Gypped

by Carol Higgins Clark

  When Regan awoke she blinked her eyes. Once again, it took her a moment to acclimate. She looked at her watch and was surprised to see that it was 2:45. She had slept for an hour. Didn’t Norman get back yet? she wondered. Feeling slightly chilled, she rubbed her arms, then got up. She put the bedspread back in place, then pulled on her boots. She turned her head at the sound of a creak in the hallway. “Norman?” she called.

  No answer.

  She walked to the door and glanced down the hall. The air was still and quiet. Regan sighed. I must have heard one of those creaky old house noises. But you don’t have to be in an old house to hear those sounds, she reminded herself. Regan had a friend in New York who lived in a brand-new, narrow high-rise building by the East River. When the wind kicked up, the apartment creaked like a cruise ship. Regan turned, walked over to the bathroom, and pulled open the door.

  Look at this! The walls were all mirrored, covered with heavy beveled glass, much of it cracked. An old-fashioned claw-foot tub was to the left, a toilet to the right. Regan flicked on the light, then stepped toward the sink. I do look tired, she thought.

  Her eyes widened.

  Behind her, a tall male figure stepped into the doorway, a knife raised over his head. Regan screamed as he lunged toward her. She dodged to the left, scampering over the tub, desperately looking for a way to escape.

  He fell toward the sink. “Shut up!” he yelled.

  She grabbed the long dangling silver hose hanging over the faucet of the tub and swung it like a baseball bat toward the creep she’d seen in the mall parking lot who was lunging at her. The rusty nozzle at the end of the hose smacked him in the face. He grabbed the cord and flung it against the glass wall.

  That’s it, Regan thought frantically. I’m finished. She backed into the corner, screaming bloody murder. It was too late. There was no way out. Blood was dripping from his nose. He was coming toward her again.

  Suddenly he howled as a glass tile hit the back of his head and crashed to the floor. He slumped over the tub, lost his grip on the knife, and moaned in pain.

  Zelda was standing behind him in her nightgown.

  “Zelda!” Regan grabbed the knife from the tub. “We don’t have much time.” They darted out of the bathroom and shut the door. “This dresser!” Regan ordered. Together they pushed the heavy piece of furniture until it completely blocked the door. Regan picked up the knife and pointed the blade toward the floor. “We have to get out of here!” She took Zelda’s hand and ran with her down the hallway and through the kitchen. Regan grabbed her car keys, and they raced outside.

  Norman was coming up the driveway.

  “Call 911!” Regan screamed. “Now!”

  36

  A long-winded speaker was taking questions when an LAPD officer appeared next to Jack’s seat. He leaned down. Jack looked up at him.

  “Everything’s okay, but your wife just called,” the officer whispered.

  Jack didn’t wait for an explanation. He bolted out of his seat and hurried up the aisle. Outside the auditorium an LAPD police car was waiting. Jack sprinted toward it and jumped in. The car sped off, its siren blaring.

  37

  Regan and Zelda were sitting with Norman in his car at the bottom of the driveway, the engine running in case Regan’s attacker emerged from the house.

  Norman had called 911 then Regan phoned Jack and LAPD headquarters downtown so Jack would get word of what happened immediately.

  “Before all hell breaks loose, tell me what happened!” Norman gasped.

  “A lunatic came up behind me in that mirrored bathroom and tried to stab me,” Regan said, still gasping for breath. She dropped the knife on the floor of Norman’s car. “This looks exactly like the one I found in the woods.”

  “Oh, my God!”

  “Zelda came to my rescue,” she added quickly.

  “How?” Norman cried.

  “I heard Regan scream and I raced downstairs. I’d noticed a loose glass tile in that bathroom the first day we arrived,” Zelda explained. “It was leaning against the wall next to the door. I grabbed it and whacked him in the head.”

  “Zelda, I’m so proud of you!” Norman said, grabbing her hand. “Who was this guy?”

  Regan and Zelda started speaking at once. They looked at each other. Zelda looked distressed.

  “What’s the matter, Zelda?” Regan asked. “You saved my life.”

  “But it’s my fault.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “That lunatic was my client.”

  “What?” Regan asked, shocked.

  “Client? Which one?” Norman demanded.

  “Griff!”

  “Griff!” Norman echoed. “Griff?”

  “Yes,” Zelda answered. “I should have known. I played right into his hands.”

  “What do you mean?” Regan asked

  “When I first met with him six months ago, he told me all about his problems. His home life hadn’t been great. His father split when he was twelve, and his mother was left with three kids. She did her best, but she worked long hours at a menial job. There wasn’t much money. Griff told me he hung with the wrong crowd in high school and got in a lot of trouble. A couple years after he graduated, he came to L.A. to try to make it as an actor. He said he’d wanted to put the past behind him and make something of himself. But by the time I met him, he was twenty-four, hadn’t had much success, and was really discouraged. Money was a problem. I told him he didn’t have to pay me right away. We’d work together, and when he started to do well, he could pay me.”

  “Zelda, that’s commendable,” Regan said.

  “But Regan, now it’s clear he was out to use me from the beginning! I met him when I went to see a client I was helping out who was in a showcase with Griff. When I congratulated Griff on his performance, he seemed so vulnerable and unsure of himself. I told him to call me. Griff came to me knowing exactly how to manipulate me so I’d spend money on him. Which I did! I’ve paid his rent for months now. Yesterday, I bought him lunch. He whined that he didn’t have the right clothes to wear to auditions, so I took him shopping for clothes. Then he complained his car had a flat tire and he had to ride his bicycle to the mall. He probably wanted me to buy him a new tire! I took his clothes home with me because I bought him so much stuff he couldn’t carry the bags on his bicycle. He was supposed to pick them up today but we both got sick. He didn’t look sick to me! Physically, that is.” Zelda covered her face. “I feel so stupid. Any doubts I had, I ignored. I should have cut him off three months ago. But what made him come to the house? Why did he attack you? What was he going to do next?”

  “Zelda, it’s my fault.”

  “Your fault? Why?”

  “After you pulled out of your parking spot at the mall, I was standing there when he emerged from a stairwell,” Regan began, then quickly told about her encounter with Griff.

  “You think he was trying to steal a car?” Zelda asked.

  “It sure looked that way.”

  “Wait a minute!” Zelda said. “Yesterday I couldn’t find my ticket to get out of the garage. Griff offered to hold my purse when I went into the dressing room for two minutes to try on a pair of pants. He was so sweet and grateful that I’d shopped for him. I bet he rifled through my purse and took the ticket!”

  “It makes sense,” Regan said. “If he had a ticket, it would be much easier for him to drive out with a stolen car.”

  “But if he realized you were watching him yesterday, he probably didn’t steal a car. So why would he want to harm you?”

  “There must be something else he wants to hide,” Regan said. “We’ll find out.”

  Norman looked woeful. “When I ran out to get the statements, I was in such a rush. I pulled the door behind me, but didn’t make sure it was completely shut. That must be how he got in the house.”

  “Don’t worry about it, Norman,” Regan said. “Now this nut is off the streets. He won’t have a chance to harm anyone else.
If he was capable of doing this to me, he is certainly capable of doing it to someone else.”

  “You’re right, Regan.” Norman said. He pointed his finger. “You are absolutely right! And that’s what I say about Rich Willowwood or Woodwillow or whatever his name is. If he was capable of putting drugs in Zelda’s tea, which I’m sure he did, then what else is he capable of?”

  “What if I had been too groggy to hear Regan scream?” Zelda asked angrily.

  Regan grabbed Zelda’s hand. “We still have work to do.”

  Sirens pierced the air. Two police cars came racing down the block, their lights flashing. Norman followed them up the driveway and jumped out of the car.

  “The intruder was armed and dangerous!” he yelled. “Armed and dangerous! I’ll unlock the door!”

  Norman’s phone began blaring a Broadway show tune. Regan reached for it as Zelda got out of the car. Could it be? she wondered. Yes. She answered.

  When she heard Jack’s voice, she started to cry.

  38

  Please let someone be there, Maggie prayed as she turned off the canyon road and onto the Scrumps estate’s block. Please please pretty please.

  She drove around the bend, turned into the driveway, and started up the hill. What’s going on here? she wondered.

  Three police cars were parked near the house, their lights flashing, their radios squawking. A guy in handcuffs was being led out of the house.

  He wasn’t at the party last night, Maggie thought. I hope everyone is okay. Even Norman. I’d better stay out of the way. She pulled over onto what once must have been a lawn. She had no idea what to call it now. Wait till I tell them that I’m only here to pick up my makeup. That’s going to sound really swift. She stopped the car and got out.

  An officer came over to her.

  “Hi,” Maggie said. “Is everything okay?”

  He nodded, clearly not wishing to converse. “Do you know these people?” he asked, nodding toward the house.

  “I worked at a party here last night. I left something behind.”

  “I’m sorry,” he said. “You’ll have to come back later.”

  Maggie shook her head. “You don’t understand. It’s my makeup and I’m an actress. Tonight I’m shooting a commercial—”

  “This is a crime scene.”

  Regan had just hung up with Jack. When she saw Maggie looking distressed she hurried over. “It’s okay,” Regan said to the officer, “I’ll talk to her.”

  “Oh, thank you. We met last night. My name is Maggie Keene.”

  “I’m Regan Reilly.”

  “What happened?” Maggie asked, aghast.

  “That guy getting into the police car tried to kill me.”

  Maggie looked stunned. “Why?”

  “We’re going to find out. I’m a private investigator.”

  “I’m really sorry,” Maggie said. “I’m really happy you’re okay. That sounds trite. Obviously I’m glad.” All of a sudden she felt very flustered.

  “I understand,” Regan said. “What can I help you with?”

  “Now this really sounds stupid. I left my makeup bag in the bathroom off the kitchen. I’m an actress and I have a commercial shoot tonight. I’m allergic to the makeup they use at shoots.”

  “I know all about allergies. Listen, it’s a good thing you didn’t leave the makeup in the bathroom where the coats were kept last night. That’s where he tried to attack me. That room probably has yellow crime scene tape across the doorway”

  “That mirrored room?”

  “Yes.”

  “Whew. Okay, then. That place already looked like a crime scene.”

  Regan laughed. “Wait here.”

  “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

  A few minutes later Regan returned. “This is cute,” she said, holding up the makeup bag decorated with four leaf clovers. “I guess you’re Irish, too.”

  “Yes. From Chicago. My little niece gave me this. She hoped it would bring me good luck with my acting.”

  “I hope it does, too. Something brought me good luck today, that’s for sure,” Regan said.

  “Definitely. Thanks again,” Maggie said sincerely. “If there’s anything I can ever do for you, anything, please let me know.” She gave Regan her card. “If you ever have a party, I’ll work for free.”

  Regan laughed. “I live in New York.”

  “You never know. You never know when our paths might cross again.”

  “That’s true. Well, have a good shoot. What’s the commercial for, anyway?”

  “Some kind of vitamins. I’m sure the commercial’s going to be really lame. I can just tell.”

  “What vitamins?” Regan asked quickly.

  “Victorious Vitamins. Can you believe that name? They’re brand new and supposed to be super-duper for people of all ages. Give me a break. But, hey, it’s a job.”

  “Where’s the shoot?”

  “Thirty miles north of here. I’d better get going. I have to get ready and get up there.”

  “Maggie,” Regan said. “This could be a long-shot. But I might need your help sooner than you think.”

  “Really? Sure. What?”

  “Zelda’s financial adviser, Rich, talked to her about a new vitamin company this morning and she agreed to invest. She’s a little concerned now that it might be a little too risky for her tastes. There are so many products out there that claim to be bigger, better—”

  “I know! Years ago my parents got talked into putting money in a company that claimed they were reinventing the pressure cooker. Forget it. It’s like reinventing the wheel. Pointless. My parents laugh about it now, especially since the guy who took their money is in jail. In my family, as long as you get a story out of something, it’s worth it.”

  Sounds like my family, Regan thought. “Maggie, I wonder if you would keep your ear to the ground at the shoot, and see what you can find out about the vitamin company. It might be the same company. Probably not, but Rich said something about a vitamin for all ages.”

  Maggie stared at Regan.

  “What?” Regan asked.

  “This is going to sound strange.”

  “Try me.”

  “I got friendly with Gladys the bookkeeper last night.”

  “And?”

  “Well, we snapped a few pictures.”

  “Yes.” I’m afraid to hear what’s coming, Regan thought.

  “Gladys told me she had always wanted to be an actress. Today I was looking at the auditions posted online and I sent in Gladys’s picture to a couple different places. Wouldn’t you know, I got a call a few minutes later and we were both cast for the commercial. We didn’t have to audition. See what I mean? They must be desperate.”

  “Gladys is in the commercial?” Regan asked.

  “She will be.”

  “Oh. Then it probably isn’t the same company. Gladys works with Zelda’s adviser.”

  “Gladys doesn’t know she’s going to be in the commercial. It’s a surprise. She thinks we’re going out to dinner. I thought she’d be so thrilled to finally get a chance to act.”

  “Oh,” Regan said. “I’ll bet she’ll be surprised.”

  “If Rich only mentioned the investment to Zelda today, Gladys might not know yet, right?” Maggie said practically. “I’d imagine he doesn’t consult with Gladys about investments.”

  “Probably not. Maggie, please do me a favor. Don’t mention our concern to Gladys.”

  “Of course not!”

  “I probably shouldn’t have mentioned anything about it. I’m just trying to help Zelda out.”

  “Regan, don’t forget about the Keene family pressure cooker investment! I understand. My lips are sealed. Give me your number. I’ll call you from the shoot and tell you what’s happening.”

  “Great. Call me on my cell. I hope it goes well.”

  “Thanks. We’ll see!” Maggie got in her car, started the engine, and waved goodbye.

  She’s a nice girl, Regan thoug
ht. But I never should have opened my mouth.”

  39

  Inside the house, Norman was busy spreading the account statements out on the dining room table. I can’t believe I missed all the excitement. If I’d been here, maybe I could have tripped him or something. But as Regan said, Griff’s off the streets now. Next we have to get Rich off the money, then off the streets. And anyone else who has their eyes on Zelda’s loot.

  The police were questioning Zelda and Regan in the living room.

  Norman looked out the window. A patrol car was coming up the driveway. Another one? A guy got out the back and hurried toward the side door. I bet that’s Regan’s husband.

  “Regan,” he called, not caring whether he interrupted the questioning. “I think your husband is here.”

  “Thank you.”

  Regan excused herself from the living room, and hurried through the kitchen. Norman peeked around the corner as Regan and Jack flew into each other’s arms next to the ugly pink stove. Jack lifted Regan off the ground and kissed her, then cradled her head to his chest tenderly, looking like he’d never let go.

  “I love you,” Jack said.

  “I love you, too. All I could think of was that I’d never see you again.”

  I’m going to cry, Norman thought. I really am. When am I going to find love like that? The same time Zelda does. Never. Back to the statements.

  40

  A little before five, Frank was checking all the sets, anxious for the first actors to arrive at the warehouse. They were due in a few minutes.

  I just don’t trust those producers, Frank thought. If I were casting for corrupt characters, those two wouldn’t have to audition. All of a sudden they seem nervous. I told them to grab some dinner and come back later, but they’re sticking around.

  When I escape this place tonight, I’ll want to celebrate. But I’ll probably just head home.