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“A blue Ford pickup.” Jack studied the picture and handed it to Ellery. “I worked part time for my dad’s construction business, so it made sense.”

Ellery studied the photo of Freddie in jeans and shades, the epitome of young adult cool, leaning back against the side of his notorious red Datsun 280ZX.

“This looks like junior year. Who took the pic?”

Freddie took the photo back. “Noah, maybe?” He shrugged.

Another of those odd silences followed the mention of Noah’s name.

“Noah,” Oscar murmured. “I haven’t thought of Noah in years.”

“Same,” Freddie said. “That was a shame. He was a nice guy. Talented.”

“I don’t know,” Chelsea said. “I think there’s a tendency to idealize someone who passes away suddenly.”

Unfortunately, the relationship between Chelsea and Tosh seemed to have strained to the point where Chelsea couldn’t open her mouth without Tosh taking offense.

Tosh bridled and said, “What doesthatmean?”

“Nothing,” Chelsea said defensively. “I just mean, Noah wasn’t any nicer or more talented than anyone else.”

“Oh, my God.”

“What? He wasn’t a saint, that’s all.”

Lenny said quickly, “Tosh, I don’t think Chelsea meant anything. Really.”

“Then why say it?”

Chelsea said to Tosh, “It’s not like you were any closer to Noah than the rest of us. In fact, Flip probably knew him best, and he’s not jumping down my throat.”

Flip said, “Come on, are we really going to argue about who knew Noah best? Let’s change the subject.”

Ellery said, “It’s the carbs. Nothing’s worse than a girl who can’t handle her carbs. No more pizza nights if the ladies are going to start brawling.”

Three sets of Kubrick stares swiveled his way. Three sets of Kubrick stares locked sights.

“Living dangerously, Page,” Lenny observed.

“Seriously?” Chelsea said.

Tosh said nothing, though the scorching look said everything. Ellery urged, “Come on, baby. Shake it off.”

Tosh made a face.

Flip said, “Kids, kids. I thought we were going to play Charades?”

This suggestion was met with approval that was probably at least fifty percent relief at the change of subject.

“Oh, God,” Jack murmured.

“I pick Chels for my team,” Freddie said, and got an odd look from Tosh.

Chelsea, however, flushed with happiness and forgot her earlier irritation.

“Flip,” Lenny said.

“Don’t keep me in suspense,” Jack told Ellery, and Ellery laughed.