Jessica turned the key and started the engine. She expected Darla Kennedy to make her way straight to the sedan, but the woman set off on foot instead, heading in the opposite direction from where Jessica was parked, oblivious to the black truck tucked just out of view. After a few seconds, Jessica put the truck into drive and crawled along slowly, turning the bend just in time to see Darla take a left onto another residential street.

She followed the woman onto Addison Way. Darla’s pace was no faster than a comfortable amble. Too slow to tail her by car. Jessica parked behind another truck, buzzed down the window, and leaned out, keeping the woman in her line of sight. She was heading west, in the direction of Eagle Rock Boulevard.

Before reaching the main thoroughfare, Darla disappeared into a small white building on the corner of Addison and Eagle Rock. Jessica eased back into the traffic and drove past the place, a small diner called Abby’s, just as Darla heaved herself awkwardly into a booth by the window.

After finding a parking spot nearby, Jessica made her way back toward the diner. The exterior was whitewashed, with simple red signage. Clearly a no-frills joint, but it was busy. The kind of place where customers came for the food rather than the decor.

Diners had a choice between the round, backless stools lining the counter or red leatherette booths like the one Darla occupied. The woman was busy reading the menu. A thick paperback novel with yellowed pages sat on the table in front her. She didn’t look like she was expecting company.

That was about to change.

“Hey, Darla.”

Jessica was in the booth, sitting across from Darla, before the woman even realized what was happening. She lowered the menu, and her eyes widened, and her mouth formed a small O of surprise. “What the—”

Jessica cut her off. “You know who I am, right?”

“Yes, I remember who you are. You’re a private investigator, and I have no interest in speaking to you. So, if you don’t mind—”

“Look at me, Darla.”

Darla picked up the menu again. “I’d like you to leave now.” She pretended to read the brunch specials, but her lips betrayed the slightest hint of a tremor.

Jessica said, “I’m Alicia Lavelle.”

“Okay, you need to leave right now.” Darla slammed the menu on the table, her voice low and angry, her bangles jangling furiously. “Goddamn rubberneckers showing up in town back then was bad enough. But this? This is just sick. You’re sick. Everyone knows that little girl is dead.”