Francisco was killed by a Latino person?” Jesse said.
“Well, she was there on the front lawn, and obviously she wasn’t killed by someone in Paradise.”
“But you have no actual evidence,” Jesse said.
“It’s as plain as the nose on your face,” she said.
Jesse nodded thoughtfully.
“That plain,” he said. “What do you think I should do?”
“Well, first of all, close down that school. It will send them a message,” Miriam said.
“I really have no right to close down a school,” Jesse said.
“You have an obligation to protect us,” Miriam said.
“I do,” Jesse said.
He picked up the menu.
“What’s good here,” Jesse said.
Miriam stared at him.
“I’m not through talking,” she said.
“I’m not surprised,” Jesse said.
“Well, what are you going to do about this?”
Jesse put down the menu.
“I’ll tell you what I’m not going to do,” Jesse said. “I’m not going to sit here and talk ragtime with you. You have your reasons for wanting that school closed. But we both know they have little to do with the murder of Fiona Francisco.”
“That’s insulting,” Miriam said.
“Yeah, I thought it might be,” Jesse said. “Thanks for the iced tea.”
He stood and walked through the open French doors, through the dining room, and out of the Yacht Club.
38.
Jesse stood with Jenn and Nina Pinero at the foot of the long, sloping lawn of the Crowne estate. At the top of the slope the children sat on the floor of the big front porch while one of the two teachers read them a book.
“Kids know about the murder?” Jesse said.
“Vaguely,” Nina said.
“Press?” Jesse said.
“We’ve been able to keep them away pretty well.” She looked at Jenn. “Until now.”
“I’m Jenn Stone,” Jenn said, “Channel Three News.”
“Stone?” Nina said. “Any relation?”
“We used to be married,” Jesse said.
“Does that give her special status?” Nina said.
“Yes,” Jesse said. “It does.”
