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When Odelia arrived, Chase’s car was already parked in the driveway, so she eased her own, slightly more dilapidated truck, right next to his newer model.

She hadn’t seen much of Chase today. Uncle Alec had kept him busy working the case all day, even though he’d rushed home for a quick shower and some fresh clothes after his close encounter with a duck pond earlier. She was looking forward to seeing him again, and hopefully gleaning some information about the case. Even though Alec had made her promise to butt out this time, she couldn’t very well be expected to butt out completely. Not when this maniac was targeting not only her understudy but also her cats. Besides, as she’d told her uncle, her editor expected a full write-up, and so did thereaders of the Gazette.

The cop standing at attention at the door indicated just how serious Uncle Alec took the threat. She nodded a greeting at the policewoman.

“Chase is already here,” she said. “He’s been asking about you.”

It was a little odd to have to learn about Chase’s whereabouts from a third party, but then that was what happened when a detective and a reporter moved in together: in the heat of the moment, their schedules didn’t always overlap. At least tonight they would.

The meeting was being held in the manor’s large and opulently furnished dining room, where the crew took their meals when they weren’t rehearsing, either on location in the park or in the small theater in the basement.

When Odelia strode in, the room was already packed to capacity, people talking in hushed tones. Obviously the death of Dany had made a huge impression. Suddenly Odelia wondered if her dad hadn’t been right when he suggested the shows should be canceled. But that wasn’t up to her. It was Wolf’s decision to make—and the producers.

Wolf now clapped his hands and the room went quiet.

Odelia caught a glimpse of Chase in a corner, his notebook out, talking to a woman who looked like the spitting image of Odelia. Her second understudy, Odelia knew.

“I know we’re all deeply impressed and shocked by what happened at the park today,” Wolf said. “I just want you all to know that the local police have the matter well in hand. They’re on top of this terrible tragedy and the police chief himself has promised me in no uncertain terms that the full weight of his department is brought to bear on this case. They will not rest before they have the vile killer of our dear and sweet Dany Cooper in custody. New York doesn’t have capital punishment, as far as I know, which seems like a pity, under the circumstances.” He now gestured to Chase. “I’m sure you’ve all had a chance to meet Detective Kingsley, who’s in charge of the investigation.”

Chase gave a nod of acknowledgment, and Odelia couldn’t help but notice how the eyes of all the women in the room sparkled just that little bit brighter. She was sure his actions at the park today, where he’d repeated Colin Firth’s lakeside performance inPride and Prejudice, only with a live audience instead of a film crew, had something to do with that.

“Please give the detective your full cooperation. Hold nothing back. Even the most innocuous encounter or throwaway comment someone made may be the vital clue that will lead the police to the killer.” He clapped his hands again. “Now, about the shows. I know you’re all anxious to find out what Conway and I have decided.” He looked defiant. “We are not going to let this monster stop us from putting on the best Bard in the Park edition this part of the country has ever witnessed. We’re going through with the shows as scheduled and we’re going to dedicate them to Dany’s memory.”

Murmurs of agreement echoed through the room. It was obvious the director had struck the right note.

Odelia just hoped it would also prove to be the right decision.

Chapter 16

Odelia had sidled up to the director, the very flamboyant Wolf Langdon. They’d had a good meeting, and Wolf had been both dignified and defiant. It was obvious from the applause he received at the end of his address that his words carried the approval of all those present.

“Did you know Dany well?” Odelia asked Wolf while she took a sip from her root beer float. Even though there was ample opportunity to drown one’s sorrows in alcoholic beverages, Odelia had opted to keep a clear head and pick a non-alcoholic alternative.

“Not really,” said Wolf. “I know she was a dedicated actress who aspired one day to star on Broadway.”

“You didn’t hire her?”

“No, I didn’t. I leave those decisions to Conway, my producing partner. He’s been with me for years and years and years and I trust his judgment implicitly. I hire the key people—the stars—and leave the rest to Con. Some people may feel that a director should micro-manage but I’m not ofthat conviction. There’s enough on my plate already, and Con knows exactly what I want. Were you and Dany close?”