Shortly after she got back to her office, the telephone rang. It was Linda, sobbing so hysterically that Melanie could barely understand her. “What is it? Is it Mom?” Melanie asked with her heart in her throat. Linda wailed something incomprehensible. “Please, Lin. I can’t hear what you’re saying. Are you okay?” “It’s Fab D. He’s dead!” Linda cried. Melanie went cold and quiet. “How did it happen?” she asked Linda after a moment. “I should’ve stayed with him, Mel. It’s all my fault! He told me he was gonna do it.” “Do what? Slow down, okay? Did you see what happened? Was it Expo?” “No. Expo? What are you talking about? D was looking for some action. He told me. I didn’t take him seriously enough.” “What kind of action?” “Sex! He said he was desperate, that he was planning to pay for it. I thought he was joking.” Linda began sobbing again. “I don’t understand. Was he sick? How did he die?” Deon had looked perfectly healthy yesterday.
