“As I’m sure Suit explained,” Jesse said, “we’re investigating a case unrelated to you, but we feel that you might be able to help us.”
“I’m not in trouble, am I?” Kim said. “Luther said I wasn’t in trouble.”
“No, no,” Jesse said. “Of course not. I’m just hoping you can give us some information that will help us.”
“Is it about the swinging?”
“You are not in trouble,” Jesse said. “About the swinging or anything else. But I am looking for information about swinging.”
“It’s perfectly legal,” she said.
“I know,” Jesse said.
“I’ve always been sort of fascinated with it, to tell you the truth,” Molly said. “We haven’t actually done anything yet, but my husband and I have certainly discussed it.”
“It’s very freeing,” Kim said.
“I can see how it would be,” Molly said.
“Did you know that the incidence of divorce is lower among swingers?” Kim said.
“I didn’t know that,” Jesse said.
“And infidelity,” Kim said.
“Of course,” Jesse said. “Everything is right out in the open.”
Kim nodded.
“I don’t mean to be nosy,” Molly said. “But is it really?”
“Is it really what?” Kim said.
“Right out in the open?”
“You mean the, ah . . .”
“The sex,” Molly said. “I mean, do you get to watch each other?”
“If you wish,” Kim said.
“Wow,” Molly said. “That sounds like it would be fun. Do you and your husband see each other?”
“Sometimes,” Kim said.
Her face was flushed. She didn’t look at Jesse.
“Wow,” Jesse said. “I’m not so sure I could perform. Is it possible to just watch?”
“Some people do that,” Kim said.
“Men and women?”
“Men mostly,” Kim said.
“Is there anyone who just watches?” Jesse said.
“I don’t know,” Kim said.
“Anyone come alone?”
“No,” Kim said. “No single men.”
“Single women?”
“I don’t think it’s against the rules, but women aren’t into it that much.”
“Really?” Molly said. “I thought it sounded exciting.”
Kim’s mouth clamped shut for a moment before she spoke.
“Not to anyone I know,” Kim said.
Molly smiled and shrugged.
“Well, it’s all about freedom,” Molly said. “Isn’t it?”
Kim nodded.
“Who’s the biggest watcher?” Jesse said.
“Oh, I can’t tell you anyone’s name,” Kim said.
“Kim,” Jesse said. “We’ve staked out your house. You had what appeared to be a party there three weeks ago. We have photos of who came and went. We have the plate numbers of all the cars. We’ve checked the registrations. We know who’s in the club. We only want you to tell us which ones like best to watch.”
“You . . . you can’t do that,” Kim said. “We’re within our rights.”
“We can do it. We did do it, and yes, you’re within your rights,” Jesse said. “But I need to know who likes to watch. And I can question everyone in your club until I find out, but it would be easier if you told me now.”
“That’s not true,” she said. “You’re just saying that.”
Jesse nodded and opened his middle drawer. He took out a sheet of paper and began to read.
“Mr. and Mrs. Martin Felts, Ralph Alfonzo and Maria Dupree, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Crosland
