Nancy returned with the number and they exchanged strained good-byes. Driving back to Los Angeles, Kelly regretted the poor ending. Because she knew if her wild idea possessed substance she might need to return to Nancy for things the woman would not want to give.

Kelly called Cindy from the road and they spoke. Nancy had already talked to Matt’s old girlfriend. Cindy sounded cautious but unafraid. She agreed to be at home in ninety minutes, the time Kelly told her it would take to get there.

CINDY FIRESTONE appeared younger than Kelly would have expected. Kelly was surprised to learn she was twenty-six. Tall and lanky, with long red hair and a thousand freckles, she was built from the stuff of endless youth. Kelly tried to remember an old redhead and could not. Did they all die young? Cindy invited her inside and Kelly had to refuse another offer of fresh coffee.

Cindy had none of Nancy’s walls up. They quickly got down to business.

“How upset was Matt about the way Amy dumped him?” Kelly asked.

“It tormented him. He tried to hide it from me but I could see.”

“How did he show it?”

“We dated three months and never had sex. We would sleep together naked, but when I’d try to initiate something, he would flinch. He would deny it, but I knew he was thinking of her.”

“How could you stand that?”

“I really cared for him. He was an extraordinary guy, funny and brilliant. There was almost nothing he wouldn’t do for me. I thought I could help him get over her. But I couldn’t, I don’t think anyone could.” Cindy paused. “I sometimes think he died thinking about her.”

“Do you think he committed suicide?”

“Is that why you’re here?”

“Please just answer the question.”

Cindy hesitated. “No.”

“But you think he was obsessed with her?”

“I don’t like to use that word. But yes.”

“How did he show his obsession with her?”

“Once I stopped by unexpectedly. I caught him as he was leaving, but he didn’t see me. I followed him. I wasn’t trying to pry, I was just curious where he was going.”

Cindy was prying. “And he drove to Amy’s house?”

“Yes.”

“How did you know it was her house?”

“He had told me about where she lived.”

“What did he do? Park in front of her house?”

“Just down the street from where she lived, yes.”

“Did she come outside? Did you see her?”

“No.”

“He just sat in his car and stared at her house?”

“Yes.”

“For how long?”

“An hour.”

“An hour?”

“Yes.”

“At any time did he go behind her house and hike up to a bluff that overlooks her backyard?”

Cindy was uncomfortable. “He was obsessed with her but he wasn’t a pervert. I hope I haven’t given you that impression.”

“Did he ever talk about wanting to hurt her?”