Stars in the Night

by Cara C. Putman

  He glanced at her, seeing a cloud shadow her delicate features. “How did you find me?”

  “I heard something. After hiding like a ninny, I finally came out and saw you.”

  “So much for being a knight in shining armor. I don’t remember them getting knocked around when trying to rescue the damsel.”

  “You were trying to protect me?” Audra supported him as a wave of dizziness rolled over him.

  “Yes. I saw someone following you with what looked like a gun. Guess I wasn’t as stealthy as I thought. He turned on me and bashed me in the face with a quick hook. I fell down on the job.” Robert straightened, bearing his weight, relieved to find the fog lifting from his mind.

  She paled as she searched his face. “Thank you.” He could almost see the kaleidoscope of images that must play in her mind at his words. Pictures that had been impossibilities before her sister’s death. She touched his cheek, her fingers light and cool against his skin. “I’m glad you weren’t hurt more seriously.”

  “That makes two of us.” He eased away from her. He needed some distance between them if he was going to stand on his own in an hour. Might as well get started now, no matter how good her soft touch felt. He tried to shake the thought from his mind. He needed to focus, but his brain felt muddled, and her presence took what little was left and shook it to bits. He slowed his steps before they reached the main stage. “Audra, I’m not sure what’s going on, but be careful. Someone tried to sneak up on you tonight. I’ll stay close, but I’ll have to be onstage.”

  She looked at the hive of activity, tugging her lower lip between her teeth. “I guess I’ll stay close to you, Victoria, and the other gals.”

  “Be careful not to wander off on your own, or let Mark send you on an errand by yourself. I don’t like the fact that someone here tried to threaten you.”

  “I don’t either.” Her fear now held a tinge of annoyance, but that was okay. As long as she took him seriously.

  The closer they walked to the main stage, the more the buzz of activity accelerated.

  “Where have you kids been?” Mark stormed up to them. His brow knit and his torso thrust forward. “Now is not the time to sneak away. The show starts in seventy minutes.” He cocked his head to the side as if trying to see Robert better in the dim light. “What happened to you?”

  Robert opened his mouth, but Audra spoke first. “He ran into someone who was following me. We need to get a steak or something on his eye before it swells shut.”

  Mark shook his head. “Let’s get him to Dalia. Maybe she can work some makeup magic. But if your eye swells shut, you’re pulled.” He stomped off. “Of all the lousy timing…”

  Robert forced his back to straighten as he followed Audra toward Dalia’s workspace. Curious gazes followed them. “This will be fun to explain.”

  “Let’s focus on your eye and the show right now. Later we’ll figure out what happened and what we should say, if anything.”

  Another sign his brain had been muddled by the punch. He should have thought of that himself. “Something to drink and some aspirin. That’ll help.”

  Dalia swooped up to him. “My, my, my. You go lookin’ for a fight?”

  “It came hunting me.”

  “Well, let’s see what I can do.” She um-ummed and shook her head. “It’s gonna take some magic to keep yous from lookin’ like you fell on the losin’ end of a bar brawl. Sit.”

  Robert collapsed in the folding chair then accepted the glass of water and swallowed the aspirin Audra gave him. He leaned back and allowed Dalia to place a poultice of some sort on his face. It smelled foul but soothed deep into his sore eye.

  “Buddy, what did you get into?”

  Robert cracked an eye to find Winston standing over him. He licked dry lips, considering what he should say. Like Audra’d said, best to leave things vague. “No time to get into it. Run over the line-up with me again.”

  “Whoever did this must have rattled more than your pretty mug.” Winston frowned. “Good thing there’s lots of space between you and most of the audience. You’ll be the bad boy of Hollywood if too many people see you with that shiner.”

  “It can’t be too bad yet. Just tell me my face looks swell.”

  “Sure.” Winston chuckled wryly, running a hand over his hobo hat.

  The next twenty minutes passed in a blur while Winston filled his ear with the agenda. Dalia hovered over him, working on his eye. A soothing coolness spread from his eye to his cheek the longer the poultice stayed in place. Maybe he could hide the damage for one night. Show business didn’t stop for a black eye.

  No, what really concerned him was the uncertainty of who had cold-cocked him. The shadows had made it hard to get more than a fleeting image of a large man sneaking up on Audra then rounding on him in an instant. He should have been prepared, hands up to defend. At the least he should have tackled the man first, but he’d hesitated.

  Whoever had hit him had packed a wallop. Maybe mystery man had used the gun? He’d said something to Robert as Robert had faded into darkness. Something about Audra. The uncertainty of what had been said ate away at Robert. His sense that he needed to stick close to Audra, protect her from whoever didn’t like her investigation, solidified.

  Someone didn’t like Audra’s questions and drive for answers. Robert didn’t like where that reality left him. Someone on the train had something to hide about Rosemary’s murder. While his fellow travelers likely had secrets, he didn’t want to imagine which one had something to do with Rosemary’s death. Now he had no choice.

  “Fifteen minutes to curtains.”

  The activity outside Dalia’s door pushed to a more frenzied pace.

  “Out of my way,” Quincy shouted as he raced by. His shirttail hung out and a layer of pancake makeup waited to be blended on his face.

  Robert eased Dalia to the side. “Thanks. This will have to work. Time for me to finish getting ready for the show, and I know others need your help.”

  Dalia held him by the shoulders a moment and looked up into his face. She nodded curtly after a moment. “It’ll do. Yous be careful, Mr. Robert. Come see me in the mornin’ and I’ll see what else that eye needs.”

  Robert stood, relief coating him that his head didn’t spin. The aspirin must have taken effect, and now he’d manage to emcee the show. He walked to the men’s dressing room, found his clothes waiting on the rack, and pulled on the tuxedo after slipping out of his jacket and pants. It had seemed over the top in Hollywood, but tonight as he slipped on the tuxedo, it looked great. He straightened the bowtie in the mirror and then examined his makeup. In the bright light, all looked fine. If anyone looked too closely, they’d see a shiner developing, but whatever potion Dalia had applied had delayed the effects and would keep the audience from noticing.

  Now to protect Audra while keeping the show moving.

  If only he knew who on the tour waited in the shadows, poised to harm Audra.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  __________

  The murmur of an audience settling into its seats hummed backstage. Audra held her clipboard and felt useless. The actors and stagehands seemed to know their individual roles precisely.

  Rosemary had always glowed when she talked about the theatre’s chaos.

  Audra stood there, all thumbs, in the way and inept.

  “Audra, over here.” Mark’s sharp bark pulled her from her thoughts. Pre-show jitters had given her boss more prickles than a porcupine. She stepped over ropes lining the floor. “I need you here. Line the performers up. Follow along with Robert and send them in at the right time.” He seemed to sense her nerves because he halted a moment. “You can do this.” He turned away, and she vaguely heard his next comment. “Or you’ll be on the next train home. Artie owes me for hiring that dame. What does she know…?”

  Her spine stiffened at his words. She might not have any theatre experience, but she could follow an outline.

  She stepped back into the flow of activit
y. In moments, her energy surged as she issued orders.

  “Curtain goes up in ten minutes. Time for final touches.”

  People who five days ago were strangers now did what she said. Victoria Hyde strolled past, wearing a rich sapphire gown that emphasized her curves without looking melted to her like Lana’s gowns. Annabelle played with a fake flower pinned to the waist of her flowing gown. She would look like Cinderella dancing across the stage.

  Audra studied the rundown of acts. She’d watched the hodgepodge of practicing and wondered what the total package would look like. The show kicked off with Robert welcoming everyone, and then Victoria would sashay out to join him for some witty banter. Next came the first skit with Quincy and Lana. She hadn’t seen much of their skit yet. Just enough to know it should be a crowd-pleaser.

  Victoria rolled her neck and then her shoulders. “I wonder if it ever gets easier.”

  “Performing?”

  “The live audiences. Movie sets are completely different from the stage.”

  “Did you…” Audra’s words died as Robert walked by. Her heart stopped at the sight of him in the tailored tuxedo. Dalia had somehow made the time to perfectly iron and starch the pleats down the front of his shirt. Audra swallowed and tried to pull her attention back to what she’d meant to say, but the thought had abandoned her.

  “He looks swell, doesn’t he?” Victoria winked at Audra.

  Color rushed up her cheeks. “Yes, he does. Good thing I’m not an in-betweener or I’d swoon.”

  Victoria laughed. “He’s worth it. Robert is different from many men around Hollywood. There are good eggs, but a lot of smelly ones too. It’s too bad Lana broke his heart and ruined him to women.” She shrugged. “I’d better find a glass of water.”

  Audra glanced at her watch then startled. It was time to get Robert on the stage and get the show on the road. “Robert?”

  He turned, his smile dazzling her. “Yep?”

  “Go find your mark. Mr. Feldstein will wave you on any moment.”

  He nodded, and Audra searched his face for any sign of tension. The only one she spotted came when he stuck his hands in his pockets and coins jingle-jangled. He must have noticed, because the noise stilled and he pulled his hands out. “Nervous habit. Thanks for the reminder.”

  “Here, give me your coins. I’ll hold them for you.” He gave them over, and she cupped them in her hand. Their gazes locked and she swallowed. “You’ll do great.” How could he not? With his dark good looks, any woman in her right mind would adore him. And all the men had to do was open their checkbooks and wallets. She looked at her list. Victoria stood in the wings, ready—as Audra expected. Based on the line-up and lack of Quincy and Lana, she’d better hunt those two down. She’d spotted the Lester twins off left stage, ready and waiting to go on at their time. “I’ll be back.” She looked down at her clipboard again, uncertain what to say. Without thinking, she stepped closer and leaned up to kiss his cheek. “Good luck.”

  Charlie Lester ran a finger inside his large polka-dot bowtie and made a show of fanning his face. “Whoo-whee. Do all of us get a smack before going on stage?”

  Danny wolf-whistled. “Better check your cheek for lipstick, Garfield.”

  Easing away, Audra felt mesmerized by Robert’s gaze. He studied her, and his serious expression collided with her muddled thoughts. Did he regret her unchoreographed move? She tried to clear her mind with a tiny shake. “I need to go—somewhere.”

  Victoria touched her arm lightly, and the spell broke. “Slide on out of here. Robert and I are set.” Her words sounded innocent, but a tone of something underlay them.

  Had she encroached on some relationship?

  Shuffling backward, Audra tripped over a rope and then spun and hurried from the area, cheeks aflame.

  * * * * *

  Robert rubbed his hands together as he stood behind the curtain, waiting for it to part. He inhaled deeply then rubbed his wet palms down his pant legs. Show time.

  But his mind kept turning to Audra and this crazy day.

  Between her peck and the punch he’d taken earlier, he could hardly string one thought to another. And he had to string the entire show together.

  Lord, help me.

  He hadn’t felt this out of his element since he’d signed his first studio contract. And that for a walk-on part.

  This fell into a different ballgame. New ballpark. No, it was a different league altogether.

  A shadow moved beside him. The light floral scent Victoria Hyde wore announced her before she spoke. “What was that all about?”

  He shrugged and shoved his hands in his pockets. Mark hadn’t reappeared, so he must have at least a moment to pull his head back in the game. “I’ve got to get ready.”

  “I’d say.” Victoria shook her head. “You know I like you. And I like Audra. But this—whatever it is between you—it’s sudden.”

  “Peck him on the cheek, Tori. He’s on a roll with the ladies.” Danny cackled at his joke.

  “Yeah, enough already.” Robert longed for one moment to let the others know what he really thought of their shenanigans.

  Instead, Victoria reached up, her gloved hand sliding down his cheek lightly. “You had a dab of color.” She winked at him and stepped back, leaving him alone at the center of the stage.

  Robert straightened his shoulders and tried to imagine what Cary Grant or Jimmy Stewart would do to prepare for the moment. Even Humphrey Bogart’s style would work at the moment. Suave. Cool. Collected. That’s exactly what he needed to portray. Not some bumbling kid who grew up on the vaudeville circuit doing whatever stunt would get the audience to laugh. That didn’t fit the image he had to build and maintain.

  Mark walked by, tapping him on the shoulder. “Ready?”

  Robert nodded.

  “Curtains.” Mark hurried off stage.

  In one smooth motion the red velvet curtains whisked toward the vaulted ceiling. Well-heeled men and elegant women filled row after row of seats. Some of the ladies’ hats were so large that Robert wondered if anybody would be able to see around them.

  He strode to the standing microphone and nodded to the left then the right. “Good evening, ladies and gents. Welcome to the Hollywood Victory Caravan. We’re thrilled to begin this jaunt across the country here in our nation’s capital.”

  Hoots and hollers filled the air from a section of seating loaded with G.I. Joes.

  Robert smiled and shook his head with a wry grin. “And you boys haven’t even seen the girls yet.”

  More whistles erupted.

  “Not only will you hear some whiz-bang singing, you’ll also get the chance to see some bang-up Hollywood stars entertain you with their feet and a little acting. Quincy Cambridge. Victoria Hyde. The Lester Twins. Royce Reynolds. Lana Garfield.” Robert had to wait as shouts and hollers erupted at her name. He kept the composed smile on his face. “You think any of these folks can bring a little light to your night?

  “Let’s get this show started.”

  Victoria peeked out from around the side of the stage. “Yoo-hoo.”

  Robert made a show of looking around before stopping, hand over his heart, at the sight of her. He pointed at his chest. “Me?”

  “Of course, big boy.” She glided onto the stage, elegant as a ballerina. She’d swept her brunette hair up in some kind of twist. The tongues of the boys in uniform were practically lolling out of their mouths.

  “How can I help?”

  “I’m looking for a spot to sell some war bonds. I started in Hollywood but seem lost.”

  “I’d say you’ve taken a detour.”

  She walked along the edge of the stage, hand shielding her eyes as she searched the audience. “You think I can find a place?”

  “These good people look like they’re eager to help you out.”

  “Then I’d better find my supplies.”

  “Supplies?”

  “Photos. Pen. Lipstick.” She puckered her lips and kissed the air
.

  “Whooeeee.” Robert fanned his face and watched as she sashayed offstage. He swept the audience with his gaze. “And the show’s barely begun.” He rubbed his hands together. “Just wait until the end of the show. If you’re ready to meet any of the stars tonight, make sure you buy your war bonds.”

  He hurried from the stage as a couple of stagehands ran on with a table and two chairs. Quincy brushed past him, dressed in tennis clothes with a dashing jacket thrown on for good measure. He looked ready for a country club. A woman in the front row sat up straighter. Robert eased into the curtains, keeping an eye on the stage while wondering where Audra had disappeared.

  Lana hurried toward the stage, her cheeks flushed with color.

  Robert stepped in front of her. “Everything okay?”

  “Someone’s been through my things.” She sucked in a breath and then eased it out. “Out of my way. I need to get on-stage before Quincy forgets this isn’t a monologue.”

  She straightened her navy skirt then walked with mincing steps on stage. Her hips swayed like a metronome, and Robert averted his eyes.

  Audra hurried by, and he stopped her with a light hand on her arm.

  “Can I get you something?” The words were polite, but Audra looked harried.

  “Do you know anything about someone getting into Lana’s things?”

  Audra looked down at her list, a frown clouding her face. “No. I’ll try to check on that—when I catch a moment.”

  “Okay.” The Lester twins hurried up, ready to rush out the moment Quincy and Lana finished their skit.

  A roar of laughter erupted from the audience. Robert glanced out, surprised to watch Lana sway as if caught in a gust of wind. The star never faltered. Instead, she was a performing machine.

  She hurried off-stage the moment the skit ended, not even taking a moment to soak in the audience’s applause.