,pickedupthatvase.Youscreamed—alertingJJ,boostingyouradrenaline,thenyoustruckyourselfashardasyoucouldmanage.Harderthanyoushouldhave.Itnearlykilledyou.Younearlydiedforprideandegoandpaybacktoacheatingspouse.
“Wasitworthit?”“Everybit.”
WhenMartellabegantoweep,Roarkeputanarmaroundher,lookedatLance.“Youshouldtakeherout.Sheshouldn’tbeherenow.”
“Comeon,darling.Comeonnow.”
“Goon!Youalwaysweretheweakone,”Natashacalledafterher.“GocryingtoDaddy,likeyouusedto.”
Martellastopped,lookedback.“You’remysister.”Shestraightenedhershoulders,
liftedherchin.“Butshewasmybestfriend.Cate.I’llneverforgiveyouforCate.”Andshewalkedaway.
“Staff.”Natashaleanedback.“Anyonewhomakesfriendsorfamilyoutofpaidstaffisafool.”ShelookedatEve.“Iwasunderduress.Myhusband’spettycrueltiesandneglect,aloverflauntinghisflings.Ihadabreakdown.”
“Youcanplaythattune.”“Abreakdown.What
happenedwithTreythatday?It’sasifsomeoneelsewasinsidemybody.Icouldn’tcontrolmyself.Catiana?Sheslipped.Weweretalking.Iwasupset,ofcourse,butsheslipped,fell.Iwasinshock.Again,outofmymind.Nooneintheirrightmindwouldstrikethemselvesthatway.”
“You’regoingtolearnthedifferencebetweenlegallysaneandjustbeingacold,vicious,selfishbitch.”
“I’minthehospital.Inearlydied.Ihaveagreatdealofmoneytopayhard-hittinglawyers.NoonemournsforTreybutme.AndCatiana?Sheslipped.”
“You’reagoodliar,butwiththeevidenceI’mgoingtohavestackedupagainstyou,evenyourlieswillsink.NatashaQuigley,you’reunderarrestforthemurderofTreyZiegler,forthemurderofCatianaDubois,human
beings.Additionalchargeswillincludebutnotbelimitedtoobstructionofjustice,lyingtoapoliceofficerduringaninvestigation.Youwillbeheldhere,underguarduntilsuchtimeasyoucansafelybetransportedtoprisontoawaittrial.”
“I’llgetoutonbail.”“Iwouldn’tbetonit.”
Evetookoutherrestraints,steppedforward.
“Stayawayfromme.You
can’tusethoseonme.”“Wouldn’tbetonthat,
either.”Evegrabbedoneofherwrists,managedtoblocktheswipeofnailsforearmtoforearm.“Addresistingarresttotheaforesaidcharges.”Shelettheslapcome,thoughthewomanhadsomepunchtoher.“Andalittleicingformewithassaultingapoliceofficer.Whichallowsmeto—”
Shetookoutasecondpair
ofrestraints,cuffedQuigley’sotherwrist.
“I’llhaveyourbadgeforthis.”
“Whatyou’llhaveisacrappylifeinacage.Yourcheatingputzofahusbandisprobablygoingtogetanicechunkofyourmoneyafterall.Yournameandfacearegoingtobesplashedalloverthemedia,andtheonlysocialclubyou’llbelongtoisBigNellie’sBitch-Slapping
Circle.You’llbethemascot.MerryChristmas.”
“BigNellie?”Roarkeaskedastheywalkedout.
“Firstthingthatcametomind.Officer.”Shesignaledtheuniformshe’dorderedfortheduty.“Sitonher.I’vegotyouonfour-hourrotations,soyouwon’tmissChristmasaltogether.”
“I’mJewish,sir.”“Okay,Happy
Hanukkah.”
Shespoketotheheadnurseonduty,relayedthestatustoDr.Campovia’link.
“Hersister’sgoingtosuffer.”
“She’smarriedtoasteadyguy—africkingrock.But,yeah,she’llsuffer.Murderdoesn’tstopatthevic,notmostofthetime.Shesethimupgood,andhewassuchanasshole,itplayed.Littleniggleshereandthere,butitplayed.They’resomuch
alike—Copley,Quigley.Hecould’vedoneit,forallthesamereasons.Except,hedoesn’thavetheballstodamnnearkillhimselftogetawaywithit.”
“Youclosedit.Yougotbothyourvictimsjustice.”
“Messy,butclosed.NowIhavetogospringCopley,thatasshole.”
“Youcoulddoitinthemorning,lethimrotjustabit.”
“Icould,butIwon’t.”“It’swhatmakesyounot
abitlikeeitherofthem.”“It’sapisserrightatthe
moment.It’sgoingtotakemeawhile.”Shelookedupathimastheysteppedoutoftheelevator.“Couplehourstodealwiththepaperwork,thelawyers.ScrewsupourChristmasEve.”
“We’vealreadyhadthecrescendo,therestcanwait.”
“Yeah.”Theysteppedout
intothenight.Thecoldrainhadstopped.Shethoughtshecaughttheglimmerofacouplestars.
Shetookhishand,gavehisarmaswing.“Nicecoat,”shesaid,madehimlaugh.
She’ddoherduty,doherjob.ThensheandthemanwhoknewherandlovedheranywaywouldgohomeforChristmas.
•••
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