Final Act by Dianne Yetman (best free ebook reader .TXT) 📕

“In what way may I assist you”, Catherine asked.

“I know this will not be easy for you”, Kate said, “but we need to gather as much information about Jeffrey as we can and anything you may be able to tell us about him will help.  Can you think of anyone who would want to harm your husband?”

Her hand reached for the non-existent stray hair again. “No, I can’t.”

“He had no enemies?”

“Not what I would call enemies.  There were those of course who were jealous of his talent but I can’t imagine they hated him enough to kill him.”

“Did you have anyone specific in mind when you mentioned jealousy?”

“No, not really.  People involved in the theatre have the reputation, totally unmerited, of being jealous, vindictive, and bitchy. They don’t throw tantrums and they don’t murder their Directors.”

“Someone murdered your husband.  If you don’t think it was anyone in the cast or crew of the company, do you think he could have been the target of someone on the production team, someone looking to take over the reins?”

Catherine began to shake and tears filled the deep set eyes. “I’m well aware of that”, she said.  Standing, she advanced towards the fireplace, her body swaying back and forth.  Kate managed to catch her before she hit the floor.

Easing her into the chair, she grabbed Kleenex from the end table and wiped the beads of perspiration from Catherine’s brow.

“There’s a button on the side of the desk.  It will summon Nora”, Catherine said.

Once Nora returned, Kate helped her take Catherine up to her bedroom, said her good-byes and left.  Quite a dramatic way to end an interview, Kate thought, but effective one.  It’s over, for today.   

When she stepped outside, she was surprised to see the media had left and more than surprised to see Susan and Alexis approaching the house.

Both women advanced towards her with outstretched arms.  Caught in a mist of honeysuckle and rose scents, a tangle of soft hands patting her back, head and face, she ceased struggling and let the embraces happen.

“You were the last one we were expecting to see”, Susan said.  “But given the circumstances of Jeffrey’s death, it’s no surprise.”

“So you two knew Jeffrey?”

“Yes. Alexis met Catherine and Jeffrey two years ago at a charity bazaar.  I’ve known them much longer.  Catherine and I have been friends since high school days; I went to their wedding in New York.  How is she doing?”

“Not too well.  I’m afraid if you’re here for a visit, you’re out of luck.  She’s had some sort of nervous collapse; Nora’s has settled her in bed and called the family doctor.”

“She was fine a couple of hours ago when Nora invited us over.  Did she collapse before or after your interview?”

Kate laughed.  “Haven’t changed any, have you Susan.  Listen, I have a few minutes to spare.  How about the three of us grab some java at Cafe Italia?”

“Wonderful idea.  We’ll follow you in our car.”

Fifteen minutes later, the three women, balanced on the high, red leather stools surrounding the scarred, wooden circular table, sat sipping their Java Monsters – half the caffeine of regular coffee with twice the boost – in three different flavours – Big Black, Loca Mocha, and Mean Bean.

“Well, friends, in the interest of time, let’s forget small talk.  I’d rather hear what you know about Jeffrey and Catherine Stone?”

“I’ll start”, said Alexis.  “I’ve only known them for a very short time so I’ll be brief.  I had read about Jeffrey’s brilliant career in our local theatrical magazine.  I can’t say I was disappointed when I met him in person, as sometimes can happen when one meets a famous person.  My observations are rather superficial as they are based on one meeting only, however, I found him to be charming, witty and a first rate conversationalist.”

“Yes, the man had the gift of gab alright.  Strange considering his background – a muted mother and garrulous father”, Susan said.

Alexis ignored her remark.

“I found Catherine charming as well but she possessed a more subdued personality.”

“Spot on, Alexis.”

Kate spoke before an angry Alexis could reply.

“Thanks, Alexis.  Okay, Susan, the floor’s yours.”

“Catherine could have had a brilliant career.  She joined the theatre group in University where she first met Jeffrey and, believe me, she was magnetic, dynamic, on and off the stage.  All eyes were drawn to her.  After university, she and Jeffrey went to New York City.  Her star rose first.  She was in demand; the famous critic, I can’t remember his name now, hung out with the chic crowd.  He did a wonderful write up on Catherine in New York’s leading paper, and alluded to another Bernhardt.  After she married, she became more selective about her roles and was seen less and less on stage.  When she became pregnant with her first child she quit, never went on stage again.  A damn shame because she was a first class talent.”

“Would you say they were a happy couple?”

“I don’t know.  I would be invited to dinner whenever I happened to be in New York but those were formal occasions and, of course, everything was very polite, upbeat.  Catherine and I weren’t as close as we used to be.  I suspect Jeffrey kept her on a tight leash.  Her focus had certainly changed.  She was quiet, more subdued.”

“Do you have any idea why they came back to Canada?”

“Not really.  I found it very odd they had left New York. Neither of them said anything more specific other than getting back to their roots.  It couldn’t have been a good thing that made them leave. Do you think it has anything to do with why he was murdered?”

“Hard to say.  It’s early days yet, but every bit helps.  So, what are you two researching in the big city?”

“Mary Jane Kempner, a good friend of ours and Director of our small playhouse, has written a play and offered Alexis and I the two leading roles.  Rehearsals are due to start next