There were about fifteen people in the room, many of whom were on Stanley’s video. To Regan’s surprise, Lydia started tapping her glass with a spoon and calling for everyone’s attention. When the chatter died down, she began, “Oh yes, hello again, everyone. I’m so glad you’re here tonight. Last night’s fun was cut short due to the death of my dear neighbor. But we have also learned that diamonds are missing from his apartment. So, everyone, we’re here not only to get a chance to know each other, but also to help out my detective friend—” Lydia pointed as though she were announcing the winner of a beauty contest—“Regan Reilly!”

As all eyes turned to Regan, Lydia clapped.

So much for subtlety, Regan thought. “Thank you, Lydia. And thank you all for your attention. You know, I could really use your help. Sometimes we notice something, but it doesn’t really register until we focus on it. That’s why I’d like to ask each of you what you remember about last night. You might have seen something in the hallway or in the lobby downstairs when you came in. It could be anything. I know you all were enjoying yourselves in here for most of the night. But think about when you were coming in and out of the building. Thank you.”

As soon as Regan stopped talking, people turned to each other and started murmuring.

“Let’s have fun again,” Lydia cried as she turned up the CD player.

A guy with a bad toupee hurried over to Regan, his drink spilling slightly down the sides of his glass.

“You must have seen something. Let’s sit down right here,” Regan said, indicating one of the love seats.

He sat down next to her and stared into her eyes. “You know, normally I only go for blondes, but I think that I could like you.” He quickly took a sip of his drink.

This is worse than any nightmare, Regan thought. “Actually, I’m seeing someone right now.”

“Is it serious?” he asked, his eyes growing wider.

“Serious enough,” Regan said, then found herself saying, “besides, I live in California.”

He reached over and touched her hand. “I go out there sometimes on business.”

Regan shook her head slightly. “Sorry, I really am involved with someone. Now tell me what you saw last night.”

“Nothing.” He got up and headed straight for the food table.

Jack should see the competition, Regan thought as she spotted the woman with the Snoopy purse. Regan caught her eye, and the woman came over to her slowly.

“Please sit down,” Regan said. “That’s an interesting purse.”

The woman was somewhere between forty and death. Regan had the odd sensation that she even resembled Snoopy.

“It’s a conversation piece,” she said.