Deadly Shuffle Read online

  A huge plus for her shop was the recent hire of costume maker Margie Santoro, a senior citizen who performed around town with a ballroom group. Seniors loyal to Margie trusted her eagle eye to choose styles and fabrics that flattered aging figures. They brought in their grandchildren to shop, and these grandmas always paid on time. Abby often watched in awe as Margie created single or group costumes for any age. No doubt about it, Margie was a gem.

  Renee hurried across the promenade, headed her way. Her shoulder-length auburn hair matched her rimmed dark glasses, giving her the Manhattan showgirl look she’d managed to retain with pride. Abby stood and gave her a hug. As Renee pecked Abby’s cheek, she checked her watch. “I’ve got a meeting in half an hour, and I know you’re on a tight schedule. Let’s order our usual, okay?”

  Abby gratefully agreed, sitting back as Renee went inside to place their order.

  While they shared a tuna sandwich with a side order of coleslaw, Abby filled her in on the news about Trish. “She wants me to teach her routine tap steps at my condo every night after I get off work.” Abby picked at a leaf of lettuce.

  Renee’s jaw dropped. “Every night? When’s the audition?”

  “Next Friday.”

  “What! You’re meeting yourself going and coming now and never make it home until after nine. How will you work that in?”

  Abby used her straw to stir her ice tea. “I dunno. I’m hoping it works out. Things got a little intense last night while I rummaged through my dance tapes for something jazzy Trish can tap to while she spent forever trying to decide if she should sing to sheet music or a CD.”

  She shook her head. “She seems eager to work with my crazy schedule, plus she’s promised to help out every afternoon in the shop for the next four days until she leaves for Palm Springs. She’s also promised to handle sales up front while Margie holds down the fort in back. The good part? I’ll have time to catch up on paperwork at the shop rather than at home.” She looked pleadingly into Renee’s dark eyes. “I was hoping you might help with the dance steps. One night of coaching—maybe?”

  “Wow.” Renee made a face and brushed a strand of shiny hair behind her ear. “I would, you know. I adore Trish, but I thought I told you. I’m off to Saratoga tomorrow. I’m staying with Gail a couple of nights. Haven’t seen her since our nightmare performance at the Cal Neva. Says she wants to go over some of those gruesome details again that led up to Melanie’s death. During the day, I’ll be busy taking measurements and jotting down suggestions on how to refurnish her new place while she teaches at her health club. She’s made out okay in the divorce settlement so the money’s there to spend. After work, she’s taking me to a couple of hot nightspots in her neighborhood. Mostly for singles.” Renee looked genuinely concerned and offered an uncertain smile. “I could come back early.”

  Abby felt a twinge of disappointment. Dealing with Trish’s unannounced visit when she was so busy at the shop—along with the disturbing call from Trish’s doctor friend—nearly left her breathless. What was that all about? Levine telling Trish someone was going to kill him. Could the man really be in some kind of danger?

  Abby sighed. She would like to run all this by Renee. Get her take on it. At confusing times like this, she’d always been able to count on her friend for solid input. But right now, she decided not to burden her. After all, she was busy making plans to further her own business career.

  “No. Don’t give it another thought,” Abby offered. “Go have fun.”

  “It’s not all fun. I need the work too, Abby. Not so much for the money. I’m okay in that department, but I’m trying to build my clientele. Gail has gotten to know a few of her well-to-do members. Ladies of substance. Sometimes she lunches with them and then gets invited to fundraising charity parties at the country clubs. These business opportunities don’t come my way often. Competition in interior decorating work is fierce. If you know someone who can pull a couple of fancy strings, you go for it.”

  She gave her fork a twirl. “Who knows, I might meet a guy looking for a savvy diva widow like me. Some Silver Fox. Probably not at the hot spots, but maybe at Gail’s’s gym. I’m packing my workout togs just in case.”

  “I’m happy for you, really. Go design. It’s good you kept in touch with Gail after we left Tahoe.”

  Lake Tahoe. Abby’s thoughts raced back to their Toppette Reunion gig at the Cal Neva Resort last fall. Their performance had led to two horrific murders. She recalled the events with a shudder. Six dancers from the 80s were invited for a weekend to perform on the Celebrity Showroom Stage. When it was over, only four dancers were left to return home. Gail had been one of the lucky ones.

  “Not to dampen your search for a Saratoga rich man, but did you hear from your Tahoe Detective Frommer? Is he still coming to Sacramento next month?”

  “He is.” Renee gave a positive nod. “The darling hunk. I’ll never forget how hard he tried to keep track of and protect us through those awful times.” Renee gave a sigh of longing and gazed at the passing shoppers. “Can’t wait to get lost in those deep blue eyes again.” She turned her attention back to Abby. “When he gets here, we’ll all go out and do the town. We’ve been exchanging emails all along, but—”

  “We’ll all go out?” Abby interrupted. “Who’s ‘all’?”

  “You and Blade, of course. A double date with your ex-cop turned PI and my small-town detective. How safe can two women get?”

  Abby folded her paper napkin and placed it under her knife. “First off, he’s not my ex-cop turned PI. Since we got back from Tahoe, except for two lunches here on the Promenade and one early holiday dinner in December, I haven’t seen him,” her voice faltered, “or heard from him. I don’t know how I feel about dating him. He let me know in Tahoe that he’s been divorced twice. Never mentioned kids, but who knows? I’m assuming he’s single now.”

  “Uh-huh.” Renee gave a knowing nod. “Do I detect a twinge of disappointment? You miss him. I can tell.”

  Abby waved her off. “Like you said, I’ve been meeting myself coming and going. I can’t find time for me, let alone any kind of relationship with a guy.”

  “Speaking of cops,” Renee said, “there’s your gumshoe now.”

  Abby tried not to look, but she ended up staring.

  Blade strode across the Italian stone walk of the Promenade in his belted trench coat, and of course, his signature fedora—his retro look, advertising Gumshoe Private Investigations.

  After a double take, he immediately changed course and arrowed his way toward their table. He placed his hand on Abby’s shoulder. “Of all the gin joints—”

  Abby stood and yawned. “Please. I think that line’s getting old.”

  He pushed his fedora back off his brow. “Right.” He used his lispy Bogey voice to add, “Here’s looking at you, kid.”

  Abby nodded and twitched her nose. “Cute, Blade, cute.”

  He chuckled and sat. “Sit. Don’t leave. I’ve only got a few minutes myself.”

  Renee checked her watch. “Right. Seminar starts in ten minutes.”

  Abby sat back down and looked from one to the other. She didn’t want to ask or give Blade any more of her attention than need be, but she couldn’t resist. Times like this, when she hadn’t seen him for a while, she longed to know where he had been, and with whom. He was all male and rugged but handsome, which tremendously appealed to her. There were nights, when before she went to sleep, she fantasized him holding her close.

  “You two are attending a seminar?” Abby asked. “Where?”

  Renee leaned back. “I swear, Abby, you don’t remember anything I tell you anymore. You need a vacation, girl.”

  Blade jumped in. “I’m just the guy to take you. Before we left Tahoe, we discussed driving to Caesar’s for a nice quiet weekend. No investigations. No murders. Just you and me.”

  Abby remembered. It had been Blade’s plan. She hadn’t committed to anything. “What kind of seminar?”

  Blade shrugged. �
�I’m giving a seminar upstairs in the conference room for a new group of mystery shoppers. The mall bosses like to change them periodically. Especially after the holidays. Seems some of the mystery crew sniffing around in the department stores got made.” He looked at Abby. “Made. That means spotted. You understand?”

  “Yes, I get it,” Abby said.

  “The word went out and now they’re avoided by more seasoned shoplifters.”

  Abby looked at Renee. “Why are you attending?”

  “The mystery part sounds intriguing.” She pursed her lips. “Actually, so does the shopper part. If I give this a shot and decide I like undercover work, I might do some part-time work for Blade.”

  “Okay, you two.” Abby stood again. “Go for it. Protect the mall, by all means. I’ve got to get back to the store.” She turned to Renee. “Come by the shop and get your leotards when your meeting’s over.”

  Blade reached for her hand. Abby slid it away.

  “Wait.” He reached out again. “When can we get together? Get caught up.”

  She straightened. “Seems you’re too busy,” her tone sharpened, “even to make a call.”

  “What?” He jumped up and faced her. “I left messages explaining I’d be in L.A. on a case. Two messages, which you never returned. I got back last night. Late. I was on my way now to see you at your shop. Let you know I’m back.”

  Abby softened. “You were?” She paused. “Well, my phone is old. Sometimes it doesn’t pick up messages.” She shrugged one shoulder. “Sometimes I hear garbled voices.”

  Blade gently took hold of her hand again. “Then are we okay?”

  This time she didn’t pull away. When she looked into his dark eyes, she saw genuine concern. “Sure.” She waited a long moment before she offered him a forgiving smile. “Stop by Starduds later. I’ll introduce you to my mother. She’s here from Yucca Valley for a few days. Her first visit to Starduds since last fall. I think you’ll find her interesting.” She made a quick inspection of his fedora and trench coat and raised an eyebrow. “I’m certain she’ll find you most charming.”

  “He’s movie-star handsome,” Trish stated after Blade left Starduds. “A dead ringer for Dana Andrews. The detective in the movie, Laura. You know, wide-eyed boy-next-door with an edge.” She turned to her daughter. “How long have you two been seeing each other?”

  Abby sighed. “It’s not like you think, Mother. He’s just a friend. That’s all.”

  “Well, if I know men, and I should, he doesn’t view you in the same way, and I can see why. Stunning, that’s what you are.” She fluffed the tips of Abby’s blond hair then used both hands to frame her face. “I’ve always thought you resembled Lana Turner when you smile. You have her perfect hairline, chin ….”

  Abby had to laugh. “You and Blade are a pair. Both living in another time.”

  “I was a kid in the fifties, sugar. Obviously he’s not old enough, but somehow I think the guy is from that era too.” She knitted her eyebrows. “I’m talking reincarnation here. He’s a combo of about three different movie detectives.”

  Abby shook her head. “No. Not three. He thinks he’s Bogart. At least he acts like it sometimes. You should see the retro Chevy he drives.”

  “I’m planning to. He’s taking me to lunch tomorrow before I come here.” She leaned over and began straightening Starduds logo bags beneath the counter. “You know what I mean. He’s a real man. Nice features—pretty, even—but he’s a grown-up. Manly.”

  Dear Lord! “Mom, look at me.”

  Trish straightened up, expression innocent.

  “Don’t play cupid, all right?”

  A customer approached the counter. “Can I help you? Trish asked. “Are you finding everything you need?”

  Abby shook a warning finger at her mother. Trish smiled and innocently raised an eyebrow before she turned her attention back to making the sale.

  Minutes later, Renee dropped in. After she exchanged a hug and a few words with Trish, Renee followed Abby to the rear of the store.

  “How does she do it? She’s full of energy and yet she looks like your sister, not your mother.”

  Abby shrugged. “Trish was barely eighteen when I was born. While I was growing up, Grandma was more like my mom. She treated us like siblings.” She didn’t want to pursue this line of thought. Some of those childhood memories of waiting for Trish to come back after a tour weren’t the fondest. She added quickly, “So, Renee, how did the mystery seminar go?

  “Great. I plan to do it occasionally, when I’m not working on a design. I like to spy … and shop.”

  “So you’ll be working for Blade?”

  “Yeah. I told him I’d keep an eye on the office when he’s out of town.” Renee looked concerned. “Why?”

  “Just curious.”

  “It’s all right, isn’t it? He won’t be around when I’m there.”

  Abby forced a laugh. “And if he were? I wouldn’t care.”

  Renee searched her face. “You sound like you care. What’s going on?”

  “Okay.” She heaved a large sigh. “You’re right. I did miss him these last few weeks. Maybe I resent myself for being so busy. When he asks me to go someplace, I feel as if I have to refuse.” She thought a moment. “I haven’t had a chance to really get to know him. Truthfully, I’m a bit unnerved by him sometimes.”

  Renee smiled. “Yeah, he’s a lot of man. Never a dull moment. Not my type, but you two definitely have a chemistry going on.”

  Abby sighed. “He left here a few minutes ago. I had to turn him down for a drink after work because I promised Mom I’d coach her for an hour. She’s going to lunch with him tomorrow and I’m hoping she won’t try to play cupid. I’ve warned her, but she likes this guy.”

  “So? She worries about you living alone now the twins are away at school. How much damage can she do? You and Blade aren’t in high school. Let her build you up as a fantastic catch. Personally, I think you are. I don’t believe Blade needs any encouragement when it comes to how he sees you. He’s a sharp one. His momma named him aptly.” Renee paused. “Blade caught up with me after the mystery seminar, to run something by me. It concerned you.”

  “Me?” Abby’s eyes widened. “What?”

  “He wants you two to get away for a weekend, but he thinks you run either hot or cold when it comes to him. He’s waiting—and these are his words, not mine—for you to run hot.”

  Abby stared at her friend. “Is that what you think?” She snickered. “Makes it sounds like I’m some sort of a water faucet.”

  Renee laughed and held her stomach. “No I don’t feel that way. You know what he means. Anyhow, he asked how long your mother would be here. He got a call from a well-to-do client over on the coast who wants to hire him for a weekend tailing mission. When he called back with the where and when, he asked if I thought you’d be interested.”

  “And? What did you tell him?”

  “I said you’d be crazy if you didn’t accept his offer, but getting you away from Starduds would be the big problem. Lord knows, my friend, you do need a break.”

  Abby rubbed her brow. “I know I do, but during this after-the-holidays sale, I can’t just up and leave.”

  Renee gave Abby a hug. “I can see where you’re coming from, but if there is some way you can figure out a plan, let me know. I came to pick up these leotards. Now I better get moving. I want to reach the freeway before it gets too late.” She checked her watch. “If I leave now, I should be at Gail’s in three hours.”

  “Drive carefully.”

  Renee waved back over her shoulder. “Think about Blade’s offer and buy a new phone in case I need to leave a message. And for crying out loud, turn it on.”

  CHAPTER 2

  Trish joined Abby in her living room. “What a great affirmation. I found this on your bathroom mirror.” She ran a finger over the yellowed index card. I will dance through this day the best I can, knowing that tomorrow I will know the steps even better. “Is this fro
m your days as a Toppette?”

  Abby barely glanced at the card. She rose from a kneeling position where she’d been searching through a file beneath the VCR for a suitable videotape. “Grandma wrote it for me the first day she took me to dance lessons at her friend’s house.” She smiled fondly. “Miss Mable Ward’s converted basement studio. I was only eight. I’ve kept the card all these years.”

  “Hmmm. I don’t remember. Did I go with you the first time?”

  Abby searched her mother’s eyes. “You don’t remember because you weren’t there. You were probably on the road to Chicago or Las Vegas.” Anywhere except home. Abby turned away.

  Trish raised a finger. “Out on the road singing with your aunts on tour, maybe. Making money to send home to your grandma so she could pay for your lessons, I suppose.”

  “I suppose,” Abby reluctantly agreed as she leaned over to continue her search through the tape file. “Anyway, I’ve kept the card and posted it every time I moved. It says more to me than just dancing. It’s kept me going through the darkest of times.”

  Trish sniffed. “Mother was quite the philosopher, wasn’t she? Considering our trio’s hectic schedule, I suppose it was better you spent some of your growing-up years with her in that dot of a town.” She turned and headed to the bathroom.

  Some of my growing up? Most of my growing up.

  Trish returned. “Your grandma could act like a religious nut sometimes. Especially when it came to men. I always knew a sermon was coming when she wore her hair in that Baptist bun.” Trish stared at Abby. “Couldn’t figure out why she wanted you to dance. That holier-than-thou church she went to didn’t believe in dancing.” She croaked out a laugh. “The old married preacher said it led to sinful sex. Years later town folks said he was seen in town steppin’ large and livin’ easy with a trashy cocktail waitress.” She raised an eyebrow. “Momma never talked about that.”