Murder Takes Center Stage

by Tracy D. Comstock

  Frustrated with herself and life in general, she did what she always did in moments of crisis. She called her best friend. Gabby answered quickly, and Emily winced when she saw how late it was. "Hope I didn't wake the munchkins," she apologized.

  "Nope. They sacked out hours ago. I was catching up on some reading. What's up? How was rehearsal? Sorry I couldn't make it, but Greg had a late meeting with clients, and I didn't think the twins would handle rehearsals too well."

  "Frankly, it was awful. I regret ever getting sucked into this whole thing." And she spilled the whole sordid story, from Violet getting sick to Bodley collapsing on the stage.

  "Wow. Glad I wasn't there," Gabby said, once she'd finished. "I'd hate to expose the girls to a bug like that. Have you heard anything?"

  "Not yet. But the thing is, Gabs, what if it wasn't the flu?"

  "What do you mean? What else could it be?" After a beat, she said quietly, "Oh. You think someone deliberately tried to make Bodley sick and Violet was unfortunately caught in the crosshairs, so to speak."

  Emily gasped and pulled back to stare at the phone. "The thought hadn't even crossed my mind! I was worrying about food poisoning. Do you really think someone is out to get Bodley?"

  "Well, the whole prop fiasco can't really be ignored, can it? What do we really know about Bodley anyway, besides that Sapphira is crazy about him?"

  "Good point. I'm worried about how his presence is affecting Jeweliah too. I'm going to talk to Helen before school tomorrow."

  "I think that's a good idea. Please let me know what you find out about Violet and Bodley. I hope they're both okay."

  "I will. Thanks for listening."

  "Anytime, but I have a feeling there's more you want to talk about. What's really bothering you?"

  There were times that Emily almost resented how well Gabby knew her. There was no way she could keep a secret from the gal that had been her best friend since kindergarten. "You mean, besides the fact that our final dress rehearsal is only two days away, and people are dropping like flies?" she asked, trying to avoid the real issue at hand.

  "Yes," Gabby answered bluntly.

  With a sigh that seemed to come from the very core of her being, Emily relayed her evening with Tad and how badly she had botched things. "What's wrong with me?" she ended on a wail.

  "You're scared of getting hurt, so you run, rather than commit," Gabby answered honestly. "And I don't want to tell you what to do—"

  "Of course you do," Emily muttered.

  "Okay, I do. I'm your best friend, and I don't want to see you ruin something as wonderful as what you have with Tad. The man loves you, and you love him. What more is there to know?"

  When Emily stayed silent, Gabby said, "Go home. Write in your journal. Pray about it. Get a good night's sleep. Things will be clearer tomorrow."

  "Good advice, Gabs. Thanks. Night."

  Emily mulled over what Gabby said as she made her way home through the cool, dark night. The stars were out in abundance, startlingly clear against the dark blue sky. How many times had she wished on one of those very stars that Tad Higginbotham would notice her? But she was no longer a freshman in high school crushing on an older boy. She had a life now, a good life, one she was scared of disrupting. What if things didn't work out between her and Tad? How would things be at work? With their friends? Rocking the boat was scary. And even though she was now a grown woman, she paused on her way inside to search out the brightest star and make a wish that she wouldn't mess up one of the best things that had ever happened to her.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Emily started the next day determined that, with a lot of prayer and positivity, she could turn things around with Tad and with the play. Her first order of business, though, was to check on Jeweliah. She hadn't heard an update yet on Violet or Bodley's condition, but she managed to arrive at school early enough to stop by Helen's office to pick her brain for some information on Jeweliah's home life.

  Stepping into Helen's office always gave her a feeling of calm and well-being. Besides being a very serene being who always dressed in soothing colors, Helen kept essential oil diffusers going, and the relaxing scent of lavender was always redolent in the air. Although other teachers were discouraged from using any perfumed products in their classroom, like air fresheners or candles due to possible student allergies, Helen used her scents as a type of therapy, and as the counselor, she managed to get away with it. Emily took a deep breath and inhaled the usual lavender and… "Peppermint?" she guessed.

  Helen smiled. "Helps me feel awake and alert. What can I do for you, dear? How is the play coming along? Richard has been keeping me up to date on the goings on with Bodley."

  "You probably haven't heard the latest," Emily countered, sinking into a comfy sling-back chair and fingering the velvety leaves of a healthy-looking plant blooming on the windowsill. She related the events of the previous night, as well as her worries that Jeweliah might be feeling neglected with her mom spending so much time with Bodley. Helen listened closely, nodding occasionally as she sipped at a mug of hot tea.

  When Emily had finally wound down, Helen edged forward in her seat and regarded her intently. "I think you're right to be concerned about Jeweliah, and of course, I hope dear Violet and James are okay. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time flies. I remember when Violet and James were still students here and Annabeth Cardinal, too, of course. I'm glad to hear that she and Jeweliah have formed a connection. I think Annabeth would be a great influence on Jeweliah. I'd like to see that young girl step out of her mother's shadow and find her own space in which to shine."

  "Has Jeweliah ever confided in you about problems at home? Is she in touch with her dad? I know you can't tell me her whole background, but I feel a need to help her in some way, so whatever you can tell me would be a help."

  "Jeweliah, as you well know, is a very reserved girl. She strives to please everyone, and that can be a dangerous habit to fall into, especially if your attempts at perfection are to gain approval from someone. I know that Sapphira adores her daughter and can be viewed as an overbearing parent, but I think maybe she too is seeking approval."

  "From whom?" Emily asked, frowning. "She certainly doesn't go out of her way to make friends."

  "Maybe not," Helen mused, "but I think she's lonely. She and her husband moved here when they were first married. Jeweliah's always been in the Ellington school system. Her dad left before she started kindergarten, but I do believe she is still in touch with him. But Sapphira and he did not separate on good terms."

  "Affair?" Emily guessed. Helen didn't answer, as she would consider that gossiping, but the look in her eye confirmed what Emily assumed. She didn't bother to ask who had the affair. Apparently, Sapphira had been seeking to make friends of the male persuasion for a long time.

  "I think Sapphira also lost a close friend during the whole process, and that seemed to change her. Prior to her separation, I remember her as a little less…" Helen searched for a politically correct word.

  "Colorful?" Emily supplied.

  "That would be a good term," Helen smiled. "I believe she and Bodley began dating the minute he returned to town. I wonder if they knew each other prior to this visit?" When Emily shrugged, she continued, "You know, I always thought he and Annabeth Cardinal might end up together."

  Emily looked up in surprise. "I didn't even know they had gone to school together until she and I were visiting the other day."

  "I always felt a little sorry for Annabeth. She was so talented in her own right, but she always stayed in the background, letting James have the spotlight. I guess I hoped he would notice her devotion and share the light with her at some point. But apparently, he never did." Helen seemed to give herself a little shake, as if leaving the past behind. "Still, I think Annabeth is a wonderful person, and her willingness to help with the school play and tutor Jeweliah just confirms it."

  "I agree," Emily said, rising. "I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me, Helen
. I've missed seeing you in the evenings with all of the play practices."

  "I can't wait to see the production. And I've missed seeing you too, dear, but I figured Tad was keeping you company. Any news on that front that I need to hear?" The older lady winked.

  Emily forced a smile and a nonchalant shrug. "Not that I'm aware of," she tossed over her shoulder. "But I'm sure you'd be one of the first to know. I think I'll go and find him before class starts."

  Helen waved her off with a grin and, setting her shoulders and breathing a prayer that things would not be awkward between them, Emily headed to Tad's classroom first. He wasn't in his room, so she checked the teacher workroom, the lounge, and even the area that housed their mailboxes, but he was nowhere to be seen. She worried he had been struck by the flu bug that had taken down Bodley and Violet, but on her way to her classroom to give him a call, she ran into Jeweliah, who reported that her mom had gotten home around midnight. After the anti-nausea meds didn't slow his vomiting, they decided to pump his stomach. Combined with a round of IV fluids, Bodley was feeling much better. Emily was relieved to hear it but disappointed that Jeweliah still couldn't tell her the actual cause of the illness. While they were still in the hallway talking, the warning bell for first period rang. Turning toward her own classroom, she saw Tad's head of dark, tousled hair entering his room. She was glad to see he was well but couldn't help wondering where he had been earlier. Was he avoiding her? She'd have to worry about making amends with him later, though, as the final bell clanged its way through her thoughts.

  * * *

  The students were much more morose today, worrying that with all that had happened, either Mr. Bodley wouldn't help anymore or something else bad would occur. They had started to refer to their play production as the next Macbeth, a play believed to be cursed. They even avoided saying the word clue "just in case." Emily laughed at their antics, thrilled they had remembered a Shakespeare reference and tickled at their imitation of Wadsworth's line about not drinking the cognac. She became increasingly animated as the morning hours flew by, trying to lighten her students' moods. They thought she was a laugh riot, but in all honesty, she was trying not to worry about where things stood with Tad. When the lunch bell rang, she was one of the first out the door, anxious to find him, but Annabeth was waiting for her in the hallway. Emily stumbled to a halt, surprised to find her there.

  "Annabeth, is everything okay?" Her heart plummeted, fearing the worse. But Annabeth was beaming.

  "Violet and Bodley both appear to be recovering nicely. Violet is very weak and has elected to sit out tonight's rehearsals. But guess what?"

  Emily shook her head, wondering at the woman's exuberance.

  "Bodley has agreed to continue helping. On with the show, he says. Isn't it wonderful? Anyway, just thought you should know." With a last brilliant smile, Annabeth bounded off down the corridor.

  Emily wished she shared the woman's enthusiasm, but she had a feeling Bodley's continued presence would cause more harm than good. And apparently, she wasn't the only one. Jeweliah passed her room on her way downstairs to the cafeteria and paused to say, "I guess you've heard Bodley's fine." Emily nodded, and Jeweliah moved on, but a definite grimace marred her pretty features.

  By the time she actually made it to the teacher's lounge to grab a quick bite, she was disappointed to find Tad in the middle of an intense debate with several other teachers. Emily tried to join in, but as it was a science-related topic, she quickly lost interest. As the final bell rang, she hurried forward and grabbed Tad in a tight hug. He looked surprised by her PDA, but dropped a soft kiss on her hair. Emily knew all wasn't perfect between them again, but she was encouraged that Tad didn't push her away.

  She had hoped to spend some more time with Tad after school, but he had mathletes' practice before play rehearsal, so she took the unexpected down time as an opportunity to go home and spend some quality time with her journal. Settled in an Adirondack on her small back porch, she let her head fall back, soaking in the amber rays of the warm fall sun. A slight breeze sent gem-colored leaves to swirl at her feet. Emily was struck by the beauty of this small, quiet moment. Small moment. That had her thinking of her shared hug with Tad in the teacher's lounge and how shocked he had seemed. She grabbed her journal and began to scribble furiously, brainstorming all the little ways she could show Tad how much she cared.

  She raced to rehearsals later that evening, eager to share her brainstorm with Gabby. Before her friend could even utter so much as a hello, Emily had dragged her down in a seat on the far side of the auditorium to pick her brain. "You're the old married lady, so I need your advice. How do you show Greg you love him?"

  Gabby, an insulted look on her face, replied, "Besides soak his dentures and blow dry his toupee?"

  Emily frowned. "Sorry. Wrong choice of words. I meant happily married. I need help. How can I show Tad I care for him?"

  "Besides writing him a note that says 'do you like me, check yes or no'?" Gabby was clearly still stung by her old comment.

  Emily shoved her hands through her hair and gave Gabby a pleading look. "I'm serious. I realized today that I don't do enough little things to show Tad how much I care about him. I can't lose him, Gabs. I just can't." To her surprise, her eyes filled up with tears.

  Gabby straightened up and gave her a one-armed hug. "Hey, it'll be okay. We'll think of something, okay?" Emily gave her a watery smile as Gabby snapped her fingers and said, "I've thought of the perfect thing!"

  "What?" Emily asked, swiping at her eyes.

  "You can get matching tattoos," Gabby said enthusiastically. Then they both burst out laughing. If there was one thing ultra-conservative Tad wouldn't want, it was a tattoo. Though, with a thoughtful smile, Emily considered how much she'd always wanted one…

  * * *

  Thankfully, rehearsals went off that evening without a hitch. At first, the students were a little anxious, wondering what catastrophe might befall them next, but as the evening progressed without mishap, they really began to shine. Bodley, still a little gray and shaky-looking, was nevertheless lavish with his praise. Emily noted that Albert never left Destiny's side, but rather than looking annoyed by this, Destiny didn't even notice as she was too busy shooting daggers at Sapphira, who was perched in the front row, her gaze intent on Bodley, not her daughter. Had something happened with Sapphira that she'd missed? She'd have to remember to ask Destiny later. For the time being, she took advantage of the smoothly rolling rehearsal to go back and check with her mom and Mrs. Lowe on the last-minute alterations. She could hardly believe they were finally one evening away from their final dress rehearsal. She tried not to dwell on the fact that tomorrow would also be Friday the 13th. They'd had enough bad luck without encouraging superstitious thoughts too.

  When Emily entered the room serving as the alterations area, she was brought up short by the sight of Mrs. Lowe in tears, Susan busy trying to comfort her. Seeing Emily hovering in the doorway, unsure whether to enter or not, Susan shooed her away, mouthing "later" to her. Once again wondering if Sapphira was to blame for another crew member being upset, she went out to watch the end of rehearsals.

  After a pep talk delivered by both Emily and Destiny, the cast and crew headed off, all giddy with relief that tonight's rehearsal had gone off well and full of anticipation for tomorrow night's dress rehearsal. Emily had hoped to check on Mrs. Lowe and have a talk with Destiny before they left for the evening, but Destiny left with Albert, still frowning, and Mrs. Lowe hurried by her without pausing to say good night, a garment bag over her arm and her gaze on the ground. Susan joined her and Gabby as they went to check on Ray and Tad's progress in the construction area. The men were just putting their tools away, confident that they had done all they could for the set construction. Susan invited Emily, Tad, and Gabby all over to their house for a late dinner. "And I wanted to talk to you about what Mrs. Lowe had to say," she added to the assembled group.

  "Oh, and I talked with Helen about Jeweliah
and Sapphira today, too," Emily added.

  "It'll be just like old times, having you and Gabby gossiping at the dinner table," Ray laughed, swinging an arm around each of them. He smiled over at Tad. "Be prepared not to get a word in edgewise, son."

  Tad laughed but said softly, "I think I've already said too much as it is." No one heard him but Emily, and her heart sank. She was glad she'd walked back to the school for rehearsal that evening as the ride to her parents' house would give her some alone time with Tad, but as if sensing the tension between them, he invited Gabby to ride with them. Emily bit back her disappointment and made general conversation, but her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of what she would say to Tad once they were finally alone.

  Once they were all settled on the padded benches surrounding the big round table, Emily relayed her worries about Jeweliah, Sapphira's complete self-absorption, and Helen's take on the situation. She concluded by asking if anyone had noticed Sapphira causing problems at rehearsal.

  Digging into her bowl of chicken and dumplings that Susan had left cooking in the Crock-Pot that afternoon, Gabby said, "I actually thought she was pretty well behaved tonight. Her main focus was on Bodley and not Jeweliah, as usual. But she seemed to keep to herself. Why do you ask?"

  "I noticed Destiny looked especially upset with her tonight, although that might be her general disposition toward the woman. And then I walked in on Mrs. Lowe crying." She looked at her mom for more information.

  Susan sighed and picked at her homemade crescent roll. "I think Pearl has been holding some extreme bitterness bottled up inside over the years. I feel bad for her."