Rachel said, “I came over to mediate. No one could get Candace to see the truth, and that’s why she walked off. I guess I never thought that man would actually hurt her. If I had, I would have done something right then, called the police myself. But he was gone, and I didn’t think he would come back.”

“Was there evidence that he returned?” Regan asked.

“I figured either he returned, or Candace went to Sunrise Center and something happened there,” Rachel said. “When the police told me she’d been alive during the time she was missing, I was surprised, and I understand why Lucas thinks that seems suspicious, but I’m sure there’s a logical explanation for it.”

There was, but they didn’t know it, and that these women weren’t more curious surprised her.

Not everyone is compelled to find justice.

“Taylor’s overdose is tragic,” Rachel continued. “We’re having a memorial for her Monday evening. You’re welcome to come,” she added, “but not Lucas. That would stir up too much anger and emotion. Many of the girls feel the podcast sent Taylor over the edge. She was a sensitive young woman, and Candace’s death nearly destroyed her.”

“I hope you understand how we feel about this,” Vicky said.

“I do. But I would want to know the truth.”

“Of course,” she said, emphatic. “But I doubt he’ll accomplish anything, and it’s at the expense of our mental health. This is a college podcast. People talk, and some are not very nice.”

Vicky didn’t come off as being the type to struggle in any capacity. She was confident and articulate, but Regan could imagine how others might not be—like Taylor.

“I appreciate your time,” Regan said. “I’ll talk to Lucas about your concerns, but he still plans to finish the scheduled episodes.”

“I appreciate whatever you can do. I have to run to a study session, but it was nice to meet you, Regan.”

Vicky left, and Regan rose from her seat. “I hope,” Rachel said, “that you’ll convince Lucas to treat Taylor James with respect on his podcast in light of the circumstances of her death.”

“I have no reason to think that he wouldn’t.”

Rachel rubbed her eyes. “I’m sorry. I was trying to put on a brave face for Vicky, but Taylor’s death hit me hard.”

Regan sat back down. “Can I get you anything?”

“No, I’m sorry, really. There is some truth to what Lucas Vega is doing. I might not like his approach, but...he touched upon some animosity between Taylor and Candace that went far beyond Taylor’s concern about the homeless man.”

“Do you know what it was about?”