Read Online Murder, She Wrote by Jessica Fletcher - Free Book Online

“I was working for another actress, one who was very successful, but of course I can’t tell you her name.”
    â€œThat’s okay,” I said. “Did this other actress introduce you to Ms. Stockdale?”
    â€œOh, no. They were in competition for the same role. She wouldn’t have wanted Vera to get an advantage over her.”
    â€œAnd if Vera knew you, how would that have given her an advantage?”
    â€œNot just knowing me,” Estelle said, smoothing her skirt over her knees. “But if I had been consulting for her, she might have learned something she could use that would have helped her get the part.” She looked up at me pertly. “And that’s just what happened.”
    â€œWhat happened?” Mort asked.
    â€œMs. Stockdale called me up and asked me to do her chart.”
    â€œAnd that’s how you met?” Mort said.
    â€œYes.” Estelle Fancy’s lips tipped up in a small smile. “I read her chart, told her she’d have to put the producer off for a few days. Mercury was in retrograde, a bad time to make life-altering decisions, certainly not favorable for signing contracts. But if she met with him on the following Friday, everything would be in the proper alignment. It would be the best time to talk with him, and she would be able to negotiate the best deal for herself, and . . . and . . .”
    â€œAnd?” Mort said.
    â€œShe got the part. There were some complications, but I helped her overcome them. After that, she wanted an exclusive contract with me. I’ve been with her ever since.”
    â€œAs her personal astrologer?” I asked.
    â€œYes.”
    â€œAre there a lot of actresses with a personal astrologer?” Mort asked.
    â€œMany in the acting profession—and a lot of other professions, for that matter—will consult with an astrologer from time to time,” Estelle replied. “But those who have a personal astrologer are special. You’ll find them at the top of their fields.”
    â€œBut hasn’t it been quite a few years since Ms. Stockdale acted in films?” I asked.
    â€œOh, yes. But until she retired we had quite a run together.”
    â€œWhat prompted her to retire?”
    â€œShe was going to have a baby. When she found out about it, she decided to call it a day.” Estelle gazed down at the balled-up tissue in her hand. “The roles were drying up anyway,” she said softly.
    â€œThey were?” I said. “Why do you think that was so?”
    â€œFar be it for me to speak ill of the dead,” she said, looking up at me from under her brows. “I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but Vera could be difficult.”
    I resisted making a comment, and Estelle continued. “Some of the studio executives had complained to Mr. Chattergee. He knew she was very high-strung, of course. Theirs was a tempestuous marriage. I was surprised when he said he was thrilled about the baby and more surprised that Vera wanted to be there for her child.”
    â€œWhy were you surprised?” I asked.
    Her expression was pensive. “He was never the fatherly type. And she was focused on her career.”
    â€œSo, when you say you’ve been with her ever since,” I said, “do you mean that even when she was retired she still required your services?”
    â€œI wasn’t on salary, if that’s what you’re asking. I worked for her for a while—she was willing to go back to business if the right role came along—but then they divorced, and after that . . . well, I had to support myself.”
    â€œThen you only started working for Vera again recently?” I said.
    â€œWhen she decided to make a comeback, she called me right away, of course. It’s just taken a little time.”
    â€œI see,” I said.
    â€œI don’t,” Mort said. “Can we get back to my questions? I