“Circumstances.”
She chuckled. “Do you possibly have a vaguer answer? But never mind. As long as he puts a smile on your face—and a cock in your ass—I approve.”
“Always classy, Jen. See you tomorrow.”
“Wait. Is that a yes for the party?”
“Oh, so it’s a party now? But yeah, fine.”
We hung up, and I finished my tea. If this were any other time, I would have been worried about an event full of strangers, but it seemed insignificant given everything else going on. I was about to head inside when Hayden called.
“How are you?” he asked.
“I’m watching the sunset and drinking tea. I think I’m turning eighty.”
“I’d still do you when you’re eighty. Did you put too much sugar in your tea?”
“Maybe. Hmm, Jenny is organizing an event at the studio tomorrow evening. She’s inviting a few art lovers who could end up buying some of our stuff.”
“Sounds great. Didn’t think it was your style, though.”
“It’s not, but she knows how to push the right buttons. Do you… I mean, if you’re not too busy, do you—”
“Yes, Jonah, I’d love to spend an evening watching you play a polite host.”
“Dick.” But I was glad he’d be there.
“I have news.” His voice became serious.
“You found her?”
“I think so. Can I send her mugshot to your email?”
“Yes.” I waited for almost a minute for the email to arrive because of the weak reception. When it finally did, my body turned cold. I’d expected a mugshot of Amanda from before she was recruited by The Society, but her mugshot had clearly been taken a few years after I last saw her. Her blonde hair was a mess, and her eyes were puffy and red. Zits dotted her chin.
“It’s her. Was she doing drugs?”
“She was a junkie, yes. Her then-boyfriend called to report she’d burned down his car.”
“Jesus. Is she in prison now?”
“No, in a highly secured psychiatric department. She was found to be mentally unstable and a risk to herself and her surroundings. They sent her to Patton State Hospital.”
“Where’s that?”
“San Bernardino. I have some time off work the day after tomorrow, so I’ll drive over there and try to meet her. And no, you’re not coming with me.”
“We said—”
“I don’t want her to recognize you, and there’s no reason for you to waste your day driving all the way back and forth. I’ll try my luck and update you later.”
“Fine, but I don’t like it.”
“I’ll make it up to you.”
I glanced again at the mugshot of Amanda, feeling a twisted sense of joy at her downfall. She had it coming. They all had.
*
