Barcelona Jones - Murder on Broadway

  I got up, shook Mike Larson's hand and walked him to the outer door. As likeable as he was, he was still our number one suspect -- and I'm not too often wrong.

  Chapter 21

  I called Chief Inspector Marty Mead and asked him if he had any news for me. He said, "Nothing substantial. How about you?"

  I told him about my talk with Mike Larson, and we both agreed that the agent would have had an opportunity to put something in John Ashland's food while he went to the restroom. The Chief said he was going to look into Mike Larson's character a little more to see what he could find out about him. I asked him how he would do that, and he said he'd check with his neighbors, his school and friends, and that he would definitely keep me informed. I was going to volunteer my expertise, but didn't feel it was needed. The Chief would be doing exactly what I would have done.

  As I left the office I walked past the Shuster Theater but this time I looked up at the marquee and saw the name of the one I was in love with -- in big bold letters. I was still in amazement thinking how was it possible that the name I was saying out loud was the woman I knew I was going to marry. I decided to go home and clean up, and then return to the theater and become a stage-door Johnny. That was what they used to call the guys who waited after each performance for the stars to come out the back door of the theater, and ask for a date. I was hoping that Barcelona would be completely surprised and happy to see me.

  I stopped off at one of the flower vendors and bought a single long stemmed red rose, and waited for Barcelona to come out the back door. The door opened and there she was, looking very beautiful. She was ready to greet her fans and the press who were waiting for her with me.

  I stood in the back shadows. After she had smiled, signed autographs and thanked everyone, I came out holding my one red rose. She saw me and her smile grew larger, but I could tell she wasn't ready for the world to know just yet that we were a twosome, especially with the press being there.

  So I winked at her, smiled and moved my head in the direction around the building in an alley. Then I waited patiently for her to meet me there. What seemed like hours were only minutes. She came around the alley smiling. I embraced her, kissed her on the forehead and then on the lips. Her response was overwhelming.

  We broke away, and I said, "I love you, Barcelona Jones. I've waited for someone just like you for a long time. Now that I have found you, I'll never let you go."

  I kissed her again, softly at first, then more passionately. She pulled away. "Sam, please remember where we are."

  I looked around. The alley was empty. I looked at her and we both began to laugh. I said, "I know it's so full of people, but I can't control myself. I feel like the two of us are the only ones here."

  "Oh, Sam, you're so funny. Remember, I can't stay up too late. I have two more performances tomorrow. But I'm glad you came here tonight."

  "How about a quick snack? I promise I'll get you home early."

  "If you promise." She looked at the red rose I'd given her. "And thanks, Sam, for giving me your heart."

  Chapter 22

  I took Barcelona home early just as I'd promised, kissed her softly on the lips and told her goodnight. I had asked the cab driver to wait, because I knew I wouldn't linger at her door and keep her up any later.

  I went straight home and went to bed. I couldn't fall asleep, as my thoughts were not only on Barcelona, but on my parents. I could hardly wait to see their faces when I introduced them to her. I was unable to wipe the smirk off of my face as I lay there in bed.

  The next morning was Sunday, and I decided to go out for breakfast and then to church. I wasn't a churchgoer at that time, even though my parents did raise Erica and me in church, along with Sunday school and camps. The whole works! I still believed in God, but church just wasn't my thing any longer. As for Erica, she and her husband Rick and the kids were very involved in their church and had asked me many times to go with them. I always said I would, someday when I could find time, which I never did.

  There was a little church just a couple of blocks away from my home that I had passed by many times. When I woke up that morning I thought about a walk in the park, thanking God for putting Barcelona in my life, but church sounded like a better idea. When I reached the church, the sign in the front said today's sermon will be being thankful. Wow . . . just what I was looking for. So I went in.

  There were about one hundred people there, all friendly and very welcoming. The sermon was good, about being thankful for the blessings we'd received. Then the Pastor encouraged us to take a few moments to thank God for something or someone that was a special blessing to us.

  I knew I was in the right place, but wasn't sure if it was God who led me there, or just a coincidence. Of course, my thankfulness that morning was to God for sending Barcelona to me.

  Chapter 23

  Tuesday

  Our lunch date for me to meet with Barcelona and Charlie Long and his wife had been changed to Tuesday. I could hardly wait for the time I would be spending with Barcelona, even if Charlie Long the actor and his wife would be there.

  I was trying to figure out a way to tell Charlie that I hadn't told anyone about our conversation on the phone, when my phone rang. It was Barcelona confirming the time for our lunch date. She said when she told Charlie that a friend named Sam Jones was going to join them, he'd looked a little perplexed and she was wondering if I knew why. I didn't want to lie to her so I told her I had an appointment with him that evening about the case.

  I added, "After all, he's one of the men up for the male lead and I wanted to ask him a few questions." I assured Barcelona I hadn't mentioned we were going to have lunch together, since it wasn't a sure thing. I asked her to be discreet about the matter, because Charlie Long hadn't mentioned our appointment to his wife as he didn't want to worry her.

  "That's okay, Sam. I don't want to pry into your affairs about work. I was just curious about why Charlie looked so strange when I mentioned your name. I'll see you this afternoon at the Rainbow Room at one-thirty. Our reservations have already been made."

  I took a deep breath to steady myself. "I can hardly wait to see you. I've been waiting for this lunch date for months."

  Barcelona gave a little laugh. "Oh, Sam, I wonder how many times I'm going to be telling you how funny you are through our very long-lasting relationship."

  "Thousands and thousands of times, I hope. I'll never get tired of it."

  "Goodbye, Sam. I have a feeling you're just trying to keep me on the line. See you soon."

  "Uh, uh. . ."

  "Goodbye, Sam."

  We hung up and I started to count the minutes away until 1:30 came. I got to the Rainbow Room early and waited patiently for the three of them. Charlie and his wife arrived about ten minutes after I did. The only reason I recognized them was because of what Mike Larson said: that they were truly a handsome couple.

  I walked over quickly and introduced myself, without letting anyone know that Charlie and I had talked on the telephone. In about three minutes Barcelona arrived. She saw us talking and knew that there was no need for any introductions.

  I wasn't sure if I should shake her hand or give her a hug and a kiss. She walked up to me and kissed me on the cheek. I started to laugh but controlled myself with just a smile. I hugged her in return, missing her lips and also kissing her on the cheek. A beautiful smile came over her face. At that moment that was enough for me.

  She walked over and talked to the maitre d' who of course knew who she was. He then escorted us to our table.

  We had a very nice time and the four of us agreed that we had found new friends. I could tell that Barcelona was leaning very heavy on Charlie Long being her co-star, by the way the conversation was going.

  Sometime during our table talk, Charlie's wife asked us if we were a couple. I remember saying, "Is it that obvious?"

  She replied, "Obvious to me. How long has this being going on? You both act like you've known each other for years."

/>   Barcelona and I looked at each other and she said, grinning, "Not too long. About seven days."

  "Wow," Charlie said with a smile. "It must have been love at first sight."

  "For me, yes. It took Barcelona a little more time. About five days."

  We all agreed we'd like to meet again, but living so far apart we weren't sure when or how. We promised if we ever got to Hollywood, or they came back to New York, we would definitely make it a foursome again.

  Charlie said he had an appointment, while his wife went New York shopping. Barcelona said she had many errands before she had to return to the theater. All three of them then looked at me.

  "Me? I have to go to the office. There are things I must do. Besides, I also have an appointment."

  I tried not to look at Charlie Long, as I wanted no recognition that he was my appointment. I gave Barcelona a hug and told her I was looking forward to tomorrow and spending most of the day with her.

  She hugged me back, saying, "Me too."

  Chapter 24

  When I arrived at my office, Donna said, "A Mr. Long has just called. He said his wife was going shopping earlier than he expected, and he wanted to know if he could come earlier. He said he'll be here at five, unless he hears back from you."

  I remember telling Donna to please call Charlie back and tell him that would be fine. Then I asked her if she would please leave around 4:30. There was no need to explain. She understood, as this type of thing had happened many times before. There never was any question; she just honored my requests. It wasn't because I didn't trust her, but I knew that the client would feel more comfortable not having her here, especially if it was someone famous, as in this case.

  When Charlie arrived I got up from my desk and shook his hand. We had some small talk about our time together at lunch. He was no longer just a name, he had now become a friend. Yes, another one of those short-time things.

  Charlie got right to the point and handed me the two threatening notes. They both said the same thing, and looked like they both had been typed on the same typewriter. I read the note out loud. "If you want to be where Michael Sparks is, go ahead and accept the movie part."

  Charlie then said a little nervously, "And we both know where Michael is. . . . In the city morgue." He paused for a moment and then continued. "I talked to some other famous actors at the studio about threatening notes, without telling them about mine. Some said that they've received them, but nothing has ever happened. But because of Michael Sparks' and Peter Holmes' deaths, and the attempt on John Ashland's life, I am a little concerned."

  "Yes, and you have a right to be. Tell me about your time with Mike Larson, the agent."

  "Not much to tell. I met with him twice while he was in Hollywood."

  I interrupted and asked if it was before or after he had received the two notes. He said before.

  I asked, "Did he call you, or did you call him?"

  "He called me. He said he'd heard that I wasn't happy with the guy who bought out my former agent's business. He wanted to fly out to Hollywood and talk with me about signing up with him. I asked him what other clients he had, and he read off a list. I was impressed, so said, 'Sure. Come on out and we'll talk.'

  "We set up a time. I liked him and told him that my contract was up in about three months, and that I'd sign with him. I asked Mike to send me a contract and I'd look it over."

  "Has he sent you one? And if he did, is it honorable, and did you sign it?"

  "No. That's the funny part. Mike never did send it to me. He didn't seem like a guy who would forget or not get on it right away. It's been about two weeks. He seemed to me to be a go-getter who wouldn't forget things like that."

  I agreed. I told him that I'd met Mike Larson and also liked him right away, and that he seemed like a guy who would send the contract out as soon as he got back to New York. That puzzled both of us.

  I told Charlie I would investigate the two threatening notes, and that I had some contacts in the L.A. area. I knew they could help me investigate them. I told him not to worry, but to be careful, and if another note popped up to give me a call. We said our goodbyes as I walked him to the door of the outer office. I went back to my desk to try and sort things out.

  That's when the thought came to me that the only possible reason I could think of why Mike Larson didn't send Charlie Long the contract, was because he knew he wouldn't be alive to fulfill it.

  Chapter 25

  Wednesday

  I picked Barcelona up at 9:30 the next morning as planned. The drive to my folks' home was a little over one and a half hours. I wanted to stop for breakfast at the same little restaurant we did the day we went to the zoo. And I wanted to show Barcelona the area I was raised in, before we arrived at my mom and dad's party. My folks had bought their present home, over thirty years before, and as the saying goes, for a song. I knew Barcelona would love it.

  I hadn't told her anything about the home. I wanted it to be a surprise, because eventually when my parents either sold it, or my sister and I inherited it, I would buy it or buy Erica out. We had both agreed on this, as Erica and her husband had already bought their dream home. So I was hoping that Barcelona would love it as much as I did, so we could raise our children there.

  We stopped for breakfast and soon it was to become Barcelona's favorite place for breakfast. That's where we always stopped to eat whenever we went to visit my mom and dad. We continued this even after the kids came. It was one of our many family outings.

  When we arrived in our little town I took Barcelona to the school I attended; to the football field where I broke my leg; the only movie house where I saw all my favorite movies; the two gas stations; and the one and only super market.

  The town hadn't changed much since I was a kid. At that time we had maybe 4,000 people. The new sign read 10,200 and still growing. I explained to Barcelona that it couldn't grow much more as there wasn't much land for new houses, which was why most of the homes had gone sky high in value. Every once in a while she said, "I could live here. It's so quaint, and the homes are beautiful and well maintained. I like your little town."

  We walked through the only city park, held hands and sat on my favorite bench. I told her it was on that bench where I got my first kiss from Sally.

  Barcelona wanted to know who Sally was. I told her she would meet her that afternoon at the party.

  "Should I be jealous, Sam?"

  "No way. She's always remained a good friend, not only to me but my whole family. Besides, she's happily married and has four kids. They, along with Erica's two, all call me Uncle Sam."

  Time was moving quickly and it was now time to go the party. I asked Barcelona if she was nervous. She said she was, a little, but because of what I'd told her about my parents she was excited to meet them. I couldn't wait to see the looks on their faces when I introduced them to her.

  The homes on Park Lane were all beautiful, even though most of them were over forty years old. The owners took pride in their investments. The lawns and driveways were spick and span. Each home was set back from the street and had a long driveway with many trees and green lawns. It was very impressive. Barcelona was taking it all in, and I could tell she too was impressed. I turned into the driveway of my folks' home. There was a sign that read jones drive. The drive was long and circular. I held my breath waiting, to hear what Barcelona would say. At first no comments, then just what I was hoping for.

  "Sam, this is lovely. And look at the home. It's magnificent. I could spend the rest of my life in a home just like this. How fortunate you were to be raised in a town like this and in this beautiful home. From what you've told me of your parents, you've been blessed."

  Cars were already parked on the side of the driveway. I parked where it would be hard to see inside the car. I asked Barcelona to remain in the car for just a few minutes.

  "Why, Sam? What are you planning?"

  "Just my surprise for Dad and Mom. I'll be right back."

  I got out
of the car and walked to the front entrance and rang the door bell. Both Mom and Dad answered.

  Mom said, "Sammy, why didn't you just come in? You know an occasion like this the door is always open."

  Then they both looked around and then at each other, shrugged their shoulders with a mischievous grin on their faces, letting me know that it was just me, and no Barcelona Jones.

  Dad said, "I see you're all alone. Where is this Miss Jones woman?"

  Mom patted him on the chest. "Never you mind. She's probably hiding in the bushes somewhere."

  They both snickered and chuckled at the same time.

  "Oh, Sammy, you're such a joker, but we love you even if you are alone. Come on in and join the party. There are other pretty, single girls here."

  "You two go inside. I left something in the car. I'll be right in."

  I went back and got Barcelona, giving my parents time to join their guests. Then Barcelona and I walked into the enormous living room where all the guests were chatting and having a great time.

  I stood on the landing of the entrance, cleared my throat loudly, and when the talking stopped and everyone was looking at us, I said, "Family and friends, may I introduce to you Miss Barcelona Jones."

  Of course, Mom and Dad recognized Barcelona immediately, as I knew they would. There were clapping of hands and my mother and father came rushing over with big smiles on their faces. With too much pride in my voice, I said, "Mom, Dad, this is Barcelona."

  My mom gave her a big hug and I heard her whisper in her ear, "I don't know how he got you here, but make him pay for it with his life."

  Dad hugged her, and said, "Welcome to our home, Barcelona. What did he bribe you with to get you here?"

  I turned to Barcelona, I could see she was enjoying every minute of it. As they walked away, I said, "They still think it's a joke. This is going to be a fun party."

  To myself I was thinking that it was no joke, and that soon I was going to marry Barcelona Jones. It was still hard for me to believe.

  Chapter 26

  After the party my mom and dad, Erica, Rick and the kids, and Barcelona and I stayed around and chatted for about an hour. The party was fun and everyone seemed to have had a nice time wishing my folks a happy thirty-fifth wedding anniversary and a great voyage.