The limousine ride from Fifth Avenue to Park may as well have been from Manhattan to the moon. Minutes passed like hours. Zeke and Toby would usually have been teasing their sister and joking around but this afternoon even they weren’t in the mood. As the car pulled up in front of the store, paparazzi surrounded the vehicle.
‘Here we are, family. Smile for the cameras. Remember, we are Finkelsteins and proud of that fact.’ Morrie reached over and grabbed Gerda’s hand and together they led the way through the crowd.
The salon was magnificent. In the tradition of the Palace of Versailles, Morrie had flown in the finest European craftsmen to complete his vision. The smaller rooms would play host to their usual tea parties but Morrie was certain that the grand ballroom would be the venue of choice for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and any other significant occasions this side of the Hudson River.
‘I just want to say thank you, friends, for being here this afternoon to celebrate this milestone in Finkelstein history. Our Grand Salon is without doubt the finest establishment in New York City and I suspect in the whole of the United States of America,’ declared Morrie. He stood in front of the microphone like a peacock.
‘My apologies for moving the party forward a few hours. It is in deference to our good friends over on Fifth Avenue; I was horrified to think that we might clash with their grand reopening. And you know I hate to miss a party.’
Lucinda couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. Her father was making the most awful spectacle of himself.
‘So please, everyone, make yourselves at home.’ Morrie smiled like a fox with a free pass to the hen house.
Lucinda watched her father leave the stage and move from group to group. The Barringtons, the Daytons, the Schwarzkopfs, they were all there, lapping up his charm.
‘Excuse me, Papa.’ Lucinda tapped Morrie on the shoulder. ‘Did you really say that you and Mama are going to the opening of Highton’s this evening?’
‘Of course, darling, we always support our friends in this city.’ Morrie smiled at his daughter and at Bernadette and Bob Barrington, who were standing beside him.
‘But you hate Cecelia Highton-Smith,’ Lucinda spat. She could feel a flame-red rash creeping up her neck, setting fire to her cheeks.
‘Lucinda, don’t be ridiculous. Morrie Finkelstein doesn’t hate anyone,’ her father scoffed.
‘Yes, you do. You pulled me out of school because I made friends with Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones, you caused so much trouble for them and now you’re going to the opening. How dare you?’ Lucinda accused.
Gerda Finkelstein had been watching the exchange from a distance while Rita Schwarzkopf told her about her daughter’s latest astonishing achievements.
‘Excuse me, Rita, I’ve got to go.’ Gerda raced across the floor and stood between her husband and daughter.
‘Tell him, Mama. Tell Papa where we went this week,’ Lucinda demanded.
‘Lucinda, please calm down. This is not the time or place.’ Gerda’s forehead puckered like rows of cross-stitch.
Morrie frowned.
‘Of course it’s not the time or place. It never will be. You’re a hypocrite, Papa, you’re disgusting and I’m ashamed to be related to you,’ Lucinda shouted. Everyone in the ballroom froze.
Even the orchestra fell silent.
‘Lucinda Finkelstein, I will not be spoken to in that manner,’ Morrie whispered. ‘I think you need to come with me, young lady.’ He grabbed her by the wrist.
Morrie led Lucinda from the ballroom to a small office where he directed her to sit down.
‘Don’t you ever speak to me like that again,’ he fumed.
‘Or what? You’ll send me to boarding school? I’d love that,’ Lucinda retaliated.
A telephone rang in Morrie’s pocket.
He pulled the device out and stared at the screen.
‘Oh, for goodness sakes, what now?’ He stormed out of the room and slammed the door.
Lucinda watched her father through a glass panel as he stood in the hallway. His face was red and whoever was on the telephone only seemed to be adding to his already foul mood. She stood up and opened the door to listen.
‘You can’t do that,’ Morrie whispered savagely. ‘It wasn’t part of the plan and I’m not paying you any more money. You’ve done your job. No more.’
Lucinda wondered who he was speaking to.
‘But that would make me a monster.’ Morrie rubbed the side of his face. ‘Don’t threaten me. You don’t know who you’re dealing with. There will be no bomb, you idiot.’
Lucinda’s heart pounded. She closed the door and retreated back inside the office. Her father terminated the call and stormed off down the hallway.
Lucinda waited a minute, then checked to see that he had really gone. She needed to get to Highton’s and fast – if someone was planting a bomb then hundreds of lives were in danger, including her best friend’s.
Alice-Miranda adored the cream silk dress with the drop waist and giant teal-green bow she had chosen to wear to the opening. A pair of matching teal ballet flats completed her outfit perfectly.
Cecelia had been ready for hours and was back downstairs with Mr Gruber doing a final check of the store. There were hordes of people running this way and that, delivering flowers and food and setting up entertainment. Her father had returned to New York after lunch but he had disappeared almost immediately and when he finally arrived back at the apartment he had gone straight into the study and asked not to be disturbed. Every time Alice-Miranda had tried to have some time alone with him, the phone rang, or someone summoned him to look at something important, or he simply vanished.
Alice-Miranda was in the kitchen pouring herself a glass of water when Dolly Oliver appeared.
‘Mrs Oliver, is that you?’ she gasped. Dolly had selected a figure-hugging gold Chantilly lace gown and matching bolero jacket to wear for the evening.
‘Yes, just me, dear. I was a bit worried I might look like a piece of old mutton trying to pass for spring lamb,’ the older woman laughed.
‘No, not at all. I think that dress is perfect on you. And your hair is amazing,’ Alice-Miranda replied.
Dolly Oliver’s trademark impenetrable brown curls had been straightened into a very becoming short bob.
‘You know, dear, I thought I’d just throw caution to the wind. Have some fun. Apart from the family nobody knows me in this city so why shouldn’t I mix things up a little?’ Dolly raised her eyebrows.
Alice-Miranda glanced at the clock on the kitchen wall. ‘We should head downstairs soon. I’ll go and find Daddy.’
‘Well, dear, I’ll meet you in the hall. I’m sure your mother will be after as much moral support as she can get. I still can’t believe that Morrie Finkelstein has the gall to turn up tonight. That man has a cheek and a half.’ Dolly fished about in her purse and pulled out a small compact. She delicately powdered her nose then snapped the case closed. ‘Not bad for an old bird,’ she said to herself.
Alice-Miranda met her father as he emerged from the study.
‘Hello Daddy,’ she said as Hugh scooped her into his arms. ‘There’s something I really need to talk to you about.’
Hugh kissed Alice-Miranda on the cheek. ‘I’m sorry, darling. I’ve been so distracted. Tomorrow, I promise. Just you and me and Mummy. We’ll spend the day together and you can tell me everything.’
Alice-Miranda tried again. ‘But Daddy –’
‘Is it life or death? I think your mother really needs us downstairs.’
Alice-Miranda smiled and shook her head. Her discovery would just have to wait.
‘My goodness, who’s that?’ Hugh peered down the hallway at Dolly tottering towards them on her heels.
He wolf-whistled cheekily.
Dolly’s
cheeks were aflame. ‘Oh, get off with you,’ she protested.
‘Gee, if I wasn’t married, Dolly,’ Hugh teased.
‘Then you’d be the most eligible bachelor I know.’ Dolly turned her cheek towards Hugh, which he dutifully kissed.
The lift arrived and transported the trio to the ground floor, where they had been given strict instructions on where to stand to greet the arrivals. The official business would take place early in the evening on a specially built stage on the first floor mezzanine. Afterwards, the entire staff would be on hand to take small groups of guests on tours of the whole store where they could sample the different themed food and entertainment on each floor. Alice-Miranda couldn’t wait to take her friends up to the see the toy emporium.
‘Hello Mummy, Mr Gruber.’ Alice-Miranda skipped towards her mother and Gilbert, who were standing by the front doors. ‘The store looks gorgeous and so do both of you.’ Alice-Miranda particularly admired Mr Gruber’s sequinned black bow tie.
‘Thank you, darling,’ Cecelia cooed. ‘You look pretty gorgeous yourself.’
Gilbert Gruber winked at Alice-Miranda.
After the fiasco with the rose suppliers, Cecelia had a change of heart and decided to go with an entirely white theme of lilies, tulips, hydrangeas and lily of the valley. Huge floral arrangements were now peppered among the cosmetics counters and perfume displays.
Hugh greeted his wife with a kiss. ‘Darling, you’ve outdone yourself.’
‘Thank you, sweetheart,’ she said, and then frowned. ‘But are you sure everything is all right?’
‘Perfect, I’d say. I can’t see what else you could have done,’ Hugh replied, looking about the lavish room.
‘No, I didn’t mean with the store. With you.’ She searched her husband’s face for clues. He’d been very mysterious about his unscheduled trip back home and Cecelia couldn’t help thinking there was something dreadful that he hadn’t told her.
‘As soon as this is over, I promise I’ll tell you everything,’ Hugh whispered. ‘But tonight you enjoy yourself. Heaven’s knows you’ve worked hard enough to bring it all together and I’m so proud of you.’
Cecelia smiled. Hugh had never disappointed her before. She didn’t like to think he’d start now.
The first guests began to arrive. Onto the red carpet sauntered the mayor of New York, always keen for a photo opportunity, followed at close call by several movie stars, important business people, models, designers and celebrities.
Alice-Miranda smiled and said hello to everyone as she stood alongside her parents and Mr Gruber at the end of the red carpet.
‘Look Mummy, there’s Ava and her mother.’ Alice-Miranda waved furiously as her friend alighted from the Highton’s limousine, which had been sent to pick them up.
Flashes surrounded the pair as they walked the length of the red carpet, stopping to pose for the paparazzi.
When they reached Alice-Miranda, Ava squealed.
‘That was awesome! Now I know what it feels like to be a star – and I think I kinda liked it.’ She grinned from ear to ear and executed a couple of interesting dance moves.
‘Why don’t you and your mother go and take a look around. I won’t be too long,’ Alice-Miranda suggested.
Another fleet of limousines arrived and out hopped Granma Clarrie, Maryanne and Quincy. Eldred and Isaac were already upstairs on the fifth floor among the menswear, setting up to play later in the evening.
Granma Clarrie was wearing heels and a figure-hugging black beaded gown that must have weighed almost as much as she did.
Quincy and her mother giggled as Granma Clarrie stopped and posed for every single camera along the carpet.
‘I’m ninety-six years of age young man, almost ninety-seven, in fact, and I’m hotter than a sizzling barbecue plate.’ She blew kisses to everyone.
‘Granma Clarrie, you look incredible,’ Alice-Miranda exclaimed and hugged the old woman.
‘I know,’ she said. ‘Thank you very much for having us tonight. And who do we have here?’ She looked Gilbert Gruber up and down. ‘If you were twenty years older, young man . . .’
Alice-Miranda giggled, then formally introduced them.
‘Well, Mr Gilbert Gruber, I hope you’ve worn your dancing shoes,’ Granma Clarrie said with a wink. ‘Now where’s that champagne?’
Quincy put her face in her hands and shook her head. ‘Mama, can you please try to keep Granma Clarrie under control?’
‘I’ll do my best, honey, but I can’t promise.’
‘Good luck, Maryanne.’ Hugh Kennington-Jones grinned and raised his eyebrows.
Within half an hour most of the guests had arrived and the family had retreated inside to mingle. Alice-Miranda was about to head off and find her friends when another limousine pulled up.
Morrie and Gerda Finkelstein emerged from the car. Morrie stormed towards the entrance with Alice-Miranda firmly in his sights.
‘Where’s my daughter?’ he demanded.
‘I’m sorry, Mr Finkelstein, but I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ Alice-Miranda replied.
‘Where are you hiding her?’ She has to be in there somewhere,’ he snapped.
Gerda Finkelstein’s eyes were red and she looked as though she’d been crying.
‘Alice-Miranda, are you sure she isn’t here?’ Gerda begged.
‘I haven’t seen her,’ Alice-Miranda replied.
‘You’re lying,’ Morrie spat. ‘You’re a Highton, you’re always lying.’ He pushed his way inside, snatched a glass of champagne from the nearest waiter and stalked off, scanning the crowd.
‘Mrs Finkelstein, why do you think Lucinda came here?’ Alice-Miranda asked.
‘Because she told me that you’re the only person who truly understands her. And she’s not at home and I can’t imagine where else she would have gone,’ Gerda sniffed.
‘How long has she been missing?’ Alice-Miranda asked.
‘She and her father had an argument an hour ago and she was having some time out but then when I went to get her she had disappeared. One of the doormen said she told him that she was going to see a friend so Morrie and I assumed that she must have run away to see you. Lucinda doesn’t know her way around the city very well at all, but her father said that she would find her way to Highton’s.’ Gerda looked at Alice-Miranda expectantly.
‘Mrs Finkelstein, I can assure you that I haven’t seen Lucinda. She’s not here,’ Alice-Miranda replied, wondering where on earth she might have gone.
Gerda inhaled sharply. ‘But it’s almost dark out.’
‘Yes, and that’s why we’d better find her quick smart. Wait here,’ she instructed. The tiny child fled inside the store searching for Quincy and Ava. She found them together trying on lip gloss.
‘Hey, Alice-Miranda, what do you think about this colour on me?’ Ava’s lips were cherry red.
‘You look ridiculous.’ Quincy snatched a tissue from the box on the counter and handed it to her friend.
‘We’ve got to go,’ Alice-Miranda urged. ‘Hurry up.’
‘Where?’ Quincy asked as Alice-Miranda pulled her towards the front door. ‘I hope there are some more of those delicious prawn fritters out here.’
Mrs Finkelstein had disappeared.
‘Lucinda’s run away,’ Alice-Miranda blurted.
‘Run away? Lucinda? But she has no idea how to find her way around!’ Quincy frowned.
‘That’s just the point. Her parents think that she came here but she didn’t. So she’s out there somewhere.’
‘In New York, at night-time and on her own.’ Ava bit her lip. ‘I know she wanted some adventures but that’s a little too adventurous even for me.’
‘I have an idea where she might be, but we need to go now. It might already be closed.’
‘Shouldn’t we tell someone?’ Ava asked.
‘What about your mother?’ said Alice-Miranda.
‘She just got a call-out about ten minutes ago. She’s gone downtown. She said that she’d be back as soon as she could.’
‘We really should tell someone,’ Quincy advised. ‘I don’t want to end up on America’s Most Wanted.’
‘I don’t know what you’re planning but we’re not committing any crimes, are we?’ Ava glared.
‘Not as the criminal.’ Quincy rolled her eyes. ‘As the dead body.’
Ava gulped.
Alice-Miranda looked around. Most of the guests had already made their way to the upper levels of the store. She approached a rotund security man on the front door, who couldn’t stop smiling.
‘Hello, my name is Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones, and these are my friends Quincy and Ava, and if anyone’s looking for us, we’ve just gone to the park. We’ll be back soon.’ Alice-Miranda grabbed her friends and they raced towards the traffic lights.
The man shook his head and grinned. ‘Man, kids these days sure are independent,’ he said to himself.
‘Where do you think she’s gone?’ Quincy shouted above the honking of horns.
‘Come on, you’ll see.’
The girls raced through the gates into Central Park.
In the half-light the park was like another world altogether. There were shadows and branches like ghosts hovering overhead.
‘Stop,’ Quincy puffed. ‘Where are we going?’
‘Don’t you remember that Lucinda said she had never been to the zoo before? Maybe she’s gone there.’
‘But it’s after closing time,’ Ava said.
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