Free Shadows at the Fair by Lea Wait

didn’t look at it. I just saw it was there.”
    Maggie nodded. It was dark enough over here that colors were indistinct. Well, there was one way to know for sure. Maggie hesitated and clicked the dial light on her watch. They had a few minutes left before Officer Taggart would close the gates. And she would rest a lot better tonight if she knew everything was all right. Even more important, so would Ben and Gussie.
    “Are you sure the woman you saw was the same woman you saw at the Show Management booth today?”
    Ben nodded. “Yes; the pretty woman. She had on a fancy green dress tonight.”
    It must have been Susan. “Well, let’s see if we can find her, and maybe she can explain what happened.”
    “Aunt Gussie said not to bother her again. I went back too many times for coffee this afternoon.”
    “We won’t bother her. I’ll explain it to Gussie. We just want to make sure everything is all right.”
    Will stepped in. “That sounds like a good idea. Ben, would you mind if I came along with you and Maggie to try to find that pretty woman?”
    “No; it’s okay with me,” Ben responded seriously. “I’d like to find the dead man, too.”

Chapter 11
    Arabian—Illumination of Manuscripts, German chromolithograph, c. 1880, one of a set displaying modes of decorative arts in various areas of the world. Elaborate maze designs in blues and oranges. Price: $60.
    Susan and Harry had sometimes stayed at the motel, sometimes at the fairgrounds. But Maggie was sure she’d seen their van parked near the “overnighters” and hoped Susan was using it, not Harry. Susan seemed to be running the business this weekend, even if Harry was buying out her part of it.
    Will answered Ben’s look. “I agree with Maggie. If the lady was at Show Management this afternoon and had on a green dress tonight, then I think the lady you saw is Susan Findley.”
    Maggie nodded. “Her van is blue, with New York license plates.”
    “Let’s see if we can find it.”
    They walked back toward the parking lot.
    Maggie scanned the first row of vans; there was a blue van, but it was from Montana. She remembered that dealer. He specialized in Native American jewelry and blankets.
    They crossed through the line of parked vehicles, past a red RENTALS ARE US truck and a green, dented minivan, toward the second line. As she passed the truck, Maggie almost bumped into Lydia, who was carrying a flashlight focused on the ground in front of her, and a towel and toilet kit. “Oh—sorry!”
    “Maggie! Are you camping out this show?” Lydia looked around, as though Maggie’s van would materialize in front of her. “And Will. And Ben!” Lydia was obviously trying to think of a reason that particular trio would be looking over dealers’ vans and trucks at ten-twenty at night.
    Maggie ignored the obvious questions in Lydia’s eyes. “No. I’m across the street at the Kabins. We’re”—Maggie nodded at Ben and Will—“looking for Susan Findley. Do you know where she’s parked?”
    “I think I saw her van over toward the far fence. I haven’t seen her. I did see Harry after the show closed, though. He was over by the entrance to building two, where we unloaded today. I think he was talking to Vince.” Lydia shook her head sagely. “Strange things happening, that’s for sure. And policemen around. But better safe than sorry, that’s what I always say.”
    For sure, thought Maggie. “Thanks! We’ll head over toward the fence and see if we can find her.” She looked back at Will, who was following a step or so behind with a bemused expression on his face.
    “Will, you don’t have to stay with us, if you have something to do.”
    Will just grinned again and caught up with her. “And miss all this excitement? Here I thought I’d be cozying up to a cognac and a sleeping bag tonight. And now I’m given the chance to aid a lady and her squire with a quest! How could I turn down an opportunity like that?” He looked at Ben. “We’re