Walter’s last words were shouted out with a grand flourish of his arms.
‘One moment Walter, haven’t you forgotten something?’ Giles had jumped to his feet. He spoke with quiet deliberation. ‘Some very important and relevant points?’
‘What now, Giles?’ Walter’s benevolent smile changed to one of anger and exasperation. ‘You’re undermining everything I’ve just said. You’re threatening my play with all your questioning and interruptions.’
‘In no way do I wish to do that or cause unnecessary alarm. And well you know it, Walter. But need I remind you that the DS specifically asked me to report any events which may have any bearing on Cyril’s injury and disappearance? Need I remind you Walter – all of you – of certain pertinent facts? The firing of a gun; a real gun capable of using real bullets; Cyril’s injury and his subsequent confusion, none of which has been satisfactorily explained,’ Giles paused and looked slowly at each member of the cast. ‘Someone in this theatre fired that gun and that individual is looking at me now.’ Once more, Giles scanned the faces before him. ‘Why was the gun fired? Was it an attempt to wound? An attempt to kill?’
At those words there was a sharp intake of breath from the audience. A sense of fear was palpable.
‘Many strange things have happened – far too many to be coincidental. None of them, I repeat, have been satisfactorily explained.’
‘I really must object,’ spluttered Walter. ‘You’ve overstepped yourself, Giles. Once again you’ve thoroughly upset the cast. I insist you leave.’
‘It’s one thing to allay fears and arouse enthusiasm, Walter, but what has happened in this theatre is much too serious to be written off as any kind of mischievous prank. I warn you all to be vigilant. It’s only too possible that there may be some further mishap. Or apparent mishap, I fear it will happen soon. All the signs are there. I advise you all to stay in the group whenever possible. No one is safe.’ Giles glared at Walter. ‘Dare we drop our guard? Dare we?’
Chapter 23
THE RUN-THROUGH
‘Well you certainly put the cat among the pigeons with that little burst, I must say,’ said Laura taking Giles to one side and leaving the cast and playwrights in bewildered silence, the reassurance stirred by Walter entirely dissipated. ‘You’re obviously seriously worried. Isn’t it possible we’ve all allowed ourselves to let our imagination run a bit wild?’
When Giles made no response Laura pressed his arm. ‘Isn’t it possible that the whole thing has indeed been a stupid practical joke that just got out of hand?’
‘No, Laura. Not possible,’ replied Giles. His attempt to repress his irritation was not successful. Unperturbed, Laura gently brushed his cheek. Giles smiled, his natural good humour instantly restored. ‘Let’s get Freddie and we’ll talk it all through. The Green Room is free and we won’t be disturbed.’ Giles motioned to Freddie, and unobtrusively, they left the auditorium.
‘You were a bit full-on back there, Giles,’ said Freddie. ‘Walter had just got everyone calmed down and you came charging in like the proverbial fox in a chicken coup and ruffled everyone’s feathers up again. And I know you well enough to know that was no accident.’
‘No, Freddie, it was no accident. No-one can afford to drop their guard. I’m absolutely certain that nothing that has happened was by chance or merely a bit of misplaced mischievousness. I believe every detail was meticulously planned.’
‘But what makes you so sure? Have you unearthed some proof?’ Laura sat down beside Giles and took his hand.
‘No proof. But too many things don’t add up. Too many unanswered questions. And I’m absolutely certain that we are all being intentionally frightened and distracted by theatrically staged incidents.’
‘But why?’ asked Laura. ‘Why would anyone go to such ridiculous lengths just to frighten us? If you’re so seriously worried why don’t you call your friend the DS?’
‘That’s the problem. Nothing solid to go on – not for the police. The police can’t be expected to become involved in something that might happen to a group of over-imaginative actors. Whoever is behind the plotting is clever. But someone is being targeted and we’re all being set up as suspects.’
‘You said distracted, Giles. What have you got up your sleeve, you wily old fox?’
‘Gut feeling, if I’m honest. Perhaps intuition.’
‘Oh, come on Giles, you can’t be relying purely on a hunch. Only detectives in books act on hunches to get their man,’ said Freddie.
Giles smiled, shrugging in agreement. ‘Or, and this I think much more likely and reliable, my subconscious processing all the information and disinformation we’ve been so carefully fed with.’
‘Well, Giles don’t knock it. Your hunches and subconscious or whatever has served you well in the past. I’d back you on that.’
‘Although I feel I’m on the right track, I can’t for the life of me identify the target or come up with some conceivable motive. It just won’t come together. As you know I generally look at opportunity when in situations like this. And time is not on my side – I’m positive a crisis is brewing and I couldn’t stand by without warning everyone to be vigilant. They have, I fear, every reason to be frightened. Fear is a necessary self-defence.’
‘I see what you mean Giles, by distracted. From what has happened so far you can see that several people may have been targeted one way or another.’ Freddie fished around in his pocket and pulled out an old envelope. Anyone got a pencil?’
Ruffling in her handbag, Laura produced the stub of a pencil. ‘Making a short list Freddie?’
‘Exactly.’
‘Surely the obvious one is Cyril,’ Laura said without hesitation. ‘He’s apparently been shot at with live ammunition, hit on the head and knocked unconscious, somehow made to disappear without the assistance of a magician and for some strange reason has lost the power of his legs if only for a short time. Mark is also seemingly a target although most of his problems seem to be caused by his belief in the curse of an ancient Egyptian princess and I suppose we mustn’t omit the Brigadier who has on more than one occasion been frightened by a spectral voice that intimated his future demise.’
‘Let us not forget Cindy who was targeted in the actual play as a precursor of what was to come,’ Freddie added. ‘And come to think of it she could also be the one doing the targeting. She was the only one who had access to a gun and she was really the only one who could decide whether the gun fired blanks or live bullets. She was capable of having two guns and could produce a gun in full view of all the onlookers when she went to the bookcase to produce the weapon from the hollow book.’
‘Not only that,’ exclaimed Laura, ‘but you did say that she was a natural in producing a gun Giles as if by magic when you were giving her lessons in sleight of hand.’
‘So I did. So I did,’ said Giles. ‘Everything you’ve both said is fairly accurate and I’ve gone over those names with great deliberation and have yet to come up with answers. Something bothers me and has bothered me for some time now. The more often I examine everything I always seem to come to the conclusion that much of what has happened has taken place for a specific purpose. And that’s what bothers me. What is the purpose? Why have so many strange events occurred? Have they been premeditated before we even came to this theatre? Is there a motive behind some? A motive that is still to be satisfied and might yet be fulfilled before the group finally leaves this theatre?’
‘My God Giles. You do weave a threatening theory,’ said Laura, her voice wavering with apprehension. ‘I’m so afraid by what you say that I find difficulty in mentioning one name that isn’t on the list of those being targeted.’
‘What name would that be? Giles asked cautiously.
‘Why yours of course Giles. And I can’t even think of a reason why that should be but the thought is something that turns my heart cold and makes me want to end this charade we seem to be in.’
‘I personally don’t think you need fear for m
e Laura. I’m not the one but someone else is definitely at risk and I’m not sure I can prevent it happening. In fact I know I’ll be unable to stop whatever has been ordained if what I fear is true.’
The loud knock on the door momentarily brought everyone back to earth. Freddie opened the door to reveal the stage electrician and the trap door specialist.
‘We’ve come to let you know that the playwrights are about to start a run-through of their play,’ said Harry. ‘Unfortunately we can only stay long enough to help with one run-through and after that I’m afraid you’re on your own. Sorry about that.’
‘That’s quite all right Harry. What you’ve both done already to help the play has been marvellous. Some of the illusions could not have gone as smoothly without your help and the run-through will allow the playwrights and cast to know what can be done when they eventually put the play on before an audience. Please tell Mark and Walter that we’ll be with them in a jiffy.’
The two technicians nodded, left the room and closed the door.
‘That seems to be it for the moment,’ said Giles. ‘I think we should go and watch the run-through of the play and keep our fingers crossed that everything goes without a single hitch. And tomorrow the group can put the final touches to their few days of rehearsals and hopefully the fears I have may turn out to be a thing of the past. I really won’t mind being wrong.’
‘In a way I’m sorry to have to say this Giles,’ said Freddie with reluctance. ‘But in all the years I’ve known you I can’t remember you ever being wrong. And that of course can only mean a cataclysmic occurrence might manifest itself before we all leave this theatre.’
‘You’re beginning to sound like me Freddie. Full of gloom and doom and that’s not like you.’
‘Freddie’s right Giles. I know he’s right,’ said Laura. ‘And I keep wishing I’d never got you involved.’
There was a lengthy pause as Giles studied their worried expressions. ‘I can still be wrong,’ he said. There’s always a first time Freddie.’ He paused again, his lips pressed together in doubt. ‘Yes there’s always a first time, but the more I consider everything that’s cropped up the more I’m convinced this may not be that first time.’ He forced a smile. ‘Now there happens to be three of us spouting gloom and doom. What’s coming over us? Let’s put a bright face on things and go and watch the full run-through of a play with illusions galore that I’m certain will amaze an audience when it’s performed before a full house.’
‘That’s much better Giles,’ said Laura. ‘Why should we dwell on something that might never happen? So much better to look on the bright side and your illusions in the play will do just that.’
‘This will almost certainly be the last chance to watch a full run-through of the play so let’s go along to the auditorium and watch it now,’ said Giles.
‘It should be very interesting to gauge how your illusions come across, Giles,’ said Laura. ‘Just as long as nothing goes wrong.’
‘More gloom and doom?’ Freddie commented as he winked at Laura. ‘Will you honestly be disappointed if everything goes without a hitch?’
‘Not in the least. I’ll be relieved if all our fears are unfounded and we can go home knowing that we’ve played a huge part in adding an exciting dimension to a play that might have had some difficulty in wowing an audience that expected a little more magic and mystery.’
‘It’s not that bad a play, Laura. I really think you may be doing it an injustice,’ Freddie said. ‘After all it’s the first time a murder mystery has taken place when Giles hasn’t been called to investigate and solve the murders. That surely must be a bonus for both you and Giles and in the next year you’ll have your wedding to look forward to which will lift your spirits…’ Freddie paused, looking regretful, ‘… and deny me the pleasure of taunting you about never having any luck in the marriage stakes.’
‘Yes indeed, Freddie,’ said Laura. ‘You will have to end those naughty quips of yours the moment I hear the minister say those wonderful words I now pronounce you man and wife. Come on you two. Let’s go and watch the run-through.’
Once they were seated in the auditorium they relaxed in anticipation of seeing a play all the way through from beginning to end. Previously all they had seen of The Cinderella Murders were small excerpts that whetted the appetite but, on several occasions, had been interrupted by some quite serious misgivings. Despite the fact that all the cast were in their normal working clothes as this wasn’t a dress rehearsal, the play was about to take on the role as a murder thriller and the playwrights were on edge to learn the effectiveness of it as a crowd puller and its possibility as a theatrical success.
Mark and Walter made sure that everyone was ready to play their parts before they gave the all-clear for everything to begin. The tension was extreme and the atmosphere was electric. It was like the first night of a theatre performance in spite of the fact that the audience consisted of only the two playwrights and the three observers who had joined them in the stalls. The trap door manipulators and the lights technician signaled their readiness and, with no further delay the play began with Grizelda entering from the French windows to start haranguing Cindy who was kneeling on the floor.
The speaking of the lines was splendid; word perfect and clear, and Mark and Walter faced each other with relief and delight. It was a good start to an hour and a half plus of a story that had much akin to the fairy tale of the oppressed Cinderella.
As each minute ticked by with every member of the cast virtually word perfect combined with acting of the highest quality, Giles’ fears soon dispersed. The magician’s shoulders relaxed and he became totally absorbed by all that was happening on stage. He glanced at Laura and Freddie, both entranced by the way things were going. The action on stage moved along faultlessly and the attempt by the two stepsons to put the fear of death into the poor hardworking daughter of the household was accentuated when they executed the illusion of one of them plunging the dagger into the bare arm of the other with the spotlight picking out the realistic bleeding.
Giles was captivated by the realism of his illusion; the spotlight making the colour of the blood so authentic that it took a few moments before he became aware that what he was actually seeing was in fact real blood. The wincing and cry of horror by the injured actor was no longer play-acting by a talented professional but the action by someone who’d been literally run-through by an assailant. This was for real and the scream from Cindy was equally as terrifying as the terror-stricken scream by the leading lady in the early King Kong movie.
‘What the hell have you done Cyril?’ Dicky howled as he clasped his injured arm.
‘Good god! It wasn’t retractable. I must’ve picked up the wrong dagger.’ Cyril apologised as he rushed to look for something to wrap around the wound.
‘Bloody hell!’ Walter gasped as he produced a white handkerchief from his jacket pocket while rushing on to the stage. ‘This was supposed to be a run-through of the play and not impalement of one actor by another. It’s a bloody good job the dagger is not razor sharp,’ he said, giving Dicky the handkerchief to cover his arm and grabbing the dagger from Cyril and giving the blade a stroke with his fingers.
‘Sharp enough,’ said Dicky, watching the blood-red seeping through the whiteness of the handkerchief. ‘Thank heavens it was a theatre dagger and hasn’t cut through the skin too deeply.’
‘How do you think the stage dagger was able to replace the one to be used in the illusion?’ asked Mark. ‘Didn’t you make sure all props were in their proper place before we started the run-through of the play?’
‘I did, as a matter of fact. I’m sure I did,’ said Cyril. ‘Is it possible that some person switched the daggers before we started?’
‘I don’t know!’ Mark exclaimed, a frown appearing on his brow. ‘But if that was what happened… it had to be one of us that made the switch… and that’s unthinkable.’
‘Unthinkable or not,’ said Walter, his impatience showing in his t
one of voice. ‘I suggest one of you gets the proper dagger. The one Giles gave you to perform the illusion and if the bleeding has stopped we can then continue the run-through. God help me!’
‘But something did happen,’ Mark announced. ‘And we must all make absolutely sure that props are examined and identified as the correct item before it ends in disaster.’
‘Now where were we?’ Walter asked as he looked around the stage. ‘Where the hell is Dicky? One moment he’s run-through by a dagger and then he’s disappeared.’
‘Don’t get so shirty,’ rebuked Mark. ‘It was you that caused him to disappear when you sent him off to find the dagger that has to be used in the illusion.’
‘Hmm! I suppose I did.’ Walter’s grudging apology was barely recognizable as such but he brightened up a little as Dicky came back on stage holding the weapon to be used in the illusion. ‘Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? Come let me clutch thee. I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.’ Smiling broadly Walter glanced around the stage expecting the plaudits of those within earshot when his attempt at Shakespeare’s Scottish play’s quotation ended in mocked titters.
‘Very amusing, Walter,’ Dicky said. ‘But you didn’t have a dagger plunged into your arm. And,’ he added, ‘you could certainly do with some acting lessons.’
‘That’s quite enough of that,’ said Mark, before Walter had time to respond ‘Now that we have the correct dagger I think it would be very wise for everyone to make sure that all props are properly identified before they’re used. Preparation is essential and I rely on all members of the cast using such props to accept full responsibility. Now let’s get on with the run-through and trust there are no more mishaps.’
Walter nodded, left the stage and went over to Giles. ‘Can the trick dagger be easily recognised so that no mistake can be made when the play is performed before a live audience?’
The Cinderella Murders Page 19