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into this retirement facility. We paid big money for condos in the building that overlooked the lake. As did a number of our friends, at our urging, I might add.’ She visibly struggled to contain the hurt that still lingered with the loss of her life mate. ‘Many invested their whole life savings. Then two years ago there was a change of command. Out with the old and in with the new. Suddenly we had Scott Baker and a new corporation, Your Life, who cared only for making more money on this investment.’
    Anger lit in Jess’s belly. That was something she despised more than most anything else. Those who bullied or took advantage of children and the elderly.
    ‘What steps have they taken to that end?’ Jess jotted the names Frances had mentioned.
    ‘They’re constructing a new building between ours and the lake. Stealing our bought-and-paid-for view of nature and giving us a massive brick wall in its place.’ Her lips tightened in fury. ‘Perhaps some would consider that a nonissue but we have the right to the quality of living we were promised. I’ve been spearheading the group of widows fighting the project. That’s all I’m guilty of, Jessie Lee. Beyond a few not - so - pleasant thoughts about Baker and his cronies.’
    ‘Which brings me back to the question,’ Jess countered, refusing to allow her adoration for the lady to throw her off her game. ‘Why were you in his office tonight?’
    ‘I’d just come in from dinner at my daughter’s home. She and I had discussed how Baker was ignoring all our efforts and I was a little worked up.’ Frances lifted her chin and said the rest. ‘I saw his car was still here and I decided to demand some answers. But he was dead.’
    Well, there was a truckload of motive. Jesus. ‘Did you see any other vehicles in the parking lot?’ Jess went on, hoping for additional answers that would clear the lady, not make her look guiltier. ‘Any other persons, even from a distance? Think hard, Frances. Was there anyone else in the parking lot or lobby area? Did you meet another vehicle as you were driving up to the facility?’
    Frances opened her mouth and then snapped it shut. She furrowed her brow in thought, then said, ‘You know, I did meet another car after turning into the entrance.’
    Anticipation pumped through Jess. Now they were getting somewhere. ‘Can you describe the car?’
    Her shoulders slumped. ‘No. Their headlights were on bright. I cursed them all the way to my parking spot.’ She shook her head. ‘I wouldn’t even have recalled that nuisance if you hadn’t asked.’
    Jess’s disappointment at not getting a description must have been visible since Frances tacked on, ‘Get ready for it, Jessie Lee. That’s how it is when you get old. Can’t see, can’t hear. Forget every damned thing. The children you gave everything to are just glad you’re some place like this instead of in their way more than one evening a week.’
    Jess’s heart broke just a little. ‘It’s the same whether a witness is eighteen or eighty, Frances. There’s a lot they forget to mention unless asked specific questions. Why don’t you just relax a few minutes and I’ll be back in a bit.’
    4.49 A.M.
    As hard as she tried to keep her emotions in check, Jess dabbed at her eyes as she left Frances cuddled up in that same chair with a cup of hot tea. Jess left her cup on the table. The dining hall had run out of regular coffee. The only thing worse than no coffee at all was decaf. She closed the door behind her and gave the waiting officer strict orders not to allow anyone in or out of the library.
    Burnett was here and he had sent Jess a text demanding to see her pronto. He couched the string of words with please but that was just code for Don’t make me send someone to get you .
    She took a breath and reached for the door that stood between her and the man who’d made love to her only a few hours ago. He was going to let her have it for ignoring his calls all