Scandal in Tawas

by Madison Johns

  “I don’t know. I just don’t understand why this is important.”

  “Because Tom and Damon were the last ones to leave this morning. They had plenty of time to kill Laith before his body was discovered.”

  “You think Laith was already dead when we arrived here earlier.”

  “That’s exactly what I think, which is why it’s important to find out if they were telling the truth about running out of gas last night.”

  “Why would that matter?” Wallace asked.

  “Because if they lied about that, they very well might have murdered Laith.”

  JIMMY WAS WALKING TO his wrecker when we pulled into the parking lot. I quickly powered down the window and motioned him over.

  “Hello there, ladies,” Jimmy said, as he leaned into the window. “What can I help you with?”

  “What if I told you we stopped by to say hi?”

  “I’d ask you what you wanted.” He laughed. “I don’t mind helping you out if I can, but who is driving Miss Daisy tonight?”

  “Benny and Wallace. They’ve been following us around all day.”

  “Filming us,” Eleanor shouted from her side of the car.

  I pressed my hands over my ears for a moment. “You don’t have to yell, Eleanor.”

  “I wouldn’t have to if you’d tell him all of the story.”

  “I’d have stepped out of the car if I hadn’t injured my ankle the other night,” I explained.

  Jimmy stepped back. “Okay, got ya.”

  “I don’t suppose you can recall going out on a call last night for a car that ran out of gas?”

  “Last night?”

  “Yes, we were told a Tom Lewis and Damon Bronson ran out of gas and called a wrecker.”

  “Well, they didn’t call here. I was on call last night.”

  “Not even with Sara Knoxville doing a book signing in Tawas? I would have thought someone would have needed assistance.”

  “I’d be happy to assist Sara.” Jimmy grinned.

  “Wouldn’t we all,” Benny said from the driver’s seat.

  “Do any of you know her personally?” Jimmy asked.

  “Eleanor and I do and she’s very nice.”

  “A nice girl who wrote a tell-all book of her experiences as an actress in Hollywood,” Wallace said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if that book becomes a New York Times Bestseller.”

  “Why do you say that?” Eleanor asked.

  “People love a good scandal, for one. I can’t help but wonder why she’d choose to be in Tawas the day the book was released.”

  “What’s wrong with Tawas?” I asked gruffly.

  “Nothing, it’s just that she certainly made sure she was far from Hollywood when the book was published with a splash.”

  Eleanor did an online search, and exclaimed, “Oh, it’s a top story on Yahoo! We should get home to watch the nightly newscast. Maybe we’ll even get a mention.”

  “I hardly think so, but I’d certainly love to hear what the news has to say about it,” I said.

  “Don’t forget people were picketing today.”

  “Wow, you ladies certainly have a lot going on,” Jimmy said. “Sorry I couldn’t help you out.”

  “You helped us out more than you’ll know.”

  “A man was found dead at the Butler Mansion,” Eleanor blurted out.

  “Eleanor! You know we’re not supposed to go blabbing about finding a body.”

  “I can’t wait to hear all about this.”

  “Thank you, Jimmy, but we really need to keep close mouthed about that.”

  “Close mouthed, eh? That doesn’t sound like your strong suit, ladies.”

  “Thank you, Jimmy, for your help, or lack of it.” I smiled as I powered my window back up.

  “So, where to now?” Benny asked.

  “I’d like to go home now. I must admit that I’m rather tired.”

  “But shouldn’t we question those actors who lied about calling a wrecker last night?”

  “Not when we don’t know where to find them. You can pick us up in the morning and we’ll find them then.”

  Eleanor and I were dropped off at my house and Stuart hurried outside and took ahold of my wheelchair. “I’ll help my mother inside,” he said.

  Andrew and Mr. Wilson were waiting inside with Moraine.

  “Hello, Agnes,” Moraine greeted, as she came in for a quick hug. “How are you feeling today?”

  “Tired from running around. I have no idea how people confined to a wheelchair do it. I mean, it takes so long to have someone get my chair out of the car or help me inside the Butler Mansion when they don’t even have a ramp.”

  “We’re hoping to catch the news,” Eleanor said. “Sara’s book is making the headlines.”

  “It’s nearly six o’clock,” Moraine said, as she tapped her watch.

  We quickly huddled around our flat screen television and waited in anticipation—and not too patiently, I might add.

  “I’m shocked the local news will be mentioning Sara’s book,” Andrew said.

  Eleanor’s eyes widened.

  “Oh, what do men know,” Moraine said in mock outrage.

  I shushed everyone when the newscasters came on.

  “Well, we have quite the story in Tawas happening right now, Anita,” the male newscaster said.

  “Oh, really, Elliot? Do tell.”

  “I’m shocked you haven’t been following this story. Actress Sara Knoxville has just released her tell-all book and her first book signing is right here in Tawas.” He smiled widely. “It’s trending on the internet for a very unusual reason.”

  “I can imagine a Hollywood tell-all book would be quite popular.”

  “There’s more to the story we’ve been told. Apparently, the tell-all book is missing a very critical page ... a key page that should have revealed just who Sara Knoxville had a torrid affair with. The Iosco County Sheriff went on the record to confirm there was a small gathering of protesters in Tawas earlier today, but he wouldn’t elaborate further.”

  “This is just in,” Anita began, “apparently the books sold in Tawas weren’t the only ones to have the page missing from their copies. All of the books randomly searched are missing the same page.”

  “How shocking. I’d imagine this has turned out to be a nightmare both for the author and for the publisher. Did the publisher pull the books?”

  “Not at all. What I can’t help but wonder is if this is a publicity stunt to sell more books.”

  “I suppose we won’t know, since neither Sara Knoxville or her publisher can be reached for a comment,” Elliot said. “Although it’s certainly angered readers, the book has gone straight to number one.”

  “That goes to show you sometimes a little scandal can work to an author’s advantage.”

  “Or to the advantage of anyone else who stands to profit from this book.”

  “This will certainly be a story to watch, Elliot. We’ll be right back with the weather forecast.”

  “Well, that answers one of our questions. The books sold by Sara at her book signing weren’t the only ones with the missing page,” I said.

  The cell phone rang and Andrew picked it up, obviously listening to whoever was on the other end. When he finally hung up, he said, “That was Elsie. She was asking about where Nash Rivers would be meeting up with the picketers.”

  “Oh, darn, I completely forgot about that.” I quickly shot Moraine a look. “I don’t suppose you could help me into the bathroom, Moraine?”

  “Of course.”

  “I can do it,” Andrew said, as he stepped toward me.

  “Come on, man,” Mr. Wilson grumbled. “Let Moraine help her.”

  “I probably should go along with you just in case Moraine can’t handle getting you out of that chair,” Eleanor said, as she followed Moraine, who pushed my chair up the hallway and into the bathroom.

  “Is Nash still at the beach house?” I asked Moraine in a shushed voice.

  “
Yes, I believe he was awaiting a call from you to tell him where he needed to go.”

  “I completely forgot all about that. I wonder if we can get someone to allow us to use the K of C Hall.”

  “We’ll have to give Emily a call. She holds fundraisers there frequently,” Eleanor suggested. “Actually she handles all the fundraisers in town.”

  Eleanor called Emily while I called Nash, to assure myself that he was still willing to meet us there. My next call was to Elsie, to tell her to get on the phone and spread the word. I then made one last call to one of the picketers who I promised I’d contact with the details of where and when they could meet Nash.

  “What if we can’t find the picketers to invite them?” Eleanor fretted.

  “They shouldn’t be too hard to find if you haven’t contacted them as of yet,” Moraine said. “They’re probably back picketing, even as we speak.”

  “Gee, I hope not. I made a promise to Peterson that I’d handle it.”

  “It’s not going to matter much longer,” Moraine said. “But I’d be happy to take you over to the K of C Hall.”

  Chapter Twelve

  MORAINE DROVE PAST the walkway where the picketers had been this morning. They were once again congregating with their badly painted signs.

  She pulled to the shoulder of the road and I shouted from the window, “Nash Rivers will be meeting you at the K of C Hall.”

  The picketers scattered like ants on a picnic basket as they scurried back to their cars and zoomed off toward the hall.

  “Wow, they must really like Nash,” Eleanor exclaimed.

  “I can’t blame them,” Moraine said, “he’s hot. Besides, how often can you meet a real Hollywood actor?”

  I was shocked at Moraine’s reaction, but perhaps we had all been a little star struck since Sara and her Hollywood guests showed up in town. At least now we’d get the chance to ask Nash once more if he knew where Sara might be.

  Emily was standing at the doors of the hall as we hurried inside before the mad rush of women trampled us down, following so closely behind us.

  We quickly moved away from the door as Emily led us into the back.

  I sat patiently in my wheelchair, feeling a little out of sorts. Once I spotted Nash walking toward us, all negativity slipped from me. He wore black slacks and a white button-up shirt that was unbuttoned low enough to cause a woman to drool ... at least a little. His handsome face didn’t have even a single flaw! He ran a hand through his dark hair and I was so mesmerized that I couldn’t even choke out, “Thanks for showing up.” Eleanor so beat me to the punch.

  “I should have brought a bodyguard,” he said, as he peeked out the door that separated the kitchen from the main part of the hall.

  “Don’t worry. Let me handle it,” Emily said, as she clacked through the door.

  She waved her hands rapidly to quiet the crowd. “Attention, ladies and gentleman.”

  Well, there was one man in attendance. “I promised Nash that we’d be on our best behavior. Notebooks will be passed around for autographs.”

  “No need for that,” Nash said, as he joined Emily and waved a handful of headshots. “I always bring them along just in case,” he whispered to Emily.

  Eleanor and I kept back and out of the way just in case there was a rush. But the ladies behaved themselves for the moment as they formed a line and each took turns getting autographs and pictures with Nash.

  I honestly was shocked that the ladies were as orderly as they were, but Emily was good at organizing things, even a last minute meet and greet with one of Hollywood’s up and coming actors.

  I’d have to remember to ask Sara how she knew Nash Rivers. That is, if I ever found her. I was hopeful that eventually she’d turn up alive and well. I just wasn’t about to think of it any other way.

  “How kind of you to tell us about Nash’s appearance,” Marjory Hayes said with a huge grin. “He looks so much better than he does in his movies.”

  “How can you tell?” Elsie asked. “He wasn’t showing us his derrière.”

  “What’s that?” Nash said, as he walked toward us and winked. “My manager made me promise not to show anyone any more skin than this.” He finished ripping open his shirt all the way, buttons popping off and striking the floor.

  “You’re going to give one of these ladies a heart attack,” Emily cautioned.

  “Sorry, ladies.” He laughed. “I better get going now. I don’t suppose someone would like to make sure I make it to my car okay.”

  I’ll give it to Nash, he’s working it for all he’s worth.

  “Actually, I was hoping to have a word with you, privately,” I said.

  “Of course.” He walked with us toward the door.

  “Have you heard from Sara Knoxville today?”

  “You mean she didn’t come back to the mansion yet?”

  “Not that I’m aware.” I went on to explain about the body that was found.

  Nash’s eyes widened. “You have to be joking. You mean Laith is really dead?”

  “Yes, and in Julian’s room,” Eleanor added. “What do you think about that?”

  “Am I supposed to think something about that?”

  “No, but what are your thoughts about Julian?”

  “I’m not sure I follow you.”

  “Is he the sort of man who would be having an affair with Laith?”

  “You think Julian was having an affair with Laith? I think not! Hey, do you think Julian killed Laith?”

  “We’re not sure yet, not until we get the chance to speak with Julian.”

  “You can ask Sara. She should know more than I can tell you.”

  “I would if I could find her. She has been gone all day with Roman and Coco. I was hoping they’d return earlier, but that hasn’t happened as of yet.”

  Nash frowned for a moment. “I wouldn’t worry. I’m sure Sara will be back soon. With her latest book release, I imagine she’d keep in closer contact. Especially when she finds out how well her book is doing.”

  “My thought is that wherever she is, word hasn’t gotten to her yet that her book made it to number one,” I said.

  “How did you find out how well her book is doing?”

  “I heard it on the news,” I said. “Can’t you think of anywhere Sara might have gone?”

  “I’m sorry. I really wish I knew myself. This is exciting news for Sara. I can’t wait to find out how she’ll react when she gets back from wherever she is. It’s a dream come true, to be honest. I’ll have to remember to have a missing page in my tell-all book, too ... if I ever write one.”

  “You think it’s a publicity ploy?” Eleanor asked.

  “So I’m not the only one who thinks that might be a possibility?” Nash asked.

  “It’s too early to say,” I said. “But can I ask you one more thing?” When he nodded, I continued, “What’s the beef between Liv and Brandy Stokes?”

  “How do you know about that?”

  “We learned that Brandy had an argument with Liv and then checked out of the Butler Mansion.”

  Nash’s jaw squared as he frowned. “What else did Brandy say?”

  “Just that she had an argument with Liv. It had nothing to do with you, if that worries you.”

  “It doesn’t, but I’m glad Brandy didn’t bring me into it. The last thing I need is for my involvement with Liv to get out. Believe it or not, it would hurt both of our careers.”

  “I can’t see how, but what do I know. It’s not like I’m a famous Hollywood actor or actress.”

  “I hope you haven’t mentioned anything about me to Benny and Wallace.”

  “No reason to do that. All they’re here for is to follow Eleanor and me around. How was I to know that we’d find a body. All I planned to do was find out where Sara is.”

  “She means we,” Eleanor added.

  “Eleanor is right.” I laughed. “Thank you for helping us out with the picketers. I can tell they were very happy to meet you.”


  “I have to admit I had a nice time. It’s not every day I get the chance to meet real people.”

  “Meaning someone not associated with Hollywood?” Eleanor asked.

  “Exactly. Well, I better get back before Liv worries.”

  “Is that normal? That she’d worry about you?”

  “She didn’t think it was a good idea for me to come here today.”

  “At least you know better,” I said. “Have a good night, Nash.”

  “What was all that about?” Moraine asked us when we were back in the car.

  “You should know all about Liv and Nash?”

  “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  “I can’t help but wonder about Liv. Is she really the sweet girl she portrays?”

  Moraine frowned. “Do you know something I don’t?”

  “It’s just that Liv and Brandy had an argument that caused Brandy to check out of the mansion.”

  “So a little rivalry?”

  “It sounds like it, but something struck me odd when we spoke to Nash. Why would Liv worry about Nash? Are they having an actual relationship or is it merely a fling?”

  “Don’t ask me, but I could do with a little less of Liv walking around in her barely nothings,” Moraine said. “But I know her type.”

  “She’s probably used to attention.”

  “Well, she’s looking in the wrong direction. Stuart promised me they’d be gone by tomorrow. I came here to relax, not to babysit a couple of Hollywood types.”

  “Stick to your guns,” Eleanor said. “After listening to what Brandy told us about Liv, I’m wondering if the person she’s representing herself as is real or a front.”

  “I’ve said as much already, Eleanor,” I said.

  “Well, we do think alike.”

  WE STOPPED IN THE ENTRANCEWAY of the beach house and Liv met us halfway. “Oh, I thought you were Nash,” she said sweetly.

  “Why would you think that when he was meeting local readers?” I asked.

  “Is it a crime to be worried about him?”

  “Not if it’s for the right reasons,” Eleanor said. “Are you hiding something?”

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Are you worried that Nash might not come home to you?” I asked. “That he might want to talk to Brandy about what happened between you two?”