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Theodosia held her breath, wondering if he was going to say something about the Morro murder.
Instead, Riley said, “Listen, once I get back we need to sit down and plan our trip to Savannah.”
“Agreed,” Theodosia said.
“Did we settle on staying at Planters Inn?”
“Talked about it, but didn’t make a reservation. I’ve been looking online and the River Street Inn looks good, too. It’s right on the waterfront.”
“Then let’s stay there.”
“Also there’s this really cool Victorian in the Historic District, Roussell’s Garden Bed and Breakfast.”
“Sure, that’s good, too,” Riley said.
“Then there’s the Hamilton-Turner Inn. It’s expensive but it’s four-star. Also more centrally located since I know you want to do some exploring.”
“Seems to me you’re the one who’s all hot to visit Bonaventure Cemetery.”
“Me?” Theodosia tried to sound innocent.
“Even though I know you’ve been there before.”
“What can I say? Ever since I read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil I’ve been hooked.” She paused. “So you’ll be back tomorrow.”
“For sure.”
“Come for dinner tomorrow night? At my place?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
“Good. Great,” Theodosia said. They talked for a few minutes more, then said goodbye and hung up. Theodosia yawned, turned off the lamp, snuggled down in her four-poster bed, and went to sleep with a smile on her face.
9
Wednesday morning found Theodosia back on the set of Dark Fortunes along with the same crew and a brand-new director, Joe Adler. As she hurriedly arranged cranberry muffins, double-chocolate scones, coffee cake, and the rest of her goodies, she was aware that Adler seemed very businesslike, shouting out explicit orders to everyone in the crew. But in a good way, a kind of let’s-rally-the-troops way. Adler also spoke with the actors and actresses individually, talked with Ted Juniper, the lighting director, and even bent his head down for a confab with scriptwriter Craig Cole, who looked a little sullen.
Theodosia watched the two of them interact and wondered—might Cole really have had an axe to grind with Josh Morro? Was he sick of having his script belittled in front of everyone? Better yet, how extensive was his knowledge when it came to wiring and electricity? Last night, when she’d talked to him, Cole had come across straightforward and slightly amusing. Or maybe that was because he’d been semi-stoned?
Just before they were about to begin shooting, while props were still being moved around on the set, Adler came over and spoke to Theodosia. He was tall with a narrow, inquisitive face and hair pulled back in a man bun. He wore a cashmere sweater, purposely ripped jeans, and loafers without socks.
“I understand we’re going to be neighbors,” Adler said as he helped himself to a piece of cinnamon coffee cake.
“Excuse me?” Theodosia drew back. What did he mean by that? Neighbors?
Adler hastily explained. “I’m moving into the house right next to yours. You know, the Granville Mansion.”
“How on earth…” It didn’t happen often but Theodosia was suddenly at a loss for words. She thought about the shadow she’d seen last night. Must have been him. “So you’ve moved in already?”
“Mmn,” Adler said, chewing. “I’m planning to do that tonight.”
Theodosia expressed more surprise. “Not until then. Because I’m fairly sure I saw someone moving around in the garage last night.”
Adler shrugged. “Must have been my real estate agent.” He took another bite. “Say, this is really terrific coffee cake.”
“Thank you,” she said.
“The thing of it is,” Adler continued, “Charleston is apparently in the throes of a housing boom. Or should I say a not-enough-housing boom. Rentals are full, short-term rentals are nonexistent. And a hotel…well, who in their right mind wants to live out of a suitcase?”
