Page 31 of What They'll Say About Us

"Thanks for the chat," I said as I got up. "It's nice to talk to someone who isn't completely against this idea."

"There's one other thing that always bothered me," he said. "That detective who led the investigation. Cabot, I think his name was."

"Yes. What bothered you about him?"

"He seemed like he wanted it to be an accident, like every question led to that answer. And I didn't know why, but I couldn't shake the feeling."

"Well, he retired three years ago. Maybe the new detective will act differently."

"You should look into Cabot. See what you can find out. Just a thought."

"Okay, thanks." I followed him out of the ticket office and headed back into the theater.

Morgan gave me a worried look. "Where have you been? I was about to come looking for you."

"I was talking to Paige's boyfriend, Nate Gardiner," I said softly. "I'll fill you in later. Anything happening here?"

"Professor Hale left. So did Carrie. Jay went backstage a few minutes ago. I think Vivienne is wrapping things up."

I saw my aunt on the stage talking to one of the crew. As their conversation ended, I said, "Let's go see what time she wants to go to dinner."

Morgan followed me down the aisle and up the stairs to the stage. It felt odd to be on a stage again, to feel the warmth of the lights, see the small X's on the flooring, and the set pieces in the wings waiting to be rolled in and out.

Vivienne gave me a smile. "There you are. I wondered where you went."

"I was talking to Nate."

"Was that good?"

"He was more receptive to my investigation than anyone else," I said. "What time do you want to go to dinner?"

"I need to take care of a few things in my office. Shall I come up to your apartment in about thirty minutes?"

"That sounds good." As my aunt moved off the stage, I looked out at the rows of empty seats, feeling the memories come back once more.

"Does this feel familiar?" Morgan asked.

"It does. I kind of miss it."

"I can't imagine having to perform in front of so many people."

"The lights are often so bright you can barely see the audience. Sometimes that's easier. It's just you and the story you're trying to tell. You take them on an emotional journey with you and hope they think it's worth the trip."

"I bet you were a good actress, Tessa."

"Some of the time," I said, startled as some of the lights on the stage suddenly went out. "We should go before it gets completely dark."

As I turned to move off stage, I heard a noise, and then Morgan yelled, "Watch out!"

Chapter Nine

I jumped as a heavy sandbag crashed to the floor, barely missing my head. I stared at it in shock as a swirl of dust choked my lungs, making me cough.

"Are you all right?" Morgan asked, rushing toward me.

"I'm okay. Let's get off the stage." I grabbed her hand and rushed her down the steps before anything else could tumble from the rafters.

As we hit the first row of seats, a guy came rushing onto the stage. He looked at the sandbag and then up into the rafters. Then his gaze turned toward us. "What happened? Did you see this fall?"