Right. We’re back to that issue. I have no clue what I am doing. But then I spot a familiar face and make a grateful beeline.

“Diana! Hi! It’s me, Cecelia!”

Diana from the reg desk looks up from the selection of handmade purses she was perusing. They’re made from Maura’s paperback covers from the eighties.

“Hey, funny seeing you here.” She’s half-hesitant, glancing to my chest, though she knows I don’t have a badge. Then she sees Gabriel. “Hey, hon, you on a break?” They hug.

“You know each other?” I look between them, confused.

“Oh, this is my godmother,” Gabriel says.

“I also work with the mayor and the town archive. I should have properly introduced myself this morning.” She formally offers me her hand for a shake. I take her in with new eyes. This isn’t just some Maura superfan—though obviously she is, considering she’s on con staff—she’s a local.

“Did you get what you needed for Maura? We’re expecting her for the afternoon keynote any minute now.” She checks her cell phone. “Oh God, the reception here sucks. I’ve missed a call from my cochair.”

“Before you go—” I practically lunge for her, grab her arm. Then I realize how creepy that is and let go. “Sorry. I’m trying to find out more about Reama? She was at Seaview High last week for a reenactment of the Cassidy scene from Maura’s book. Someone said…Well, they suggested I ask around about her.”

Diana transforms into archivist mode, looks from me to Gabriel, lips pressed together in a hard line. “I can’t imagine what they meant by that. And practically everyone here has attended the reenactment at least once. Why are you asking?”

“Cecelia is still reeling from finding the body,” Gabriel says, jumping in. “She found Natalie, you know. She needs closure.”

“Oh, you poor dear,” Diana says, hawkish gaze warming. “You shouldn’t listen to gossip, though. What happened to Natalie Bergen was a tragedy, but it has nothing to do with anyone here. Which I tried explaining to Sheriff Morrow more than once already.” A walkie-talkie on her hip squawks. “I have to go make sure we’re set up for the keynote lunch. If you two are hungry, I can sneak you in, if you like.”

Gabriel and I both make our excuses. I’m full, and I sense he’s allergic to all this Maura worship. Diana departs, though not before throwing me one more scrutinizing look, tinged with pity.

“Well, that was a bust,” I say. “I think maybe I’m bad at this whole girl-detective thing.” It started so well with Chris, but I’m increasingly unmoored. Unsure.

“Excuse me.”