"So, Ms. Clare. What qualities would make you an asset to this company?" asked the suit across from her. Lyla Clare thought of her relevant skills, dismissing them one by one. A shipping company wasn't likely to need covert operations, or explosives expertise, or... "Ms. Clare?"

Barbie Holmes was ready to investigate her first crime scene. She exited her pink police car, the door shutting with a satisfying thud. Being a detective was not easy, but it paid well. She approached the porch of 122 Carrot Circle, keeping an eye out for anything out of place.

Jerry glanced down at the photograph in his hand, then back up again at the woman sitting alone at the back of the cafe.