Free Final Act by Dianne Yetman

”
    “On our way where”, Roger asked.
    “Gordon’s office.”
    Roger led and Kate trailed behind sipping her coffee.   Entering the small office, they s at side-by-side on the cold metal chairs facing Gordon’s desk.  
    “ Good morning.  I hope you the two of you slept well, we have a lot to do.  Couldn’t find either one of you ten minutes ago so I told Withers and Shirley Proctor I wanted them at the Coroner’s office by 9:00am . ”
    “It’s only 7 :50”, Kate said.  “You were lucky you found anyone here .”
    “Don’t start , Kate.  I’m splitting the two of you up this morning.  Kate, you’re to interview....” he stopped speaking and shuffled his papers .
    Kate and Roger exchanged a quick glance.
    “ Catherine Stone, the victim’s wife. ”
    “Ok . ”
    “Roger, you’re to meet with Henry Ward, the producer, at the crime scene.  He’s put ting the heat on already .  Had the damn nerve to c all the Chief and ask when t hey could expect get the theatre back?   Smug little prick .   Okay, that’s it.  See you at the briefing. ”
    Back in the office, f ingers flying across the keyboard , Kate didn’t reach for the phone until the fifth ring.
    “ Good morning, Kate.  It’s Susan. We didn’t get a chance to speak the other night at the theatre and I know you must be busy so I won’t keep you long.  Alexis and I couldn’t believe our eyes when we spotted you and Roger.  Something nasty must have happened behind those curtains .
    Kate sighed.  Susan hasn’t read her morning paper yet.  
    “ But n ot to worry, Kate, I didn’t call to snoop.  Alexis and I are in town for three weeks to do some research for the Director of our small town theatre . That’s part of the reason we took in the play.  We were hoping to go backstage on a fact finding mission.  Given the circumstances, that didn’t happen.  So we’re on to plan ‘b’ but that’s none of your concern.  The reason I’m calling is to see if we can get together with you and Roger before we leave town.”
    “ Nothing I’d like better, Susan, ho wever, a get together is impossible for the immediate future.  Roger and I are in middle of an investigation, and we’ll be lucky if we find time to eat.  When it wraps , I’ll give you a call and maybe we can meet in Truro at the little Italian bistro you and Alexis are so fond of.  Or is it the owner’s son you both so fond of ? I’ll call as soon as I can.”
    “Good save , Kate ”, Roger said . “ As much as I love those two , we don’t need a repeat performance of the last time they interfered in a case.  Let’s go, b riefing starts in five minutes.”
    ***
    An hour later, in the police canteen, Roger bit into his jelly doughnut , red ooze dripping on his chin .  Kate made a face between spoons of yogurt.
    “So, did Gordon’s wrap up homily , go troops, do me and the precinct proud , work the info and put the killer behind bars , inspire you”, Kate asked.
    “ As much as black and white TV does.  Sorry, forgot, you’re a big fan of the thing.”
    “Of black and white classic films, there’s a huge difference , Roger. ”
    “ Okay, sure. ”
    “ So, what was your take” , Kate asked.
    “ You go first.”
    “We know the victim was a boy genius, a womanizer, made his mark in NYC, returned to his roots, was doing fine up until two weeks ago when he suddenly start ed having tantrums . ”
    “ Seems to be the consensus of the c ast and crew . ”  
    “And th e eerie laugh coming from off-stage that James Thom p son heard at the time of the toast.  Killer gloating behind the scenes, maybe?”
    “I don’t think so”, Roger said.  I think this killer was on stage, front and centre.   Wouldn’t want to miss the death scene. ”
    “Withers gets the prize for the biggest surprise .   According to him, C amira Paul , aka Maggie the Cat , is hiding something.   He thinks she’s running scared.  And a ccording to June Grayson, my