Titles by Laura Childs
Tea Shop Mysteries
DEATHBYDARJEELING
GUNPOWDER GREEN
SHADES OF EARL GREY
THE ENGLISHBREAKFAST MURDER
THE JASMINE MOONMURDER
CHAMOMILE MOURNING
BLOODORANGE BREWING
DRAGONWELL DEAD
THE SILVER NEEDLE MURDER
OOLONGDEAD
THE TEABERRYSTRANGLER
SCONES & BONES
AGONYOF THE LEAVES
SWEET TEAREVENGE
STEEPEDINEVIL
MINGTEAMURDER
DEVONSHIRE SCREAM
PEKOE MOST POISON
PLUM TEACRAZY
BROKENBONE CHINA
LAVENDER BLUE MURDER
HAUNTEDHIBISCUS
TWISTEDTEACHRISTMAS
ADARKANDSTORMYTEA
LEMONCURDKILLER
HONEYDROP DEAD
MURDER INTHE TEALEAVES
New Orleans Scrapbooking Mysteries
KEEPSAKE CRIMES
PHOTOFINISHED
BOUNDFOR MURDER
MOTIF FOR MURDER
FRILL KILL
DEATHSWATCH
TRAGIC MAGIC
FIBER & BRIMSTONE
SKELETONLETTERS
POSTCARDS FROM THE DEAD
GILT TRIP
GOSSAMER GHOST
PARCHMENT ANDOLDLACE
CREPE FACTOR
GLITTER BOMB
MUMBOGUMBOMURDER
Cackleberry Club Mysteries
EGGS INPURGATORY
EGGS BENEDICT ARNOLD
BEDEVILEDEGGS
STAKE & EGGS
EGGS INACASKET
SCORCHEDEGGS
EGGDROP DEAD
EGGS ONICE
EGGSHOOTERS
Anthologies
DEATHBYDESIGN
TEAFOR THREE
Afton Tangler Thrillers writing as Gerry Schmitt
LITTLE GIRL GONE
SHADOW GIRL
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ExcerptfromPeach Tea Smash byLauraChildscopyright©2024byGerrySchmitt&Associates,Inc
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LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData
Names:Childs,Laura,author
Title:Murderinthetealeaves/LauraChilds
Description:NewYork:BerkleyPrimeCrime,2024.|Series:Teashopmystery;27
Identifiers:LCCN2023035700(print)|LCCN2023035701(ebook)|ISBN9780593200988(hardcover)|ISBN9780593200995(ebook)
Subjects:LCGFT:Cozymysteries |Novels
Classification:LCCPS3603.H56M872024(print)|LCCPS3603.H56(ebook)|DDC813/.6 dc23/eng/20230825
LCrecordavailableathttps://lccnlocgov/2023035700
LCebookrecordavailableathttps://lccnlocgov/2023035701
EbookISBN9780593200995
CoverillustrationbyScottZelazny InteriordesignadaptedforebookbyEstelleMalmed
Thisisaworkoffiction Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactual persons,livingordead,businessestablishments,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental
PUBLISHER’SNOTE:Therecipescontainedinthisbookaretobefollowedexactlyaswritten Thepublisherisnotresponsibleforyourspecifichealthorallergyneeds thatmayrequiremedicalsupervision Thepublisherisnotresponsibleforanyadversereactionstotherecipescontainedinthisbook ep prh 63 146383322 c0 r0
Titles by Laura Childs
Acknowledgments
Excerpt fromPeachTeaSmash
About the Author
“Quiet on theset!Quietontheset!”
Asifsomeonehadsuddenlyspunadialandcutthevolume,therewascompleteanduttersilenceinthedarkenedliving roomofthedilapidatedBrittlebankManor.
“Rollfilm,and…action!”shoutedJoshMorro,thefilm’sdirector.
Theodosia Browning watched, fascinated, as actors recited lines, cameras dollied in for close-ups, and producers, assistantdirectors,storyboardartists,setdressers,grips,writers,gaffers,productionassistants,makeupartists,andcostumers allstoodby,readytojumpatthedirector’severycommand.
Itwas thefirstdayoffilmingfor Dark Fortunes,a Peregrine Pictures feature film Andthe firsttime tea shopowner Theodosiahadeverseenafull-fledgedmovieinthemaking Ofcourse,shewasn’tactually in themovie Butthisweekwas still extra special for Theodosia and Drayton Conneley, her dapper, sixty-something tea sommelier. They’d been tapped to handlethecraftservicestable,anall-daymunchfestforthecastandcrew.Itwasprovingtobeafunbreakfromtheirnormal rolesashostsattheIndigoTeaShoponCharleston’sfamedChurchStreet,wheretheyspenttheirdaysjugglingmorningcream tea,lunch,teaparties,afternoontea,specialevents,andcatering.
Catering. Yes, that’s exactly why Theodosia and Drayton had loaded their craft services table with a bounty of tea sandwiches,lemonscones,browniebites,bananamuffins,cranberryteabread,andhandmadechocolatefudge Andofcourse tea,whichwasDrayton’sspecialty.
“Thisisexciting,yes?”TheodosiawhisperedtoDrayton.Thedirectorhadcalledasuddenhalttofilmingandnowthe crewmilledaboutthedarkenedsetlikeshadowsflittingthroughagraveyard
“Excitingbutstrange,”Draytonsaid,touchingahandtohisbow tie “Ihadnoideasomuchworkwentintofilminga singlescene.”Hepeeredthroughthedarknesstowherethedirectorwaswhisperingtoacameraman.“Andthatdirectorseems tobeinaconstantuproar.”
JoshMorro,thedirector,wasmostcertainlyagitated “Gimmesomelight,willyou?”hebarked Andlightsimmediately cameup,revealingtheshabbyinteriorofasmall,old-fashionedsittingroom.“Andweneedsomethingmoredynamichere.A line or action that propels us into the heart of the storyline.” Morro turned to Craig Cole, the scriptwriter, and raised his eyebrowsinaquestioninglook
“It’salreadyinthescript,babe,”Coleshoutedbackathim.Colewas Hollywoodhyper,rail thinwithapinchedface andshockofbrightredWoodyWoodpeckerhair.
“No,it’snot Thescriptisdreck,”Morrocriedasheleapedfromhischair,knockingitoverbackwardintheprocess Hewastallandangular,dressedinjeansandafadedDefLeppardT-shirt.Good-looking,handsomeeven,Morrohadintense jadegreeneyesandworeanow-popular-againgunslingermustache.
Cole’sfacecontortedinanger “Watchit,pal I wrote thatscript” His lips barelytouchedhis teethas he spatouthis words.
Morroshookhisheadtiredly.“Fessup,man.YouplagiarizedaJapanesefilmthatwonaNipponAkademii-shoubackin ninety-five”
Cole’sfaceturnedbrightredtomatchhishair.“Thatmighthavebeentheseminalinspiration,”heshotback,“butevery lineofdialogueiscompletelymine!”
Thedirectorstaredthoughtfullyatthesmallroundtablewhereawomanwearingapurple-and-goldtunicwithmatching turbansatacrossfromAndreaBlair,thefilm’sleadingactress.
“Sheshouldreadthetealeaves,”Morrosaidslowly.“That’swhatweneed.Thefortunetellerhasto read thetealeaves beforeshedeliversherline.”
“Brilliant,”LewinUshertrilled Hewasoneofthefilm’sinvestorsandanexecutiveproducer,aheftybutslick-looking hedgefundmanagerinathree-pieceZegnasuitwithaRolexthesizeofanalarmclock.Heseemedpositivelygiddytobeon settoday.
JoshMorropointedafingeratthefortuneteller “Fortunetellerlady WhatIwantyoutodoispouroutthetea,thenpeer intoAndrea’scupandactuallyread thetealeaves.Tellher,um,thatherlifeisinterribledanger.”
“That’snotinthescript,”Colecalledout.
“Well,itshouldbe,”Morrosaid Hestaredearnestlyatthefortuneteller “Yougotthat?”
“Noproblem,”saidthefortuneteller.
“Lights down, everyone quiet…and roll film,” Morro instructed. He stood there, tense, arms crossed, watching his actors
Thefortunetellerliftedtheteapotandtilteditataforty-five-degreeangle Atwhichpointthelidpromptlyfelloffand clatterednoisilytothefloorwhiletheteabagtumbledoutandlandedintheteacupwithawetplop.
“No,no!” Morroshouted.“That’s notgoingtowork,you’re doingitall wrong.Everybody,take five while we figure this out” He sighed deeplyand gazed inthe directionofTheodosia’s craftservices table as ifthere were ananswer to be foundthere.
Turnsouttherewas.
“Loose-leaftea,”Theodosiasaid “Youneedtobrewloosetealeavesinordertoachievetheeffectyouwant” “Huh?”ThedirectorpeeredatTheodosiaasifreallyseeingherforthefirsttime.“Youknowsomethingabouttea?”
“Sheshould,”Draytonsaid,suddenlyspeakingup.“Sheownsateashop.”
“Comeoverhere,willyou?”Morrosaid,wagglinghisfingers
Theodosia slippedaroundthe table andwalkedtowardthe director,aware thatmore thana few eyes were following her. She stepped over a tangle of wires and blackcables that connected lights, cameras, and sound equipment to the main powersource.
“Soyou’reateaexpert?”Morroasked Theodosialiftedashoulder.“Ofsorts.”
“Becauseyouownateashop.”
“TheIndigoTeaShopoveronChurchStreet”
Thedirectorseemedtorelax.“Truthbetold,I’vebeenknowntoimbibeacuportwoofteamyself.YoumightsayEarl Greywasmygatewaydrug.”
“Becauseofthebergamot,”Theodosiasaid
JoshMorroreachedout,gentlygrabbedTheodosia’sarm,andpulledhertowardhim.“Right.” “Hardtoresistthatrichflavor.”
Morro’sfacelitupasifhe’dbeensuddenlystruckbyawonderful idea.“Sinceyouseemtoknow whatyou’redoing, we’llhave you pourtheteaandreadthetealeaves!”
“What!”screechedthefortuneteller,whosuddenlysawherbigscenegoingupinsmoke.
“Oh no,” Theodosia said, breaking away from him and holding up her hands. “I’m no expert when it comes to tasseography”
“You’rereferringto ” “Readingtealeaves.”
Morrogazedatherandsmiled.“Ohyes,Ithinkyou’reperfect.Idefinitelywant you toreadthetealeavesandbeinthe scene”
“Ican’tdothat,”Theodosiasaid.
Morro’sbrowspuckered.“What’stheproblem?”
“I’mnotanactress,”Theodosiasaid Sheglancedaroundquickly,lookingforconfirmation Wasn’titglaringlyapparent thatshewas onlyheretooverseethecraftservices table?Wasn’tit?Comeon,somebodypleasepitchinandgiveher some backup.
ButJoshMorrohadalreadymadeuphismind HelookedovertowhereAndreaBlair,thestarofthemovie,wasnow lounging in a folding chair as she scrolled through her phone messages. Her script lay on the floor next to her, unopened. “You’renoactress?”Morrosaid.“Neitherisshe.”Thenheliftedahand,snappedhisfingers,andcalledout,“Sondra,we’re goingtoneedhair,makeup,andwardrobefor…what’syourname?”
“Theodosia TheodosiaBrowning ButIreallycan’t ” “Doit,”Draytonurgedfromacrosstheroom.“It’llbefun.”
“No,itwon’t,”Theodosiasaid,shakingherhead.“I’mnotanactress,Idon’tevenlooklikeanactress.”
“Actually, youdo,” Morro said “You’re youngand prettyenoughto lookgood ina close-up, butyoualso possess a seriousnessandquietmaturitythatwillcomeacrosson-screen.Abelievabilitytheaudiencecanconnectwith.”Heappraised herfromheadtotoe.“Goodfigure,ice-chipblueeyesthatgonicelywiththatEnglishrosecomplexiononlyafewwomenare naturallygiftedwith,and well,Idoloveyourtangleofauburnhair”Hehesitated “Thoughwe’llhavetotoneitdownsome tofitundertheturban.”
Theodosia shook her head. “No,” she said again. But even as her protest continued, Sondra and another production assistantrushedin,grabbedher,andpulledherdownthehallwayintoamakeshiftmakeupanddressingroom
“Thisisn’tgoingtowork,”Theodosiaarguedastheyplunkedherdowninapinkplasticswivel chairandbombarded herwithbrightlights.Theairwasfilledwiththesweetscentofhairspray,stylinggel,andatouchofChanelNo.5.
“Ofcourseitwillwork,honey,”Brittany,theheadmakeupartist,toldTheodosia.“Allweneedtodoislineyoureyes, patonsomemakeup,andtonedownthathair ofyours”SheranabrushthroughTheodosia’slocksandsaidtoher assistant, “Tina,haveyoueverseensomuchhair?”
Shakingherhead,Tinasnappedhergumandsaid,“Onlyonwigs.”
“Really,”Theodosiasaid,grippingthearmsofherchair “Ican’tgothroughwiththis”
“Honey,yougottatrustus,”Brittanysaid.Shewasableachedblondwithover-pluckedbrowsandaspraytan.Afake bakeasTheodosiaandher friendswouldsay.“We’regonnadoafirst-classbuffandpuffthat’ll glamyouupsogoodyou’ll looklikeagenuineHollywoodstar”
“GoodenoughforashotonTMZ,”TinaechoedasshedrapedaplasticcapearoundTheodosia’sshoulders “Ohdear,”saidTheodosia.
But ten minutes later, once Brittany had sponged on a light base coat, artfully powdered it down, then added some blusherto highlighther cheekbones, Theodosia started to feel a little better And whenBrittanygelled her brows and added eyelinerwithaslightcateyeoomphattheoutercorners,shepeeredinthemirrorandlikedwhatshesaw.
“Notbad,”Theodosiasaid.
“See?You’reanatural,”Brittanysaid
Meanwhile,Tinahadsussedoutacutetangleofcurlstopeekoutfromunderherturban.
“Youlivehere,honey?”BrittanyaskedasshecarefullylinedTheodosia’slips.
Theodosianodded “BornandbredinCharleston,SouthCarolina” “Quitetheplace,”Brittanysaid.“I’venever seensomuchhistoricarchitectureinmylife.Thenagain,I’mfromL.A., whereanythingbefore1980isconsideredancienthistory.”
“Some of our homes and churches date back to the Revolutionary War,” Theodosia said. “There are churches that GeorgeWashingtonworshippedin,narrowalleyswhereduelswerefought,andFortSumter,wheretheCivilWarbegan” “Thishousemustbeplentyhistoric,too,”Tinasaid.“Imean,itsureisaspookyoldplace.Darkanddrafty,practically fallingdown itkindofgivesmethecreepsjustbeinghere.ButIcanunderstandwhythelocationscoutschosethisplace.It’s theperfectsetforascarymovie”
“Itdoeslookthepart,”Theodosiaagreed Evenshe’dbeenslightlyputoffbythedingywalls,threadbarerugs,driedoutwoodwork,andbarewiresdanglingfromtheceilingwhereagrandchandelierhadoncehung.
“Itfeelsasifnobody’slivedhereinyears,”Brittanyadded.
“That’s because nobody has,” Theodosia said “This place is known as Brittlebank Manor and it’s reputed to be haunted.”
“No!”Brittanycried.“Seriously?”
“Charlestonisfullofghosts,”Theodosiasaidplayfully “We’vegothauntedhouses,hauntedhotels,ahaunteddungeon, andevenahauntedcemetery.Actually,twohauntedcemeteries.”
Tinagaveanappreciativeshiver.“Thisplace,BrittlebankManor,istheresomekindoflegendbehindit?”
“Idon’tknowallofit,”Theodosiasaid “Butapparentlyawomanwaskeptlockedintheatticandthengotkilledwhen anenormousboltoflightningstruckthebuilding.”
“Whyonearthwas she locked inthe attic?” Brittanyasked as she helped Theodosia into a longpurple velvet coat emblazonedwithsilverstars.
“Notsure,”TheodosiasaidasTinasituatedaturbanonherheadandgaveafinaltouchtotheswirlofhairthatpeeked out.“Ineverdidhearthewholestory.”
Back on set, DraytonhadbrewedasmallpotofDarjeelingwhilelightsandcameraangleswerebeingadjusted And whenTheodosiaemergedfromthemakeuproom,HeleneDeveroux,oneofthemembersoftheCharlestonFilmBoard,rushed uptogreether.
“Blessmetobits,Theodosia,Ihardlyrecognizedyou!”Helenecried.“You’reallglammeduplikeabonafideactress!”
“Itwasn’tmyidea,”Theodosiaexplained,pattingnervouslyatherturban “Butthedirectorwantsmeinthemovie You know,foramoreauthentictealeavesread”
“Canyoudothat?”Heleneasked.Shewasforty-somethingandatadtheatricalwithhermopofhoney-blondhair,zaftig figure,andoverlybroadgestures.TodayHeleneworearedsilkjacketovertightblackleatherjeans.
“IfIfollowthedirector’slead,thensureIcan,”Theodosiasaid “Imean,Iguessso”
HelenegrabbedTheodosia’sarmandgaveaconspiratorial wink.“Aren’tyougladDelainesetyouupwiththisgig?” DelaineDishwasafriendofTheodosia’sandservedontheCharlestonFilmBoardalongwithHelene.
“I’llletyouknowonceweshootthisscene”
Helene grinned. “Later, sweetie, right now I have to bounce.” She shook a handful of papers. “Gotta deliver these paperstotheCityFilmOffice.”Andshewasgone.
“Areyouready?”thedirectorasked HewassuddenlyinTheodosia’sface,lookingalittleanxious “Hopeso,”shesaid
Theodosia andAndrea dida couple ofquickrehearsals together,withTheodosia feelingmore confidentas theywent along.
“This is working,” JoshMorrosaid “Verybelievable Ithinkwe’re readyfor a take Now,Andrea,whenTheodosia tipsyourteacupsidewaysandstaresintoreadthetealeaves,Iwantyoutolookapprehensive.Doyouknowwhatthatis?Can yougivemeapprehensive?”
Andreapulledhermouthintoapoutandwidenedhereyes
“Thatlooksmorelikeacaseofindigestion,”Morrosaid.“Trytoworkupsomegenuineemotion.Trytoactually…act. And, Willy…” Morro turned to his cameraman. “Iwantyouto dollyinslowlyfor anextreme close-up onthatteacup.” He glanceduptohisleft “Lightingguys,let’sthrowupascrimandaddabluekeylighttocreateaspookyvibe Then,whenWilly goesinforhisECU,ampupthekeylightandgivemeamedium-sizedflicker,okay?”
“Okay,boss,”calledthelightingdirector.
“Andsomebodygetmeachair,”Morrosaid.Therewasaflurryofactivitybehindhimassomebodysetdownametal foldingchair Morro plopped down, crossed his legs, and said, “Quietonset Lights all the waydown” There was sudden silenceasthelightsdimmedandeveryoneheldtheirbreath.“AndIwantaaaction. ”
Atwhichpointthelightscameupslowly,revealingTheodosiaandAndreahuddledattheteatable.Theodosiapicked uptheteapot,pouredteaintoafloralteacup,andwaitedasAndreatookacoupleofsips Thenshereachedoverandtookthe
teacupback As Theodosia leanedforwardtopeer atthe tea leaves,she was aware ofthe camera movinginclose andofa strange,almostelectrical,feel inthe room.There was a weirdrumble,thena profoundlyloudSIZZLE,CRACK,POP,as if someone had suddenlythrownthe master switchinDr. Frankenstein’s laboratory. The noise continued to build as electrical flasheslituptheroomlikeastringofexplodingBlackCatfirecrackersandTheodosiasmelledawhiffofphosphorus Toadd tothemayhem,ahorriblegaggingsoundrangout,thenslowlymorphedintoastrangledscream.
This isn’t in the script,Theodosiatoldherselfasascreeching,wailingwallofsoundroseuparoundherfromthecast and crew At which point she jumped to her feet and saw Josh Morro thrashing wildly on the floor He’d flipped over backwardinhismetalfoldingchairandwaswrithinginagony.Hiseyeshadpoppedopensowidethewhiteswereenormous, likeacoupleofboiledeggs.AndforsomebizarrereasonMorro’sbodyseemedalmostweldedtohischairashisarmsflailed crazily, poundingouta drumbeatagainstthe saggingwoodenfloor, caughtinthe throes ofwhathad to be a terrible seizure Secondslater,hisbackarchedspasmodicallyandhislegskickedandjerked,asifdancingtosomeunholytune.
“Somebodyhelphim!”Andreacried,settingoffanevenloudercacophonyofscreamsandshouts.
TherewasaterriblegurglingsoundaswhitefoamspewedfromJoshMorro’sopenmouth.Then,inonefinalconvulsive act,Morro’sheadsnappedbackandbangedagainstthefloorwithadeafeningCRACK Thenhiscrumpledbodyseemedtorun outofsteamasheletoutaslowexpulsionofairthatsoundedlikeavampire’sdyinghiss.
“Won’t somebody helphim?”Andreascreamedastearsstreameddownherface.
Who said the girl can’t act?!wasthesinglethoughtthatflittedthroughTheodosia’sbrain
Unfortunately,halfthecrewseemedtobestruckdumbastheygazedinhorroratMorro’sbodywhileothersturnedaway orburiedtheirfaceintheirhands.
The lights had come up full force now, revealinga barelytwitchingJoshMorro lyingonthe floor amidsta tangle of blackcables.
Willy, the cameraman, kneltdownand reached outa hand to touchMorro’s shoulder justas someone shouted, “Stop! Don’tdothat!”
Hisarmfrozeninmidair,WillyglanceduptofindTedJuniper,thelightingdirector,wavingathim “Don’ttouchhim,”Juniperwarned.“Hemaystillbehot.”
“Hot?Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Willyshouted.Hewaswild-eyedandrumpled,afifty-somethingguyinkhakisand agreenmilitarysweater
“Justlook,”Junipercried.“Lookathischair!”
WillyturnedhisgazeonthetwistedmetalchairthatMorroseemedtobeweldedto.“Jeepers,”hesaid,hisvoiceraw withemotion “There’s wires ”
Theodosia creptaround the tea table to have a lookfor herself. Draytoncame up behind her, shakenbutcurious. The lightingdirectorwasright.TherewasatangleofblackandcopperwireswrappedaroundMorro’smetalfoldingchair.
“SweetFannyAdams,”Draytoncried “Ithinkthepoorfellow’sbeenelectrocuted”
“Thatcan’tbe,”Junipersaid Despaircoloredhisvoiceandhewaspracticallyintears
“Somebodycall911,”avoicecalledout.“Doesanybodyhavetheirphonehandy?”
Atleastfifteensetsofnimblefingershurriedlycalled911. Whichbrought
TwouniformedofficersfromtheCharlestonPoliceDepartment,anambulancewithtwoEMTs,andthefiredepartment’s rescuesquad.
The EMTs arrivedfirstandwenttoworkimmediately Withbarelya wastedmotion,theydroppedtotheir hands and knees,pullingequipmentfromtheirmedicalpacks.
“Priorityone,”thefirstEMT,aserious-lookingBlackwoman,saidtothesecondEMT.Hernametagread L. SINGER,his read T ELMORE
Theodosiafiguredpriorityonehadtobecodeforabigbademergency
BothEMTsworkedfeverishlyonMorro,followingtheABCprotocolofcheckingairway,breathing,andcirculation.
“I’vegotafaintpulse,”Elmoresaid.“Butit’s…”Heshookhishead. Singerduginhermedpackandpulledoutasyringeandasmallbottle “Epinephrine,”shesaidasshecarefullyfilled herneedle,thenplungeditdirectlyintoMorro’sheart.
Still,itdidn’tlookgood.Eventhoughtheyworkedfranticallyforanotherfiveminutes,JoshMorrowasn’trespondingto anythingtheEMTsweredoingandhislipswerestartingtoturnblue
ElmoreplacedhisstethoscopeonMorro’sheart.
“Anything?”Singerasked.
Elmorelookedstricken “Ithinkwelosthim”
“No!”TedJunipershouted,clearlydistraught.Afewothersshuffledforward,horrifiedanddisbelieving.
“Getback,everyonestandback.”Agravellyvoicesuddenlyboomedoutanorderinthesmallroom. “Tidwell,”Theodosiamurmuredtoherself.
BurtTidwell,headofCharlestonPD’sRobberyandHomicideDivision,stormedintotheroom Abig,bearishman,he wasdressedinasaggy,oversizedjacketthatwasacrossbetweenbrownandpurple(burple?),baggyolivedrabslacks,and blacksteel-toedcopshoes.HelookeddownatthetwoEMTsandsaid,“Anything?”
“He’sgone,”Singersaid “Weeventried ”
Tidwellcutheroffwithathrustofhishand.“Whathappenedhere?”heaskedashisbeadyeyesroamedabouttheroom. Ofcourseeveryonetriedtospeakatonce,whichforcedTidwelltoholdupahandandyell,“Quiet!”
AtwhichpointeveryonequieteddownandwatchedasTidwellcircledaverydeadJoshMorrowandstudiedthescene Finally,Tidwellturnedtothegroupandthundered,“Whogavehimthischair?”
Aseaofblankfacesstaredbackathim.Itwouldseemnoonehadhandledthehot-wiredchair.
“Comeon,”Tidwellurged “Gaffers,wasitoneofyou?”Heturnedhisbulkslightlyassharpeyesscannedtheroomand severalcrewmemberstriedtoshrinkintotheshadows “Lightingguys?Talktome,people Someonemusthaveseenordone something. ”
Evenwithhishectoringtone,TheodosiaknewthatTidwellwastryingtoencourageawitnesstostepforward,toreveal what they’d seen But nobodymoved a muscle Nobodywanted to take responsibilityfor tanglingup the metal chair inthe wires.
Or was this not an accident? Theodosiawondered.Sheletthatnastythoughtpercolateinherbrainforafewmoments. Couldthishavebeenintentional?Couldithavebeen murder?
She peered at the chair again. Copper wire had been wound around the legs, more wire around the seat and back. Suddenly,Theodosiadidn’tthinkthiswasrandomatall.Infact,itdidlookdownright intentional.Asifsomeonehadreally wanted to electrocute Morro She gazed atBurtTidwell and saw the same notionlurkinginhis dark, piercingeyes Yes, he suspectedmurderaswell
Withno one steppingforward to offer aneyewitness account, Tidwell froze the scene. And five minutes later, a half dozenmoreuniformedofficerscamepouringinalongwithtwoCrimeScenetechs.
Theofficersherdedtheonlookersintosmallgroups,tookdowntheirnamesandaddresses,andfiredquestionsatthem TheCrimeSceneteamshotphotosofthevictimfromdifferentangles,thenmadeavideooftheentirescene.Akindofmovie withinamovie.
WhenitwasTheodosia’sturntobequestioned,DetectiveTidwellsteppedintointerrogateherhimself “Youarehere,why?”heasked.
TheodosiawaswellacquaintedwithTidwell.She’dbumpedheadswithhimonseveralotheroccasions.Andthoughhe wasoftenbrusqueandshort-tempered,hewasalsoclever,keenlyanalytical,anddedicatedtohisjob Theinvestigatorswho workedunderTidwell andthatincludedTheodosia’scurrentboyfriend fearedandrespectedhimandwouldprobablywalk barefootacrosshotcoalsifheaskedthem.
TidwellcockedaneyeatTheodosiaandsaid,“Well?”
Theodosiahastilyexplainedhow sheandDraytonhadbeentappedtohandlethecraftservices table Thather friends DelaineandHelene,whobothservedontheCharlestonFilmBoard,hadarrangedthiscateringgigforthem.
Tidwelllookedskeptical.“Andyouweredolingoutteaandcookiesinthat costume?”
“Well,no ItjustsohappenedIwasofferedaverysmallroleinthemovie,”Theodosiasaid “Toreadthetealeavesand deliverasingleline.”
“Andwhoofferedyouthismonumentalpart?”
“Um,thenow-deceasedfilmdirector”Heranswersoundedweird,eventoher “Soyousawwhathappenedhere?Youwereaneyewitness?”
“Idon’tthinkanybodyreallysawwhatwenton,”Theodosiasaid.“Thesetwascompletelydark,witheveryonekindof movingaroundintheshadows”
“Andthen?”Tidwellurged.
“AndthenIheardabunchofweirdpoppingnoisesandlightsstartedflashinglikecrazy.”
“Andthat’swhenyousawMr Morrodownonthefloor ”
Theodosianodded.“Kickingandjerkingasifhe’dcompletelylostcontrol.Itwasawful…I’msurehewasinterrible pain.Andpeopleallaroundhimstartedscreamingtheirheadsoff.”
“How manycast and crew members would yousaywere onset at the time?” Tidwell glanced around. “How many peoplewerecrammedintothisratherdingy,depressing-lookingparlor?”
“Isupposefifteenpeople.Maybetwenty,”Theodosiasaid.
“Andnoonesawanything,”Tidwellsaidinalowvoice.
“LikeIsaid Itwasdark Andthenallhellsuddenlybrokeloose”
Tidwelllookedthoughtful.“Soperhaps…”Hesuddenlyfellsilentastwomenfromthemedicalexaminer’sofficecame indraggingaclatteringmetal gurneybehindthem.Themencheckedwiththetwoofficerswhowereguardingthedeceased’s body,thenwentabouttheirbusinessefficiently,almostroutinely,asamultitudeofnervouseyessuddenlyfocusedonthem The MEguysrolledMorrow’sbodyintoablackvinylbag,zippeditup,thenplacedthebagontheirgurney.
Andonceagain,thoughnobodygavetheorder,itwasquietontheset.
Theodosia was exhausted bythetimesheescapedTidwell’sfeverishbarrageofquestions,droppedoffDraytonat hishouse,andfinallyletherselfinherownbackdoor
ButEarlGreydidn’tknowaboutanyofthat.Hersweetdogwassittingatattentioninthekitchen,earsprickedforward, eyes focused onthe backdoor. And whenthat door opened, and Theodosia walked through, he catapulted himself into her arms Sloppydogkisses were administered as his tail thumpedwildly And Theodosia couldn’thelp butembrace himback Clutchhiswarm,furrybodyclosetohersandbethankfulforherdog’sunabashedlove.
“Hey,sweetie,”shecrooned.“It’sgoodtoseeyou.Goodtobehome.”
Across betweena dalmatianand a Labrador (a Dalbrador?), Earl Greywas her roommate, bestfriend, and jogging partner He lived with Theodosia in her little cottage in Charleston’s Historic District, on a street that was crowded with enormousItalianate,Georgian,Victorian,andGothicmansions.Mostdisplayedelaboratecolumns,pediments,andbalustrades andweresurroundedbytouchesofwroughtiron.
Unlike these grand homes, Theodosia’s home was cute and cozy It was a classic QueenAnne–style cottage withan angledroofline made ofoverlappingshingles, stuccoexterior, and woodencrossbeams. Ivycurledup the sides ofthe house and the second floor sported a sort ofturret. The interior was just as intriguing, withpegged wood floors, brickfireplace, leadedwindows,andchintz-coveredfurniture
“Youmustbehungry,”TheodosiasaidtoEarlGreyasshebuzzedaboutherkitchen.Shefilledhisdisheswithkibbles andfreshcoldwater,thensetaboutfixingsomethingforherself.Apeekintherefrigeratorrevealedleftoverminestronesoup andtwocreamscones Shewarmedeverythingup,placeditonasilvertray,andcarrieditintoherdiningroom Shewasabout tositdownwhenhermobilephonerang Shegrabbedit,lookedatthescreen,andsawitwasPeteRileycalling Hersort-of boyfriend.Well,heactuallywas herboyfriend.
“Hey,”shesaid.
“IjustheardaboutJoshMorro,”wereRiley’sfirstwords Not“Howareyou,sweetheart?”or“Isuredomissyou”
“Oh,no,youdidnot,”Theodosiasaid.How couldRileyknow aboutJoshMorro’smurder already?Werethereerrant atmosphericstrobes?DidaflockofevilfairieswingtheirwayallthewayuptoChicago,wherehewascallingfrom?
“Tidwellcalledme”
“Thatwastotallyunnecessary.Doesn’theknowyou’reatalawenforcementconference?Thatyou’reoneofthekeynote speakers?Thatyou’vegottobespot-ontomorrowmorningforyourbigpresentation?”
“Heknows”
“ThenI thinkit was rude of himto disturb you I’mguessingyou’ve beenpracticingyour talk, goingover it a final time.”
“Igotit.I’mready,”Rileysaid.
“Still ”Theodosiaclosedhereyesandpicturedhim PeteRileywastall,fairlyathletic,butwithaboyishdemeanor abouthim.Hehadanaristocraticnose,highcheekbones,andblueeyesashadelighterthanTheodosia’s.Hewasalsooneof the up-and-coming detectives on Charleston’s police force, one of Tidwell’s formidable weapons. Theodosia, of course, simplythoughtofhimasRiley,herRiley AndhecalledherTheo Itwasaseasyasthatbecauseitsuitedthem
“Truthbeknown,”Rileysaid,“Tidwellcalledbecausehewantedmetorelayamessagetoyou.”
“Amessageforme?”Theodosiapretendedtobepuzzled.
Rileychuckled Thiswasn’thisfirstrodeo Hecouldseerightthroughher “Doyouwanttoheartheactualmessagewordforwordorjustthegeneralgistofit?”
“DoIhaveachoice?”
“Notreally,”Rileysaid.
“Okay,maybejustfloatmethebasicpremise”
“Actually, I’mgoingto cleanitup and condense ita bit. WhatTidwell wanted was for me to warnyouaboutgetting involvedinJoshMorro’smurder.”
“Thatwassweetofhim,”Theodosiasaid “Don’tbesnarky,”Rileylaughed.
“Thethingis,Riley,thisguyMorrowaselectrocutedrightinfrontofmyeyes.Sparksflew,wiresglowedred,andan entireroomfull ofpeople all witnesses,Imightadd gaspedenmasse Andthentheyall pretendedtobecluelesswhenit wasquiteapparentthatsomeone there hadmurderedMorro.SoIhavetosayI’mmorethanalittlebitinvolved.”
“Theo, youknow exactlywhatTidwell was referringto. He doesn’twantyouto getpulled into the investigation. Or, moretothepoint,hedoesn’twantyouto insert yourselfintotheinvestigation”
“Thethoughthadbarelycrossedmymind”
“There’sthatsnarkinessagain.”
Theodosiaexhaledloudly.“Riley,ifyoucouldhaveseenthatpoorman.Imean,itwaspuretragedy,likesomethingof outaBhorrormovie Morrowaswrithingonthefloorwhilemega-voltsofelectricityzappedthroughhim Itwaslike well, likeanexecutionbyelectricchair.”
“Thatsoundsatrifledramatic.”
“Because it was dramatic! And, besides, who knows how to rig up a chair like that? I mean, wires were wrapped arounditlikesomethingyou’dseeinatorturechamber.Idon’tthinkthatkindofknow-howcomesfromreadingoldeditionsof Popular Mechanics. ”
“Probablynot Whichmeansitwassomeonewhoknowswhatthey’redoing”
“Youmeanacleverkiller?”Theodosiasaid
“Iwouldsayso,yes.SoIsecondTidwell’snotionofleavingitwellalone.”
“I’llthinkaboutit.”
“You’reincorrigible”
“Probably.”
“Okay, then, wishme luckand tryto stayout of things, okay? And whenI get backwe’ll go out for a fancydinner. MaybeHuskortheQuinte”
“Mmn,rawoysters.Soundslikeaplan,”Theodosiasaid.
“Okay,sweetheart,sleeptight.”
“You,too”
Theodosia turned offher phone, thennibbled ather dinner. Halfwaythroughher second scone, she turned her phone backonandgoogledtheIMDbwebsite.ThenshelookedupJoshMorro’sfilmography.
His filmcredits were impressive to saythe least. Second unitdirector ontwo feature films, Basil’s Countdown and Three Crickets Thendirectorontwomorefeaturefilms, Storm Cloud Horizon and Shadow Girls Plus,therewasTVworkin thereaswell.
Interesting. So who would want Josh Morro dead?
Theodosiathoughtaboutthisasshetidiedupherkitchen,thentookEarlGreyoutforashortwalk Theeveningairwas still warmas theytromped downher backalley, headed over toward the Cooper River, and watched a cruise ship, lights glittering,pullintooneofthemammothdocks.
Back home and upstairs in her bedroom, Theodosia wondered about all the people who’d been on set today the witnesses.Butthere hadto be one stone-cold killer amongthem, right? One personwitha motive, a personwho hated Josh Morroorneededtogetridofhimpermanently.Shetookashower,readafewchaptersfromanewSusanWittigAlbertbook, andthoughtaboutMorro’smurdersomemore Finally,sheclimbedintobedanddriftedofftosleep withimagesofdarkened moviesets,threateningtealeaffortunes,andred-hotsparkingchairsspinninginherhead.
Drayton faced Theodosia frombehind the front counter ofthe Indigo Tea Shop. He was perfectlyturned out this Tuesday morning in a Harris Tweed jacket, dove gray slacks, highly polished Church’s shoes, and his trademark bow tie TodayhisDrake’stiewasapunchycanaryyellow.
“Wehavetotell Haleyaboutthemurder yesterday,”Draytonsaidinalow voice.Haleywastheir youngcook,baker, andoccupant(withherorange-and-browncat,Teacake)oftheupstairsapartment
“Agreed,”Theodosiaresponded.“Butwe’vegottogoeasy.Youknowhowsensitivesheis.”
“Who’s sensitive?” Haleycalled outas she emerged fromthe kitchen, kitted outinher white chef’s jacketand toque, and carrying a baking tray heaped with slices of lemon bread and orange-walnut scones The aromas ranged somewhere betweendelightfulandheavenly
“Oops,”Draytonsaid.
Haleystudiedhim.“Whatwereyoutalkingabout?Whatare youtalkingabout?”
“There’sbeenabitofatragedy,”Draytonsaidinhushedtones
“Adeathoccurredonthemoviesetyesterday,”Theodosiasaid.
“Ohthat,”Haleysaid.“JoshMorro.”Sheshookbackhercurtainoflongblondhairandwrinkledherpertnose.“Yeah,I alreadyknowaboutit”Shesethertrayofbakedgoodsdownonthecounternonchalantly “Youdo?”Draytonsaid.“How?”
“Whotoldyou?”Theodosiaasked.
“Your friend Delaine Dish stopped by the tea shop late yesterday afternoon She’d just gotten word about the film director’sdeathandwaswonderingifyouandDraytonhadmadeitbackhereyet WhenItoldherno,shegotthatweirdlook onherface youknowthelook…”
Theodosianodded.Sheknewitwell.YoucouldalwaystellwhenDelaineDishwasburstingwithnews,goodorbad. Shepursedherlipsandassumedakindofpickleface Dill,notsweet Still,asamemberoftheCharlestonFilmBoard and theonewho’dsetthemupwiththeircateringgig DelainehadgoodreasontobeworriedaboutMorro’sstrangedeath. Haleysteppedcloserandthrewthemaquestioninglook.“Yesterday.Wasitverybad?”
“Hideous,”Draytonsaid
“It’salwaysatragedywhensomeoneiskilled,”Theodosiasaid.
“Notjustkilled,murdered,”Haleysaid,puttingaspecialemphasisonthelastword.
“Yes,andthepoliceareontopofit,”Theodosiasaid “They’requestioningeveryoneinvolvedandIhavehighhopes they’llcomeupwithasuspectortwoveryshortly.”
Haley shifted from one foot to another. “What about you?” she asked. “You’ve earned a kind of reputation as Charleston’sownNancyDrew Plus,youwererightthereinthemix Whatdo you think?”
When Theodosia hesitated, Drayton spoke up and said, “Theodosia thinks, as do I, that we should put yesterday’s unfortunate circumstances on the back burner for the time being. We need to get cracking and make sure our tea shop is organizedandreadytogo Sinceweweren’thereyesterday,I’msurethere’sbeensomeseriousdisorganization”
“No way,” Haley said. “Not in my kitchen and certainly not in the tea shop. In fact, we managed quite well. Miss DimplewasheretohelpserveandsowasBethAnn.”
MissDimplewastheirbookkeeper-slash-part-time-serverandBethAnnwasHaley’scousinfromnearbyGooseCreek who’dbeentappedtoworkasaserverthisweek.
“Infact,BethAnnshouldbehereanyminute,”Haleysaid.
“Great,”Theodosiasaid,glancingabouttheteashopshe’dlovinglycrafted.Andeventhoughshe’dbeengoneforone whole entire day, the Indigo Tea Shop had seeminglywithstood total collapse Infact, the heart pine floors fairlygleamed, tableswerecarefullyarranged,andDrayton’sfloor-to-ceilingshelvesofteatinslookeddecidedlyorganized.
“What’sonthemenuformorningtea?”Draytonasked.
“Oh,”saidHaley “Mylemonbreadandorange-walnutsconesandthensomeapplespicemuffinsandbananabreadfor later.”Shegaveamischievousgrin.“Witheverythinglate-summerripeforthepickingfromsurroundingorchardsitlookstobe afruit-filledweek.”
“Letushopeit’salsofruitful,”Draytonadded
“Hah,Iseewhereyou’regoingwiththat,”Haleysaid,pointingafingerathim.
Theyallgottoworkthen.Draytonselectinghisteasforthedayandliningupanarmadaofcolorfulteapots,Theodosia settingthe tables andchoosinga funmixofantique floral teacups andsaucers frommakers thatincludedBelleek,Haviland, andPickard
TheIndigoTeaShop,toputitbluntly,wasTheodosia’sprideandjoy.She’dscrimpedandsavedforadownpaymenton thesmall English-stylebrickbuildingwithitshigh-pitchedroof,leadedwindows,hunter greenawnings,androunded-at-thetopdoor thatlookedlike itbelongedona Hobbithouse Thenshe’dtackledthe inside andimbueditwitha slightlyBritish, quasi-Frenchcharm.Thisincludedartfullyswaggedbluetoilecurtains,fadedOriental carpetsonpeggedfloors,andasmall wood-burningfireplace inone corner. Hangingoverhead, a Frenchchandelier imparted a warm, almosthazyglow (Drayton referredtoitasRembrandtlighting)andinthefarcornerantiquehighboysheldretailitemsthatincludedteatowels,teacozies, tinsoftea,Theodosia’sproprietaryT-Bathlotionsandmoisturizers,andjarsofDuBoseBeesHoney.Avelvetceladongreen curtain separated the café from the back half and brick walls were hung with antique prints and Theodosia’s handmade grapevinewreathsthatweredecoratedwithminiatureteacups
Draytonhadbeenthefirsttocomeonboardasteasommelier AndHaley,casuallyansweringawantad,hadfoundher bakingskillsandhergrandma’srecipes alsoknownasreceipts inhighdemand.
The rest of the tea accoutrements had come about organically, with Theodosia sifting through flea markets, antique shops,andtagsalestofindtheperfectvintageteacups,teapots,goblets,andsilverware
Afterahalfdozenyearstogether,Theodosia,Drayton,andHaleyhadbecomeawell-coordinatedteamthattookpridein delightingvisitors andneighbors withtheir baked-from-scratchscones andmuffins,dazzlingarrayoffineteas,extraordinary catering, and ever-popular special event teas They’d also come to realize that family didn’t always have to mean blood relatives.
“Here come the customers,” Draytonsangoutfrombehind the counter as the frontdoor banged openand a foursome hustledinside Theodosiaquicklyseatedthem,thenreturnedtogreetayoungcoupleandthenagroupofsixwomen Shewas keptbusyasshetookorders,recommendedteas,andranfoodordersintoHaleyandteaorderstoDrayton.Andallthewhile, neighboringshopkeepersdroppedinfortheirderigueurcuppas,whilemultiplegroupsoftouristsfoundtheirwayin,drawnby thecharmoftheshop.ThankgoodnessforHaley’scousin,BethAnn,whoshowedupinthenickoftime.
HoursflewbyandjustasTheodosiawasthinkingaboutlunchtime,thefrontdoorwhappedopenandavirtualstampede camecoursingin.Butthesewerenotcustomers orevenregularsfromdowntheblock.Itwas waitforit,folks aTVcrew.
TheodosiaglancedatDrayton,whowasdoinghisalmightybesttoignorethemanddecidedhewasn’tgoingtobemuch helpdealingwiththis
“Theodosia,”saidaslick-lookingmanwithcarefullygelledhair “You’reTheodosiaBrowning,right?”Hewasthirtysomethingandaminoron-airpersonalityatoneoftheTVstations,thoughshecouldn’trememberwhichone.
Theodosiasighed.“Guiltyascharged.”
“Ken Lotter fromW-BAM I’d love to do a quick one-on-one with you,” he said “You know, about the murder at BrittlebankManor.”
“W-BAM?”Theodosiaraisedasinglebrow.
“WeusedtobeWOXTbutuppermanagementthoughtW-BAMsoundedpunchier”
“Ken,thisisnotagoodtime.Asyoucansee,we’reratherbusy.”
“This won’ttake buta minute.” Kenmotioned for his cameramanto roll videotape and his lightingguyto turnonhis floodlamp ThenKenheldamicrophoneuptohismouthandsaid,“We’retalkingtoMissTheodosiaBrowning,theownerof theIndigoTeaShop.MissBrowning,IunderstandyouwitnessedthemurderofdirectorJoshMorroyesterday.”
Theodosiaheldupahand.“Stopshooting,please.”
Lottermotionedforhiscameramantolowerhiscamera.Thensaid,“Butyouwereawitness,yes?”
“No,”Theodosiasaid “Iwasthere,butI’mafraidIdidn’tseewhathappened” “Youdon’tknowwhohot-wiredthatchair?”Lotterasked. “Howdoyouknowitwashot-wired?”
Lottergrinned “Ihavemysources”
“I’mafraidIcan’tansweryourquestions,”Theodosiasaid.“You’llhavetotalktoDetectiveTidwell.He’stheonein chargeoftheinvestigation.”
“Wetriedthat,”Lottersaid “Heturnedusdownflat” “Maybeyoushouldtrytointerviewthecastandcrew,then.”
“Notsurewherethey’rehangingout,”Lottersaid.
Thecameramenpipedupandsaid,“IheardarumorthatthescreenwriterisholedupatanearbyBandB” “Doyouknowwhichone?”Theodosiaasked “SomethingFeatherbed,”thecameramansaid.
Theodosiawinced.Her dear friendAngieCongdonownedtheFeatherbedHouseBandB.Ifthat’s whereCraigCole wasstaying,thenAngiewouldnodoubthavetocontendwiththissameTVcrewshowinguponherdoorstep
KenLottertriedagain.“WeheardtherewasbadbloodbetweenJoshMorroandhisleadinglady.” “You’retalkingaboutAndreaBlair?”
Lotternodded “Therumordujouristhatshegotanoffertostarinsomerealityshow somethingsuperhotandheavy, butMorrowouldn’tletheroutofhercontract.”
ThiswasnewstoTheodosia.“Soyou’rethinking…what?”
“ThatAndreamighthavehadahandinyesterday’sdebacle,”Lottersaid “Caretocommentonthat?”
“Justbetweenyouandme,I’mnotsureAndreawouldknowhowtorunasaladshooter,”Theodosiasaid “Letalonerig upahomemadeelectricchair.”
“Hah, love your sense ofhumor,” Lotter said. “Okaythen, whatcanyoutell us aboutthe new director that’s aboutto stepin?”
“Notathing,”Theodosiasaid.Then,“That’swhatyou’veheard?There’sanewdirectortakingover?”
“SomeguynamedAdler,”Lotter said.“Isupposewiththeactors,crew,andlocationall lockeddown,itshouldn’tbe surprisingthattheshootisslatedtokeepgoing”Hesmiledashark’ssmile “Businessasusual,don’tyaknow?”Hepulleda businesscardoutofhisjacketpocketandhandedittoTheodosia.“Callmeifyouhearsomething,okay?Orifyouchangeyour mindabouttalkingtome.”
TheodosiahadbarelyhustledKenLotter andhiscrew outthedoor whenBill Glasscamestompingin Glasswasthe publisherof Shooting Star,aglossyweeklytabloidthatspecializedinchroniclingall thegoings-onoftherichandsleazyin Charleston.
“Glass,” said Theodosia whenshe finallyturned to acknowledge him. He was her nemesis ina strange sort ofway. Always huntingfor tidbits of juicygossip, but beingfauxpolite about it She didn’t trust himbut didn’t quite disdainhim, either.
“Hey,longtimenosee,”GlasscalledtoTheodosia.Todayhewasdressedinahorribleorangeshirtthatwasuntucked fromhiskhakipants Healsoworeapairofscuffedbootsthatlookedlikethey’dseenbetterdaysinWorldWarII,apaisley
scarf, and two cameras danglingaround his neck If asked to describe Glass, Theodosia would’ve said war correspondent meetscountrybumpkin.
“HowcanIhelpyou,Mr.Glass?”Theodosiasaid,fightingtoremainpolite. WhichwasGlass’scuetobenotsopolite
“WhydoImissoutonallthehotnewsevents?”Glasssnarled.
“Idon’tknow,whydoyou?”Theodosiasaid.Usually,Glasswasfrontandcenterforanykindofaccident,scandal,or murder Hewasrumoredtohaveinformantsallovertown
“Foronething,mypolicescannerisontheblinkandintherepairshop,”Glassgrumbled.
“If you’re referring to what happened at Brittlebank Manor yesterday, I wouldn’t exactly call it a hot news event,” Theodosiatoldhim “Itwasmorelikestone-coldmurder”
“Samething,”Glasssaid.“Whatcanyoutellmeaboutit?”
“Absolutelynothing.”
“Butyouwerethere.Doingyourteatablething.”
“Craftservicestable,”Theodosiasaid
“Whatever.JustgivemeyourtakeonthewholeshebangsoIcanwriteitup.”
“Iwasn’taneyewitness.Ijusthappenedtocatchtheaftermath.”
Glassgrinned “Ihearditwasprettygruesome”
“Ifthat’sthekindofinformationyou’reafter,youshouldgotalktothemedicalexaminer,”Theodosiasaid. “Yeah,he’sonmylist.”Glassturnedandtappedhisfingersonthecounter.“Hey,Drayton.Teaguy,”hecalledout.“You gotanythingchock-fullofcaffeine?”Hethumpedhischest “Gotabigdayaheadofme Iwanttokeepmyenginetunedupand running.”
“IdobelieveIhaveapotofPuerhteabrewing,”Draytonsaid.
“Andit’sguaranteedtoperkmeup?”Glassasked
Theodosia smiled She knew thatifGlass drankenoughPuerhtea, itwould worklike rocketfuel As far as caffeine went,Puerhwasoneofthehighest-caffeinatedteas,toppingoutatabout120milligramspercupversuscoffee’s95.
“Ohmy,yes,”Draytonsaidwithasatisfiedsmile.“Ithinkthisteashoulddothetricknicely.”
“We need totalkaboutlunch,”TheodosiasaidtoHaley.Shewasstandingintheirpostagestamp–sizedkitchenwatching Haleyspreadhoneyedchickensaladontwodozenslices ofbread,addcrisplettuce,topitwithanother slice ofbread,then expertlycutoffthecrustsandslicethesandwichesintoquarters.
“BesidestheseteasandwichesI’vegotcornchowder,whitebeancassoulet,andabaconandgoatcheeseBibblettuce salad,”Haleysaid
“You never fail to amaze me, Haley,” Theodosia said. Haley managed to turn out baked goods as well as creative bistro-styleluncheonsdayafterday.
Haleygrinned “SometimesIamazemyself”
TherewasaCLUNKattheswingingdoorandBethAnncamein ShewasfiveyearsyoungerthanHaley,slimwithdark hair,andajunioratClemson,whereshewasmajoringinmarketing.ButBethAnnhadtakenthisquarteroff.“Agapquarter,” she’dexplained.“Insteadofagapyear.Togetsomepracticalexperience.”
“Ineedtwomorecreamsconesandacontainerofstrawberryjam,”BethAnnsaid
“Comingrightup,”Haleysaid.“Hey,areyouhavingfunoutthere?”
“Youknow,Iam,”BethAnnsaid.“IneverunderstoodhowasmallbusinessoperateduntilIstartedfillinginhere.”
“Youmeanleanandmean?”Theodosiaasked “Sincewedotendtorunthingsonashoestring”
“It’smoreyourcoordinationandtheplanningthatintriguesme.Howyoudevelopconceptsforyourvariouseventteas, marketthem,thenmakethemactuallyhappen.Allwhilestillmanagingyourday-to-daywork.Ihavetosayit’sprettycool.”
“Soyou’relearningafewthings,”Theodosiasaid
“Lots,”BethAnnenthused
“WhatwouldyousayifIaskedyoutohandlethecraftservicestableonsettomorrow?I’dhelpyouarrangethings,but thenIhavetohustlebackhereforourPoetryTea.”
BethAnnlookedthoughtful “AtBrittlebankManor?Wherethatguywaskilled?”
“Lookat it this way,” Haleysaid. “The probabilityof another murder occurringinthe same place is off the charts. You’vebeenpre-disastered.”
TheodosiaandBethAnnbothchuckledatHaley’sremark Becauseitwas,inastrangeway,absolutelytrue “Okay,”BethAnnsaid.“I’llgiveitashot.”
Back outside in thetearoom,Theodosiawassettingtablesfortheirluncheoncrowdwhentheiroctogenarian bookkeeper,MissDimple,cameflyingin
“Blessme,”shesaid,registeringsurpriseatseeingTheodosiaandDrayton.“Aren’tthetwoofyousupposedtobeon settoday?”
“Theoperativewordsare supposed to be,”Theodosiasaid.“Butwithyesterday’smurder…”
MissDimple’ssmilecollapsed “Oh,that’sright Howawful Ireadaboutitinthismorning’s Post and Courier Ithink thewordtheyusedwas heinous.Wasitheinous?”
“Itwasindeed.”
“Sowhat’sgoingtohappennow?Willtheycallitquitswiththemovie?”
“Apparently it’s not only Broadway where the show must go on,” Theodosia said. “We were told that the assistant director wouldbedoinglocationshoots aroundCharlestontoday.Youknow,footagetousefor theopening,afew transition shots,andfootageforwhentheyrollcredits IthinktheycallitB-roll”
“And then what?” Miss Dimple asked. She was a grandmotherly type with pink-tinged hair and apple cheeks. Oldschoolalltheway,sheoftentossedoutquaintphrasessuchas whoops-a-daisy and tickety-boo.
“Andthen,hopefullybytomorrow,PeregrinePictureswillhaveareplacementdirector,”Theodosiasaid “It’sthateasy?YoujustcallHertzRent-a-Directorandaskforanewone?”
“Don’tknow.Butwhatyoujustsaid thatsoundslikeasmartidea.”
As Miss Dimple was leavingwitha stackof invoices and the tea shop’s checkbook, Delaine Dishcame stridingin wearingafire-engineredskirtsuitandblackleatherstilettos ShenoddedbrusquelyatMissDimple,thenlookedaroundfor Theodosia.Whenshefinallyspottedherwithastackofplates,Delainesaid,inanearhystericalvoice,“Theo,wehavetoget tothebottomofthis!”
Theodosiaglancedherway “Excuseme?”
“I’mtalkingaboutthemurder.Yesterday.”Delaine’sheart-shapedfacewaspulledintoanunhappyfrownandhersizetwoframefairlyshookwithindignation.
“The police are already on it,” Theodosia assured her, setting down the plates “I’m positive they’re doing their absolutebest”
“Youdon’tseemtounderstand,”Delainesaid,wringingherhands.“I’mkindofinvolved.”
“Ofcourseyouare,”Draytonpipedin.“You’reamemberoftheCharlestonFilmBoard.I’msurethisisaterribleshock toyou toallthemembers”
Delainehalfsqueezedhereyesshutanddrewinabreath.“I’mateensybitmoreinvolvedthanthat.”
TheodosiastaredatDelaine.Therewassomethingbrewinganditsurelywasn’tapotoftea.“Howteensy?”sheasked.
Delainegaveananguishedlook “Thethingis,JoshMorroandI well,wewere youknow ”
“No,Idon’tknow,”Theodosiasaid.“Comeon,Delaine,spititout.Giveittomestraight.What’sgoingon?”
Delainestompedafoot.“Ifyoumustknow,MorroandIwere seeing eachother.”
Theodosiablinked “Youmeanlikedating?”
“Um…morelikefriendswithbenefits?”
“Isthataquestionorananswer?”Theodosiaasked.
“Answer,”Delainewhispered,hunchinghershouldersuptoherears.
“Oh”TheodosiastaredatDelaine,digestingwhatherfriendhadjusttoldher Thenherfacesoftenedandshesaid,“I hadnoideayoutwowereclose.Delaine,I’msosorry.”
Drayton, who was still listeninginonthe conversation, favored Delaine withanappropriatelysober lookand said, “Youpoorthing”
Theodosianoddedinagreement.“Youmustbeheartsick.”
Delainegrimaced.“Notexactly.”
Draytonfrowned “You’renot?”
“Whynot?” Theodosia asked. She realized thatshe needed to sortthroughDelaine’s answer, figure outwhyshe was hemmingandhawingsomuch.“Istheresomethingyou’renottellingus?”
“Josh and I were dating,” Delaine said “During the scant few weeks he was here in Charleston for preproduction meetings Andeventhoughhewaswrappedupalotofthetime,wemanagedtostealafewnightstogether”
“Soyou’resaying youtwowereanitem” Well, why not? Theodosiathought He was a fairly attractive man ButDelainewassquirmingmightily,fidgetingwithherdiamondrings.“Wewereanitemuntilweweren’t.”
“I’mhavingtroublefollowingthis,”Draytonsaid.
“Nokidding,”Theodosiasaid Delaineheavedahugesigh.“LastweekJoshandIhadahorriblefight.”
“Youbrokeup?”Theodosiasaid.
“Youmightsaythat,”Delainesaid “Butthereallyunfortunatethingiswediditinfrontofatleastahundredpeople” “What!”Draytoncried.
“Where?”Theodosiaasked.
“WewerehavingdinneratCandlewicks Youknow,thatfancynewplaceoveronArchdaleStreet?WiththeFrenchchef thatusedtoworkatTanadoorinNewYork?”
“Okay,”Theodosiasaid.ShemadeatwirlingmotionwithherhandtoencourageDelainetostayonthesubjectandkeep talking.
“Anyway,” Delaine said, “Iwas sippinga glass ofrather superlative Mummchampagne and thoroughlyenjoyingmy escargotwhen kaboom outofnowhere,Joshsuddenlytoldmeweneededtotakeatime-out.”
“Thatdoesn’tsoundlikeanunreasonablerequest,”Draytonsaid.
“Areyoudaft?!”Delainescreamedatthetopofherlungs “Whenamanasksforatime-outitmeansheneverwantsto seeyouagain!”
“Isthattrue?”DraytonlookedatTheodosia.
“Prettymuch,”Theodosiasaid
Delaine’slowerlipquivered.“JoshclaimedIwastooself-absorbed.”
NeitherTheodosiaorDraytonwereabouttotouchthatstatementwithaten-footpole.Theybothknewitwasthehonest truth
Delaine continued on “He also said our relationship gobbled up too muchofhis precious time Thathe never gota chancetoenjoyhisfavoritesportsanymore.”
“Whichwere?”Theodosiaasked.
Delainesniffledandblottedhernosewithahanky “Well,tennisandscubadiving ThoughIdon’tseemuchexcitement inwhackingalittleyellow ball aroundor hangingoutwithabunchofuglyoldfish.Notwhenhecouldbehangingoutwith me. ”
“SothisbreakupatCandlewickswasmostlyverbalsparring?”Theodosiaasked “Ifyoucancallscreamingandshoutingverbalsparring,thenyes,”Delainesaid.“ButJoshalsotossedhisplateatme.” “Atyourface?”Theodosiawashorrified.
“No,”Draytonbreathed
“HekindofchuckeditsidewayslikehewasthrowingaFrisbee,”Delainesaid “Buthisclamscasinohitmyplatejust so…”Sheflexedahandtoindicatetheangle.“Andlaunchedmygarlicbutterescargotalldownthefrontofmynewcocktail dress!That’swhenourargumentreallyescalated.”
Theodosiaclappedahandoverhermouth Shewasstartingtogetthepicture DelaineandJoshMorrohadaverypublic argumentandnowMorrowasdead.
“Excuseme,”Theodosiasaid.“Areyoutellingusthisbecauseyou’reworriedyou’reasuspectinhismurder?” “Wakeupandsmellthebananabread,”Delaineshrilled “I’malready asuspect!Twodetectivescametomyhomelast night,askingrudequestionsandbatteringawayatmeforhours.”
“Butyouweren’teventhere whenJoshMorro was killed,” Theodosia said. “Youweren’tanywhere near Brittlebank Manor”
“ThepoliceseemtothinkI could havebeen!”Delainesaid.“ThatImighthave snuck inandriggedupthatawfulchair thing.”
“I’msureyouhavealegitimatealibi,don’tyou?”Draytonsaid.“Youwerebusyatyourboutique?AtCottonDuck?” Delaineshookherhead “Yesterday,no,Itooktheentiredayoff I’vebeensofrazzledwhatwithJoshblindsidingme likethat.AndthenIneededquiettimetofinalizedetailsonmyFrillsandFrolicFashionShow.So,yes,Iprettymuchtookthe dayoff.”
“Noonesawyouatallyesterday?”Theodosiaasked “Youdidn’ttalktoanyone?”
“Not until I got word about Josh’s murder It was Helene Deveroux who called me and broke the news You know Helene,she’safellowboardmember.SothenIhotfooteditoverhereandspoketoHaley.”
“Sure,”Theodosiasaid.“Helenestoppedbytheshootyesterdayforaminuteortwobecause…”
“CanIplease finishtellingmystory?”Delaineaskedinapeevishtone TheodosiaandDraytonbothfellsilent.
Delaineclearedherthroat.“So,anyway,Icameherelookingforthetwoofyou.ButHaleysaidyouweren’there,soI wentonhome Thenthe police showeduponmydoorstep,frightenedmypoorkittycatsto death,andproceededtobrowbeat mefor hours. ”
“Hours?”Theodosiasaid.
“That’s what it felt like,” Delaine said “What with their impertinent questions and nasty innuendos And once they finallyleftIwassoscaredandworriedIdidn’tgetawinkofsleep.Ispenttheentirenighttossingandturning.Then,firstthing this morning, well…after Ihad mynails done…Irushedover here to see youtwo.” Tears welled up inDelaine’s eyes, then dribbleddownherface,streakinghermascara.“IthoughtImightneedyourhelp?”shesaidinasmall,squeakyvoice.Thenshe pulledasecondlacehankyfromherbag,wipedathereyes,andsaid,“AndnowIseethatIdefinitelydo”
“Delaine,Idon’tknowwhattosay,”Theodosiasaid.“I’msureyou’renotinserioustrouble.Imean,thepolicetendto questionanyoneandeveryonewhowasinrecentcontactwithamurdervictim.”
“That’sallIam Arecentcontact?”
“That’snotwhatImeant.”
“Theo,” Delaine pleaded. “You’ve got to help me. Youwere there whenit happened, and you’ve got good contacts withinthepolicedepartment,so ”
“Soyouwantmetotryandintercede?”
“Iknewyou’dsayyes!”Delainecooed.
“Actually,Ididn’tsayyes”
“Butyouwillhelpme?”
“I’ll do whatIcan,” Theodosia said, wonderingjusthow muchinfluence she mighthave withTidwell and company. Probably not a lot. But if she could run a quiet shadow investigation, then maybe she could come up with some answers. Maybeevenanactualsuspect
“Stayforlunch,Delaine,”Draytonurged.“Sitdownandletmebrewyouanicerelaxingcupofchamomiletea.” Delaine shookher head and frowned. “No, I have to get to CottonDuck. I need to keep busyor this problem this murder willkeeprattlingaroundinmyheadanddrivemebatty”
“Thenletusfixyousomethingtotakewithyou,”Theodosiasaid.“Tea,ateasandwich,maybeascone?”
“Arethesconescarb-free?”
Theodosiagazedather “Whatdoyouthink?”
“Maybejustsomegreentea,then Andateensy-tinysandwich”
