by Ward, Alice
“I understand,” I sighed.
“Alright then, why don’t you start from the beginning and tell us what happened?”
I took a deep breath and told them the entire story. I started with the envelope that was left at my door and didn’t stop until I’d described what we’d found in the dressing room that morning. Bruce and the security guards arrived half way through the story but didn’t interrupt. When I finally finished, I looked up and realized that Detective Ramos was furious.
“Ms. Harper,” he began patiently. “Are you telling me that the harassment started weeks ago and you’re just now reporting it?”
I blushed. “When the envelope and picture showed up, I thought it was no big deal. I’d been dealing with a jealous coworker and I assumed that it was one of her hateful but harmless pranks.”
“And the first time your dressing room was broken in to, did you think that that was harmless too?”
“That was my fault.” Bruce confessed. “There was no damage to the room and no signs of forced entry. Shane here installed a deadbolt on the door and Marcus amped up the security presence in this wing. We did everything we could to protect Kate.”
“And yet, the intruder struck again.” Detective Ramos said sarcastically. “In the interest of keeping this quiet, we won’t tape off Ms. Harper’s dressing room. But I don’t want anyone going in there until we sign off on it. Until further notice, the room is an official crime scene, understood?”
“Understood,” we all agreed.
“This jealous coworker, do you suspect her of being behind the first break in?” Officer Klein asked.
“She’s already been cleared.” Bruce assured them. “Kate was only away from her dressing room for fifteen minutes that day, and Serena had an alibi.”
“We’ll need to verify that ourselves.” Detective Ramos insisted. “I’ll need Serena’s full name, address, and birthday. I’m sure that all of the necessary information is listed in her personnel file. We’ll run a background check and see if anything interesting pops up. We’ll also need to process the dressing room for evidence. I’ll do that myself so there aren’t a lot of strangers roaming the hallway but it will take some time. I’ll need to print you all so we can differentiate between the known and unknown fingerprints we lift from the room. Do you have somewhere safe to stay for the next few days?”
“Kate is in the process of moving into a building with a doorman.” Dylan replied. “Until she’s settled there, she’s staying with me.”
“And I’m assuming that you have a doorman, Mr. Matthews?” Officer Klein asked.
“Of course I do.”
“Great, could you please write down your address? We need to know where to find you if we get a lead.”
“Yeah, no problem,” Dylan took a sheet of paper off of his table and scribbled his address onto it. “I also wrote down my cell and the number to the phone in my building’s lobby.”
“Thank you,” Officer Klein nodded.
Detective Ramos turned to me. “Ms. Harper, you said that you’ve only been in the city for a short time. Since you arrived here, have you had conflicts with anyone other than Serena Carson?”
“Yes, none of the women here liked me when I first arrived. But that was understandable; all they knew about me was that I’d taken their friend’s role. Since my debut, everyone’s been really nice.”
“There was Max.” Dylan piped up. “That didn’t end nicely.”
“Max was a boyfriend?” Detective Ramos asked quickly.
“Yes Max Shepherd, he tends bar at Orlando’s. But we didn’t date for very long and I really don’t think he would do something like this.”
“I understand that you want to think the best of everyone, but you have to understand that most stalkers target women they know. It may be an ex-boyfriend or a friend whose unrequited love has turned to dangerous obsession. In the case of successful women like yourself, the culprit could also be a jealous woman friend. Is there anyone like that in your life?”
I shook my head. “Other than Dylan, my only male friends are two gay men. My only girlfriend just signed a recording contact with Sony. I assure you, none of them are jealous of me or pining away for me.”
“Alright, we’ll start by looking in to Serena and Max and we’ll move on from there if necessary. I’ll be back later today to start processing the room. For the time being, you’re all free to leave.”
Bruce and the security guards stood just as Marion burst through the dressing room door.
“Kate darling, I got here as fast as I could.” She said as she crossed the room and wrapped me in a hug. “You poor dear, I can’t believe that this is happening to you.” She released me and turned to Bruce with a hostile look. “I want to know how this happened and how you’re going to insure that it doesn’t happen again.”
“We’re doing everything we can Marion, I promise.” Bruce assured her.
“If that were true this would have never happened.” She snapped. “Dylan told me that this is the second time her dressing room has been broken into. I want a camera pointed at her fucking door Bruce. Surely the most profitable show on Broadway can fork out a couple hundred bucks if it keeps their newest star safe.”
“I’ll have the camera mounted immediately.” Bruce replied in defeat. “Is there anything else?”
“No, assuming that you don’t need to be told she needs a full time guard.” Marion said shortly; Bruce blushed.
“We hadn’t gotten around to talking about that yet but of course Kate can have a guard.”
“I really don’t think that’s necessary, Marion.” I broke in. “I’ve agreed to never be alone, but I don’t want to be constantly surrounded by strangers. I’ll be fine, I promise.”
She studied me carefully for a moment. “You’re not taking the stage today?”
“No, Maggie and Luis are covering both performances. Dylan told them that we have food poisoning so rumors don’t start flying around. All I want to do is go back to his place, crawl in to bed, and sleep until this is all over.”
Marion turned back to Bruce. “I don’t want today’s shows to count against Kate’s weekly quota. In fact, until this matter is settled I want her to be free to call in Maggie whenever necessary with no financial repercussions. I want the camera up and running before she comes back Tuesday and I want a direct link to the footage set up on my personal computer. If you can’t keep her safe, I’ll do it myself.”
The police officers interrupted and introduced themselves; Ramos assured Marion that the investigation would be his top priority. The detective gave us each a card, promised to call as soon as he learned anything, and then the officers excused themselves to go back to the precinct.
“Kate I’m so sorry that this happened.” Bruce told me. “Marion’s right, I should have put a camera up after the first break in.”
“It’s okay Bruce, I didn’t take it as seriously as I should either.” I told him. “I appreciate you all being here, but I really do want to go home and if Dylan and I don’t leave soon someone’s going to spot us and blow our cover story.”
“Of course, you kids get home safely and text me as soon as you’re there. You both have my cell, call me if you need anything. And for god’s sake, call me if something else happens.”
I promised her I would a Dylan peeked out into the hallway. “It’s clear,” he announced. “Let’s hurry.”
Dylan wrapped a comforting arm around me and we managed to make it out of the building without being spotted.
***
Dylan and I spent most of Sunday lying on his couch watching old movies. I could tell that he was disappointed to miss both Sunday performances, but I was thankful to have him with me. I know that what happened at the theater is small in comparison to all of the horrific crimes that happen in the city, but it was the scariest thing that had ever happened to me.
Dylan ordered takeout from the Italian restaurant down the block and Peter picked it up for us. I picked at
my food, too unsettled by the day’s events to eat. He noticed and offered me a joint from the drawer of his coffee table; I was both surprised and relieved that he smokes. After half of the joint, my appetite grew and I was able to eat some of my pasta. Dylan opened a bottle of wine and I downed three glasses. The wine did its job and I was finally able to get some sleep.
Monday morning, my alarm went off at nine o’clock and I rolled out of bed.
“What are you doing?” Dylan asked as he rolled over and yawned.
“I still want to go to the youth theater today. I need to call and make sure that it’s alright if you come with me.”
“Kate, are you sure that that’s a good idea right now?” He asked, propping himself up on the headboard. “It may be better to stay away from the kids until whoever’s following you is caught. The last thing you want is to lead a psycho into their classrooms.”
I shook my head. “I want to go. My work at the youth theater was mentioned in the Times profile, so the… stalker… already knows about it.” I was having a hard time saying the word out loud. “Besides, it’s one thing to trash a dressing room. It’s quite another to hurt an innocent child. I don’t mind if you want to skip this week, but I really feel like it would do me good to see the kids.”
“If you’re going, I’m going.” Dylan insisted. “What time does class start?”
“Not until four but I’d like to get there early. I thought we could go have lunch first, maybe do a little window shopping. Janette and I still need new furniture for our new place, our old stuff would just look sad there.”
“We can do that.”
I was surprised by how quickly he’d agreed. “Really? I was expecting to hear a lecture about staying home and safe.”
“You have to live your life, Kate.” He shrugged. “And to be honest, I don’t want to stay cooped up in here anymore than you do. Whoever this asshole is, they haven’t been overly aggressive. Violent maybe, with the way your dressing room was destroyed, but they haven’t tried to physically hurt you. I think we’re pretty safe in public.”
Though I was still rattled by the break in, I was thrilled at the idea of getting out in the city. I was also well rested and eager to start spending my latest pay check. Dylan and I dressed quickly and left the apartment. We ate breakfast at a small café and then set off for Fifth Avenue. We spent three hours looking at furniture and after three dozen texts to Janette; I bought a reclaimed barn wood dining set and a new pair of leather armchairs.
I’d never spent so much money in one day and I’d never had so many people watch me do it. Dylan and I drew attention everywhere we went; we were only able to shop after the staff of Pottery Barn closed the store for us.
Dylan handled the crowds like a pro and I tried to follow his lead. “Just act like you’re deaf.” He advised. “Smile, wave, acknowledge that they’re there, but don’t react to what they say in any way.”
“Gotcha,” I perfected the technique over lunch; I felt glamorous and sophisticated and for a while I forgot about all of my problems. By the time we made it to the youth theater, I felt better than I had since the day I won the role.
The other teachers tried to keep their professional distance, but they couldn’t help but stare at Dylan. A few worked up the courage to come over and introduce themselves; Dylan accepted their compliments graciously and made them feel at ease. Before I knew it, the entire staff was gathered in the lobby, listening to Dylan’s stories. I finally had to interrupt.
“Dylan? I don’t mean to be rude, but the kids will be here soon.”
“Oh of course,” he smiled. “I’m sorry, sometimes I have a tendency to ramble. Before you all leave, I want to thank you for letting me help out today. I can’t wait to get more involved with the program.”
Sherman Halsey, the Chief Director of the theater, shook Dylan’s hand and announced that he and I would handle my old class on our own.
“I know that you can’t fit it in to your schedule all of the time, Mr. Matthews, but anytime you want to stop in, we’d be honored to have you. Kate, I take it you remember how to get to your classroom?”
“Of course, Mr. Halsey. And I’ve settled in to the show, I’d like to be put back on the Monday schedule if there’s room.”
“The kids will be thrilled to hear that. All of the attention you’ve been getting lately has made them feel very important; I think they feel famous by association. And you’re certainly setting a great example. Congratulations on all of your stunning reviews. I hate to rush off, but I have a class of my own to get to. Your kids spent last week reading over three different scripts. They’re supposed to be voting on their favorites today and moving straight in to rehearsals, but I don’t see the harm in pushing that back one day. If you’re up for it, I’d like for the two of you to do a question and answer session with them. That should help the novelty of Mr. Matthews wear off and the next time you visit, they’ll be able to concentrate.”
“Sounds great, thank you again.” Dylan replied.
I lead him to the classroom and he immediately jumped on the stage. “You just can’t stay off of those, can you?” I teased.
He blushed and jumped down. “I guess at this point, its instinct.”
Kids slowly started filing in to the room, their mouths dropping when they spotted Dylan. Once they got over their shock, I was peppered with questions.
“Miss Kate we’ve missed you, are you coming back for good?”
“What’s it like to be in a REAL show?”
“Is Dylan Matthews your new boyfriend?”
“Alright kids, one at a time. I’m back for good, but on Mondays only because I’m still playing Loraine. Mr. Dylan and I are going to tell you all about what it’s like to be on Broadway, but we have to wait for everyone else to get here.”
Several of the kids jumped as a resounding thud filled the room. I turned towards the noise and saw Fiona. She was standing in front of a desk with her arms folded in front of her; the stack of books she’d slammed onto the desk were scattered across the floor.
Dylan looked confused. I whispered “She’s Max’s niece.” In his ear and then officially started class. I knew that Fiona was upset with me and I really wanted to talk to her, but I also knew that it wasn’t the time.
“Alright everyone, it’s time to get started. I want all of you to get a bean bag and arrange yourselves in a circle. Mr. Sherman said that we can take a free day, so Mr. Dylan and I are going to let you take turns answering your questions. And before we start, I want to remind you to be on your very best behavior. Mr. Dylan is thinking about being a teacher here, so we want to impress him.”
The kids eagerly gathered the bean bags and formed a circle; Fiona was the only one who lagged behind. I drug two plastic chairs to the circle and Dylan took a seat. “I’m going to need a minute with her, do you mind?”
“Not at all,” he smiled warmly. He turned to the kids. “Alright guys, I think most of you know who I am, but I don’t know anything about you. Before we start with the questions, I want you to take turns telling me your names, your favorite play, and your dream role.” He winked at me and I knew that the kids were in good hands. I made my way back to Fiona; she hadn’t budged from her spot behind the desk.
“You don’t have to talk to me, but you do have to listen.” I told her. I gently put my hand on her shoulder and guided her to my desk. I took a seat, looked her in the eyes, and took a deep breath.
“I know that you’re disappointed in me. Fiona, do you know what a misunderstanding is?” She nodded. “I thought so. That’s what happened with me and your uncle Max. It was nobody’s fault, we just aren’t supposed to be together.”
“But you ARE supposed to be together.” She argued. “People have misunderstandings all of the time. You just like HIM better.” She added, pointing at Dylan.
“Fiona, Dylan is my friend. I know that you’ve seen our pictures in the papers, and I know that you think that it’s Dylan’s fault that Max and I are
n’t together anymore. But that’s not true and Dylan’s not the bad guy.” I explained patiently. “He’s actually a really nice guy, and he’s taken the time to come here and help all of you learn. Do you think that we could join the rest of the class?”
She studied me critically for a while before speaking. “You’ll be here every Monday?”
“Yes.”
“So I’ll still get to see you?”
I nodded. “I’ve missed you guys so much. I promise I’ll be here every week.”
“Alright… I guess we can go to the circle.”
She still had a pout on her face, but she reached for my hand as we crossed the room. I took my seat next to Dylan and Fiona drug a bean bag to the base of my chair. The kids had finished their introductions; Dylan had them all enthralled with a story from his early days on Broadway. I had a feeling he was embellishing some of the finer points, but there was no denying that the kids were in heaven.
I’d expected the kids to have plenty of questions for me, I was their teacher after all, but I soon realized that I could walk out of the room and no one would notice. I would have been jealous but the way Dylan interacted with the kids was adorable; I was more than happy to sit back and observe.
Dylan joked back and forth with the kids in a way that reminded me of a loving, entertaining big brother. He remembered all of their names and acted like everything they said was important. We were all having a blast and time flew. Ten minutes before class was over, Mr. Halsey knocked on the door and came in.
“It looks like the kids had a blast today.” He smiled. “Kate, Dylan, I thought that you might like to duck out a little early. If you’re here when the parents arrive, they may never let you leave.”
“Thank you, that was very considerate.” Dylan told him. “Not that I wouldn’t love to meet all of your parents.” He said, turning back to the kids. “But Miss Kate and I have dinner reservations tonight.”