“No.”
Another beat.
Keller swallowed hard.
“Sinclair.”
Tessa stilled. “Professor Sinclair.”
Keller nodded once. “He was obsessed with her.”
“Obsessed how?” Tessa asked.
“Mentor. Confidant. Savior.” Keller’s voice turned brittle. “She spent hours in his office. He fed her that vulnerability-and-truth routine. He likes secrets. He likes control.”
Scout’s tone cooled. “You think he hurt her.”
“I think he’s capable,” Keller said. “He believes he’s the hero in every story.”
Burke studied him. “You and Sinclair ever have issues?”
Keller’s expression tightened. “He thinks I’m reckless.”
“In what way?” Tessa asked.
Keller gave a thin smile. “Sinclair doesn’t approve of… complications. He carries himself like he’s above all that. Holier-than-thou. Clean hands. Clean conscience.”
Scout’s tone stayed neutral. “And you?”
“I think he’s an arrogant prick,” Keller said flatly. “He loves the sound of his own voice. Loves being the moral compass in every room. He plays mentor, but it’s theater. Always has been.”
Burke didn’t react. “Personal friction isn’t motive.”
“Maybe not.” Keller’s jaw tightened. “But don’t mistake polish for virtue.”
Scout’s voice cut in. “Sounds personal.”
Keller gave a small, controlled smile. “You think you know me, Deputy. You don’t.”
Burke closed the file. “We’ll bring Sinclair in.”
Keller leaned forward slightly, voice lowering just enough to pull them in.
“Don’t underestimate him,” he said. “He won’t argue. He won’t push back. He’ll make you doubt your own questions.”
A beat.
“And by the time you remember why you came, he’ll already be done with you.”
Outside the Interview Room — Minutes Later
Burke stepped away to make a call.
Scout stood beside Tessa, eyes on the glass. “He’s unraveling.”
“He’s scared,” Tessa said.
Scout glanced at her. “Of us?”
