Friday, June 26, 1942 - Tuesday, June 30, 1942
The police had concluded their investigation, releasing the train to continue on its trip to Hollywood. The members of the caravan had regathered on the train after spending more time at the Winecoff and now sat in shell-shocked silence in the dining car. Danny still lay in a hospital room, his condition hovering between serious and critical. Charlie had refused to rejoin the caravan without his brother. Robert had insisted the doctors release him, which they had just that morning. Even though police had Mark and had caught up with Artie, he had stuck close to Audra since his release from the hospital. His injured arm was in a sling, bandaged to protect the wound.
The gentle motion of the train rolling down the tracks threatened to lull Audra to sleep. She leaned her head against Robert’s uninjured shoulder, enjoying his close presence.
“What’s next?” Victoria voiced the question that hung unspoken. “Are we headed to our next stop or back to Hollywood?”
Audra sat up, instantly missing the connection with Robert. “The studio heads have decided the train’s going home. The publicity hasn’t gone exactly as they’d hoped, and we’re far enough off schedule that it’s time to return to Hollywood.”
Jim’s face pinched in a pained expression. “What if we want to stay? Finish what we set out to do? It’s not like I’ll ever get to wear a uniform. With my bum knee I couldn’t even get through the physical. This is my chance to be a part of the effort and something bigger than a movie.”
“I agree. We can’t let Artie and Mark win by canceling the tour.” Elizabeth’s cheeks flushed and then she slumped over. “After all, not all of us have roles lined up when we get back. Especially now that it’s known our agent was a homicidal maniac.”
“I’m sorry, but the men I’ve spoken to were adamant. The caravan is over.”
The return trip was somber. By the time the train pulled into Los Angeles’s Union Station on Tuesday, many performers lingered on the platform as if reluctant to separate after all they’d experienced together.
Jim stared at the assembled stars, his cheeks weighed down and eyes heavy. “This caravan was an amazing experience. You are so much more to me than colleagues now. Promise me we won’t let this die.”
With a hiccup, Constance hugged him. “Let’s stay in touch.”
Audra watched the good-byes and hugs from the side. While she’d touched their world, she hadn’t truly entered it. She’d distanced herself the final days, preparing for her return to Indianapolis.
Robert had stayed close, his shoulder bound with bandages and his arm held in a sling, telling stories and probing into her past. He had even pried stories about Rosemary from her. It had been a sweet release to laugh and cry.
Now that they were back in Hollywood, reality set in. She needed to stop by Rosemary’s apartment, clean it out, and board the next flight to Indianapolis. Daddy said she needed to return without further delay, and she knew he was right. She’d done what she’d set out to do and it was time to go be with her family.
As she watched her new friends in their good-byes, she was surprised by the sense that even though she needed to leave, a part of her wanted to stay. Robert joined her on the platform, and their shoulders touching. She memorized the feel of him next to her and the scent of his spicy cologne.
“Is this the little lady?”
Audra jolted from her thoughts to find a man in a tailored three-piece suit striding toward her. He commanded attention and respect in the very way he carried himself. Then there were the two men and a woman trailing behind him. Even Robert jerked to attention beside her.
“Miss Schaeffer? I’m Samuel Mayer.” He stuck his hand out, and she shook it. “I’ve heard good things about you and your role in catching the men behind the murders. You have my thanks.” He snapped his fingers and the woman stepped toward her, extending a card. “Here’s my card. If you’re ever looking for work, contact me. I want people like you working at my studio.”
“Thank you, sir.” She took the card and tucked it in her purse, though she doubted she would keep it.
“All right. I’ve got cars waiting up front to deposit you at studios or apartments. Good job, everyone. Way to push through tragedies to help with the war effort.” He clapped his hands, and Audra had to stifle a laugh as the others hopped to attention and grabbed their bags.
Victoria hurried up to her. “I wish you’d stay. Please promise you’ll stay in touch?”
“I’d like that.”
“Then do it.” The star winked at her. “I have a feeling we won’t have to do it from across the country either. Not if a certain someone has his way.”
Audra laughed then hugged Victoria. “We’ll see. Good-bye, Victoria.”
“For now.” Victoria strode after Mr. Mayer, the eyes of every man drinking her in. The reaction left Audra no doubt that Victoria’s star would rise to top billing soon.
She leaned down to pick up her bag but stopped when she noticed the masculine fingers that grasped the handle. Her gaze traveled up Robert’s length, savoring the sight of him. Could she love him from a distance? Walk away and let others enter his heart?
She stood, shuddering at the thought.
“Let me come with you.” Robert studied her, his face wearing a hang-dog expression.
Audra stared at him then shook her head. “The problem with a relationship with an actor is I could never know if you’re sincere.”
“Trust my heart. Trust my intentions. Trust my love.”
Oh, how she wanted to.
“But if you come with me to Indianapolis, it doesn’t mean I’ll come back here.”
“Maybe. But I still want to come.” Robert shrugged. “I can’t do anything on screen for a while anyway. And I want to meet your family, share my condolences. And see you in your home.”
She studied his face, trying to gauge his sincerity. “All right. I hope to get a seat on tomorrow’s flight.”
“Take care of Rosemary’s apartment. I’ll arrange the tickets and come by tomorrow to get you.” He carried her suitcase to a waiting taxi and opened the door for her. Before she slipped inside, he kissed her cheek. “Until tomorrow.”
Audra collapsed against the seat and gave the driver Rosemary’s address. Her emotions buzzed in a troubled, confused mix. If Robert really came home with her, what would her parents think of him? And would he like what he saw? The palm trees flowed past the window, standing stark against the bright blue, cloudless sky. Before she was ready, the cab pulled to the curb in front of Rosie’s building, and the driver pulled her suitcase from the trunk. She paid him and then tugged the case toward the side entrance. After unlocking the door and putting the bag inside, she stared. Boxes were stacked against one wall, the contents of the wardrobe and kitchen area packed for her. She left and went back around to the front where she rang Mrs. Margeson’s button.
The landlady hugged her. “My dear, what a trip you had.” She stepped away and studied Audra. “We need tea. Follow me.” She bustled to the kitchen and filled the teapot. “Tell me all about your trip.” Mrs. Margeson prepared their tea as Audra related a few stories.
Audra took a sip then touched Mrs. Margeson’s hand. “Thank you. For packing so many of Rosie’s things.”
“It was nothing. I had a few spare moments and needed to fill them. I left her desk for you, though. I thought there might be private things that should be left to family to sort.”
“I’ll do that tonight. Tomorrow I’ll fly home.”
“Leave whatever you don’t want, and I’ll see they go to people who can use them.”
“Thank you. For everything.” They hugged, and then Audra returned to the apartment.
The evening passed as she worked her way through the stacks piled on and around Rosemary’s desk. Much of it she pitched into an empty box so it could be put out with the garbage. She sorted the final stack and stopped when she reached an envelope with her name scrawled across it in Rosie’s handwriting.
Audra stared at it then turned it over. The envelope had not been sealed, and she slipped out the sheet of paper.
Dear Audra,
Hollywood hasn’t been quite the adventure I imagined. I’m sure you’ve noticed in my recent calls. You always read me like one of the books you enjoy. I don’t regret coming, but I do regret some of the decisions I’ve made. I’m in over my head, but don’t worry about me. I’ll find a way out. Maybe I’ll follow my friend Rachel and come home, but first I have to see if I can land a role in a movie. I’m giving it another three months. Then. ..well, we’ll see what happens.
Don’t worry about me...I know you are. I’ll be fine. You always worry too much, especially about things you can’t control, like me. I love that about you.
Much love,
Rosie
Audra folded the paper and slipped it back in the envelope. She tucked it in her purse. Rosemary knew her well, knew she’d worry about all the things Rosie wasn’t saying. Audra wiped her eyes. She’d always wonder what might have happened if she’d flown to Hollywood earlier, but for now she surrendered that burden over to God yet again.
The next morning Robert came by with a cab in time to catch an early afternoon flight from Los Angeles. After another long series of flights, but before she’d mentally prepared, her daddy met them at the airport the next morning. He hugged Audra then studied Robert. “This the actor you mentioned?”
“Yes, sir.”
“It’s nice to meet you. Thanks for escorting Audra home.” He pumped Robert’s hand once. “Well, your mother is waiting at home. Let’s get your bags and go.” He led them to the Buick, shoulders slumped and face holding a lifetime of grief.
They loaded the luggage and then she and Robert slid into the back seat as her daddy started the car. He eased out of the parking lot and pointed the car home.
“Can we stop at the cemetery?” Audra grasped Robert’s hand, realizing she’d never even asked where they’d bought a plot.
Daddy clenched his jaw then released it. “Now? Before you see your mother?”
“Please.”
He must have heard something in her voice, because he nodded and started driving in the direction away from home. He turned the car onto 38th Street and eventually turned in to Crown Hill Cemetery. The car eased through the rows of graves until he reached Rosie’s area. Stopping the car, he turned to look at her. “She’s at the top of that rise. You’ll see a small white marker with her name. Your mama wants to plant a rose bush there, but hasn’t yet. Go say your good-byes.” He swallowed hard and rubbed an eye. “I’ll wait here.”
Audra opened her door and Robert moved to open his, but she shook her head. “I need a minute alone with her. Please.”
He considered her then nodded. “I’ll be here when you’re ready.”
“Thank you.” She slid out of the car and walked up the hill in the direction Daddy had pointed. Tears clouded her vision and she stumbled among the markers until she found one with her sister’s name. Rosemary Elaine Schaeffer. Audra sank to her knees beside the mound. She pulled Rosie’s letter from her purse and reread it. Carefully she folded it and returned it to her bag.
“I’m so sorry, Rosie. I couldn’t come back for the service, not until I tried the impossible. But I did it. I found your killer and the man behind it. It looks like Artie will go to jail for a very long time, and Mark will likely get the death penalty.” She tugged one of Robert’s handkerchiefs from her pocket and studied it. “I’m sorry I didn’t get to you in time. But I’m not sorry I went to Hollywood. I’ve met the most amazing man. His name is Robert Garfield. You knew him. He makes me feel beautiful and like I’m the only person in the world. Can you imagine that? I’m still amazed he notices me. He talks about a future, but I don’t know what Mama and Daddy will think. And I don’t know that I can live in Hollywood, not after what happened to you.” She wiped her cheeks with the handkerchief. “I miss you.”
She heard footsteps and turned to see Robert walking up the hill. He paused a few feet away.
“May I join you?”
“Please.” She patted the grass next to her.
He sat next to her and tucked her against his side. “I could get used to you sitting next to me like this.”
Audra toyed with the charms on her bracelet. “Thanks for coming with me.”
“Glad to do it. It could be a bit before the next contract since my agent’s implosion.”
“What if you don’t get another contract?”
“Then God will have something else for me.” He tipped her chin up until she met his gaze. “I enjoy acting and transporting audiences into a story, but I don’t have to do that for the rest of my life.” He shrugged. “I try to be open to what God has for me.”
Audra snuggled against him and watched the sun play across Rosie’s grave. After a few minutes she leaned away. “Time to go see Mama.”
The car had barely pulled in front of the house when Mama rushed through the front door and clasped Audra in a hug. “You’re home.” Warm tears fell on her as Mama held her. “I’ve missed you.” She released Audra and turned to Robert. “I do believe you have someone to introduce me to.”
Robert laughed and stuck out his hand. “Robert Garfield, ma’am.”
Confusion flashed across Mama’s face as she shook it. “Lana Garfield’s husband?”
“Not anymore. She divorced me two years ago.”
Mama looked from Audra to Robert. “I see. Well, welcome. I’ve got brunch ready to go on the table.”
Throughout the meal Mama and Daddy pumped Audra for information about Rosie, sending an occasional question Robert’s direction. After the meal, Daddy patted his stomach. “Thanks for the good meal, Mama. Robert, you have a minute?”
Audra played with her bracelet while watching them leave the room.
Mama must have read her disquiet, because she motioned Audra up. “Help me with the dishes.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Audra cleared the table while Mama filled the sink.
“What is going on with you and that man?” Mama kept her tone neutral but her eyes probed Audra.
Audra sighed and leaned against the counter. “I think he’s serious about us, but I wasn’t sure what you and Daddy would think.”
Mama chewed her lower lip. “The divorce bothers me.”
“It is unusual here. I’ve learned Hollywood is a very different place. And he’s made it clear he wanted to make the marriage work. Lana wouldn’t hear of it. He’s got a good heart.”
“Does he have faith?”
“Yes.”
“Then we’ll have to pray for clarity. How long is he staying?”
Audra shrugged. “I haven’t asked.” She sighed. “The house feels so empty without Rosie.”
“She hasn’t lived here for a year, but I understand. Something is missing.”
The men rejoined them, Robert looking a bit pale. Audra frowned at her father. “What did you do to the poor man?”
“Only what a good father does. Checking his intentions.”
“Daddy!”
After spending a week with the Schaeffers, Robert returned to Hollywood, and Audra tried to settle back into her life in Indianapolis. Mr. Clarion allowed her to return to her job but told her she’d have to wait for another case that would be appropriate for a woman to try. Audra tried to be content, but something important had disappeared from her life. Robert called a couple times a week, but that wasn’t the same as sharing a table with him. She missed looking into his eyes, reading his heart. After a few weeks, Daddy asked her to join him for a walk after dinner. They walked a couple of blocks toward a city park, a comfortable silence between them.
When they reached the park, he led her to a bench and they sat.
“What’s on your mind, Daddy?”
“You and your young man.” He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and swiped his forehead. “Indianapolis isn’t your home anymore.”
“Why would you say that?”
“You’ve been dutiful, doing everything as you always have, but you light up when that young man calls.” He shoved the handkerchief back in his pocket and turned to Audra. “Your mother and I are not thrilled that he’s been married and divorced. However, we’ve prayed about it and feel peace. You are a grown woman, and I know from watching you that you don’t easily give your heart away. If it is your desire, you have your mother’s and my permission to see what develops with Robert.”
“What if he asks me to marry him?”
“Then we trust you to say yes only after you’re certain you know God’s heart on the matter.” He put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a lopsided hug. “You are my only remaining child, Audra. I don’t want to get in the way of what God may have for you. Robert seems like a good man. All we ask is that you know your heart before you proceed.”
“I will. I may already know it.”
He squeezed her hand. “I thought you’d say that.”
They made their way back to the house. A man waited on the front porch for them, a glass of water sitting next to him. He stood as soon as they turned up the walk to the house.
“Robert?” Audra froze, uncertain her eyes weren’t deceiving her.
He hurried down the steps and wrapped her in an embrace. She breathed deeply, the scent of his spicy cologne smelling wonderful.
Daddy cleared his throat, and Audra felt her cheeks flush. “Don’t forget our conversation.”
“Yes, sir.”
The screen door closed behind Daddy, and Robert pulled her to the chairs on the porch. “What was this conversation? Anything I should know?”
“First, what are you doing here?”
“I have a contract offer. It’s a seven-year contract with a studio, but before I sign it, I had to see you. Hollywood has been empty without you, Audra.” He ran his fingers over hers. “I miss you.”
“It’s been the same way here.” She smiled. “I got used to having you around.”
He tweaked her nose. “Having me around? Then come back to Hollywood.”
“I don’t know. What’s waiting there?”
“I am.” Robert’s expression was serious as he looked at her. “We have a future together, but not from across the country.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Remember Sam Mayer? He doesn’t offer jobs to just anyone. Besides, only God could have put the two of us together. A girl from Indiana and a boy from Arizona meeting in Hollywood. That has God written all over it.”
Audra looked down then took a breath and stared into the depths of Robert’s blue eyes. “The only way I’ll come is if it’s forever.”
He didn’t flinch from her gaze. “I will promise you forever, Audra.”
“You won’t regret not being with another star?”
“Not when I’m holding the one God created for me.” He slid to one knee in front of her. “I love you, Audra Schaeffer. You care deeply and are a beautiful woman, one I want to grow old with. Marry me and I will be blessed among men.”
She searched his eyes and found nothing but wells of love. Her heart soared in response. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Robert whooped and stood to his feet. He rushed down the stairs and into the street. “Audra Schaeffer’s agreed to marry me!”
He rushed back to her and swung her around, and she laughed with delight from the security of his arms.