Barcelona Jones - Murder on Broadway

by Chuck Antone, Jr

  We talked on many subjects, and of course they asked Barcelona a lot of questions about the theater. No one seemed brave or direct enough to ask if our relationship was serious. They liked her so much that I was thinking they were probably afraid that we'd say that we were just friends, and they were hoping for something more.

  As we left, my folks told Barcelona that she was welcome to come back any time, with or without me. All four of them looked at me with a pleading look that said they wanted more information about our relationship. I shrugged my shoulders and made a sad face. They looked so disappointed, and I was trying not to laugh as I was enjoying every second of it immensely.

  On the way home I asked Barcelona where she thought our relationship might be going, and if she thought we could have a future together: with her being a big star on Broadway, and soon to be in the movies, and me a private detective.

  She was silent for a moment, then said, "Yes of course, Sam, I feel the two of us may have a grand future together."

  I wasn't sure of the "may" word, so I pulled the car over under a street light because I wanted to see the reaction on her face when I presented the next question.

  "Barcelona, if I gave you an engagement ring, would you accept it?"

  I think it took her a little by surprise, for she said, "Sam, are you asking me to marry you? I've heard of many ways that men have proposed to my friends. Basically they're all the same. If this is a proposal, I have never heard of one quite like it. But knowing you and your funny personality, I want to make sure. So, Sam, are you asking me to marry you and to become your wife?"

  "Yes, my love, that's exactly what I'm doing.... Barcelona Jones, will you marry me and become my wife?"

  "In that case, Sam, I would love to be your wife. Yes I will marry you, and yes I will accept an engagement ring. And, Sam, I love you and your last name . . . Jones."

  With that, I leaned over and gave her my most passionate kiss. As we pulled away she said, "Remember, Sam, the engagement ring isn't a marriage license, so it doesn't give us the freedom to sleep together. I want to wait for our wedding night. I want that moment to be special. So please, Sam, don't pressure me."

  "I would never pressure you, my love, into doing anything you don't want to do, no matter what it may be. I love you and I want always to be there for you. If you want to wait for our wedding night, then that's exactly what I also want to do."

  I remember then leaning over and kissing her on the forehead and then on the lips.

  "Thank you, Sam. Another reason why I've fallen in love with you. I know you'll always think of me first in any situation that may come up in our future lives together."

  Barcelona told me her ring size and I noted it down. I wanted everything to be perfect. When I got into my car I put it in drive and felt like I was driving on the streets of gold in the Heavenly Kingdom.

  Chapter 27

  When we arrived at the apartment where Barcelona was staying, she said that the next day she was having a fitting on one of the dresses for the play. It was for 11:30 in the morning and it would take about an hour. And after the fitting she wanted to come to my office and bring lunch for us and Donna. She was hoping to get to know Donna better.

  I thought it was a great idea and Barcelona made me promise not to tell anyone about our plan to become engaged until after she and her agent informed the press. Of course it was all right to tell my family, but no one else.

  "I'll hold my tongue." While saying that, I held my tongue with my thumb and forefinger, repeating what I had just said. The words came out all mumbled and jumbled.

  "Sam, I'm serious."

  "I know you are, so don't worry. No one will say anything until after you've informed your fans through the magazines, the papers and, I'm sure, the radio and TV."

  "Thanks, Sam. I'll see you tomorrow around one o'clock, if not sooner."

  I gave her a goodnight kiss and made sure she was safely inside her apartment before driving home to call my dad.

  I knew he had a friend in the jewelry business, and I'd already started to think up a design for an engagement ring on the way to my place. He gave me the address and I thanked him, giving him no other information.

  "Why do you want his number? Is this another joke of yours? I know you love playing pranks on your old parents."

  "You'll find out soon enough -- like after you return from your . . . how many honeymoons does this make?"

  I knew that he'd tell Mom, and both of them would be so curious that they'd be up half the night trying to guess what this was all about. They'd be wondering if this was real or another game I was playing. Now I was the one doing the laughing. I must confess again that I was truly enjoying myself.

  Chapter 28

  Thursday

  I got up early the next morning, and had my usual breakfast. When I was through, I made an appointment with the Chief for late afternoon at his office. We decided to go over both of our notes together carefully, to see if we could come up with something substantial.

  After the call was finished I got dressed and headed for the office. When Donna came in I told her about Barcelona bringing us lunch about 1:00. She gave me another of her looks. This one said, "What's going on?" but she said nothing.

  By 1:00, Barcelona hadn't arrived. By 2:00 I was getting worried, and at 2:30 the phone rang. It was her.

  "Hello . . . Sam?"

  I could tell by her voice that something was wrong.

  "Barcelona, are you crying?"

  "I'm in the hospital. I was almost killed on the way to your office."

  "Killed? What hospital are you in? I'm coming right over."

  "St. Ann's."

  "Don't say another word. I'm on my way."

  I arrived at the hospital in breaking time, found out Barcelona's room number, and ran to it as quickly as I could. She was in bed. When she saw me, the tears freely spilled out. I put my arms around her as she shuddered and shook with fear. Her left arm and shoulder were black and blue.

  "Barcelona, what happened? Do you feel like talking about it? If you're not comfortable talking about it just yet, that's fine. I'm staying right here."

  She took a deep breath, and it obviously caused her pain as she did it. "I was going to cross the street to go to your office. The signal was red, so I waited for the green light. I don't know exactly how it happened, but I fell in front of a city bus. The people around me said I slipped off the curb and fell in front of it. That's how I got these cuts and bruises. If the gentleman who was standing next to me hadn't quickly pulled me back, I would have been hit head-on by the bus."

  "Wow, do you know who the man is? I want to meet him and thank him for saving your life."

  "No, I don't know him, but the police have talked to him. I'm sure they can give you his name and phone number. I'd also like to thank him."

  "Next time, my love, please be more careful when you're standing on the corner waiting for the light to change. In fact, don't stand in the front row at all, but get in the middle or the back."

  "I know, Sam, I've been thinking of that myself while lying here, And there's something else that's been bothering me. I'm sure I wasn't that close to the curb. I'm always careful about that, because with all of the people standing around so close together, I've always thought it could be dangerous."

  "What are you saying, Barcelona?"

  The tears started to fill her eyes again.

  "Sam, I believe someone pushed me in front of that bus."

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  I asked Barcelona how long she was going to be staying in the hospital.

  "Not long, Sam. You know I have a performance tonight."

  "Now you're the joker. You're not serious about going to the theater tonight and performing?"

  "Of course I am. Remember what we people in the theater say: the show must go on. There are many people who've purchased their tickets months in advance, and I'm not going to disappoint them. After all, it's just a few scrapes and bruises. My clothing and t
he skills of the makeup department will cover them and no one will notice. Besides, if I was really pushed, I'm not going to let the one who did it make his or her wish come true. I'll go on tonight as if nothing happened. That's what a good actress does. The doctor said I've no other injuries, and I'm free to leave the hospital if I want to."

  I could see I wasn't going to talk Barcelona out of it, so I told her I'd drive her to my office. She could rest on the couch and Donna would be there in case she needed anything. I had my appointment with the Chief and Donna had the phone number, and I could be back within fifteen minutes if she needed me.

  I asked Barcelona to please give me a ticket for the performance for that night, because I wanted to be there and not let her out of my sight for too long. After the show was over and she was through doing the things she had to do, I would be taking her home with me and she would be sleeping in the guest room.

  Barcelona agreed without hesitation, as she was still frightened about the bus situation, and her body was now kicking in with a little pain. She also reminded me that she had to be back at the theater no later than 7:15 that night.

  And then she said with a big grin on her face, "About tonight, Sam. Me staying at your place. I know you won't take advantage of me."

  I smiled back and jokingly replied. "Don't be too sure of that, Barcelona Jones. What you can be sure of is that I'll get you back in time for the show that must go on. My appointment is at five. I'll be back here at six-forty-five. That'll give plenty of time to get you to the theater for the evening performance."

  I brought Barcelona to the office and introduced her to Donna. I gave her a blanket and a pillow. (I'd slept on that couch many times myself.) When Barcelona was comfortable, and before I left, I asked Donna to keep an eye on her. And if there was any change or Barcelona needed me, to call immediately if not sooner.

  "Don't worry, boss, I'll watch her like a hawk watches her newborn chicks in the nest."

  I leaned over and gave Barcelona a kiss on the forehead and then on the . . . well you know where, and I was off to meet the Chief. Donna again had that quizzical look but said nothing.

  This time I answered that look. "I'll explain it all to you when I get back from seeing the Chief."

  I was sure that Donna would take complete care of my love, but still I hated to leave Barcelona. I knew that she was bravely putting up a good front. She was a great actress, but she wasn't fooling me.

  Chapter 30

  The Chief was waiting for me when I arrived at his office. We compared our notes, especially our talks with John Ashland the actor who had been in the hospital with the peanut allergy, and Mike Larson the agent. We found no discrepancies between the two separate interviews. We were still thinking that Larson was our killer.

  The Chief said that he also liked Mike Larson immediately, just as I had. And for the life of us we couldn't come up with the motive of why he would want to kill off his clients, especially as all three were up for the lead in the movie, which meant he could make big bucks on whoever received the part. We even thought that maybe it was because he would make more commission from one of them than the other. That was a new thought of ours, but I must confess not a very good one.

  "You know, Sam, maybe the murderer is a person we haven't thought of yet, like someone else in the play. Maybe Michael Sparks, the understudy, was the intended victim, and not John Ashland as we thought. I wonder if there's a third understudy who wanted a big chance on Broadway. Do you know who the understudy is now?"

  "Sorry, Chief, I don't. But that's a great idea. Perhaps we've been barking up the wrong tree. I have a friend who's in the play. I'll ask her. I'm sure she'll know who it would be."

  "Good, let's assemble the cast together and go over them with a fine tooth comb, and an open mind. Maybe something new will pop up. Also let's ask Mike Larson to be there. He may have some other actors under contract who are performing in Murder on Broadway. If so, I would like to know who they are."

  I nodded. "I'll set up the time with my friend's help. I don't think there will be any problem. One of us can ask Larson if he has any other clients in the play. Either way, we tell him we'd like him to be there even if it's just to represent Ashland, and remind him that two of his other clients have been murdered. I'm curious to know if the new understudy is represented by him."

  The Chief agreed. "Even though he's a very likeable character in my book, Mike Larson is still my number one suspect."

  His voice was very firm when he said this. We had some small talk and he said he was sorry that he was unable to be at my parents' anniversary party. At the last moment he had another homicide case to attend to.

  "Too bad, Chief. The party was great, and you missed meeting my date."

  "Who is she, Sam? Is it this your friend who's going to help you set up our meeting with the cast members? Or is it the red haired beauty who plays the second female lead? Or how about that dark haired cutie? Come on, Sam, confess up who is she."

  "You'll just have to wait a little longer. In the next few days the world will know. Have patience, Chief, have patience."

  "So mysterious. I'm putting my money on the red head. Maybe it's her or maybe not. But one thing I know for sure, it's not that lead actress, the knockout blonde. You couldn't be that lucky. No, it's definitely not Miss Barcelona Jones."

  Chapter 31

  I rushed back to my office, and I could hear laughter. I walked in quietly and saw the two women sitting on the couch and having a friendly conversation. It warmed my heart, because Donna was like part of the family -- and soon Barcelona would be also.

  They both looked up at me and smiled, greeting me at the same time. "Hi, Sam."

  "Hi, you two. How are you feeling, Barcelona? You seem to have got your color back."

  "A little better. Donna and I are having fun getting acquainted, and she's told me some great stories about when you were a little boy. I hear you were always a prankster, which seems to have got you into a lot of trouble. I'm happy you kept your funny sense of humor. By the way, I told Donna about us. I hope you don't mind. She swears to secrecy."

  "I don't mind at all. In fact it makes me feel good that you told her. Are you ready to go? I told you I wouldn't make you late for the theater. We'll get there by seven-fifteen, just as I promised. In fact you'll be there a little before 7:00. I have a stop to make after I drop you off. I may be a little late to the theater, but don't worry, I'll be there and hopefully on time."

  On the way to the theater I told Barcelona the Chief's idea about assembling the cast, and asked her if she would help in putting it together. She said she would, and didn't think there would be any trouble, saying, "The cast really wants to get these murders solved. Ever since the shooting on stage there's been a dark shadow in each performance. I'm sure no one notices it as they watch each of us perform, but it's there."

  "Barcelona, is there a new understudy for John Ashland's part?"

  "Of course. There's always an understudy for all the major parts. There are many people in the cast who are prepared at any moment to take over if and when needed."

  "Who's the understudy now?"

  "It's James Thomas. He's young and good looking. Has a promising career ahead of him. He only has a small part in our production, but I can tell he'll go far if he hangs in and doesn't give up. Sometimes in this business even the most promising actors and actresses don't make it. They give up too soon if they don't get the breaks. But they need to go on. I was fortunate I got those breaks. You could say I was one of the lucky ones. When would you like me to help set up the time for the gathering of the cast members?"

  "The Chief said anytime would be okay with him. Whatever day or time we can get them together, he'll be there, rain or shine."

  "I'll talk to them right after the final curtain goes down on tonight's performance. Maybe sometime in the next two days would be best. Most of us are free in the late morning. Would that be okay?"

  "That would be great. I'll tell the Chief.
"

  We arrived at the theater at 7:00. I walked her to the back door, kissed her gently on the lips, and started to walk away.

  "Oh, Sam, I'll have a ticket waiting for you at the box office tonight. You can pick it up sometime after 7:30."

  "Thanks, my love. You be careful. I'm sure you have an understudy too, so if at any moment you're not feeling well, please don't push yourself. Just let her do it."

  "Sam, don't worry, I'll be fine. And my understudy is called Brenda Summers."

  I hailed a taxi, gave him the address where I wanted to go and sat back in the seat. My words kept going over and over in my mind that I had said to Barcelona. "I'm sure you have an understudy too."

  And her reply. "My understudy is called Brenda Summers."

  Was it possible that Barcelona's understudy could be the one who pushed her in front of the bus? While thinking these things I realized that I'd forgotten to mention Barcelona's ordeal to the Chief.

  I made a mental note to tell him before we met with the cast. This could give us another suspect, and we could watch the person more carefully while asking her questions. I had a tinge of panic thinking that Barcelona would be acting tonight, along with possibly the one who tried to kill her this afternoon.

  I was hoping that the program of the performance would mention who the understudy was. I wanted to keep my eye on her. After all, there had been a murder in the play before, in front of a live audience, and there could be another murder tonight while I was watching. I came out of my deep thoughts when I heard the voice of the cabby.

  "Here you are, buddy."

  The taxi pulled over and stopped. I got out and was in front of a very fancy-looking jewelry store. My father swore by him, saying, "He's the best. Whatever you want made, he can make it."

  After I explained to the jeweler my design he smiled, and said, "It will be very beautiful. She's certainly a lucky lady."

  "No, actually I'm the lucky one."

  On the way home I stopped off at the florist and bought one dozen white roses, with one red rose in the middle of the bouquet. I placed it in the guest room of my apartment where it would be greeting Barcelona when she walked in. My heart was fluttering with excitement just thinking that she was going to be sleeping there that night.

  Chapter 32