They heard the scrape of a metal chain before the door opened to reveal a slim blonde woman wearing gray lounge pants and a loose pink T-shirt. Her hair hadn’t been brushed, and dark circles stood out like smudges of purple paint on her pale, drawn face.

“Come on in.”

They followed her down a short entrance hall into a compact living area, with a kitchenette off to the left and sliding patio doors leading to a balcony on the right.

“Can I get you anything?” she asked. “Tea? Coffee? Water?”

They both shook their heads, and she sank onto a blue two-seater couch that looked more functional than comfortable, like the kind usually found in office waiting areas. She tucked her legs underneath her and ran a hand through her unkempt hair.

“Sorry. I must look a mess,” she said. “The doctor gave me sedatives to help me sleep, and I only woke up a half hour ago. I haven’t had a chance to shower or dress yet.”

Pryce sat on a bucket chair facing her. “No problem, Kasey. We won’t take up much of your time.”

“I already gave a statement to the officers who were here yesterday.”

Pryce glanced at Medina, standing in the doorway. “We just wanted to ask a few more questions about Amy,” he said.

At the mention of her friend’s name, Kasey’s brown eyes filled with tears. She blinked, and fat droplets spilled down her cheeks. She sniffed and wiped her face with the back of her hand. “What do you want to know?”

“How did you and Amy first meet?” Pryce asked. “Were you in the same class?”

“No, we became friends after being assigned to this apartment together. Amy is—was—majoring in criminal justice. I have no idea what that even means.” She smiled sadly. “She was real smart.”

“And you?”

“I’m studying theatre and dance. Totally different from Amy, although she was really good at helping me with my written assignments. I’m going to be an actress when I finish college. I’ve already done a couple of commercials.”

Pryce didn’t even have to look at Medina to know he was rolling his eyes. Everyone knew someone in this town who thought they were going to make it as an actress.

“The two of you were close, right?”

She nodded. “We roomed together for two years. She was my best friend.” The last two words sparked a fresh wave of tears, and Kasey covered her face with her hands, her narrow shoulders shaking with each sob. “I’m sorry. I just miss her so much.”