She groped for it, tongue thick. “Yeah?” Heart was beating too hard, slowed down at Rick’s voice. “Miranda? Did I wake you up?” She struggled to sit up, rubbed her eyes. “What is it?” “I can’t talk long—called you before writing the story—you owe me—” “Get to the fucking point!” “They’ve made an arrest—for both murders.” She swung her legs over the side of the bed. Fully awake. “Was it Kaiser?” Rick paused, News typewriters in the background drumming like Krupa. “No, not Kaiser. Someone else who likes to beat up on women.” “Who the hell—” “Your old friend. Ex-inspector Duggan. Arrested early this morning—no bail.” She said good-bye to Rick, shock making the words perfunctory and pleasant. Hung up the phone. Stared at the forget-me-nots on the wallpaper, periwinkle blue. Gonzales. Gonzales told her Duggan had been demoted. After the Takahashi case. After her bruises healed. She was still staring at the phone when it rang again. Her hand hesitated before picking it up.
