The Bead Seller

by Wendy Meadows

  Allie greeted the next guest. Kathryn Parker’s face was captivating. Her features were classic, like a perfectly carved cameo, and when she turned her head slightly, her delicate profile drew everyone. Allie gave a slight cough in surprise before returning to her welcome mode. Kathryn smiled, though not broadly. She was groomed without a flaw. Michael the porter even looked twice before recovering his professional stance and showing her to her room.

  She followed him to the last room at the end of the second-floor hallway. This room curved slightly, following the bow window of the rear of the house, providing a sweeping view of the backyard and side yard in full bloom.

  After Kathryn, a group of men arrived all at once. Scott Wilson checked in, as did Keith Moore, who played the head waiter in the present play, and then Rocky Masters, famous chef, approached the desk. Brenda realized guests were arriving one after another and went to assist Allie. Brenda sensed the reservationist’s underlying impatience might be because she was more excited to welcome the psychic and her companion. So far, neither had arrived. Once the foyer emptied, Brenda told Allie she was going to discuss desserts with the chef.

  When the front door opened again, Allie was shocked to see the disheveled, heavily adorned figure who approached the reception desk. Several strings of beaded necklaces looped around her neck and a few reached her waist. Dark black unkempt hair hung to her shoulders. Beaded crystal earrings dangled to touch the brightly printed blouse paired with a long, wildly colored skirt. Allie asked if she could help the woman, whose brown shoes, she noticed, looked as if they had been worn for many hiking treks. The woman also adjusted a worn leather satchel slung over her shoulder.

  Her raspy voice echoed in the marble floored foyer. “I wish to interest the actors in some of my beaded handiwork.”

  Allie stared at her. The sign at the end of the bed and breakfast driveway clearly stated No Solicitors or Vendors. Brenda came from the kitchen to make sure her guests were mingling well in the sitting room when she noticed the strange figure. Allie breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Brenda. The owner of Sheffield Bed and Breakfast guessed at once that the stranger wasn’t a guest and asked her name.

  “My name is Grace Baker. I create unusual jewelry of the finest beads and shells ever known.” She started to open a grubby velvet case clutched under her arm that Allie had not noticed when she first walked in.

  “I’m sorry, Miss Baker, but sellers are not allowed on the premises. Surely you saw our sign at the end of the driveway.”

  Grace bowed slightly and smiled. Without a word, she left. Brenda and Allie looked at one another.

  “Have you seen her around town, Allie?”

  Allie’s eyes still bulged, and she shook her head. “That was very strange.”

  Brenda resolved to tuck the whole incident in the back of her mind. She thought it was strange, too, and something told her that even if the woman was simply a bead artist and nothing more, Sweetfern Harbor was going to attract more and more interesting characters and perhaps she shouldn’t be surprised when some of them began showing up at her door. She and Allie watched as the peculiar woman turned at the gate and walked toward the beach area.

  Chapter 2

  Interactions

  In less than two hours, dinner would be served to guests. Allie told Brenda she hoped the psychic would come soon. Just as the words left her mouth, the door opened again and a woman walked in next to a man the same age as her forty years. Tiana Lockser wore her long sandy-colored hair swept back from intense azure eyes. Jeffrey Johnson locked eyes on his companion before shifting to the purpose of checking in. His attractive personality made up for his ordinary looks—he smiled charmingly as he spoke to young Allie.

  Tiana scrutinized her surroundings with approval. Allie’s hands shook as she entered the information into her computer. She couldn’t take her eyes from the couple, who followed Michael upstairs to their rooms on the second floor, across the hallway from most of the actors.

  Allie immediately called her mother when they were out of sight.

  “I’ll ask Brenda if we can both join everyone for dinner tonight…if we’re not too late for Chef Morgan. I don’t know what’s on the menu and she may not have enough.”

  Hope Williams told her daughter to do everything possible to get them in on the dinner. Both mother and daughter were hopping with anticipation, and luckily Brenda had already foreseen this possibility. Morgan, her chef, was prepared for extras that night. Jenny and Bryce Jones wanted in as well. The table would have to be extended to include everyone. It would be the largest first night dinner for guests ever served.

  Brenda told Allie no more could be added to the dinner list. She and Hope had to be the last ones. “Everyone will just have to seek Tiana out for themselves and the actors as well.”

  Allie didn’t care about the others for the moment. She called her mother to give her the good news.

  When Detective Mac Rivers arrived at the bed and breakfast right on time, Brenda was happy to see her husband. Obviously, Jenny had given him her good news. He beamed. Brenda told him congratulations in a whisper. It was hard for either of them not to shout the news to everyone.

  Instead, Brenda told Mac they had quite a few people in for dinner that night. “Besides the guests, it seems Jenny, Bryce, Hope, Allie and even David Williams have been convinced to join the troupe.”

  Mac raised his eyebrows. “They are all that interested in meeting the actors? What about Phyllis and William?”

  Brenda assured him they were included as well. “I think most of them are more interested in meeting the psychic. Please don’t tell William that. I hope the mix of guests will work out well.”

  “At least it will prove an interesting weekend.” Mac patted her arm. “Don’t worry. Everything will go smoothly as usual, Brenda.” Mac had learned to accept Brenda’s nervousness every time the first guest dinner rolled around.

  When everyone settled down, Brenda noticed Allie and Hope sat directly across from Tiana Lockser. They hadn’t wasted any time. Tiana carried on a modest conversation, but it was Jeffrey who proved most interesting. He and Tiana had known one another for many years and he talked of some of their travels to Scotland and Ireland.

  “Those countries are quite interesting,” he said. “Tiana has done some of her best work in Ireland. She is expert in her field.”

  Allie and Hope leaned forward, hoping to hear those stories from Tiana herself. She merely smiled and nodded. Her eyes often landed on Kelly Reed before shifting to Carol Morgan, who looked increasingly uncomfortable as the dinner went on. Carol sat next to Hope and sensed the psychic had plenty to say about her and Kelly, too. Rocky Masters, the traveling chef, projected a more serious demeanor and sat silently as his tablemates spoke with Tiana. Phyllis hoped the noted chef approved of the meal set before him. She breathed a sigh of relief when Rocky delved in with no hesitation.

  William sat at the other end of the table between Scott Wilson and Dr. Walker. They spoke of the attractions around Sweetfern Harbor and the upcoming play. Scott’s attention was almost entirely on the Atlantic Ocean and the water sports available in town. William joked that they would have to tell the mayor to tie down all the boats, if necessary, in order to make sure the play went on as planned. All the actors laughed. Everyone talked at length about their experiences in theatre. David Williams, for one, ignored his wife and daughter’s obsession with the psychic, and when the actor Keith Moore noticed his boredom and asked his profession, David at last perked up and mentioned that he was a local news anchor.

  “Perhaps you will promote our performance, all of our good work,” Keith said. His voice held a certain yearning to be better known. “I’ve been in theatre for quite a few years and have been well-reviewed, even if only for lesser roles. It’s not that every role isn’t important…I’ve been satisfied with them. Kelly and Scott are perfect together in this play.”

  Kathryn Parker chimed in, “As are you, Keith. All of us are excelle
nt in our roles.” David Williams gazed at the actress’s smooth and benevolent-looking facial expression. “It’s as he said, Mr. Williams, we are all cut out for our parts.”

  “Please, call me David. Everyone around here does. What is ‘Mystery Along the Nile’ about?”

  “It takes place during a cruise along the Nile River. There are a few arguments along the way due to close quarters,” Keith said. “As for the mystery, I can only tell you it involves the sudden death of a beautiful woman, a young newlywed on the boat. Other than that, you will have to come and see for yourself.”

  David smiled. “I intend to do that. I don’t think anyone will miss it. At first thought, I wonder if the newlywed’s husband is the culprit.”

  “I don’t know,” Keith teased. “You have to remember that he did marry her.” He glanced down the table at Kelly and then at Scott. Kathryn’s eyes turned greener in color.

  After dinner, everyone gathered in the next room to enjoy a choice of various desserts. Phyllis, Jenny, Allie and two of the chef’s helpers served drinks. David excused himself when he realized Allie and Hope were in it for the long run. He was glad he had driven his own car. The last words he heard when he went toward the front door were from his wife.

  “Will you be doing any readings while you’re here, Tiana? Or perhaps you are here for a respite.”

  “After tonight I will be happy to give a reading to anyone interested.” She looked at Brenda and Mac. “I don’t intend to charge anyone. After all, I’m not here to promote myself or my business.” Brenda in particular was relieved to hear her words.

  “Brenda, I believe we must head home as well. Thank you for the lovely evening,” said Phyllis. She and Brenda discussed some ideas for the next day. It would be a busy day at the Sheffield Bed and Breakfast.

  Phyllis and William started for home. William knew the conversation would be all about the psychic. He patiently drove to their mansion on the hill that overlooked Sweetfern Harbor and made short friendly comments to his wife as she chattered on with great interest.

  “I sense Tiana Lockser doesn’t really intrigue you like she does some of us,” Phyllis said. She smiled at her husband. “I think I’ll ask for a reading.”

  William teased her that she must want more than he could give her, to ask for information regarding her future. Phyllis assured him he was everything she could ever wish for. The two were as much in love as many younger married couples. Phyllis never dreamed of finding someone like William to marry just before she reached the sixty-year mark. William had discovered a whole new life once he was free to marry again.

  “Go ahead and ask for a reading, Phyllis. I admit I’m drawn to figuring out if she truly is psychic, or if it’s all just a guessing game.”

  The next morning when employees appeared again for work, Sheffield Bed and Breakfast returned to normal. A few guests were in the dining room for early breakfast. They wanted to explore the town before rehearsal. Brenda and Phyllis took their coffee to Phyllis’s apartment, which she still kept there even after marrying William. There were times when she and Brenda secluded themselves there to regroup and chat. Phyllis sometimes stayed overnight when events ran late, and William joined her.

  “William isn’t showing much enthusiasm about the psychic, Brenda. He told me he doesn’t really believe she’s for real, but I’m going to try and get a reading. What do you think?”

  “I have mixed feelings about it, but I see no harm in those who want readings. I’m more curious about the relationship between Tiana and Jeffrey. They’ve known one another for a long time and yet they asked for separate rooms. I’ve heard they were lovers, but apparently not.”

  “Rumors sometimes prove misleading. This is probably one of those times. He does look at her in a loving way. I didn’t notice anything but a friendly response from her at dinner, however. I don’t think there’s real chemistry between them.”

  Phyllis and Brenda often gossiped between themselves, though Brenda tried to refrain from that habit when around her other employees or around town.

  Kathryn Parker sidled up to Scott Wilson after breakfast. Kelly watched briefly and shrugged. Her once best friend seemed to harbor a dim hope that Scott would marry her. She knew the two had broken off their engagement, one that Kelly felt sure Kathryn forced on Scott. On the other hand, Kelly thought, he was a grown man and should have thought things through and been able to say no. Kathryn knew how to scheme quite well and Kelly recalled how often she was the one to determine what they did and where they went. Kelly certainly understood how Scott had been taken by her famous beauty.

  She once loved him, and when their relationship had soured, eventually the close friendship Kelly enjoyed with Kathryn turned bitter over Scott. It had been years since it hurt Kelly, and she had concentrated on her acting career. In any case, she felt secure in her position because it was recognized that Kathryn Parker had a long way to go before reaching the top in theatre.

  * * *

  Brenda and her staff prepared the side lawn for the troupe to rehearse. They preferred to practice at Sheffield Bed and Breakfast rather than at the park where the play would be held. Arthur Walker explained they wanted to avoid anyone watching the rehearsal in the middle of town, but the troupe invited staff to watch if they wanted to. Long tables were set up where refreshments would be served at break times. The day was cool and sunny. The actors donned their costumes and gathered for last-minute instructions.

  Rocky Masters had asked Morgan if she minded if he helped prepare light refreshments. She welcomed him into the kitchen and he noted her nervousness around him as he prepared to get to work.

  “You can relax, Morgan. I have experience in cooking for sure, but the meal last night was superb. You are as good a fine chef as any I’ve ever met. We’ll work on a few appetizers together.”

  Morgan breathed a sigh of relief. Rocky was just like anyone else. He explained how he joined the troupe. She learned that Kathryn Parker was the only particular cast member when it came to food.

  “I’m paid well enough to please her tastes,” he said. The soft chuckle told Morgan he took the picky eater in stride, but she noted he concocted shrimp appetizers and some finger foods with her in mind. “We don’t want to feed them too much or they won’t perform as well.” His delighted chuckle escaped again and from then on, they worked in silence other than comments or suggestions regarding the food.

  Allie secured her desk and joined the others on the side lawn. She kept her eyes on Tiana, who sat on the sidelines with Jeffery. Tiana focused on several actors and then her eyes swept over the staff members observing. Allie thought the psychic’s gaze rested longer on Kelly and Kathryn than any of the others, until she noticed the frown on the woman’s face when she looked at Carol Morgan. Carol had a portable hair and makeup kit with her and had just then finished preparing Kelly’s makeup. She walked over and sat next to Allie.

  “I wish Tiana would focus on the play,” Carol said. “She keeps looking at me like something is wrong with me.”

  “I noticed that. She seems to watch Kelly and Kathryn a lot, too.”

  Carol shrugged and then clasped her hands around her upper arms as if to keep herself warm. She tried to avoid the looks the psychic threw her way.

  The performance moved smoothly. Everyone carried it through naturally. Keith Moore smiled when he saw the news anchor’s daughter clap hard at the end. He hoped she wouldn’t tell her father who really murdered the lovely newlywed along the Nile. David Williams had promised to be at the opening night’s performance. He planned to interview everyone who was in it, not just the main characters. Keith counted on the publicity to catapult him higher in his career.

  When the actors took breaks, Sheffield employees stepped forward. Kathryn Parker hurried to go through the refreshments line next to Scott. Kelly chose to sit with Keith and Dr. Walker. Rocky joined them from the kitchen as well. Once everyone was taken care of, Brenda and Phyllis sat with the group at the tables. They app
lauded the talent and energy of the actors and raised a toast of sweet iced tea to their success. As everyone began to enjoy the treats, it was no surprise to see Allie join Tiana and Jeffrey, along with other staff members. Tiana smiled at Allie.

  “You seem quite taken with me for some reason.”

  “To be truthful,” Allie said, “I’d like a reading when you have some free time. My mother is ready, too. She is the owner of Sweet Treats downtown but can come by here anytime, at your convenience.” Allie stopped and cast her eyes downward. “I don’t mean to impose, and it’s only if you have some time and want to do that for us.”

  “Of course, I will. Let’s set a time around mid-afternoon if you are free.”

  Allie’s eyes shined like copper pennies. She nodded her head several times in agreement. “I’m always free around two-thirty or three.”

  After the brief exchange, Jeffrey picked up the conversation. His stories fascinated his listeners until the actors were called back for a repeat of the final scene, adjusting some portions of the action.

  For their part, Tiana and Jeffrey decided to take a walk down to the ocean. Tiana breathed the salt air deeply. “It’s wonderful here, isn’t it, Jeffrey?” He agreed.

  When they got closer to the beach area, Tiana’s eyes shifted from one vantage point to another. She put her sunglasses on and observed a secluded spot where large rocks stacked precariously on top of one another. A family of four dug in the sand at the edge of the waves. A dark-haired woman bent to pick up shells from the ground. She pocketed her finds and shuffled along for several minutes. Tiana watched.

  “She seems to fascinate you, Tiana.”

  “There is something rather mysterious about her. Look at her colorful clothes and those beads. I hope they’re lightweight with so many hanging around her neck like that.”