Saturday 25th November
Jodi checked her watch. Time was running away from her. In less than an hour’s time the doors of the Starlight Playhouse would open to the public.
Hordes of people had already descended on Brighton for the arts festival. The town was buzzing, filled with street entertainers, classical recitals and open-house tours. The event had kicked off with a silent disco, led by DJ Guru wearing an orange spandex catsuit, who’d caused numerous traffic delays as he’d guided fifty or so dancers through the streets of Brighton.
At least the weather was good. It was a mild day. Local radio was following the events, ensuring people knew what was happening. The festival promised to be a massive success. The only problem was the Starlight Playhouse wasn’t ready for business.
Jodi skimmed the list of items still unticked on her schedule. The pottery exhibition had been the main cause of the delays. Elaine’s late arrival had caused havoc, requiring a team of six to carry her ‘From Clay to Creation’ display into the art studio. Still, it was done now. Jodi could tick it off.
Buddies Café were currently setting up a makeshift kitchen in the café, much to Petrit’s annoyance. Too bad. He’d turned down the opportunity to organise something himself. Feeling disgruntled because a rival chef was ‘on his turf’ was his problem.
The volunteers had arrived to work behind the bar and support Vivienne with front-of-house duties. Not that Vivienne was happy. But then the Woman-in-Black was never happy.
As if sensing she was the subject of Jodi’s thoughts, the woman appeared. She was dressed in her usual bespoke head-to-toe black, and made a point of looking peeved when the people setting up the circus exhibit got in her way. ‘A group of homeless individuals are in reception claiming they’re here to help with the showcase.’
‘That’s right. They’re from the night shelter. I did warn you to expect them.’
‘You didn’t tell me they were actually homeless.’ Vivienne had obviously led a very sheltered life.
‘Does it matter? We’re grateful for the help.’
‘I don’t see how engaging the services of the great unwashed will be of much use.’ Vivienne’s inner snob was never far from the surface.
‘As a thank you, I’ve offered the volunteers use of our shower facilities and a hot meal before the playhouse opens to the public.’ Jodi checked her watch. ‘Which is in forty-five minutes, so we’d better get a move on.’
Vivienne didn’t budge. ‘I can’t imagine madam would approve.’
‘On the contrary, I think Carolyn would love the idea. Either way, Tom’s in agreement and so is Becca. You’ll find a box of T-shirts in the office for the volunteers.’
‘We’re purchasing clothing for them too?’ Vivienne tutted. ‘Really, considering the lack of funding—’
‘I’m not discussing funding with you today, Vivienne. I’m too busy.’ Jodi cut the woman off before they got into another bust-up regarding the missing money. ‘We’re running behind schedule. Please take the volunteers to the changing rooms next to the dance studio and advise them of their duties.’
Vivienne recoiled as though Jodi had suggested she personally strip them down and lick them clean. ‘I will do no such thing.’
‘And when you’re done please change into your uniform for the day. Did you bring something red to wear?’
‘I did not.’ Vivienne’s nostrils flared.
‘In that case, please select one of the printed T-shirts.’
A look of horror sharpened Vivienne’s features. ‘I’ve never worn a T-shirt in my life.’
‘Then it’ll be a new experience for you. Everyone else has adhered to the dress code.’ Jodi gestured to the people working around them.
Aunty Ruby was wearing a red tunic over black trousers. Eddie was wearing one of the red printed Starlight T-shirts they’d had designed for the showcase, as was Leon. Everyone had been asked to wear a combination of black and red, and they’d all adhered…except for Petrit, who’d refused to remove his chef whites. As Jodi suspected he wouldn’t be hanging around for the showcase, it was a battle she was willing to concede.
Vivienne stared at Jodi’s new black Primark suit with red shirt, complete with ‘Showcase co-ordinator’ name badge. ‘Madam will be hearing about this.’
‘I do hope so.’ Jodi turned her back on the Woman-in-Black…who should be the Woman-in-Black-and-Red if she wasn’t so bloody stubborn. ‘Excuse me, I need to get on.’
Ignoring Vivienne’s mutterings, Jodi checked her list. Becca was in the dance studio running the dance numbers. Tick. The volunteers had arrived to help Leon with the bar. Tick. The music students weren’t due until after lunch, so she didn’t need to worry about them yet.
She glanced over to where Eddie was briefing his team of Sussex Sea Cadets on their duties for the day. Even they’d managed to incorporate elements of red into their uniforms by adding an armband.
That just left the debacle in the café. Far from looking like a circus, it was currently a safety hazard. Tom was overseeing the exhibits, but he was struggling to juggle the needs of ‘creative types’ who wanted their displays to be ‘organic’ and not ‘formulaic’. George was being indecisive about where he wanted his ice sculptures, and the abstract artist felt his ‘vision’ for his presentation clashed with the ‘energy in the room’. Tom’s patience had been tested further when he’d realised the circus exhibit included a flying trapeze.
At that point, Jodi had decided to step in and help.
She called Eddie over. ‘We need another pair of hands to hoist the trapeze.’
The two men lifting the contraption weren’t tugging on the pulleys in unison. Consequently, the outstretched mannequin kept swinging around and whacking people on the head.
‘It might help if we had a third person underneath.’ Jodi repositioned the stepladders. ‘I’d go up myself, but my skirt’s too tight.’ She would have brought a change of clothes, if she’d realised so much physical labour would be required.
‘No problem.’ Eddie climbed the ladder, placing his big hands on the mannequin’s sequin-clad bottom. When Aunty Ruby glanced over he smiled, which distracted her from easing the second mannequin into a pair of large clown trousers and she bumped heads with the dummy, making Eddie laugh.
Since making the decision to turn the guest house into apartments, it was like a weight had been lifted from her aunty’s shoulders. She’d taken to smiling for no reason, singing along to the radio and wearing lip gloss. Jodi suspected Eddie’s attentions were a factor in her improved spirits. And why not? Her aunty deserved to be adored.
A commotion drew her attention. Why was Petrit shouting at the Buddies Café chef?
She marched over and pulled Petrit to one side. Didn’t he realise these people were doing the playhouse a huge favour? ‘What’s the problem?’
His sneer made her take a step back. ‘He want microwave.’
‘So? Let him use the microwave.’
He grunted. ‘If he want microwave, he should bring microwave.’
‘Well, clearly he hasn’t. So let him use the one here.’
‘No.’ His spittle landed on her face.
Jodi wiped her cheek. ‘It’s not your property, Petrit. It belongs to the playhouse. Now let him use the microwave.’
‘No.’
Several pairs of eyes watched the exchange. She wanted to retreat, but that would be disastrous. She had to hold her ground. This was a key battle.
The cavalry came in the shape of Leon emerging from the kitchen carrying the microwave. ‘Here you go, mate,’ he said, handing it over to the Buddies Café chef. ‘Anything else you need just ask.’
Relief swamped her. She wanted to run after Leon and thank him, but he’d already returned to the bar. He might not like her anymore, but he liked tyrannical chefs even less.
Petrit grunted and returned to the kitchen, barging through the swing doors.
Jodi returned to the mayhem. The trapeze artist was hoisted halfway up dangling from the ceiling. Eddie was at full stretch. They needed a longer ladder.
He’d realised this too and climbed down, heading off in search of one. The mannequin was left swaying at head height. Worst-case scenario, they’d have to exclude any visitors taller than six foot.
Jodi checked her watch. Thirty minutes left. Time was running out. ‘We need to start clearing away these boxes,’ she called, opening the door to the storage room.
Vivienne appeared. ‘Why is the office door locked?’
‘Because I locked it.’
‘Were you worried one of your homeless friends might steal something?’ Vivienne wasn’t sheltered Jodi decided, she was downright ignorant.
‘That’s a very judgemental remark, Vivienne.’
The Woman-in-Black held out her hand. ‘I need the bar float from the safe.’
Jodi handed over the keys. ‘Bring them back when you’re done, please.’
Vivienne snatched the keys and marched into the kitchen. She emerged a few moments later with Petrit. The pair headed in the direction of the office. What were they up to?
Jodi wondered whether she should have found a new hiding place for her drawer key. There was nothing in there other than her rucksack and The Art of War, but she couldn’t be too careful where Vivienne and Petrit were concerned. After all, someone had nicked five grand. And it wasn’t her.
She checked her watch. Twenty minutes left.
Aunty Ruby had almost finished dressing the clown mannequin. The boxes were being moved. That just left the trapeze to sort out.
There was nothing she could do until Eddie returned with the longer ladder, so she focused on the spotlight, which was currently pointing downwards like an interrogation lamp.
She dragged the stepladders over and was about to climb up, hoping her skirt wouldn’t split, when Leon appeared.
‘Need a hand?’ he said, holding the ladder steady.
She fought the urge to look at him. ‘I’m fine, thanks.’
‘Is there much left to do?’ No one watching would guess he’d once fed her chocolates and left her gifts. It was business only now. Still, it was favourable to being ignored.
‘I don’t think so. We’re going down to the wire, but hopefully we’ll be ready.’
‘The place looks good. Carolyn would be proud.’
Jodi swallowed awkwardly. ‘I hope so.’
Leon wasn’t a factor in her leaving, but he was definitely a reason not to stay. Spending each day knowing the man you’d fallen for didn’t respect or trust you was torturous. It was almost worse than dealing with Petrit and Vivienne.
Eddie appeared. ‘Jodi, love. You’re needed in the office… The police are here.’
‘The police?’ Her brain mentally ran through her checklist. She was sure she’d obtained the correct licenses. She’d made a point of checking with the council. ‘What do they want?’
Eddie looked uncomfortable. ‘They’re here to question you.’
‘Question me? What about?’
Eddie glanced at Leon. ‘The missing money. Vivienne reported the theft.’
Time seemed to slow – something she would have appreciated an hour ago. Not so much now. She blinked, hoping to snap out of her shock. It didn’t work. Neither would her throat, which had constricted.
Eddie touched her arm.
Wordlessly, she walked towards the office, aware of Leon and Eddie beside her. White noise filled her head, blocking out the sound of them talking. Someone’s hand touched the small of her back, she didn’t know who.
The office was more crowded than it had been on the day Carolyn had called an emergency staff meeting and announced she was booked into rehab.
Tom stood by the main desk looking angrier than she’d ever seen him.
To his right, Petrit had his arms folded, his dark unibrow twitching.
Vivienne was positioned between the two desks in front of the safe.
Eddie and Leon followed Jodi into the room.
In the middle stood two police officers.
The female officer spoke. ‘Are you Jodi Simmons?’
Jodi nodded.
‘I’m Sergeant Matthews. This is my colleague Constable Withies. We’re responding to an allegation of theft.’ She checked her notebook. ‘The sum of five thousand pounds, which Ms King alleges you took from the safe.’
This was all Jodi’s nightmares colliding. Her past catching up with her. Being humiliated in front of people she cared about. Never escaping the label of thief.
Tom glared daggers at Vivienne. ‘Ms King had no right to contact you.’
Vivienne raised her chin. ‘I couldn’t stand back and let madam be defrauded. Miss Simmons is the only one who could’ve taken the money.’
Sergeant Matthews addressed Tom. ‘Is that true?’
Tom rubbed his chest. ‘At the time of the theft four people had the combination for the safe. My mother—’
‘Who was away,’ Vivienne interjected.
Sergeant Matthews noted something down. ‘Go on.’
‘My mother. Myself. Vivienne King and Ms Simmons.’
Jodi didn’t need a solicitor to know this looked bad. She was the obvious suspect. She was new to the playhouse and she had a criminal record. Means and motive.
‘I’d hardly call the police if I took the money,’ Vivienne said, looking self-righteous. ‘And everyone knows how much Master Thomas dotes on his mother, so by default it has to be Miss Simmons.’
Jodi agreed. Except she was innocent.
Sergeant Matthews addressed her. ‘Ms Simmons, on the twentieth of October this year did you steal five thousand pounds from the safe at the Starlight Playhouse?’
Jodi could barely make her head move. ‘No, I didn’t.’
Vivienne smoothed down the front of her dress. ‘Who else could’ve taken it?’
Sergeant Matthews glanced at her colleague. ‘Who’s the legal owner of this place?’
Tom chipped in before Vivienne could. ‘My mother, Carolyn Elliot-Wentworth.’
‘Is she here?’
He shook his head. ‘She’s due back next week.’
Sergeant Matthews closed her notebook. ‘I think it’s best we wait for the legal owner to return. If she wishes to report the theft, we’ll consider investigating. Until then—’
‘That’s it?’ Vivienne looked outraged. ‘But I’ve reported a theft. I’ve told you who took the money. Why aren’t you arresting her?’
Jodi’s insides clenched into a painful knot. She wanted to confront Vivienne, to yell that she was innocent, but her mouth wouldn’t work.
The officer continued. ‘It wasn’t your money that was taken, Ms King. The owner may not wish to press charges.’
‘Of course she will! She’s been robbed.’
Sergeant Matthews shrugged. ‘Sorry. Nothing more we can do.’
‘What if I told you I know where she’s stashed it?’ Vivienne pointed to the desk. ‘In there. Locked away. Why else do you think she hides the key? If you don’t believe me, look for yourself. You’ll see I’m telling the truth.’
All eyes turned to look where Vivienne was pointing. Jodi felt Leon brush against her as he backed out of the office. He’d seen enough. No doubt his opinion of her had just lowered even further.
Sergeant Matthews turned to Jodi. ‘Do you have the key?’
Jodi knew they’d find the money inside. It was a set-up. It had to be. She looked at Petrit. His smile was that of a lottery winner.
Tom stepped forwards. ‘I’m sorry, but this doesn’t make sense. If Jodi took the money, why would she be daft enough to leave it on the premises?’
Sergeant Matthews tapped her notebook. ‘He has a point.’
Jodi was grateful for Tom defending her. Would he continue to after the police found the money? She doubted it.
Vivienne and Petrit shared a look. ‘I didn’t say anything before, because Master Thomas hasn’t been well. I didn’t want to add to his stress levels. Madam asked me to keep an eye on him.’
Tom shook his head. ‘That’s bollocks, Vivienne.’
‘And the reason Ms Simmons hasn’t absconded with the money is…well…she hasn’t had the opportunity. I’ve been keeping an eye on her. She was probably waiting until the heat was off before making her getaway.’
Jodi wanted to refute Vivienne’s ludicrous explanation. After all, she’d been on her own on several occasions, but her mouth still wouldn’t work.
Tom rubbed his chest. ‘Jesus, Vivienne. You’ve been reading too many detective novels.’
Sergeant Matthews pocketed her notebook. ‘Like I said earlier, I think we’ll wait until the owner returns—’
‘Did you know she was jailed for theft?’
Jodi wasn’t shocked; she’d been expecting it.
Tom rounded on Vivienne. ‘That was years ago, Vivienne. And it’s not relevant.’
Vivienne gasped. ‘You don’t think a known criminal working at a place where money goes missing is suspicious?’ Vivienne redirected her attention to the police. ‘All I’m asking is that you search her drawer. If I’m wrong so be it. But if I’m right…?’ She left the question hanging.
Sergeant Matthews exchanged a look with Constable Withies.
She turned to Jodi. ‘May I have the key, please?’
There was nothing Jodi could do. Making a fuss would only look more incriminating.
With a heavy heart, she went over to her desk and was about to retrieve the key, when the door burst opened and Becca rushed in. ‘You have to get outside now…a gang of heavies are wrecking your ride.’
Jodi’s hand stilled on the spider plant.
Sergeant Matthews frowned. ‘I beg your pardon?’
Becca’s expression turned sheepish. ‘Err…I said, you need to get outside now…a group of heavies are wrecking your ride?’
Sergeant Matthews barged past her. ‘Withies, come with me.’
Becca rushed over to Tom and whispered something in his ear.
He turned to the group. ‘Until the police return, I think everyone should leave so there’s no question of anything untoward going on. Vivienne? Petrit?’ He ushered everyone out of the office, including Jodi.
What the hell was going on?
The song ‘Fame’ blared out from an amp in reception.
Jodi followed everyone outside…where she discovered the tappers dancing around the police car. They were waving their hands in time to the music and singing about how they were going to ‘live forever’ and ‘learn how to fly’.
The redheaded American woman climbed onto a low wall and attempted a star-jump, which nearly saw her tumbling off.
‘Get down!’ Sergeant Matthews shouted, before turning to her colleague, who was trying not to laugh. ‘Don’t just stand there, do something!’
Two of the tappers managed to get in the poor copper’s way when he tried to reach the woman on the wall. The routine only ended when the woman lost her balance and fell into the arms of the policeman, who staggered to the ground under her weight.
Sergeant Matthews switched off the music. ‘Unless you want to be charged with damaging police property, get away from that vehicle now!’
The crowd queuing at the barrier started clapping, whistling and laughing. Mostly at the redheaded woman, who was making a meal of getting off the young policeman.
‘Back inside!’ Sergeant Matthews yelled.
Like naughty children, they filed inside and returned to the office.
‘I don’t know what’s going on, but unless you want me to slap you with a charge for wasting police time, open the drawer and let’s get this mess sorted.’
Jodi had no idea what was going on, but she knew her time was up.
Resigned to her fate, she went over to her desk and lifted the spider plant. As she handed the key to Constable Withies, all eyes were on him as he eased open the drawer and removed two items. Her rucksack and The Art of War book.
Jodi was surprised when she realised Leon had returned to the office. He was standing by the door. When he saw what book it was, a flicker of something passed across his handsome features, but it was only fleeting. She wished he’d stayed away. This was torturous enough without him there to witness her humiliation.
‘Any trace of the money?’ Sergeant Matthews asked.
‘Nothing, Sergeant.’ He continued to rummage inside the rucksack, removing several items, none of which resembled a wodge of cash. ‘The money isn’t here.’
Jodi startled. It wasn’t?
Vivienne looked annoyed. ‘It must be there. Look again.’
‘Try the safe,’ Leon said, casually leaning against the doorframe.
Vivienne swung around to glare at him. ‘Why would the money be in the safe? She stole it.’ She pointed at Jodi, who was still staring at the empty drawer in disbelief.
Leon shrugged. ‘Who knows? A misunderstanding? An accounting error?’
Tom went over to the safe. ‘Would you believe it?’ he said, removing the money bag.
Sergeant Matthews frowned. ‘Is that the missing money?’
Tom studied the package. ‘Looks like it. It’s the same bank bag.’
‘Are you now saying there hasn’t been a theft? The money was in the safe all along?’
Tom shrugged. ‘It would appear so. Apologies for wasting your time.’
Jodi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. The money hadn’t been in the safe this morning. She knew that for a fact, so who’d put it there?
With an exasperated sigh, Sergeant Matthews beckoned her colleague. ‘Next time you think a crime has been committed check first before calling the police.’ She opened the door. ‘And if I discover any damage to my car, expect a bill.’
Tom waited until they’d left before addressing the group. ‘What the hell is going on?’
Becca stepped forward. ‘Vivienne and Petrit had the money all along. They planted the five grand in Jodi’s drawer and then called the cops.’
Jodi’s legs went from under her. Eddie caught her and lowered her onto a chair.
Vivienne looked outraged. ‘We did no such thing.’
Tom dumped the money bag on the desk. ‘No? Then what’s your explanation?’
‘She…must have moved it. She knew she was about to be caught and panicked.’
‘How did Jodi move it?’ Becca squared up to Vivienne. ‘She was outside with the rest of us.’
‘It was you, then. You’re protecting her. Thieves in it together.’
Leon stepped forward. ‘I moved the money from Jodi’s drawer to the safe.’
That shut Vivienne up.
Jodi gasped. ‘You…you? Why?’
Vivienne jumped in. ‘Because he’s protecting his own. Your sort always stick together.’
Leon turned to her. ‘You’re right, Vivienne. Our sort always do, so that nasty individuals like you don’t get away with ruining an innocent person’s life. You and Petrit put that money in Jodi’s drawer. I saw you do it.’
Tom’s expression hardened. ‘Is that true?’
Vivienne looked flustered. ‘Of course not, Master Thomas. You mustn’t listen to him. They’re in it together.’
Jodi’s mind had gone into a spin.
Leon dug out his phone. ‘I have video footage,’ he said, playing the recording. It was taken through a narrow gap in the doorway and showed Vivienne and Petrit stuffing the money bag into Jodi’s rucksack and placing it in her drawer. ‘You set her up.’
Petrit grunted. ‘Her, not me.’
Vivienne glared at her disloyal accomplice, before turning to Tom. ‘It’s not what you think, Master Thomas.’
‘Spare me.’ Tom looked beyond angry. His blue eyes bore into Vivienne. ‘I trusted you. My mother trusted you. And this is how you repay us? By stealing from the playhouse?’
‘I was doing it for you…for your mother. I never intended to keep the money. I only took it to make you see reason. The woman can’t be trusted. She’s wicked.’
‘The only wicked person in this room is you.’ He turned to Petrit. ‘And you.’
Jodi barely noticed the office door opening.
Tom was on a rant. ‘Jodi has worked her socks off trying to manage the playhouse. She’s had to endure the pair of you abusing her, discriminating against her, and making her life hell. And through it all she’s remained professional and dedicated, showing more loyalty towards my mother than the pair of you put together. And unless you want me to have you both charged with perverting the course of justice, you’ll both leave the playhouse now and never set foot in here again.’
‘Tom?’ The sound of Carolyn’s voice startled everyone.
All heads turned to see the playhouse owner standing in the doorway.
Behind her, stood the four men from the council.
Oh, hell.