That sounds like Ryan, Jessie said. Can I talk to him?

Hes actually sleeping right now. He was pretty wiped out after the rehab and the subsequent bath. Its already been a full day.

Okay, Jessie said, disappointed. Well, keep me posted please, Patty. Hannah will be home this afternoon and Ill be there by dinner. The night nurse should be arriving at five.

She hung up and tried not to think about Ryan needing assistance getting in the bath. She knew he found it humiliating and didnt like anyone to help him but her. But she had to get over the guilt. If this new normal was going to work, it would have to be a team effort.

Hows he doing? Karen asked. If Im not intruding.

Jessie shrugged.

It sounds like hes putting in the effort. So hows he doing? I choose to believe well.

They were quiet the rest of the ride to Percy Avalons. The singer lived in a section of the Hollywood Hills above West Hollywood, just north of the famed stretch of Sunset Boulevard that included legendary clubs like Whisky a Go Go, The Viper Room, and The Roxy.

Karen took the turns of the narrow, winding uphill roads fast, as if she was trying to generate some adrenaline after the slog of spending all morning doing boring deskwork. Jessie clung to the door grip handle, trying not to come across as a wuss, even though she feared they might tumble off a cliff at any moment.

When they arrived, Karen pulled up halfway onto the curb to protect her car from drivers like herself. They got out and walked up to Avalons gate. Though it suffered by comparison to Jasper Otiss place, this home was, by any normal measure, impressive.

It was designed to look like a modern version of a medieval castle. There was something slightly cheesy about it, but once she got past the conceit, Jessie thought the actual home was quite charming. It seemed to be winking at itself, with a small, easily traversable stream that served as a moat, intricate spires, and what looked like a bell tower.

When Karen pushed the buzzer by the gate, it opened almost immediately, without anyone asking questions. She looked over at Jessie, who shrugged and led the way in. They crossed the stream using the small drawbridge and walked up stone steps to the huge metal doors. One of them was half open.

Karen poked her head in, and seeing no one, grabbed the large knocker attached to the door and banged it, inducing an echoing clang. A minute later, a barefoot, middle-aged guy in sweatpants and a T-shirt came to the door. He was wearing sunglasses and his silvery hair dangled past his shoulders.

Ladies? he said. What can I do for you?

Were with LAPD, here to talk to Percy Avalon, Karen said, pulling out her badge. Is he around?