Beverly Connor - One Grave Too Many

“Getting pretty good with that violin,” Dylan said. “I’m beginning to like that kind of music-though a little bluegrass would be nice.” Alix nudged him in the ribs and laughed.

“I never thought this rambling old building would make such a great museum,” Dylan said to Diane. “Dad took me and Alix on a tour through the rooms earlier this evening, and it’s really impressive. I like those big guys in the other room.”

“Thank you. We are all very proud of it.” At least, most of us are, she mused as she caught a glimpse of Donald talking with Craig Amberson.

“I agree with Dylan.” Kenneth took in the room with a sweeping gaze. “It looks good. I like what you’ve done with computers. I’d like to suggest you use more computer simulations of dinosaurs-maybe something interactive, Jurassic Park -style. Some sound effects.”

He opened his arms wide and, for a moment, Diane thought he was going to imitate a dinosaur. “This is a computer world now. If you want to hold people’s attention, you got to give them high tech. By the way, I’ve got a nice laptop I’m bringing you tomorrow. My compliments. I’d like you to check it out, see how you like it. I’ve installed GPS on it. Just the thing for museum personnel in the field-not that I’d use my position as a board member to help my business.” He laughed, and Diane had to laugh with him. Kenneth was one of the most shameless people she’d ever met.

Signy sashayed up and neatly slid between Alix and Dylan. “Kenneth’s been telling me some good things about you, Dylan. It must be so exciting graduating, ready to make your mark in the world.”

Alix rolled her eyes. Dylan smiled politely. “I’ll be going to graduate school in the fall, so the world will have to wait while I make another mark at Harvard.”

The way Signy eyed her, Diane could tell she was going to say something about moving the museum. Diane started to excuse herself-too late. Signy opened her mouth to speak. However, Craig Amberson came over and interrupted before Signy got out her first syllable.

“Somebody just told me you’ve been looking at a bone for the police. Going to get back into that business? You think you can do that and run a museum too?”

Signy obviously approved of the question, if the way she beamed at Craig was any measure.

“I looked at one bone for a detective as a favor. As well as director, I’m also the curator of the primate skeletal collection. I believe looking at a bone still falls under my purview.”

It just hit her-in light of what Vanessa had said about the rumor of a golf course-that the museum building would make a grand hotel and restaurant for someone like Craig who was in that business. Something must have shown on her face, for his eyes narrowed as he stared at her.

“I think looking at bones is fascinating,” said Alix. “Just like that TV show. . ”

“I agree,” said Dylan. “My father’s been wanting to write a book. You two ought to get together.”

“You talking about the bone Dad showed you?”

“Hush, Kevin. What did I tell you about breaking into other people’s conversations?” Cindy and her son had joined the small group. Diane was starting to feel suffocated.

“Dad said you told him a whole lot about it,” said Kevin, ignoring his mother.

“Not that much, really,” said Diane. “I’d need more of the skeleton. Ah, Mrs. Van Ross is talking to the botanical collection manager. I need to speak with both of them. Nice meeting you, Dylan. Excuse me, please.” Diane moved away before anyone else could ask her about that damn bone.

She spoke briefly with Vanessa and went straight to the buffet table. With the affair flowing along on its own, she could afford to feed her stomach before it started growling.

Armed with a plate of raw vegetables, a couple of small triangle sandwiches and a glass of wine, Diane headed for the giant short-faced bear exhibit. She sat down on its platform, set down her plate and glass, and took up the sandwich. Just when she thought she had picked a secluded spot without leaving the party completely, she saw Signy, like a red beacon, gliding toward her, a bright smile on her face and wine in hand.

“Diane. I’m glad you’re alone. The party’s great, but I’ll bet you’re frazzled.”

It would have been rude to tie her to the bear and stuff an apple in her mouth, so Diane gave her the best smile she could manage.

“I’m holding up. I hope Mark had a chance to enjoy the exhibits before he had to leave.” Diane took a bite of sandwich.

“Oh, he loved them.” Signy sat down and nearly tipped her wine onto the platform, spilling a few drops, which started to run toward the middle of the exhibit. “Oops, good save,” she said, giggling, catching it before losing the whole glass.

Diane wiped up the running spill with her napkin as Signy moved her China plate and wineglass. Diane was wondering if she should have closed down the wine bar. She looked up, wine-stained napkin in hand, as Alix and Melissa approached, offering fresh napkins.

“Dr. Fallon, Mrs. Grayson. You’re just the two we need to see.”

Diane nodded a thank you and finished the cleanup. The two musicians began a two-pronged conversation with her and Signy. Melissa asked about playing at a Junior League function of which Signy was an officer, and Alix seemed to be inquiring about a summer job.

Diane was grateful to have Signy Grayson’s attention diverted from what she knew was going to be a pitch for her husband. As Melissa talked to Signy, Alix picked up Diane’s plate and wineglass and handed them to her as the violinist sat down on the exhibit platform opposite Diane.

“We’ve both had experience working at Disney World.” She launched into an animated Disney World greeting, and Diane laughed. “They teach you to be very friendly,” said Alix. “Melissa and I would really like to do something with the children’s programs at the museum.”

“Why don’t you and Melissa bring your résumés by this week and leave them with Andie? Disney World has pretty tough standards-that’s certainly in your favor-and we’re looking for assistants for our docents, the tour guides. With your qualifications, there shouldn’t be a problem. You will have to put in some time learning the exhibits.”

“Great! You’ll have our résumés tomorrow morning.”

“It looks like with your music and a job at the museum, the two of you are going to be busy.”

“Daddy always said that all play and no work makes one very poor.” Alix rose and shook Diane’s hand. “Thanks for everything you’ve done for us. Melissa, I think we’d better get back to our violins.”

“Well,” said Signy, watching the girls’ retreating backs and retrieving her glass of wine, “they are certainly an energetic pair.”

“Youth,” said Diane.

Signy frowned, as if she’d been insulted, but after a moment her face brightened. “Diane, I wanted to give you a word to the wise. I really think you should give Mark’s ideas some thought.”

“Signy, do you really think Milo went forward with his plans”-Diane gestured, taking in the room-“without giving considerable thought to the alternatives? He looked into several possibilities before deciding to renovate this location. He considered it to be by far the best, and I agree.”

“I’m just asking you to give it some more thought,” said Signy. “Mark will win. He always does. That’s all I’m going to say on the matter.” She smiled and sipped her wine.

I’ll drink to that last part, Diane thought, washing down a bite of sandwich with a drink. She managed to avoid discussing moving the museum with any would-be champions for Mark’s cause for the remainder of the evening. Toward the end, as the guests were leaving, the string quartet entertained them with a little bluegrass and jazz. It was a good ending to what was actually a successful evening, but one Diane was relieved was behind her.