Cynthia Hamilton - Madeline Dawkins 02 - A High Price to Pay Read Free Page A

nothing else, the estate could be used for location shooting after the weekend-long party was over.
    She pulled up behind a row of vendor and service vehicles. Ever since Cherie had gotten the brilliant idea to create her own legacy garden, the driveway had been choked with assorted vans and trucks every day of the week except Sundays, most spilling out from the service entrance.
    Two delivery men in blue coveralls were exiting the front door as Madeline approached. That they weren’t leaving through the back entrance caused a blip on the radar screen in Madeline’s mind, just enough to make her turn and note their company van as they climbed into it. Ah, the cushions, Madeline surmised.
    “Oh, hello Madeline,” the housekeeper said, a reluctant smile replacing an uncharacteristic scowl. “Mrs. Alexander’s in the gym with her trainer. I’ll let her know you’re here,” she said.
    “That’s okay, Helen—don’t bother her. I have a few things to check on.”
    “Madeline, I’m so glad you’re here,” Cherie’s assistant exclaimed, coming to a halt in the foyer. “Oh, are those the place cards?” she asked, seizing upon the box before Madeline could answer.
    “Yep, three of each, along with the seating layouts for Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday brunch.”
    “Thank you! One less thing to worry about,” Alice said.
    “You’re not supposed to worry—that’s my job. And here’s the swag for the bags,” Madeline said. “The bags from Tout le Monde did arrive, right?”
    “Yes, last night. I had them put in the giftwrapping room. Is that okay?”
    “Perfect. I’ll deal with that in a bit, but I want to check on the stage first. Would you mind…?” Alice took the Tiffany bags from her. “Thank you.” Madeline started off in the direction of the amphitheater, then pivoted back around. “How is she?”
    Alice closed her eyes and shook her head. “It’s been one of those days.”
    “So I gathered. Is she all right now?”
    “I don’t know if I’m qualified to answer that.” Alice cringed, admonishing herself for the wisecrack. Madeline laughed.
    “Another five days, and this will be nothing but a fond memory,” she promised, for both their sakes.

    Madeline inspected the limestone stage set at the foot of the mini-amphitheater while the two set designers quarreled in front of the arcing rows of stone benches. They had solicited her opinion about which side of the patterned cushions should be face-up on which night, but she tactfully deferred to their judgment. She checked the mason’s handiwork and the mounted light fixtures, heaved a huge sigh of relief and crossed that off her list.
    She left the amphitheater and walked through the fledgling lemon tree pergola, the one faithfully borrowed idea from the Lotusland gardens. On her way to inspect the pavilion, her mind fast-forwarded to Friday afternoon. From that point on, she’d be on duty 24/7, directing traffic and praying everything came off without a hitch. As she exited the pergola, she turned left and found Cherie’s mother-in-law sitting with her young companion on a granite bench with lion head armrests. The sight struck Madeline as both comical and sad. They looked like two waifs lost at a carnival.
    “Good morning, Miss Story.”
    “Oh, good morning, dear,” the elderly actress said. “How’s everything going with Barnum and Bailey’s?”
    Madeline had to laugh. “Well, the show’s still on track for opening on Friday,” she answered, stopping in front of Vivian Story and her attendant. Vivian nudged the girl to make room for Madeline.
    “Sit down, dear—take a rest while you can. It may be your last chance until this fiasco is over.” Vivian covered her mouth, feigning embarrassment.
    “Are you looking forward to it at all?” Madeline asked as she took a seat by the still-glamorous former star.
    “Of course! I’m looking forward to Sunday night with all my heart,” Vivian replied, her sly wit making