7:41 a.m.
“WOW, DAD.”
“‘Wow, Dad’ what?”
“You look like you slept rough in the street,” Ariel said.
“You’re not too far off the mark, daughter. And who taught you about sleeping rough?”
Truth was, Cooper hadn’t slept at all since assaulting the city’s most famous homicide detective. He was pretty sure that single uppercut had placed a target firmly on his back. Bernstein hadn’t been goaded into a fevered response, but Cooper knew for sure there would be a response. Maybe Bernstein would slip up, and it would be something he could use to help Francine.
“What’s on the agenda today, old man?”
“Glad you asked,” Cooper said. “Today’s goal is convincing my own client to help me save her life.”
“You’re seeing Francine Hughes again?” Ariel asked.
“Why, yes, I am. Private eye to the stars, that’s your dear old father.”
Cooper Jr. leaned in from the back seat. “Do you think Francine could get us tickets to the game on Sunday?”
“You mean you want me to ask the grieving widow for tickets to a game her late husband should have been playing? That might not be the smartest move, my boy.”
Ariel shook her head. “That would be unethical.”
“Yeah, but this is Dad we’re talking about,” Cooper Jr. said.
“Hey, Dad is sitting right here! And by the way, private eyes have a very strict ethical code.”
Cooper Jr. frowned. “But you told me you became a private detective because you didn’t want anyone telling you what to do.”
“Plus you can set your own hours,” Ariel added.
“Don’t you two have schoolwork to finish or something?”
Transcript of conversation between Cooper Lamb and Francine Hughes
COOPER LAMB: Thanks for taking the time to see me, Francine. I wanted to ask you about Maya.
FRANCINE HUGHES: You’re too old for her.
LAMB: Um, that’s not what I’m asking.
HUGHES: Sure, sure. I see the way you look at her.
LAMB: If I’m looking at her in a particular way, it’s because I’m trying to figure out how she fits into this case.
HUGHES: What do you mean? Maya looks after the kids. I have no earthly idea why you’re trying to drag her into this.
LAMB: I’m not dragging her anywhere. She seems to live at the center of this thing, Francine. Did you know she’s dating Mickey Bernstein?
HUGHES: (Pause) What she does in her time off is none of my business.
LAMB: You have no problem with your nanny being in a relationship with the man investigating your husband’s murder?
HUGHES: I think we’re through here, Cooper. You should probably go.
LAMB: If you want me to help your defense team save you, you’re going to have to tell me everything you know about Maya and Bernstein.
HUGHES: I said we’re through. I need you to leave.
LAMB: Hey, I’m on your side here!
HUGHES: Well, it doesn’t feel that way. Sometimes you’re no better than those reporters who call and text and e-mail all damn day. What does my nanny’s personal life have to do with anything? It’s all just gossip.
LAMB: Francine, it’s clear we have one tiny problem between us.
HUGHES: And what’s that?
LAMB: You’re constantly lying to me.
HUGHES: (Sharply) Excuse me?
LAMB: Hey, it’s okay. Sure, it makes my job a bit more challenging, but it ultimately doesn’t matter, because I’m going to find the truth, no matter what. It’s what I do.
HUGHES: Well, here’s some truth for you. I didn’t murder my husband. Maybe the prick deserved it, but I didn’t kill him.
LAMB: Now we’re finally getting to the truth.
HUGHES: I should fire you.
LAMB: Please. Put me out of my misery.