“We spoke with Lily at your apartment, and she mentioned an outing for your birthday at which a guy named Shane was hassling Ling. Do you know where we might find him?”

“I don’t really know him.”

“Lily said he came with guys you know.”

She nodded. “Yes, that’s right.”

“Can you please ask them where we might find him, only don’t tell them who wants to know?”

“Of course.” She went to a locker and retrieved her cell phone.

An older woman came into the room. “What’s going on here? Is she in trouble?”

“No, she isn’t. As I’m sure you know, her roommate was murdered. She’s helping us with something, so leave us alone.”

“Make it quick,” the woman said.

“Pleasant,” Sam said after the woman left the room with a loud slam of the door.

“She’s a real joy to work for,” Cassie said sarcastically. She thumbed through her phone and sent a text. Her phone chimed a few seconds later.

“His name is Shane Ramsey. He lives with his parents in Columbia Heights.”

The name Ramsey sent a shaft of electricity down Sam’s backbone. Not to mention, Columbia Heights wasn’t far from Rock Creek Park.

“This is helpful,” Sam said when she recovered from the initial shock of hearing that name. What were the odds of Shane being related to the sergeant? Please God, let there be no connection to him. “Ask where else we can find him besides home.”

She sent the text and then waited. “He works for an auto repair shop.”

Sam wrote down the address, which was also close to the park.

“And hangs out at a bar near work called Woodrefsens.”

“Thank you very much. If they ask why you want to know this stuff, please don’t tell them.”

“No problem. Do you think he had something to do with Ling’s murder?”

“We don’t know yet, but it’s the first solid lead we’ve had.”

Tears immediately filled Cassie’s eyes. “If her death had a connection to me, I’ll never forgive myself.”

“It had nothing to do with you. If this guy is tied to it in some way, that’s on him, not you.”

“Still… He met her through me.”

“No matter what, it’s not your fault, Cassie.”

“We all loved her so much,” Cassie said softly. “I can’t believe I have to go on with my life, go to class and work and study for exams, like nothing’s happened when the worst thing ever has happened.”

Sam handed her a card Dr. Trulo had made to give to victims of violent crime who might benefit from their grief group. “Our next meeting is in two weeks. Please come if you think it will help.”

“I will. Thank you.”