Page 71 of Reckless Chance
“Are you telling me they had something to do with the sabotage?”
“We’re not sure. It’s certainly suspicious.”
“What happened after the show? Did they go backstage?”
“No, the VIPs were told the backstage tour was canceled due to an accident. They were offered tickets to a future show instead.”
“Paxton Rossi assured me that his guys were not supposed to be here, so why do they keep turning up?”
“Who knows? It doesn’t make sense that the Rossis would be involved in sabotaging your show. It’s not their usual type of business. We’ll figure it out though.”
“Do that and quickly. Also, make sure that those guys don’t darken our doors again. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir. We’re circulating their photos to everyone via text. If they show up, they will be thrown out.”
“Get answers from them first. Find out why they’re here in the first place.”
After Daniel leaves, Lowri and I sit in silence, processing what we have learned.
A confused look crosses Lowri’s face as she asks, “Why would the mafia threaten your performer and kill someone from your audience?”
“It doesn’t make sense to me. I’ve known Paxton Rossi for years. I met with him recently to sort this out. He swore to me that his family is essentially legit now and that those guys should not be here.”
“Do you suspect he was lying?”
“I didn’t think so, but we haven’t been as close as when we were in college. He could be more like his father’s generation than I thought. It’s possible that Mr. Brentwood owed him money too and was targeted. If that were true, then I’d be shocked if Paxton wasn’t consulted before it happened. However, when we met, I didn’t get a sense he was lying.”
“What about the earlier mishaps? How do they fit in?”
“Your guess is as good as mine.”
“What if the killer, or killers, intended the murder to look like another in a string of accidents? But, if that was the plan, how did they arrange for Mr. Brentwood to be the audience member selected to go on stage?” Lowri asks.
“I don’t see how they could have unless someone here at the Athena made that happen.”
“If you wanted to arrange for a friend of yours to be the one selected, what would you do?”
“That’s easy. I’d have Emily take care of it.”
“How much do you trust Emily?”
“Completely.”
“There’s rarely anyone who deserves that level of trust. Be careful. Watch your back.”
“Don’t worry. I’m always careful.”
“Would a performer in the show or someone in the ticket office have access to the ticket? Could they give it to a friend?”
“Occasionally, that would be possible. It depends on whether we need it for a VIP.”
“I see. I’m off to analyze the will. Don’t forget to email me Mr. Brentwood’s driver’s license when Fielder sends it.”
“Will do.”
I stand and give Lowri a quick hug and a peck on the cheek.
As I enjoy the view of her perfect ass walking toward the elevator, I’m left to wonder about my trust in Emily. She has been asking questions about Mr. Brentwood’s death and offering to take an active role in solving the mystery. Is it possible she’s trying to steer the investigation away from herself?
