A Perfect Manhattan Murder

by Tracy Kiely

  Fletcher gave a good-natured shrug. “Well, if you don’t want it, I’ll take it,” he said. Reaching out, he swiftly took the glass from Zack and dumped the contents into his own.

  Nina gave a snort of disgust. “Classy, Fletch. Real classy,” she scoffed.

  Fletcher’s eyes narrowed and his mouth pinched. Nina smirked and raised her eyebrows in an unspoken challenge. Harper interceded before the spat could continue. “Nina,” she suddenly said, “I wanted to tell you, I thought you were amazing tonight, simply amazing. How have you been?”

  Nina appeared caught off guard by Harper’s interruption. Glancing away from Fletcher, she produced a thin smile and said, “That’s kind of you to say, Harper. I’ve been well. How have you been?”

  “I’ve been good,” Harper said. “For the most part. Gracie is wonderful, but it’s definitely been an adjustment. Half the time I walk around with baby mush brain. I think that’s the worst part, don’t you?”

  A faint line appeared between Nina’s eyes. “Don’t I what?” she repeated slowly.

  “Think that baby mush brain is the worst part,” Harper said.

  Nina stared at Harper. “I really wouldn’t know,” she said stiffly.

  Harper’s eyes grew wide and her face flushed with embarrassment. “Oh God, of course you don’t. Just ignore me,” she said with an awkward laugh. “But in case anyone needed an example of what I’m talking about, this is it. Baby mush brain at its finest. I don’t know what I’m saying half the time.”

  Nina stared at her for a beat. “So you and Dan had a baby?” she finally said slowly.

  Harper nodded. “Yes. Well, technically, I did. Her name is Gracie. She’s six months old, and I love her to bits, but what I wouldn’t give to sleep though the night again and not be covered in spit-up.”

  Nina blinked. Her expression was one of faint confusion and disgust. Not unlike the reaction Nigel has when we run out of scotch. “How lovely,” Nina said, her voice faint. “Congratulations.” Her gaze slid from Harper to Zack.

  “Oh, excuse me,” said Harper. “Nina, this is Zack Weems. He works with Dan at Vanity Fair.”

  Nina smiled politely and extended her hand to Zack. “Very nice to meet you, Zack,” she said. Then with a thoughtful tilt of her head, she added, “So what’s it like to work with Dan?”

  “It’s been very educational,” Zack said with a diplomatic smile.

  “I can only imagine,” Nina murmured.

  “Speaking of which, where is Dan?” asked Harper.

  “On a phone call, I believe,” said Peggy as she extended her hand to Zack. “Hi, I’m Peggy McGrath.”

  Zack smiled and shook her hand. “Congratulations on your play,” he said. “I’ve been hearing great things about it.”

  Peggy smiled. “From Dan, I hope?”

  Zack’s smile slipped slightly. “Oh, well, I haven’t seen Mr. Trados’s final review yet, but a few other people I’ve spoken with had nothing but praise. I haven’t had a chance to see it myself yet, unfortunately, but I’m hoping to next week.”

  Peggy was saying something about sending over a ticket to his office, when a faint commotion in the foyer caught Zack’s attention. His eyes grew wide, his expression reverent. “Oh my God,” he said. “I think I just died and went to heaven.”

  eleven

  Heaven, apparently, was Brooke Casey. The up-and-coming actress was only twenty-three, but she was already making quite a name for herself. She’d won a Tony last year and thanks to her quick wit she was something of a darling of the late-night talk shows. She was also undeniably gorgeous with long blond hair, bright blue eyes, and the body of a lingerie model. The latter was artfully displayed in a buttery yellow gown that clung to her every curve.

  “She does seem to have that effect on men,” said Peggy as she smiled at Zack’s reaction. “I think just about every heterosexual male involved in the play had a crush on her by the time we were done with rehearsals.”

  “Who’s that with her?” I asked, indicating the man at her side. He was a good deal older than Brooke, with sharp features, an athletic build, and an easy smile.

  “That’s Mark Abbot,” said Peggy. “The play’s director.”

  I glanced back at the couple, noting the way Mark kept his hand on the small of Brooke’s back as they made their way through the crowd. “I take it that Mark has a crush on Brooke as well?” I asked.

  Peggy laughed. “No. Mark’s flat out in love with her. I think everyone knows it, too, except for Brooke. But in her defense, I guess when everybody falls a little in love with you, it’s hard to know when it’s something more serious.”

  Brooke and Mark slowly made their way across the room to where we stood. Seeing Peggy, Brooke’s face broke out into a bright smile. “Peggy!” Brooke said, as she pulled her into a tight hug, “I think you have a hit on your hands! I can’t thank you enough for casting me. It’s a dream role.”

  Peggy waved away the compliment. “Don’t be silly,” she said. “I’m the one who should be thanking you. There’s no one else who could play Lilly. If the play’s a hit then a great deal of the credit must go to you.” Turning, Peggy quickly added, “And to you as well, Mark. Tonight’s production was flawless.”

  Mark let out a good-natured laugh as he leaned in to kiss Peggy’s cheek. “That’s a load of crap, Peg, and you know it. No production is ever flawless. But I will agree with you that Brooke’s performance tonight was.” Mark looked down at Brooke with obvious affection. “I predict she’s on her way to winning another Tony.”

  Brooke blushed prettily. “Mark and I had a celebratory glass of champagne in the limo on the way here,” she said, as if embarrassed by his flattery. “I think it’s gone to his head.”

  Mark shook the appendage in question. “I’m not that big of a lightweight,” he said. “You were amazing tonight. You’ll see, the reviews will prove me right.”

  Brooke blushed again before glancing curiously at Harper and me. Turning her attention back to Peggy, she said, “So are these your friends from college you were telling me about?”

  Peggy nodded and made the introductions. Brooke was happily chatting about the play when Dan returned. “Zack,” he said, his voice bored, “I suppose you’ve met everyone.”

  Zack nodded. “Yes, we’ve been chatting about the play,” he said.

  Dan, however, was no longer paying attention to his colleague. His focus had shifted to Brooke. “You’re looking lovely as always, Brooke,” he said with a strangely intimate smile. “Wonderful performance tonight, by the way. I have to admit when I first heard that you’d been cast as Nina’s daughter, I didn’t think it would be believable.”

  Nina interrupted with a little laugh. “Well, of course not,” she said with a wink. “I’m far too young.”

  Dan shifted his gaze to Nina and raised one eyebrow. Nina flushed angrily. With a faint smirk, Dan turned back to Brooke. “Well, in any case, you gave an excellent performance,” he said.

  If Brooke noticed the flirtatious tone in Dan’s voice, she ignored it. “How kind of you to say,” she said politely and then turned to talk with Mark. Dan, however, continued to focus on Brooke. He maneuvered himself so that he was standing next to her and took every opportunity to touch her arm or shoulder or hand. Harper watched his incessant flirting with an expression I couldn’t quite pinpoint; it was somewhere between hurt, resigned, and pensive. Mark’s reaction to Dan’s behavior was much easier to read. He looked like he wanted to punch him in the face. As for Brooke, she seemed unaffected; in fact, she almost seemed oblivious. I was beginning to think that Brooke was simply accustomed to men flirting with her, when Dan rested his hand on the small of her back as he leaned in close to her under the pretense of hearing her better. Brooke’s nostrils flared in obvious annoyance. A second later, the contents of her wineglass were dripping down the front of Dan’s pants.
<
br />   “Oh, I am so sorry!” Brooke said, her eyes large with embarrassment. “I’m such a klutz!”

  “It’s fine,” Dan muttered as he attempted to mop up the mess with his cocktail napkin.

  “Oh, that’ll never work,” protested Brooke. “We need to get you a towel or something.”

  “A fine idea,” Fletcher said, his voice sounding suspiciously like he was trying not to laugh. “I believe there are some hand towels in the bathroom, Dan. Why don’t you check there?”

  Perhaps hearing the same suppressed laughter that I had, Dan glanced sharply at the older man. With a curt nod, he said, “Thanks, I’ll do that.”

  With a rueful shake of her head, Brooke apologized again. The movement sent her hair tumbling over her shoulders. “I really am sorry, Mr. Trados,” she said. “Please make sure to send me the dry cleaning bill.”

  Dan grunted something at her before making his way to the bathroom. Brooke turned back to the group, but not before I saw her shoot a quick wink in Nina’s direction.

  twelve

  “The reviews are in!” Peggy cried sometime later. She thrust her phone at Evan, saying, “You have to read them. I’m too nervous.”

  Evan took the phone and began to scroll as Harper and I crowded behind him, trying to read over his shoulder. “Check The Times, first,” Peggy said as she sat down in a nearby chair. She nervously chewed on her thumbnail while Evan pulled up the site. As his dark eyes scanned the readout, a smile tugged at his mouth. “It’s good news, Peg. You can leave your thumb alone. They loved it. Listen, ‘Dealer’s Choice is a touching story with a superb cast. Jeremy Hamlin shines as Frankie Davis, a down-on-his-luck grifter. Nina Durand and Brooke Casey have a natural chemistry in their respected roles of mother and daughter. Ms. Durand brings real pathos to the role of Frankie’s wife, Patsy, and Ms. Casey is marvelous as his daughter Lilly. Ms. McGrath’s debut is sure to please theater goers of all ages.’”

  Peggy gave a squeal of excitement and jumped out of the chair. Grabbing the phone from Evan’s hand, she peered down at the screen to read for herself. “Oh my God!” she said. “It’s true! They really did like it!”

  Evan rolled his eyes. “Well, of course they did. You think I’d make up a fake review?”

  Peggy didn’t answer; she kept scrolling through the phone. She let out another happy shriek, saying, “Listen to this! Variety called it, ‘Eloquent, moving, and exquisitely toned. A sure hit!’” Peggy executed a little happy dance and then scrolled some more. “And here’s Dan’s review!” she said as she began to read. However, within seconds Peggy’s smile faded and her mouth opened in surprise.

  A faint line appeared between Evan’s eyes. “What does it say, Peg?”

  Peggy raised her head, her glance briefly landing on Nina. Just as quickly, she looked away. “Oh. Right. Sorry,” she replied to Evan with a quick smile. “Dan said, ‘Ms. McGrath’s debut play, Dealer’s Choice, is a charming and wry tale of the boundaries of family obligation. Famed producer, Fletcher Levin, invested a considerable amount of money in the production, and his efforts have paid off. Under Mark Abbot’s nuanced direction, the actors’ struggles become our own. Jeremy Hamlin delivers a masterful performance as Frankie Davis, a grifter trying to better his family.’” Peggy paused as if she was skipping over something, and then continued. “Brooke Casey steals the show with a natural grace and elegance seldom seen in an actress her age. Ms. Casey delivers an astonishing performance as the young ingénue, Lilly Davis, who is forced to save her father and her family. Broadway certainly has a new star on its horizon.’”

  Peggy looked up and clicked off her phone with a bright smile. “Great job everyone,” she said. “I’m so proud of all of you and more grateful than you’ll ever know.”

  Nina regarded Peggy, her expression thoughtful. After a moment, she pulled out her own phone and began to scroll through it. Peggy saw her and sought to distract her. “I know! Let’s get a photo of everyone,” Peggy said. “Can we do that?” Tossing her phone to Evan, she continued in an overly bright voice. “Evan? Will you take the picture? Come on, everyone. Gather round!”

  However, before anyone could move, Nina’s distinctive voice rang out. “‘Broadway staple Nina Durand once again proves that she can act, but that she’s better at overacting,’” Nina read from her phone. “‘Unlike a fine wine that improves with age, Ms. Durand has not, although no one can accuse her of not trying. Ms. Durand’s portrayal of Patsy Davis is cartoonish at best.’” Her words effectively silenced those around her. Nina slowly raised her head from her phone and looked around the room for Dan. He was standing in the room’s far corner in a conversation with Zack, seemingly unaware of Nina’s ire. Her eyes narrowed and she took a step in his direction. Peggy’s arm shot out in an attempt to stop her, but Nina shrugged her off.

  “Nina, who cares what he thinks?” Peggy said. “He’s a jerk. Everyone knows that. It’s just one review. Everyone else loved it.” Next to me, I heard Harper’s sharp intake of breath. I snuck a glance at her. Her face was white with anger but she said nothing.

  “No,” Nina said in a low voice, her gaze still on Dan. “He went out of his way to be nasty. This isn’t a review; it’s a personal attack. So now I’m going to do the same. After all, turnabout is fair play.”

  Some long dormant sense of self-preservation seemed to come alive within Dan.

  With a slow turn of his head, he scanned the room, his eyes landing almost immediately on Nina. A flash of some emotion I couldn’t quite identify flickered across his face before he erased it with a smug smile. Nina stomped across the room until she was standing right in front of Dan. “Who the hell do you think you are, you lousy son-of-a-bitch?” she hissed as she jabbed her finger into his chest.

  Dan said nothing. Next to him, Zack slowly backed away. Neither Nina nor Dan seemed to notice. “Say something, you lousy son-of-a-bitch!” Nina yelled.

  Dan smirked. “You already called me that. Perhaps your limited vocabulary is part of your acting problem—”

  Dan got no further than that before Nina slapped him across the face. Hard. Dan blinked but did not move. After a painful moment in which it seemed the entire room was frozen in shock, Dan gave a slight nod of his head. “And this would be an example of the overacting I mentioned.”

  “Go to hell, Dan,” Nina said. “You’re nothing but a—”

  “Yes, I know,” said Dan, cutting her off. “A lousy son-of-a-bitch. I believe you’ve already made that point. However, I do agree that perhaps it’s time for me to leave. I seem to have put a damper on your celebration.” With a quick move, Dan drained the rest of his drink and set his empty glass on a nearby table. Walking to Harper, he said, “I’ll be at the apartment if you need me.”

  Harper said nothing. She stared at Dan as if she were looking at a stranger. Dan shrugged and leaned in to kiss her cheek, but Harper pulled away before he could do so. “Right. So goodnight then,” Dan said, as if she hadn’t just snubbed him. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  thirteen

  “Nigel, I’m already late!” I said as I gently slapped his hand away from my waist.

  “That’s not my fault,” he replied as his hand purposefully snaked back to my hip.

  I paused in buckling the ankle strap on my black suede pump and glanced over my shoulder to where he still lay sprawled on the bed. Raising an eyebrow, I shot him a meaningful look. He grinned and said, “Okay, maybe I had something to do with it. But really, who schedules brunch for ten o’clock in the morning? What are they, farmers?”

  I laughed. “Well, you needn’t let it worry you. Go back to sleep and I’ll take you to a proper brunch when I return.”

  Nigel smiled. “I’ve got a better idea. How about we—” he began just as my cell phone rang.

  “Will you answer that, honey?” I said as I finished buckling the strap. “If that’s Harper, tell her I’ll be the
re in fifteen minutes.”

  Nigel rolled over onto his stomach and reached for the phone. Pulling the receiver to his ear, he said, “You’ve reached the phone of Nicole Martini. This is her houseboy, Juan, how may I help you?”

  I threw a pillow at his head and went in search of the other shoe. I vaguely remembered it being flung in the direction of the bathroom. I began to walk/hop over that way when Nigel’s next words stopped me. “Whoa, calm down, Harper. I can’t understand you. What happened?”

  I turned back to where Nigel was now sitting bolt upright in the bed, a line of worry etched between his eyes. I could hear Harper’s agitated voice on the other end of the line, but I couldn’t make out her words. Nigel’s eyes widened as he listened, and he glanced at me. Flipping off the sheets, Nigel stood up and walked toward the room’s desk. Yanking open the drawer, he pulled out a pad of hotel stationary and a pen. “Harper, honey, listen to me,” he said, his voice calm. “I need you to give me the address.”

  After writing down the information, Nigel said, “Now Harper, I want you to call the police. Now. Nic and I will be there as soon as possible. In the meantime, don’t touch anything. Do you understand? Touch nothing. In fact, why don’t you go outside and wait for us there? Okay? Okay, honey. We’re on our way.” Nigel ended the call and turned to me.

  “What’s going on?” I asked. “Is Harper okay?” I covered my mouth with my hand as another thought presented itself. “Oh God, it’s not the baby is it? Please tell me Gracie is okay.”

  “Harper is fine and so is Gracie,” Nigel said as he grabbed a pair of jeans from the closet and pulled them on. “It’s Dan, I’m afraid.”

  “Dan?” I repeated dumbly.

  Nigel nodded as he shrugged into a shirt. “He didn’t show up this morning to watch Gracie. When Harper couldn’t get ahold of him, she got worried and went to his apartment.” Crossing over to me, Nigel pulled me close. “He’s dead, Nic.”