Murder in the Tea Leaves by Laura Childs

Author:Laura Childs [Childs, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2024-03-05T00:00:00+00:00

18

The craft services table was practically depleted by the time Theodosia arrived at Brittlebank Manor.

“Thanks goodness you’re here,” Beth Ann said. “Even though we’re basically down to crumbs I’ve still had to beat people off with a stick.”

“Well, beat no more because Haley fixed us a bunch of tea sandwiches and scones,” Theodosia said as she unpacked the baskets and began setting out the food. “How long do you think the shoot will go?” She had an idea buzzing inside her brain and wondered if she’d have time to pull it off.

“They were supposed to quit filming at four, but I’m hearing another two or three hours at least.”

“This is the Victorian parlor scene?” Theodosia asked.

“They’re setting up in that big room with the fancy chandelier and poufy curtains, so that must be it. A dramatic scene with lots of shouting back and forth. At least that’s what it sounds like to me from listening to the actors rehearse their lines.”

“Okay, you go ahead and take off for the day. I’ve got this.” Theodosia was still processing her idea, wondering if she could muster up the courage to make it happen.

“Just to remind you, tomorrow’s shoot is on location somewhere,” Beth Ann said. “They’re moving everybody out to the country, so we won’t be needed.”

“Ah, that’s probably why they’re working late tonight.”

Theodosia was giving Beth Ann a goodbye wave just as Joe Adler walked up to the craft services table. He grabbed two sandwiches, stuffed one in his mouth, and said, “Did you do a tea-dye number on that gown yet?”

“Give me a break,” Theodosia said. “I’ve been working all day.”

“But you’ll do it?”

“It’ll get done one way or another,” Theodosia promised.

“Here,” Adler said, handing her a card. “Now you’ve got my cell number just in case.”

“Thanks,” Theodosia said. She picked up the tea urn from the table, found it was empty, and decided to brew a full pot.

Good thing she did. The shoot really did run late—the scene in the parlor consisted of horrific fighting and shouting, which seemed to drain the actors’ spirits and energy—so the tea sandwiches and scones were very much appreciated.

When Adler finally yelled, “That’s a wrap,” the cast and most of the crew looked exhausted. They grabbed coats and bags, scurrying off like rats leaving a sinking ship, with just a skeleton crew staying behind to pack up.

Feeling tired yet accomplished—because, yes, it’d been a busy day for her, too—Theodosia packaged up the scant leftovers.

“Hey, Theo, you need any help?” Brittany, the head stylist, asked as she walked by, shrugging into a black leather jacket.

“Thanks, I got this,” Theodosia said. At least I think I do.

Finally, when just a few muffled voices sounded from down the hall, Theodosia walked into the makeup room, poked around, and found a metal nail file. Gripping it firmly, she walked to the back stairway, making up her mind as she went. Then, slowly and stealthily, she climbed the stairs all the way up to the mysterious third floor.

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