Murder! Hollywood Style by Carol Branston

Author:Carol Branston
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: First Edition Design Publishing
Published: 2015-04-09T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 26

Boston

Feeling amazingly well and looking perfectly gorgeous, Val was whisked off to Boston the next morning in Karen’s Porsche. They sang and laughed most of the way. Nothing was said about Nicky or the overdose of yellows. When the signs on the road said Boston was getting closer, Val started to feel a pang of nerves.

“Not far now, precious.”

“Oh dear, I hope I’m going to be all right.”

Val’s worried little voice was nearly pathetic.

“All right? That’s the understatement of the year. You’ll be fabulous.”

Their entrance into the theater was like Cleopatra’s into Rome. No stage doors for Karen. They marched down the center aisle. Well Karen did. Val did her best to follow closely.

The chorus kids were already on stage blocking out one of the big numbers. Eight people were seated tenth-row center, very busy with pens and paper. One of them was Henry Reagle, the director-producer of the show. Spotting them, he waved them to the row in front of him. Loudly whispered hellos and hugs were exchanged. Everyone was sweet and friendly. Karen’s hand found Val’s and gave it a squeeze. Val allowed herself to relax a little. Mr. Reagle, or H.R. as he was called, leaned forward.

“Val, I want you to meet our choreographer, Graham Bradley.”

Val turned her head and found a good-looking man in his forties coming toward her. He had a long salt and pepper ponytail and was wearing tight jeans and a T-shirt with the name of the show emblazoned across the front. He took her hand and led her into the aisle.

“Okay, question number one: can you dance?”

Val thought he was joking.

“Yes silly, of course I can.”

“Listen honey, you never know with H.R. Last year he fancied a certain piece of tail and I ended up with a baby elephant. I hope she was better in bed than she was in tap shoes.”

He said this as he led her backstage to her dressing room. Val hadn’t known what to expect, but there it was: her own dressing room with a star on the door. Just like in the movies. Graham introduced her to her personal dresser, Rose. He told her to change and come out to the stage. Rose was a delight and helped her into her leotard, leg warmers, and character shoes. She sheepishly walked to the wings. Graham stood there waiting for her.

“Let’s get this show on the road.”

With that he led her center stage. Some of the chorus kids waved and she recognized them from Karen’s party. She felt herself blush. Before she could get hung up on it, Graham shouted something to the piano player, and she was in Graham’s arms, dancing. She found it easy to follow his strong lead. He tried all kinds of steps, trying to fake her out with intricate little hesitations. After a triple spin, he caught her and they ended their impromptu routine with him bending her back into a classic tango pose. Before he let her go, he looked into her eyes.

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