Read Online Who Invited the Ghost to Dinner: A Ghost Writer Mystery by Teresa Watson - Free Book Online Page B

my phone to call dispatch. I’ll get Randy to round up some people to guard the doors so no one leaves.”
    Diane was still shaking, so I motioned for Simon to come over. “I’m guessing there is real alcohol in one of those decanters. Get her a shot of brandy or whatever you have over there. And don’t go anywhere.”
    Richard appeared just as I turned around to find him. “What’s going on?”
    “There’s been an unfortunate accident. Close the curtain.”
    “What?” he said incredulously, trying to look over my shoulder to see what was going on.
    I turned him around and shoved him toward the curtains. “Close the curtains, Richard, and bring up the house lights. Chief Penhall’s orders.”
    I moved over to the apron, and made my way down the stairs. People were murmuring, wondering what was going on. As the lights came on, I looked toward the right corner for Joey Ingram, and was shocked to see that he wasn’t there. I scanned the room, but he was nowhere to be found.
    Mother appeared beside me. “Cam, what’s going on? Why is Mike calling for backup?”
    “There’s a little problem.”
    “Did one of the actors have an accident? Do we need to see if there a doctor in the crowd?”
    “No, I’m afraid we’re beyond medical help.”
    She clamped her hand down on my arm. “Please tell me that…someone’s not…”
    “Dead,” I finished for her.
    “Oh, dear Lord.”
    “It will be all right, Mother,” I said, giving her a hug. “Mike will take care of things. But we can’t let anyone leave until he talks to them. Why don’t you get the waiters to come around with the dessert trays again? But whatever you do, don’t say anything about this.”
    “Of course not,” she agreed. “That would just cause a mad rush of people trying to get out of here.” She started to walk away, but turned back. “Cam, do you know who it is?”
    For a moment, I thought about lying to her. But it would be better if she heard the news from me and not someone else. “It’s Susan Ingram,” I said quietly.
    She put her hand over her mouth. “Oh, dear Lord,” she said again.
    “It will be all right, Mother. I promise. Go talk to the waiters.”
    Mother nodded and hurried off. I glanced over at Dad, who had a look of concern on his face. I shook my head. He frowned, and followed Mother out of the room.
    “Randy has the doors covered, and my people will be here shortly,” Mike said when he joined me back onstage. “Did you find Joey Ingram?”
    I shook my head. “He wasn’t in his seat. Maybe he went to the bathroom during intermission, and didn’t get back before the house lights went down.”
    “Do you remember what he was wearing?”
    “Maybe a dark blue suit?” I said, trying to remember. “I’m not really sure.”
    Mike took my hand. “Let’s go out outside and look around. Maybe we’ll find him if we work together.”
    We passed the waiters, who were carrying dessert trays and silver coffee pots. Randy was standing by the front door, arms crossed, trying to look tough. Anyone who knew him wouldn’t believe the tough guy act for a minute. “There are three guys patrolling the parking lot to make sure no one tries to leave if they manage to slip past us,” he told us.
    “Have you seen Joey Ingram?” Mike asked.
    Randy shook his head.  “Just Cam’s parents, the waiters, and the caterer.”
    “I’ll go check the bathroom,” Mike said.
    “Why are you looking for Mr. Ingram?” Randy asked me.
    “I can trust you to keep this to yourself, right?”
    “Of course,” he replied, looking offended. “Do you even have to ask me that?”
    “Susan Ingram is dead. She’s behind the couch on the stage.”
    “Holy moly,” Randy said. “Are you serious?”
    I nodded. “As a heart attack.”
    “How did she get in here? I mean, your mother didn’t change her mind and give her a ticket, did she?”
    “Definitely not. I think I was just as worried as she was about Susan doing something to ruin