Page 53 of Obey

He settles into the seat and opens the folder.

"Employment history checks out. Five years in executive support, then a four-year gap before she resurfaced in luxury hospitality. Worked there for two years and nine months, got laid off, and joined SOLAÉ three months later."

"Nothing during those four years?"

"No employment records. But she maintained an apartment here in San Francisco. Lease was solely in her name, utilities too. She terminated the lease early, paid the fees, and closed everything out."

"Anything unusual about that?"

"Not particularly. People break leases all the time. But I found something else while checking public court records." He slides a document across my desk. "Assault arrest. Gentleman by the name of Trey Donovan."

I glance at the name. "What does he have to do with Sloane?"

"She posted his bail."

I look back at the paperwork.

"Who was assaulted?"

"According to the complaint, a Preston Lane."

The name means nothing to me.

"Any indication how they're connected?"

"Not from the police report. Donovan was arrested after an altercation with Lane. Initial charge was felony assault. Sloane Harper posted Donovan's bail."

I scan the dates.

"Three years ago?"

"Yes. And the case gets interesting after that."

"How?"

"Four days after the arrest, a Louisiana judge flew into San Francisco. Judge Harper."

I look up. "Harper?"

"Sloane's father. Confirmed the relationship through public records. He met with Donovan's attorney while he was here."

"And?"

"Not long after, the felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor. Donovan entered a plea, and the case was closed."

"You're suggesting her father intervened?"

"I'm saying a sitting judge traveled from Louisiana, met with the defense attorney, and the prosecutor subsequently agreed to reduce the charge. I can't tell you what was discussed behind closed doors."

I lean back, studying the documents.

Sloane bailed out a man accused of assaulting someone else. Then her father traveled halfway across the country and became involved.

Who the hell are these people to her?

"Did you find anything else?"

Sergio doesn't answer immediately.