"Diana's right—if you want to know about my business relationships, I'm the one who can give you accurateinformation. Though I have to say, I've already given a detailed statement to Phoenix PD. I'm not sure what more I can offer."
"I'm following up on some new information about possible irregularities in the resort's approval process," Kari said, watching both their reactions. "Environmental violations, permit issues, that sort of thing."
Sterling's cheek twitched. "Every major development faces scrutiny and accusations. We followed all required procedures and passed every inspection. If someone's making allegations about irregularities, I'd like to know who it is and what evidence they claim to have."
"I'm still gathering information. But three people connected to the project are dead, and I'm trying to understand if there's a motive beyond what's been publicly discussed."
"The motive is clear—Thomas Hatathli made public threats and acted on them," Sterling said. "My understanding is that he's been charged and the investigation is essentially over."
"Except for identifying his accomplices," Diana added smoothly. "The police said there might be others involved."
Kari was silent for a moment, navigating her way forward. "Did either of you have interactions with Thomas Hatathli? Meet him at protests, receive communications from him?"
"I attended one city council meeting where he spoke," Diana said. "He was passionate, angry about the petroglyphs. But we never spoke directly."
"I've never met the man," Sterling said flatly. "I sent representatives to deal with the protesters. Getting personally involved would have just escalated tensions."
"What about Victor Sheridan specifically?" Kari asked, watching Sterling's face. "I understand he managed the actual construction that destroyed the petroglyphs. Did that create any issues between you?"
Sterling's jaw tightened. "Victor did the job I hired him to do. If there were... complications... in how he handled certain aspects, that was between him and his company."
"What kind of complications?"
"Nothing relevant to your investigation." Sterling's tone made it clear the topic was closed. "Victor Sheridan is dead, and I'm not going to speak ill of him or air business disagreements that have no bearing on who killed him."
Diana stood, smoothly intercepting the conversation. "Detective, I think we've covered what we can help with. Charles has been incredibly stressed by all of this—three people he knew are dead, protesters are still demonstrating at the project site, and the resort's future is uncertain. I'm sure you understand that he needs to protect his energy and focus on what matters."
It was a polite dismissal, but a dismissal nonetheless. Kari stood as well, knowing she wasn't going to get much more in this environment with Sterling present.
"Just a few more quick questions. It would be helpful to know your whereabouts the past few nights."
Diana smiled thinly. "I'm here at the house most nights. Sterling will vouch for me." She glanced at Sterling with affection, though Kari couldn't tell if it was real or performed.
Sterling nodded dutifully. "That's right. We've been together every night for the past week, I'd say."
Which meant they were each other's alibis. Convenient, but not necessarily suspicious—it made sense that Sterling would want someone with him given the circumstances.
"Can anyone or anything else confirm that?" Kari asked. "Security footage, for instance?"
"It could," Sterling said. "And if you get a warrant, I'll show it to you."
It was clear they had no interest in further conversation. Kari thanked them for their time and let the security guard escort her out.
Back in her Jeep, Kari pulled out her phone and called Maria.
"Tell me you found something useful," Maria answered.
"Maybe. I just interviewed Diana Gray, Sterling's girlfriend. There's something off about her."
"Off how?"
"Nothing I can point to specifically. But she got uncomfortable when I asked about Victor Sheridan. Sterling did too—got defensive, mentioned 'complications' but wouldn't elaborate. And Diana's been living at Sterling's house since the first murder, which gives them mutual alibis for all three killings."
"Convenient alibis," Maria said. "But not impossible. If they're really together and really scared, staying together makes sense."
"I know. That's what bothers me—everything she said is reasonable on the surface, but my instincts are telling me something's not right." Kari started the engine, pulling away from the Sterling property. "Can you pull everything you can find on Diana Gray? Background, employment history, financial records, previous relationships. I want to know who she was before she met Charles Sterling."
"On it. Where are you headed now?"
