Murder in the Theater by Nardi Christa

Author:Nardi, Christa [Nardi, Christa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Cozy Mystery
Published: 2016-08-15T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

Our next appointment in Altavista was with Geoffrey Broderick at his office about a block from the theater. He was listed as a member of the Board and had been cast in several of the plays over several years, but not recently. He worked for the town of Altavista in the zoning commission office. The short walk from the theater provided a brief opportunity for Kim and I to digest what Adelaide had told us.

The receptionist took our names and directed us to his office. Mr. Broderick’s office was austere with only the bare minimum of furniture, beige walls, and no window. The ceiling lights were harsh and the glare bounced off the metal desk. His chair was padded, whereas the two chairs for visitors were straight-backed and hard, clearly intended to ensure short visits. Probably town-issued standard furniture. Nothing in his office lent it a personal touch.

Mr. Broderick’s clean shaven, round face and graying hair along with his slumped posture did not convey strength or a threat. If anything, his soft appearance was a sharp contrast to the rigid lines of his office. He didn’t stand when we entered his office. He sat behind his desk and stared at us. Kim provided the introductions and he nodded.

“What can I help you with? I already spoke to the detective.” His voice was deep, quiet, and measured.

“Can you tell us the history of the community theater and your role in it?” As Kim asked the question, I moved forward and took a seat. Kim followed suit.

Mr. Broderick described the progression to a corporation in clipped speech, but consistent with the history Dr. Gorganz and Adelaide had provided. Adelaide emerged once more as the driving force behind the community theater.

He embellished a bit with regard to his role and downplayed any role Dr. Gorganz may have had. It sounded rehearsed. He didn’t so much as mention Will Thompson until asked.

When he paused, Kim interjected, “What can you tell us about Mr. Thompson and his role, both early on and more recently?”

He stared at the wall for a few seconds, turned to Kim and answered, “Not much really. I always interacted with Adelaide. When he took over, I kept to myself or listened to her, not him.”

“If not Isaac, who do you think had a motive to kill him?”

Again, he stared away, his fists now tightly clenched. He carefully crafted each response.

“Anyone and everyone. He was generally disliked. I don’t even think his wife liked him. Adelaide adored him, but didn’t really like him anymore I don’t think.” He stared off again without adding anything.

“We just came from the theater. There was an accident with a beam. Did Adelaide call you about that? Anything like that happen before?”

“Yes, she called me. I’ll go take care of it. Not sure what difference it makes, but there were problems to begin with when the renovations were done with the pulley system and such. No one was injured and no problems since then. Something must have rotted or come loose.

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