Audra rubbed her forehead, trying to press the pounding headache away. “What does an escort’s death have to do with Rosemary?”
“Maybe they’re unrelated, but I’m checking everything.”
“Can I move into her apartment?” From there she could look for something—an idea of who might have killed her. Maybe she should study Rosemary’s black book if the police had left it, see if she missed something.
“Don’t get any ideas of becoming a lone ranger. Leave this to us.”
Audra nodded. “Someone has to clean out her apartment. And I’m the only one here.”
“That’s the only idea in your pretty head?” He crossed his arms. “What did you say you do again, Miss Schaeffer?”
“I work in a law office.”
“As long as you promise to only clean out her apartment, you can go today. Leave the investigating to us.”
“Then find her killer.” Audra raised her chin and met the detective’s direct gaze.
“I will be watching you, Miss Schaeffer, and I think my efforts could be better spent finding your sister’s killer. Remember that if you make me keep you out of trouble.” A tight smile twisted his lips. “I already have two dead women and no motive for why they were killed. I’d hate to have to do something like send you out of town to keep you safe.”
She gave a slight nod with her chin. And that quickly, the fight left her. She smoothed the sheet, playing with the edges.
“We’ll do all we can to find whoever killed her. Last thing I want is a killer roaming Hollywood. And I want whoever did this to go to the gas chamber. But I cannot do that and worry about you being next.”
“Yes, sir. I understand. Can you pull the sheet down again? Just a bit?” Detective Franklin did, and she studied her sister’s features. Memories flashed through her mind. All the times Rosemary had pretended to star in a new show and Audra had reluctantly agreed to play a part. She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. Nobody had asked her if she wanted to do this. But she would.
How was she supposed to transport a body or handle any of the other details? The walls of the small room closed in on her. All she saw, anywhere she looked, was Rosemary’s sheet-clad body. Her earlier strength abandoned her.
“Excuse me.”
She bolted from the room. Dashed down the hallway, blinded by the light that bounced off the white walls, white floor, white ceiling. She bounced off someone and kept moving. She had to get out. Away from the place of healing that had turned into a den of death.
Someone pushed the doors open in front of her, and Audra dashed into the sunlight. The light blinded her, and a car honked shrilly. She stopped, feeling tears course down her cheeks.
A car door opened and a man stepped toward her. “Are you okay, ma’am?”
“No. Do you know where I can find a cab?” She needed to get back to the hotel, check out, and then go to Rosemary’s apartment. A trickle of fear tickled her at the thought. What if the killer came back? It didn’t seem likely, and she needed some place to stay. She pushed her fear aside. There might not be anything she could do for Rosemary. But she could find the killer and make sure he paid.
CHAPTER TEN
__________
One week until he boarded the train out of Los Angeles. His list of tasks grew the longer he thought about the tour.
Robert had heard stories of the escapades that filled the first Hollywood Victory Caravan, and knew the train he’d live on would have its own unique mix. One week until he’d board the train with about forty other stars and staff.
After the fundraiser last night, he would play the emcee.
Three weeks of playing the host in city after city.
All while living on a train.
It sounded like craziness now, but he was committed. Robert grabbed his hat, shoved it on his head, and left his flat. His wingtips clacked against the floor as he strode toward the elevator. Its wrought iron gate slid open as he approached.
“Just the man I was looking for.”
Robert stopped in his tracks. “Artie?”
“In the flesh.” Artie thrust his arms wide like he expected a hug. Robert stared at him. “You don’t think I make house calls?” He shoved a cigar in his mouth. “We’ve got a problem.”
“O-kay. Do you want to come into my apartment?”
“Walk with me.”
Robert nodded. The agent could be a little over the top in his style, but he had made stars out of less deserving men. Robert could humor him until he told the problem.
The elevator grate clanged shut behind them, and they coasted to the lobby in a silent, uncomfortable trip. Artie led the way to the street and waited until they’d walked half a block before speaking. Robert shoved his hands in his pockets, determined to wait Artie out. Artie’s games seemed ridiculous. With the sun shining, Robert determined to enjoy the excursion.
Artie kicked at a rock on the sidewalk. “Rosemary Schaeffer has been found.”
Robert stopped. Turned to look at Artie. “What?”
“Some Joe Blow found her at a park. Her sister identified the body this morning.”
That poor kid. Robert couldn’t imagine having that task. It must be horrifying to walk into a room and look at a body, a mere shell of the person you loved. “Is she okay?”
“Who?”
“Audra.” Artie gave him a blank look. “Rosemary’s sister.”
“Don’t know. You can bet dollars to donuts she’s headed to Rosemary’s apartment.”
“Sure. Where else would she go?”
“And when she gets there, she might learn information about Rosemary she doesn’t like.”
Robert was ready to shake Artie. Make him speak plain English and move on. “I don’t see how that involves me.”
“That’s why you have me. I catch everything you miss. Including things that could kill your career.”
“Speak plainly or move on, Artie. I don’t have patience for games.”
Robert followed Artie as he entered a street-side café, walked to a table in the back corner, and then gestured for Robert to sit down.
“Have a seat.”
Robert dropped onto the chair opposite Artie and crossed his arms.
“Rosemary did anything to get her chance in Hollywood. Anything.”
“And you encouraged that, didn’t you? I don’t want to know anything more.” He’d heard rumors Rosemary had accepted the extra duties some agents talked their girls into, but had hoped to spare Audra that knowledge. He wouldn’t want his little sister in an escort role and couldn’t imagine what it would do to Audra if she learned that about Rosemary. “She was a sweet kid the time or two I bumped into her.”
“Sweet and willing to do anything. Hollywood’s a tough place. Do you know how many people are carried on contract by the big studios? Maybe fifty at Warner Brothers, a hundred over at Metro Goldwyn Mayer. Flip ’em around. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that the steady-pay jobs are few and far between. You’re making it, but how long can you last without a studio taking you on? Another couple months?”
“I’ll find a way.”
“Sure you will. That’s what everyone says until they’re out of dough. Then they crawl to me or someone else, desperate for a leg up. These opportunities form the backbone of this town. Whether you and others get it or not.”
Robert looked at the agent, his esteem for him tanking. “You really set the gals up?”
“If they’ve got the looks or the temperament. Sure. Why wouldn’t I? It’s lucrative.”
“It’s immoral.”
“You’re in Hollywood.”
Should he just leave? Or would it make any difference? Artie clearly didn’t think there was anything wrong with his side business. With a choice, he’d go somewhere else. His recent treks from office to agent had shown him he wouldn’t be an overnight success, especially without the visibility of being Lana’s husband.
So why did it feel like he needed a hot shower? Something to
wipe the grime away? He’d believed coming to Hollywood was the right thing. Something God could honor and bless. Yet his life hadn’t gone as expected since arriving.
“Shouldn’t you focus on the fact someone murdered one of your future stars?”
Artie waved a hand at him. “Let me worry about those things.”
“Then why find me?”
“Because she may have considered the USO event an escort duty.” Artie looked at him with arched brows then pushed out of the chair. “With you.” He studied Robert a moment, and then flung his hands out. “Forget about it. You’ve got your next screen test this afternoon. Knock it out of the park and make us both happy.” Artie strode from the café without a backward glance.
Robert watched him a moment, disgusted by the direction of Artie’s insinuations.
* * * * *
Audra staggered up the sidewalk to Rosemary’s apartment after checking out of the hotel, her bag weighing her down almost as much as the image of Rosemary’s still face. So much had changed in the thirty-six hours since she’d arrived. The building looked darker, even though the sun shone through the palm trees. Death had marked it, and cold soaked deep into her. The only thing that brought her back was the determination to find a killer.
I’ll find him, Rosemary. I promise.
When she got inside, she had to find the strength to call her parents. Tell them their baby had died.
She pulled the apartment key from her skirt pocket and slipped it into the lock. The door eased open, and Audra stumbled inside.
A shuddering breath shook her as she leaned against the wall. Rosemary was supposed to be here. Supposed to be alive. Supposed to be angry Audra had overstepped her big sister role. Instead, she’d died.
Just like Andrew.
The door closed with a click, and Audra slid to the floor.
“What am I supposed to do, Lord? How do I tell Mama and Daddy?” She tipped her chin as tears coursed down her cheeks.
Time passed as she sobbed. Cold seeped through the wood floor and her skirt, into her legs. The tears trickled to a stop, and she struggled to form how she’d tell them. Part of her wanted to send a telegram. Let someone else tell them. But she couldn’t do that. Instead, she’d borrow a phone. Wait while the operator connected lines until enough were patched together.
Maybe the landlady would let her use her phone one last time.
Audra stood then went into the bathroom. The skin under her eyes was puffy and red-rimmed. With a last glance in the mirror, she left the flat and headed around to the front of the building. She climbed the stairs and pressed the button for the landlady’s flat.
“Yes?” The woman’s voice scratched across a speaker.
“Hello. This is Audra Schaeffer, Rosemary’s sister. I wondered if I could use your phone.”
The door buzzed, and Audra slipped in. A door at the end of the hallway opened, and the landlady peeked out, her housecoat a bright mix of colors and flowers. At the sight of Audra, she straightened then waved her down the hallway.
“Do you have news?” The landlady clutched the neck of her dress, wrinkles creasing the crown of her nose.
“The police found Rosemary. I need…” Audra swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. “…I need to call home, tell my parents.”
“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.” Her face collapsed, mirroring Audra’s grief. “She was such a good girl. There was no mistake?”
“No. I identified her.”
“You come right in. Use my phone. I’ll fix tea while you talk to the operator.” The woman ran a hand up and down Audra’s arm as if to warm her as Audra walked by. The small sitting room held a davenport adorned with a collage of doilies protecting the fabric. Movie magazines covered the surface of a small oval table. The phone teetered precariously on a stack of LIFEs. “I’ll be right in the kitchen.”
“Thank you, Mrs.…”
“Oh my, how rude of me. I can’t believe I haven’t introduced myself. Mrs. Margeson.” She patted her cheeks as if to cover the sudden rush of color.
“The tea sounds nice.” Audra stared at the phone as Mrs. Margeson disappeared into the other room. She picked up the receiver. Pulled the unit close and dialed the operator. “I need a line to Indianapolis.”
“I’ll call as soon as I have it.”
“Thank you.” Audra leaned back against the davenport. She couldn’t believe it had come to this.
First, she had to make this call. Then she would start a list of who could have harmed Rosemary. It wouldn’t be easy. But she would learn who Rosemary’s friends were, who her enemies were, and how she could get close to them.
“Here you go, dear.” Mrs. Margeson handed her a cup filled with hot water and a swimming teabag. Then the plump woman slipped to the edge of a dining chair opposite the couch. She balanced a second teacup on her knee, and a thin smile stretched her lips. “So are the police done in the apartment? I was so horrified when that detective told me about the body. I didn’t want to believe him. Then he insisted I stay out while they searched the place.” She trembled, the cup shifting precariously on her knee. “When they came back this morning, I couldn’t imagine what they’d missed. But if they’d found your sister… What terrible things you’ve been through.”
“It’s been awful.” Audra studied her cup, braced for the phone to ring. “Detective Franklin said I could return to the apartment now. I’ll stay there if it’s okay.”
“Rent is paid through the end of June.” Mrs. Margeson shrugged. “Might as well stay there if you like and he says it’s okay. But are you sure you want to, considering what you found?”
Audra nodded, words catching on the lump in her throat.
“Well, I’m truly sorry about Rosemary. She didn’t stay home much, but was always pleasant when I saw her.” She blew on her tea then took a sip.
“Can you see who comes and goes from that side entrance?”
“Depends on where I am. It’s certainly not as easy to watch as the front door. But your sister seemed to like the added privacy. Didn’t want anyone to bother her.” A shiver shook Mrs. Margeson’s rounded shoulders, and a few drops of tea spilled from the rim of the cup. “Maybe she’d still be here if she’d chosen a different apartment.”
Was it that simple? A change of room could have changed her fate?
“Whose apartment is over hers?” Maybe they had seen something. Audra could start there.
Mrs. Margeson wrinkled her nose and tapped a finger against her chin. “Well, I guess that would be Shelia Sloan. Yes, she’s been in that flat for a couple months. I don’t think she’s around right now though. Seems like she went somewhere a couple days ago.”
The shrill ring of the phone startled Audra. She placed the cup on the table and rubbed her damp hands along her skirt.
“Let me get it.” Mrs. Margeson grabbed the phone and licked her lips. “Hello?” She nodded then thrust the phone at Audra. “It’s the operator. She’s got your connection.”
Audra accepted the phone and took a deep breath. “Hello?”
“I have your connection with Indianapolis.” The operator’s voice was calm, professional, and utterly unaware of the terrible news those lines would carry.
“Thank you.” Audra told the Indianapolis operator her parents’ exchange then waited for them to get on the line. How many neighbors would eavesdrop? She only hoped it would be those like Mrs. Butterman, who would rally around and comfort them.
“Hello?”
“Mama and Daddy?” A hollow sound echoed across the line. She tried to be patient until she heard them speak.
“Audra?”
“Hi, Mama. Is Daddy with you?”
“Pressed next to her at the phone.” The sound of his deep voice comforted her.
Audra heaved a sigh. She hadn’t wanted to tell Mama about Rosemary without Daddy there.
“What do you have for us, girl? It’s about time you called.” Her daddy’s voice had an edge, whether from her not calling the
moment she landed or him having a sense about the call, Audra couldn’t tell.
She tried to block out the image that rose up in her mind. Being too late to get her younger brother at a high school event. Andrew catching a ride with a friend. Both killed when a delivery truck hit their car head-on. Now, she’d been too late—again.
“Yes, sir. It’s about Rosemary.”
Mama’s sharp intake of breath made its way to Audra. “She’s fine, isn’t she?”
There was no easy way to say it, and a solid lump filled Audra’s throat. She opened her mouth but couldn’t force anything around the mass. She closed her eyes, and tears slipped down her cheeks. She startled when a soft hand rubbed up and down her arm. Mrs. Margeson settled next to her, a comforting arm around her shoulders. Strength filled her. She wasn’t completely alone.
“The police asked me to identify a body this morning. It was Rosemary. Somebody killed her.” Audra covered her mouth with trembling fingers. “I didn’t find her in time. I’m so sorry.”
“There must be a mistake.” Daddy’s gruff voice cracked. “It couldn’t be our Rosie.”
“I wish I were wrong. How I wish.”
Silence stretched longer than needed for the voices to travel to Indianapolis and back. “When will you bring her home?”
“I don’t know yet, Daddy.”
Soft sobs hiccupped on the line. Audra imagined her mother plastered to Daddy’s side, a handkerchief shoved against her mouth to muffle the sounds of her grief. The ladies from church would descend within the hour with a mix of food and comfort. Who would comfort Audra in Hollywood? Is this how Rosemary had felt? Isolated and alone?
Her father’s voice in her ear. “I need to take care of your mother.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Where can we reach you?”
The question stumped Audra. Without a phone in Rosemary’s apartment, she’d have to rely on Mrs. Margeson. She glanced at Mrs. Margeson, who nodded. “I don’t know the number.”
Mrs. Margeson took a pen and paper from the corner of the table and scribbled her exchange on it. Audra repeated it to her parents.
Stars in the Night Page 8