by Rose Pressey
The chair was pulled out away from the desk and a few papers lay scattered on top, but everything else was neat and orderly. I stepped into the room and scanned the area again. Framed photos with a few not-so-famous artists and a couple famous ones lined the walls. I hadn’t made it to his wall of shame yet. Lucky me. I turned to walk back out. Apparently, Monty had left. Maybe to cool off after the fight with his wife.
Before I left the room, I noticed the only thing that caught me off-guard and made me gasp. Blood on the telephone receiver. I glanced around to see if anyone was watching me. Then I moved closer to the phone. The receiver was on the desk, but off its base. The blood was smeared, it had definitely been on someone’s hand, and there was a lot of it.
Chapter 47
Had someone cut their hand? Was it Monty? And if so, did his wife know? In spite of our frosty exchange moments earlier, I had to tell her.
I moved out of the office, leaving the door just as I’d found it. When I emerged into the main area, Craig and Frank had already set up on stage.
“Where’s your lover boy?” Frank asked.
“Shut up, Frank. I’m not in the mood and I’ll personally kick your ass.”
“Whoa, you promise? I like the sound of that.”
Was he getting sleazier by the hour or what?
Barbie sat at a table in the dark corner. She held a highball glass filled with amber-colored liquid.
I approached her. “Drinking at ten in the morning?”
She eyed me up and down, judging me. I stared at her overly made-up face.
“Don’t judge me. Don’t you have to practice? Or do you just want to harass me?” she snapped.
“Me, harass you? I wasn’t the one using physical force. Look, I’m not here to argue with you. Where did Monty go?”
She shrugged. “Isn’t he in his office?”
“No.”
She lowered her gaze again and shrugged. “I guess he left.”
She took a swig of her drink.
“There’s blood on the phone.” I continued to stare at her.
“What are you talking about?” she asked.
“I mean, the phone in the office is covered with blood. Do you know how it got there?”
“It wasn’t there when I left him.”
“So he was in the office when you came out here?”
“That’s what I said.”
“I think you should check it out.”
She downed the last drop from her glass. “Would you like something to drink?” she asked, not acknowledging my suggestion.
“No, thank you,” I said wryly.
Without another word, she stood, then sashayed across the room, her blonde bob bounced with every step. I stood there for a second, unsure of my next move.
She stood in front of the bar in the corner of the room, mixing another drink—vodka and lots of who knew what else. I didn’t know why she wanted to tie one on in the middle of the day. Maybe I’d drink too if my husband were missing—if I had a husband. Who was I to object to her downing a martini? Or two.
Once the drink was stirred to her satisfaction, she settled onto the leather cushion of the chair and gently positioned the delicate glass on the table. Her big handbag was on the floor next to her. She reached down, whipped out a nail file, and eyed her left index finger.
“Listen, Veronica, my husband provided for me, there’s no denying that.” She filed. “When we married, things were perfect. After a few years of making the big bucks, it all went to his head.” She examined her hand. “He changed—he used to be a sweetie pie. But the past few years he’s been nothing short of a rat. Let’s just say he’s been caught with his pants down more than a few times.” She didn’t look up at me, but continued to file her perfectly manicured nail.
I stood in the middle of the room, unsure of what to say or do next. “I’m sorry to hear that,” I stammered.
She had aired all the dirty laundry. What else could I say?
She slurped her drink. “And that is why I cheated with Johnny Davis.”
The main door opened. Buzz strolled across the floor. He looked at me and gave a big smile. It was enough to make me melt. He walked up to us. Barbie raised an eyebrow, looking him up and down. No wonder she was having problems with her husband. Wasn’t one of my bass players enough? I didn’t know what to say to Buzz. I was upset by what I’d seen. Had he been in the mystery car? Plus, now there was the kiss hanging in the air.
“How are you?” he asked.
“I’m fine.” I knew my demeanor seemed frosty, but I couldn’t help it. I wasn’t an actress, but now more than ever, I needed to pretend. Buzz couldn’t know I was suspicious. I attempted the sweetest smile I could.
Barbie cleared her throat.
“This is Barbie Bradford. She’s the bar owner’s wife.”
“Barbie Owen-Bradford. Half-owner of this bar.” She corrected me.
I didn’t respond. She could display her pretension. I wasn’t going to stop her.
“Well, it was nice meeting you.” Buzz smiled again, his gaze locked with mine. “I need to get ready.”
I ignored the dimple in his cheek.
“I’ll be right there,” I said.
When he’d stepped away, I asked Barbie, “So, aren’t you concerned about your husband?”
She stood, downed the rest of her drink, and finished off her olive.
“I’m sure he’s here somewhere.” She sashayed away.
Chapter 48
Barbie walked toward the back room. At least maybe she was going to check on him. Before I joined the guys on stage, I went to the front door and looked out over the parking lot. Monty’s truck was still in the same spot as when I’d arrived. I shrugged it off, and joined the guys on stage, what else could I do? Something told me the blood on the phone wasn’t a normal little finger cut. And where was Barbie now? It was hard to concentrate on singing.
“What’s wrong?” Buzz asked.
“Um, nothing.” I couldn’t help but glance at the backdoor every few seconds.
“Hey, give us a second, guys.”
Frank frowned. Craig just nodded.
“Whatever.” Frank set his guitar down and jumped off the stage. Just what I needed: a guitar player with a chip on his shoulder.
Buzz held my arm and led me off stage. Monty had repaired the faulty steps, but I suppose Buzz didn’t want to take any chances. Having Buzz near me messed with my emotions. Buzz pulled out a chair and gestured for me to sit. “What’s going on? You seem jumpy.”
I couldn’t tell him about seeing him at the park. I needed to hear from my dad first.
“The owner of this place is missing.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
“Barbie’s husband,” I motioned with my head. “I haven’t seen him since I got here. She came out when I arrived. She was crying and said they’d had a fight.” I didn’t tell him what the fight was about. It was information he didn’t need to know.
I’d known Johnny for a short time, but he’d always been a nice guy, even if he did try to steal other men’s wives. “Then I went to the office to talk with him and he was gone. His truck is in the parking lot.” Why was I even telling any of this to him? Why was I even still talking to him?
“Maybe he just went for a walk to cool off. You know, to think things over.”
I shrugged. “I guess. But here’s the weird thing, there was blood on the phone in the office. All over the receiver.”
His face blanched. “Really?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah, really.”
“Let’s finish up and then if he doesn’t show up, well, we’ll take it from there.”
“Okay.” I didn’t know what to think, but I didn’t have any better ideas.
Had my mysterious new band member been talking to the guilty party? Or was he part of the guilty party? The events didn’t make sense. My apartment had been vandalized and my spell book stolen. The bass had been left in my living roo
m and now the bar owner was missing! His wife didn’t seem to mind and she’d been having an affair with my permanently dead vampire bass player. Could things get any crazier? I thought not. More than ever, I wanted to get tonight over with—record deal or not. I’d have a few days off then. I’d get a manicure and pedicure. Maybe do a little shopping.
I climbed back on stage. We’d do a couple more songs then relax until it was time to play tonight. Not that I’d be able to relax much. As soon as I was done, I’d try to find Monty. I hoped he’d come walking through the door at any minute. The bloody phone made me uneasy, but maybe it was because I’d discovered two dead vampires and didn’t want to find another.
Without music, I didn’t know what I would’ve done. It always made me feel better. Rockabilly was in my soul and its grip would never let go, and I didn’t want it to, for that matter. The melodies and the lyrics—I loved the beat and couldn’t help but move my feet when it started. Buzz started with the bass, then Craig and Frank began. I sang the lyrics and I felt them, letting the music take me away from the stress. I always said I was a bad actress, but in a sense, this was my way of acting. Portraying the song, making the audience feel the emotions, whether they were happy or sad. Although, most of the songs we did were happy with a fast beat and fun lyrics.
After a couple songs, I was tired and I sensed it from the guys, too.
“If we don’t want to sound like shit tonight, we need to stop. If he doesn’t know the songs by now, a few more hours won’t help him,” Frank said.
I had to admit Frank was right, although he could have gotten his point across in a more tactful manner. But that was Frank. He’d definitely ramped up his rudeness.
“You’re right. We need to rest. I need to save my voice for tonight.”
Luckily, we could leave our equipment because we’d be back in a few hours.
I stepped off the stage.
“You want me to walk you to your car?” Buzz asked.
“Um, no. I mean, I need to make a call first. I think I’ll sit over here. You go on, I’ll be fine.” I didn’t want him to know I was hanging around looking for the bar owner. Where was Barbie, anyway? I hadn’t seen her since she went out the back, supposedly looking for Monty.
“I can wait around.”
Having someone escort me to my car sounded like a good idea, but I was pretty sure I couldn’t trust him. He was nice, but maybe too nice. He could be hiding an evil dark side behind those good looks. But what if he had nothing to do with any of this, and I was jumping to conclusions? After all, I hadn’t seen the entire car. I’d be turning away a nice guy who was trying to do nothing more than help me. No, there was a reason he just popped up in my life and I wouldn’t stop until I found out.
“I kind of need to make a private call, if you don’t mind?”
He held up his hands. “Of course not.”
I walked over to the front door again. He didn’t follow; instead, he stood in the same spot, the darkness shading half of his face.
I peered out the glass. Monty’s truck was still in the same spot. It didn’t appear to have been moved. I frowned. Something was wrong. I hadn’t heard a peep from his office area. Of course, I wouldn’t have with our loud music, but every time we’d stopped, there had been silence.
“What’s wrong? You’re still so edgy.”
Buzz had obviously not understood the meaning of ‘private’ and joined me at the door. I fought the urge to stare at his lips.
“His truck is still here, but where is he? Why would he take off walking? He’s not exactly the most physically fit person I’ve ever seen.”
“Maybe he left with someone else. Why don’t you make your call and I’ll step outside for a second.”
I shook my head. “Yeah, okay.” I prayed my dad had information on Buzz. Then I’d know if I could trust him. Well, I wouldn’t know for sure, but I’d at least have some information—more than I had now.
Buzz stepped closer. “You’re sure you’re okay?”
I nodded, trying to fake a smile.
Finding the farthest table in the place, I walked over, pulled out a chair, and sat down. Buzz looked at me once more, then walked out. I needed to make the call before he returned, then I'd look for Monty again. I’d find Barbie, too. I dialed my dad’s number.
After three rings, he picked up.
“Hey, Dad. Did you find out anything?” I know he’d said he’d call me when he found out, but I needed to know now.
“I just got off the phone with him. He’s not supposed to be doing this kind of thing for me, you know?”
“Well, um, I guess. But you’ve been friends for so long. He knows you wouldn’t ask unless it was extremely important.”
“Yeah, well, you’re lucky he trusts me.”
No, if I was lucky I wouldn’t be in this situation. I wouldn’t need to know anything about anyone. My life would be peachy with no problems. However, that wasn’t the case, so I needed information.
“Right, so what did he say?”
“He ran a background check. Everything checks out fine, Pumpkin. He’s an all right guy. Served time in the Marines, just like he said. Outstanding record. College. Lived here all his life except for the military. Does that satisfy you?”
No, it was not any help. It didn’t explain why he was talking with the person in that car. But maybe it wasn’t him at all. There was only one way to find out. I needed to ask him. But what if he was a part of all of this and when I asked, it set him off? Why would he follow me? He barely knew me and he’d gotten the spot with the band. Nothing made sense.
“Okay, if you say so, or if he says so.”
“I think you can trust him, at least until he gives you reason to think otherwise.”
Oh, he’d already given me reason all right, but I’d get to the bottom of it myself. And soon.
“Thanks for asking for me. I’m sure it’s just me being overly cautious.”
“It’s a good thing to be overly cautious. You’ve been through a lot. Will you consider staying with us a few days when your gig is over? You can go shopping with your mom. I’ll put a nice new wax job on your car.”
That was tempting. “Okay, Dad, I’ll see what the schedule is like.”
Maybe he was right, it would do me good to spend a few days with them, and it would make them happy, too. Family time sounded nice and safe right now. “I’ll call you later, okay?”
“I'll talk to you soon, Sweetie. I wouldn't tell your mother about visiting until you know for sure.”
“Good idea. Bye.” I hung up and stuffed the phone back in my purse.
The low hum from the ice machine echoed from behind the bar. Other than that, the building was silent. I stood and draped my purse strap over my shoulder. In spite of the silence, I didn’t feel as if I were alone. The eerie sensation of eyes watching me made me shiver. I looked at the door—no one there. What was Buzz doing outside? I wanted to know, but first, I needed to check the back office.
I moved across the room, hoping not to bump into a table. If I’d known where the light switch was, I would have shed some light on the place. The damn vampires and their need for darkness drove me nuts. The feeling of being watched didn’t stop, and when I glanced at the corner of the room, I realized why. I hadn’t been alone, after all. The creepy mortician—was there any other kind?—sat in the corner, leering at me.
We made eye contact. He knew I was aware of his presence now, but there was no way I’d acknowledge him. If he thought for two seconds I’d be his next customer, he had another thing coming. I had serious doubts about this guy. He gave me chills every time he looked my way—and not the good kind of chills, either.
The back door was the quickest way out of there and I was headed for it faster than you could say macabre maniac. My legs couldn’t carry me fast enough. I pulled open the door next to the stage and dashed down the small hallway. Still no sign of Monty or Barbie, and thank goodness no Pierce Tyler, either. The door to the office
was still open, just as I’d left it, but the background music had stopped.
Curiosity got the better of me, so I stopped at the door for a brief second. My heart pounded. I didn’t want Pierce to catch me, but I wanted to know what happened to Monty. I didn’t call out this time; I felt as if I was intruding. Maybe none of this was my business, but I did have important questions to discuss with Monty before tonight’s show. What if he’d made up with Barbie and they were fooling around? And I walked in on them. Not something I wanted to see. I’d rather make a shish kebab out of my eyeballs.
I pushed the door slightly and stuck half my body in. No one was around. I immediately looked to the desk. The phone was clean. Someone had cleaned it! That, or I was going crazy and had imagined seeing the blood. No, I’d seen it, and I knew it was there. Someone had cleaned it.
“Monty? Barbie, are you here?” I whispered. I needed to get the heck out of the bar before Mr. Creepy Creeperson caught up with me.
No answer. This was too weird. I stepped all the way in and scanned the space. There wasn’t anywhere to hide in the room, so I knew they weren’t there. A clatter echoed from somewhere close behind. I spun around and tilted my head for a better look, but remained frozen in one spot. Nothing moved, so I turned around.
I backed out of the office and didn’t bother to close the door back to its original position this time. The door, which led to the back parking lot, was at the end of the hall. I made my way over, pushed on it and it opened. I stuck my head out. A rattling noise from the behind the Dumpster startled me—probably a rat. Tree branches rustled next to the building as the onslaught of raindrops tapped against the pavement. Thunder rumbled and lightning flickered, making me flinch.
No one was around. No cars and no people. Could they have left together? They must have. I would have seen them if they had left through the bar. Maybe Monty had returned and they went for a ride in Barbie’s car. But where had the blood come from and who had cleaned it? I wasn’t sure what kind of vehicle she drove. My thoughts raced. I needed to forget about it for now and concentrate on one thing. One thing only—tonight’s performance. Footsteps sounded from nearby; the familiar squeak of the wood floor reverberated, bouncing off the walls. Thunder boomed again, then faded. As I stepped one foot out the door, I heard my name called out. When I looked over my shoulder, Buzz was walking toward me.
