South of Salem (2)

by Janni Nell

  “A few weeks?” SJ turned to me. “Will it take that long for Allegra to do something about the—” he lowered his voice, “—ghost?” I hadn’t told him there were two of them. No sense causing more panic.

  “I’d be able to deal with this more quickly,” I put in, “if I had access to Steven Twenty’s diary. Any idea where it is?”

  SJ raked a hand through his fair hair. “Believe me, I’d tell you if I knew.”

  “Alright,” said Mom, “we’re not here to discuss the whereabouts of the diary.”

  “But it’s the key to this whole case.” I had no way of knowing that for sure, and Mom was understandably skeptical.

  “Steven didn’t even know there was a diary,” she said. “He’s showed you the safety deposit box, and you’ve searched the house. Maybe there is no diary.”

  “There has to be. It contains a family secret that I’m convinced will help me solve this case.”

  Mom sighed. “If you believe there’s a diary, Allegra, it’s your job to find it.” She pursed her lips. Pruneface was in the building. “Now, we’ve agreed on a strategy to deal with the media.” She made a tick on the paper in front of her. “Next item is Steven’s real condition. Dr. Montgomery believes Steven is having some sort of breakdown brought on by his father’s death. Much as I’d like to believe that, we all know it isn’t true. There’s no need to mention misty ghosts or sleepwalking to Dr. Montgomery. Let her think this is a simple breakdown.”

  “What if she tells the media Dad’s had a breakdown?” asked SJ. “You told them he had a heart attack.”

  “Dr. Montgomery is a professional. She won’t speak to the media—not if she wants me to sign that million dollar check. Now, moving along to the third item on my agenda, I’d like Allegra to tell us how her investigation is progressing.”

  “It’d progress a whole lot better if I had the diary, which I’m convinced does exist.” When Mom told me to stick to the facts, I told her what Wanda had discovered about Elowyn Penrose Hampton. “She was a witch.”

  Mom gasped and dropped her pen, which rolled away across the floor.

  After retrieving it from a corner of the room, I handed it back to her and explained, “It was a long time ago. Steven probably hasn’t inherited any of her powers.”

  Mom blanched. Her voice trembled. “Why is the ghost of a witch haunting her own descendents?”

  I wanted to shrink into my seat or, better yet, crawl under the table. With a confidence I was far from feeling, I said, “I’ll have to get back to you on that one.”

  “When do you think you might be able to get back to us?” she asked me.

  It was hard to admit I didn’t know. Even harder to see the disappointment on her face. She clung to her agenda like a lifeline, making a small tick and moving onto the next item, which was the house in Mayflower Avenue. “Allegra, I assume you’ll be staying there until this case is solved. Make sure you tell the cleaning service and the gardener that Steven’s had a heart attack. Just in case they don’t buy it, I’ll write them each a check for a bonus. That should keep them quiet.”

  “I don’t have time to hang around waiting for cleaners and gardeners,” I argued.

  “Allegra, I need—”

  Lily interrupted. “It’s okay, Mom, I’ll take care of it. I know how to deal with staff.” Somehow I resisted the urge to poke my tongue out at her. Even though she was helping me, it still felt like she was sucking up to Mom.

  “Item five,” said Mom. “Our fundraiser for disadvantaged children is on tonight.”

  “Shit,” said SJ.

  “I’d totally forgotten,” said Lily, looking mortified.

  “So what?” I said. Not that I’m against charity, especially for children, but I couldn’t see how this was relevant to the case.

  Lily and Mom glared at me. Typical that they were so alike they were even on the same committee.

  Mom said, “Allegra, this is our most important fundraiser of the year. Obviously I can’t go—”

  “But you have to,” wailed Lily. “You’re the chairwoman. Think of the children.”

  “I know, but right now Steven needs my full support. Appearing without him would only create gossip. It’s better if I send my apologies. You and SJ will have to represent us.”

  Lily said, “If you don’t go, there’ll be two empty seats at our table.”

  “Why don’t you all cancel?” I suggested.

  Lily was horrified. “Then there will be four empty seats.”

  “So? You’ve paid for your plates. The charity will still get the money.”

  “Our presence is very important,” said Lily. “We’re on the committee. We have to set an example.”

  I rolled my eyes. Now Lily was the one who looked like she wanted to poke her tongue out. With a supreme effort of willpower she resisted and turned to Mom. “Don’t worry. I won’t let you down. I’ll be there tonight even if I’m in labor.” Her self-sacrifice made me want to puke. But it got worse. “Allegra will come too. She can have your seat.”

  Before I could object, Mom said, “Right, that’s settled. Now does anyone have anything else they’d like to discuss?”

  I began, “About me attending the fundraiser—”

  “It’s very kind of you to volunteer.”

  “But I—”

  SJ leaped to his feet. “Which room is Dad in?”

  Dr. Montgomery had decreed that Steven should have no more than two visitors at a time. SJ and Lily went in first, leaving me in Reception with Mom and giving me the perfect opportunity to discuss the fundraiser with her.

  “I really can’t attend,” I said. “This case is taking up all—”

  “It will only be for a few hours. Surely you can spare that. Your one charitable act in the last twenty-five years.”

  “That’s not fair. I donate to charity.”

  “Then you won’t mind donating a little of your time tonight.”

  “What about if I paid for a plate but didn’t attend?”

  ̴Can you afford five thousand dollars for a plate?” She knew I couldn’t.

  I made one last try to wriggle out of attending. “I don’t have a date.” That was something Mom could understand. She’d never turn up anywhere without a suitable escort.

  “What about Casper?

  “He’s busy. At some awards presentation.”

  “Call him. Tell him I’ve personally invited him to sit at my table.” Apparently this was an honor, even if she wouldn’t be there.”

  “Okay,” I said, pacifying Mom by picking up my cell phone. I knew I wouldn’t be able to reach Casper, but I punched in a fake number and told Mom, “It’s gone to voicemail.”

  “So leave a message.”

  More pretending: “Hey Casper, call me.”

  Next thing I knew, he was striding into Reception wearing his sexy tux. He leaned down, pretending to kiss my cheek while he whispered, “I sensed you were in danger. Looks like I was right.”

  Mom beamed at him, nodding approvingly at the tux, “Oh Casper, you must be clairvoyant. I just suggested Allegra invite you to my fundraising dinner tonight, but she seems to think you have an awards ceremony to attend.”

  “Oh that,” he said nonchalantly. “I won’t be missed. I’ll be delighted to accompany Allegra.”

  Chapter Ten

  The four of us took a cab to the fundraising dinner. As a committee member, Lily wanted to get there early to check that everything was running smoothly before she and SJ did the meet-and-greet routine with the guests. While they mingled, I lurked in a corner and drank champagne too fast. Casper didn’t leave my side, as though he expected danger.

  Lily stopped by my corner. “Must you skulk here?”

  “I’m afraid I must.” I skulked until we went into the huge room, where tables had been laid with glistening white tablecloths and decorated with vases of pale pink roses.

  As we took our seats, Lily pointed out SJ working the room, happily schmoozing as he made his way
to our table. “He looks better, doesn’t he?” she whispered. “Maybe the—maybe Elowyn has decided to leave us alone. Maybe she’s gone back to…wherever she came from.”

  I wanted to shake her and cry darkly, Deny the paranormal at your peril, but that would’ve been melodramatic. Besides, destroying Lily’s illusions of security while she was protectively stroking her belly was just wrong.

  When I didn’t contradict her, she gave a little sigh of relief and changed the subject. “What do you think of this place? Pretty, isn’t it? They call this the Chandelier Ballroom.”

  “Gee, really?” I glanced up at the enormous chandelier that hung like a UFO over the dance floor. “I’d never have guessed.”

  “Don’t be sarcastic. We welucky to get this room—it’s booked out forever. Did you know the chandelier is a replica of the one in Phantom of the Opera?”

  “Does it fall too?”

  Lily huffed and quoted Mom’s favorite piece of advice. “Honestly, Allegra, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Then, reaching out a tiny perfectly manicured hand, she adjusted the shoestring strap of my dress. Her dress, actually. She’d insisted I wear something “appropriate,” and much as I’d have liked to refuse, the dress was exquisite. A cream satin sheath that fitted me perfectly, except for the small fact that the skirt reached midcalf instead of my ankles.

  “It suits you,” said Lily, who rarely complimented me. “You can have it if you like.” She was giving me something? I didn’t know what to say. Her generosity was kind of touching. Of course, she spoiled it by adding, “I never liked that dress anyway. If you don’t want it, I’ll give it to charity.”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  SJ, with impeccable timing, chose that moment to reach the table. “Having a good time ladies?”

  Save the schmooze for someone who cares.

  Lily groaned, “My feet are killing me. I’m tired of being pregnant. I want this baby out.”

  He patted her shoulder. “Only a couple more weeks, Lilikins.”

  Lilikins? Yech. I was tempted to make a smartass comment, but one look at Lily’s exhausted eyes made me hold my tongue.

  There were eight at our table. Lily and SJ, Casper and me, and two other couples, who I privately named Mr. and Mrs. Rich-and-Dangerous and Mr. and Mrs. Even-More-Rich-But-Actually-Quite-Nice. Mr. Rich-and-Dangerous kept looking at my boobs, which aren’t actually that noteworthy—not like Lily’s, even when she isn’t pregnant—but it made me wish I’d worn a bra. I spent most of the night making sure we were on different sides of the table.

  Luckily I was seated between SJ and Mr. Even-More-Rich-but-Actually-Quite-Nice, who amused me with tales of the poor food he’d been served at other fundraisers. No problem with this food though. My chicken managed not to be rubbery and the vegetables were crisp and delicious. Even the wine was good, except that it was Australian and made me think of Dad.

  Noticing my mournful mood, Mr.-Even-More-Rich-But-Actually-Quite-Nice said, “Cheer up.”

  Not exactly encouraging, since I’d been thinking about the possibility of Dad returning. As I forced a smile, Lily eased herself away from the table. “I’m going to the ladies’ room. Come with me, Allegra.”

  I prefer to go to the ladies’ room alone, but if I did choose someone to accompany me it wouldn’t be Lily. Hiding my annoyance, I grabbed the teeny evening bag she had loaned me for the night and followed her to the dusky pink bathroom.

  “My bladder has shrunk to the size of a pea,” said Lily from the stall.

  “Too much information,” I called.

  “File it away for future reference,&8221; she called back, “when you’re pregnant.”

  I snorted. “Babies aren’t really my thing.”

  “Why am I not surprised,” she snapped. “I never expected you to be the doting aunt.”

  Later, we stood in front of the mirror. Lily repaired her makeup while I admired the way the satin sheath clung to my figure. Seeing myself in a pretty dress wasn’t something I experienced on a regular basis. I liked it more than I cared to admit.

  “It’s a shame my shoes didn’t fit you,” lamented Lily.

  “That’s okay, I prefer flat heels.”

  “Wash your mouth out, Allegra.” Assuming she was joking, I laughed. She shot me a dangerous glance. “Come here. Your lipstick needs fixing.”

  “It’s fine.”

  “Don’t argue.” She uncapped a lipstick. “Stand right there. Don’t move.” As she worked on my face, she went on, “You should’ve borrowed some of my jewelry. That neckline is way too bare.”

  I hate it when she’s right. In my defense, I had considered wearing the moonlight pendant but decided it would provoke too many awkward questions.

  Lily finished repairing my makeup and put away her lipstick. “Do you have your cell phone? I left mine at home. Forgetting things is a way of life at the moment.”

  Since I’m nosy, I asked, “Who do you want to call?”

  “Mom, of course, to see how Dad’s doing.”

  “Dad? Don’t you mean Stepdad?”

  “I think of Steven as my father. Give me your phone.”

  If she hadn’t made that remark about Steven being her father, I’d have handed it over, but since she had, I chose the bitchy option. “I’ll call Mom.”

  Lily scowled, but even if she hadn’t been pregnant she wouldn’t have been able to wrestle the phone off me.

  Mom answered on the second ring. “Are you enjoying the fundraiser?”

  I’m not often lost for words, but considering Steven’s condition it was an odd way to open our conversation. Only one thing to do—ignore it. “I’m calling about Steven. How is he?”

  “Dr. Montgomery has cut back on the sedatives and so far he’s had no more hysterical outbursts. Is Lily with you? Put her on.”

  So much for having a conversation with Mom. When I handed the phone to Lily, her expression was triumphant. We were kids again. Mom loves me best. She pressed the phone to her ear. “How’s Dad?” It was obviously the right thing to say. She listened for so long, I guessed Mom was giving her a more detailed update than she’d given me.

  When Lily finally hung up, she said, “Mom told me to say goodbye to you.”

  “Couldn’t be bothered to do it herself, huh?”

  “That’s not very nice.”

  “Even if it’s true?”

  “Honestly, Allegra, that chip on your shoulder is turning you into a bitch.”

  Chip on my shoulder? Really?

  Making an effort to behave like an adult, I offered her my hand and said, “Truce?”

  “Okay,” she muttered and gave my hand a limp shake.

  We returned to our table in silence. I think we were both grateful that consuming the pumpkin pie gave us an excuse not to talk. Between mouthfuls of dessert, SJ leaned toward me and said quietly, “I have a favor to ask.”

  I tried not to look surprised. “What is it?”

  He cleared his throat. Hesitant. Uncomfortable.

  I helped him along. “Whatever it is, SJ, I promise not to tell anyone.”

  Folding and refolding his napkin, he said, “If I die, make sure Lily and the baby are okay. Look after them for me.”

  “I know she’s my sister and all, but you’re asking the wrong person. In case you hadn’t noticed, Lily and I aren’t exactly close.”

  “But you’re family, and you’re so ballsy, Allegra, I know she’d be safe if you were looking out for her.”

  So he thought I was ballsy. Hmm, maybe I’d misjudged him. He was obviously smarter than he appeared. But that didn’t mean I’d agree to take care of Lily. She was old enough to look after herself. Naturally I didn’t say that to SJ.

  I’m not the kind of person who makes promises I won’t keep. In an effort to be upbeat, I said, “SJ, you’re not going to die. You’ll be around to take care of Lily and the baby yourself. One thing I will promise you is that I’m going to solve this case.”

  He
met my eyes and refused to look away. His irises were blue. When Lily had first met him she’d likened them to forget-me-nots, but they weren’t to my taste. I preferred eyes that were brown and green and amber, like a sun-dappled forest.

  He persisted, “Why won’t you agree to this small favor?”

  “Looking after Lily and a baby is not a small favor. In case you don’t remember, Lily hasn’t even asked me to be a godparent so I’m pretty sure she’d prefer someone else to be looking out for her baby.”

  “We haven’t chosen godparents yet,” said SJ.

  I didn’t believe him. “How long have you known Lily?”

  “Eight years—and we’ve been married for four.”

  “Right, then you should know that Lily and I DON’T. GET. ON. She’d hate for me to look after her. She’s the elder sister, remember?”

  He put down the napkin he’d been scrunching into a ball and took a swallow from his wineglass. “I wish I’d had a sibl”

  “Trust me, you don’t.”

  Mr. Even-Richer-but-Actually-Quite-Nice overheard and said, “I have six siblings. Three sisters and three brothers.” When he started talking about his wonderful childhood I tuned out. I mean, I was happy for him and all, but I didn’t need to hear it.

  SJ lapped it up though. “I’m going to have lots of children. My son won’t grow up as an only child.” His son would probably hate his siblings.

  During the coffee and handmade chocolates, people started drifting onto the dance floor. Since lots of them were elderly, the music was more suitable to ballroom than hip-hop. Casper asked me to dance.

  “I can’t waltz,” I protested.

  “No problem, I’ll teach you.”

  I quirked an eyebrow. “I’m no history scholar, but I do know they didn’t waltz in the first century.”

  “Well, no, but I was a guardian angel in Vienna during the time of Johann Strauss Junior.”

  “You guarded The Waltz King?”