“Speaking of hot guys, Detective Billy Crouch has you in his sights.” She slipped Billy’s card from her purse and handed it to Megan. “I told him I’d pass along his number.”
“Well, thank you.”
Kyra started toward Jake, who met her halfway.
Of course, he had to get in the first word. “What are you doing here?”
“I was at the station with Billy when he got the news. He invited me along.”
He took her arm and whispered in her ear, “Did you get the car back without incident?”
That was not what she expected from his lips with a dead woman in the wetlands. “I did. Is this for sure another victim?”
“Yes. Queen of clubs this time, severed finger, strangulation, no identification. This isn’t a fresh kill.” He pressed a hand against his chest. “I’m sorry. What I mean is, she was probably killed last night, not tonight. She’s far enough off the path to have been missed. This couple had a dog with them, and he discovered the body.”
“But so close to civilization. He’s getting brazen.” She pointed at the camera. “Billy said it’s broken.”
“It is.” Jake scratched at the scruff on his chin. “The killer didn’t do it, though. It’s been broken for a while, but he must’ve known that.”
“He’s thirsty.” Kyra sucked in her bottom lip. “You need to stop him because he’s not showing any signs of slowing down.”
Jake’s mouth twisted up at one side. “I know that. I’m waiting for that one mistake, and then we’ll close in on him. They all make mistakes.”
“The Player never did.”
“He did. Even Quinn will tell you he did. Nobody ever picked up on that mistake. The world is a different place than it was twenty years ago. Murder investigations are different. We’ll get this guy.” The coroner arrived, and Jake turned toward the van. “I need to finish this up. Get home safely—in your own car.”
“Got it.” She hesitated. “Will I see you at Marissa’s apartment tomorrow? Remember, I’m meeting her roommate, and we’re having a look at her jewelry.”
“I’ll be there.” He swung around and disappeared into the tall grasses of the wetlands.
Kyra walked back to her car and waved at Megan getting into her news van. The drive from the Ballona Wetlands to Santa Monica took her less than fifteen minutes at this time of night.
She pulled into her parking spot. As she walked past the dumpster, she studied the ground. She saw a plastic bag that had probably floated from someone’s trash, picked it up and slipped it beneath the lid of the dumpster.
Not that she expected another card, with Matt lying in a hospital bed. If Matt was telling the truth and someone had paid him to leave the cards, that person could just as easily pay someone else to do the deed.
But why?
THE FOLLOWING DAY, Kyra saw two clients in the morning and then drove to Marissa Perez’s apartment in Reseda, not far from where her abandoned car was found, to meet her roommate, Darcy Myren. Jake had indicated that he’d be late and to start without him.
She pulled alongside the curb in front of a large apartment complex and buzzed the apartment number.
A shaky voice answered the intercom. “Yes?”
“Darcy, this is Kyra Chase. Is this still a good time?”
For her answer, Darcy buzzed open the door, and Kyra stepped into the cool, tiled interior of the apartment building. Neat rows of brass mailboxes lined one wall, facing two elevators.
Kyra went up to the third floor, where Darcy stood at the door of her apartment, waiting for her.
Darcy’s dark eyes narrowed. “I thought that cop was coming with you.”
“He’ll be here later. Is that okay?”
“Yeah, c’mon in.” She widened the door for Kyra, and she walked into a place in upheaval.
Kyra raised her eyebrows. “Are you moving?”
“I just can’t take it here anymore. I know Marissa wasn’t abducted from our place or anything, but it just creeps me out that someone could’ve been stalking her or watching us.”
Kyra’s pulse jumped. “Did Marissa ever mention being stalked?”
“No.” Darcy placed a hand at her throat. “It’s just all too weird. I’m staying with friends now, but I’m moving back in with my parents in Orange County for a while. I can’t afford this place on my own, anyway.”
“That’s probably a good idea. Do you want to talk before Detective McAllister gets here? Then we can look through Marissa’s jewelry together.”
“Okay.” Darcy perched on the edge of a floral couch that had seen better days. “Marissa’s sister is coming out from Texas in a few days to pack up her stuff.”
“Have you looked through Marissa’s things yet?”
“I’m too scared to go into her room.”
“I understand.” For the next half hour, Kyra allowed Darcy to pour out all her fears and anxieties and paranoia.
By the time the external intercom buzzed, Darcy had cried herself dry.
“Is—is that the detective?”
“Probably. Let him up and go wash your face. I’ll meet him.”
“Thank you.” Darcy dabbed at her wet, swollen eyes. “If I need more help...”
“You can see me again, or I can make a recommendation closer to your parents’ place.”
Darcy hopped up and answered the intercom, punching the button to allow Jake entrance to the building.
As Darcy retreated to the bathroom, Kyra stood by the door to greet Jake.
He strode down the hallway, his face grim, his muscles tense.
She swallowed and stepped into the hallway. “Everything okay?”
“We identified the victim from last night—Gracie Cho.” He shook his head. “Graduated from USC last year.”
“Any connection to Melrose yet?”
“Not yet.” He pointed to the door. “Everything okay with Darcy?”
“She’s very upset. Can’t even bring herself to look at Marissa’s possessions, but it’s a good thing we’re here. Marissa’s sister is coming out from Texas to pack up her belongings in a few days.”
“Then let’s get to it.”
She let Jake into the apartment just as Darcy was returning with a freshly scrubbed face and a red nose. “Hello.”
“Hi, Darcy.” He swiveled his head back and forth. “You moving
