“A benefit for MOCA,” said Barb. “My sister and I planned the entire event. The lot was set up with a tent and a band, people had a great time.”

“Everything was prepared in my kitchen,” said Susan. “We moved the furniture, people had a choice to come upstairs and see the view from the living room.”

“Great party,” said Barb. “People were talking about it for weeks. The only creepy thing was him. Something he said to both of us and the crazy thing is we never knew that until yesterday when we compared notes.”

Susan said, “So obviously it wasn’t just a casual comment.”

Milo said, “Obviously.”

Barb said, “First, he asked about the lot, seemed really interested in it. But plenty of people are like that because nowadays who has open land in the middle of Bel Air? And no one can understand how Sue and I share so wonderfully. So that alone wouldn’t have stood out. But then, after he found out the details—”

“About the pool,” Susan broke in. “Even though I’d already told him, he had the same conversation with Barb—”

“Playing games, as if we’d never compare notes,” said Barb.

“I guess we didn’t,” said Susan.

“Whatever. The point is, after talking about the pool, he gave this strange creepy smile.”

“Lecherous, if you must know,” said Barb. “I felt he’d been coming on to me all night.”

“Me, too,” said Susan.

“It was nothing you could call him on, Lieutenant, but you know — the handshake that lasts too long? The kiss on the cheek that moves a leetle too close to the lips?”

“Not too smart of him, seeing as he was chasing after Hal and Mike to invest with him. What did he think, we’d be turned on and work on the guys?”

“For a second I thought he was actually going to plant one on me,” said Barb. “Instead he whispered in my ear, ‘It would make a great family plot.’ I said, ‘Pardon?’ And he said, ‘A plot. For burial. Lots of wealthy families in Europe have them, it’s a mark of aristocracy.’”

“As if that was supposed to impress us,” said Susan. Blue eyes widened. “He told me the exact same thing, word for word.”

“We both ignored him and never mentioned it to anyone,” said Barb. “There was no need because Hal and Mike decided not to invest with him. They did some background checking, couldn’t find any.”

“Any background?” said Milo.

“Exactly. His excuse was he’d been living in Europe, all his projects were overseas. Mike said that sounded like four-plus bullshit.”

“So did Hal. So there was no reason to think about what he said. He was off our list.”

Barb said, “But now seeing as that poor girl was…”

Milo said, “What’s this guy’s name?”

Susan said, “Our identities will really be confidential unless there’s a trial?”

“One hundred percent.”