“Are you Jill’s sister?” Rina asked.

“Yes, I am. What can I do for you, Ms….”

“I’m Rina Decker.”

“Oh.” Brook regarded her with suspicious eyes. “The detective’s wife.”

“Yes, but I’m not here on any police business.”

“So why are you here, holding a big briefcase?” Brook pinkened. “I don’t mean to sound rude, but this is a difficult time for the family. I’m sure you can appreciate that.”

“Yes, of course. Actually, I’m here to see Mr. Golding. The contents of the briefcase are for him.”

“Oh.” Again the wary look. “What’s inside?”

“It’s of a personal nature.”

“Oh…how personal?”

“Is he available?”

Brook frowned. “Wait here a moment.”

“Thank you.”

The moment stretched into minutes. Rina busied herself by trying to look inconspicuous while she studied the people. There was one girl in particular who seemed to be focused in on her. Maybe it was Rina’s clothes—the simple blue sweater, the midi-length jeans skirt that fell over her boots, the black tam that hid most of her hair. In this room, almost all the women were wearing pants.

The girl was still looking at her. Even with the nose pierce, the teen was a pretty little thing with dark hair, dark eyes, and dimples. Rina didn’t recall meeting her. Still, when the girl smiled at her, Rina smiled back. The teen edged forward, slowly walking toward her. Then she stuck out her hand.

“I’m Lisa Halloway. You’re Jacob’s mother, aren’t you?”

Rina held the thin fingers and gave them a light squeeze. “Yes, I am. Have we met before?”

“No, but you look just like him…or I guess it’s actually he looks like you.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Lisa. Where do you know Jacob from?”

“Just from around.”

From the drug parties.

“How’s he doing?” she asked.

“Right now, he’s very saddened and upset by what happened to Ernesto Golding. I’m sure you feel the same way.”

Tears moistened her eyes. “I was Ernesto’s girlfriend…ex-girlfriend.” Droplets ran down her cheek. “It’s very…unreal.”

Without thinking, Rina reached out, and the girl fell into the embrace, crying with her entire body. Rina sighed as she smoothed the teen’s bouncy curls. She was so young to be in so much pain.

“Life sucks!” Lisa choked out.

“Sometimes.”

“All the time.”

“No, not all the time.”

Lisa pulled away. “Well, wake me up when I get to the non-sucky parts.”

“It won’t be necessary.” Rina smiled at her. “You’ll know when you’re there.”

Lisa broke away and took a step backward. “Say hello to Jacob for me.”

“I will.”

“Tell him to drop by sometime.”

Sure, Rina thought. “Sure,” Rina said. As she watched the girl melt in with her peers, Carter Golding materialized by her side. They watched the kids together.