A name. It was something. “Thank you.”
Detective Franklin studied her a moment. “Why are you really going on the caravan?”
Audra opened her mouth then shut it. What could she tell him? That she had to do something to track down the killer? That she wanted to understand Rosemary’s world? None of those answers would satisfy him. Instead, they’d bring his scrutiny. But she couldn’t lie either. So she kept her mouth shut.
As she met his gaze, she knew she hadn’t fooled him. He shook his head then stood. “Miss Schaeffer, leave the investigating to us. I can’t stop you from going on the trip, but I hope you know how foolish it is to try to discover something about your sister’s death. That’s work for the police and certainly not for a woman.”
She squared her shoulders and met his stare. “My parents have lost one daughter. I won’t do anything to compound that pain. After all, what can happen on a train? Everyone will be too busy to do anything nefarious.”
“Sure. Bad things only happen on terra firma.” He rolled his eyes then crossed his arms as a serious look cloaked his face. “Look. I understand the need to find answers. Really, I do. But leave that to me. We will find them. Maybe not as fast as you like.”
The mystery woman he’d mentioned earlier flashed in her mind. She couldn’t just leave it to the police. “Then the caravan will give you time to arrest her killer without me to interfere or get in your way.”
“You’re a funny one.”
“I’d call it determined.”
“When do you leave?”
“Sunday. It sounds like we’ll go to Washington, D.C. Start there like the first caravan, but head south rather than follow the northerly course back to Hollywood.”
“All right.” He rubbed a hand through his hair. “Be careful in that apartment. I’m not convinced it’s a good idea for you to stay there, but I can’t stop you. Remember we don’t know what whoever was breaking in wanted.”
Detective Franklin escorted her from the building. “Take care of yourself.” He disappeared back inside the building.
Audra stared after him then squared her shoulders and hailed a cab. When she reached the apartment building, she knocked on Mrs. Margeson’s door.
“Come in, come in.” Mrs. Margeson hugged Audra and pulled her into the front room.
“Can I use your phone?”
“Of course. Make yourself at home. I’ll make some tea.” She bustled into the kitchen while Audra worked with the operator.
Finally her mother’s voice came on the line. “Audra?”
“Hi, Mama. Is Daddy home?”
“No. It’s his Lions Club night. Do you have details about when we should get you? We’re scheduling Rosie’s funeral.”
Audra took a deep breath. It might be easier telling Mama and let her update Daddy. “I won’t be coming home yet.”
“Why not?” The shock in her mother’s voice wasn’t hidden by the distance.
“I’ve taken a temporary job that will let me get close to many of the people Rosemary knew. Maybe I can learn something that will help us find her killer.”
Mama’s inhalation sucked any hope that her parents would understand. “You would miss your sister’s funeral for that?”
“I just can’t do that…not again.”
“You listen to me. This was not your fault and neither was your brother’s death. You have to let go of that false guilt. And you need to come home. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”
“Mama, I can’t.” The words whispered around the lump in her throat. “I just can’t. I’m so sorry, Mama. I already have nightmares of when I had to identify her body. I want to remember her like she was, not the shell she is now.”
Silence settled between them, Audra too close to losing control to say anything.
“What if you wish you’d come?”
“I can’t do anything for her there, but I can do this. I need to try.”
Audra could almost hear her mama’s prayers. “All right. If you think you must, but promise you’ll be careful. You hear me?”
“Yes, ma’am. I promise I won’t do anything foolish.”
“Okay.” Mama blew out hard. “I’ll find some way to explain this to your father. Do not make me regret that. I love you, girl.”
“I love you too.” Audra hung up then refused a cup of tea from Mrs. Margeson before running to Rosemary’s apartment.
The rest of the week passed in a rush. Audra met herself coming and going as she spent long hours at the studio and then even more time running around the unfamiliar city trying to get revised contracts couriered to the caravan’s participants. Mark must have decided she was cheaper than a service even though she had to use a taxi to find anything. The number of people who looked at her and saw Rosemary surprised her. Audra had never thought they’d looked alike. And their friends and family never spent much time identifying similarities. Instead, it was always, “Rosemary’s the looker.” Lose a few pounds and she could turn heads like Carole Lombard. While Audra had pretty eyes and intelligence. Not that Audra wanted to be known for her looks, but the comments had stung. In ways that didn’t even make sense to her.
She stared out another taxi window, watching the buildings zip past. She should make an effort to understand the city, but instead she let the drivers deliver her without paying much attention to her surroundings.
The envelope in her lap felt heavy. This time she carried it to a bona fide star. Lana Kincaid Garfield. The thought of meeting the vixen who’d broken Robert’s heart bothered her.
And that disturbed her.
It shouldn’t matter who the woman was or what she had done.
It certainly shouldn’t matter what she had done to a man Audra barely knew.
It shouldn’t— But it did.
The only time Audra worried about the caravan was when she considered she’d be in such close proximity to the star and his former spouse.
Then her chest tightened in a way she didn’t like.
“Here you go, miss.” The cab driver pulled to the curb.
“Can you wait for me?” Everything would go faster if she could tell Miss Garfield her cab waited.
“Sure, but only for twenty minutes. And if you pay me in advance. Otherwise, I have to go find my next fare. Company rules.”
“All right. Here’s what I owe you for getting here and here’s a dollar to wait for me.” Audra closed her handbag, making a mental note to ask Mark for reimbursement. Her cash had reached dangerously low levels with all the cab fares.
The cab driver pulled his cap low over his eyes and slouched in his seat. “I’ll be here.”
Audra slipped from the cab and hurried up the sidewalk. Lana hadn’t been around the studio all week. That would have made delivering her contract too easy. Instead, she’d insisted on taking the week off. A time to “center” before spending all her time with the others on the train.
The apartment building was impressive, with a façade that dripped importance. The stone front had inlaid marble and some other stone Audra didn’t know. A doorman watched her from under the shade of a crimson canopy as she strode up the stone walk.
“May I help you?” His high voice didn’t match what she’d expected.
“I have a delivery for Miss Garfield.” She showed him the envelope.
“Is she expecting you?”
“I’m not sure. The studio might have called ahead.”
“You’ll have to wait while I check.” He turned and entered the building, holding the door for her. She followed him to a desk in the corner of the lobby. He picked up the phone, and she looked around. Persian rugs lay scattered across the highly polished marble floor. Towering palm trees clustered in groups around the edges of the narrow room. And paintings that looked to be authentic Impressionist masters’ works lined the walls.
Miss Garfield must be doing well.
“She’ll see you.” The doorman pointed across the lobby. “Take the elevator to the fifth floor. Hers
is the third apartment on the left.”
Audra nodded and walked to the elevator. The doors slid open and a man sat on a stool inside.
“Floor?”
“Five, please.”
The grate doors slid shut and the machine jolted to life. It jerked past floors in a manner that didn’t quite fit with the lobby’s ambiance. It bumped to a stop.
“Here you go.”
“Thank you.” Audra stepped from the box and stopped as the doors slid shut behind her. The hallway stood in stark contrast to the lobby. The cream paint looked fresh and the woodwork cleanly varnished, but none of the visible signs of affluence filled the halls. A nice carpet lined the floor, but there was no marble. No paintings or prints lined the walls. Maybe the show in the lobby was enough to set the stage. Appearances mattered even in the buildings? Further confirmation this was not the place for her. Audra needed to get on the caravan, learn what she could, and then return to Indianapolis.
She followed the hallway to the left and found the third door. She knocked and waited. A minute later she knocked again. Lana had to know she was on her way up.
“Coming.” The word sounded imperious and unbothered.
A moment later the lock turned and the door opened. Lana leaned against the doorframe with a bored air. “Yes?”
Audra cleared her throat and held out the envelope. “The studio sent me with your contract. We need your signature on it today.”
The star’s blue eyes held an icy quality as she studied Audra. “Wait here while I read it.” She turned and headed down an entryway, leaving Audra in the doorway.
Audra felt the brush-off. A spike of heat filled her, and she knew chances were good Lana wouldn’t read a word of the document. Audra might not be a star, but she had value. She stalked down the hallway after the star, her heels clicking on the wood-paneled floor.
“So Mark’s got you set to babysit us?” Lana didn’t raise her gaze from the paper in front of her.
“I’ll help with logistics, yes.”
“Honey, there is no way you are prepared for what you’ll see and experience.” The star shook her head, perfectly coiled curls bouncing. “Let me take you out. I’ll make you my pet. Get you all set to turn some heads. Maybe even land a movie star to take care of you the rest of your life or until he loses interest.”
Audra longed for olive skin as she felt the color race to her cheeks. “I’m not here to find a man. I don’t need one for security.”
“That’s what we’d all like to think.” Lana’s lips curled. “You won’t last long here without someone to take care of you. I can guarantee that.”
“Is that what happened to Rosemary? She needed someone to take care of her?”
Lana looked up from her pretend perusal of the document. “Who?”
Audra stiffened. She hadn’t meant to say that out loud. “Rosemary Schaeffer.”
“Her problem was too many men, and none looking after her.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
__________
Sunday, June 14, 1942
Time to leave. The taxi would be here in a minute. Robert shoved another roll of socks in a pair of wingtips and stuffed both in the side of his suitcase. He pulled out a sports coat and shoved it in. He closed the lid and tried to get the latch to snap on the case.
The phone buzzed, and he plucked the receiver. “Yes.”
“Mr. Garfield, your cab is here.”
“I’ll be right down.” Robert hung up and turned back to the stubborn case. He didn’t have time to waste. The train left in one hour from Union Station down in Los Angeles. The first small step in what could become a long journey. Finally, the last latch caught, and he nabbed the bag and his keys. He hustled out of the apartment and locked the door behind him.
He kept glancing at his watch as the taxi puttered along. A strange tightness in his gut left him slightly nauseous. He hadn’t been this flustered since his first audition. Did it have more to do with the tour or the fact he’d share the trip with his former wife? Add in Audra and his new role as emcee and stand-up comic, and it was no wonder he tensed every time he thought about the caravan.
Last week’s screen tests had gone well. While the promised contract hadn’t materialized yet, Artie remained convinced he’d have at least one contract for a good role waiting for Robert to sign when he returned. If it was good enough, he’d threatened to meet Robert wherever the caravan stopped and have him sign it before the ink dried. Robert’s job was to make the most of the exposure he’d get on this trip. Sell a record-breaking number of bonds. No pressure.
Who was he kidding?
This business was tough, and he’d never had a clear shot to success. He’d crawled his way into roles like most did. But could he do it without sinking to the levels so often required?
The cab pulled to the curb at Union Station with a bump. “Here you go, mister.”
“How much do I owe you?”
“Nothing. The studio covered it.”
Robert pulled some coins from his pocket. “Well, here’s a tip for getting me here in one piece.”
“Say. Thanks!” The driver tipped his hat. “Have a safe trip.”
“Will do.” Robert hopped out of the cab and strode toward the main doors.
“There he is.”
“That’s got to be Robert Garfield.”
“You bet it is.”
Several men rushed toward him as cameras flashed around his head.
“You anticipating this trip?” A man with a pencil stuck behind his ear fired the question.
“Sure am. It will be a great opportunity to see America and sell war bonds.” Robert shut his mouth before he said anything fractured and unintelligent.
The lone woman in the group pushed her way to the front. “Do you have a quota of bonds to sell?”
“I’m sure we do, but whatever the quota, I know the American public is generous and will buy even more.”
The bulbs continued to flash, and Robert waved to the reporters. “Excuse me, but I’ve got a train to catch.”
He hurried through the towering curved arch of the station’s Moorish exterior and into the cool interior. The marble floors were inlaid with an elaborate red, gold, and black zigzag pattern. If he watched it too carefully, he’d stagger down the hall like someone who’d been drinking.
His steps slowed when he caught sight of someone who looked like Audra. Only this woman’s hair was cut in a soft bob that looked like it would tickle her neck, rather than pulled back in the harsh, professional way Audra wore hers.
“No, you dolt, I said to stack them there.”
Robert sighed. That screeching voice could belong to none other than Lana. He pivoted on his heel and there she stood. Her navy tea gown was topped with a fox stole, her curls with a plumed hat. A gold cigarette holder dangled from her perfectly manicured fingers. Lana in all her glory.
“If it isn’t Robert Garfield. You were a star once, weren’t you?”
“Hello, Lana.” This trip already felt like an eternity and hadn’t even started.
“Maybe you can explain to the porter how I like things.”
Robert pointed to his bag. “I’ve got to find the train. See you there.” He quickened his pace. Note to self: don’t stop at Lana’s voice. He needed to act like her hold had died. Eventually reality would catch up with his actions.
Uniforms filled the halls as he hurried toward the track. Many of the servicemen raced past him while others lingered for a last kiss with the gal on their arm. Still others slept on the floor, a bench, anywhere they could find a spot to rest, hats pulled low over their eyes.
A photographer snapped some shots, the flash popping. Robert wondered which publication he was with but didn’t have time to ask. The big clock dominating the wall in front of him urged him to hustle if he didn’t want to get a reputation for holding the train up on the first day. He’d leave that distinct honor to Lana or another star.
He entered the terminal lined with t
rains. Scanning the board, he identified the platform where the Hollywood Victory Caravan was stationed. As he read the number of the platform in front of him, he realized it was at the far end of the terminal. Increasing his pace, Robert hustled toward the train, trying to avoid breaking into a sweat.
Mark Feldstein stood in front of the train, a clipboard clutched in his hand. “Mr. Garfield. Nice of you to join us.”
Robert grinned at him. “Thank you.”
“You’re in the first car behind the coal car, berth four.”
“Sure.” He could imagine the soot coming in through the windows.
“Here’s today’s itinerary. The dining car will be open most of the trip. But there are certain hours it will close each day. Orientation is at five, or as soon as the train clears the city. Miss Schaeffer or I will come through to announce the start.”
Robert accepted the sheet of paper. So far everything sounded like he’d expected.
“I think that’s all for now. Go get settled, and we’ll see you at the meeting.”
“Yes, sir.” Robert saluted Mark and then headed down the train until he reached the first sleeper car. He hauled his bag up the narrow steps and shuffled into the hall. He laughed when he saw the stars someone had pinned to each berth’s door. He didn’t need a number. All he had to do was locate his name on a star.
He opened the door to his berth and threw his bag in, loosening his shirt collar and pulling off his tie. The room wasn’t large. It’d feel downright cozy by the end of three weeks, but Robert was pleased he wouldn’t have to share with anyone.
He settled in on the narrow bed. Might as well catch some shut-eye while he waited for things to start.
Sometime later, he was startled awake when someone knocked on the door. “Time for the meeting. Everyone to the dining car.”
Robert sat up and rubbed his eyes. He stumbled to his feet, surprised to feel the rhythmic motion of the train rumbling down the track. He pulled a tie out of his bag and laced it around his collar. After knotting it, he grabbed a brush and smoothed his hair. The sounds of banging faded. Time to join the others.
* * * * *
Audra leaned against the wall in a corner of the dining car. Booths lined the outside walls, the backs providing a tiny bit of privacy. Linen tablecloths covered the tables, each with a small vase containing a single daisy sitting on top.
Stars in the Night Page 12
