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“If you’re asking if she complained about him, she didn’t. But Meagin never complained about anything. Like being alone in that house, I asked her wasn’t it spooky or at least lonely. She just laughed.”
Demarest said, “The truth is, she didn’t say much, period.”
“Yeah, she was the quiet one,” said Bowman. “Which was fine. When we got together it was to relax, not to get into heavy stuff.”
Milo said, “Where did you hang out besides the day spa?”
“Nowhere besides the day spa. For Lani and myself it’s precious downtime. Every morning we’re up early for work.”
I said, “So Meagin never said anything about her background?”
“Nope, just that one crack about no more older guys. And she wasn’t playing games by holding back.”
“What kind of games?”
“You know,” she said. “Those people who work on getting you curious so they can feel important when you ask questions? Then they parcel out information and basically take control.”
“Like celebrities,” said Demarest. “Toni’s right, there was nothing attention-seeking about Meagin. Just the opposite, she preferred to stay in the background. Even when we ordered drinks at the juice bar, she’d be the last one and say, ‘I’ll have what she’s having.’ ”
Bowman’s pale eyes widened. “You know, that’s true, never thought about it. She rarely—never, actually—took the initiative. I guess that made her an easy-wear friend.”
“Thanks for the information,” said Milo. “Anything else you want to say?”
Simultaneous no’s.
I said, “When Meagin first met Doug she was with a group of women. Any idea who they might be?”
Lana Demarest said, “Sorry, no.”
Toni Bowman said, “You’re thinking someone she opened up to more?”
I said, “No, just trying to learn as much as we can.”
“Well, obviously we’re not going to be any big help with that. The only thing I can add is my first impression ofhim.One of those Euro-trashers who come over here to absorb Hollywood glamour or whatever. Big automatic smile as he left the sauna.Signorinasthis, signorinasthat. I think he actually bowed.”
She looked at Lana Demarest.
Demarest said, “I believe he did. My first impression was I kind of felt sorry for him. Trying too hard. To me that says you’re not confident.”
I said, “Was Meagin confident?”
“Seemed to be. I guess that’s part of what made her so appealing.”
Bowman said, “Exactly, no bullshit, what you see is what you get. You’re right on the money, Lani. Now I want to ask a question. Why wouldn’t you think Doug was behind it? Being that rich he’d have an ego the size of Asia. He finds out Meagin’s cheating on him? Why wouldn’t he consider her a squatter and evict her?”
Demarest said, “Interesting analogy.”
Bowman smiled. “Stick to the familiar. You really don’t think so, Lieutenant?”
Milo said, “What I said before is true.”
“Yeah, yeah, just starting out. Yes, an open mind is good but not so much that your brains drop out.”
Milo laughed.
That threw Toni Bowman. “Okay, sorry if I’m coming across too strong. Or flip. That’s not how I feel. For some reason, learning what happened to Meagin is making me feel like I should be constantly apologizing. And that sucks. But don’t tell me I have nothing to apologize for. I’ll get there on my own.”
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