A Tango Before Dying

by Anna Celeste Burke

  “Someone may still be at it,” I muttered, as my eyes settled on the door to those stairs.

  “In the meantime, we’ll keep working other angles trying to figure out who else was in her suite this afternoon. Gary Peabody got the hotel to give us the videotapes from surveillance cameras at the door into the lobby as well as those on Madame Chantel’s floor. We’re trying to track down two suspects—Natalie Bucco and Brett Henson. Your boss called us with the foxy gentleman’s last name which Max got from the chef at Versailles Veranda. That’s movement—quick progress, too, right, Detective?” Jack nodded and bobbed his head sideways a little too. I’ve come to recognize the response he makes when he’s not sure he completely agrees with me but doesn’t want to fight about it.

  “I haven’t asked yet, but there must be surveillance cameras around here like there are at the hotel.” Jack looked directly at the Security Associate when he spoke. “I don’t see them.”

  “Yes and no. This is a newly opened facility, and cameras have been installed, but the system has had some problems. It’s not fully operational yet.”

  “Does Max know that?” I asked. The Security Associate shrugged.

  “That info is above my pay grade. The same is true when it comes to knowing where cameras are placed, and which ones are operational. I’m not privy to that information. I heard that Max Marley wanted the cameras to blend in so guests wouldn’t feel as if they’re in an unsafe place—like a parking garage or a place like that.”

  “Most people expect to have security features around them these days. Especially in places that attract large crowds, don’t they?” Detective Spencer asked.

  “He’s talking about Max. He’s not most people,” I replied. That drew nods from those in the know about the man.

  “So, Jack tells me your name is Kathleen Fowler. I understand you found the body and can fill me in on what happened here?” With a spike in the noise from below, I checked my watch. The formal welcome from Max would take place in less than twenty minutes. He’d be climbing the walls any minute now if Jack and I didn’t get down there soon.

  “Jack and I have already heard this. We need to get to the charity gala. If you have questions for us, will you come find us downstairs in the ballroom once you’re done here?” Kathleen reached out to grab my hand as if she might not want to be left alone with the detective.

  “I’m the Events Coordinator. Max probably expects to see me, too.” I patted her on the arm.

  “It’ll be okay. Jack and I will cover for you. Once Max gives his welcome, Katrina will take over. I’m sure she can keep the program moving until you finish up here. You’ve got important information for Detective Spencer.”

  “You go on, Georgie, so Max doesn’t have a meltdown. I’ll join you in a few minutes, I promise. I’ve got a couple of loose ends to wrap up.” With that, Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out the evidence bag containing the ring Kathleen had found.

  “You may go, Georgie. Jack’s got a little explaining to do.” As she dismissed me, Detective Spencer took the bag from Jack and examined it. I might have protested or stuck around a few minutes longer, but the elevator pinged. When the door slid open, I almost jumped into the elevator with the occupant. I hit the button taking us to the Ballroom Level.

  “Five minutes, Detective Wheeler, or you’re going to have lots more explaining to do!” The door slid shut before anyone else could say a word.

  8 Twists and Turns

  “I’m sorry you had to round me up like a stray cat. Jack and I really were wrapping things up. Detective Spencer, the woman standing there with Jack and Kathleen, showed up about two minutes ago.” I was almost breathless I was talking so fast. Katrina didn’t say a word until the elevator popped open on the floor below.

  “Max made me do it. He wasn’t just worried that you’d taken off, but he’s beside himself about Charlotte’s death. I’m not sure I understand it, but you’re his security blanket or something like that.”

  Dang it, I thought as we hurried from the elevator and weaved our way through the crowd displaying their invitations to be allowed to enter the ballroom. So much for my hope that I’d find out more about her trouble with Charlotte before the word got out that she was “indisposed” permanently.

  “He hasn’t been wailing about it publicly, has he? We promised to keep it on a need-to-know basis until after the celebration tonight.”

  “I guess he figured I needed to know,” Katrina said as she held up a pass dangling from a cord around her neck. We swept into the ballroom where guests were already out on the dance floor while others helped themselves to hors d’oeuvres and drinks. “Have they caught up with that woman who created such a scene at lunch? She’s got to be at the top of their ‘most wanted’ list.”

  “You saw that? I thought you were long gone by then.” Katrina glanced sideways at me as she kept moving.

  “Did Kathleen tell you I was dragged along to Versailles Veranda against my will?” She paused, but not long enough for me to answer her question. “Of course, she did. I suppose she also told you that Charlotte and I had a loud, heated disagreement this morning.” As we got closer to the live music, she’d leaned in to make sure I could hear her.

  “What about?” I asked, ignoring her attempt to drag Kathleen into the discussion.

  “Madame Chantel did not take correction well. Ask anyone who’s ever been saddled with the task of making her perform a routine the way it’s choreographed, and they’ll tell you the same thing. She’s the Max Marley of the dance world—always so sure she and only she has, uh, had all the right moves!”

  “So, are you saying the conflict had nothing to do with Kevin Whitley?” Katrina stopped abruptly, and a waiter had to do a quick two-step to dodge her.

  “Not that it’s any of your business, but Kevin and I had a relationship, but it was a casual one. We only saw each other when he was in LA, and since he’s retired to the Phoenix area that doesn’t happen often. It’s old news now that I’ve moved on. You should do a little more homework before you accept anything a twenty-something Marley World newbie has to say about what’s going on between the adults with whom she works.”

  “I never said it was her idea because it wasn’t.” I got a dirty look in response to my statement. I realized now that I should have asked Kathleen if she knew the names of the women from makeup and wardrobe. I’m sure Jack and Detective Spencer would like to question them about what led them to suspect that the dispute between Katrina and Charlotte had something to do with romantic entanglements and a love triangle.

  Katrina had started maneuvering toward a small cluster of people in which Max was holding forth. That meant we only had another minute or two before Max would join us and take over the conversation. Katrina was already unhappy with me, so why not press her on a couple of other fronts? “If others have misunderstood your relationship with Kevin, maybe Charlotte did, too, and that’s why she wasn’t interested in your point of view about the dance routine.”

  “What other people misunderstand about my love life isn’t my problem. Besides, it’s a moot point now when it comes to what Charlotte believed, isn’t it?”

  “Sadly, that’s true. Where were you when Natalie Bucco attacked Charlotte and Max?”

  “Is that her name?” Katrina waved at Max who was on the run toward us. “I was just inside the French doors that lead indoors from the veranda—not far from where you were seated. Collin Richards was having lunch at a table near the windows and I’d gone to speak to him. He’s one of the only sane members of the organizing committee that’s overseeing the Dance Championship.”

  “Wasn’t he invited to participate in the photo op?”

  “Yes, but he wasn’t any fonder of Madame Chantel than I was. Not lately, anyway, and unlike me, he gets to say ‘no.’” That was the end of our conversation. Max had reached us.

  “Thank goodness you’re here! Where’s Jack?” Max was on his toes, searching the crowd. “We’ve got to get this
show on the road.”

  “He had a few more issues to settle with Detective Spencer about Kevin Whitley’s, uh, accident.” When I’d hesitated before settling on the use of the word accident, Katrina shot me another sidelong glance—more wary than angry. Maybe I should have kept it to myself, but I wanted to see Katrina’s reaction. “They found a ring near where he landed. It’s a simple, plain band—white gold. They’re talking about how it got there and wondering if the ring’s owner was with him when he fell down those steps.”

  “If someone was in that stairwell with him and didn’t call 911, it’s criminal!” Katrina flinched when she heard what I had to say about the ring and again when Max used the word criminal.

  “This isn’t the time or place to discuss it, but it could be worse than that if he didn’t just fall.” Katrina’s face paled at that remark.

  “Are you saying there’s been another assault on one of our guests?”

  “We’re not sure about that yet. We’re waiting to hear what Kevin has to say once he’s conscious. Dr. Vincent and the doctors in the ER will have to give him a thorough exam. Once he’s stable and alert enough to have a conversation, Dr. Vincent will call Jack.”

  “And so, he has,” Jack said, suddenly appearing at my elbow. He was a little out of breath. I felt guilty hoping he hadn’t run for it because of the chiding tone I’d used when I told him he had five minutes, or else. “Kathleen told me the orchestra had started playing the song that’s your queue to give your welcome speech, Max. I wanted to give you a bit of good news before you do that. Kevin Whitley has a humongous headache, but he’s awake, and he’s going to be okay.”

  “Except for a broken leg,” I mumbled. “That’s got to be hard for a man who loves to dance.”

  “Yeah, he’s going to be laid up for a while, but he’s expected to make a full recovery. Detective Spencer’s partner showed up. He and the forensic investigator are collecting evidence in the stairwell, so the detective has left for the hospital. It’s not clear yet what Kevin remembers, but she’s been granted permission to have a brief chat with him.” Katrina had been completely silent. Then, she suddenly spoke up.

  “Detective, I think we need to talk.” Max, Jack, and I stared at her. As she uttered those words, the music had stopped, and her voice resounded in the relative quiet of the moment. We were no longer the only ones staring at her.

  “Go, Max,” I whispered and nudged him with my elbow. With that, he sprang into action and bounded up onto the stage. He acknowledged the orchestra members seated on low risers elevated a few feet above the dance floor.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome and thank you for joining us…” He was beaming and exuded vibrant good humor as if nothing was amiss in Max Marley’s marvelous world. As his shock of white hair caught the golden glow of the wall sconces, he almost appeared to have a halo. He could be such a delightful, charismatic man when he was in his charmer mode. Jack, Katrina, and I had stepped off to the side and a little behind the stage area. Jack leaned in and spoke to Katrina. I figured he was as curious as I was about why she suddenly felt the need to speak to him. Suddenly, Kathleen bolted from the nearby side door that led into the rooms Jack and I had briefly been in where things were being managed from behind the scenes.

  “Change of plans—again—I think,” Kathleen whispered to me in passing. Then she said a few words and whisked Katrina away through that door. Max was introducing a few members of the audience and thanking them for one thing or another. A round of applause followed each introduction. When the applause ended a few minutes later, Max began again. My heart thumped at his words.

  “It’s time for me to step out of the limelight and turn over the rest of this evening’s program to the renowned choreographer and much-loved member of our Marvelous Marley World family, Katrina Milan.” As he mentioned her name, I grabbed Jack’s hand and glanced anxiously at the door, hoping it would open, and wondering if I should go get her. Jack tugged at me to stand still when I must have made an almost imperceptible step in that direction. Fortunately, Max had more to say.

  “I’m sure she wishes she could choreograph life off the dance floor as well as she can create magic on it. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Both Madame Chantel and Kevin Whitley are indisposed this evening.” Max paused as sounds of shock and disappointment swept around the room, loud enough to interrupt his patter. The noise set my heart and guts tangoing as I tried to imagine the disappointed crowd being assuaged by our dance moves, no matter how cleverly Katrina and Max tried to frame them.

  “Have no fear, please! Katrina and our ever-resourceful team of dream builders here at Marvelous Marley World have an evening of surprises for you! I’ll let her take it from here. Please give a warm welcome to Katrina Milan.”

  “A surprise for us, too, whatever Kathleen means by ‘a change of plans,’” Jack whispered into my ear, displaying the first inkling that he might be feeling a bit anxious, too. “If they ask me to tango with that, I’m out of here.”

  I followed the direction in which Jack had nodded. Along the outer wall, several Marvelous Marley World characters had joined the crowd. The fairylike Wilhelmina, the Will O the Wisp, character was among them. Her diaphanous wings fluttered lightly above and behind her. They glowed from the tiny lights sown into the frame and fabric. Kids found her delightful. Quite frankly, there was something about her that made me hope I’d never run into her in a dark woodland haunted by fairies.

  “The flash mob has started to assemble,” I muttered. “Tangoing fairies will be a surprise, that’s for sure.” Jack chuckled so I know he heard me.

  The applause that had started enthusiastically, waned now. Max searched the crowd below him until he settled on me. Fortunately, before he could bore a hole through me, the side doors opened, and Katrina waved as she dashed toward the steps.

  The applause picked up again as she took center stage. In the few minutes she’d been gone, she’d added a touch of drama to the makeup she wore. Her voice took on a dramatic tone, too, as she spoke.

  “Thank you, Max, for that lovely introduction. We do indeed have surprises planned for you this evening. I hope you’ll be delighted! To begin, Madame Chantel and Kevin Whitley, who are devastated not to be with us tonight, have sent you their surrogates. They will dance the tango for you. Then we’ll invite you to the dance floor—not just for the tango, but also for the waltz and all your favorites. Who knows which of Marvelous Marley World’s characters will ask you to dance or who among our cast members will delight you with a special performance later?”

  As Katrina said that, she swept her arms wide and the lights in the center of the ballroom went out. More of Max’s characters and other costumed performers who ringed the room could be seen in the lights along the outer edge of the room. I felt so relieved not to be the star attraction. I was touched, too, by the response to the call Katrina and Kathleen had put out such a short time ago to Marvelous Marley World associates in the entertainment division.

  “Without further ado, I give you the dance team of Ripley and Whitley, featuring Madame Chantel’s goddaughter, Carol, and Kevin Whitley’s grandson, Carter. Please welcome them as they perform the tango.”

  As the strains of tango music began, Carol, wearing the dress she’d had on in her godmother’s suite, emerged from the crowd and took to the dance floor. She smiled at me from beneath a feathered mask that covered much of her face. It did not hide the sorrow in her eyes, but from the first sequence of steps, she and the young man with her, also sporting a mask, had the crowd mesmerized. While they danced, waiters moved through the crowd of spectators. They handed out masks, bringing another surprise to guests, as the evening’s gala was transformed into a masked ball.

  “Can you believe your eyes?” I asked Jack.

  “No. I understand why you were concerned. We’re not bad, but they’re outstanding.” That was an understatement. I couldn’t take my eyes off Carol and Carter who danced as if they were seasoned champions.

&
nbsp; When the music stopped, there was a moment of silence. I’m not sure what others in the room were waiting for, but I wasn’t ready to let them leave the dance floor. Shouts of “encore” erupted as the crowd cheered and applauded. Jack and I joined in. When they agreed, the orchestra took off with a new tango favorite. Just as they began to dance again, Jack’s phone must have buzzed him.

  “I should take this.” He didn’t wait for me to respond but quickly walked to the door that led into the waiting area where Katrina had disappeared before emerging with the most amazing change in plans that I could ever have imagined. As Jack slipped away with a mask dangling from one hand and his phone in the other, I anxiously stared after him wondering what was going on now.

  “Aren’t they amazing?” Katrina asked as she stepped next to me.

  “That’s the word I’d use. How is this possible? Carol and Carter look as though they’ve been dancing together for years.”

  “In a way they have. They’ve both been dancing since they were tiny kids. I’m sure they saw their elders perform more times than they can count. Both have picked up some of their mannerisms and nuances of execution along with the steps they learned from them. They were at rehearsal this morning and went through the dance a couple of times. He’s a nice height for her, too, given how short she is.”

  “Carol told me her godmother taught her to dance almost as soon as she could walk. I had no idea she was so good at it. Their decision to dance tonight could only have happened at the last minute.”

  “Apparently, it was Kevin Whitley’s idea. When he came around, his grandson was there, and he asked him to stand in for him. When Carter tried to call Madame Chantel to see if she’d be willing to do it, Carol answered her godmother’s phone. She broke down and told him that her godmother was dead. Carter told Carol that his grandfather wasn’t likely ever to dance again. About two minutes after that, they decided dancing tonight would be transformative—a tribute to both Charlotte and Kevin. I wish I had the capacity to behave so heroically when I’m faced with such devastating news.”