Gypsies, Traps & Missing Thieves

by Rachael Stapleton

  “What did you just say?” Lana asked breathlessly.

  24

  “U

  h …” Mallory said, looking at Nana. She hadn't realized anyone was right there. “So, this is probably going to sound weird but, well, you know how in the game I can communicate with people who’ve died, right?”

  “Yes, you’re Claire Voyant, the medium,” she said as she bent over to pick up the pieces of porcelain. Mallory set her own coffee down on an end table and went over to help her.

  “Umm,” Mallory said.

  Lana paused and stared at Mallory. “You… you really do talk to ghosts?” she said quickly, and Mallory noticed her aura suddenly read fearful and her hands were shaking.

  Mallory met her eyes—and without warning she felt a spirit pushing at her energy. She ignored it, whoever it was and got up holding some of the porcelain. “Does it freak you out that I can speak to the dead?”

  Lana gulped. “No, I’m just surprised. I thought it was all just entertainment. I mean I’ve never met any of you people before… I mean, not you people. Wow, I sound prejudice. I’m just going to go,” she said and turned away.

  Mallory stood there stupidly for a beat or two, still holding the broken mug. Nana came up behind her and held out her hands. “I’ll take those,” she said gently, and Mallory handed her the shards.

  “What happened?” Danior asked, coming into the parlor.

  “The usual,” Mallory said dismissively, plunking down onto the sofa. “Just scaring off yet another person.”

  Before Danior could respond, Nana came back into the room. Taking a seat, she put her hand over Mallory’s and said, “She's fine. Just taken by surprise.”

  “I had no idea she was right there.”

  “You don’t need to be ashamed of your gift, Mallory,” she said and gave her hand a squeeze. “We are Vianu women and we are gifted and proud of it. We don’t care what others think. One day they will all know the truth. Everyone dies, my dear.”

  Mallory smiled.

  Just then, the door to the parlor opened and Rebel walked in. “Oh, Mal, you’re awake. I was just coming to get you. You two are missing all the fun; Gloria’s about to give her summation,” she said taking Danior and Mallory’s hands and dragging them down the hall.

  “She’s solved the mystery?”

  Smiling, Danior shrugged. “We’ll see.”

  “Well, you two have fun. I’ll be here when you’re done. Let me know if they’ve solved my murder,” Nana said, ascending the staircase.

  Mallory reluctantly followed Rebel and Danior into the dining room. Relieved that no one immediately mocked her for last night, she slipped into the seat next to Denise. She glanced at Michèle, whose eyes darted suspiciously before finally settling on Vee.

  Vee averted her eyes. Mallory smiled at Lana who sat directly across from her. Lana weakly smiled back. Next to her was Eve, looking as chipper and carefree as ever. Her costume having been replaced by a beautiful green sweater and jeans. She was staring up at Gloria, who had taken a position at the head of the table. A flip board and easel stood next to her and outlined on the flip board was a childlike drawing of the dining room.

  Using a butter knife, Gloria tapped at the paper. “As I’ve demonstrated, there is only one logical explanation.”

  “Well then, who did it?” Eve asked, practically bouncing up and down in her chair.

  Gloria puffed out her chest. “The killer is none other than. . .” She paused for dramatic effect.

  “Who?” Eve shouted.

  Gloria placed her hands on her hips. “Let’s start from the beginning. I first suspected something—”

  “Who?” Michèle and Denise shouted at once.

  “Sweetie,” Eve said, buttering her toast, “you're losing your audience. Get on with it.”

  Gloria gave Eve a snide look, but capitulated. “The killer is none other than . . .” She swung around and pointed a finger at Bronson. “. . . the butler, Bronson . . . uh . . .” She looked confused for a second. “What is your full name?”

  “Remy Martin,”

  “Martin?” Gloria shook her head. “Remy Martin, ladies and gentlemen. He’s our killer.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” Michèle snapped. “The butler? That’s your theory?”

  “What’s his motive?” Vee questioned.

  “He’s been stealing from Madam Murter for years,” Gloria said. “She found out, so he slipped a little poison in her wine during dinner.”

  “That’s a bloody lie,” Bronson shouted. “I loved Nana. I worshipped her. She was everything I’ve ever wanted. If it was anyone, it was her boy toy.” He pointed a long bony finger at Daemon.

  Daemon, who had just taken a bite of sausage, inhaled too quickly and began to cough. Rebel reached over and helpfully pounded Daemon on the back.

  “We all know he’s only after her money,” Bronson said.

  Rebel, who was still pounding on Daemon’s back, said, “Don’t try to throw suspicion on an innocent man.”

  “Thanks,” Daemon said, trying to evade Rebel’s pummels. “I think I’m okay now.”

  “Remy can’t be the killer,” Eve argued.

  “Why not?” Gloria asked.

  “Because he didn’t steal any money,” Eve said. “It was a loan, which he paid back. I know because I was a witness to the transaction.”

  “Oh,” Gloria said. She leaned over toward Eve, “Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “See, no motive,” Vee said.

  Gloria pouted. “Dang.” She turned to Eve. “I was sure I had it.”

  Smirking, Eve nodded. “Yeah, you were a regular Nancy Drew.” She glanced over at Mallory. “How are you feeling, Mallory?”

  “Tired,” Mallory admitted.

  “Yeah,” Vee said, “I heard there was some excitement last night.”

  Mallory reached for the orange juice. “That’s putting it mildly.”

  Danior piped up. “Has anyone heard from Ellie Bowler, yet?”

  Bronson shook his head. “You mean Elizabeth. No, I’m sure she’s home by now or in Bohemian Lake if she couldn’t make it down the Manor’s road.”

  25

  M allory turned to Danior as they left the room and headed back to find Nana. She was in the parlor with the curtains drawn tight.

  “Oh, good!” Nana said, lighting the candles. “You’re back. We need to get busy here.” She swung her arm in the direction of the sitting area.

  Mallory looked at the coffee table and saw what Nana was so excited about. Nana’s tarot cards were poised to share the secrets of the universe and her pendulum glinted in the candlelight.

  “Well, what do the cards have to say?” Danior asked, taking a seat.

  “I haven’t looked yet,” Nana said. “I was waiting for you.”

  Mallory yawned. “What are we asking,” she asked, and sat near the coffee table.

  Nana sat next to her and began flipping cards onto the table. Nana shook her head. “It looks like this will be a tough case. There are many secrets surrounding the situation and some of them are still hidden. This is all too vague. Let me try the pendulum.” She set up her piece of paper with the big plus sign indicating the yes and no directions. Since the pendulum could only answer if given two choices. Nana had to phrase her inquiry carefully. “Will the killer be caught before the weekend is over?”

  She stabilized the pendulum and let it go. It hung from its chain, unmoving. Slowly it began to move in the yes direction.

  “Well, that’s good news,” Mallory said and gave a wan smile before turning toward Vee who’d entered the room.

  “Is Hugh in here?”

  They all shook their heads.

  “Well, I’ll just leave you three alone.”

  “Vee, wait,” Mallory said, suddenly coming to a decision. “Just how long have you worked for Joelle?”

  Vee’s eyebrows drew down in confusion. “Me?” She gave them a confused half smile. “What make
s you think I work for her?”

  Danior leaned against the table. “Come on, tell us the truth. If you’re not lying, then why are you suddenly so nervous?”

  “I’m not one of the actresses, I just really need a cigarette,” she insisted with a bemused smile.

  Mallory nodded at Nana who stabilized the pendulum. “Is Vee lying?”

  The pendulum called the girl’s bluff and Nana cleared her throat. Mallory frowned at Vee.

  “I think it’s about time we find out who’s who here,” Danior said calmly. “Mallory told me that she’s playing the murderer in this little game.”

  “Hey,” Mallory protested, “let’s not share that with everyone just yet.”

  “She finally did it,” Vee blurted out before clapping her hands and giggling. “I was wondering when she was going to finally kill you off. I guess that means you’re dead now, Danior.”

  “She hasn’t killed me, yet.”

  Vee reached for the pendulum and Nana smacked her hand away.

  “No touching.”

  “Oh, sorry. That’s not how the game works. The moment she gets you alone and tells you she’s the killer, you’re dead. Out of the game.”

  “You seem to know a lot about it,” Mallory said.

  Vee shrugged. “How did you guess I was one of the actresses?”

  Danior shrugged. “Your relationship with your fellow actor, Daemon.”

  “Oh, he’s not an actor. I met him last month. I’m sorry I lied to you. We get paid a little extra if we can last the whole game without anyone finding out we’re acting.” Vee eyed the tarot cards on the table. “You guys are for real, huh?”

  “Whose we?” Mallory asked. “I’m assuming you’re not including Joelle and Bronson when you say that.”

  “No, not them. I usually have a partner in these games, but you, well, you know what happened to Geneviève, and that girl never showed,” Vee said. “It’s just Bronson, Joelle, and me this time.”

  “What happened to Elizabeth?” Mallory asked.

  “I don’t know what happened to her. I’ve never met her before. She was a friend of Geneviève’s who’d studied acting, so Joelle was going to try her out here. The three of us were scripted to play old friends—or was it cousins? Oh well, doesn’t matter anymore. Anyway, when she—”

  “Elizabeth.” Mallory provided.

  “Yes, when Elizabeth didn’t show, we rewrote the script so that it was Geneviève, myself and an online love interest. People usually come to these events in pairs or groups and if you’re a single, you stick out like a sore thumb. Everyone automatically assumes you’re the actor.”

  “Why would Ellie bail?” Danior leaned forward. “Surely, that would make for a bad first impression with the new boss?”

  Vee shook her head. “I don’t know. Geneviève seemed surprised that she would leave us in a lurch like that, but it’s not like the gig pays that well.” Vee’s face darkened. “and the roads were pretty horrendous.”

  “Why wasn’t she riding with you and Geneviève?”

  “She changed her mind at the last minute, said she’d met some guy, and he was driving her.”

  “Could that guy have been Daemon?” Mallory asked.

  “I don’t think so.” Vee grinned.

  Danior raised her brows. “Why do they have so many actors and actresses playing the game?”

  “To add drama and keep the game moving.” Vee straightened. “I’m here if something goes wonky like—if the murder is solved too early or if our prearranged killer lets the cat out of the bag. If that happens, then I become the murderer to keep the game going. We were worried you were going to quit on us this morning.” Leaning forward she stared once again at the cards. “If that had happened, I would have taken over as the killer and begun knocking a few of the guests off.”

  “Is that the plan B Joelle mentioned?”

  “Probably,” Vee said. “Usually, right before the end, we up the body count. It’s a real tightrope. Too early, and the guests want their money back; not at all, and they feel deprived.”

  “Tell me the truth,” Mallory said, “Was the generator incident part of the plan?”

  Vee blushed, “Sort of.” She looked down at the table. “I think it got out of hand. There is always an accident in the basement. It varies, but usually it’s a fake explosion or a suspected gas leak and we kill off a victim or two, sometimes three. The generator angle was new to me.”

  Danior smiled. “How do you know Daemon if he’s not an actor?”

  Vee looked over her shoulder before whispering, “Daemon’s played the game with us before. I don’t think he was supposed to be part of this game. I have no idea why he wanted back in or why they let him participate again.”

  “And you’re sure he wasn’t that guy Ellie mentioned was driving her up?”

  “Actually, that may have something to do with me.” Nana looked at Mallory. “I asked that he be sent an invitation. I didn’t know he’d played before. I thought there would be chemistry. I guess the cards got that one wrong.”

  “How do you know him?” Mallory asked.

  “Oh, I don’t really know him,” Nana replied. “I heard about him when Juniper was having that little ghost issue at the Inn at Christmas time. She hired him to come in and consult.”

  “Well, this has been fun, but it’s really time for someone to discover your body now, Danior.” Vee said.

  Danior smiled. “Nope.”

  Mallory said, “I haven’t killed her, yet.”

  Vee sighed. “That’s not how the game works. The moment she told you she was the killer, you died.”

  “Nah, we came to an agreement. We’ve decided to join forces.” Danior placed a hand on her hip. “I really wasn’t that fond of Nana, anyway.”

  “That’s right,” Mallory agreed, “she’s my accomplice now.” Mallory winked.

  Looking on in confusion, Vee said, “Okay, well, bye. I have to get back to the game.”

  As soon as the door closed behind Vee, there was another knock at the door, and Joelle poked her head through the opening. “Nana, can we chat for a minute in the other room?”

  Nana nodded. “Of course, but this had better not be another lecture about staying out of sight.”

  Joelle smiled and shook her head no.

  Once Nana and Joelle had disappeared, Mallory looked at Danior and grinned, “So, what did you think of Vee’s story?”

  “Interesting. Why, did her aura tell you something different?”

  “Well. No. Her being an actor does explain why her aura reads so murky all the time. She’s obviously feeling deceptive. The weird part is, you know when you asked her about her nervousness and she blamed it on needing a cigarette? Her aura turned to mud. She was definitely lying.”

  “So, if she was lying about everything, why does the cigarette thing seem like the most significant part of that.”

  “I don’t know. It just stuck out to me for some reason. I mean, why lie to us about something like that? Weird, huh?”

  26

  J oelle stood at the entrance to the dining room and whispered in Nana’s ear when Mallory, Danior and some of the other guests approached for the afternoon tea break.

  “Why Madam Murter, what are you doing looking so alive and well. Can we expect more of our walking dead to return?” Eve teased as she entered the room.

  “Zip it, Banter! We’re on a time-out.”

  “I’ve requested Nana’s presence because this is her home. Normally, I wouldn’t interrupt a game like this but it seems I must. Please, everyone, have a seat. Nataliya will pour the tea and coffee and you may help yourself to a biscuit or cookie.”

  Mallory sipped her coffee, and threw a questioning glance at Danior and Eve, who both just shrugged helplessly while they nibbled on their cookies.

  Once everyone was seated and had an afternoon snack, Joelle took her place at the head of the table with Bronson standing just slightly behind her.

  Joelle carefully fol
ded her hands on the table. “Now that we have everyone, there is something we need to discuss. Someone is taking this far too seriously.”

  Michèle paused from crunching the edge of her oatmeal treat and immediately began to protest that it certainly wasn’t her, but Joelle held up her hand.

  “I’m not accusing anyone, but I think you all are getting a little too excitable. People, this game is a social game. Meaning, you talk to one another. You share secrets and clues. That’s it. You don’t scare or steal from one another and you certainly don’t damage property that doesn’t belong to you. Do I make myself clear?”

  Feeling chastised, heads began automatically nodding at once. Only Mallory leaned forward and addressed Joelle. “Wait a second. What are you talking about?”

  “I don’t think it’s necessary to go into any details,” Joelle said. “I’m sure the guilty party understands that what he or she did was wrong and will make sure it does not happen in the future. Now, let’s put this unpleasantness behind us—”

  “No, Mallory is right,” Michèle said to Mallory’s surprise. “If you’re going to accuse us of something, then you need to tell us what it is.”

  Joelle glanced back at Nana, who nodded. “First of all, someone ransacked and stole a guest’s belongings; and secondly, someone has attempted to remove the frame from one of the paintings in the library.”

  “A painting?” Lana asked.

  “Luckily, nothing else was damaged,” Joelle said.

  Mallory released a sigh of relief.

  “Hmm, interesting,” Gloria said. “Have you taken a look in the parlor?”

  Joelle reached a hand up to her throat. “No. Why?”

  “The fireplace has been tampered with,” Gloria said.

  “Why didn’t you say something?” Mallory asked.

  “I thought it was a clue,” Gloria said with a shrug.

  “Why would someone remove a brick from the fireplace?” Vee asked.