“I was too.”
“You still be gettin’ off. Just wearin’ a bit of pancake makeup.”
Audra felt her cheek and groaned. It felt like the cross-work of the platform had been permanently embedded in her skin. “I think I’d like to get as far away from this train as possible.”
She needed to get away from whoever had attacked her. The quick glimpse of the person didn’t give her much to go on. It might be a man, but she wasn’t certain—though the Italian loafers seemed to indicate that. Her mind spun, and she decided the safest thing to do was abandon the train and head to the largest group of people she could find. Shopping, like Victoria had suggested, sounded like just the ticket. If Victoria hadn’t decided Audra had stood her up. Audra needed to find her then somehow act like nothing had happened.
“Let me helps you up.” Dalia creaked to her feet then offered Audra her hand. “Here you go.”
Audra stumbled to her feet, a large pain settling between her shoulder blades. “Whoever it was, I’ve probably got his knee imprint on my back.”
Dalia clucked her tongue. “I just don’t understand people. Hurtin’ each other, murderin’…” She shivered dramatically. “Mebbe it’s time to get away from these here folks for a while. After this tour be finished.”
Audra nodded. Yes, she’d be headed far away if she survived. Indianapolis looked more appealing every moment. “Thank you again, Dalia.”
The woman watched her as she hurried to her room. Her attentiveness felt protective and left Audra with the urge to hurry and get off the train while Dalia still stood guard in the passageway.
When Audra heard Dalia’s plodding footsteps move down the hall, she doubled her efforts to get out before something worse happened. She tossed a dress and nightgown in her smaller bag then added face cream, cosmetics, shoes, and stockings. She paused in the bathroom, studying her face. From her right jawline up to her eye, a discolored area spread.
She touched her cheek, wincing at the pain. Maybe she could find a cosmetics counter with someone who could help her hide the forming bruise.
Until now the attacks hadn’t seemed personal. Anyone could follow her. But this… She shook at the realization that something had changed. Someone—the person who killed Lana—had decided she needed a warning.
Should she abandon the train? In Atlanta? She had the perfect opportunity right now. Get off when Mark gave permission for time off—and never return. She doubted anyone would miss her. They didn’t need her to get people on stage at the right moment. In fact, why would they really need her, unless someone wanted to keep an eye on her?
Mark?
She quickly discarded the idea. He wouldn’t sabotage his precious caravan by killing Lana. And why would he attack Robert? Not when he’d needed the actor ready to emcee a show in two hours.
Move.
The urgency hit her by surprise. She abandoned the mirror and grabbed her bag. Then she hurried from her berth and off the train. She walked the platform without seeing any familiar souls.
* * * * *
Robert shoved his hat on. Almost twenty-four hours of true freedom. The concept sounded fabulous, but what could he do in a strange city with that kind of time?
From what Mark had said, the Winecoff Hotel sat in the heart of downtown. If all else failed, he could hop on a trolley or stroll the area, taking in the sights and sounds of the Southern jewel.
He picked up his suitcase and lugged the thing off his bed. He hadn’t thought to bring a smaller bag, so he would have to haul the full case along. Once he checked in, he’d be free of the weight. He stepped from his small berth.
“See you tomorrow.” He saluted the space and closed the door.
A full-sized bed. He almost groaned at the thought of sleeping on one tonight. Luxury defined after sleeping on that tiny bunk. At least the train had rocked him to sleep, but he remembered how to do it on his own.
The heat assaulted him when he stepped off the train. Then the humidity swept across him like a tidal wave, and circles of sweat formed under his shirtsleeves. He’d thought it was sticky in Virginia and North Carolina. But nothing had prepared him for this. Now he knew why the air conditioning on the train hadn’t kept up for the past couple of days. How could it against this humidity?
He hurried across the platform to the inside of Atlanta’s Terminal Station. In the coolness of the station he adjusted his hold on the suitcase. People bustled through, but what caught his attention was the solitary figure seated on a bench as if trying to hide in plain sight. Something about her posture put him on edge.
What had happened now?
Robert wound his way through the pedestrians and travelers. “Audra?”
She barely looked at him, instead averting her face as if hiding from him. The action punched through him.
“Aren’t you headed to the hotel?” He crouched in front of her, trying to see her face.
“Please leave.” The words were weak and hesitant, without any of her normal strength.
“Not until I know you’re all right. What kind of white knight would I be if I left you without ensuring that much?”
Her head popped up at his words. Her eyes made round circles on her face, and she covered her right cheek with her hand. Something was most definitely not okay.
Robert reached up to touch her fingers. He slowly tugged them away. When he saw what lay beneath, his blood began to boil but he held it in check. “Who did this to you?”
“I don’t know.”
He sucked in a quick breath and then stroked her cheek with a light touch. “Audra.”
“I only have an impression, but whoever it was sat on my back and shoved my face into the grill.” Her pupils loomed large in her eyes as she stared at him. “I wouldn’t call me as a witness.”
“Did he say anything?”
“All he said was to keep my attention where it belonged.” She shrugged, steeling her spine. “I don’t understand what that means. I haven’t talked about Rosemary since Lana was murdered.”
“True.” He tugged her to her feet and then pulled her into a light embrace. She trembled like a terrified kitten. How could he remove her fear? “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“But it already did.” The muffled words pierced him.
Somehow he would keep that from happening again. He’d once had true feelings for Lana, but as the fear and rage battled inside him, he realized that what he felt for Audra made the former a faint shadow.
“Let’s get checked into the hotel. Then we’ll make a plan. We’ll find a way to identify who’s doing this.”
“When the police haven’t?” Audra pulled away from him, sinking back to the bench. “I really thought I could after Rosemary’s death. That’s why I signed on for the caravan. I didn’t have any strong patriotic notion of serving the war effort. I wasn’t even interested in spending time with stars.”
He slumped next to her, acting as if she’d shot him through the heart. “Not even me?”
“No.” She smiled apologetically then hurried on. “But I’ve enjoyed our days together. We’ll return to Hollywood, you’ll go back to movies, and I’ll leave for Indianapolis. I’m a diversion. That’s all.”
Robert grabbed his bag and pulled her back to her feet. “Do you really believe that?”
She stared at him blankly, as if the last emotion had been drained from her.
“You are no diversion. What’s growing between us is much deeper and something I want to explore. What if God brought us together?” He studied her, watching a flicker of light brighten her eyes. “Right now we’re going to the hotel.” Any talk of their future would have to wait.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
__________
“There you are.” Victoria hurried to take Audra’s bag when she entered the hotel lobby.
“You’ve joined the bell service?”
“No, silly. You had me worried sick, though. I checked in almost an hour ago.” She stopped talking lo
ng enough to take in Audra’s cheek. She covered her mouth. “Good heavens, what happened to you?”
“Long story.”
Robert stepped to the counter. “I’ll get your key, Audra.”
“Thank you.” She sank to one of the lobby couches, all energy drained. “I could sleep for a week.”
“Only after you spill what happened.” Victoria sat beside her, studying her with a troubled expression. “Now.”
“I’d rather not.”
“You’ll need some kind of cover story for that bruise on your face unless you want me to believe Robert did that to you.” Victoria quirked an eyebrow and crossed her arms. “I’ve got all day to wait.”
Audra leaned her head against the couch. If she closed her eyes, she could almost imagine she’d reappeared at her parents’ home in Indianapolis. The comfy cushions embraced her like their old davenport. If only it were that easy to disappear and pretend none of this had happened. The throbbing in her head and on her cheek made that impossible. “I was attacked.”
“Any person with two good eyes can see that.”
“That’s all I know.”
Victoria studied her, eyes blinking rapidly. “Well then, let’s get you settled, find some aspirin, and locate some makeup to hide the damage. Did you know one of Atlanta’s largest department stores is next door? Davisons is waiting for us to explore.”
Shopping? Audra stared at Victoria. “I think I’d like a nap.”
“Trust me. A distraction is exactly what you need.”
Robert walked up to them. “Here’s your key, Audra. The bellboy can take your case up if you like.”
“No, thank you.” Audra patted her satchel. “I can handle it.” She stood and hitched the bag over her shoulder. “I’ll see you later.”
Victoria and Robert exchanged a look that Audra chose to ignore. She moved toward the elevator that stood in a corner of the lobby, its wrought-iron door adding a decorative feature.
“Oh, I’m coming with you.” Victoria hurried after her. “There is no way I’m leaving you alone. Not after this.” She patted Audra’s cheek and winced in sympathy. “So consider me your shadow. Anyone tries anything I’ll swing my bag at them.” Her large purse hung at her side. “That should make them think twice.”
A giggle pushed up Audra’s throat, one that seemed oddly out of place. She tried to stifle it, but it erupted anyway.
“What?” Victoria eyed her with a frown, though her eyes twinkled. “You don’t think I’m very scary looking.”
“No, I think I’d need a knight on a white horse to race to my rescue.”
“Reporting for duty, mademoiselle.” Robert stepped closer and then saluted with a crisp motion. “All bad guys will be duly impressed and stay far away.”
Audra grinned as Victoria shook her head. “Your service is accepted, young man. Don’t let me down.”
He stiffened at her words and nodded. “I never will, Audra.”
She stood mesmerized by the intensity in his gaze.
Victoria cleared her throat, and Audra snapped toward her. “How’s this? I’ll give you thirty minutes to rest, as long as you place something cold on your cheek. Then we’ll distract ourselves with shopping. No sense sitting around waiting for something to happen that might not.”
“You’re right. A bit of rest and some ice should work wonders.”
“I’ll drop my bag in my room, then meet you in yours.” Robert picked up his suitcase and hefted it as he headed for the stairs.
The elevator doors slid open. The employee inside smiled. “Which floor?”
“I’m not really sure.”
Victoria took her key and wiggled it in front of her. “Room 1204, please. And fast. This girl needs some rest.”
When they reached the twelfth floor, Victoria led the way. The actress slid the key into the lock and turned. The door swung open into a clean room. While not large, it felt spacious after the berth on the train.
Audra walked to the bed and collapsed. The firm mattress supported her, and she closed her eyes, allowing her muscles to relax for the first time since the attack.
Victoria rummaged in the closet and brought a blanket to her. “Thirty minutes. That’s all. I’m going to find some ice.”
Exhaustion weighted Audra down, and she sank into a deep sleep. An icy coldness on her face jolted her back to reality.
“I know you don’t like this, but later you’ll be glad you iced that cheek.”
Audra pulled herself to a sitting position at the head of the bed and held out her hand. “Give it to me.”
Victoria handed the towel-wrapped ice to her. “Hold it for ten minutes if you can. I had lots of practice with a brother. He always landed in some scrape or another.”
The cold seeped through her skin until her cheek was numb. If only her memories could disappear with the pain.
* * * * *
Robert strode toward Audra’s door. Victoria had made it clear he had half an hour to get up there before they’d disappear. Maybe he’d be the knight who protected Audra while she shopped. He’d do it, even if it meant he ended up burdened down with their bags. If they only went next door, he should be okay. How much damage could they do in one little store?
He walked up to 1204 and knocked.
While he waited for a response, a few muted sounds filtered through the door.
“Who could that be?” Audra’s voice?
“Mark or Robert. Maybe housekeeping. Who knows? I’ll check.”
“Be careful.”
Someone pushed the door from the other side as if peeking through the peephole. He stepped back and waved.
The door pulled inward then stopped as a chain released. Victoria held on to the door while leaning against the doorframe. “Yes?”
He looked past her shoulder to where Audra leaned against the headboard. “Are you beautiful ladies ready for some fresh air?”
Victoria winked at him and mouthed “About time.” Aloud, she said, “I think we are. Come in.”
A soft blush colored Audra’s cheeks as she watched him enter. “Playing the protector?”
“I hope it’s more than that.” Yes, he wanted to ensure she stayed very safe, but he wanted to do it for more than the length of the caravan. He examined her cheek and frowned. “That looks painful.”
“Victoria’s insisting I get some professional help.”
“It doesn’t look like it’s worse than a bruise.” Robert looked at Victoria, trying to read her expression.
“Professional cosmetic help, silly. Come on, Audra, make it snappy. I’m tired of waiting.” Victoria stepped in front of the full-length mirror and touched up her lipstick. “Let’s see what Atlanta has to offer.”
“Will you humor me a minute more? Can we stop in the lobby? I want to call Detective Franklin and my parents. I haven’t talked to my folks since the funeral and need to make sure they’re holding up. We haven’t had good phone access for so long.”
Robert shrugged. It made sense that after what happened she’d want to know if Franklin had made some sort of progress and let her parents know she was still okay. “I’m sure Victoria can hold off on shopping a bit longer.”
Victoria sighed and flopped on the bed. “I guess I might as well stay here another thirty minutes.”
“It won’t take that long. A couple of minutes to route the call and we’re set. The detective probably won’t even be available.” Their agreement sparked an energy in Audra that had her ready to leave a couple of minutes later, after a stop to grimace at her image in the mirror. She turned away and urged Robert to open the door. “We need to do something about this quick.”
Victoria continued to lounge on the bed. “I’ll follow you down in a minute—give you time to place your calls.”
Robert followed Audra into the hallway and placed a hand on her back as he guided her down the hallway. “Sure you’re up for all of this?”
“Activity is better than lying there on the bed wondering who atta
cked me. The questions are too hard to tolerate. I need answers. Pray Detective Franklin has something for me.” As soon as they reached the lobby, Audra hurried to the telephone booths along the wall. She slipped into a vacant booth and began to slide the door closed before pausing and motioning him closer. “I don’t know if we’ll even be able to talk…”
“Understood.”
Audra dialed the long-distance operator. “Detective Franklin with the Hollywood Police Department.” She gave the operator the police department’s exchange and then settled back into Robert’s arms while she waited.
Robert studied Audra, enjoying his role as protector. She twisted a strand of hair that had slipped in front of her ear. Her uncertainty made her even more attractive to him. She had no idea that when he held her he wanted to protect and shelter her—not just now, but for the rest of her life.
“Have dinner with me tonight?” The words popped out before he even knew he’d thought them.
She looked at him, startled eyes wide. She swallowed then considered him before opening her mouth. He braced for her rebuke, sure it would come.
“Yes? Detective Franklin, please.” She placed a hand over the mouthpiece. “They’re looking for the detective. Do you really want to?”
“Want to what?” Did she want him to beg? He could, but he didn’t like the idea.
“Go to dinner tonight?”
He nodded. “I wouldn’t ask otherwise.”
“Of course.” She held a finger up and then pointed at the phone. “Detective Franklin? This is Audra Schaeffer, wondering if you have any sort of update for me on my sister’s murder.” She waited a minute. “Yes, we have had trouble this week. It’s been terrible, and I really wish you’d been here to compare Lana and Rosemary. Did Detective Brown contact you?” Her frown deepened as she listened. “I’m not trying to do the police’s job. Believe me, I’d like to avoid dead bodies for the rest of my life. But I was there. I found her. I couldn’t walk away and pretend I didn’t.” She took a deep breath. “Now someone attacked me again today….
“I’m sorry, Detective.” She perked up. “You did? Isn’t that good news?”
Stars in the Night Page 23
