But if they jammed Jessup and maneuvered him into a deal in which he acknowledged guilt to gain his freedom, then the lawsuit would go away. So would all the book and movie money he was counting on.

“Makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it?” Jessup said.

Bosch checked the mirror and realized that now Jessup was studying him. He turned his eyes back to the road. He felt his phone vibrate and pulled it out of his jacket.

“You want me to take it, Harry?” Chu asked.

A reminder that it was illegal to talk on a phone while driving an automobile. Bosch ignored him and took the call. It was Lieutenant Gandle.

“Harry, you close?”

“Getting off the one-oh-one.”

“Good. I just wanted to give you a heads-up. They’re lining up at intake. Comb your hair.”

“Got it, but maybe I’ll give my partner the airtime.”

Bosch glanced over at Chu but didn’t explain.

“Either way,” Gandle said. “What’s next?”

“He invoked so we just book him. Then I have to go back to the war room and meet with the prosecutors. I’ve got questions.”

“Harry, do they have this guy or not?”

Bosch checked Jessup in the mirror. He was back to looking out the window.

“I don’t know, Lieutenant. When I know, you’ll know.”

A few minutes later they pulled into the rear lot of the jail. There were several television cameras and their operators lined up on a ramp leading to the intake door. Chu sat up straight.

“Perp walk, Harry.”

“Yeah. You take him in.”

“Let’s both do it.”

“Nah, I’ll hang back.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure. Just don’t forget my cuffs.”

“Okay, Harry.”

The lot was clogged with media vans with their transmitters cranked to full height. But they had left the space in front of the ramp open. Bosch pulled in and parked.