Outrageous Vegas Vacation (An Agnes Barton Senior Sleuths Mystery Book 8)

by Madison Johns

  Wilson moved forward and waited while a rare ribeye steak was placed on his plate and he moved along, smothering it with grilled mushrooms and onions, before he loaded his plate with additional items.

  After the steak counter, Eleanor and I went over to the seafood line, which was quite lengthy. “I’ll wait here,” I said. “I can load up with crab legs while you find me some fried chicken.”

  “We continued along in this tag-team way and our table was loaded with more food than any of us could eat, while the middle of the table quickly filled with discarded crab leg shells.

  I pushed myself away from the table finally. “I’m stuffed.”

  “And I’m hitting the dessert bar,” Eleanor said, as she sprinted over there with Wilson following her.

  “I can’t eat another bite.”

  “Me either, Agnes. Are you sure you want to head over to the Mirage tonight? I was given tickets in the lounge for a Tony Bennett show. He’s doing a small show for us senior citizen-types. Did you know that Ted is really the manager here, not his son?” Andrew said.

  “I just learned that. So, he’s the one who gave you the tickets?”

  “Yes. It was nice of him to have thought about us.”

  I nodded, but I really wanted to go to the Mirage tonight. “How about we check out the show and me and Eleanor can go over to the Mirage afterward? That way we can kill two birds with one stone.”

  Andrew sighed. “I had hoped that we could have some time alone, and I wouldn’t be having to entertain myself while you and Eleanor gallivant all over.”

  “I’m sorry, but you know I have to look into this case.”

  “You do know the police are quite capable of finding the killer all by themselves, right? That they do it all the time and are trained to do it well.”

  “I know that, but Kayla hired us, remember? And we just came from her dressing room. They had to cancel her show because she received a threatening phone call again. It has to be related to Malcolm’s death.”

  “From my recollection, I thought it had to do with Malcolm stealing her money. Have you ever thought that she might be the one who killed him? She certainly had a reason.”

  “Yes, but she can’t be sending herself threatening phone calls now, can she?”

  “Were you actually there when one came in?”

  “No, but she said she was receiving those calls before Malcolm died.”

  “I’m just saying that it’s something to think about. I’m fine with you going tonight, but I insist I come along. It will be late by the time we get over there.”

  Andrew made some valid points, but in my gut, I just didn’t see Kayla as capable of murder or plotting this entire thing. What purpose would she have to lie about the threatening phone calls and continue to say she was getting them after Malcolm’s death?

  Chapter Thirteen

  All I could do was watch Eleanor and Wilson devour the desserts they had piled on their plates. After Andrew paid the bill, we headed to the lounge as he told Eleanor and Wilson where we were going and how he was given tickets by Ted.

  “I can’t believe we’ll be able to see Tony Bennett in an intimate setting. It was certainly nice that Ted gave us the tickets,” Eleanor said.

  “Yes, that’s very exciting and after the show we can head over to the Mirage.”

  “Do you really think that poker game will still be on when we get there, Agnes?”

  “I’m not sure, but I can’t think of any other way we’ll be able to catch the president of the Foxworth Agency. He might be headed back to LA tomorrow.”

  “If you think so, I guess it can’t hurt to check.”

  We were led to the table in the lounge that happened to be right in front of the stage.

  When we sat down, Eleanor said, “I’m so excited. I’ve never dreamed that I’d ever get the chance to see Tony Bennett perform. He’s so dreamy.”

  “Huh!” Wilson said.

  “Not as dreamy as you, honey,” Eleanor quickly added.

  “He’s a great singer and I love his songs,” I said.

  It wasn’t long before we were given the martinis we ordered that I noticed a showgirl sitting at the next table. She was wearing a skimpy beaded gold outfit that barely covered her breasts, but was just enough to make it decent to walk around in the casino. She had a satiny skirt that covered the bottom of her outfit.

  She smoothed back a strand of her blonde hair that had come loose from the feathered headpiece she wore.

  “This is so great, Michael. I hope I can see some of the show. I’d sure have something to brag about to my mother then,” the girl said to her companion.

  “I didn’t know you’ve spoken to her, Bambi. It was my understanding that she didn’t approve of your occupation,” the middle aged man sitting across from her said.

  “She still doesn’t, but she sure wasn’t complaining when I sent her the funds she needed to pay off her house.”

  “Oh? And where did you get that much money? I haven’t been that generous.”

  I had to bite my lower lip. This had to be Bambi Baboom and her boyfriend, Michael D’Anna. Perhaps they’d have to delay finding the president of the Foxworth Agency. It was the perfect time to question them, separately hopefully. Did a showgirl make enough to pay off her mother’s house?

  The music and spotlight came up and Tony Bennett was announced. When he took the stage, the audience became so silent that you could hear a pin drop until applause rippled through the crowd. Everything was impeccable about him, from the blue suit to his dark complexion and silver hair.

  The audience swayed and couples moved closer to the songs he sang both new and old. Every so often, I glanced over in Bambi’s direction and her attention was not focused on the stage at all, but on a small velvet box that was slid toward her. Her facial expression read that she was ecstatic and the squeal of delight that was mirrored on her face was unheard by the sound of Tony Bennett’s singing.

  I directed my attention not at the stage, but at my Andrew, who then smiled at me. I was happier than any woman could be with my husband by my side. If only I could enjoy our life without the constant need to investigate crimes no matter where we went. But for now, I pushed the thoughts of this case aside and leaned my head on Andrew’s shoulders. Why, even Eleanor and Wilson seemed to be enjoying the entertainment.

  On the last number, I glanced around and Bambi was nowhere in sight, but Michael was still seated next to us. It was very important for me to find her and soon. I whispered that I needed to use the restroom and motioned with my head toward the door until Eleanor stood and walked with me.

  Once we were outside, Eleanor asked, “What’s happening? I’d hate to miss the last number.”

  “Me, too, but I’d like to catch Bambi before she comes back. It’s our chance to question her without that boyfriend of hers interfering.”

  “But won’t we need to talk to him, too?”

  “Yes, but after we speak to Bambi. Her boyfriend Michael might have the best motive for murder, yet.”

  We walked into the bathroom and sure enough, Bambi was at the mirror, primping herself. She was rubbing lotion on her neck that must have been a bronzer since it colored her skin. No wonder showgirls looked so tan.

  “You’re very beautiful,” Eleanor said, getting Bambi’s attention.

  “Well, thanks.” She giggled, her voice sounding very Marilyn Monroe-ish.

  “Didn’t I just see you in the lounge?” I asked.

  “Oh, yes. I just love Tony Bennett, don’t you?”

  “Yes, but you’re younger than his normal fans.”

  “Maybe, but my mother was a huge fan.”

  “Oh, and what does she say about you being a showgirl?”

  “She doesn’t like it very much, but recently, I was able to help her pay her house off.”

  “Oh, I had no idea that showgirls got paid that well.”

  “It was from one of my gentlemen friends.”

  “Oh, the man I saw
you with at the lounge?”

  “No, that’s Michael D’Anna. He just gave me the nicest diamond ring. Isn’t it lovely?” She flashed it at us.

  “So, congratulations are in order?” I asked.

  She giggled. “Oh, no. Michael is married.”

  “Oh, I sure had that mixed up, but I’d love to hear which one of your men friends gave you the money for your mother.”

  She sighed. “I probably shouldn’t say, since I’d hate to slander the man’s name. He was found dead not long ago.”

  My heart began to beat hard now. Was she going to say what I hoped she would? “Was his name Malcolm Banktop perhaps?”

  Her face visibly paled now and no bronzer could take that away. Her body trembled slightly as she asked, “Who are you?”

  “I’m Agnes and this is Eleanor. We’ve been hired to look into Malcolm’s death by Kayla White.”

  Bambi’s palms hit the counter and she went limp. Eleanor raced forward and between the both of us, we eased the showgirl to the floor. Only then did her headpiece come off and her blonde hair piled out. Now, this wasn’t the reaction I had expected. I expected her to deny she knew Malcolm and come up with a slew of excuses on where she was when he was murdered.

  Her eyelids fluttered open and tears trailed down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry for Kayla. I didn’t know where the money came from that Malcolm gave me, I swear. I almost wish I hadn’t taken that money last week.”

  “Let’s get you off the floor, dear,” I said.

  We helped her up and wandered into the lounge part of the bathroom where we each took a seat, since the room had comfortable chairs and even a television attached to the wall. There was also a table with a box of tissue.

  I handed Bambi a tissue and she noisily blew her nose.

  “We didn’t mean to upset you. We’ve been wanting to talk to you. It was told to us that you and Malcolm were involved.”

  “Y-Yes, but whatever you do, please don’t tell Michael, he’d kill me if he found out.”

  Eleanor leaned forward. “Oh, is that what you think happened? Michael killed Malcolm?”

  “Oh, no. I mean, I don’t think he even knew about me and Malcolm. We kept it very quiet.”

  “Not too quiet, if Kayla knew.”

  “I can imagine that Malcolm told her since they were very close.”

  “Did you have any reason to want to harm Malcolm yourself?”

  “No, I suppose not, since he gave me fifty-thousand dollars.”

  We gasped. “Wow, that is quite the sum,” I admitted. “When did he give that to you in relation to when he was murdered?”

  Bambi massaged her forehead as if she was in deep thought. “About a week before. You should have been there when I gave it to my mother. She was about to lose her house.”

  “And your mother’s name is?”

  “Sherry Trey, but I hope you won’t be bothering her. I’d hate for her to find out about the money and where I got it from.”

  “Getting back to the money, under what circumstances did Malcolm give you the money?” I asked.

  “During pillow talk time?” Eleanor asked in a sarcastic tone of voice.

  I gave Eleanor one of my looks instead of wasting my time by telling her to not be so judgmental. It didn’t help and I needed Bambi to trust us. That way she’d give us more information.

  I took Bambi’s hand into mine. “We really need to know.”

  “We’d been seeing each other for a few months, right after he showed up in Vegas with Kayla in tow. I’m afraid it didn’t take too long before we became involved.”

  “What was it about Malcolm that had you weak in the knees?” Eleanor asked. “From the pictures I’ve seen, he didn’t look any better than any other man.”

  “He’s so sweet, or I mean he was. I’ve never met a more charming man. He invited me to dinner with Kayla and before I knew it, I was in their social circles. My boyfriend Michael was always so busy traveling between Vegas and Chicago.”

  “So you had plenty of time to play while your boyfriend was away?”

  “I can’t imagine you’d understand why I would do something like that, but Malcolm has done a lot for my career.”

  “Career?”

  “Well, I had a minor role in Jubilee, it’s one of the shows over at Bally’s, but Malcolm knew the director and I auditioned for a lead role.”

  “And they gave it to you just like that,” I said, shocked.

  “Oh, no. Malcolm had Kayla’s choreographers work with me so that I’d be prepared for the audition. And I was so happy when I landed the role. My name is even on the marquee at the Bally’s entranceway.”

  “So, if you have a job over at Bally’s, how did you meet Malcolm and why are you here, dressed in your showgirl costume? Wouldn’t Bally’s be upset if they knew you were over here wearing their costume?”

  “I don’t wear my Bally’s costume here. I’m paid by the management here to walk around and drum up business for their shows. They have their own costume for me to wear.”

  “You didn’t answer my question about how you met Malcolm?”

  “Oh, right. He’s quite the partier and could be found in the bars and lounges, once he had tucked Kayla upstairs.”

  “So, when did the discussion about money come up?”

  “Not the first night we were together, that’s for sure.” She giggled. “That came about a month later. I merely told Malcolm that I had just learned that my mother was losing her house and I didn’t want to see that happen. She’s only on disability and can’t work.”

  “So why not help her out with your wages?” Eleanor asked.

  “I would have if I had known she was that behind, but she didn’t tell me until a few days ago.”

  “I thought you just said you took the money a week ago from Malcolm?”

  “Oh, did I? I’m really no good at dates.”

  “Did Malcolm happen to mention where the money he gave you came from?”

  Bambi hung her head for a moment before she met my eyes again. “I wasn’t sure about that until later, when one of Kayla’s dancers mentioned that they heard Malcolm was skimming money from her.”

  “So you put it together?” Eleanor asked.

  “Yes, but by then I had already given my mother the money and she paid off her house with it.”

  “Did your mother tell you that?”

  “Y-Yes.”

  “Are you positive your boyfriend didn’t know about Malcolm?” I grilled her.

  “I’m positive that he didn’t.”

  “How can you be?” Eleanor asked.

  “Because I only saw Malcolm when he was out-of-town.”

  “It wouldn’t surprise me if he knew. From the looks of Michael, I’m thinking he has connections here, like the ones that would tell him what’s going on behind his back.”

  “Possibly even one that might take care of the competition,” Eleanor said.

  Bambi stood up. “No, I don’t believe that. Michael didn’t know about me and Malcolm, I swear.”

  “How well do you know Kayla?”

  “I’ve had dinner and drinks with them before and attended the upstairs parties.”

  “The paid-to-party, parties?”

  Bambi laughed. “Is that what Kayla is calling it? It’s just the normal after-show parties that most musical artist have.”

  “Were you aware that Malcolm charged partygoers?”

  “So what if he did? There’s nothing wrong with that, in my opinion. If they’re willing to pay, it’s on them. Although Kayla always seemed to crash early.”

  “And were you also aware that her room was damaged?”

  “No,” Bambi said, shocked. “I can’t imagine a party that out-of-hand up there. Were the police called in?”

  “No, but they’re aware now.”

  “What I’d like to know,” Eleanor said, “was at what point were you aware of where that money came from?”

  “I already said it was after he gave me the
money a few days ago.”

  “So, you’re sticking with that timeframe now?” I asked.

  “Yes.”

  “So, you’d have me believe that Malcolm gave you money that he stole from Kayla. You then gave it to your mother?”

  “Exactly.”

  “Did you call the police when you found out?”

  “N-No I didn’t. I thought it might be better if Kayla never found out, especially after Malcolm died.”

  “Did Malcolm directly tell you where that money came from?”

  “No, but it was pretty easy to put together.”

  “And you never even asked him?” Eleanor asked.

  “No. I didn’t want him to ask for the money back.”

  “So, for purely selfish reasons, you chose not to be all that concerned that you were given stolen money. Money stolen from the pop star Kayla White, who you’ve both met and partied with?”

  Bambi hiccupped as she cried now. “You act like I did all of this on purpose.”

  “Actually, I think you did. Did you kill Malcolm to shut him up about the money? After all, you’re an accessory after-the-fact.”

  Bambi’s attitude changed now as she stomped her way to the door and said over her shoulder, “Go ahead and try to prove that. I’ll deny this conversation ever happened if you tell the police what I told you.”

  When the door shut behind her, I just shook my head. “And to think I felt Bambi might also be the victim here,” I said.

  “Give me a break,” Eleanor spouted off. “I didn’t believe one word that came out of her mouth, including that her boyfriend Michael didn’t know about her affair with Malcolm.”

  “Let’s get moving and try to corner the boyfriend before he disappears.”

  We walked out of the bathroom and Michael D’Anna walked over to us. “I don’t know what you said to Bambi, but you’ve made her quite upset.”

  “Perhaps you should ask your girlfriend what she’s hiding from you.”

  “Nothing gets past me, and with a girl like Bambi, it’s expected that she’d be playing men on the side. She tried getting money out of me, too, with that mother story of hers, but I wasn’t buying it for a moment. I didn’t mind too much that she toyed with men to get money out of them. It’s not like she was sleeping with them.”