“Why?” Regan asked quickly.

“Someone left a college ring behind in the men’s room. Another kid found it and handed it over just a few minutes ago. It’s a big one, that’s for sure.”

“Where is it?” Regan asked.

“Inside.” Without being asked, Jay unlocked the door to the bar. Guided by Regan’s flashlight, the three of them hurried into the dark, quiet room that smelled of stale beer. Jay opened the cash register and produced the ring. It was from Chairsworth, a prestigious university in Massachusetts. Regan shone her light on the inside of the ring, then inhaled sharply.

“What, Regan?” Melanie asked.

“It’s engraved with the initials CRJ. This has got to be Chip Jones’s ring,” Regan said quickly, then looked at the bartender. “Do you know when the tall guy left?”

“It couldn’t have been that long ago. Like I said, he ordered the drinks when it was last call.”

32

W hen Clay finally reached his building, he walked up the three flights in the dark to his apartment. He unlocked the door, braced himself, and pushed it open. Numerous lit candles illuminated the small living room. His roommate, Bob, and Bob’s girlfriend, Diane, were eating dinner at the small table off the kitchenette. The rest of the humble abode consisted of two tiny bedrooms and a bathroom.

“Hey,” Clay said. “What’s going on?”

“Where have you been?” Bob asked jovially. “Are you hungry?”

“We’ve got plenty of food here,” Diane said almost too cheerfully. “We’re eating whatever was in the refrigerator before it goes bad. Can I fix you a plate?”

“No, I’m fine,” Clay answered. “I’m going back out in a few minutes. It’s too hot in here. A friend of mine is having a party on his rooftop terrace. Maybe I’ll sleep under the stars.” He went into the bathroom, feeling slightly annoyed. Diane was always at their apartment. She had her own place but shared it with three other girls, so she and Bob spent their time together here. They never gave him a night to himself. Diane was a strikingly attractive dancer with long, curly black hair, and Bob was an all-American-looking actor who was getting a lot of work in commercials.

So let them get their own pad.

Clay couldn’t wait to be able to afford to live on his own. Maybe he’d use some of the money he got tonight to find another living situation.

In the bathroom, a pair of Diane’s tap shoes were on the floor and her dance clothes were thrown over the side of the tub. Her stuff was always strewn everywhere. Glancing at the shoes, Clay suddenly realized they looked about the same size as the shoes Lorraine had been wearing. Should he borrow them and hope Diane wouldn’t notice? He’d bring them back later. Why not? he thought. He went into his bedroom and grabbed a small nylon bag that he used to carry his pictures and résumé and whatever else he needed for schlepping around the city to auditions. Back in the bathroom, he stuffed the shoes inside.