Before Ruby could launch herself up, Marcia turned around, spreading her arms like a Christ figure before falling back into the waiting arms of her fans. At that moment, Ruby reached for the trailing microphone cord, yanking hard enough on it that the mic stand toppled over. It made a horrible crashing sound as it hit the stage, the speakers amplifying it tenfold until Ruby’s ears were ringing.

The bassist and the drummer continued to play. The music filled the room with a deep thrumming.

“Come on,” Gabe said. “Let's go. I have a plan.”

Ruby didn't need to be told twice.

Gabe barreled through the crowd, shouldering against people like a battering ram, right into Marcia's path.

He grabbed her by the shoulders with both hands, pulling her out of her crowd surfing.

Marcia came off the cushion of hands awkwardly, nearly spilling to the ground. For a moment, she almost lost her bravado. She panted for breath and tossed her dark head to get her long, curly hair out of her face.

Whatever powers she possessed when she was on stage, they did not translate well up close. Her makeup threatened to melt right off her face. Sweat had already matted her hair.

“Ms. Reuben,” Gabe said in his best FBI voice. “We need to talk to you.”

Marcia just raised an eyebrow, a smile slowly growing on her face. She leaned forward, her cleavage threatening to spill out, her eyes wild.

“Will you be doing the talking?” she said. Her eyes flicked disdainfully to Ruby.

The bassist and the drummer had changed the song to something slow, the drums growing louder. They seemed to have a better idea of what to do than the patrons did.

He steered her away further from the stage, hands firmly on her shoulders. Sensing something serious, the crowd finally parted, not so ready to jump at Marcia's commands anymore.

Gabe pushed her outside. The air instantly felt cold compared to the stuffy interior of the bar. Gulping fresh air felt like resurfacing in a pool.

Ruby could feel how sticky and damp she had become herself. Her shirt had come untucked in the scuffle and her tight ponytail hung limply. It was definitely not a flattering or authoritative look.

“This is the second time you just happen to be in town during a series of murders,” Ruby said. “Sounds like more than just coincidence.”

“I'm here to play music, not commit crimes,” Marcia said.

“Frankly, you're the most attractive and interesting suspect we've got,” Ruby said before she could stop herself.

“Wish I could say it was good to see you again, Agent Hunter,” Marcia said, turning to face her, her eyes unreadable, her lips painted red. “Have the years been kind to you?”

She pointedly looked Ruby up and down, acting as though she was making some kind of judgment, maybe implying some kind of pity.