Meghan Laverne, 23 years old, pretty, perky, and attractive, was a little aloof for someone living alone in the City of Manhattan, Los Angeles County, California. She managed her bookstore, which was located below her living quarters. She had finished her journalism degree in Long Beach Cal State University. Her parents had died in an airplane crash not too long ago, leaving her with a substantial inheritance. She was well off even without working or writing, but she loved books, and the time spent reading was precious to her. The bookstore was a way to pass the time, and she was helped by Maddie Summers, a friend who worked for her.