Nora looked at Regan, a half smile on her face. “Karen told me she was glad Edna had hired security guards. Wait until she hears how hard they had to work. But everything else seems okay around here. You know, Regan, it’s Edna’s right to sell her house. Look how happy she is with her new friends. She’s excited about this next phase of her life.”

“Mom?”

“Yes.”

“Everything’s not okay.”

“Regan, what do you mean?” Nora asked quickly. They were standing on the side of the lawn, talking quietly. Shoppers were milling all around.

“Didn’t you think there was something odd about Cleo Paradise leaving behind those skulls?” Regan asked. “She’s an actress with a high profile. Why would she leave herself open to criticism about her strange taste?”

“I did think it odd, but who knows? Some actors would want the publicity. I just saw a picture of an actress happily walking her goat down the street in Los Angeles. I kid you not. No pun intended. And how about the actor who sleeps with his pet pig?”

Regan shook her head. “I understand, but I don’t think that’s what Cleo wanted. The phone call I answered for Edna? It was Cleo’s best friend …”

Nora’s face grew concerned as Regan told her about the conversation with Daisy. “Someone left dead flowers in this yard while Cleo was staying here?”

Regan nodded. “Yes, and that’s what a stalker did in Cleo’s last movie. The movie was a bomb. Cleo didn’t think it was serious enough to report. She must have been scared but she didn’t leave. Something else must have happened that drove her away.”

“You’re right, Regan. But you said Daisy spoke to her Monday night, and she just left her a message in the last hour. Cleo could be fine. Daisy’s going to call you if she hears from her?”

“Yes,” Regan answered. “Maybe Cleo just wanted to hide out. She’s obviously avoiding that agent and I don’t blame her for that. But if she were doing a movie, she would have told her best friend. The whole thing doesn’t feel right.”

“No, I guess it doesn’t.”

“And remember the blonde we met at the front gate?”

“Yes. She was very sweet.”

“She’s Scott Thompson’s fiancée.”

“What? The one you saw last night?” Nora asked excitedly, trying to keep her voice down.

“The very one. She didn’t show any sign that she recognized me. No reason she would. Her back was to me in the restaurant and she did get engaged, so her mind was on other things. I guess the ring didn’t fit—she’s not wearing it. Poor Hayley.”

Jody popped her head out the front door. “Mrs. Frawley!”

“Yes, Jody,” Edna yelled, waving her arms. She was proudly leading her friends onto the property.