The first was practical: the investigators needed time to prepare and execute the warrants, and two people relaxing in an oceanfront suite they believe has just been generously extended by the son they have robbed are two people who are not going anywhere, not checking out early, not getting suspicious, not fleeing.

And the second reason was simpler, and colder, and I will not pretend otherwise: because arrogance works best when you give it somewhere comfortable to sit.

I wanted them relaxed.

I wanted them certain, right up until the last possible second, that they had won — because people who are certain they have won do not lawyer up, and do not run, and do not stop bragging, and their certainty was the most useful tool I had.

That evening, at the hospital, Wendy woke, and looked at me, and asked the question she had clearly been holding.

“Are you going after them, Luca?”