Page 65

Arti said tartly, “Yeah, well I don’t mean Joey.”

Arti meant Neilson. The husband was always the default. Just like the boyfriend was always the default. If it wasn’t true in Dylan’s case, it might not be true in Neilson’s case. Ellery didn’t want his personal bias to blind him.

“Elon stuck with her when she went to prison.”

“Did he?”

“He didn’t divorce her. He waited eleven years for her. He’s here now trying to help her rebuild her career.”

“Because it’s in his best interests.” Art was scornful. “Don’t kid yourself. Who else would hire him?”

Ellery said curiously, “Do you know Elon? Have you had dealings with him?”

“I don’t have to be a snake charmer to know a snake when I see it.”

Ellery started to answer. Arti stopped him. “Listen.”

He listened, and in the lull between water and music he could hear a haunting, far-off wail.

“That’s a loon.” Arti said.

“That’s kind of eerie.” Beautiful, but definitely eerie.

“You should hear them laughing. It makes the hair stand up on your head.”

They listened to the fluting calls of the loon for another second or two until its song faded into silence.

Ellery asked curiously, “How do you know Neilson Elon’s a snake?”

Arti said, “I may not be earning my living from my music, but I still keep up with industry news. And industry gossip. And I still occasionally listen to Lara’s music. You know her big hit single, ‘Fool Me, Fool You’?”

“I’ve heard it.”

“I guarantee you, it’s abouthim. Neilson Elon. Next time you hear it, listen closely to the lyrics. It’s about a woman who realizes her conman boyfriend is conning her along with everyone else, and sets out to pay him back in kind.”

Ellery said slowly, “You think Lara is faking death threats to somehow set up her husband? What would the endgame be? To frame him for attempted murder?”

Arti’s smile was a glimmer in the darkness. “I don’t know. But if anyone could pull that off, it’s Lara.”

Chapter Sixteen

After Arti set off, lugging her accordion case, to meet her bandmates at Stage 3, Ellery returned to the boathouse, opened the side door and found himself face-to-face with Jane Smith.

They startled each other, both jumping guiltily.

“Ellery!” Jane squeaked. “You frightened me.” She peered more closely. “What happened to your face?”

“It’s a long story. What are you—”

She wasn’t listening. Not to him. Her head turned and he realized she was trying to hear the performance happening overhead.

Bravest of angels, return thee to me,

From under the waves and over the sea,

Gone is my peace, my heart aches with woe

The dearest of men lies sleeping below.