No need for paintings or prints; the walls were pretty much taken up by photos of a beautiful almond-eyed baby with blue-black hair. In some of the shots, May Chang had been propped up for a solo pose. Her reaction to stardom ranged from stunned disbelief to glee. In other pictures, she sat on Lilly Chang’s lap or that of a balding Asian man who looked close to forty.

A white plastic baby monitor breathed static from atop a black plastic end table. Above the table hung the largest portrait of May, gilt-framed.

Lilly Chang said, “I know, we’re a bit too in love.”

I said, “She’s adorable. How old is she?”

“Twenty-two months. She’s our joy.”

She fingered the hem of the T-shirt. One of those smooth-faced women whose age was hard to determine. My guess was early thirties.

“Please, sit,” she said. “How was your drive?”

Milo said, “Piece of cake.”

“My parents live in L.A., I try to see them every five, six weeks. Sometimes it can get pretty hairy.” She smiled. “Though I guess you guys could use your siren to speed through.”

Milo said, “That would be nice but unfortunately it’s a big no-no.”

“Figures,” she said. “Can I get you some coffee or juice?”

“No, thanks, Dr. Chang.”

“Lilly’s fine.”

I said, “Where do your parents live?”

“Sherman Oaks. I was the original Valley Girl.” Showing teeth. “Gag me with a spoon. Fer sure.” She turned grave. “So we’re here to talk about poor Adriana. I’m still integrating the news, it’s so dreadful.”

“It is,” said Milo.

“May I ask where it happened?”

Milo said, “Cheviot Park.”

“Wow,” she said. “My family used to go there for Fourth of July fireworks. It always seemed like a safe place.”

“It generally is.”

“Wow,” she repeated. “After we spoke I tried to think if there was anything I could remember that might help you. The only thing I came up with, and it’s probably nothing, is four, five months ago, Adriana came with us on a trip to see my parents. We offered her the day off but she said she didn’t need it, just in case Donald and I wanted to go out to dinner she’d be available to babysit.”

I said, “Your parents couldn’t babysit?”