Page 3 of The Perfect Crime

Jessie knew what Hannah was doing.Her sister was aware that things had been bumpy between Ryan and Parker and that asking about the relationship would put him on his heels.What Hannah didn't know—but Jessie did—was that the two of them had actually recently had a meeting with LAPD Chief Roy Decker to try to hash out their differences.And while things seemed better on the surface, it was clear to Jessie that the simmering tension between them remained.She feared that one day, it would erupt in a way that could put Ryan's career at risk.

Just then, both their phones rang.Jessie looked at hers.The call was from Parker.

“Speak of the devil,” Ryan said.

“That’s not constructive,” she chided.

Ryan stuck his tongue out at her before answering.

“Hi Captain,” he said, “You’re on speaker with me and Jessie.What’s up?”

“Sorry to bother you both before you even get in for the day, but I didn’t want you to waste time by coming into the office.”

“Why?”Jessie asked.

“I’m going to text you an address in the West Adams district,” she said.“There’s been a home invasion murder.We just got word a few minutes ago.”

“Why are they requesting HSS?”Ryan asked.

“I’m not sure,” Parker said, “But apparently the officer in charge at the scene was pretty adamant that this was up your alley.All I know is that he said this was definitely a case for HSS.And we all know that other divisions don’t like to give up case unless they have to.I guess you’ll find out more when you get there.”

She hung up without another word.

“Always the charmer,” Ryan said sarcastically.

Before Jessie could respond, they got a text with the address.

“Let’s go,” she said, before returning to Hannah.“Sorry to bail on you.”

“That’s okay,” her sister said.“Catching whoever did this is more important than egg bites.But I’ll still save you some.”

Jessie gave Hannah a kiss on the forehead and dashed back to the bedroom to put on her most comfortable walking shoes.She had a feeling she was going to need them today.

CHAPTER TWO

Jessie almost felt like she needed sunglasses.

When they pulled up in front of the West Adams mansion, there were so many flashing lights that she had to squint to see the house clearly.Ryan ended up having to park halfway down the block because of all the emergency vehicles.

They got out and walked on the sidewalk past the other mansions, which had a varied mix of architectural styles including Victorian, Craftsman and Beaux-Arts, all of which were typical for the historic district, located not far from downtown L.A.When they arrived at the address, Jessie looked up at the impressive place.

The house they'd been sent to was a Victorian.It was mostly green with white shutters.It had a giant yard and a large, wraparound porch.There were angled bay windows and a deeply pitched roof that led to an impressive turret.Jessie guessed that the home was built around 1900.She didn't have to guess to know that it was pricey.

They walked up the path to the huge front porch, where both police tape and a uniformed officer stopped them.Ryan held up his badge and ID before the young man could object to their presence.

“We’re looking for the officer in charge,” he said.

“That would be Sergeant Delco,” the officer replied.“I’ll alert him that you’re here.”

As he radioed the sergeant, Jessie gave Ryan a satisfied nod.They’d worked with Paul Delco before, and she’d always found him to be competent and professional.Knowing that he was the one who requested them was a good sign.Delco wouldn’t have reached out unless this situation was beyond the norm.

When he stepped outside to meet them, she was reminded of something else: Delco didn’t give off a touchy-feely vibe.A rail-thin officer in his late thirties with crew cut brown hair, the man wore a permanent scowl.She didn’t mind.

"Good to see you again, Sergeant," she said affably, just to see if she could get him to crack a smile.She couldn't.

“Ms.Hunt,” he replied crisply before acknowledging Ryan, “Detective Hernandez.Thank you both for getting here so fast.”

“We were told that you thought this case might be right for HSS, but we don’t know why,” Ryan said.“Care to fill us in?”

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