Murder in the Shadows

by Jade Astor

  While Darian struggled to come up with a response, Sandra entered the room holding a sketchbook in one hand and a measuring tape in the other. “Sorry, Wes, I need to borrow Darian for a while. Time to design Fenwick’s wardrobe. I’m going with two basic outfits. The first one is a plain dark suit, the kind a servant would wear so he can sort of blend into the background. Then, after Caleb’s spirit takes over his body, we’ll switch you to something with brighter colors and more flamboyant tailoring. That way the clothes will suggest the change as much as your behavior.”

  “Good thinking,” Wes said approvingly. He patted Darian on the shoulder. “You see, Darian? Sandra and I will walk you through this. By the time we’re done, no one will be able to tell this is your first film role. Maybe even the first of many. Who knows?”

  “Victor’s retooling the script right now so we can reshoot a couple of scenes with Fenwick in the background. He wants your input, Wes.”

  “Sure thing. See you in a little while, Darian.” He waved enthusiastically on his way out of the room.

  Darian smiled to cover his queasiness. “Thank you for the acting exercises. They helped a lot. Really.”

  “You look shell-shocked,” Sandra said, placing her sketchbook on the coffee table and motioning for Darian to stand up next to her. She proceeded to measure his shoulders, waist, and arms with the tape. “That’s understandable, but you won’t actually have to shoot any scenes until tomorrow. That’ll give us a chance to write your new scenes and get your costumes ready. And sorry, but you’ll still have to help me with the makeup at the same time you’re learning your lines.”

  “I’m sure I can handle it. At least, I hope so.”

  “Whatever shortcomings your performance may have, you’ll be a gulp of fresh air as far as the rest of us are concerned.”

  “Logan seemed to think Jamie might come back at some point.”

  “I’m sure he does.” Sandra picked up her sketchbook, plunked down on the couch, and used a pencil to make note of the measurements she’d just taken. Darian sat down in the chair across from her. “My brother’s a great guy, and he could do a lot better. But like a lot of people, he goes for those bad-boy types. I suppose you do, too.”

  “I can’t deny I’ve had my moments.” Darian lowered his voice confidentially. “At least Victor’s cleaned up his act a little bit since he and Logan were in college. I’ve heard about the crazy movie they were trying to make. Serial killers, butt shots, the whole nine yards.”

  “That’s for sure. I tried to warn him—you focus on filming gory, bloody stuff, people get the wrong idea about you. But you know how he is, and he was even worse at that age. At least he didn’t finish the film. He still has a shot at a respectable career.”

  “You’re right. Seems he dodged a bullet there. Especially considering the whole Mikah thing.”

  “Oh, Victor told you about that?”

  “Logan did, actually. I got the sense it still weighed on his mind. Were you…you know…involved in all that at the time?”

  “Nah.” Not bothering to look up, Sandra continued sketching. “I was in grad school at the time, so I never met him face to face. I just observed all the nonsense from a distance. And offered what advice I could, not that anyone had enough sense to take it.”

  Darian took a chance, sensing that Sandra was open to gossip. “I understand he was Victor’s boyfriend.”

  She snickered. “At least Victor thought he should be. How far it went, I have no idea. Either way, he couldn’t handle the pressure. Packed up and left school. So much for Logan’s masterpiece.”

  “Tough break for everyone,” Darian agreed. “I got the sense Jamie had a hand in what happened.”

  “Big surprise, right? Logan and Jamie used to sit around and snicker about what a straight arrow he was. One time Jamie said he wanted to steal him away from Victor. Not have a real affair, just flirt enough to make Victor mad.”

  Darian suppressed his shock. It seemed like most of the real horror had gone out behind the scenes of Logan’s ill-fated film. “And Logan was okay with that?”

  “Hell, yes. He even helped Jamie plan it. Somehow Jamie was supposed to get Mikah into a compromising position and Logan would arrange for Victor to walk in on them. I told them they were being immature and cruel. Thankfully, it was all talk, like most of Logan’s schemes. And then Mikah ran away, so that was the end of it all. And poor Victor was crushed.”

  “Did Victor ever find out about their plan?”

  “They may have told him later on. Still, I’m glad they didn’t make things worse for him at the time. They had that much compassion, at least. Or maybe they were afraid of what he might do to get even.” Her pencil stopped moving as something seemed to occur to her. She looked up at Darian. “Do you suspect Victor had something to do with the blood in Jamie’s room? And the bleach in his makeup bottle?”

  “I don’t think so,” Darian said, though in truth he was far from sure. What Sandra had just described provided an important missing piece—a motive.

  “I wouldn’t blame him if he did,” Sandra said, shrugging. “And if Victor’s the one who drove Jamie away this time, my hat’s off to him. No matter what my brother says, Jamie London is bad news. He brought nothing but bad luck to that first movie, and he would have done the same to this one.” She put down her pencil and retrieved her yellow tape. “Stand up again, will you? I need to double-check a few numbers.”

  As Darian stood, he noticed a shadow moving just outside the room. Victor, he realized. How long had he been standing by the open doorway, listening?

  Just before their gazes locked, Victor turned and stalked away.

  “Today started off rough, and for a while there it looked like things could only get worse. But we pulled together and wove the whole tangled mess into an amazing tapestry. You guys are totally fantastic. I think we all deserve a drink.”

  Standing at the head of the dining room table, surrounded by bowls of pasta, salad, and even a foot-long loaf of garlic bread, Logan opened a fresh bottle of red wine and hoisted it in triumph. The assembled group applauded, though Darian thought the continuing use of disposable cups compromised the ceremonial effect.

  “Cheers,” Wes called, prompting a round of plastic cup-tapping. Victor seemed to be in high, carefree spirits, despite the uncomfortable scene he had stumbled upon earlier. But then, Darian reminded himself, Victor was an actor. Maybe a better one than he ever imagined.

  All afternoon, he had waited for an opportunity to pull Victor aside and follow up on what he had learned about Mikah—specifically why Victor had been so careful never to mention him to Darian. Unfortunately, the hours had flown past in a rush, and Victor had either avoided him or, like everyone else, been caught up in getting their production back on track. Thanks to some creative camera work, they managed to film the scene of Victor—or rather Thaddeus—strangling Caleb without needing a stand-in for Jamie. Knowing what he now did about Mikah, Darian found himself unnerved while he watched Victor wring the life out of an imaginary ex-lover.

  Tomorrow, everyone assured him, they would begin blocking Fenwick’s new scenes. Darian was careful to hide his rapidly diminishing excitement about his expanded role. Had Logan and Victor once offered similar encouragement to Mikah?

  Chuck, seated beside him, rolled a few extra meatballs onto his plate when the bowl of sauce made its way around to them. “Glad we’re getting a good meal this evening,” he commented. “If the power goes out, we may have to survive on candy bars for the next couple of days.”

  “I can think of worse things,” Darian said. He paused to listen to the faint whistle of icy winds whipping past the house. The storm outside was getting stronger.

  “Still, better to get dumped on now instead of Thanksgiving week. Nothing worse than driving through sleet.”

  “Where will you be going? Family?”

  “In a manner of speaking,” Chuck said evasively. “Let’s just say they’re friends who are so close the
y’ve become family.”

  Darian found his cautious tone interesting. Why fib about something like that? He was only making casual conversation. “That’s nice,” he said blandly.

  “What about you? I take it you won’t be dining with the sheriff.” Chuck grinned when Darian looked surprised. “Don’t worry. We all know about him and you. Hanging out in a house full of drama queens pretty much guarantees you’ll have no secrets.”

  “I don’t have any specific plans, no. I’m visiting my parents for Christmas, but though I’m tempted to fly to Florida twice, it isn’t practical. My friends’ restaurant in town offers a buffet-style meal. That sounds like my best option so far.”

  “Breakups are tough on everyone,” Chuck said. “Especially when they happen around the holidays. I once had a boyfriend who broke up with me right before Christmas just to avoid buying me a gift.”

  They shared a laugh. “Yeah. That’s rough.”

  Chuck lowered his voice. “It almost sounds like something Jamie would do to Logan, doesn’t it? Then again, I’m not so sure they didn’t stage that whole argument by the fireplace for our benefit. Maybe even that little scene with the makeup bottle.”

  It wasn’t the first time he had heard that theory, but Darian feigned shock. “Why would they do that?”

  “Jamie’s an actor. Logan likes to indulge his flair for the dramatic. Not to mention that Logan might think it would inspire the rest of us to step up our performances. You know, whip up turmoil so everyone becomes hyperfocused on the job. It sounds nuts, but considering some of the people I’ve worked with in the past, it’s just possible. You don’t know these show biz types, Darian. The world of academics is nothing like this one.”

  “Don’t be too sure about that. I’ve got some stories about stuff that goes on behind the scenes at schools.”

  “Oh, yeah. Victor also told us about the bodies you found at the private school. Damn. That must have thrown you for a loop.”

  “It sure did.”

  “Ah, now I understand your interest in this project. You helped solve those murders and now you’re hoping you can solve this one, too. Probably think it will help you win the cop back. Just to be clear, don’t try to blame this one on me. I had no reason at all to kill that old tramp. Unlike everyone else here, I didn’t even know he existed until you and Victor brought it up.”

  Chuck smiled, but his eyes went as cold as the snow pummeling Reece Hall. Their conversation lapsed, but Darian didn’t care. A new idea had taken hold in his mind. It seemed farfetched, almost like the plot of one of Logan’s movies. But maybe that was the point.

  Later, while they were clearing the dishes, Darian finally found a chance to corner Victor. He was standing by the sink, fumbling to replace the cork in the second bottle of wine Logan had opened. Or was it the third? Darian hadn’t kept track. Victor had certainly sampled all of them, however many there had been. His glassy eyes blinked at Darian through heavy lids. Darian wasn’t crazy about bringing up such a delicate subject while Victor wasn’t in a clear frame of mind. Still, postponing the talk might mean he wouldn’t get another chance until the next day, at least. Maybe the wine would loosen Victor’s tongue.

  “Victor, I need to talk to you. Can we go somewhere quiet?”

  “Okay,” Victor mumbled. He set the bottle on the counter and gestured for Darian to follow. They ended up in the gold and white sitting room. The room, along with the big marble fireplace, was cold and dark. The tall windows rattled in their frames as heavy gusts of wet snow battered them.

  “Sit down,” Victor said, stretching out on the sofa. Darian was secretly glad there wasn’t room for him there, too. His instincts told him to keep some distance between himself and Victor. He chose one of the upholstered high-backed chairs instead.

  An awkward silence hung between them.

  “You wanted to talk.” Victor raised one hand in a clumsy wave. “So talk.”

  “Okay. I wanted to ask you about the movie you, Jamie, and Wes made with Logan when you were in college. The one you never finished.”

  “Not that again. I told you, it’s better forgotten.”

  “I’m not so sure that’s true.”

  “What? Why not?”

  “Because I know about Mikah. You remember him, don’t you? Your fellow cast member, all those years ago?” Darian wanted to say more, but he couldn’t bring himself to be that direct. Plus he needed to hear it from Victor.

  Victor scrubbed a hand over his face. “Mikah.” The word came out in a groan. “Oh. That was a bad scene, for sure.”

  “Tell me about him.”

  “Actually, you already know what he looked like.” Victor pointed to the photo on the shelf, the one Darian had noticed on his very first visit to Reece Hall. He saw the group in the picture quite differently now that he knew all their names—Logan, Jamie, Wes. Their younger selves cavorted happily on stage, oblivious to anything beyond their performance. This time, he knew the name of the ruddy-cheeked, athletic guy in the background.

  “That’s Mikah,” he surmised.

  “Doesn’t really look like a theater type, does he?” Victor asked sadly. “He always seemed a little awkward, and I have to admit he wasn’t especially gifted, but he sure had those leading-man looks. I’ve always wondered if he went on with acting. I keep thinking I’ll see him on TV sometime with a new name. But so far it hasn’t happened. Only Jamie made it big.”

  “He had a nice smile,” Darian observed. Was it genuine? He found it hard to imagine the young man in the picture doing the things Darian now suspected him of. But then, a lot had happened since it was taken.

  “He was a sweet guy. I thought maybe modeling would have worked better for him, but he wanted to act. Logan was willing to give him a chance. That meant a lot to him. He worked hard on the film, at least in the beginning.”

  “But then he left.”

  “Yup.” Victor snapped his fingers awkwardly. “One day, gone. Just like that.”

  “What do you think happened?”

  “Not sure. Mikah came from a fundamentalist background. He worried what his family would think if they found out he was gay. Swore us all to secrecy. Now that I think about it, that just goes to show that he never believed Logan’s film would go anywhere. Otherwise, people would have seen him in a gay film.” Victor gave a bitter laugh. “He was right about that, anyway.”

  “Could that have been why he ran away? He got nervous about being outed in such a public way?”

  “Maybe. But I don’t think that would have happened. I mean, it was just a student film. And his character was supposed to be straight. More likely he did what a lot of guys our age do. Ran off to find himself. Grabbed a backpack, made up a new name…can’t say I haven’t considered it myself a few times. You probably have, too.”

  “I haven’t, actually. Not like that. For one thing, I wouldn’t do that to my family.”

  “He had some problems. We all knew that. Demons in his head. Could we have done more to help him? Maybe. Maybe not.”

  “You must have asked yourself that question quite a bit over the years. I heard you had a close relationship with Mikah.”

  Victor’s head shot up. His eyes narrowed to dark, unreadable slits. “Sandra told you all this. I thought I heard her mention his name.”

  “It doesn’t matter where I heard it. Is it true? Is that what you’ve been hiding from me all this time?”

  “She had no right.”

  “No? I’m sorry, but I think she did. You obviously weren’t going to.”

  “I would have! I just…needed time.”

  “Time for what? Mikah’s been missing for years.”

  “What am I supposed to do about that? He wasn’t a child. He knew what he wanted. Or what he didn’t want, at least. You’re not the only one who’d like to know what happened.”

  “Victor, why didn’t you tell me about him before? I gave you a pass on the Birchwood stuff. But now I discover a second guy who came to a bad end af
ter forming some kind of relationship with you?”

  “Yeah.” Victor hung his head. “I’ve had bad luck with my crushes, haven’t I?”

  “This seems to go beyond bad luck.” Darian recalled a line from Bryce’s recent production of Oscar Wilde—to paraphrase, losing one boyfriend might be tragic, but two bordered on carelessness. ‘You should have said something, though. Especially when we thought Jamie had vanished. That’s why everyone started wigging out, isn’t it? They thought history was about to repeat itself, this time with Jamie.”

  “We overreacted, I admit. Jamie is…well, that wasn’t the same thing at all. As we now know.”

  “I think it reminded Logan why he couldn’t finish his first movie. It wasn’t because all of you lost interest or got too busy with your college classes. It was because a member of your cast disappeared.”

  “To tell you the truth, I didn’t really think it was worth mentioning. Logan’s first film was terrible. It would never have gone anywhere. Over the years, I convinced myself that Mikah realized that and quit the film. While he was at it, he decided things between us got a little too intense for him, so he left me at the same time. It hurt, but I didn’t hold it against him. He had to make a choice. I moved on. Eventually things turned out okay.”

  “That was really all there was to it as far as you knew?” Darian wondered if he should bring up Jamie and Logan’s plot to sabotage the relationship. He still wasn’t sure if Victor had overheard that part of Sandra’s story, or if it would have shocked him if he had. “Victor, I want to trust you, but I’m finding it difficult. Too many secrets keep coming up.”

  “What are you accusing me of, exactly?”

  “Nothing. I do want to run something by you, though. Just a theory.”

  “What?”

  Darian had to phrase the next part of the conversation carefully. If he was right, he still couldn’t be sure what Victor’s involvement might be. The darkness veiling Victor’s expression, not to mention the alcohol weighing down his voice, made it impossible to be sure. What he could hear clearly was raw, soul-twisting pain. Was it mixed with guilt? Or fear?