Uh-oh, Avalon yelled over the music as he saw them approaching. Professionally dressed women in my house? This cant be good.

Hello, Mr. Avalon, Karen said loudly when she was close enough to be heard. Im Detective Bray of the LAPD. This is Jessie Hunt, a consulting profiler for the department. We need to ask you a few questions about the party you attended on Saturday night.

Avalon stretched his arms out in the air as he closed his eyes tight. He seemed to be concentrating.

What party did I go to Saturday, boys? he shouted to the collective group.

Jaspers, called out the guy sitting on the water slide.

I thought that was Friday night, Avalon countered.

The guy in the chair closest to him shook his head and, even though he was only feet away, bellowed his reply. Jessie winced at the volume of his voice.

Friday was Jennas Malibu thing, he barked. Remember, we jammed on the beach until the neighbors called the cops.

Oh yeah, Avalon remembered, turning his attention back to Karen and Jessie. It seems some people dont like impromptu concerts outside their window at two in the morninglame. So what about Jaspers party?

Were looking into the death of Millicent Estrada at the party that night, Karen announced loudly. We understand that you knew her, that she was your attorney, in fact.

Avalon sat up straight in his chair.

Shut the music off! he yelled to no one in particular. Shut it the hell off!

A second later, everything went quiet.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

Millys dead? he asked, sounding serious for the first time.

Im afraid so, Jessie said, watching him closely. She was murdered at the party.

Avalon lowered his head, as if he might be saying a silent prayer. When he lifted it again, he looked somber.

Thats a real bummer, man, he said quietly. She was a cool lady, super tough. You know she helped me out of a jam a little while back. I could have spent some serious time behind bars if it wasnt for her. And she helped my boy Wavy Davey over there too. She got a four-year sentence knocked down to just over a year, didnt she, Davey?

Wavy Davey, the guy sitting on the water slide, nodded. He didnt look nearly as appreciative as Avalon.

Yeah, Avalon said. Hes my roadie extraordinaire. Things just werent the same on tour without him. Nobody else knew how set up my snacks right.

Jessie tried to get him focused back on the case. The guy seemed easily distracted.

So you didnt have any animosity towards Milly for not preventing you from spending time in jail while you awaited trial? she asked.

Nah, man. She didnt have control over that. And she got me a sweet private cellsaid I was at risk in general population. She was a smart lady.

So where were you that night? Karen asked.