The Hollywood Murders by G. G. Vandagriff

Author:G. G. Vandagriff [Vandagriff, G. G.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Murder Mysteriess
Publisher: Orson Whitney Press
Published: 2021-04-12T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

THE STARLIGHT CLUB was alive with jazz and laughter when Harry and Catherine arrived and gave Buck’s name to the bouncer. The actor came over to claim them.

“Glad you could make it! We’ve got a terrific band tonight. Gerry Knight is on the sax. He’s becoming a legend here in Hollywood.”

As soon as they reached Buck’s table, they saw that all the habitues were all there, including Daphne, who sat drinking what looked like whiskey. Catherine wouldn’t have taken her for a whiskey drinker, but then she wouldn’t have picked her for a Communist, either.

Lady Naomi rose to collect Harry. “Oh, darling, I remember what a splendid dancer you are,” she said, leading a clearly reluctant Harry out on the dance floor. “I’ve been so longing for you to arrive.”

Catherine knew Harry had just been teasing about Buck, who was clearly devoted to Daphne, but she was rather annoyed when the actor swept her out on the dance floor without so much as a by your leave. He moved her smoothly away from the table into a foxtrot.

She soon surrendered herself to the lively tune. Why was she so wary of the classically handsome man with his smooth charm? It was more than just being confused about his origins. Something about him just seemed off.

“How is Daphne carrying on?” she asked her partner.

“Badly. The press has been hounding her.”

“Surely they’re not allowed in here!”

“That idiot, Richard Darcy, has a membership.”

She scanned the room. “Yes,” said Catherine. “He’s sitting next to Daphne, isn’t he? Perhaps Harry will divert him. I understand we have Mr. Darcy to thank for the interest in Harry’s lecture tonight.”

“Yes. Darcy’s basking in its success, as a matter of fact,” Buck said. “Saying he’s made a new discovery.”

“He seems an odd fellow.”

“Publicity mad. He doesn’t have the looks to be an actor, so he hides behind the radio.” Buck’s comment was quite obviously smug. “Harry was entertaining tonight. You’ve got hold of a good thing, there.”

“I think so,” she said. “He’s a very gifted lecturer.”

“Hmm,” said Buck. “I don’t suppose I could interest you in dinner out with me one evening?”

His invitation threw her, his forwardness making her uncomfortable. Catherine had no doubt that there was an angle. What did he have to say that he couldn’t right now? Her immediate reaction was to say no. But then she realized that Buck could be very helpful in their investigation if he chose. He knew the players. And they hadn’t ruled him out as a murderer.

“I would enjoy that,” she found herself saying. “I don’t think Harry would mind.” That was an out and out lie. Harry would be very worried about her safety.

“Tomorrow night, then?”

“An early dinner would be lovely. Harry and I have an engagement at nine,” she said.

“I will call for you at six-thirty, then. You’re at the Westwood Inn?”

“Yes.” Catherine decided to make use of this opportunity for a tête-à-tête. “Could you tell me what you know about Joseph Callaway?”

“So he’s caught your

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