Page 37 of The Perfect Revenge
“The man’s worked with everyone from Anya to Rocktoc to Chantilly.He’s big time.”
Jessie recognized that last name.Chantilly Mesa was a famous pop star that she and Susannah had spoken to while investigating a series of murders in Manhattan Beach last year.In fact, that was how Susannah had met the local cop she was currently living in sin with.
“Well, it looks like Ranger is trading on his dad’s fame to become an influencer,” Susannah said, apparently not wanting to mention any of that personal stuff to Devery.
“So he’s a wannabe nepo baby who’s making ends meet by blackmailing people,” Devery said.
“Allegedly,” Jessie reminded him.“Why don’t we meet him and Denise before drawing too many conclusions.”
Devery offered a sheepish grin.“Sorry.”
They walked up to the front door of the mostly glass house, which was designed to look like a series of cubes piled on top of each other.
“Should we even knock?”Susannah wondered.“I’m not sure these are the type to open the door to strangers.Maybe we see if they’re hanging around on the beach side.”
“How about this,” Jessie offered.“I’ll knock.Devery will stand off to the side of me.You go around back.If someone sees our uniformed friend here and tries to make a break for it, you can be there to greet them.Sound good?”
“Sounds great,” Susannah said, obviously excited for a little action.
“You got my back if things go sideways?”Jessie asked Devery.“I’ve had a few bumps on the head on the job, as you know well.So Detective Hernandez—.”
“Your husband,” Devery noted.
She didn't love the kid, reflexively defining her through her relationship status, but let it slide for now.
“So myhusbandhas requested that I avoid putting myself in harm’s way as much as possible.Are you able to help me keep my promise to him?”
“It would be my honor,” he said, vibrating with enthusiasm.
“Okay, but let’s avoid anything physical unless absolutely necessary.Got it?”
“Got it,” he said.
They gave Susannah a few minutes to head around back, then Jessie rang the doorbell as Devery positioned himself off to the side.He rested his hand on his gun holster, but Jessie shook her head.There was no need to go there yet.
After nearly a minute without a response, she rang the bell again.Thirty seconds later, she decided to knock.She was just raising her hand when a male voice called out from the other side of the door.
“What do you want?”
“Mr.Callister?”
“I guess,” the voice muttered.
Jessie wasn’t sure what to make of that reply, but plowed ahead anyway.
"Mr.Callister.My name is Jessie Hunt.I work with the Los Angeles Police."
“I know who you are,” he interrupted.“I can see you through the peephole and I have the internet.Why are you here?”
“We have a few questions for your girlfriend, Denise Monroe.”
“Oh man, hasn’t she been through enough from you people?She was found not guilty of anything.Why can’t you just leave her alone?She’s not here right now anyway.”
Jessie didn’t point out that not being charged due to lack of evidence was not the same thing as being “found not guilty.”She just wanted to get inside that house to see if Callister was telling the truth, so she tried a different tack.
“I’m certainly not trying to put her through anything else.”She hoped that she sounded convincing.“This isn’t related to her past issues.I’m just trying to get clarity on a few things.Since she’s not here, maybe you can fill in a few details for me.Can you open the door, so we can talk face to face?I’d really appreciate it, Ranger.”
She winced at saying the name, but if it helped establish a rapport, she'd give it a shot.There were several seconds of silence, then she heard what sounded like a lock sliding open.Again, Devery's hand went to his hip, though he had a questioning look on his face.This time, Jessie nodded that it was okay.The door opened to reveal a lanky, tanned dude with longish, sun-bleached hair.He was shirtless and shoeless, wearing only board shorts.He was holding his phone up.Jessie assumed it was to record them.
