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she’s still in shock. Dr. Morales has her on medication. Any updates on the investigation?”
    “Nothing I can or want to talk about, Liz. Still looks like Paco was collateral damage in a revenge kill, and Mr. Saldivar and/or Mrs. Suarez was the intended victim.” He tilted his head at Teresa, swaying in front of the band with a drink in her hand. “Although Mrs. Suarez doesn’t seem too worried right now.”
    “Why shouldn’t she dance? People work through their emotions however they can, Bailey.”
    “I stand corrected,” he said.
    “Is there anything Nick or I can do to help?”
    “Call me if you or Mrs. Rojas remembers something salient.” Bailey leaned in. “But don’t let your law enforcement genes or curiosity steer you into unnecessary trouble. This is a rough neighborhood.”
    “Believe me, investigating murder is not on my mind. But I hope someday Lucia can have closure.”
    “I want that, too,” Bailey said.
    Nick slipped between us. “I left a pitcher of sangria on the table next to Lucia’s. Would you like to eat with us, Bailey?”
    “No, thanks,” Bailey said. “I’m leaving in a minute.”
    Nick and I got back in line and filled two plates. We took our food to the table and sat with Carmen and Victor.
    Victor crossed his arms and glowered at his partner. “She made a mistake.”
    “No, Victor.” Carmen flushed. “I’m telling you she did not recognize me. And she asked Fidencio if he saw Paco.”
    “She was confused by all the people around her. Let it go. Lucia is tough.”
    A voice from behind us said, “I don’t agree, Victor. In my opinion, Lucia should be placed in a nursing home.”

Chapter Five
    I turned to the sophisticated, olive-skinned man in his early fifties behind us. Dr. Anthony Torrico’s dark, curly hair was slicked back from his square sculpted face. He smelled like amber and spice, and in his tailored gray suit, white shirt, and blue tie, he exuded arrogant sexiness.
    “You obviously don’t know Lucia,” Nick said.
    “Obviously?” Tony scoffed. “You obviously don’t know me.”
    “Gentlemen, please,” Victor said. “We all care about Lucia. Tony, meet Nick Garfield. Nick, this is Dr. Tony Torrico, our physician associate at Park Clinic. Please, let’s sit down and talk about this. We all share concern for Lucia.”
    Tony turned away from Nick’s salutary nod and sat next to Carmen.
    “Lucia is much better off at home,” I said to Tony. “Coping with violent death is a huge challenge to the system, and a move now, on top of the shock and her grief, could impact both her mental and physical health. We all know she shouldn’t be alone. That’s why Victor hired Cruz.”
    “Cruz is a caretaker, a stranger to her,” Tony said. “Lucia doesn’t have close family for emotional support. She would be better off in a home, surrounded by professionals.”
    Nick snorted under his breath.
    “Lucia won’t leave her home,” Victor said. “And I won’t force her. She has her friends. She has us. I’ll watch to see how Cruz and Lucia get along.”
    “Liz made an interesting point, Victor. Shock affects state of mind, especially for the elderly. Is Lucia capable of running her business and making decisions?” Tony said.
    “I’ll be available to advise her,” Victor said. “Before Paco died, he and Lucia asked me to assume power of attorney over their affairs, medical
and
legal. They wanted assurance they could live out their years in their own home. I’m committed to follow their wishes. As soon as Lucia and I complete the paperwork, I’ll have full authority. If her health deteriorates, I’ll replace Cruz with a licensed professional nurse—at home.”
    Tony cocked his head. “And Lucia is of sound mind to sign the documents?”
    “Definitely,” Victor said.
    “I didn’t realize you’re taking over both capacities,” Carmen said. “You’ll be her legal guardian and remain her doctor?”
    “Just legal. I’ll consult on her health