Sheila Connolly: Let's Play Dead

“Oh, I’m completely devastated! My poor little cottage, gone! So many memories, and such lovely treasures. But I can only be happy that no one was at home when it happened.”

I tuned her out and turned to Arabella, who threw her arms around me. I struggled to hang on to my glass without drenching her. “Oh, Nell, isn’t it wonderful? Everyone came! And people were calling all day, asking if they could attend or bring a guest. And the head of the electricians’ union is here, and he brought friends! Isn’t that kind of him? That should really help with our PR. I was so worried!”

As I scanned the room, I could tell that Barney had done what he had promised-this went far beyond the usual society crowd. “It all looks terrific. I’m so happy for you. And for you, too, Caitlin-looks like you pulled it off. Congratulations.”

Caitlin’s face lit up. “Thanks! I’m really happy with how it turned out. Maybe I’ll stop by and say hi one of these days. Excuse me.” She was pulled away by someone with a question.

There was one of those curious lulls between waves of people, so I took the opportunity to pull Arabella aside. “She’s doing well,” I said-more statement than question.

“She is,” Arabella agreed. “I’m so proud of her! I knew when I hired her that people might talk, but even with everything we’ve had to deal with, I know I made the right decision in having her handle this. She’s blossoming!”

“What do you think about this thing with Hadley? The house?” I asked.

Arabella looked at me levelly. “You mean, do I think the timing is rather fortuitous? First Nolan says, in front of witnesses, that the wiring is a mess, and then Hadley’s conveniently away from home when her house burns to the ground?”

“Yes. I did wonder about that.”

She took my hand in hers. “Nell, the police are satisfied. I think we have to be, too. Joe’s death was an accident, case closed. And Hadley’s been amply punished for her poor choice in, uh, companions. I don’t know if there’ll be much of an investigation into the fire. So I think we have to accept things and move on. Don’t you?”

“I do.” It might be interesting to know how much insurance Hadley had carried on the house-and whether she had managed to sneak a few of her more treasured personal memorabilia away to a safe place, but it really was none of my business. The exhibit looked to be a success, thanks to Barney’s friends, if the children clustered there were any indication. Hadley stood a chance of reclaiming her stature as a children’s writer-and might have a good excuse to retire Harriet and try something new. Let’s Play would weather the storm. “Is Nolan still around?”

“Yes, he’s here somewhere. After all the drama, there’s no way he was going to miss seeing what it was all about. And he wanted to support Caitlin. Do you know, I’d built him up to be such an ogre! And I can see how Caitlin came to idolize him just to retaliate against me. I think seeing him now was good for both of us. I’m not angry at him anymore, and she’s able to view him in a more balanced way. If she wants to go visit him, I can handle that. He’s still her father.”

Happy endings all around, then. “Well, I’ll let you mingle, Arabella. It looks like your exhibit is a success, and you deserve it. When the dust settles, let’s talk about that joint exhibit.”

“That would be wonderful, Nell. And thank you for all your help.”

She squeezed my arm, then turned to greet another guest, and I turned away, too, all but bumping into James. “I wondered where you were,” I said. “Are you allergic to munchkins?”

“You mean all these knee-high creatures? Not at all. It looks like everyone is having a great time.”

“Yes, and after all the mess!” I felt a sudden pang of doubt. “You aren’t here to rain on anyone’s parade, are you? Or arrest anyone?”

“Nope. The police are happy, and I’m not going to interfere. The case is closed, and our friend Detective Hrivnak has signed off on it.” He smiled. “I’m here strictly as a civilian. And to see you. I’ve got a bit of good news for you-consider it a late Christmas present.”

“Oh, lovely-I could use some! What is it?”

“We’ve found the person who purchased a lot of the items stolen from the Society over the last few years. As it turns out, he held on to most of them-he couldn’t bear to part with them, so he kept the items in a secret room in his house. Not even his wife knew about them. Once the paperwork is done, you should be getting a lot of them back. I haven’t told Marty yet-I thought you deserved to hear it first. You can give the good news to Marty and the board.”

“That’s wonderful !” Without thinking, I grabbed James and planted a kiss on him, then stepped back quickly, embarrassed. “Sorry-I got carried away.”

“I, uh, guess I should try to bring you good news like that more often,” he said, looking uncharacteristically flustered.

“It will be a real treat to have something good to tell the board.” I leaned closer again. “Thank you. For everything. I get the feeling you were looking out for me even through this whole thing. I mean, really-terrorists, here?” I gestured around at the happy families amidst the twinkling lights.

His mouth twitched. “Does seem a bit hard to imagine, doesn’t it? Are you ready for dinner?”

It was kind of a nonanswer, but it would do. “Certainly.” I waved to Arabella, who was chatting happily with Caitlin, and even to Hadley, glowing with all the attention being paid to her. Would we ever know the real story? Maybe not, but at least Let’s Play would survive, and I was glad for Arabella.

I took James’s arm. “Let’s go.”