Thread Reckoning

by Amanda Lee

  “Hi,” I said with a smile. “I didn’t expect to see you so early in the day.”

  “I just came by to ask what color your dress is,” he said, patting Angus’ head. He nodded at Vera. “Hi, Ms. Langhorne.”

  “Hello, Ted.” She packed up her tote bag. “I’ll get out of your way but will see you both this evening. Thanks for everything, Marcy!”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Ted sat beside me on the sofa and dropped a quick kiss on my cheek. “So, what color is it?”

  “It’s ivory,” I said. “Like these roses here.”

  “You wouldn’t happen to have a scrap of that ribbon left over, would you?”

  “I do.” I went and got Ted about an inch of the ribbon. “What’re you gonna do with that? If you’re thinking cummerbund, I might have to roll off a little more.”

  “Oh, really? You calling me fat?”

  I laughed. “Hardly. But you couldn’t get that piece around a pencil.”

  “I just need to know about what color your dress is,” he said. “And that’s all you need to know.”

  “I had an interesting evening yesterday,” I said.

  “Are you planning on baiting me the entire time I’m here?”

  I smiled. “Maybe.”

  He toyed with a strand of my hair. “Flirt.”

  I giggled. “Okay. Let me tell you about yesterday. Sadie and I went to Lincoln City, where they’re setting everything up for the Antique Week festival. While we were walking along, we ran into David Frist.”

  Ted froze. “Did he accost you in any way?”

  “No. He acted as if it was a coincidence that we ran into each other. Sadie didn’t buy it, and I really didn’t, either. But we didn’t hear from him the rest of the night,” I said. “I did hear from Caleb Santiago Jr., though.”

  “What did he want?”

  “He wanted me to quit calling and asking his dad questions about Francesca Ortega and his mother′s stolen jewelry,” I said.

  “What kind of questions are you calling and asking his dad?”

  “Well . . . I asked Caleb Sr. if he and Francesca had been having an affair and if he’d given the jewelry to her prior to his estranged wife noticing they were missing. He said no and that he liked younger women.”

  Ted shook his head. “What am I gonna do with you, Inch-High?”

  I smiled. “Dance with me.”

  “I will. Just please try to stay out of trouble until then, won’t you?”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  “I have to go.” He stood. “I have a few things to take care of before this evening. I’m looking forward to this.”

  “So am I.”

  After Ted left, I went into my office and quickly finished the rest of the purse on the sewing machine. The back was plain ivory linen, and the straps were silver cording. I was very pleased with how it had turned out.

  I was still admiring my work when the bells over the door alerted me that someone had come into the shop. I set the purse down and went to attend to my customer.

  The customer turned out to be a man. He was young, with black, wavy hair and an athletic build. He looked vaguely familiar.

  “Hi. Welcome to the Seven-Year Stitch. How can I help you?”

  “Marcy?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  He held out a hand. “Nicholas Santiago.”

  “Of course! We met at the lodge,” I said, as I shook his hand. “I take it your brother or your dad sent you?”

  “Yeah, Caleb sent me.” He chuckled. “Junior—my brother, I mean—said he was supposed to come by here and talk with you today, but he’s going to be tied up in business meetings in Toledo all day.” He jerked his head toward Angus. “I don’t think your dog likes me.”

  I frowned. “That’s odd. He likes everybody.” I glanced toward Angus, who was lying near my feet watching Nicholas Santiago warily. There must be something strange about this guy for Angus not to warm up to him.

  He shrugged. “Nice store you’ve got here.”

  “Thank you.”

  “That macramé planter in the back reminds me of all the square knots I had to tie when I was in the navy.”

  “Where were you stationed?” I asked.

  “Jacksonville, Florida,” he said.

  “Did you like it?” I knew from seeing the About Us on the company’s Web site that Nicholas was now heavily involved in the family business.

  “It grew me up. That’s what it was supposed to do, I guess.”

  “Please tell your brother I’m sorry if my phone call upset your father,” I said. “It certainly wasn’t my intention. I just couldn’t—can’t—figure out for the life of me how Francesca Ortega got hold of your mother′s jewels.”

  “She must’ve been craftier than any of us ever thought,” he said. “It’s no big deal to me. It makes sense that you’d think maybe she was fooling around with Dad and he gave them to her. I mean, he and Mom haven’t lived together for a few years now.”

  “I’m glad you see it that way. I don’t think your brother and your dad do, though.”

  He laughed. “Nah. Dad didn’t mind all that much. I think he was just disappointed that you hadn’t called him to express an interest in seeing him again. Caleb is always worried about the business—what people will think, what impression they’ll have, how that will affect stocks or the company’s performance . . . that kind of stuff.”

  “That’s to be expected. He has a lot of responsibility to shoulder.”

  “He does. I help out where I can,” he said, “but Caleb is the brains behind the business.” He took a step closer to me, and Angus growled and showed his teeth.

  “Angus!” I admonished.

  “Whoa,” Nicholas said, backing away. “Watch it there, buddy. I don’t want to have to tangle with you.” He moved closer to the door. “How about I just tell Caleb everything is square now and that you don’t really care about Francesca Ortega and the jewels at all?”

  “Suits me,” I said. “I really do like your family and wouldn’t do anything to hurt the business.” I smiled. “Tell your dad if I was a few years older, I might be interested.”

  He laughed. “If you were a few years older, he wouldn’t be.”

  Even after he left, Angus continued to growl. I was beginning to wonder if there was something else wrong with Angus when Sadie came in.

  “Hi, guys!” she said.

  Angus got up and trotted over to be petted by Sadie.

  “Does he seem all right to you?” I asked.

  “Sure. Why?”

  I explained about Nicholas Santiago being here and Angus going all Cujo on him. “He even growled for a few minutes after the man left, Sadie. It kind of freaked me out. I mean, Angus has always been protective, but he’s usually fine with the people who come into the shop.”

  “True,” she said. “But usually the only men who come in here by themselves are men you know. The others are usually with women. Maybe the fact that this guy was alone seemed threatening to Angus. Or maybe he had on some weird cologne. Did he smell funny?”

  “No. But he could’ve had a dog. . . .”

  “I bet that’s it.” She scratched Angus behind both ears. “Did the baby smell some big mean dog on that old guy? Huh? Did he? Poor baby! We won’t let him come back here anymore. No, we won’t.”

  “Are you psyched about the ball?” I asked.

  “Totally. Are you?”

  “Yes. Ted came in earlier and asked what color my dress was. What do you think that was about?”

  She straightened. “Flowers—has to be. He must be going to get you a corsage or something.” She smiled. “How sweet. Oh, by the way, I found out who Todd’s taking to the ball. She’s a waitress who works for us.”

  “Oh.” I didn’t want to ask how cute she was or what she was like. Really, I didn’t. “Is she cute?”

  “She’s adorable. Not as pretty as you, but cute,” Sadie said.

  “Good,” I said. “Th
at he’s going with her, I mean.”

  “I knew what you meant.”

  I nodded.

  When I got home after work, I was nearly giddy with anticipation. I fed Angus, munched on an energy bar while he ate, and then let him out into the yard. I hurried upstairs, took a quick bath, and then sat before my vanity in my robe to put on my makeup.

  Even though I’d be wearing a mask much of the evening, I wanted my makeup to be perfect. One of the perks of having a mom in the Hollywood costume business is that you get to meet lots of makeup and wardrobe people as you’re growing up. I’d learned makeup tips from some of the best.

  When I was satisfied with my makeup, I took off the robe and slipped into the gorgeous beaded ivory gown and strappy sandals. I couldn’t help smiling at my reflection. I felt just like a princess!

  The doorbell rang. I grabbed my mask and purse and all but floated down the stairs. I peeped out to make sure it was, in fact, Ted, and then I opened the door.

  “Wow,” he said. “Just . . . wow.”

  I laughed. “You’re pretty wow yourself.” He was wearing a black suit with a white tuxedo shirt and bow tie. He was holding his mask at his side.

  He handed me a white calla lily wrapped in ivory ribbon.

  “Thank you,” I said. “It’s lovely.”

  “Are you ready to go?” he asked.

  “I am if you are.”

  He smiled. “I’m ready to show you off to all of Tallulah Falls.”

  He escorted me to his car and held the passengerside door open as I slid inside. As he was driving toward the convention hall, I noticed he kept looking into the rearview mirror.

  “Is anything wrong?” I asked.

  He shook his head. “No. Everything’s great.”

  Still, he kept watching the rearview.

  “Then why are you constantly seeing where we’ve been rather than where we’re going?”

  He frowned slightly. “I get the feeling we’re being tailed.”

  “Maybe we are. Half the town is going to this ball,” I said.

  “I know. It’s just . . . you mentioned David Frist followed you and Sadie to Lincoln City last night—”

  “I didn’t say he followed us,” I interrupted. “I said we ran into him there.”

  “Well, there’s a good chance he wants to run into you again tonight . . . coincidentally, of course.” He glanced sideways at me.

  “You’re right. It pays to be cautious. But he can’t get in, Ted. The event is invitation only.”

  “I know. But if there’s any way around that, he’ll find it.”

  We arrived at the ball. There was valet parking, so Ted handed over his keys, we put on our masks, and went into the ball. Still, Ted kept looking over his shoulder.

  “I’m going to speak with the doorman about security,” he said. “I’ll make sure there’s no way Frist is getting in here tonight. I’ll be right back.”

  “All right. Ooh, I see Vera. I’m going over to say hi.”

  He chuckled. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

  “Look at us,” I squealed to Vera.

  She laughed. “I know! We’re the cat’s pajamas, the bee’s knees, the lion’s mane . . .”

  I joined in her laughter. “Have you seen Blake and Sadie?”

  “Not yet,” she said. “Or, then again, I might have. It’s hard to tell who’s who tonight.”

  She was right. The hall was filled with colorful people—some garish, some more subdued—most wearing masks of various kinds. Many wore full-face masks. Others, like Vera, Ted, and me, wore the masks that covered only our eyes. Mine and Vera’s provided an ornate headdress as well. Some held masks on sticks, and the rest eschewed masks in favor of face paint. Even the members of the orchestra were dressed as Victorian nobles.

  “This is one of the coolest parties I’ve ever been to,” I said.

  “Me, too.” She opened her purse and took out a camera. “Let me get a photo of you.”

  “Oh, let’s have someone take one of us together,” I said. I looked around hoping Ted was on his way back already, but I didn’t see him.

  A man in a full-face Volto mask came to our aid. “Hi, Marcy. Want me to take a picture of you two?”

  “Please,” I said. “Who is that in there?”

  He chuckled. “Who do you think?”

  “Blake,” Vera said. “You can’t fool me.”

  He laughed again. “Never. Marcy, get over there beside her and both of you smile pretty.”

  I got beside Vera and Blake took our picture.

  He handed the camera back to Vera. “I want a copy.”

  “Where’s Sadie,” I asked.

  He lowered his voice. “Bathroom. She’s having some sort of crisis. Will you come see if you can help?”

  “Of course,” I said. “Vera, tell Ted where I’ve gone and that I’ll be back in a jiff.” I turned back to Blake. “Is it the dress? She didn’t get a rip in it or anything, did she?”

  “Nah, I don’t think it’s all that serious. You’ll be able to talk her down from the ledge.” He took my arm and directed me through the crowd. We weaved in and out of groups and couples until we reached a hallway. “Right down here.”

  “Are you sure?” I asked. “It’s kinda dark.”

  “I’m positive.”

  “Marcy!”

  I whirled around at the sound of Blake’s voice. It was Blake, all right. He was only wearing a half mask, and it was plain to see that the Blake at the far end of the hall was the real one. But if he was Blake, then who was this other Blake? I glanced back at Faux Blake to see that he’d pulled a small dagger out of his cloak. I screamed. Real Blake came barreling down the hall and tackled Faux Blake. Vera was tottering along behind Real Blake. I hurried to her side.

  “Nine-one-one!” I yelled in the direction of the crowd. “Emergency!”

  Faux Blake and Real Blake scrambled to their feet. Thankfully, the knife had been dislodged from Faux Blake’s hand. Unfortunately, he was a pretty good fighter without it. He smashed his fist into Real Blake’s nose. I screamed.

  “Tallulah Falls Police,” Ted shouted. “Nobody move.” He stepped between Vera and me, his gun on Faux Blake. He moved closer to them and pulled the mask off Faux Blake’s face. It was Nicholas Santiago.

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  Epilogue

  So, my first masquerade ball lasted about ten minutes—twenty or so, if you count all the “excitement” with Nicholas Santiago . . . which I don’t count, thank you very much. Oh well, there’s always next time.

  After we gave our statements to the Tallulah Falls officers on duty, Ted took me to Captain Moe’s, where we played songs on the jukebox and danced the night away. Captain Moe even cut in for a couple dances.

  Nicholas had been his older brother′s enforcer. That meant both brothers would likely be going to prison for a long time. Francesca had caught Caleb Jr. doing some very imaginative bookkeeping. She’d taken up the matter with Caleb Sr. but he was loyal to his son. Caleb Jr. had fired Francesca and had given her the worthless stock, believing she’d think she was sitting on a gold mine. Smarter than he’d given her credit for being, Francesca investigated the stocks and found them to be junk. She contacted Junior and threatened to turn him over to the SEC. He’d used the jewels to try to keep her quiet. After his mother reported the jewels stolen, he was afraid Francesca would get nervous and tell everything she knew.

  Even after ridding himself of Francesca and retrieving most of the jewels, Junior wanted to get those stocks back. He knew that if Frederic tried to cash them in, he’d learn what Francesca had known. Cassandra went into the apartment and caught Nicholas looking for the stock certificates.

  By the way, David was following us the night of the ball. But he didn’t get in. And he finally gave up on me altogether and returned to California. It had been a coincidence that he was in town at the time of the murder. But I’m glad he’s gone. Mom called the other day to say he’s
working in an art gallery. I hope he’s found his calling. Truly I do.

  Harriet is helping Frederic . . . work through his problems, and I see a rosy future ahead of those two. Even Vera has been bitten by the Valentine bug. She’s seeing a distinguished reporter who interviewed her about the incident at the masquerade ball.

  As for me . . . well, we’ll see.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Amanda Lee lives in southwest Virginia with her husband and two beautiful children, a boy and a girl. She’s a full-time writer/editor/mom/wife and chief cook and bottle washer, and she loves every minute of it. Okay, not the bottle washing so much, but the rest of it is great. Please visit Amanda online at http:­/­/­www.­gayletrent.­com or on Facebook at Gayle Trent and Amanda Lee, Cozy Mystery Writer.

  Also by Amanda Lee

  The Quick and the Thread

  Stitch Me Deadly