Lyle Keene: Season 1 - Episode 2
by John Shepphird
How’d it go?
Joseph is innocent.
Sure?
Yes.
Alibi?
He’s been in the office all day meeting with architects.
So what? Rich guys hire assassins to murder their wives.
Maybe, but I didn’t feel it.
Really? What did your gut tell you?
The moment I told him he was truly surprised. Not faking.
You’re certain?
He was heartbroken. Genuine pain. He loved her.
But they are in the middle of an ugly divorce.
Even still, they were also lifelong partners. That’s what I felt.
With your radar?
It’s not radar.
It’s still feeling, but not fact.
If you don’t trust it, then why do you use it?
You know that I see shades of colors most people don’t.
And like you said, it’s never failed me before.
So you’re sure Joseph is not a suspect?
I think we’re barking up the wrong tree.
Appreciate your insight.
Take it or leave it.
Your ability has saved our department precious time and resources.
Yes, but realize it takes a chunk out of me every time.
Permission to pick up a bottle on the way home.
That an order?
It’s what I did when I lost my dad.
This was my day off.
I haven’t forgotten. Was there anything else you picked up?
I asked him if anybody had reason to kill her.
He had no idea but said there was an altercation.
A neighbor told him Leslie fought with a construction worker.
Fought?
They got into a shouting match.
Over what?
Apparently she’d been renovating her home.
And?
None of the work was good enough.
So Leslie’s a perfectionist.
Was.
Interview the neighbor.
It’s my day off.
You clocked in.
You just ordered me to go home and drink.
Check out this neighbor first, and then you can chill.
Any clues at the crime scene?
Nothing on surveillance video and no witnesses.
We’re lifting prints now. The deputies noticed gang graffiti.
Where?
On the wall near the car. MP-13 symbols. Not common in this neighborhood.
That’s the gang that’s fond of knives.
And machetes. The press has leaked the victim’s identity.
Of course they have. That’s Daniel for you.
I’ll email you the address now. Let me know what you learn.
Lyle drives up the canyon into Rancho Palos Verdes. He passes lavish homes, stables and horse trails.
At hillcrest, the road reveals a stunning panoramic ocean view.
Lyle parks in front of Leslie’s home.
It’s empty. There isn’t a single construction worker in sight.
A stoic peacock stands on the lawn, tail feathers fanned.
Flimsy wooden frames propose the shape of new construction.
Mini flags are stapled to the 2X4s and blow in the ocean breeze.
Lyle crosses the street and knocks on the neighbor’s door.
A woman’s voice sounds over the intercom.
Can I help you?
Lyle displays his badge for the intercom camera.
Detective Lyle Keene, Sheriff’s Department. I have a few questions regarding your neighbor.
The door unlocks and the woman answers. She’s been crying.
I’m Amanda. Please—
The murder’s all over TV. But are they sure it’s Leslie?
Yes.
So horrible. It doesn’t make sense.
I’m sorry to disturb you, but we need to follow up on a few details.
Come in.
Amanda leads him to the living room.
Daniel’s video footage of the bloody windshield is playing on the television.
I can’t watch that.
Amanda turns the television off.
How long have you known Leslie?
Since we were in high school.
But we didn’t become close friends until she and Joseph moved across the street.
When was that?
About seven years ago.
I spoke with Joseph. He said you mentioned Leslie had an altercation.
Yes, with those construction workers. Do you think THEY killed her?
Tell me what happened.
That renovation is making her crazy.
She leads the Rancho Palos Verdes Homes Conservation Board.
I guess that’s why every detail in her own renovation is a matter of pride.
What was the conflict about?
I was out gardening when I heard them yelling.
Who?
Leslie and the man. They were scary looking guys.
They had tattoos everywhere.
What did you see?
Leslie has always had a temper, ever since I’ve known her.
She and this man were swearing at each other.
Then she hurled her hot coffee at him!
Who?
The one talking back, the guy with tattoos on his face.
Can you identify him?
I think so. The others were laughing and he didn’t like it.
Then what happened?
Leslie drove off. They were looking at me so I went inside.
Have you seen these men since?
No.
Did you speak with Leslie about this?
I didn’t get a chance.
But I ran into Joseph at Whole Foods and mentioned it.
He was very concerned.
How was Leslie taking the divorce?
It was her idea. She and Joseph had grown apart.
She admitted that to you?
She’s my closest friend.
The separation gave her the freedom to do what she wanted.
Like what?
Renovate the house.
Do you know the general contractor?
No. You’d have to ask Joseph.
Anything else?
Amanda shrugs. Lyle stands.
Thank you for your time.
He hands her his card.
If there is anything that comes to mind feel free to call at any time, day or night.
I’m so sad.
Why is there a peacock on the lawn?
It’s a thing in Palos Verdes. The birds roam free.
Leslie would come by every day to feed them. I guess I’ll do that now.
Thank you for your time.
Promise me you’ll catch whoever did this.
That’s my job.
Before returning to his car, Lyle examines the construction site.
He snaps a photo of the contractor’s lawn sign, Rex Sullivan, and texts it to Janice.
So I have another favor to ask you…
Can you please track recent cell phone activity from the number in this photo?
You’re lucky it’s a slow day.
I’ve got another search open so it’ll only take a sec.
But maybe I do take you up on that chocolate.
What’s your preference?
Peanut chews, but they’re not expensive. I want the full treatment.
Godiva?
Yes, something imported like that.
Or maybe those mini chocolate bonbons full of liqueur.
Now you’re talking.
Okay, I just pinged a recent call from that number.
It’s at Blarney Stone on Crenshaw. It’s a bar.
Thanks for your help.
Go get ‘em.
App