Free Darlene Franklin - Dressed for Death 02 - A String of Murders by Darlene Franklin Page B

repairs to the store. After some debate, I decided to do some minor remodeling and advertise for a “Grand Reopening” in the Sunday edition of the Grace Gulch Herald . This afternoon the glazier would replace my front window. After I called the carpenter to come tomorrow, I spent time researching the computer for decorating ideas. Along with the new floor, I wanted new paint, curtains, rugs—the works. Too bad Jenna isn’t here. My sister had an excellent eye for design; I guessed it went with her ability as an art dealer.
    As promised I hurried to the theater after I left the store. One by one, cast members congratulated Magda on the Center for the Arts. Her announcement had replaced Spencer’s murder as the topic of prerehearsal buzz.
    “What a grand idea!” That came from Peppi.
    “When do you expect to open?” Dina asked a reporter’s questions. “Is there a chance we’ll get to see your private collection?” Magda had mentioned she would leave her own pieces of art to the new museum.
    All the cast members seemed happy about the news, that is, except for the one conspicuous absence—Gene. Audie called the rehearsal to order, and Magda and Suzanne Jay as the Brewster sisters had decided to end the lonely life of their latest guest.
    From my vantage point at the drinks table, I saw the door open wide and Gene march down the center aisle to the orchestra pit. Bobo ran beside him, letting out small yips. A few heads in the auditorium turned, but the people on stage didn’t notice.
    “The gentleman died because he drank some wine with poison in it. Now I don't know why you're making such a big deal over this, Mortimer. Don't you worry about a thing!” Magda, as Abby Brewster, explained the reason for a dead body in the window seat to her nephew.
    “Mother!” Gene bellowed in his bass voice.
    Audie, too intent on the action on stage to notice Gene’s approach, whirled around. “Excuse me? Gene? We’re in mid-rehearsal.”
    Gene jumped up on stage and confronted Magda.
    “This is too much. I know you love this theater. And then your plans for the Center for the Arts. That was bad enough. But why did you put all that money in a trust fund? Do you think it’s your responsibility to keep it running even after you’re dead?”
     
     

9
     
    From: Elsie Holland ([email protected])
    Date: Monday, April 21, 9:41 PM
    To: Eugene Mallory ([email protected])
    Subject: Tough love?
     
    Magda Grace Mallory recently made you return to work at the Circle G Ranch. Public opinion implies she wants to toughen you up.
     
    My question is this: What did you do that made your mother so upset? I believe I know.
     
    Expect further communication from me on the subject.
     
    Tuesday, April 22
     
    No one knew how to respond to Gene’s harsh words. Magda’s face, already pale in the glare of the stage lights, blanched. “That’s private business, Gene. We’ll discuss it at home.”
    Audie moved between them. “Gene, you’re upset. Why don’t you go on home?”
    Fury transformed Gene’s face to the point that he resembled his character in the play. The sinister Dr. Gilchrist performed multiple facial reconstructions on Jonathan Brewster until he resembled Frankenstein. But he took a deep breath and unclenched his fists, dropping his hands to his sides.
    Gene pointed a finger at Audie’s chest and then at the audience. “You’re stealing my inheritance, every one of you. You all have a reason to keep the theater running. Unless Mother changes her mind, you can look for someone else to play the dear old doctor. I know when I’m not wanted.”
    In the silence following his remarks, he stormed down the aisle and out the door.
    “I’m sorry, Audie dear.” Magda had regained some of her composure. “I’d better go speak with him, don’t you think?” She departed the stage.
    Lauren Packer murmured an apology and followed her. As Magda’s lawyer, he must want to discuss the situation with the family.