Madison swallowed uncomfortably. Dianna Breen seemed to be gazing not at the mysterious man in the robes about to strangle herbut at Madison. Huge blue glass eyes seemed to stare across time and space.
For a momentjust for a moment!she thought thered been another presence in the tunnel.
Sean Cameron walked back toward and through the tableau. Gravity, I guess. Something shifted from being handled by the crime scene techs.
Of course, Knox said. His voice was harsh, and Madison looked over at him. Maybe the hard-boiled just-the-facts detective was a little on edge himself.
Madison tried to define exactly how the tableau had changed. The police and technicians apparently hadnt uncovered anything they considered evidence; theyd left the scene almost as theyd found it. But it had changed. And Dianna Breen still seemed to be staring at her with horrified eyes.
Last night, those realistic glass eyes had witnessed a murder.
No sign of the weapon yet, right? Sean asked.
No. Before you arrived today, two dozen of our guysthe best at their jobswent through the studio. We needed that many, which wont surprise you. The place is a hotbed of fake weapons and fake blood and fakewell, you name it. He shook his head. But no, we dont have the weapon yet.
So, how are you figuring that Alistair murdered the girl, fell in the blood, passed out, came to and got emergency help and somehow hid the weapon? Sean asked him.
Heres the thing, Agent Cameron. The kid was here alone. We have experts still going through all the surveillance. He claims he raced toward Ms. Henderson and the thing killing her and that he fell in the blood, went down and passed out. According to him, he regained consciousness, called the security guard and came back with him when the guard rushed in, followed by the cops. He claims he passed out. God knows what he was really doing or what really happened. And if someone else was here, why kill the girl and not him?
How can you have a scapegoat if you kill everyone? Sean asked reasonably.
Thats right, Madison said. If Alistair had been killed as well, he couldnt have been blamed for the murders.
Knox was quiet a moment. Im not discounting any possibilities. Im just not emotionally involved. Are you done here for the day? Were closing up until tomorrow and
What about Colin Bailey? Sean broke in. Did you confirm that he was in the studio, in the security station, watching the cameras the whole time?
Bailey was the only other person on the property at all, Knox said. Everything pans outand, of course, we verified his background. His record is clean as a whistle, hes worked here twenty years and his story checks out. Were not stupid local dicks, Agent Cameron. So, are you done here?
Yes, thanks, Detective Knox. Can one of your guys give us a ride to Archers place?
Sure. Go on out. Theres a fellow named Duffy in his car.
Madison?
She nodded, said thank you to Knox, then followed Sean out. She noticed that Knox was behind them and had to wonder if hehard-boiled L.A. detectivedidnt want to be in the tunnel alone.
Youre going to Archers house? Madison asked Sean. Her part was finished for today, wasnt it? She felt as if she were in limbo. She had no idea what was happening with the studio the next day. Were they all on hold?
Ill go with you, she said.
He looked down at her. Why?
She found herself bristling again. Because Eddie asked me to be in on this. Because the studio is my life. Because I may be able to help.
He stared back at her. She had the uncomfortable feeling that she was being assessedand found wanting. He was going to tell her no, that shed done her duty. To her surprise, he didnt.
Fine. Well both go, he said.
She looked away, wondering how she could feel so attracted to a man and so hostile to him at the same time. He was physically impressive, she decided. That must be it. He was also a stranger, even though hed become a legend at the studio, and it was too easy to admire what shed heard about him. She had to remember: he was law enforcement here, and she was not.
Maybe she was crazy. Maybe she should go home and get out of this now, while she had the chance.
But she knew she couldnt. She did havean extra sense. And it was possible that she could help Eddie. She just hoped it wouldnt mean sucking up too much to Agent Cameron!
Is Eddie there? she asked. I thought he was going to go and stay with Alistair.
Hell come home, Sean assured her. I need to get more of a feel for the lay of the land, he added.
You suspect someone close, she said. First, Bailey, whos been the most loyal watchdog in the world. Bailey! And now, someone in Eddies household?
I suspect everyone, he said simply. And this isnt your fight, not really.
Oh? Think again. I live here and I work here, Agent Cameron. The studioand Eddieare everything to me.
He smiled suddenly and she had no idea what he was thinking. Do you have plans for the day?
Yes, Id planned to work. Now, Im not working, so I plan to do everything I can for Eddie and Alistair. No, Im not FBI or a cop, but Eddie asked me to help you.
She didnt want to tell him she wouldnt have had any plans. Not social plans, anyway. Life had made her too much of a loner.
Except, of course, for her unearthly friends.
She straightened, trying to appear calm, confidentand determined.
Officer Duffy is waiting, Cameron said. Hell take us to Eddies. If youre sure you want to plunge in.
Im sure. She glared at him icily. He seemed amused. That was even more irritating.
* * *
Officer Duffy was quiet as he drove. Sean didnt try to engage him in conversation.
Instead, he glanced over at his escort, Madison Darvil.
Shes either certifiable, crazy as a loon or just like you. She talks to the dead, Eddie had told him.
She wasnt crazy; she was talented. But if she talked to the dead, she might wonder if there was something inside her that wasnt exactly normal. Most people learned early on not to admit that they could communicate with the souls of the departed. Madison was probably unaware that there were actually many people with her talent scattered around the world.
She was silent during the drive. Sean thought that Eddie had picked the perfect person to help himeven if he hadnt meant to draw her in this far. She did know the studio and everyone working there now; she was in on meetings and certainly trusted if she dealt with major names in the business. And aside from all that, she was slim and well-proportioned, with large, dark-lashed eyes that were exceptionally expressive and beautiful.
He suddenly wished hed met her at a party or a bar or anywhere that would allow him to ask her out. He liked her passion when she defended Eddie and even her hostility when he suggested she was no longer necessary. Something within herintegrity, honestyran very deep, and it was compelling and seductive.
He turned away, surprised. He hadnt felt like this about anyone in a very long time. Work had been his escape for years now. It wasnt that hed eschewed people, women in particular, but hed never had this sense of knowing them as he already felt he knew her. Hed functioned well enough when he and Melissa had split, even though hed really loved her, and shed loved him, too. He hadnt hesitated to go back when she needed him, and it hadnt seemed like any kind of chore or sacrifice to be with her.
Her death had changed him.
He shook off the unhappy memory. Another friend needed him.
Eddies place wasnt far from the studio. He lived in an elegant home in a cul-de-sac where the houses started at the seven-figure mark. There was a high wall around the property and gates protected it, but when they were dropped off and Sean pushed the call button, they were answered immediately.
Sean thought that Pierce Enderly, Eddies house manager, would be the one to greet them. He was wrong.
Mrs. Eddie Archer, Helena LaRoux, came clip-clopping to the door on high-heeled sandals as they arrived. She swiftly ushered them in, looking past them to the gates. Were you followed? she asked.
Sean shook his head.
The paparazzi were out there for hours! she said. The little lapdog she carriedsome kind of designer Peke-teacup-poodle combolet out a yap.
Shh, little darling, Helena said. Its SeanandMadison, right?
Madison nodded. Helena gave her a puzzled look.
Madison is taking me through the studio, Helena. Its been a while since I worked there, Sean told her.
Of course. Helena smiled at Madison as if she was trying to be warm and genuine, except something in her tone made it clear that she was still confused as to why the help would now be at her door. I knew Eddie had called you in, just didnt know thered be anyone with you.
Eddie asked her to hang around with me, Sean continued.
He realized that although Madison was quiet, she meant to hold her own. I would do anything for Eddie and Alistair, Helena. Thats why Im here.
Sean lowered his head to hide the smile that teased his lips. Oh, yes, Madison could hold her own.
Eddies still with Alistair, Helena said. Ive spent time with the boy, butwell, Im not his mother. He really does need his father now. Im so distraught! Forgive me if Ive forgotten my manners. Come in, come in!
She started clip-clopping across the marble floor again. Helena might claim she hated the paparazzi, but her platinum-blond swath of hair was sleekly brushed, her makeup was perfect and she wore skintight pedal pushers with her high-heeled sandals and a low-cut T-shirt that nicely displayed her expensive cleavage.
She led them through the grand entry to a family room connected to a huge kitchen. He didnt know if Helena liked to cook, but Eddie was a fan of culinary shows; he loved to watch and cook along with them. He must have put his foot down at some point because the family room was just that, despite Helenas high-end presence. There was a large-screen TV on the far wall and a pricey stereo system with speakers all around the room. The sofa was old leather, worn and comfortable, and there were a number of magazines spread out on the coffee table. Helena gestured at the sofa and sat in the massive armchair next to it.
Im so glad youre here, Sean. I mean, thank you for coming. Youre so important to Eddie. I was heartbroken when you couldnt make our wedding, she said.
I was on a project, Helena. Im sorry.
Helena patted the little dog. It was a beautiful affair! Oh, you were there, Madison!
Yes, it was quite an affair, Madison said dryly.
Helena frowned. This is awful, so awful, she moaned. Im afraid its just broken Eddie. Everyone in the mediathey already have Alistair convicted, and Eddie loves that boy so much!
Its natural for a father to love his son, Madison said.
Helena, the media craves sensationalism, and this is definitely a sensational case. But dont worry, the media might try someone, but theres still an investigation ahead, and Im confident well prove Alistair innocent, Sean told her.
Helenas perfectly plucked brows shot up. You think Alistair may be innocent?
Sean felt Madison shift beside him and he almost grinned again. Apparently, she liked the newest Mrs. Archer about as much as he did.
Of course I believe hes innocent. Now I have to prove it.
Oh, yes! Ive tried to be there for him. Eddie asked me to visit Alistair. They both say he didnt do it. How wonderful that you think you can prove it, Helena said. Her voice seemed thick with an air of insincerity.
Helena, you know Alistair. You cant possibly believe he could have done such a thing, can you? Madison asked.
Sean couldnt help giving her a little nudge with his elbow. He heard the grunt she tried to swallow. Luckily, Helena didnt.
I dont want to believe it. ButIve worried so often about poor Alistair. I mean, Eddie is a genius, and most people in the business can tell the difference between reality and imaginationbut Ive warned Eddie! Sometimes, being around all that gore and all that make-believe bloodit has to have an influence.
You were with him earlier today, Helena. How is he doing? Sean asked.
Well, hes in bad shape.
You didnt let him know you dont have complete faith in him, did you? Sean half smiled to take the sting from his question.
Oh, no! I do have faith in him, Helena said.
Mrs. Archer?
Sean turned to see that Pierce had arrived at last. He was glad; Pierce was one person who truly loved Eddie. He made a good wage for what he did, and he was another factor in Eddies life on which he couldnt be dissuaded. Pierce had handled the household since the very first Mrs. Archer, Alistairs mother, had found him poring over classified ads at a coffee shop. Shed brought him home and theyd discovered that he could shop, clean and manage a school list without blinking an eye. He was indispensable. Pierce was gay and had been in a relationship with his high school love all of his adult life; his partner had died of bone cancer soon after Eddies first wife, and since that time, Pierce had given his total love and loyalty to Eddie and Alistair. In other words, Pierce was family.
But not, apparently, to Helena.
What is it, Pierce? she asked irritably.
I was wondering if you would like to offer Mr. Archers guests some refreshment.
Sean rose, walking over to Pierce and giving him a hug. Pierce! Great to see you. How are you holding up?
Getting through, Mr. Cameron, getting through, Pierce said. Staying strong, because thats what Eddie and Alistair need now.
Its Agent Cameron, Pierce, Helena drawled.
Agent Cameron, Pierce repeated.
Its Sean. Youve known me forever, Pierce. Im still Sean.
Pierce wasnt exactly the epitome of an old-fashioned butler. Or maybe he was the California equivalent. He was dressed in khakis and a short-sleeved cotton tailored shirt, and he wore sandals. He looked like an aging pool boy, still handsome with his blond hair turning silver and his year-round tan.
Sean imagined that it must be interesting to watch the dynamics between him and the newest Mrs. Archerespecially when no one else was around.
Sean, what will you have? Helena asked abruptly. Madigan?
Its Madison, Mrs. Archer, Madison said politely. She had risen, too. Ignoring Helena, she walked over to Pierce and took his hand. Eddie is in a bad way, and Alistairs worse. Im glad youre here for them.
We all are! Helena rose, as well, and walked over, handing Pierce the dog. Will you take Perla for a walk? she asked.