Oh jeez, it was a long night. But we spent most of it by the fire pit, hanging out and doing an acoustic set. How long were we out there, boys?

At the mention of the fire pit, Jessie suddenly realized that this was the same band that one of the party girls sipping mimosas on the patio yesterday had referenced listening to. Apparently the girl was too young to know that the band was called Humbert Humbert and not Hubert Humphrey. It seemed that Jessie wasnt quite as culturally illiterate as shed feared.

We probably jammed non-stop from about one a.m. until after four, the guy sitting next to him said. We only stopped because Jaspers house lady shut us down, said the cops were going to show up.

Oh jeez, Avalon said, hitting himself in the forehead. I remember that. I thought there were neighbors complaining about the noise, like at the beach house in Malibu. You dont think it was because of Milly, do you?

Thats very likely, Karen said. So can anyone verify this jam session outside of your friends here?

That shouldnt be a problem, madame detective, Avalon replied laconically. You could probably check with the couple dozen chicks that were with us. Lots of them were shooting video on their phones. Find them and it should show what was up.

I think well do that, Jessie said before turning her attention to the roadie extraordinaire. Hey, Davey, can you come over here? I have a few more questions for you but I dont want to yell.

Wavy Davey pushed himself off the slide into the water and swam over. While they waited, Karen asked one last question.

What do you think of Jasper, Mr. Avalon?

The singer smiled, revealing yellowed, tobacco-stained teeth.

Hes solidknows how to throw a party and how to party. Thats a special skill set.

He ever seem to party too hard? Jessie probed.

Is there such a thing? Avalon asked seriously.

Wavy Davy grunted as he pushed himself out of the pool. Someone tossed him a towel as he stood up. Karen pointed back to the house and he followed the women back down to the living room at the bottom of the stairs.

Wavy Davey looked like a guy used to living his life on the road. His skin was blotchy and his stubble was patchy and uneven. His hair was thin on top but long in back, resting on his shoulders in a thick, oily gray clump. He pulled a T-shirt on over his pale, ample belly.

Have a seat, Karen said. Whats your full name, Davey?

David Dwight Pasternak.

But you prefer Davey? she asked.

Its not really a matter of prefer, he said. Percy started calling me Wavy Davey so that became my name.

Im wondering, David, Jessie said, hoping to throw him off a bit with the proper name, were you as happy with Millys legal efforts on your behalf as Percy was?