Page 56

“And if they do seem to really think you’re their guy, lawyer up.”

Zach said, “I’ll look more guilty if I lawyer up.”

Flint’s lip curled. “People lawyer up when they’re worried. You can be worried for all kinds of reasons, including knowing that cops often get it wrong. Cops only want you to think it makes you look guilty because they hate it when people lawyer up.”

This was pretty much sacrilege to the son of a former cop, but Zach swallowed his objections. He could see that Flint was genuinely trying to help.

“And you might give your godfather a call. Since the sheriff’s office and the police department are already playing tug-of-war with this case, let’s call in the varsity team.”

“I told Bill some of what happened with Alton, but I didn’t go into details.”

“Did you mention lace panties?”

“Not specifically. I said Alton tried to bribe me for sexual favors, but seemed to accept no for an answer, so I continued to work for him.”

Flint considered, then said, “It’s good that you got on the record before it gets dragged out.”

“It’s the truth.”

“I said I believed you. I meant it.”

Zach stared out the rain-flecked window. “I didn’t feel like I had a choice.”

Flint said, “And at no time during your interview withanyonedo you repeat that particular phrase. Understood?”

Zach threw him a startled glance. “Yes. Understood.”

He couldn’t help thinking Flint’s friend at the sheriff’s office would not appreciate Flint’s coaching of the witness. Zach appreciated it, though. For the first time since Flint had lit into him, he felt a little warmer, a little more hopeful.

“Thanks,” he said gruffly.

Flint glanced at him, gave another of those curt nods, and returned his attention to the road ahead.

Chapter Sixteen

“What’s going on?” Brooke demanded before Zach was even through the front door. “Those detectives sounded like they thoughtyouwere a suspect! I thought Beacher’s death was accidental!”

Not much rattled Brooke, but she seemed genuinely frightened, which did little to calm Zach’s own fears.

“It’s okay. It’s got to be a-a misunderstanding. I’m going to phone them right now.”

“I know cops, and those cops think you’re involved somehow.”

“I know, but they’ve got it wrong.”

“Zee, if you’re in trouble—”

“Trouble?” Zach goggled at her. “Brooke, I swear to God, I’m not in trouble. I didn’t doanything. Anything illegal.”

“I wish we’d never taken that job!”

Zach heartily concurred, but he said with an effort at calm, “Look, let me call the sheriff’s office. Let me get it straightened out, and then I’ll bring you up to speed.”

Brooke did not look reassured.

Zach went into his office, closed the door, and phoned Lt. Bill Cameron.

Cameron, however, was unavailable, so Zach left what was probably an incoherent voice mail, and hands shaking, heart in his throat, phoned Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.