Author Anon

“You cannot hold her,” says Michael. “You’ve got no motive, and I’m sure if David Golde was conscious he could tell you that she is not guilty.”

“She’s our number one suspect,” says Detective Ute. “We’ve got the fingerprints on the gun,-”

“She’s told you she moved the gun out of the way.”

“We’ve got a witness who saw her come at five o’clock,” says Detective Ute. “She claims she was there at seven.”

“You’ve got a witness who saw a relatively tall blonde with a dark coat. That could be anybody.”

“Yes, but Dr. Steele fits the description and was found there. There were no other witnesses and the neighbor saw nobody else.”

“Most of the neighbors are out of town, and just because the neighbor did not see anyone else did not mean no one else came. You’ve got a weak case and unless you can present a warrant for arrest, I will take my client home.”

Michael gets up and signals for Amanda to follow. Detective Ute is gesticulating ineffectually. Outside, Nicholas is talking to Detective Daze.

“I’m sorry about all this, Dr. Steele,” says Cody. “You know I can’t be in on the investigation and I can’t give out information, but if there is anything I can do to help, I will.”

“Thank you,” says Amanda. “That means a lot.”

“I’m sure the other paper will have a heyday with this story, but if anything disparaging comes out, I will make sure Detective Ute gets a scathing report in the News,” says Nicholas.

“Are you busy, Nicholas?” asks Michael. “Because I’m going to need help with this.”

“I’m at your disposal,” says Nicholas. “Everything will have to be put on the back-burner.”

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“Tell me you had nothing to do with it,” says Stephanie.

“With what?” asks Damian.

“With David Golde’s shooting!”

“Did you see me there?” asks Damian.

“No, but you said you followed me there.”

“Yes, and I saw you leave. Do you know something about it?”

“He was still alive and well when I left,” says Stephanie. “I didn’t shoot him.”

“That’s good for you,” says Damian. “But I’m more concerned about what you may have told him about me.”

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“Mother, I heard David was shot,” says Lucy. “Do you know anything about it?”

“Why should I know anything about it?” asks Blanche with a quelling look at her daughter.

“I just thought you looked strange that night,” says Lucy.

“I hope you keep your opinions to yourself,” says Blanche.

Lisa comes into the room. “I just talked to Amanda. She’s been questioned by the police.”

“What did she tell them?” asks Blanche.

“She didn’t know much and they released her. For now.”

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“What a homecoming,” says Tracy. “David’s in the hospital with a bullet wound and three strange ladies have moved into the house.”

“Sorry,” says Jason. “We didn’t have time to call and warn you.”

“I guess it doesn’t matter since I’ll be leaving soon,” says Tracy.

“What?” asks Paul. “You’re still going to leave with all this going on?”

“I promised Rick he could come home,” says Tracy. “I can’t back out now.”

“You can send him home and leave the London office to your team over there,” says Paul. “You can go back later, when things are settled again.”

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“David Golde’s shooting is very unfortunate,” says Sylvia. “I don’t mean to be callous, but I hope it won’t affect our ball.”

“William sent word that he will be coming as long as we promise that Dr. Steele wouldn’t,” says Ashley.

“That’s preposterous,” says Sylvia. “What has gotten into him? He is our guest and so is Dr. Steele. He can’t make those kinds of demands. Besides, Michael is defending Dr. Steele, so we are going to support him and back up Dr. Steele.”

“Maybe the hasty wedding and his new wife are having an effect on William,” says Ashley.

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“Does this family need more tragedies?” asks Phillip.

“We’re all praying that David will make it through,” says Tara. “But we can’t stop what we’re doing while we’re waiting for that to happen.”

“I never cared too much for David,” says Alex. “But I don’t think he deserved this.”

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“How are you holding up?” asks Michael.

“I’ll make it through,” says Amanda.

“I’m not trying to be a busybody, but is this neighborhood safe?”

“It’s not bad. It’s not what you’re used to, but I’m comfortable.”

“There’s a lot of noise down the street,” says Michael.

“Yes, Floyd Dimmerling is a chronic drunk and gets nasty at times. The neighbors are getting a little frustrated with him. But he’s the only nasty character around here.”

“Floyd Dimmerling, huh? I don’t like the sound of it.”

“What do you want to do about it?”

“Take you away from here. Put you in my apartment, where I can keep an eye on you.”

“I’m the accused, not the victim,” says Amanda. “How would you like your coffee?”

“Milk and sugar, please,” Michael answers. “Have you considered that once people find out that you are the accused, they may make trouble for you. Take that Dimmerling fellow, for example.”

“If you want, I could go to my parents, although I wouldn’t be able to stand that for very long.”

“Why not?”

“I guess I’ve tried so hard to assert myself that it’s hard to turn around and seek shelter again.”

“Why do you have to assert yourself? You seem to exude natural confidence.”

Amanda laughs. “It’s a mirage. After years of being teased, I had to find a way to overcome my shyness.”

“What were you teased for?”

“For being fat.”

“Fat? You?”

“Yes. You wouldn’t believe it now, but I was a fat kid. I was the chubby baby my parents doted on and continued to dote on until the teasing got to be too much. Rick was always there to take my side and chase the bullies away.”

“So you hero-worshipped him.”

“Of course.”

“Until he got married.”

“I never knew he got married. We lost touch almost fifteen years ago, and I only realized he was in Brighton a few weeks ago.”

“I understand he’ll be back in town soon.”

“Yes,” says Amanda quietly.

“You don’t sound too happy.”

“I’m not sure this is a good time for him to return.”

“Why?”

Amanda shrugs. “It just isn’t.”

“Well, I’d better get going. Since you don’t have a car right now, would you mind if I came to pick you up for the ball tomorrow?”

“I don’t think I’ll be going.”

“Why not?”

“This business is too unpleasant for me to be enjoying myself.”

“It is unfortunate timing, but that can’t be helped. Are you going to have people saying things behind your back?”

“They’re liable to talk anyway. I don’t know that I can face them,” says Amanda.

“You’ve got to hold your head high. You may not care what people say about yourself, but what will they say about those around you – your parents, the hospital. I’m coming to pick you up at seven tomorrow and I expect you to be ready.”

Amanda stared at him in surprise. “I had asked Lisa to come with me previously, but-”

“Perfect. I’ll be bringing Nicholas along as well.”

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Filed under: All That Glitters