* * *

  “Hi, I’m calling to see if a Miss Shelly Price still lives in your complex?” I must be out of my mind!  I thought, even as I said the words into the phone.

  A muffled noise came from the other end of the line and the woman spoke thickly, “Just a minute.” I took the opportunity to glare at Marti and heave a shaky breath. I hate talking on the phone to strangers, period, but I think anyone will agree that this was probably the most nerve-wracking call I’d ever made or ever would make. Marti had asked me to do it, and for some crazy reason I’d said yes. I’d like to think it was because she was my best friend and I wanted to help her out in spite of my good, logical, nerdy sense. But in the back of my mind, I know it was because I was getting too curious for my own good, just like Marti. I wanted to know too. Who was Shelly Price, and what had her life been since Aunt Grace’s death?

  “I really appreciate this Meg.”Marti said seriously. My only reply was a grimace. The lady was back.

  “Miss Price? Yeah she’s in 14B. You want me to connect you?”

Marti shook her head violently.

  “No thank you.” I responded. There was silence, and somehow I couldn’t hang up. I could tell the lady was expecting an explanation. “I’m an old friend.” I added lamely. Oh crap, what the heck did I just do?

  “Do you want me to tell her you’re stopping by or something?” The woman slurred from the other side of the tracks. I could almost smell cigarette smoke through my receiver.

 “No thanks. You’ve been a big help. Thanks!” I slammed my thumb against my “End Call” button, thanking God that was over. Shelly Price was still alive in the world. She was living in a nasty apartment which obviously wasn’t too inconspicuous since two teenage girls with a phonebook had been able to track it down. She was still “Miss.” She was somewhere within reach. “There. That’s done.” I stated flatly, feeling like a pricked balloon that was getting pumped up again.

“Thanks, Meg. I owe you one.” Marti smiled. “Ok, I owe you a few.”

 “No problem.” I prayed that would be the end of my part in it.

But I knew it wouldn’t be.