Natalie smiled. “That’s one of my favorites. It’s my first, so I guess it has to be my favorite since it started everything. Thanks for the compliment. Really, it’s a thrill to hear that you’re reading one of my books. I’m a huge fan of yours, and just love American Events. The minivan episode? I thought I’d have a heart attack watching you sink to the bottom of that pool.”

“You and me both.”

They laughed like old friends.

“Can I get you something to drink?”

“No thank you. I don’t want to take too much of your time, I know you’re busy. I wanted to talk with you about Victoria Ford. I’m sure it’s shocking when the past comes back to us so viscerally.”

Natalie nodded and pointed at the dining table. Avery sat down.

“It was quite a shock to hear the news,” Natalie said, sitting across from her. “But I was happy for Emma. A little closure will do her good.”

“Emma is a rock. I had the pleasure of meeting her the other day. Do you know her well?”

“I’ve known Emma for years. We still keep in touch. Victoria was such an important part of each of our lives, her absence has sort of been a magnet that draws us together. We see each other once a year to catch up.”

“If I’m able to get this project about Victoria up and running, I’ll need to interview as many friends and family as I can find. I want to tell Victoria’s story—who she was and what she was about—before I get into her death and the events that immediately preceded it. I’m hoping you could fill in some details for me.”

“It would be my honor. Victoria was a dear friend.”

“Let’s start there. How close were you with Victoria?”

“We were best friends.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning if she called and said she was in trouble, I’d show up with body bags and an alibi.”

Avery laughed.

“Sorry,” Natalie said. “That’s the fiction writer coming out in me.”

“No, we all need friends like that.”

“Victoria and I were close. She was like a sister to me.”

“How did you meet? Give me some details.”

Natalie nodded, deciding, Avery suspected, where to begin.