A single spotlight beam, center stage, illuminated Sage McCloud. She held the microphone in her hand, raising it to her mouth. "Hasn't this been the most amazing concert so far?" she asked the audience.
Applause erupted with an occasional "bravo" thrown in for good measure. Sage waited for the applause to die down, a small smile on her lips. "Before we hear the final song from the Tone Rangers and my bandmate Olivia Greer, I have an announcement."
Olivia looked down the row at her singers. They stared ahead, as if frozen to their seats.
Abbey's wringing her hands and Legend's twisting the collar of her shirt.
Olivia caught Abbey's eye, giving her a thumbs-up.
Abbey nodded, leaning into Anais for support. As soon as Sage put the microphone back, the four singers slid from their seats toward stage right. Olivia followed, the last in line.
Stopping behind the curtain, the Tone Rangers huddled together.
"We've got this," said Olivia, sharing a bright grin. "Now it's time to have some fun."
"Donations will be collected after the finale. If you see a Tone Ranger with a top hat, just drop your contribution in the basket." Sage finished telling the audience about Dave and the donations, followed by mild applause.
As soon as the clapping stopped, Olivia poked her head out from the curtain. The single spotlight from above began to dim. She gathered her confidence around her like an armored coat, striding center stage, hearing instead of seeing the audience.
From the top of her head she felt the heat of the spotlights covering her shoulders, then her midsection, then her entire body, just as they had practiced in rehearsal. Once the light reached her feet, an illumination of light circle formed on the stage. Then and only then did Olivia inhale.
Her voice filled the auditorium.
In one phrase she felt a shift in the room, the audience listening, bringing their full attention. She held the last note, feeling it drop into her chest before she began the next phrase.
She became aware of her singing voice and her thinking voice, communicating silently at the same time.
Like the words in this song, that's what I want for all of you. Become yourselves, Tone Rangers, no matter what your parents say.
Olivia took a deep breath as she launched into the chorus, "Teach your children well."
The audience, mesmerized by her voice, held a collective breath.
Most of you know this song. Go ahead then, her inner voice nearly shouted.
As if they heard the unspoken invitation, voices in the front row began to hum along with the chorus. Soon other voices joined in, then people from the middle and the back of the auditorium began to sway.
She'd known all along, because Olivia was born knowing, that the entire audience would join in singing. If they knew the words they'd add their voices, and if they didn't, they'd hum along.
But then, she dropped her voice back to a near whisper of a song, and the audience knew to drop back with her. As she continued to sing Olivia heard the soft scuffling feet behind her. The Tone Rangers slid silently into place, just as they'd rehearsed. She finished her verse and they stepped forward.
Anais and Abbey to her left, with Legend and Raleigh to the right. She felt a hand on her shoulder and then a pat.
That must be Anais.
Tingles came up her spine as she inhaled deeply. "And you of tender years…" The Tone Rangers now joined her, echoing in a close harmony, supporting Olivia's solo. "Can you hear and do you care."
An electric current ran up her spine.
We found the groove.
And as soon as the teens took over the harmonies, Olivia dropped out, leaving them on their own. She slipped away to stand off stage.
Now the audience fell quiet, listening to the interweaving harmonies interpret the Graham Nash "Teach Your Children" song. As the singers increased their volume, the audience collectively leaned forward, anticipating the traditional Tone Ranger finale, where they gradually grew louder and louder, ending with a big sound.
They rounded toward the final chorus, the one that really mattered. The one Olivia had rehearsed with them over and over. Abbey took a step forward. She stood directly in the spotlight.
In the clearest of sopranos, Abbey sang, her voice soaring above the audience, Then Legend stood next to Abbey and took her hand as they sang together. Anais and Raleigh joined them then the light beamed down on the four teens, holding hands, singing in tight, exuberant harmony.
And then, when the Tone Rangers reached the last chord in full volume, they dropped hands and the spotlight went out. They didn't wait to take their well-earned bow, nor did they wait for the applause. They filed off the stage, passing by Olivia through the side stage exit.
No one in the audience spoke or made a sound. As Olivia had predicted, silence filled the auditorium, a sound so big it felt louder than any applause.
"Teach your parents well," muttered Olivia to the kids. "And so you did."
Later on at the reception, Raleigh Ulrich spoke to Olivia. "I'd like you to meet my parents."
"Sure, Raleigh, I'll follow you."
They sidled up to a couple in their mid fifties. Olivia held out her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you," she said.
"I've heard so much about you this week," commented the tall man with graying hair.
Raleigh's eyes.
He shook her hand firmly. "I'm Robert Ulrich and this is my wife, Lucy."
She stood as tall as her husband, sharing a huge smile. "Raleigh says you really care about your students."
Raleigh's smile and sensitive chin.
Olivia shook Lucy's hand. "I had no idea Raleigh felt that way. They keep their feelings to themselves."
Mr. Ulrich nodded in agreement. "I can now see what Raleigh meant. You don't flinch at the pronouns."
Olivia modestly ducked her chin. "I have some slipups, especially in my thinking. But my spoken words are getting better."
"It took us a while too." Lucy patted Olivia's arm. "The fact that you care enough to try makes me so happy."
"Mom," interrupted Raleigh, "have a bite to eat; these cookies are amazing."
"Thank you, dear," Lucy replied, selecting one from the top.
"I'll introduce you to our cook." They offered Olivia a cookie before sliding away to return the plate to the buffet table.
Robert Ulrich's eyes narrowed. He looked around the room. "Do you know the chef?" he asked Olivia.
"I do. He's over by the donation table talking to Simon Court."
Swallowing the last bite of cookie, he wiped a crumb from his lip and then turned to Olivia. "What do you think of the academic program here? Is it up to elite college standards? We're thinking about Harvard for Raleigh, though studying isn't their favorite."
"Does Raleigh have any academic challenges?" Olivia asked.
"Not since Simon Court took over. Raleigh's improved in every subject. I'm concerned that without a tutor they may lose ground. And as delicious as those cookies might be, I didn't send them here to eat cookies all day."
"Honestly, Olivia—may I call you Olivia? Raleigh has no time to lose. Every minute counts to prepare for college admissions."
"I think you might want to talk to Sage McCloud, the principal, about your concerns." Olivia smiled, breaking eye contact with the concerned father.
I'd better end this conversation before I blab about any school politics.
"I have to go," she said, smiling apologetically. "Lots of parents to meet."
"I see Court over there and I'd like to have a word," Raleigh's father added, moving away.
"Don't forget to write a check for that poor man's wife and baby," Lucy called after him. "A big check, dear. She’ll need lots of help."
Instead of heading straight toward Anais and her grands, Olivia followed closely behind Robert. Then she veered right as he approached the donation table. Instead of engaging in another conversation, she leaned against the wall to eavesdrop.
Simon Court and Cookie Kravitz were deep in conversation. Robert Ulrich stood close by. Olivia snagged a cookie from a student server, holding it in her hand as a decoy.
Court spoke the loudest. "Stop worrying, Ulrich. I'll get you a locker key before you leave this weekend. Raleigh can pick up the paperwork. I only need a couple of signatures. He can sign for you if you want. It's no big deal."
"Why not send it electronically?" asked Cookie.
"Because papers can't be traced," said Court. "I'm surprised you haven't figured that out."
"What's to trace?" asked Cookie.
Court faced him, a snarl on his lips. "Don't play dumb with me, Kravitz. This isn't your first rodeo."
Maybe Raleigh's father isn't as innocent as he seems.
Before she could pull out her cell phone, Anais and the grands made their way toward Olivia.
"What did you think?" the girl asked, her face all smiles. "Were we a hit?"
Olivia opened her arms to give Anais a quick hug. "You were amazing. The Tone Rangers never sounded better." Anais leaned into Olivia's shoulder.
Her grandfather spoke first. "An unconventional performance." He cleared his throat. "Not quite the thing for auditions. I'm sure you'll coach them differently by then."
"Just a few weeks away," added Jean Butler. "Anais will be traveling to take her SAT next weekend. Is there a way she can practice while she's gone?"
Olivia glanced over at Anais, who stared at the buffet table.
Is she listening to what they're saying?
"From my perspective, the song 'Teach Your Children' would make an excellent audition song."
Carl's head jerked back. "You know colleges aren't looking for a cappella groups who are trying to teach a message to their parents. The competition is as bad as sports. Each student has to be well behaved with no incidents of drug use or poor academic attendance. They want quality harmony and attractive dress. Like those boots, for example." He pointed to Anais's feet. "Not for judges of Ivy League colleges."
Jean pulled Anais by the hand. "When Anais lost her old hiking boots, she made us buy new ones just like yours. She admires you so much. But now it's time to get her hair styled and to build a performance wardrobe for auditions. She requires heels, not boots."
Anais looked beseechingly at Olivia.
"Appearance is a consideration," Olivia said hesitantly.
"All the other a cappella groups have elaborate stage costumes and more conventional show choir costumes," explained Anais's grandmother. “They dress up for their interviews as well. Anais has to look young and vibrant and of course sexy. That will get her the early bid."
A grandmother wanting her granddaughter to turn on the sex appeal. Now that's not something I'd considered.
Carl Butler turned to look across the room. "You girls chat while I go talk to Simon Court. I hope he has a replacement for the other guy. What's his name again?"
"Dave, Dave Franco," said Anais in a loud voice. "He was not just 'the other guy,' he played in Olivia's band."
Anais looks ready to burst into tears.
Feeling the girl's discomfort, Olivia said, "Come with me, Anais, there are some amazing chocolate chip cookies that have your name on them." Olivia took the girl by the hand, eyeing Simon Court, who had moved across the room. He stood overseeing the crowd, like a gladiator ready for battle.
Circling behind a group of students, Olivia pointed to the cookies as Anais smiled gratefully.
"Can I help you ladies?" asked Cookie. He stood behind the refreshment table, refilling a plate with savory nibbles.
"What are those?" asked Olivia.
Cookie ran his fingers through his goatee. "I'm dropping these off at another table. Cheese, bacon, and chili bites. They're very popular with the parents, I hope I made enough."
"I'll have a cookie." Anais pointed to the plate at the other end of the table.
"Is there something no one likes?" asked Olivia. "I'll try one."
"You're an odd duck. No one wants what other people don't want."
"I always want what other people don't want. Just call me oppositional."
A clear voice came from behind Cookie. "Or you can call her a pain in the behind like the rest of the town."
"Officer Jets," Olivia mumbled, holding a chili bite to her mouth. "These are amazing!" she exclaimed. "I'll take two more."
Cookie laughed, reaching for the platter. "Add some dipping sauce and you'll be a complete convert," he suggested, pointing to a small table by the kitchen door.
Olivia took her plate, heading toward the condiment table. She was waylaid by Abbey Court.
"Olivia," she said, "could we talk, just the two of us?"
"Let's duck into the kitchen and chat. Want a chili bite?"
"Oh no," said Abbey. "I'm too upset to eat." Abbey held the door for Olivia as she walked into the kitchen.
"We could talk in the pantry." Olivia gestured with her head.
"Where the lockers are?"
"Yes. There’s a small table with two chairs."
Once in the door, they sat down at the small round table. Abbey cleared her throat.
"I know I was supposed to tell someone a lot sooner than this, but I didn't know who. That police officer is kind of mean."
"Officer Jets?"
Abbey nodded. "I didn't want to tell Rydell either. He'd go right to my father."
"You don't confide in your father?"
Abbey shook her head. "I have to be very careful what I say to Daddy. He's easily upset and he’s overworked. I don't want to be the cause of any problem for him, he's done so much for me and the Tone Rangers."
Olivia wanted to disagree. "But you've done the work, right? You're the one who gets the grades and goes to rehearsals. You're the one who organizes all of the auditions and takes care of the group, or least you were the one until recently."
"I do what I can. That's why I want to tell you something. Something about Dave and the day he died. This investigation is going to mess up our schedules if it continues into the week, so I'm hoping that Jets woman will arrest someone so that we can get back to a normal routine." Abbey leaned forward. "I saw Dave fall off the cliff."
Olivia's eyes narrowed. "You saw him fall?"
Abbey nodded. "That's right. He stood on the edge and looked down. Then he fell face forward and disappeared from my sight."
"So you weren't standing close to him?"
"I was running and saw him from the forest, a few feet away."
Abbey's face remained composed.
Olivia felt a tingle up her spine. "Did you call out or try to stop him?"
"It was too late. I ran as fast as I could to get help."
"When you say fall, do you mean he tripped and lost his balance? That kind of fall?"
"I don't know." Abbey ducked her chin toward her chest. Other than hiding her face, Olivia detected no emotions coming from the girl.
"Why tell me now?" asked Olivia.
"Because my dad is upset. The police are threatening to cancel classes this week. Daddy talked to Raleigh's parents and Anais's grands. They all agree. We can't afford to lose the time with early admission coming up so soon."
"That would make your dad happy?"
"It would help," said Abbey, moving her hand from her chin, revealing her entire face.
Now I'm really confused. Abbey tells me that Dave fell off the cliff, yet Janis's report confirmed that Dave was pushed. So Abbey is lying.
Olivia chewed the last bite, taking time to respond. "You need to talk to Officer Jets about what you saw. She's the official lead of the investigation."
Abbey blinked. "That's all you can say?" Pushing her chair away, she abruptly stood. "I'll talk to Officer Jets. Thanks for not helping." She stomped away, leaving the door to the pantry open.
Olivia tossed her paper plate into the trash. She looked around the small room, her eyes stopping at the row of lockers.
I wish I still had my key.
Olivia walked into the main kitchen and heard familiar pawing against the door from outside.
Opening the door carefully, she smiled at Mayor Maguire.
M&M trotted past Olivia, holding something in his mouth. He walked around the kitchen prep table sniffing the floor. When he made a full circle, he returned to Olivia.
Olivia gestured to him, bending down as he sat at her feet. "What do you have there, M&M? Is that a shoe?" She tickled his chin. When he didn't drop what was in his mouth, she tugged at the end.
Mayor Maguire crouched down on his front legs, growling as an invitation to play tug-of-war.
"Drop it," Olivia said in her commanding voice.
The dog looked up, considering his options, the toe of what looked like a boot still clamped in his mouth.
"Leave it," Olivia tried, unsure what command he'd been taught.
Jaws loosened as the entire boot fell to the floor.
"A hiking boot," Olivia said aloud. She picked it up and held it in her hand.
A size 8½ medium-width right-footed hiking boot. I wonder what happened to the left?
The boot in her hand had been imprinted with tooth marks. She looked inside the worn boot.
This looks like a woman's boot, or a very small man’s.
Mayor Maguire pushed against her knee with his nose.
"Okay, M&M, I'm sorry, but I have to keep the boot. This may be important evidence for Janis Jets's case. You are a good doggie." Olivia patted the mayor, scanning the kitchen.
She walked toward the sink, looking into the cupboard beneath. Sure enough, paper bags had been neatly folded and stacked. She took one, opened it, and dropped the boot inside.
"If anyone asks, I can call this a doggie bag. Not exactly a lie, is it, Mayor?"
Olivia made her way into the dining room, the dog at her heels. She scanned the room and found Michael standing in the corner talking to Janis.
Just the two people I need to see.
"Olivia?"
Sage stood in front of her, eyes swollen from crying.
"Hey, are you okay?"
Sage covered her face with her hand, her shoulders shaking.
"Oh honey, what's wrong?" asked Olivia.
Sage shook her head back and forth without speaking.
"Let's get away from this crowd. Come on, let’s go back through the kitchen. We can sit in the grove and talk."
The room grew quiet as people began to stare.
Olivia gripped Sage's shoulder, pulling her close. "Nothing to see here, folks. My sister gets very emotional after recitals." Olivia walked backward toward the kitchen door, M&M close to her side. She bent closer to Sage's ear to whisper, "Don't worry. Everything will be okay."
Through the kitchen and then outside the back door, Sage and Olivia walked toward the woods. "I just want to get away from this place," Sage muttered.
"That's just what we're doing," Olivia said, her arm still wrapped around Sage's shoulders. By the time they sat side by side on the bench, Olivia couldn't hear the voices from the Curated Cuisine. Even Sage's shoulders had stopped shaking.
"I'm so sorry. I've made a fool of myself in front of the very people I wanted to impress." Sage sniffed into her sleeve.
"But the recital went so well, what's the matter?" asked Olivia.
"I thought the recital was a big hit. That is until Simon Court accosted me afterward."
"He's just a bully," Olivia said soothingly.
"A bully who fired me ten minutes ago." Sage burst into tears again, her hands forming fists. "He smiled when he did it too, as if he enjoyed my pain. I hate him!"
Olivia felt her stomach knot. "I don't think one person, even the board president, can fire you. There is a process which requires warnings and paperwork and counseling. I know you're angry right now, but there must be a way to fight back. We'll figure this out, don't worry. We're sisters and we'll find a way, even if we have to hire an attorney."
She felt her arm nudged by Mayor Maguire. He leaned past Olivia's knee, laying his head on Sage's lap.