“It is a…nightmare!” Sela sobbed into a Kleenex. “I’m scared. What if it’s like one of those horror movies? Someone…from high school is getting back at us with a vendetta?”

“Do you live alone?”

“Yes.”

“Is there someone you could stay with for the night?”

“My parents…” She broke into a fresh round of sobs. “I want to go home!”

“Where do your parents live?”

“In Ventura.”

About forty miles away from L.A. Marge said, “I don’t think you’re in a good state to drive right now. How about if I call them up and have them come fetch you.”

“I need my car.” Sela blew her nose. “I have to go to work in the morning. I’m already behind because I’ve been so distracted…because of Adrianna.”

“Are your parents married?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Maybe they can drive down together and then drive back to the house separately.”

Sela dried her eyes. “I’ll call them up now.”

“Before you do, I want to ask you a couple of questions.” Marge took out her notebook. “Who should I call about Crystal?”

“Oh God!” The tears started up again. “I guess her mother. She doesn’t live in L.A. anymore. She moved away.”

“Do you have her number?”

Sela shook her head.

“How about a name?”

“Pandy Hurst.” Sela spelled it. “It’s short for Pandora.”

“And you have no idea where she lives?”

“I’m sure her phone number is on Crystal’s cell phone.”

“Okay. We’ll find her.” Marge paused. “Can you think of a reason why someone would want to hurt Crystal and Adrianna?”

“The only thing I can think of is that guy that Adrianna was talking to in the bar. Maybe he’s a serial killer.”

“Yes, we’re looking into him. On a more personal note, we still can’t find Garth Hammerling. From what we heard, the man wasn’t true blue. Could he have had something going with Crystal on the side?”

“It’s totally possible. Garth’s a jerk.”

“What about Aaron Otis? He had a brief fling with Adrianna.”

“I don’t know him well…” She suddenly paled. “I think I feel sick again.”

She threw open the door and heaved on the curb, retching and coughing. In the background, Marge heard the approach of wailing sirens.

“Excuse me for a moment.” Marge got out of the backseat and met up with the two black-and-whites, giving the four uniformed officers orders to block off the street and secure the apartment building. A crowd was gathering and Marge needed their help. Oliver was already upstairs cordoning off the apartment.