It's Showtime! E-Book

Carrie Hewlett

• Herausgeber: WS
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Serie: Cosy Crime
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 223

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

A case for The Lightyear Detective Agency leads Amber to go undercover at the local am-dram group, The Hampton Players. But she has no idea what is waiting in the wings...

Leseprobe

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

IT’S SHOWTIME!

by Carrie Hewlett  

CHAPTER 1

A

mber let the warmth of the early March breeze tickle her skin. She was bored. Everywhere was neat and tidy. Even the plants had been watered, and all the paperwork was up to date. With her father out on a case, there wasn’t much else she could do at the Lightyear Detective Agency.

Sniffing the air, the tempting aroma from the bakery below made her stomach growl. It had been a while since breakfast. With the office being above Belle’s Bakery, it was all too easy to pop down for a latte and a blueberry muffin. And Belle’s chocolate chip cookies were to die for.

Belle looked up and smiled as she walked in.

“Ahh, you smelled my chocolate fudge brownies.”

“Guilty as charged. And they smell delicious.”

Belle waved a hand towards a rack of cooling chocolate treats.

“You can pinch one if you’re good.”

“I’m always good.” Amber grinned as she reached over to take one. “Ooh, it’s still warm.” She juggled it from one hand to the other before risking a bite, letting the thick chocolate taste melt in her mouth.

Belle laughed at Amber’s look of ecstasy.

“You’re lucky you’re so slim. If I even look at these the pounds pile on. You know I can always show you how to make them if you want?”

Amber grimaced, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind one ear.

“You know I’m terrible in the kitchen. I even burn toast!”

“Just as well you’re a private detective, then, and not a baker.”

“Actually, things are a bit slow at the moment.” Amber took a seat on the kitchen stool and swung one foot in front of her. She enjoyed working at the family business; not that her father liked her getting involved with anything too dangerous.

“But I can take care of myself. I’ve got a black belt in karate, remember,” she’d told him time and again.

“But you’re still my daughter and I don’t like you getting involved in anything too shifty,” he’d said, preferring to pass over any more mundane cases for her to deal with.

Amber loved him for wanting to keep her safe. With it just being the two of them they had a close bond and looked out for each other. Well, three of them really, as Belle and her dad had been partners for years.

Quite why they hadn’t tied the knot yet, Amber had no idea. She loved Belle dearly. The older woman was a good friend and Amber was always grateful for her wise counsel. She’d also been a shoulder to cry on after her mum passed away when Amber was still a teenager.

“I thought the business was doing ok?” Belle interrupted her thoughts.

“It is. Dad’s busy on a case at the moment. Someone’s trying to syphon cash from a high corporate business and the boss wants Dad to find out who. But I’ve just finished a missing person case, so until something else comes in . . .”

“Did you find them?”

Amber nodded.

“Yeah. Her family know she’s safe. It’s now up to her if she wants to get back in touch.”

“Fair enough.” Belle continued to pummel pastry, kneading it to within an inch of its life before rolling it out on to the floured board in front of her. “The show should be good tonight.”

The two women would often support the local amateur theatre company who regularly put on shows in their town. In fact, that night they were going to see a production of “Hello, Dolly!” that was being put on by the Hampton Players.

“I’m looking forward to it.” And she was. A night out with Belle was always fun.

Amber had always loved musicals, ever since her mother had taken her to see “West Side Story” when she was about fourteen. Although Tony was supposed to be the heartthrob, Amber had taken a shine to the character of Riff who was the leader of the Jets.

With his dark brown hair and sparkling blue eyes her heart had missed a beat as she watched him strut his stuff onstage. He was also, in her mind, the stronger and more interesting character, appearing to be tough with his quick temper; but showing a softer, more loyal side with his friendship with Tony, the romantic lead.

Not that she had any idea what the actor was really like, of course, as they’d never met. But she had looked for his name in the programme in the interval – Mike Grayson.

“You ever thought of joining the players and maybe treading the boards?”

Belle’s words once again broke Amber’s reverie. She popped the remains of the chocolate brownie into her mouth.

“No. Why?”

Belle continued flouring the surface of her board.

“Why not? You’ve got a good singing voice. I’ve often heard you. And you’ve got to have developed some acting ability being in the business you’re in.

“It’s a fine way to meet people and make some new friends. And, you never know, you might even meet someone special?”

Amber rolled her eyes.

“You’ve been talking to Dad again, haven’t you? I’m single and happy,” she said firmly. “You know I’ve not been seeing anyone since I split up with Dave.”

“But that was nearly a year ago. Besides, he didn’t deserve you!” Belle’s tone of voice had hardened. Amber knew that the older woman hadn’t liked him, as he’d seem to rub her up the wrong way right from when they’d first met.

In hindsight, of course, Belle had been right. Amber pressed her lips firmly together at memories of her ex. She’d fallen for him hard, but he’d abused her trust. It had made her very wary of being taken in by a handsome face again.

“Anyway, I was talking to Pauline, the treasurer, and she said that they were auditioning for new members in about three weeks’ time. All you have to do is sing a song and follow a few steps put together by the choreographer.

“Oh, and you have to do some sort of reading, you know, show you can act. With all the school plays you used to do that will be no problem.

“Right, off you pop. I need to finish up here and wipe down.”

Walking back upstairs her mind played over what Belle had said. Maybe she was right. It would be nice to meet some new people. Besides, she might also be able to drum up some business – after all there had to be a lot of drama going on in a place like that, hadn’t there?

CHAPTER 2

T

he show was fabulous with the cast taking several curtain calls, and Amber and Belle clapped madly.

“Come on, let’s go backstage and say hello,” Belle said, taking Amber’s arm.

Amber followed Belle’s determined figure striding down the side of the theatre building. There was a small gathering outside and several of the cast popped their heads out to say hi to relatives and friends. Amber felt her heart jump as she met the midnight blue eyes of the man who’d played one of the leads in the show: the same man who’d played Riff in the production of “West Side Story” that she’d seen with her mum. Mike Grayson!

He grinned at her and Amber’s pulse quickened.

“Hope you enjoyed the show.”

“It was brilliant.”

“Good.” The man’s eyes rested on her a moment longer before his attention was caught by a stunning redhead calling out his name.

“Mike! Wonderful show, darling.”

The couple kissed and Amber felt a stab of jealousy run through her, which was crazy. By the looks of that kiss, he was already taken anyway.

Belle interrupted her thoughts.

“Amber, this is Pauline.”

Was it her imagination or had the man – Mike – momentarily glanced up at the sound of Belle’s voice. Their eyes met again before he was led inside by the redhead.

As she and Belle walked back to her car, they chatted about the show.

“Mike was good as Cornelius, wasn’t he? Nice guy. He often pops into the bakery for my jam puffs. Works locally, I think. Shame he’s dating that Sienna woman, but I think they’ve been together a while.

“And didn’t the woman who played the other female lead have the voice of an angel?”

“She did,” Amber agreed, feeling disappointed. How stupid. Just one look and she’d felt an instant connection with Mike – but couldn’t that have just been part and parcel of the magic of the show?

“Have you thought any more about auditioning to join?”

Belle’s voice cut through her tangled thoughts once more.

“I’m not sure it’s for me. The costumes were lovely, too, weren’t they?”

“Yes, they were. But I still think it would be a good idea. Besides, I know Pauline would appreciate it. She thinks there’s something odd going on. Money is missing from the petty cash tin and maybe you could look into things.

“Joining the company would be a good cover story, don’t you think?” Belle gave her an innocent look.

“Is that why you really wanted me to join?” Amber asked, her voice slightly accusatory.

Belle did have the grace to look a bit guilty.

“Not entirely. I still think it would be a good idea. But Pauline mentioned the anomaly to me a few weeks back. We met at badminton – I have to do something to try and keep a trim figure working around food all day.”

Amber grinned. She’d never been able to stay cross with Belle for long.

“Anyway, Pauline swore me to secrecy hoping to sort it all out herself. Only tonight she’s said she’s hit a brick wall.

“So, will you audition? Be a fun thing to do and you’d be doing me a favour and helping out my friend.”

“Does the agency get paid?”

The more she thought about it, the more the idea of being on stage herself was beginning to appeal. Not a main part, but perhaps she could just be in the chorus?

“Well, money is a little tight, so . . .” Belle paused. “I was hoping that maybe you could do it for mates’ rates?” She raised an enquiring eyebrow.

Amber smiled.

“As she’s a friend of yours, of course. When did you say the auditions were?”

“Three weeks. That gives you plenty of time to practise a song.”

* * *

Standing nervously in the back room of the church hall, practising a few steps that the choreographer had shown the six new members anxious to join the Hampton Players, Amber wished more than ever that she’d never agreed to audition.

When her name was called, she rubbed her palms on the back of her jeans to make sure they were dry and walked back into the main hall.

“Hi, Amber, isn’t it?” A friendly looking man in his fifties, with a kindly expression, stared at her.

“Yes.”

“Have you prepared a song choice?”

“Yes.” Amber passed over a song sheet that Belle had had tucked away in a large box, remembering Belle’s delight at digging them out.

“Gosh, these take me back,” her friend had said, laughing as she’d passed over several of which she considered good song choices for Amber.

“They were my mum’s. She loved to sing and dance and I think was a bit disheartened when she found out I had two left feet and sang off key!”

Amber was immediately drawn to one number, “As Long As He Needs Me” from “Oliver!” She’d always been a sucker for love ballads. And this was one of the best as Nancy tries to convince herself that Bill Sykes cannot do without her, despite his cruel mistreatment of her.

Amber poured every ounce of emotion into it and when she finished was surprised to hear a smattering of applause from the audition panel.

“Lovely,” the man cried. He glanced at the other two people, the musical director and the choreographer, and they nodded their approval.

“Over to you.” He gestured towards the choreographer.

“Can you remember the moves I showed you earlier?”

Amber swallowed hoping that the twirls and steps had lodged somewhere in her short-term memory bank.

“Sort of.”

“OK.” The choreographer nodded at the pianist, who started playing the music. Amber valiantly tried to recreate what she’d been taught, sure that she was twirling when she shouldn’t and kicking at the wrong point.

“Thank you.” The three of them muttered something that Amber couldn’t quite make out before the director smiled up at her, offering her a libretto, which Amber later discovered was the name for a script for a dramatic production.

“If you’d like to read the dialogue explaining your character before reading the highlighted words, please.”

Amber glanced over the words and quickly worked out that she was supposed to be a Cockney character. Having always loved doing accents from when she was a kid, she threw herself with gusto into the part even adding a giggle in the right place.

“Thank you,” he said, giving her a warm smile. “We’ll be in touch.”

* * *

“I’ve no clue how I got on,” Amber explained to Belle later as she tucked into a slice of home-made millionaire’s shortbread.

“You’ll get in.” Belle gave a firm nod. “You’ve a lovely singing voice and I’ve no doubt that you read well.”

She poured them both a coffee. With it being a Sunday, the bakery was closed and the two of them were enjoying a cosy chat in Belle’s flat which was round the corner from the bakery and Amber’s office.

“Tell me more about Pauline’s problem.” Amber made herself comfortable on the sofa. If she became a member, it would make it easier for Amber to investigate from the inside.

Belle sat back in her chair, adjusting her cushion for comfort.

“It’s all a bit strange, really. Pauline’s only been the treasurer for the last year. She took over from the previous member who was emigrating with his wife to Sydney. He’d been doing the job for years. When she first started the books were all in order.”

Amber’s brow furrowed.

“This has only happened in the last few months since Pauline took over?”

Belle nodded.

“Yeah. Initially, everything was fine and balanced. But then she noticed odd sums of money missing from the petty cash tin. The only people who have access are the committee. When she queried it, nobody knew anything. In fact, Pauline felt a little upset when she was asked if she felt up to the task of managing the expenditure.”

“Seems unfair.”

“That’s what I said. To be honest, she might even have just put it down to an error on her behalf, only then some more money went missing. Again, not a huge amount. Nothing that’s gone missing is – after all who keeps huge amounts in petty cash?”

“Hmm.” Amber pursed her lips. “How am I supposed to look into this if I’m not on the committee and have no access to the petty cash?”

“That’s where I come in.” Belle tapped her nose conspiratorially. “Pauline’s going to bring the books round to mine on Tuesday night. She still does things the old-fashioned way, but her nephew is going to help her set things up on the computer soon. If you pop around you can have a gander, too.”

“Fair enough. But it still doesn’t explain why I should join the drama group if I can see the books here.”

“Well. That’s not the only weird thing that’s happened.”

Amber sat up.

“Hang on, you never mentioned anything else.”

“To be honest, Pauline didn’t initially want me to say anything, which was why I wasn’t completely honest with you.” Belle looked apologetic. “But there have been other odd things going on. Things that seem out of keeping with the group.”

“Like?” Amber’s interest was piqued.

“She didn’t go into details. Said she’d explain more on Tuesday.”

“OK.” Amber glanced at her watch. “Crikey, is that the time? I said I’d cook dinner for Dad tonight. He’s playing golf this afternoon.”

Belle smiled.

“Your dad’s a good and kind man.”

“That he is.” Amber’s phone pinged to let her know she’d received an email and after reading it, she looked up at Belle.

“Well, it seems you’re right. The Hampton Players have said I’ve passed my audition. I’m in.”

“Told you.” Belle looked complacent. “I reckon this will suit you down to the ground.”

“We’ll see. Considering I thought I’d mucked up the dance moves, I’m surprised. Still, if there’s something odd going on this gives me an opportunity to find out what it is.”

It also gave her the opportunity to see Mike again, and that was something that Amber was looking forward to – despite knowing that he was dating someone else.

CHAPTER 3

O

N Tuesday evening, Amber knocked on Belle’s door, eager to find out more from Pauline. It would also be good to find out more about the Hampton Players themselves, and the people who helped behind the scenes.

Pauline was already seated in one of Belle’s comfy armchairs tucking into a slice of carrot cake. A slender woman, Amber noted, with short brown hair in a no-nonsense style and shrewd green eyes.

“I remember you accompanying Belle to the show on the last night. Thanks for agreeing to look things over for me. I was beginning to wonder if I’d miscounted one of the columns despite me checking it about a dozen times. But that still doesn’t account for money missing from the tin.”

“No worries.” Amber made herself comfortable on the sofa. “Is it OK if I look over the books tomorrow in the office? I find I can concentrate more there.”

“No problem. Although . . .” Pauline made a slight movement with her hand, a somewhat nervous gesture as though she wasn’t used to having someone check her work over. “I’d be grateful if you didn’t say anything to anyone else in the group. ”

Amber nodded her agreement.

“Of course. The Lightyear Detective Agency prides itself on client confidentiality.”

“Thanks. Belle said you’d be discreet.” Pauline looked relieved.

“What’s the club like?” Amber was interested to discover what sort of people she’d be mixing with in the days ahead. Yes, she’d done school productions which she’d enjoyed but that had been some ten or so years ago.

“They’re a good group. I’ve been an active member for more years than I care to remember, and we’ve seen our fair share of leading ladies and men come and go. Our current leads have been with us a while.

“Everyone gets on well – or seems to. And we have social occasions that people like to support.” Pauline finished and drained her cup. “Thanks for the tea and cake, Belle.”

“What’s going to be your next show, and when do rehearsals start?” Just as quickly as Amber’s heart had leapt at the idea of seeing Mike again, she also realised that if she were now a member of the group she’d be expected to perform.

And she’d be acting in front of someone she was attracted to. Would she be able to or would her nerves fail her? It would be embarrassing if she made a fool of herself.

“Actually, we’re rather chuffed – it’s ‘Seven Brides For Seven Brothers’. When the opportunity arose to get the rights to perform it, we were overjoyed. It’s always been a favourite of mine. I had a crush on Howard Keel when he starred in the film version.” Her voice took on a slightly wistful note.

“Oh, lovely! I love that show.” Belle clapped her hands in appreciation.

“Do you perform?” Amber didn’t remember seeing the woman on stage in “Hello, Dolly!”.

“I do.” Pauline looked modest. “Though I prefer to remain in the chorus as a member of the ensemble. I wasn’t able to take part in the last show due to health problems but hope to be part of ‘Seven Brides’. Are you going to audition for a lead role?”

“I’m not sure. I’ve not performed on stage in a long time. Is it a family-run group?”

“Well, we do have family members who perform. Alan, our chairperson and director, has a daughter who performs occasionally. Sienna. She’s actually dating Mike, who’s been with us for a number of years now.

“Lovely man, very courteous. Though it’s a shame that Sienna doesn’t take more after her father with good manners.” She gave a derisory sniff.

“What do you mean?” Amber was intrigued.

“She tends to have ideas above her station, that one. Not a bit like her father who is kindness itself. Think she takes more after her mother’s side of the family.” She sniffed again.

“Is her mother a member of the company as well?” Interesting to note that the buxom redhead she’d seen kiss Mike was actually the director’s daughter.

“No.” Pauline laughed. “She attends the social events, but she’s not involved with the performing side of things. I think she prefers to show her talents off at the Women’s Institute or the tennis club. But it takes all sorts to make a world, don’t you think?”

“That it does,” Amber agreed. “Just one final question. Have you noticed anyone acting in a strange manner of late? Belle mentioned that something else could be going on?”

“Well.” Pauline looked uncomfortable. “We’ve always been a very friendly club. Very welcoming to anyone who joins our ranks. But I must admit that this last show has shown a different side to the company and one that I’m not proud of bringing to light.”

“What?” Amber leant forward in her seat.

“There’s been a few nasty comments being bandied about between some of the younger members. And a couple of the girls did end up with injuries. Then there was poor Tilly who received a threatening letter on opening night.”

“Tilly?”

“She played Minnie Fey in our last production of ‘Hello, Dolly!’”

“Ah.” Amber could picture the girl; long dark hair and big brown eyes.

“Tilly probably wouldn’t have said anything but her mother saw it. Sandra is also a member of the group though she prefers being in the chorus, like myself.”

“What did the note say?” Amber couldn’t hide the curiosity in her voice.

“I actually brought it with me.” Pauline opened her bag and handed it to Amber who unfolded the A4 sheet of paper. She took a quick intake of breath before raising her gaze at Pauline.

“Malicious and scary.”

“Exactly,” Pauline said shortly.

“What does it say?” Belle who’d remained silent during the exchange now looked enquiringly at both of them.

Amber passed Belle the sheet of paper and watched her face harden into a frown.

“This is horrible.”

“It is. Tilly’s a sweet girl and it really shook her to get something so frightening.”

“No idea who sent it?”

“None.”

“Who’s the ‘him’ being referred to?”

“We assume it’s Paul. He’s another acting member of the club, and he and Tilly are sweet on each other. But none of his old girlfriends are in the company.” Pauline’s gaze had softened as she spoke of the two youngsters.

“Can anyone else get into the backstage area?”

“Well. We assume they must have. Who else in the company would do that? John did question everyone. He’s a member of our company and he’s in the police. Tilly didn’t want to get the police involved.

“Sandra and I are good friends. When she wondered what else she could do, I suggested you.”

Amber nodded, and Pauline continued.

“Obviously, everyone was shocked. Normally the door to the backstage area is closed but it can be left ajar at times. It was decided that someone must have either been playing a practical joke – disgusting if they were!” Pauline’s voice had hardened.

“Or someone had entered from outside. We’ve since made a rule that the door to the green room has to be kept closed at all times. It can only be opened with a key or from the inside.”

“May I keep this for now?” Amber stared at Pauline gravely.

“Of course. I did photocopy it just to keep a copy in my files. I like to keep copies of anything and everything as a back-up. But I thought you’d want the original.”

“It’s usually best,” Amber agreed. “You mentioned some members getting injured?”

“Yes.” Pauline pursed her lips and a line furrowed her brow. “And I might not even have thought anything of it, had it not happened to two different women.” She glanced at Amber and Belle.

“Some people can be accident prone. I’ve a friend who is forever twisting her ankle wearing the most ridiculous high heels.” She gestured towards her down-to-earth brogues. “Don’t understand it myself.”

“The injuries?” Amber prompted, hiding a smile.

“Oh, yes. Well, Michelle sprained her wrist after Sienna ‘accidentally’ bumped into her.”

Amber looked quizzical.

Pauline raised a brow.

“Let’s just say that Sienna can be quite possessive over Mike. Though she was terribly apologetic and she seemed concerned about Michelle.

“Poor Michelle, she’s not the luckiest.” Pauline lowered her voice. “Terrible bad breath.””

Amber marked the girl down as brave to join an amateur dramatic company if she suffered like that.

“Very unfortunate. And there was another accident?”

Pauline nodded.

“Yes. Pippa tripped over some books left lying on the stairs. She fell off the stage, broke two fingers and bumped her head. She was carrying a bit of scenery that she’d been helping Mike paint.

“Anyway, though she said she asked someone if all was clear, a voice – she can’t remember who – said it was, only it wasn’t. We were quite worried about her, I can tell you.” Pauline looked quite upset.

Amber finished making notes. Both women had had accidents after being close to Mike. Was Pauline correct in her assumption that Sienna was jealous enough to cause the accidents?

She voiced the question and Pauline’s nostrils flared, her lips setting into a hard line.

“I’m not accusing anyone. And we’ve no proof. But it does seem odd, doesn’t it?”

“OK. Leave it with me and I’ll look into all this.”

“Thanks.” Pauline looked relieved, before she glanced at her watch. “Well, I best get going. But if there’s anything else you need, please let me know.

“And since you’ve joined our merry band of players, I hope you’ll enjoy the experience. And remember that although there appears to be one bad egg amongst us, we’re not all like that.” Pauline rose to her feet, before addressing her final comment at Belle. “Thanks for your support.”

“You’re welcome. Speak soon.”