Lex nodded sadly. “The apartment on Ninety-first Street—the clandestine chemical lab—is actually owned by Emmett’s mom. But it’s under her maiden name, so it kind of went unnoticed. Emmett had gotten used to staying there alone during the trial. He liked being there as opposed to with his parents, and his mom didn’t mind that. But she didn’t know what he was up to. He started experimenting with all the explosives back in February, when he began to suspect that St. Cecilia’s might’ve been behind the investigation. That’s why traces of it were found in Mother Margaret’s office. When he broke in, he’d had some of it on his shoes, maybe on his gloves. Clandestine laboratories, by the way, are fairly common. Criminals have them in their bathrooms and basements and bedrooms. It’s a big problem. I guess it was thoughtful of Emmett to at least spare his mother from danger.”
“But where was he getting the nitroglycerin?” Park asked.
“He was engineering it himself,” Madison said. “Literally. I mean, that’s how smart he is when it comes to chemistry. He did it by nitrating glycerol, and nitric and sulfuric acids.”
Park nodded. “I’m impressed, Madison. Sounds like you understand chemistry a lot more since reading that report, huh?”
Madison beamed. “I’m so taking physics or advanced chem next year. But getting back to what I was saying about Emmett and the clandestine laboratory…that’s why the FBI was brought in. In this case, they planted an undercover agent to try to find out what was going on. And that agent was Sister Brittany. Whose real name, by the way, is Special Agent Christine Resnick.”
Park sighed. “I always thought she was a little bit of a wack-job. She let students get away with too much. I guess she wouldn’t make a very good nun. What about everything else?”
“The night Cleopatra opened, Emmett pretty much did exactly what we thought Julian did,” Madison said. “He saw Concetta run out of the cage, and his chance to jumble up his own crime, and he used her stiletto to wound Damien after Damien had probably already died from the poison. And it turns out he knocked the DJs out with chloroform, which, for the record, he also made himself.” She smiled. “And remember Friday afternoon, when I saw Damien in the student lounge? Well, he had just come from Mother Margaret’s office, but he hadn’t been alone. Turns out Mary Grace Burns saw Emmett waiting for him in the hall, holding a soda can. That was when Emmett poisoned him.”
“Jesus,” Jeremy said. “That’s so cold.”
Lex took the file from Madison and flipped through the legal documents. “On Thursday night, Damien spotted Emmett coming out of the apartment building on East Ninety-first Street. Damien questioned him about it—and he also saw a book on explosives in Emmett’s backpack. Damien never really made the connection, but he was probably going to mention it to Mother Margaret. And everyone else.”
“Which would’ve exposed Emmett’s plan to seek revenge,” Madison said. “So Emmett knew he had to get rid of Damien. Damien was a threat; he was already suspicious of Emmett and things would’ve only gotten worse. Emmett confessed all of this to the police—he signed a sworn statement and pleaded guilty to avoid a maximum sentence.”
“And Julian?” Park asked.
Lex shrugged. “He’s okay, but he’s spending the summer in rehab. The day I followed him to the Bronx and saw him pay for that little plastic bag down by the construction site? Turns out it was cocaine. And remember the plant you saw in his bag when you met up with him on West Houston Street? It wasn’t jequirity. It was actually cannabis.”
Park shook her head. “Figures. And I guess Jessica is out in the Hamptons with her family, right?”
“Yes,” Madison said. “She wasn’t too nice to us when we tried to talk to her the other day. But apparently she’s giving up on her plans to study medicine. She wants to take up writing instead, so in the fall she’s going to Bennington, not Brown.”
A small commotion suddenly erupted behind them. One of the production assistants was trying to keep someone away from the trailer, but that someone shoved her way past the blue barricade with a loud grunt. Concetta Canoli wasn’t about to be restrained. She was dressed in a pink sarong and a men’s white button-down shirt. She met Park’s eyes and smiled pensively. Then she looked at Madison and Lex and waved.
“Concetta!” Park said. “We’re so glad to see you!”
She nodded and rushed forward, her head held high, her voluptuous body swaying in typical Concetta fashion. She hugged Park. She air-kissed Madison and Lex. “I know I’m not supposed to be on the set bothering you,” she said, clearing her throat nervously, “but I never really got the chance to thank you for saving me. For saving everyone.”
“You’re not bothering us,” Park assured her. “And I’m glad you came. You’re looking fabulous.”
“I think you look great in pink,” Lex told her.
“Truly beautiful,” Madison said.
“Thank you.” Concetta smiled again. Then she turned around and stared up at Jeremy. Her cheeks flushed. She started twirling a strand of her hair. “Hi,” she said breathlessly. “I’m such a big fan of yours.”
Jeremy smiled politely. Then he glanced down at Concetta’s feet. No stilettos. Relief flooded him.
“Well, I guess that leaves only me to talk about.”
They all spun around.
Special Agent Christine Resnick—a.k.a. Sister Brittany—pushed past the security guards as she flashed them her badge. She was dressed in jeans and a black blazer, and her short hair was spiky and actually quite flattering.
“Oh my God!” Lex said. “Sister Brittany!”
Special Agent Resnick laughed. “Not anymore. I’m done with wearing veils.”
“Thank you for saving us, by the way,” Madison said. “We never got a chance to say that to you.”
“Hey, I never got a chance to thank you girls for doing such a great job on this case,” Special Agent Resnick replied. “If you hadn’t found the jequirity plants or created that time line or invaded Emmett McQueen’s secret lab…well, we might not all be here today.”
The reality of the situation prompted a moment of stunned silence. Madison, Park, and Lex stared down at the ground. So did Coco. Concetta made the sign of the cross without ever taking her eyes off Jeremy.
Special Agent Resnick said, “But the good news is that it all worked out. I hear that because of you girls, the prime minister’s wife has begun wearing Triple Threat everywhere in London.”
Lex gave a thumbs-up. “It’s the only way to dress. And because of that roll in the mud in Central Park, I’ve decided to start a new line of cosmetics. My skin’s been amazing after that.”
“Mine too.” Madison nodded. “And the other amazing news is that Cleopatra is reopening next week!”
Special Agent Resnick pulled a miniature bottle of champagne out of her purse and handed it to Park. “I just wanted to say break a leg. I think you’re going to be great in this movie.”
“Totally great,” Lex echoed.
Jeremy slipped his arm around Park. “Babe, we’ve got to get ready. Shooting starts in ten minutes.”
“Oh, wait,” Special Agent Resnick said. She took a small envelope out of her side pocket and handed it to Madison. “This is actually for you, Park, and Lex. It’s some information on a new internship program the FBI is developing for teenagers who are interested in forensics and crime-fighting. The Bureau thinks you girls would be a perfect fit.”
Lex gasped. “Give me that envelope!”
“We’ll think about it,” Madison said with a smile.
“You should.” Special Agent Resnick nodded. “Because fashion and forensics can go hand in hand.”
Madison held out her hand. “We’ll be in touch, Agent Resnick.” She couldn’t help but smile as she watched the ex-nun cross through the barricade and disappear into the thickening crowds.
“You think we’ll ever see her again?” Lex asked hopefully.
Madison smirked. “Ya know, for some strange reason, I totally think we w
ill.” She turned around suddenly, catching a glimpse of Theo out of the corner of her eye.
He strode toward her carrying a bouquet of red roses, a bottle of champagne, and a quart of milk. He didn’t bother to muffle his laughter as he handed the gifts over to her.
“Very funny,” Madison snapped.
“Well, I figured you’d need something to keep you calm.” He plucked a puffy strand of baby’s breath from the bouquet and slipped it into her hair. “Now, that looks a lot better than the jequirity plant you had on your head last Friday night.”
Madison sighed, then smiled. “What am I going to do with you, Theo West?”
Lex didn’t say anything as she watched Theo and Madison poke each other and laugh. They really did look happy. She suddenly felt guilty for being so lame about him. When Theo turned to look at her, she frowned and gave his shoulder a slug.
He got the hint. “Thanks,” he said quietly.
A minute later, Park came out of the makeup trailer, dressed and primped for filming. She was wearing torn jeans and a bloodstained T-shirt. Dirt matted her face and a fake cut ran across her forehead in an ugly red line.
“Places!” The director’s voice boomed across the set.
“Well,” Park said, staring at Madison and Lex. “I guess this is it. I guess you guys have to leave to catch your flight to Italy, right? It’s going to be a long six weeks without you.” She cleared her throat, fighting back tears.
Madison and Lex exchanged a furtive glance.
“Actually, we’re not,” Madison said. “That’s a little surprise. We’re not going.”
“What?” Park nearly screamed.
“Mom is on her way here,” Lex explained. “She said she couldn’t imagine not being here to see you make your first movie.”
“Oh!” For the first time in a long time, Park lost control of her emotions. Her face lit up happily. “I can’t believe it! This makes me feel so much better!” She launched into her sisters’ arms and held the embrace.
It really did feel good to finally have a quiet moment together, to know that everything was okay.
After a long, deep breath, Park turned and ran across the set, taking her place in front of the camera.
“Hey.” Theo waved his hand to get their attention. “Anybody want an espresso?”
“Two, please,” Madison replied.
Theo nodded and jogged over to one of the production assistants.
“I think it’s going to be a good summer,” Madison said confidently.
“Yeah, me too.” Lex looked at Madison. “But I thought you were going to tell Park the other big news. Why didn’t you say anything?”
Madison shrugged as the cameras started rolling. “We’ll tell her about it later. She’s too busy right now. Besides, there’s only so much news a girl can take.”
“I guess you’re right.” Lex slipped on her sunglasses. Then she bent her head to one side and listened as a police siren blared in the distance. “Sounds like they’re playing our song a few streets over,” she said with a chuckle.
Madison winked at her sister. “Proof that New York is our town.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Talk about being lucky: I get to write about cool characters, hot clubs, and all the adventures that fall in between. But I don’t do it alone, and that’s what really makes me lucky.
My editor, Krista Marino, is smarter, classier, and cooler than any character I could have imagined. She is a gift and a guiding light. Two words sum her up: the best.
Michael Bourret has the difficult job of putting up with me, and he does this with enthusiasm, professionalism, and warmth. I am ever grateful for his support…and for his uncanny ability to respond to e-mails within seconds.
Beverly Horowitz and the excellent team at Delacorte Press make it all possible, and I am both honored and humbled to be a part of such a wonderful and vibrant literary community.
Angela Carlino has amazing creative vision and instinct, and so much good cheer. It is always a joy to work with her.
Noreen Marchisi does a masterful job of rousing the crowds and getting the word out. She is every celebutante’s dream publicist. (And mine too!)
I am fortunate to have such an extraordinary family and circle of friends. Bless you, one and all.
Antonio Pagliarulo was born and raised in New York City. After the publication of The Celebutantes: On the Avenue, he acquired his first Dolce & Gabbana suit (along with several Zegna shirts), and gave up window-shopping. When not writing, he’s usually lunching in midtown Manhattan. You’ll never spot him without a book.
Don’t miss Madison, Park, and
Lexington Hamilton in…
TO THE PENTHOUSE
the Celebutantes
coming in fall 2008
ALSO BY ANTONIO PAGLIARULO
A Different Kind of Heat
The Celebutantes: On the Avenue
Published by Delacorte Press an imprint of Random House Children’s Books a division of Random House, Inc. New York
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Text copyright © 2008 by Antonio Pagliarulo
Crest illustration copyright © 2008 by Christopher Sleboda
All rights reserved.
DELACORTE PRESS and colophon are registered trademarks of Random House, Inc.
www.randomhouse.com/teens
Educators and librarians, for a variety of teaching tools, visit us at www.randomhouse.com/teachers
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Pagliarulo, Antonio.
The celebutantes: in the club / Antonio Pagliarulo.
p. cm.
Summary: Wealthy triplets Madison, Park, and Lexington Hamilton are shocked when one of their classmates at St. Cecilia’s Prep is killed during the opening of their father’s newest nightclub, but even after they narrow down the suspects to the members of a secret campus role-playing club, the murderer is not obvious.
[1. Murder—Fiction. 2. Wealth—Fiction. 3. Triplets—Fiction. 4. Sisters—Fiction. 5. Role-playing—Fiction. 6. Catholic schools—Fiction. 7. Schools—Fiction. 8. New York (N.Y.)—Fiction. 9. Mystery and detective stories.] I. Title.
PZ7.P148Cd 2008
[Fic]—dc22
2007007931
eISBN: 978-0-375-84654-0
v3.0
In the Club Page 26