Helena Goes to Hollywood: A Helena Morris Mystery (24 page)

I avoided the cameras and paparazzi by staying inside while Ricky and the uniformed cops went out and took her to the police station. Needing a ride, I called Jordan and convinced him to come get me at the back door even though libraries were so tragically out of fashion.

I
walked into the mansion with a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Sonia charged me and hugged me.

“It’s true? They arrested someone?” she asked.

“Hail the conquering goddess.” Jordan curtsied like a pro.

“Yes, that San Bernardino sister went off her meds. They’ve got her in custody.” The heat was off my sister and onto someone who had an obsession and a motive. If her wires got crossed on Brian and Danny and all that anger raged up, murder could happen. I’d read cases at the Academy where people murdered for much less.

“What about Fluffy?” Sonia asked.

My head fell back. “They’re going to serve a search warrant on her car, her home, and especially her computer. If she took Fluffy we’ll get her back.”

I shuffled to the couch and sank down.

“I hope so.” Sonia didn’t appear as relieved as I’d hoped.

“Aren’t you happy?” I asked.

She shrugged. “I’m glad they caught the person. I just don’t know—I can’t believe it was a fan. That’s so awful.”

Jordan comforted my sister. “Didn’t you hear Hel? Meds, the girl was a few stitches short of a Prada bag. Darling Sonia, you’re safe and that’s the key here.”

Sonia nodded. “I know. Was she after me?”

I thought about that. “Claims not to be, but if she was messed up on her meds it’s possible she was doing the stalking thinking this was still Danny’s house. Then she figured out it wasn’t.”

“If she’s got a screw loose, sweetie, you did everyone a favor.” Jordan steered Sonia over to the bar and mixed some drinks. “Now, how about we celebrate and have dinner on the town?”

“No, I can’t do that. It’d look terrible.” Sonia took a long drink.

“She’s right, we should lay low for now until the charges and pleas are in. At least Sonia’s off the hook.” I rubbed my temples and wanted quiet more than anything.

Then the doorbell rang.

“It’s the press.” Sonia joined me on the couch. “I can’t deal with that.”

“You want me to answer the door?” Jordan asked.

I surveyed him. I’d grown so accustomed to his outfits that I didn’t really think how they’d play outside of California. But the low-rider capris in peach and the green blouse tied to show off his ab muscles were a bit out there.

“I’ll get it,” I said.

Checking through the peephole first, I was pleasantly surprised at who was on the other side. “It’s Harriet.”

“Who?” Sonia asked absently.

“Sam’s sister,” I filled in. “Your agent. You really are off your game.”

Opening the door, I did see some paps camped out across the street. I ushered her in quickly and closed the door.

“What brings you by?” Sonia asked.

“Sorry to drop in unannounced, but I saw the news and was so thrilled.” Harriet was decked out in black leggings, a black and white horizontally striped shirt, and a black beret.

“It’s not official yet. They’re doing searches and stuff.” I took one of the big bags she had. “What’s all this?”

“It’s my experimental cooking day. My chef and I do it once a week and I get creative. When I saw the news I knew you couldn’t go out to eat, so I decided to bring some stuff to you. Hope you don’t mind.”

“You’re a lifesaver!” Sonia sat up on the couch and smiled for the first time in a while.

“It’s a little different so you have to be open.” Harriet set the bags down on the dining room table.

I inhaled deeply and the scents contradicted each other. “We can always order in. Really, you don’t have to feed us.”

“Please, Sam hates my weird cooking. He’s so traditional that he still likes sushi.” Harriet suppressed a laugh.

“How last decade.” Jordan rolled his eyes.

“Well, I’m cutting edge. I’ve got Cajun kugel and biscuits with chocolate gravy.”

The silence couldn’t be denied.

“I didn’t think kugel was Cajun.” It was the nicest comment I had.

“It’s called fusion cooking, taking two entirely different things and melding them together. It’s delicious.”

“Do the biscuits go with the chocolate gravy or is the chocolate for ice cream?” Jordan’s smile was nearing a grimace.

“I know it sounds gross but believe me, I tried it. It’s really good.”

I didn’t care for biscuits and gravy the normal way. My stomach registered no hunger, only fear.

“It’s been such a stressful day, Harriet, I’m not sure I can eat anything spicy and experimental. Might not be good for me today,” I said.

Sonia glared at me. “I think it’s so sweet of you to feed us. I can’t wait, but I’ve got to watch the calories.”

Harriet laughed. “Please, you’re a stick. You need to eat something before you disappear.”

“I’ll have Lupe bring out some dishes and silverware. She was making chicken breasts so that’ll go perfect.” Sonia went into the kitchen with a spring back in her step.

If it was me off the hook for a murder charge, I’d be ready to eat anything and skipping too. But nothing was final until they found hard evidence or had a signed confession. I expected Vicky’s sister to get her a lawyer and they’d argue that it wasn’t a real confession.

All I could hope was Ricky got her to confess in writing or on tape before the sister and lawyer got to Vicky. Maybe we got the right woman who was behind it all; no more stalkers lingering in bushes. I hoped.

“W
e’ve got to change and get to the party.” Sonia raced up the stairs after a long day on the set.

It felt like déjà vu ran through me.

“What party?” I asked.

Sonia’s behavior had been erratic since Danny’s death. At times she appeared completely back to normal then at others she seemed on the verge of breaking down. I was exhausted from the roller coaster.

It was Friday night. Episode two of her show successfully taped; ‘in the can’ as they called it. I wanted to get some rest. Since the murder, there had been no more notes on the cars or any indication that anyone was trying to enter the house. She was in danger but we could relax a little inside the house. She’d settled in back at work although I wasn’t letting her go anywhere alone.

“I didn’t tell you? Sorry, a friend of mine from the soap is throwing a big party for her twentieth year on the show.”

“I’m sure she’d understand the stress you’re under and the danger you’re in. Blame me for not letting you go.” I’d rather take the blame and have her safe.

“She was my mentor. I have to go.” She whined from the second floor.

I knew the tone. My sister could be too nice to people. Really, tonight was for her to show off that she was okay and going on with her life. Maybe there would be more support with the soap crew?

“Won’t it be hard?” I asked.

“I have to go,” she called. “It’s the right thing.”

I headed up the stairs. “It’ll remind you of Danny. Wasn’t Faith on the show too?” I watched Sonia change into a sequined short red dress.

“She was an extra on the show and she’s entitled to be invited as much as anyone. I don’t know if she’ll go but I have to be there. They were like my family when I moved to L.A. It’ll be good for me.” She sorted through her purses and found a red one that matched.

“So am I your date?” I joked.

Sonia shrugged. “It’s sort of an open house event so I can bring as many people as I want. Why?”

“Backup can’t hurt, especially at a big party.”

Sonia grinned. “We can bring Jordan. I’ll call him.”

Not that Jordan wasn‘t a tall strong man but I‘d feel better with someone armed. A few impromptu martial arts lessons in the wardrobe room didn’t make Jordan a black belt. I‘d feel better with more experienced backup in a crowded and unsecured situation.

“That’s good. What if you bring him and I’ll bring someone else?” I asked.

“You’ve got a date?” she asked with a sisterly grin.

“Just Ricky.”

“Cops! I’m tired of them. But Ricky is okay. Hot and he likes you a lot. Get dressed, we can’t be late.” Sonia went in search of shoes.

Two hours later I walked into another mega mansion in Malibu with my sister, Ricky, and Jordan. Ricky looked a little uneasy but attractive enough in his suit that no one would notice.

“Thanks for doing this, I’ll feel better with you here just in case. My sister circulates a lot and it’s hard to keep an eye on her in the crowds,” I said.

“No problem, I’m off duty. She needs a keeper and I’m all for some free food and a taste of luxury,” Ricky smiled.

My sister led us to the guest of honor and we were introduced. The woman’s name was Debbie something and she looked great for having been on a TV show for twenty years. A little too tanned but all her work looked natural.

“Helena Morris?” she gushed. “I’ve read all about you.”

“About me?” Did everyone read gossip stuff here? It was freaky.

“You’re all over the gossip websites. What a great move, shooting at a paparazzi.”

“Can‘t take her anywhere,” Ricky chuckled.

“And elbowing that rude musician—the nerve of some men is flattering.” The actress rolled her eyes.

“And no one has filed charges?” Ricky muttered.

“Trust me, he deserved it.” I smiled. “I told you about that, didn’t I?”

“And then there were pictures of you in some generic clothes on the set with your new job as the tech consultant on Sonia’s show. Lovely, hope you stick around. You’re so refreshing. I love the dress.” Our hostess walked off to greet more guests, dragging my sister with her.

“Was I just insulted or complimented?” I asked.

“Both.” Jordan nodded. “This dress looks good but I told you not to wear non-designer in public. The paps are watching you.”

“Ricky, can you keep an eye on Sonia while I learn all about my flaws?” I nodded to the group.

Truly, I wanted to snoop around about Faith without anyone suspecting. She’d been avoiding me and Faith would know if Danny received threats.

“I’m on it, we’re cruising the finger foods. And your ass looked great in those photos online.” He winked.

I waved him off before walking off with Jordan. Halfway across the room I spotted Carmen. “What is she doing here?”

“Small world.” Jordan shook his head.

Carmen walked right up to us like she knew us. “Ladies, how are you? Still babysitting your sister? I saw you have a hot guy on her now.”

“You don’t have any reason to want Danny dead, do you?” I went with blunt. Nothing else worked in these situations.

She laughed. “I barely thought about Danny when I slept with him. I haven’t seen him since. No, I had nothing to do with it.”

I believed her. Damn. “So who did you want to screw? Danny or my sister?”

Carmen’s face turned a burnt orange color as she spun on her heel and strode off.

“What is wrong with people?” I asked.

“Hollywood makes strange friendships or partnerships. You’re probably right, Carmen wanted to hurt Sonia. But she probably never thought about it going this far. Sonia is the grieving widow and she’s getting nothing but good press.”

“Except that she’s the number one suspect,” I reminded.

“Sure, but Carmen’s getting nothing for being the other woman. An affair is one thing. A murder is another. Just be glad you’ve got real friends. In Hollywood anyone will stab you in the back.” Jordan sighed enviously. “Oh, sorry. Danny was literally stabbed. I have to watch that.”

I shrugged. “I’ve got a lot of good friends and a good ex. I’ve dated plenty. Sonia and Mom just want me to get married again. I don’t date assholes and most of the time the nice guys and I end up being friends.”

“And do you dump them or do they dump you?” He steered us toward the bartender.

“Both really, but it’s less like dumping and more like fizzling out. Circumstances change. I dated a couple guys in Vegas.”

I got a diet cola and wondered why we were talking about
my
former men. “What about you? Any current guys? Celebrity former boyfriends?”

Jordan ordered a Cosmo and shook his head. “No, no guys. I’m all about the career right now but I could never stay friends with an ex. How do you do it?”

I headed for the food table. I grabbed a mini chicken sandwich with a nice honey Dijon and Swiss and I tried to eat like a lady. “I’m the last person to give dating advice. My ex and I were young and happy. Things change but I never expect a relationship to last long or get serious now. When you’re not overeager and don’t need them, men are all over you. It’s very weird.”

“I’ll have to try that.” Jordan stabbed a piece of cheese with a toothpick and nibbled. “Maybe you should’ve kept the ex? Unless you’re going after a younger and hotter guy? That John is sweet and sexy.”

I swallowed the last bit of sandwich and sipped my drink. “Marriage isn’t easy and trusting men completely is hard. I’m better off as a loner.”

After a few more sandwiches and pieces of cheese with crackers for me, I hadn’t overheard anything of use. Odd how I could pick the frenemies from the dangerous women now. I went in search of my sister. Jordan followed, seemingly relieved to be away from the food.

“Were there really pictures of me on the web just because of my jeans?” I asked him.

Jordan nodded. “Can’t help it. You’re getting a following and the murder only adds to the mystery that is you.”

“That’s so stupid,” I said.

Danny’s death was tragic, not a call for gossip hounds to attack. I spotted my sister sipping champagne with some of her co-stars and her former agent, Myra. Ricky was right there in Sonia’s inner circle but not intruding. Sonia would be nicer to him than me dogging her every step.

“You’re tough as hell and she comes off sweet as cotton candy. The paparazzi keep snapping pictures of you and putting them up because news is slow. You found the body so they think you’ll find the killer. Sonia and Danny were sort of being civil in the divorce. Then it all
exploded
. People love the drama and they like you because you’re different. I’m still shocked you really don’t care what people think.” He looked at me like I’d lost my mind.