[2] Kinsey Millhone receives a visit from Janice Kepler whose beautiful but reclusive daughter, Lorna, died 10 months ago of an apparent allergic reaction.

Officer Cheney Phillips informs Kinsey that Lorna was leading a double life: receptionist at the water treatment plant by day, high class prostitute by night.

With the help of Lorna's friend, late-night radio DJ Hector Moreno, Kinsey transcribes the taped conversations, but can't make sense of them at first.

Kinsey attends a meeting of the water board, where she witnesses a contentious debate between Esselman and his business rival John "Stubby" Stockton.

Kinsey's suspicions turn at first to Stubby Stockton, but then she realizes Roger Bonney had the necessary knowledge and access to his father-in-law's pool to have set up the electrocution.