“Okay, but—let’s not jump to conclusions,” I say. “Let’s be methodical about this. Wait until the forensic test results come back, okay? Then we’ll know more. I’ll bet you’re wrong. Iknowyou’re wrong.”
“Yeah, but what if I’m right?” His head dips slightly. “Whose side willyoube on?”
“Hey.” I grab his arm as he moves away from me. “Do you even have to ask that question?”
Luke stares at me, the way he does when he’s already decided not to say what he’s thinking. His eyes linger a beat too long, like there’s something pressing at the back of his throat, something he’s swallowed down.
My brother is keeping something fromme.
After April Fools’Day
20
Louise
—Investigation, Day 3—
Jennifer Harper enters the conference room and drops into a chair at a long table opposite Louise, Cutty, and Bruce Ghadiali.
“Thanks for coming, Harp,” says Louise.
Harp gives her a tight smile. “You’re fucking with my livelihood, Louise. Now I’m the P.I. who sells out her clients.”
“That’s why we immunized you. You can say you had no choice—”
“Yeah, I’m sure my client will berealunderstanding.”
Cutty turns on the video camera.
“I’m Detective Louise Pratt with the Grace Park Municipal Police. With me is my partner, Detective George Sarkisian, and Bruce Ghadiali from the Cook County State’s Attorney. We are here to interview Jennifer Harper. We’re investigating the suspicious death of Finley Brice, which we have reason to believe occurred on April first of this year. Today is Tuesday, April seventh, 2026.”
Three days after they discovered Finley’s body. And two days after Louise discovered that Harp was Allison’s private investigator. Bruce Ghadiali, who is as eager as she to learn more about Allison Brice, was quick to provide an immunity deal and get them to this moment.
Harp purses her lips as she stares at the glossy conference room table. “Jennifer Ann Harper,” she says when asked her full name.
“And for the record,” says Louise, nodding at the video camera, “let me lay out the scope of our agreement. Ms. Harper, you will answer questions about your work as a private investigator for Allison Brice on personal matters only, not work involving her law firm clients, which are privileged. The state has provided you with transactional and use immunity for your testimony. Is all that consistent with your understanding?”
“Yes.” Harp leans back in her chair.
“And you understand, Ms. Harper,” adds Bruce, “that your immunity doesn’t protect you from perjury and obstruction charges if you lie to us.”
“Gee, thanks.” Harp rolls her eyes. “I was only an FBI agent for nine years.”
“Ms. Harper, are you aware that on February sixteenth of this year, 2026, Luke Rankin was arrested while driving a car down Interstate 57? That state troopers discovered a large quantity of oxycodone in the trunk of the vehicle?”
“Yes,” she says.
“Were you aware that the vehicle was registered to someone named Trinity Casto?”
“Yes.” Apparently, Harp is going to limit her responses as much as possible.
“Have you ever met Luke Rankin?”
“No.”
“Trinity Casto?”
“No.”
