Page 87 of Murder in the Tea Leaves

“All in all a fine book collection,” Drayton said, perusing the shelves. “I wonder what will happen to them now?”

“Don’t know. Maybe they’ll go to Helene’s sister. Or get donated to a library somewhere.” Theodosia tilted the book upright so she could slide it back into its slot.

The book wouldn’t slide.

“Now what’s the problem?” Theodosia muttered under her breath as she shoved the book harder. But it clearly wasn’t going easily into its slot.

“There’s something jamming it,” Drayton said, reaching a hand in. “Looks like a piece of paper.” He grasped it and pulled it out. “No, it’s some kind of file folder.”

“A folder on what?”

“Let’s see,” Drayton said as he opened the manila file folder. “Oh, nothing of much interest. Looks like some kind of contract or agreement.”

“Let me see that.”

Theodosia handed Drayton the book to hold while she took the folder.

“This is the rebate agreement between the Charleston Film Board and Peregrine Pictures,” Theodosia said.

“Or at least a copy of the agreement,” Drayton said. “It doesn’t look like an original.”

“Not an original, you’re right,” Theodosia said. But as she put it back in the folder, she noticed something else…

“But take a look at this, Drayton. It’s the completion guaranty for Dark Fortunes.”

“Completion what?”

“A completion guaranty is a kind of insurance policy,” Theodosia explained as she skimmed the page. “In this particular case, if Dark Fortunes doesn’t get made for whatever reason, the holder of the guaranty still walks away with…holy buckets…twenty-eight million dollars!” Theodosia looked up from the paper she’d been reading. “Wow.”

“And who holds the right to this completion guaranty?” Drayton asked.

“It doesn’t say here. Because this is a copy as well. One that hadn’t been filled out and signed.”

“Do you think the original’s been filled out and signed?”

“I’m positive it has.”

“It might be important to know who benefits. You know, who pockets the twenty-eight million dollars. Can you call one of the Film Board members to find out?”

Theodosia looked at her watch. “It’s pretty late.”

“Try anyway.”

So Theodosia pulled out her phone, found the website for the Charleston Film Board, and dialed the number that was listed. It rang and rang until a voice mail came on telling her they were closed.

“Nada,” she said to Drayton.

“Is there anyone else you can call?”

Theodosia thought for a moment, then said, “Maybe I could call Joe Adler? I think I’ve got his number in my contacts file.”

“Do it.”

So Theodosia called Adler’s number. When he picked up, she said, “This is Theodosia, the tea lady. Can I ask you a question?”

“Make it quick,” Adler said. “I’m on my way out.”

“What do you know about a completion guaranty on your film?”

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