They cruised around until they came across the BMW Jake had mentioned. Attached to the two-car garage was a beautiful stucco house with a red-tiled roof.

The woman who answered the door was a stunnertall, thin, elegant. Her shoulder-length hair, dyed a deep red, cascaded over her shoulders. She wore a long green dress that showed off bare shoulders and an impressive cleavage. Harley pegged her as being in her early twentiesnot much older than the victims.

Can I help you? The woman's eyes studied Callaway, then flicked over to Harley.

Are you Candy? Harley said, wondering now whether it was a stage name.

Who wants to know?

We're with the FBI, Callaway said, showing his badge. May we have a moment of your time?

A frown creased the woman's forehead. Whats this about?

Callaway took his hat off and smiled warmly. His voice was friendly, reassuring. We only need a few minutes of your time. I promise, we'll be out of your hair before you know it.

She bit her lip, undecided. The sprinklers kicked on. As if spurred into action, Candy sighed and retreated into the house, leaving the door open for them to follow.

Harley glanced at Callaway, impressed. She hadnt expected it to work. Callaway shrugged modestly.

They stepped into a living room dominated by a large flat-screen TV playing a music video. The voices of Mary Mary filled the air, and Candy's fingers tapped across the arm of a leather couch in rhythm.

I'm sorry I can't offer you anything to eat, she said. I had a late lunch. She cleared her throat. So what can I do for you?

Harley spoke up. We wanted to speak with you about Lisa.

Candy's hand stopped tapping. She looked up, eyes narrowing. What about Lisa?

She's one of your friends, isn't she?

Candy spoke hesitantly. Yes, I suppose so. Did something happen to her?

Her body was found in a remote mine shaft earlier this week.

Oh, my God, Candy said, covering her mouth with her hand. Something about the gesture, however, seemed forced to Harley, like it was part of an act.

When was the last time you spoke with her? Callaway asked.

Candy frowned thoughtfully. I don't remember…maybe a week or two ago? We went to the mall together.

What did you talk about?

She shrugged. I don't remember. Just stuff. She never really wanted to talk about how she was doing, you know? That's why we were friends, I guess. We both had stuff we didn't want to talk about.

Harley wanted to lean into this, but Callaway spoke first.

Any people you can think of who might have wanted to hurt her? he said.

No, I don't think so, Candy answered. She had a few guy friends, but she didn't date any of them, not seriously. She was too skittish for that.

So she kept a lot to herself, Callaway said.

I guess so, Candy agreed.