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to follow her lawyer’s advice.”
    He leaned forward. “Don’t you see, Rachel? It’s just like that photograph. Just as you can’t be absolutely sure that Sally Wade was the woman who hired you, you can’t be absolutely sure that my client’s version of the story isn’t the real one.”
    I smiled and shook my head. “You sound like someone trying to create some reasonable doubt.”
    He nodded. “Absolutely.”
    I shrugged. “You haven’t succeeded.”
    â€œI haven’t finished.”
    I groaned. “What now?”
    â€œI want you to talk to him.”
    â€œNeville McBride?”
    â€œYes.”
    I tilted my head in surprise. “That’s a bit unusual.”
    â€œSo?” he said, dead serious. “This whole case is a bit unusual, which is why I’d like you to meet with him. Ask him whatever you want. Listen to his answers. Watch him closely. Decide for yourself.”
    I studied Jonathan. “What if I talk to him and decide he’s a liar?”
    He shrugged. “I’m willing to take that risk.”
    I frowned. “I don’t understand why.”
    â€œBecause your testimony could be devastating, Rachel.” He leaned forward. “If the jury believes that Sally told you the truth, they’re that much more likely to return a guilty verdict. If those jurors believe that he regularly tied her up and masturbated onto her backside, they’re going to convict him.”
    I leaned back in my chair and shook my head. “Jonathan, you seem to overlook the fact that I represent Sally. I believed her when I filed that lawsuit. I have no reason to doubt her now. In addition, I’ve been retained by the trust company to help administer her estate. With all that against him, why would Neville risk talking to me?”
    â€œTwo reasons. First, you have a reputation for fairness.”
    I laughed. “I’m no saint.”
    He didn’t smile. “Neither is Neville, as you will discover. He’s a womanizer, a bit of a racist, and probably not wild about Jews. But I don’t believe he’s a killer. Neville and I hope that if he gives you a reason to believe him, you’ll give him a fair hearing. Second, and just as important, you have a reputation for tenacity. That’s crucial here. I believe you were used—either by Sally or by someone else who hired an impersonator. I’m assuming that if you reach the same conclusion, namely, that you were used as part of a murder scheme, you’re not going to stop digging until you find out who that someone was.”
    I got up, walked over to the window, and peered through the blinds. I turned to him. “You’re asking a lot.”
    â€œI know I am.”
    â€œWhen would you want to have this meeting?”
    â€œTonight.”
    â€œTonight?”
    He nodded. “Name the place. I’ll get him there.”
    I went back over to my desk and glanced down at my calendar. “Tonight isn’t good.”
    â€œWhy not?” he said.
    â€œI have a class at five-thirty, and then I’m going to my mother’s house for dinner.”
    â€œThat’s fine. I’ll bring him by after dinner. Just give me a time.”
    â€œJonathan,” I said, leaning back against my credenza, slightly annoyed and slightly amused, “has anyone ever told you that you tend to be a little too pushy?”
    He smiled. “They’ve never said ‘a little.’” The smile faded. “Rachel, my client is charged with first-degree murder. That’s a compelling reason to be a little too pushy.” He pulled out his pocket calendar and fountain pen. “When’s good tonight?”
    I sighed. “Well, how’s eight o’clock?”
    â€œWe’ll be there.”

Chapter Six
    â€œAssume the position,” she ordered.
    I did.
    â€œFeet at shoulder width, knees flexed.”
    They