Description: I would never cheat on Susan, but I had to admit there was something sexy about Lark. I tried to put my prurient thoughts away and deal with the issue at hand. Also, the ankh made me wonder if she was playing for the other side. I was not a big fan of birds, which for me had always been a harbinger of bad luck. "So what is it that you couldn't tell me at the courthouse?" "I'm a graduate student at the University of Illinois and heard from a friend about Chris's case. I went to the preliminary hearing to get more information." "That's fine--it's an open courtroom--but I can't tell you the specifics of his case." "I am here to help you, not the other way around." "Cool!" I leaned back in my chair, trying to look casual. "Tell me what you know." "My sister was at a party at that fraternity three years ago. She has not been seen since. I believe she was killed there. I can't prove it, but I have been trying to ever since." "Did you call the police?" "No, I called Pizza Hut." She sighed. "I'm ... sorry. This whole thing .... it's hard to talk about. Yes, I called the police and the FBI. I even hired a private investigator." "No luck?" "None. In fact, they all told me to let it go." "I take it from the fact you are here that you didn't 'let it go.' " "You take it right. I was attending the University of Iowa. I was close to getting an MFA in fine arts but I transferred to the University of Illinois a year and a half ago. I've been investigating the fraternity ever since." As she spoke Lark moved her arms about in quick gestures, reminding me of the bird she was named for. "What have you learned?" "For starters, I believe your client." "Why?" She hesitated, as if pained by what she was going to relate. "Last year I dated a guy named George Hammond. He was a rich kid, kind of a geek, but he was okay. I essentially stalked him until he agreed to go out with me. At first I was only interested because he was pledging the fraternity. I know I was using him, but he was using me too. When he got accepted into the fraternity he told me a few of their secrets." "Any chance I could chat with George directly?" She shook her head, a little violently. "Not unless we hold a sance. I'm sorry. I appreciate you speaking with me, and I don't mean to be sarcastic. George died in a car accident. Actually, he was murdered, but I can't prove it." "What did he tell you?" "Every fall the fraternity sacrifices a girl. Their choice is based on her not having much in the way of family or money. They want someone who won't be missed."

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