The Ghost Dances the Nutcracker

by Kristine Frost

  “Tell me about it. I might have some insights.” His voice had changed from a professional giving a professional advice, to a big brother trying to help his little sister.

  “Bob, when Charles had his arms around me, it seemed like his feelings had changed. It almost seemed like he didn’t want to let go.”

  “Sis, you don’t want to be distracted from investigating this murder. It won’t matter what London’s feelings are, if you’re in jail for a murder you didn’t commit.”

  “You’re right. It made her feel warm and snuggly that he was so focused on her ability to find the man after her.

  Bob gave her a few more ideas—she should interview the other dancers to see what they thought of her, interview Duval’s flat mate, and others that worked at the ballet company. He also suggested following up on Liu. She had a motive for Duval’s murder even though Tabitha hadn’t seen her lately.

  When Bob had hung up, she wrapped her arms around her body thinking, I can do this. I can figure out who is doing this to me and why. She stopped. But it’s probably a really good idea to get all the help I can get from London’s team.

  She shivered. It felt like someone was plotting against her.

  Chapter 14—Dorchester Restaurant—London—the next day

  Tabitha, dressed in an elegant Charity Davis forest green coat and matching dress, pushed open the door of the Dorchester Restaurant.

  Her outfit matched the sixteen-foot tree that stood in the lobby, covered with white lights and white and gold ornaments. There were small pine boughs, hobby leaves, holly berry and white candle centerpieces on each table. Smaller trees stood in the corners of each room. Soft carols flowed from hidden speakers.

  As the maître’s de came forward, Tabitha smiled. “I’m supposed to meet Lady Brittanie Ashby.”

  He bowed. “Of course. Lady Brittanie is awaiting you in the China Tang room.” He waved his hand. “Reuben will show you to her table.”

  A young man stepped from behind the desk.

  “Thank you.” Tabitha turned carefully on her three-inch black heels to follow the tall, slender red-haired wait person who wove his way gracefully between the diner’s chairs.

  A woman whom Tabitha had never met, stood as they approached the table. It was an unexpected courtesy since the woman was not only older, but much more influential than Tabitha. She extended her hand which Tabitha shook gently.

  The woman looked fragile, her white blond hair, pale complexion and light blue eyes make her look like a porcelain figurine.

  Tabitha noticed that everything about the woman looked expensive from her perfectly done French Twist to her immaculate Jimmy Cho taupe heels. Her royal blue suit complemented both her hair and her eyes. She wore a three-caret square cut wedding ring on her left hand. It matched the white gold, diamond studded watch, and diamond studs in her ears.

  “Thank you for meeting me here. I’m not in London much and I have much to do.” Her formal words hiding a faint accent Tabitha could barely detect. It was a formality that put her at arm’s length.

  Tabitha’s smile was careful. There was something about this woman that seemed familiar in an off-putting way, but she couldn’t place her. She was sure she hadn’t met her before. They obviously didn’t run in the same circles.

  Lady Brittanie picked up her menu. Let’s order before we talk. It takes a while for them to prepare the dishes we choose.”

  Tabitha picked up her menu and nearly swallowed her teeth. The cheapest item on the menu was 45 pounds. I hope I’m not paying for this. I don’t think my credit card limit goes this high.

  As though reading her mind, Lady Brittanie said, “Why don’t I order for you. I’m a bit of a gourmet and I’d like to get your opinion on a couple of my favorites.

  Feeling completely overwhelmed, Tabitha could only nod.

  While Lady Brittanie was conferring with the waiter, Tabitha looked around. She had always wanted to visit the Dorchester but hadn’t been able to afford it. She and Courtney had decided to treat themselves to dinner there once Ghost Haven was on its feet.

  The Tang room’s decorations were different from the first room she had crossed. There was a huge Christmas tree in the corner of room decorated with gold balls, white lights and red poinsettias. The fresh flowers on each table were red roses mixed with pine branches and white baby’s breath. The white linen covered tables looked elegant with gold chargers at each place.

  Once the wait person had taken their orders and their menus. Lady Brittanie turned back to Tabitha. She straightened, looking as uncomfortable as Tabitha felt.

  “I’m afraid I asked you to have lunch with me under false pretenses.”

  Tabitha couldn’t help thinking of the last twenty-four hours, Parker’s arrest, her problems with the painting, the attempted murder. Her face hardened. If this woman was a reporter, she was going to be very unhappy.

  Noticing the change of expression, a slight blush accented her pale skin. She held up her hands. “No, no. It’s not what you think. I’m not a reporter. I know all about what has happened to you in the last couple of days.”

  She leaned back. “I’m making a real muck of this.” Her smile was a bit rueful and self-deprecating.

  Suddenly, Tabitha knew who Lady Brittanie reminded her of. “Are you related in some way to Detective Chief Superintendent London? An aunt, maybe?”

  “When the woman looked surprised, Tabitha smiled. “Your eyes crinkle the same way as his do when you smile.”

  Her big eyes filled with tears. Her lipsticked mouth turned down. “I’m afraid I’m not his aunt. I’m his mother.”

  “What!?” Tabitha felt as if a bomb had gone off in her head and her brain had shattered into a million pieces.

  “But he told me his mother is dead. She died when he was four or five.” The protest burst from her mouth.

  “Please don’t speak so loudly. No one can know about this. I probably shouldn’t have told you, but everyone I know who knows you tells me how wonderful you are, how trustworthy.”

  She touched a delicate white handkerchief to the corners of her eyes.

  “But why? I don’t understand.” Tabitha looked as confused as she felt. “And why tell me?”

  “Because I wanted him to marry you instead of that arrogant, obnoxious, temper-ridden woman he’s engaged to.”

  Tabitha sat back stunned. All of what made her who and what she was seemed to drain away leaving nothing but an empty shell. A shell where there was nothing left, nothing to live for, nothing to dream about, no hope. Just emptiness. A whole future of emptiness and loneliness.”

  Lady Brittanie watched as the blood left Tabitha’s face, leaving her a caricature of herself—ghostly white, her eyes empty. “Dear child. You didn’t know.” Her voice was kind.

  Ignoring the stares of the diners around her, she hurried around to Tabitha’s side of the table dropped to her knees and began rubbing her hands. “I am so sorry. So very sorry. I thought you knew.”

  Gradually the shock receded. She regained some color although Lady Brittanie noticed that she was still deathly pale.

  Lady Brittanie got to her feet in a graceful motion and resumed her seat. “I am so sorry. I was sure you knew. There was an announcement in the papers.”

  Wordlessly Tabitha shook her head. “I never saw it. He never said a word. Does his team know. Surely they would have told me if they had known.”

  Tabitha reached for her water glass, took a sip, then whispered, “When did this happen?”

  Lady Brittanie’s shoulders slumped. “A couple of weeks after you saved Emily’s life.”

  She waited while the server put their appetizers in front of them. When he’d gone, she said, “I’m not even sure if he was the one who proposed. I wouldn’t put it past that witch to have blackmailed him into agreeing to marry her.”

  Tabitha’s eyes widened. How did she know about me and Charles? I’ve never told anyone.

  As if she could read Tabitha’s mind, she said, “
Emily told me about how you saved her and Charles. My granddaughter and Emily are best friends.”

  Lady Brittanie motioned to the appetizer in front of Tabitha. “Do try the truffles, child.”

  “I’ve kind of lost my appetite.” Tabitha took another sip of water.

  “I understand, but one thing you must learn is to hide your feelings especially if you are serious about Charles.”

  Tabitha took a deep breath, dropping her hands into her lap. “Why are you telling me all of this? You obviously haven’t had contact with him since he was what four or five?”

  “He was three and I want you to know that it wasn’t my decision not to have contact. His father made that decision.” She touched the corner of her eyes with the handkerchief.

  “The reason I am telling you this is because I think you would be perfect for him. I know the choice is up to him, but sometimes men need a little push in the right direction.”

  Tabitha shrugged. “It’s going to take more than a ‘little’—Tabitha outlined the word little with her hands—"push to get him to care for me. I won’t break up his engagement.”

  Lady Brittanie looked at Tabitha long and hard. Her voice was hard. “That is an admirable attitude, but I want to know if you truly love him.”

  Her words hit Tabitha hard. She had to swallow twice before she could answer. “I do love him. When I first met him at Ghost Haven Manor, the feeling was a carryover of the crush I’d had on him since I was sixteen. But that feeling deepened as I got to know him better.”

  She stopped, wondering how much to tell this woman. “When he nearly died from the brain tumor and I had to make the decision about whether to operate or not, that feeling blossomed. But it has been very obvious that he doesn’t even like me. He came to my first showing, but he didn’t come to my second. He is excessively polite when I meet him, but it is crystal clear that he wishes he were elsewhere.”

  She took a bite of the truffle. “This is delicious. I guess in the long run, food is more important than love.”

  Lady Brittanie smiled. “Don’t let all this sour you. Things will work out. I just hope Charles doesn’t have to learn the way I learned, the hard, hard way.”

  A man in a navy-blue wool overcoat stopped by the table. Tabitha looked up into the eyes of Charles London, Sr., her London’s father.

  He glared at Tabitha’s dinner companion. “What are you doing in London? I’m sure you remember the restraining order.” His tone could have taken the paint off a tank.

  “Go away. Our meeting has nothing to do with you.” Tabitha’s tone was equally acidic. “You have no right to tell me or Lady Brittanie whether or not we can do business together.”

  Lady Brittanie added. “That restraining order is 35 years old. I’m sure I could have it removed if I wanted to. I’m no longer a poor, poverty-stricken woman you can push around so I would thank you to leave us to our lunch which you are keeping them from serving.”

  “I doubt if your husband would want your dirty linen washed in public during his campaign.” His voice was a sneer, rude, odious, obnoxious.

  Tabitha gave a huge snort of mirth. “I wonder how you would feel if what you are threatening to do went public. I could guarantee that Lady Brittanie’s side would go viral in less than 24 hours, probably less than an hour. You would look like mud in Charles’ eyes. Can you afford that?”

  His face went a bright red. Even his ears looked hot and angry. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew.” He snarled at her.

  “Like you’re told me before, I have a big mouth. I’m sure I can chew anything I bite off.” In Tabitha’s tone was a touch of acid, a touch of bitterness, a touch of vinegar.

  The maître’s touched his arm. “Sir, your table is ready and your guests are waiting.”

  Without a glance at them, he stomped off.

  Tabitha clasped her hands over her mouth to stifle the laughter that wanted to burst from her lips in a loud guffaw. Her eyes glowed. She looked totally different than she had fifteen minutes before.

  “I shouldn’t have said anything, but he was so mean to me after I gave permission as “a cousin” for the doctors to remove the tumor. He even threatened to sue me. Charles put an end to that as soon as he regained consciousness.”

  Lady Brittanie shook her head. “His temper is legendary. It was the reason I left, well, that and the beatings. I’m not surprised that he’s been married so many times. What does surprise me is that his current wife has stayed with him for four years.”

  “I like her.” Tabitha said. “I like Emily, too. I think Emily is getting tired of her stepfather’s temper and the way he treats her mother. I know one of Charles’ team told her when she refused to go home, that if he hit her, she could charge abuse.”

  “Poor child.” Lady Brittanie smiled up at the server who removed their plates, replacing them with Seafood Soup with Ginger and Yuzu Kosho.

  Tabitha dipped her soup spoon into the bowl. “This is heaven.”

  Lady Brittanie nodded. “I love Basque food. It’s a bit more spicy than regular French cuisine.

  Tabitha finished her soup, setting her spoon on the plate. “I’m curious. Why are you telling me this? I already told you that I won’t break up Charles’ engagement.”

  Her smile was devilish. “I am not so conscientious. I will break up his engagement even if I have to pay her off. The main problem I have is my husband’s election campaign. I must be very careful to not upset it. I think he would make a very good Prime Minister. And I am not prejudiced, right?”

  Tabitha had to laugh. “I’m sure you’re not prejudiced.”

  They waited until the server had put down the Chicken Basquaise. After taking a bite, Tabitha said, “You still haven’t told me where I come in.”

  “I think you would make a good daughter-in-law.” She shrugged. “I want to have a relationship with my son. I think that you would not block that.”

  “No, I think it would be well for Charles to know his mother. But how are you going to make that happen?”

  A man stopped by their table. His dark grey suit contrasted with the linen tablecloth. “Tabitha, how are you doing?”

  Tabitha looked up at Charles London, the last person she wanted to see at that moment. He was accompanied by a tall, slender blond wearing a black skirted suit, black Manalo Blahnik boots with three-inch heels, and a two-carat engagement ring surrounded by smaller diamonds.

  She looked expensive, elegant, and snooty.

  Tabitha reached out her hand. “I’m still walking around free.” She said with an embarrassed smiled. “Charles, it’s good to see you.”

  She hoped she didn’t look as uncomfortable as she felt. “Thank you again for pulling me out of the path of that car.”

  He nodded. “You’re welcome. I still owe you. If you have any more problems, call me.”

  Tabitha knew he was referring to Parker. “Thank you. However, you do not owe me anything.” Her voice was adamant.

  Taking a breath, she relaxed, her eyes twinkling. “Charles, I’d like you to meet Lady Brittanie Ashby. Her portrait could be my next project.”

  He reached over to shake her hand. “Lady Brittanie, it’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard of your husband, of course.”

  “Of course.” Her voice was gracious. “I’m hoping you have heard enough good that you will vote for him.”

  Charles smiled. “I have heard many good things about him. Please let me present my fiancée, Eugenia Windsor.” He kept his eyes turned to Lady Brittanie, purposely ignoring Tabitha.

  “Oh, Lady Brittanie, it is so good to meet you.” Eugenia gushed. “I think your husband will make the best Prime Minister ever.”

  Charles turned to Tabitha. “Eugenia, this is Tabitha Black, the painter who did that picture of the dog and child you like so well.”

  Eugenia’s enthusiasm was more restrained when she turned to Tabitha. “It is good to meet you.”

  Eugenia’s attention was caught by Charles London, Sr who wa
s waving from their table. “Look, Charles, there’s your father.”

  She let go of Charles’ hand and began walking toward his father. Charles reached in his pocket, pulling out a long white envelope. “Georgette wanted me to give this to you. She thought it might interest you.”

  “Charles, your father is waiting.” Her tone was a little patronizing. She turned back toward his father.

  It hurt Tabitha’s heart to watch Charles follow his fiancée with his eyes. “I don’t know that it’s the autopsy and forensic reports but Georgette said you might find page three interesting reading.”

  Without another word, he turned and followed her.

  Tabitha put the envelope in her purse, then turned to Lady Brittanie. “You will never know how glad I am that you told me about her before he came along and introduced her. I could never have hidden my shock.”

  “I, too, am glad. You can see, can’t you, that she isn’t right for him.”

  “She is very beautiful, perfectly dressed, everything a man like Charles could hope for.” Tabitha tried to keep the jealousy from her voice but didn’t succeed. “I could never be like her.”

  “I should hope not. You are a nice person, a caring, a considerate person. She is not. She lives for herself and herself alone. Do you think she would allow him to stay working for Scotland Yard once they are married?”

  Tabitha looked toward their table, to find Eugenia watching her suspiciously.

  Tabitha’s eyes flicked away from Charles’ table. “She is watching me. I get the feeling I’m on her top ten hate list.” She made sure not to look in that direction since Charles’ back was to her.

  “You probably are. His greeting to you was warm, warmer than a casual friend. She wouldn’t like that. He will not be able to talk to anyone else, especially a woman friend like you without her turning green.”

  Charles said something to his tablemates, then got up and walked back to Tabitha’s table. I’m sorry to bother you again but I forgot to tell you. I talked to Superintendent Hinckley about your painting. If Mr. Cabot applies to him, he will see if he can arrange to have the painting released since the murder was not committed at your studio.”