Wondering what he should do, the circumstances surrounding Hotchkins’ disappearance shot into his head. The missing fed had received a phone call … from someone purporting to be who they weren’t. Aware that he might be crazy for doing so, he called the station to make sure everything was copasetic.
“Hey, Vern, it’s Todd,” he started, speaking to the officer on hospitality duty. “Is Angela Murray in her office? Was trying to reach her, but she’s not picking up.”
“Nope, she’s been gone all afternoon. Got a call from that Russian woman. Left and took Foster with her. Might have her hands full,” he offered as an explanation.
“Thanks, Vern. I’ll just try her a little later,” he said signing off.
A conversation kicking up in the dining room, the sound of Melissa’s voice punched holes in his stomach. He wouldn’t place her in danger. Why he thought bringing her to Velofsky’s would do that, he wasn’t sure. Perhaps it was because it seemed to be the epicenter of the problems. If there were a nest containing the vipers, it must be there.
Hitting speed dial, he waited impatiently, hand on hip, legs jiggling as if back in college and about to compete.
“Hello,” came the familiar voice. Todd relaxed, but not entirely. He had to make sure.
“Hey, Foster,” he began. “Don’t let on it’s me.”
“Okay.”
“Where are you?”
“At the dance academy, hon.”
“And is Angela standing near you?”
“Yes, dear,” he replied, playing it just the way Todd wanted him to.
“And Angela wants me there?”
“Sure thing. I’ll pick it up on my way home, hon.”
“Yeah, you do that,” he chuckled, liking the way his friend was handling the call. “Just wanted to double check. Can’t be too careful these days.”
“Got that right, sweetie. See ya later.” Ending the call, Todd marched into the dining room, interrupting the chatter.
“Hey, Melissa. It was Angela Murray. She wants me to bring you to Velofsky’s.”
“But why?” Joan intervened.
“Doesn’t seem very smart bringing her back there,” Grant agreed.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought, but they need her.”
“Do I have to go?” Melissa said quaking with fear.
“Yes.” He spoke as tenderly as possible, trying to get her to understand. “Look, Angela’s there—along with Foster. And I’ll be there and I’m not about to leave you alone. That’s not even a possibility.”
Exhaling sharply, she placed her napkin on the table, looking pleadingly at Grant and Joan.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll just get my coat.”
Joan flashed a look in her husband’s direction before springing to her feet. Running to Melissa, she took her in her arms.
“It’ll be alright, Melissa. Todd will make sure nothing’s going to happen. And chances are the people responsible are about a hundred miles away from here.”
“Yeah, chances are …” she said letting her voice trail off. Smiling, she grabbed Joan’s hands, “Oh, what am I saying? It won’t be all bad. In the rush to leave, I forgot my pointe shoes. I know it sounds weird, but I’ve never been separated from them before. I know it’s not like I’m going to need them, but I want to pick them up while I’m there.”
Joan hugged her again, putting her hands on her shoulders.
“It doesn’t sound at all strange. Maybe you can put on a little performance when you get back?” she teased.
“Around the Christmas tree would be good,” Grant replied sarcastically.
“I was actually planning on climbing to the top of it, but circling around the bottom will do,” she joked, hoping it would ease the tension. Retrieving her coat, she zipped up. “All set.”
“Great, let’s go,” Todd said.
Stopping in the mud room, she put on her boots, her inner voice telling her not to go. Once outside, her nerves got to her. Stopping, she started to cry.
“What ‘s wrong?”
“I’m never going to see your parents again!” she wailed.
“What? No! That’s not right!”
“Yes, it is! I’m never coming back here! Or anywhere! Everything I wanted will be gone! I can feel it! I can feel that I’m just going to disappear—like all the rest! Todd, I’m going to be gone!”
Hugging her tightly, he rocked her in an attempt to calm her down.
“Baby, I swear nothing is going to happen to you. I will not let anything happen. They just want to talk to you. That’s it. As soon as they do, we’re outta there. I promise.”
Her tears subsiding, her body quieted down. Light laughter escaped, dissipating the hysteria shown.
“But not before I get those pointe shoes.”
Pushing his hat back, his face relaxed into a grin.
“Yeah, I forgot about them. Let me rephrase what I said. They want to talk to you and as soon as they do … and AFTER your pointe shoes are secured … we’ll leave.”
“That’s better,” she said trailing him to his car.
Sliding in the front seat, they buckled up, heading towards the deserted ballet school. Nightmare-worthy visions clouding her mind, Ana’s talk about leshies took over any logic.
“Todd, who did you speak with?”
He smiled to himself, this time guessing where she was going. As if he hadn’t checked everything out. He might be young, but he wasn’t green. He wasn’t about to fall into the same traps that had been Hotchkins’ downfall … and who knows how many others.
“I spoke with Angela,” he said, pausing and leading her to believe that was the only person. Starting to speak, he prevented it by filling in the rest of the details. “But remembering the call to Hotchkins, I wasn’t satisfied so I called the station. They confirmed that Agent Murray is at Velofsky’s … with Foster. Still not satisfied, I called Foster … on his personal cell phone. I confirmed that they were both there, and that Angela did indeed request the honor of your presence. Supposed to be some kind of ball. Rumor is that they need a Cinderella.”
Poking him in the arm, she placed her hand over her stomach. He truly was the man of her dreams. Always keeping her best interests at heart, it was all anyone could ask for, but she couldn’t still the writhing feeling overwhelming her in icy fear. She became silent again as she was swept up in the supernatural world of myth and legend.
“But all you heard were voices and …”
“Melissa, you are not going to bring up that nonsense again! I did more than I should have done. If Angela ever got wind that I checked up on her, I’d be looking for another job. One that doesn’t require me to wear a badge. Not that I’m complaining. You’re worth the precaution, but you still have doubts. How can I win against a superstition?”
She thought over what he had to say. He was right as far as he went. Her rational side urged her to listen, but what lay in the night was telling her he was all wrong. She tried to satisfy both with a simple request.
“How about we make up safe words?”
“I thought that was for something entirely different,” he quipped, wrinkling his nose.
“I guess it is, but it could apply. If we’re unsure, then we’ll say ours and the other can respond with the appropriate reply.”
“Man, Anna must have really gotten to you, but if it’ll make you feel better … let’s see …” he said, giving himself time to think. “I’ll pick Prince Charming. Don’t see that coming up in a conversation too often.”
“Good. I’ll use Cinderella since that’s why I’m being summoned,” she replied, feeling a little more confident in her ability to survive this ordeal. Resting her head back, she stared at his chiseled profile. Definitely the kind of man that inspired trust, he was brave... a hero in the making. Having no doubt that he’d walk through fire for the right woman, she just wasn’t sure it was her.
“Thank you,” she murmured as he turned onto the dirt road.
“For what? T
he safe word?”
“No, for everything. For taking an interest in me, for introducing me to your parents, for making me feel as though I’m …” her voice choking with emotion prevented her from continuing. “Loved,” she finally added.
Todd’s head pivoted, his eyes seeking out hers. Quickly reconnecting with the road rife with treacherous turns, he reached over, patting her knee.
“You don’t need to thank me for any of that. It’s what any man would do for the woman he wants to marry.”
Shooting up straight, she searched his face for signs he was kidding.
“You want to marry me? But, you never even said anything like that!” she blurted excitedly.
“I knew it from the moment I saw you,” he said not taking his eyes off the dark path. Easing the sedan into the clearing, he spotted Angela and Foster’s vehicles parked up ahead. “And you see? There’s the proof that they’re inside. Let’s see a leshy drive a police car,” he said, introducing a bit of humor into the conversation that was becoming way too serious.
The two cars proving that she’d been wrong about everything, she unbuckled her seatbelt, diving into his arms. Covering his face in kisses, she repeated his name.
“Why didn’t you mention anything about this before?” she asked, her lips wetting him with tenderness.
“Didn’t want to scare you off. I remember even the thought of a date was throwing you for a loop. Can imagine if I’d mentioned wedded bliss. You’d probably have taken off for parts unknown, not bothering to say goodbye.”
“So untrue,” she said, her lips tiring, but still intent on blanketing his rugged face in passion.
Passively sitting, he delighted in receiving the affection, the mood thermometer telling him it was the right time to venture forth with the question on his mind.
“So does this mean you’re saying yes?”
Pulling up short, she stared in wonder. “No, I’m not saying that, but I am thinking about it.”
“Oooh,” he groaned, hitting his forehead with the palm of his hand to let out frustration. Grabbing her to him, he kissed her sweet face. “What am I going to do with you? You’re the girl of my dreams, but you still won’t let me in. Well, Melissa Solange, I’m just going to keep knocking until you do,” he said gathering her up in his arms, smelling her softly scented hair.
“Sounds divine,” she said granting him the hope of getting his wish.
“Now goddamn it, let’s go in there and get your pointe shoes! Can’t have Cinderella walking around unshod.”
All doubts erased, she grinned as if she’d won the lottery. Braving the cold night air, winter had truly settled on the small hamlet, giving it a ghostly chill. Looking at the forest, it seemed calm tonight. As if it were waiting for its master to return. Shuddering, she clamped down on Todd’s hand as they entered the deserted school.
“Hey, Todd,” Foster said, lumbering across the wide entryway.
“Hey, Foster. Got her here as quick as I could.”
“That’s good because Angela is having kittens. If it wasn’t for all that fancy training, I’d bet she’d be spitting out some pretty nasty words.”
“Yeah, all of them directed at me. Now what’s this about?”
“She got a call from Madam Velofsky saying that she saw someone. While giving the place a thorough going over, we found something—something that might be pertinent, but it needs a positive ID before proceeding. We think Melissa can do that for us.”
“What is it?”
“An article of clothing. She might be able to recognize it.”
“Sure,” she offered, her nerves getting to her. Not used to the old lodge being so quiet and so dark, it seemed as if most of the lights were off. Rubbing her arms, she wondered why the heat wasn’t blasting like it usually was.
“It’s this way,” he said walking towards the back of the building.
“In the basement? It would have to be down there.”
“We don’t pick the places.”
“That’s for sure,” Todd agreed. “Look, hold up. Melissa wants to get her shoes.”
“Can’t she do that after?”
“Why not now? You’ve been here all day. It’ll just take a second.”
“Suppose that’s true. Well, go on and get your shoes. Todd and I will …”
“No, I’m going with her,” Todd insisted.
“Look, Angela is already …”
“I said I’m going with her!” he stated adamantly.
Feeling it was incumbent upon her to interfere, she was ruining everything—his career, his prospects, his friendships. As if what had already happened wasn’t bad enough, he was now getting into fights with colleagues because of her being a frightened idiot.
“Todd, really, it’s okay,” she said starting up the stairs. “I’ll only be a second.”
Todd watched her climb the stairs, his heart rate ascending right along with her. Her slight frame disappearing around the corner, he turned to his friend and colleague.
“Look, it doesn’t make any sense for me to look at what you found. Missy’s the one that’s going to identify it, not me,” he asserted. Prepared to go to the wall on this one, he didn’t want to be separated from her. He’d promised.
Foster raised his hands, backing off.
“Whatever,” he said giving up.
Todd raced up the stairs after her. In spite of what she’d said, Missy was glad he’d broken ranks. The place had changed. The atmosphere was as hostile as the night spent in those woods.
“Why are these lights off?” he said, flicking the hall switch. Impotently clicking, the two stayed washed in darkness. Drawing out a flashlight, he aimed the beam down the long hallway. Taking her hand, he led her to her room. Still locked, she used her key. Trying a small table lamp, she found it working.
“Honestly, Todd. I’m so sorry about this. I didn’t mean to make trouble for you,” she said, placing her dance bag down on the bed. Retrieving her beloved pointe shoes, she safely tucked them inside. Slinging the strap over her shoulder, she touched his arm, pulling back. “Wait, we were separated,” she stated seriously. “It means …” Pausing, a smile invaded her face.
“That we need to say the magic words. You first.”
“Cinderella,” she said, waiting for his reply.
“Prince Charming,” he answered, breaking into a grin.
“You sure are.”
“Course we could have done it this way,” he said kissing her luscious lips.
Indulging in the tender moment, she couldn’t wait to spend time alone. Everything she’d ever wanted, she was falling under his spell. Reluctantly pulling away, she playfully tugged at his arm. “Now let’s go! You need your job since what I make as a dancer will never support us.”
“You’re probably right about that. I better start watching my temper. It’s going to get me in big trouble someday,” he speculated, closing the door behind him.
Creeping down the hallway, they trotted down the stairs finding Foster waiting at the bottom.
“Ready?” he asked, sucking his teeth in a show of disdain.
“Sorry, Foster,” Todd answered. “Don’t know what the hell is getting into me these days.”
“I think I know,” he said looking at the tiny girl clutching the dance bag to her. “Just protecting the one you love.”
“Something like that,” Todd said. Looking down, his lips curled up at the corners.
Following behind Foster, the trio started to traverse the ground floor. A woman’s blood-curdling scream rang out, halting all of them in their tracks.
“What the hell?” Hand on his firearm, Todd spun around, looking in all directions.
A service revolver in Foster’s hands, he peered into the dim light, “Sounded like it came from downstairs, didn’t it?”
“Sure did,” Todd agreed, not settling down.
“Might be Angela is in trouble.”
“Or one of the other two.”
“Una or Anna?
Oh, dear God, no!” Melissa exclaimed, her pulse quickening.
Todd turned, doing his best to calm her down.
“It’s okay, Melissa. You wait here until we come back.”
“No, Todd! I don’t want to be here alone! I’m coming with you!”
“Todd’s right. You stay here where it’s safe.”
Her eyes darted from Foster to Todd. This made no sense. No sense at all. How could anything have happened with the police here?
Todd fished for his cell, handing it to Melissa.
“Here. You take this and call if you’re in trouble. They’ll have units here before you can blink your eyes.”
“But …” she argued, not wanting to call anyone.
“And take these also,” he said handing her his car keys. “You do know how to drive, don’t you?”
“Yes,” she replied, not sure if she could under the circumstances.
“It’s this one right here. You drive off if you need to or lock yourself in. And don’t feel you’re being foolish. Just do whatever you need to feel safe.”
“But what about you?”
Taking her by her elbows, he fixed his eyes on hers.
“Don’t worry about us. They pay us to take chances. You just look out for yourself.”
“I understand,” she said, her bottom lip quivering. “I won’t let you down.”
“Good,” he said unsheathing his pistol. Putting his finger to his lips, he signaled for her to remain quiet. The gun pointed downward, he nodded at Foster. In tandem, they were almost at the cellar door.
“I’ll go first,” he whispered.
Foster moving aside, Todd braced, the door opening in an even sweep. A light on downstairs, it made visibility possible. Ducking his head, he inched his way down. Muffled cries reaching his ears, he made it to the first landing. Tiptoeing the rest of the way, his head lurched around the corner. Multiple bodies were slumped against the wall. Only able to identify the ones on top, Una and Anna’s throats were slit.
His eyes traveling further along the brick partition, he spotted Angela. On the floor, her black jacket and white shirt had been removed. Her blouse acting as a gag, she wriggled, trying free herself from the primitive restraints. Todd gave thanks that she was alive.
Black Adagio Page 38