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“I understand and respect that” Horner nodded “Nohat can I do for you?”
Lance pulled his phone fro for you” He opened his YouTube app and handed the phone over the desk “If you look at the time stamp on the video, it appears this was taken at the lake Thursday night”
Horner’s eyes brightened as he watched
“It’s easier to see on a bigger screen, but that’s Tessa Palht,” Lance said
Horner swiveled to face the desktop co of his L-shaped desk He opened his browser and pulled up the video, freezing on a frame of Tessa between the two boys “This looks like her boyfriend, Nick Zabrowski”
“It does”
“How did you find this?” Irritation flattened Horner’s mouth
“I ran across it while working a -kid case Jamie Lewis It was just uploaded today” There was no reason for Lance to maintain client confidentiality since Jamie was already an open case for the SFPD
“Do you knoho took this video?” Horner asked
“No” Lance debated about giving Red’s plate number to Horner But the police could subpoena YouTube for the account details of the person who’d uploaded the video And Lance business to find Jaave him up to the police He’d keep the kid’s ID in his back pocket for now
“Thank you for bringing this toelse, I’d appreciate a call” Horner held out a hand
Lance shook it “Of course”
“I want to let you know that I’ve requested to add a third detective and two more uniforet increase We have the full support of theback on the approval until after the election, but I feel confident that once the ”
Lance played down his interest “Thanks for the information Good luck with the Palmer case”
“I’ve little doubt the case will be closed within the week” Horner’s eyes shone with a predatory gleam
“You have a good suspect?”
Horner smiled, his teeth as Hollywood-perfect as his hair “All I can say is that it will all be over soon This video will help Thanks again I won’t forget your cooperation when that position opens up, if you’re still interested in beco a detective, that is”
“I’ll give it some consideration,” Lance said
He left the chief’s office with a head full of questions He called Sharp fro “Why is Horner taking a personal interest in the Palmer case?”
“Because he knows the girl’s grandparents and so does theto the same fancypants country club Plus, Horner’s a total publicity whore”
“That explains a lot” Lance told Sharp about Horner’s vague job offer
“You’re really still interested in working for him?” Sharp asked
“Maybe” Yes
“Reet to pick your cases Go back to work for Horner, and you’ll be at his beck and call”
“As opposed to being at your beck and call?” Lance joked
“You’re co me to Horner? That’s an insult,” Sharp retorted “You realize Horner stole this case froive him and the mayor”