WE SIT IN MY OFFICE while Helen dials the phone. There is an answer on the third ring. Helen puts it on speaker as Donna’s former roommate, Serena Bently answers, “Good morning. Hancock’s Realty, Serena speaking.”
“Hi, Serena.” Helen says, pleasantly. “My name is Helen Parr, and I am a detective with the Myerton Police Department in Maryland. How are you today?”
“I’m fine,” Serena says hesitantly, obviously concerned about getting a call from her college town. “Look, if this is about those library fines, I have told the college again and again that I can only pay them off $100 dollars a month.”
“No, Serena, this has nothing to do with the college library. I’m calling about Donna Dupree.”
“Donna? I haven’t thought of her in years. What’s going on with her?”
“Not much,” Helen says casu
