All Dressed Up and No Place to Haunt

by Rose Pressey

The Gazette reported that the film’s producers had decided to continue shooting scenes that didn’t involve Nicole. So Heather and I devised a plan to go back to the plantation and speak with Jessica Duncan about her text messages to Nicole. I parked the Buick in the lot, and we made our way across the beautiful lawn toward the actors’ trailers.

  “I hope we don’t run into Vera Lemon,” I said.

  “We’ll just have to be firm with her,” Heather said.

  I stepped over a thick electrical cable. “Yes, I suppose that’s the only thing to do.”

  “She can’t say we’re on her property now and we’ll just stay away from the edges.”

  Heather and I reached the area with the trailers. Now we had to find out which one was Jessica’s. The only way I’d gotten on set was because I’d kept the pass they’d given me. No one bothered to check it now. A blond muscular man who looked as if he might be a security guard was standing up ahead.

  “It might be hard to get past him,” Heather motioned with a tilt of her head.

  “Just act like we’re supposed to be here.”

  He was staring right at us, so I had to acknowledge him. I flashed the pass at him. “Here to see Jessica Duncan about wardrobe.”

  He motioned at the trailer next to us.

  “Whew, that was brilliant.” Heather hurried along beside me.

  Once at the correct trailer, I climbed the metal steps leading to the door. My hand was frozen as I positioned it at the door to knock. Heather motioned for me to go ahead. Before I had a chance, the door flew open and I almost tumbled backward down the stairs. A dark-haired woman frowned and glanced back over her shoulder.

  When she looked at me again, she asked, “What do you want?”

  She blew the hair out of her eyes. The woman looked frazzled. I wondered if I had the wrong trailer, so I flashed my pass.

  She glared at me and placed her hands on her hips. “Well?”

  “I’m here to see Jessica Duncan,” I mumbled.

  She shook her head. “She’s filming. She can’t be bothered right now.”

  “Do you know how long she’ll be?” I asked.

  “Probably all day. When they’re filming it takes a long time and she won’t have time for an interview.” She avoided my eye contact and studied her phone.

  This woman must have thought I was with the press.

  “I’m her assistant—can I help you with anything?”

  “No, that’s okay. I really need to speak with Jessica.”

  “Like I said, she will be a long time. She’s taken over for Nicole since her passing and that means extra work for Jessica.”

  My eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

  She sighed. “I mean that since Jessica and Nicole looked a lot alike then she will finish up Nicole’s scenes.”

  So when Nicole died, that had given Jessica what she’d wanted. She would have the lead role now. Jessica would finish Nicole’s part in the movie and be the star. Jessica wouldn’t go to that extreme to get a movie role, would she? It was a competitive business, so I supposed it was possible.

  “Anyway, like I said, she can’t visit with the press or fans right now.” She glanced down at Heather.

  “Thank you,” I managed to say before the assistant closed the door, ending our conversation. When I stepped down the stairs, the security guard was watching us. It was time for us to leave.

  “He’s staring at us,” Heather whispered.

  “Just act naturally,” I said.

  Heather glanced back at the trailer.

  “Is she watching us too?” I asked.

  “Yes, she’s peeking out the little window watching us.”

  “We can’t walk too fast or they will be suspicious.”

  “Right.” Heather adjusted her hobo bag on her shoulder.

  We strolled back across the lawn toward the parking lot. When I looked back, the assistant had reappeared outside the trailer but the guard had turned away. We’d almost made it back to my car when I spotted Vera marching toward us.

  “Oh no. We almost made it out of here without being caught.” I motioned toward Vera.

  Heather sighed. “I can’t believe this woman.”

  “Do you want me to scare her?” Charlotte asked, appearing out of the blue.

  “No, that won’t be necessary. We’ll tell her we’re leaving,” I said.

  For a woman who didn’t want anyone on her property, she sure was on this property a lot. We hadn’t gone anywhere near her land this time. Had she seen me here the other day too? Maybe she was coming to confront me about that. I would deny it.

  “Ladies, wait for me. I’d like to speak with you.” Vera picked up her pace.

  “Is it just me or did she almost sound pleasant?” I asked.

  Heather grinned. “She did sound chipper. Are you sure that’s the same woman? Maybe she has an evil twin.”

  I laughed.

  Vera reached us and thrust an envelope toward me. “This is for you.”

  “What is it, a court summons?” I asked.

  Heather laughed.

  The corner of Vera’s mouth quivered. “No, of course not. Open the envelope.” She gestured.

  I still wasn’t sure this wasn’t a trick. I peeled back the envelope and pulled out the card. It was a cute green card with a watermelon slice on the front and a picture of a picnic basket. The words You’re Invited were at the top. I glanced up at Vera, and she smiled. When I opened the card, I saw that I’d been invited to a picnic at her home this coming weekend. Why was she doing this?

  “I do hope you can come. It will be fun. I’ve invited the film crew and they’ve agreed to come too.”

  Wow. I still wasn’t convinced that this wasn’t a trick.

  Nevertheless I said, “I’ll be there.”

  If the film crew was there, then I had to go. It would be my chance to speak with Jessica.

  “Oh, and bring your friend too.” Vera pointed at Heather.

  I looked at Heather. “Sure, if she wants to come.”

  Heather offered a confused smile.

  Vera nodded. “Okay. I’ll see you there.”

  “Do I need to bring anything?” I asked.

  It would have been rude if I hadn’t volunteered.

  “No, just bring your bodies.” She chuckled, but that seemed forced.

  Vera waved over her shoulder as she walked back toward her house.

  “What do you think that is all about?” Heather asked.

  I frowned. “I don’t know, but something tells me we’re about to find out.”

  Chapter 14

  Charlotte’s Handy-Dandy Tips for Navigating the Afterlife

  The living will try to ignore you,

  but you have to be persistent.

  If you focus your energy,

  you can make your footsteps heard.

  Moaning works too.

  Saturday arrived, and it was time for the picnic. I wore white capri pants and a pink-and-white halter top with wedge heels. As I drove to the outskirts of Sugar Creek, Alice and Charlotte giggled and gossiped in anticipation of spending the afternoon among the film crew. Heather couldn’t make it because she’d promised to take her mother shopping.

  Vera’s home was also historic, but not nearly as large as Fairtree Plantation. It was a brick two story with a porch that spanned the entire front. As far as I knew, she lived by herself. I’d heard that she preferred it that way. The driveway was full of cars, and others had parked on the lawn. I was surprised that Vera had allowed that considering she didn’t even want people to walk on her grass.

  There were signs indicating that the party was in back. I followed the arrows around the house.

  Vera had really outdone herself with the picnic. She had actually hired a caterer. Tables with white tablecloths and linen-covered chairs had been set up around the yard. A buffet table offered everything from hot dogs to ribs, potato salad, baked beans, and every imaginable dessert. BACKYARD TREATS was displayed on a sign in
the middle of the table. My mouth watered.

  “Stop looking at that food. You don’t have time to eat right now,” Charlotte said. “You have to look for Jessica first. You can eat after that.”

  Not listening to her orders, I grabbed a hot dog. “Just one.”

  Charlotte smirked. “A moment on the lips . . .”

  I squirted mustard on the bun. “I’ve heard that before.”

  “Then you’d think you would learn,” she said.

  “I thought we were looking for Jessica,” Alice said.

  “I can look and eat at the same time.” I took a bite.

  I spotted Ken Harrison standing beside Preston Hart near a magnolia tree. Our eyes met, and he smiled. Seconds later, he had excused himself and was headed my way.

  “Oh, here comes the good-looking lawyer,” Alice said.

  “I see that.”

  “Get rid of the hot dog,” Charlotte advised.

  “What am I supposed to do with it?”

  “Stuff it in your mouth quick,” Alice said.

  “No way.”

  It was too late for that, anyway, because he was standing in front of me.

  “What are you doing here?” Ken asked.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked.

  “I came with Preston.” His smile was hypnotizing. “Are you enjoying yourself? How are the hot dogs?”

  I gestured with my half-eaten snack. “Great. You should try one.”

  Charlotte groaned.

  Ken grabbed a napkin from the table and reached out, touching my face with it. “You had a little mustard on your chin.”

  Heat rushed to my cheeks. “Thanks.”

  “I told you to get rid of that thing,” Charlotte said.

  “It’s a beautiful day for a picnic.” He gestured toward the blue sky.

  “Yes, it is,” I answered. “So, how are things going?”

  He lifted a brow. “With?”

  “The case against your client.”

  He laughed. “I’m surprised you’re interested.”

  “Oh, I didn’t mean anything by the question. I was just making conversation.”

  “You need to work on your detective skills.” Charlotte shook her head.

  “No, I know what you mean. The paparazzi have been around though.” Ken grabbed a hot dog from the table. He slathered it with mustard, ketchup, and relish.

  “Really? I haven’t seen them, but then again I guess I haven’t paid attention.”

  I’d been too worried about finding out who did this to Nicole to notice much else.

  “The case against Preston is flimsy, at best. I’m working on finding out who really did this to Nicole.”

  My eyes widened. Charlotte and Alice perked up too.

  “Do you have any clues or leads?”

  He stared at me for a beat. “I might have a couple. You seem interested.”

  “Well, I am a little since I was the first one to see her in the water. You understand, right?” I asked.

  “Oh sure, sure. I can understand that. I wish that hadn’t happened to you.” He took a bite of his hot dog.

  “Thanks,” I said.

  “He sure is sweet,” Alice said.

  “Not bad looking either,” Charlotte said.

  They’d made their opinions known before so I didn’t need a recap. Now I thought they were just trying to play cupid. Nevertheless, I needed to talk with Ken to find out what he knew about the investigation. He seemed friendly, but I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to get info from him.

  A man sitting with a group of other men called out to Ken.

  “It looks like they need you.” I pointed.

  He held up his finger. “They’re lawyers too. They work for the film studio.”

  “Well, I’ve kept you long enough. You should talk with them,” I said.

  So much for asking him questions now.

  “I’ve enjoyed the company,” he said.

  I couldn’t hold back a smile. “I’ll see you around.”

  He smiled. “I hope so.”

  I watched as Ken walked across the lawn to the men sitting on the chairs. He sat next to them, then looked in my direction. Unfortunately, he caught me watching him.

  “Ken sure is nice,” Alice said.

  “Yes, you said that a few times.”

  “I’m just saying. You should get to know him better.”

  “I thought you wanted me to talk with the detective.”

  “Oh, we want you to talk with him too. No need in putting all your eggs in one basket,” Charlotte said.

  I groaned. “You two need to stay out of my dating life.”

  “What dating life?” Charlotte asked.

  “Good point,” I said. “Anyway, I can’t just stand here.” I finished off my hot dog. “I need to find Jessica.”

  As I scanned the crowd, I thought I spotted her next to the gazebo with a group of women. Two of the women—the one who looked like Jessica and another who looked like the assistant I met at her trailer—walked away from the group. Their backs were toward me, so I couldn’t be sure it was them.

  “I think Jessica went inside Vera’s house,” I said.

  “Well, what are you waiting for?” Charlotte said.

  “Let’s go get her,” Alice added.

  “This makes me nervous,” I said as I walked across the lawn toward Vera’s.

  Charlotte walked along beside me. “Vera can’t expect guests not to use the restroom. That will be your excuse for going inside.”

  Charlotte had a point.

  If I was caught, I would pretend to be looking for the ladies’ room. Anyway, I hadn’t spotted Vera yet. Part of me feared she was hiding somewhere watching everyone. Just waiting for her chance to scream for everyone to get off her land.

  The back door was open with just the screen door stopping the bugs from finding their way inside. The hinge squeaked loudly when I opened it. Good thing everyone was talking loudly—I didn’t think they’d heard me. The entrance led right into the spacious kitchen. The room looked as if it had been updated recently with maple cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

  Making my way past the Viking range and Miele dishwasher, I stepped into a hallway. I could see quite a few doors leading off it. It would be easy to get lost in there.

  “How do I know which room to look in?” I whispered.

  Was I the only one in the house? Maybe Vera was inside.

  Charlotte and Alice started poking their heads inside the closed doors.

  “This is a closet,” Charlotte reported.

  “Laundry room,” Alice said.

  I continued my trek down the long hallway. Alice had floated all the way to the end.

  “I bet the bathroom is here.” She poked her head in. “Yep. Here it is.”

  I moved toward it, but before reaching the end of the hall, I looked to my right. That was when I saw a bedroom door partly open.

  “I wonder what’s in here,” I whispered.

  With any luck, I wouldn’t discover Vera. Something told me she wouldn’t be happy to find me poking around. I inched closer to the door. Looking around, I made sure no one was watching.

  “Now you’re making me nervous. I’m not going in until you look first,” Charlotte said.

  With a little nudge of my foot, I had a better view inside the room. An iron bed was covered with a blue-and-white quilt. An old trunk sat at its foot. Photos of Nicole Silver were all over the wall, as if Vera had used them as wallpaper.

  “Whoa. What is going on in here?” Charlotte asked when she caught a glimpse.

  “That’s what I’d like to know,” I said.

  It looked as if Vera had been obsessed with the blond actress. I inched into the room. Just being in there gave me the creeps.

  “This is bizarre,” Alice said. “I knew that woman was crazy.”

  I had to admit this was the strangest thing I’d ever seen.

  Charlotte motioned toward the door. “We should get o
ut of here. If Vera finds out we’ve discovered her little shrine, she’ll be most unhappy.”

  “Why did she leave the door open? She had to know someone might see it when they came inside looking for the powder room,” I said.

  “It was probably an accident and she didn’t mean to leave it like that,” Alice said.

  I studied the wall. There were magazine clippings and even a professional headshot that had been signed by Nicole. “To my biggest fan, Vera,” it read. I bet Nicole had no idea Vera had so many photos of her. The others looked as if they had been taken while on the set of the current movie.

  My hand flew to my mouth. “Look at this shot.”

  Alice and Charlotte came closer.

  “It’s Nicole standing by the pond. That’s my dress,” Alice said. “The one she was wearing the day she was murdered.”

  “That means Vera had to be close to Nicole to take this photo.” Charlotte pointed out. “Maybe close enough to push her in the water.”

  I’d been thinking the same thing. The sound of footsteps grabbed my attention. It was definitely time for me to get out of there. Someone was coming down the hallway. I prayed that someone wasn’t Vera. I rushed over to the door, but the noise was getting louder.

  “Hide in the closet,” Charlotte said.

  “No way.” I’d gotten enough of that during the last escapades with Charlotte. I paused by the door and then peeked out into the hallway. “No one is there.”

  “Maybe the place is haunted,” Charlotte said.

  I glared at her. “Very funny.”

  I stepped out into the hallway and hurried toward the kitchen. I’d almost made it to the door when I ran smack into someone’s muscular chest. A groan escaped my lips.

  “Are you okay?” Dylan asked, holding my upper arms to steady me.

  I looked up at him. “I think so.”

  How had he known I was in the house?

  “I thought I saw you here,” he said.

  “Yes, I was just looking for the restroom. It’s a big house. Easy to get lost.” I couldn’t look him in the eye.

  “It is a big house.”

  “So Vera invited you to the picnic?” I asked.

  The corners of his mouth twisted up. “Does that surprise you?”

  “No. I just meant . . . Well, I don’t know what I meant. I guess I didn’t know she knew so many people.”