Death of a Chorus Girl (The Delacroix Series Book 1) by P. M. Briede Read Free Book Online

Lucy and Dale do so their acting and singing can shine.  That leaves Avery and Houston free for my creative mind.  I start by teaching both couples the same routine.  Our leads will perform downstage and the other couple up-stage.  If we can build a platform to lift Avery and Houston, my vision will be complete.  I make a mental note to bring it up to Tom.  It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just sturdy.
    I have all the notes I need for the moment after the third run through and I move upstage to give them to the dancers.  “Ms. Delacroix,” I freeze in my tracks, “do you have a minute?”  I recognize that voice.
    I quickly issue my critique and instructions to practice before turning around.  Then I excuse myself and motion to the technicians to cue the music on the dancers mark. I walk to the stairs to meet Detective Beauregard.
    “Of course, detective, what can I do … for … you?”  My words trail off at the end because he isn’t alone.  Richard is standing right next to him, looking as surprised to be there as I am to see him.  My eyes openly stare at him, as if he’s water in the middle of a vast desert.  Nothing can pull them away.  He does not disappoint on the second viewing.
    “You done ogling my partner?” Beauregard’s annoyed voice disrupts my musings.
    “What?  Oh, yes.”  Shoot!   Not only have I been caught red handed but I also inadvertently confessed.  I hope the dim lighting in the house hides my blush.  “You have questions?” I quickly ask to cover my slip.  A devilish twinkle shines out of Richard’s eyes.
    Beauregard opens his mouth but Richard’s voice fills the space.  “How about you let me take it from here, Steve?”
    Beauregard double checks, what is clearly an alteration to the plan, before asking if he can question the techs.  I escort him backstage and introduce him to the guys who are there.  When I turn to go back to Richard, I run smack into his broad chest and rebound off it.  One of his hands snatches my elbow with lightning quick speed while the other grips my waist to keep me from falling.  The electric current that surges through my body weakens my knees.  “Easy there, Ms. Delacroix,” Richard purrs.
    “Em,” I insist.  I didn’t hear him behind me.  Although, I guess I should expect stealth from a cop.  I’m already off balance, both physically and mentally, so I let myself experience every aspect of the handsome detective.  His eyes are twinkling roguishly.  His smell envelopes me in nature and reminds me of Central Park after a spring rain.  His smile falters, and the grip of his hands is firm yet gentle as he steadies me.  I haven’t moved a millimeter since he caught me and I can live happily if I never move again.
    He caresses my name on a whispered exhale and pulls me towards him.
    “Em!” Houston shouts from the stage. I jump backward and Richard stumbles forward in response.  Houston is upon us in the blink of an eye and eyes Richard suspiciously.  I can’t help but giggle at the irony of one of the potential suspects in Annie’s murder looking upon the detective overseeing the case with suspicion.  “Hey, can you take a break and come help Avery?  She’s not getting the footing right again for that lift you want done.”
    I ask for permission and after Richard grants it, the three of us walk out onto the stage.  They run through the sixteen beats before the lift, which never happens because Avery isn’t planting her foot correctly.  Just like Houston said.
    The resulting fall makes Richard step forward, but I throw a hand out to stop him.  “They’re fine.  We have the crash pads out for that reason.”  I approach them and Richard follows.  I try talking Avery through the simple changes she needs to make. But after multiple unsuccessful attempts, I place a hand on her shoulder to stop her from trying again.  “Go stand over there by the detective, and pay attention.”
    I step behind