Page 57 of Evidence of a Folktale

“But when you read them together, they make sense,” Bel said. “Anyone can see they’re threats against you.”

“But if there’s a stalker, the show might have to pause production, so the executives view The Wolf as merely a fan who writes nonsense. So you can understand why I didn’t want to visit you publicly. I need help. I need someone who believes me. Listen, I love my job. And yes, I’m shallow. I love being famous and pretty, and I love all the clothes and handsome men, but I’m self-aware enough to recognize it. I’m not cruel. I’m never mean to my fans, and I’m not delusional. I appreciate that I live a life of privilege, but I’m a decent person. I don’t deserve someone stalking me only to have the studio ignore my fear, and now with these murders, I’m worried I’m next.”

“Well, I don’t dismiss concerns like this,” Bel said. “Not when two other women have already died horribly. Tell me, how well did you know Orion Chayce?”

“Who?” Taron asked.

“The crew member who worked on the set design. His malfunctioning prop killed a lighting technician.”

“Oh, that guy. Sorry, I never met him. He was arrested before I joined the cast, soI couldn’t tell you anything about it.”

“Wait… so you don’t know Chayce?”

“Not in the least.”

“Hmmm,” Bel grunted, her theory hitting a snag. If Taronwasn’tpart of the show when Chayce’s accident occurred, he’d have no reason to kill her.

“Why did you ask about that guy?” the actress asked. “Did he kill Gwen and Ellery?”

“We don’t know. Right now, we’re just looking for possible suspects. His accident led to jail time, sohe could be seeking revenge.”

“Okay… that makes sense, but I doubt he’d be after me. I’m more afraid of whoever this Wolf is.”

“Do you still have his letters?” Bel asked. “I’d like to test them for prints and DNA.”

“Not here, no,” Taron said. “I turned most over to the producers. I should’ve gone to the police instead, but they want us to bring things to them first so they can prep their lawyers if needed.”

“Have you received any since you arrived in Bajka?”

“No, thankfully.”

“Okay, well if you do?—”

“You’ll be the first person I show them to,” Taron said.

“And talk to your mail assistant. See if she can get me the originals of those older letters.”

“Will do.”

“And Taron, thank you for being honest. We keep getting roundabout answers,and it’smaking it difficult to work this case.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t want to die, or anyone else for that matter. I’m not a detective like you, so I don’t do death and dismemberment unless it’s a prop. I enjoy acting, and pretending to be a tough cop is fun, but I’m not the real deal, nor do I wish to be. These deaths are freaking me out, and I don’t want to be next.”

“I won’t let that happen,” Bel said. “We’re taking every precaution to protect the cast and crew while you’re in town, but for the love of God, do me a favor, please. Don’t leave thebed-and-breakfastalone at night again. I mean it. We don’t know how he got Rossa, but we believe the killer took Roja when she made a midnight snack run. Don’t do that. Go to work. Go home and stay there. If you need to leave, get a police escort.”

“Or call me,” Eamon said. “I have the money to ensure your safety, and I would prefer no more women die on my property.”

“Thanks,” Taron said, and Bel realized he was trying to help, but Miss Monroe seemed to take his invitation a little too personally. Bel understood. It was hard not to grow intoxicated by her millionaire, and the brief flicker of green in her chest provedhow much she loved him. It also betrayed how much of his dark past she’d forgiven. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing him to another woman, but her dog lying across his lap was convincing proof that the Impaler no longer belonged to the devil but to her.

“It’s getting late,” she said, gathering the empty teacups and placing them in the sink. “And we all have early mornings. Was there anything else you wished to share?”

“No, that was it.” The actress returned her focus to Bel. “And thank you for listening. You have no idea how relieved I feel now that someone is taking this seriously.”

“Of course.” Bel shook the woman’s hand. “If you remember anything else, find me… not in the dark where I might shoot you, though.”

“I will, and I’m sorry about earlier. Thanks for not shooting me.” Taron moved for the door and donned her outerwear. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Wait.” Bel grabbed her coat and gestured for Eamon to join her. “A deputy is posted outside the bed-and-breakfast, but remember what I said about not wandering alone at night. That means even in a car, so we’ll follow you back.”

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