The Vaulted Plunge

The cold open

Under the dim amber glow of the subterranean athletic club, steam curls off the tiled recovery suites while water sloshes softly against slate pavers. Submerged face down in the iced depth of the cold plunge basin, Cedric Holloway floats motionless beneath the heavy iron rafters. The scent of bruised eucalyptus and chlorine hangs thick in the midnight air, masking the frantic struggle that ended in silence.

The victim

Cedric Holloway, 54, proprietor of the St. Jude Athletic Club and private high-stakes wagering broker

The lineup

• Roman Vasquez
• Camilla Roycroft
• Zayd Al-Khatib
• Helena Brand