When Delaney made his declaration, Mel had to think quickly about how to handle the confrontation. He knew the interchange between him and the Delaneys would go a long way in establishing a relationship that could be invaluable in uncovering the real killer. Mel was aware that Delaney—who had been around the block a few hundred times—was trying to see how far he could push and outmaneuver a young ADA. Mel figured that if he came on too aggressively and cowed Delaney into giving vital information, there would always be that uncertainty that he might grow resentful and “flip,” changing his story without warning. Yet, if Mel appeared appeasing and weak, Delaney would control the relationship and make demands that could ultimately evaporate his credibility as a potential witness. He would have to find just the right level to get to the truth and corroborate whatever the Delaneys might say. So let the chess game begin, Mel mused before addressing the couple. “You’re here because you told Detective Lappin that you and your wife know who murdered Janice Wylie and Emily Hoffert.
