Page 34 of Tightrope

“I didn’t catch your last name,” she said.

Jasper stared at her hand.

“Calloway, ma’am,” he said. “Jasper Calloway.”

His voice was a rough rasp. There was a faint indication of a western drawl. She guessed that he had probably grown up on a farm or a ranch in Arizona or California.

“Welcome to the Hidden Beach Inn, Mr. Calloway,” she said.

Gingerly he closed his big hand around her fingers. He shook hands with exquisite care, as if he was afraid he might hurt her.

“Ma’am,” he said. He retrieved his hand and plucked the grocery sack from her arm. “Let me take care of that for you.”

“Thanks,” Amalie said. “I appreciate it.” Briskly she turned back to Vincent, who had watched the small scene with an impatient air. “If you’ll follow me, Mr. Hyde, I’ll get you registered and show you to your suite.”

Vincent once again slipped into his invisible cloak of polished, practiced charm.

“Thank you, Miss Vaughn. I must admit I’m looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere of your establishment.”

Amalie had just gotten her key into the lock on the door. She paused. “You want to experience theatmosphereof my inn?”

“I will be frank, Miss Vaughn. I came here for artistic inspiration.”

“I see.” She opened the door and moved into the tiled foyer. “You came for the fresh seaside air and our tranquil gardens. I think you will find the atmosphere here at the Hidden Beach very conducive to relaxation. I can only imagine the pressures and demands of a highly successful film career such as yours.”

“I must tell you that relaxation is not why I’m here, Miss Vaughn.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“You’re quite right about the demands of my professional life. At the moment they are extremely severe. I am hoping that your charming villa will be just what the doctor ordered, so to speak.”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand, Mr. Hyde.”

Vincent’s smile was cold and rather grim. “I’m sure you’re aware that the Hidden Beach Inn has been in the news lately. There was the mysterious death of Madam Zolanda, a charming psychic whom I had reason to consult on a couple of occasions. And now your first guestwas murdered in a spectacular fashion in front of an audience by a robot, of all things.”

Amalie’s spirits sank. This conversation was not going well. She went behind the front desk and confronted Vincent with as much cool resolve as she could muster.

“I fail to see what those two extremely unfortunate incidents have to do with your decision to stay here at the Hidden Beach Inn, Mr. Hyde,” she said.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Vincent said. “I’m hoping that the strange and rather eerie events that have occurred here will help me prepare for my next role. The studio and I are still in negotiations, but I have every expectation of being signed for the lead in a vampire film. The working title isNightmare Lane.”

Amalie reminded herself of the advice she had quoted to Hazel.If something seems too good to be true...

“If you’re in search of a dark, depressing atmosphere, I’m afraid you’re due to be very disappointed,” she said. “Here at the Hidden Beach Inn we strive to provide our guests with an idyllic seaside experience.”

Vincent’s eyes glittered with icy amusement. “Perhaps you haven’t seen today’s edition ofHollywood Whispers?”

“I’ve been a little busy lately.”

“Allow me.” Vincent snapped his fingers. “Jasper, show Miss Vaughn the copy ofWhispersthat I was reading on the way here today.”

“Yes, sir, Mr. Hyde.” Jasper looked at Amalie. “Where would you like me to put these groceries, Miss Vaughn?”

“Please set them down on the desk. I’ll deal with them later.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Jasper put the sack down and hurried back outside. When he reappeared a moment later, he had a folded newspaper in his hand. Without a word he put the paper on the front desk in front of Amalie.