The Chief was looking a little annoyed, as the actor had interrupted our conversation. He said, "Mr. Suzuki, the reason we called you in was to ask you some questions about the night Mr. Sparks was murdered."
"Yes, of course. I feel really bad that I was the one who pulled the trigger. I've been wondering why you haven't called me in before. Ask away and I'll answer whatever I can, but be aware I don't know much."
The Chief continued with the questions. "Was there anything different about the gun that night? Like was it in the same position as the other nights? Did it feel any different and did you see anyone wandering back stage that didn't look familiar?"
"No, I didn't see any unfamiliar faces that night. As for the gun, it's always on the table and in the same position. The handle is always facing toward me, making it easy to pick up so there is no dropsy's. Everything each night has to be the same, so all will work smoothly. That night was no different than any other night.
"Whoever changed the bullets knew the gun had to be placed in the same position, so all would be the same and the scene would go off without a hitch. That's why I think it was one of the players."
"One of the players? Is there someone on the set that you know of that has a thing against either Anthony Sparks or John Ashland?"
"No, not Mr. Sparks. Everyone really liked him. He was always encouraging to us smaller players. Mr. Ashland, now that's a different story. Besides whoever changed the bullets knew the gun had to be placed on the table with the handle out. Only another player would know that."
The chief continued with his line of questions. I was just sitting back, listening and getting to like Kim Suzuki more and more as he answered the Chief's questions. I could tell that he would really do a good job of investigating. He appeared to be very observant of the things that surrounded him, just as a good detective should do on a job.
"Mr. Suzuki, what do you mean when you say Mr. Ashland is a different story? What do you have in mind?"
"Truthfully, Chief, many of the players don't like him, including me. I've been observing the situation and there are a few players and crew who aren't too sad that Mr. Ashland almost died of that peanut poisoning. Anyone of them could be the murderer. Right now, there are two I'd ask about their relationship with Mr. Ashland. One is the new understudy, James Thomas. He's really nice guy, but he has some issues with Mr. Ashland."
"And the other one?" asked the Chief.
"I would really focus on Brenda Summers. She's very outspoken, and the two have butted heads together often. I'm not saying one of them is the murderer, but they may be able to shed some light onto the investigation. I'm sure they've talked to others in the play, and have more to say than they've told you so far."
"Well, that's about all I have. How about you, Sam. Any more questions?"
"No, Chief. What you've asked were the things I also wanted to know."
"Okay, Mr. Suzuki, you're free to go. If you have any new ideas that may help us, please let us know."
He smiled. "I hope I've been some help."
As he walked out he shook my hand and reminded me to look up his application for the job. I said that I would, and I actually meant it.
As the Chief's office door closed, I said, "I've already talked to James Thomas. He's a nice guy. He has a baby face, is married, and expecting their first child. In my book no one can be more innocent than he. But Brenda Summers, that's another story. I'm not sure of Miss Summers at all."
Chapter 46
Just as soon as I got home I called Barcelona, but there was no answer. I thought perhaps she was still at the hospital with Charlie Long's wife, Rachel, so I decided to go there. The weekend was coming up which meant I would probably not get to see her. But if I was lucky and did, it would only be over a quick cup of coffee.
When I walked into Charlie's room there were smiles on Rachel and Barcelona's faces. It appeared that there had been some movement from the patient.
When Rachel had come in and held his hand she had felt it twitch, and there was blinking of the eyes even though they were closed. The doctor said that was a good sign, as it appeared Charlie's brain was active and he most likely recognized his wife's voice.
Just about that time, my sister Erica came in. Her report was that the doctors had agreed that there had been some improvement, and within the next forty-eight hours they expected more. They felt this was a turning point, and an encouragement that it was possible that Charlie could come out of the coma within that time.
Erica then advised Rachel to continue to talk to her husband while holding his hand, since there seemed to be some recognition of who she was.
Barcelona and I went down to the hospital cafeteria. She looked tired and said she had to leave shortly as she needed to go home and rest. She also had to prepare for the night's performance. I asked her if she wanted to rest at my place, she said no, it was better that she went to her place and be alone. I understood, even though I wanted to spend more time with her.
We went back upstairs to Charlie's room. When we walked in there was an even bigger smile on Rachel's face. She said she'd been talking to Charlie while holding his hand, and she was sure he knew her voice.
Barcelona went over and gave Rachel a big hug and explained she had to leave to get ready for the night's show. "I may not be able to come by for the next two days, Rachel. I have double performances, but I'll try. Sam will keep me informed by telephone if we also don't get to see each other."
Rachel thanked Barcelona for staying with her the previous night at the hospital. She said she so appreciated it, and didn't know what she would have done, being there alone. She told Barcelona to be sure to go home and rest. The night before, they both had stayed awake most of the time watching over Charlie, getting very little sleep.
Chapter 47
Saturday
When I woke up on Saturday morning I wrote a list of some of the things I wanted to get done before the day was through.
1.Read over Kim Suzuki's job request.
2.Call the jewelers to see if Barcelona's engagement ring is ready. (I was hoping to give it to her on the following Wednesday, her day off.)
3.Send a telegram to my folks telling them about the engagement. (I had intended to wait until they returned, but was afraid by that time the news media would have already told the world. And I wanted them to hear it from me.)
4.Go to the hospital to see how Charlie is doing.
I got dressed and went to the office where I hunted and hunted for the Suzuki application but couldn't find it anywhere. I finally called Donna at her home. She remembered reading it and said to give her a few minutes. She said she'd call back with the information I needed. About fifteen minutes later she walked into the office.
I told her she didn't have to come in. Since it was her day off, she could have just told me on the phone how to find it. Her reply was, "It's easier to come in and find it than to tell you where and how to look for it."
As she handed me Kim Suzuki's application she said, "I remember reading this and thinking that this is just the kind of person you need around here. What made you think of him?"
"I met him yesterday. He's the one who pulled the trigger that killed Anthony Sparks in the theater. I was very impressed by him. He said he sent a form looking for a job here but hadn't heard back. I told him I'd check it over. Now go home or do whatever you do on your day off."
Laughing she said, "Shopping. That's one of my favorite things. See you on Monday, unless you need to find something else. If so, just give me a call." She was still laughing as she left the office.
I checked over the application. It was well written with detailed information on Kim Suzuki, and on what kind of a job he was looking for. I decided to call him on Monday, since I knew the next two days were busy for him, and have him come into the office. I had recently been having second thoughts about needing someone else to help out, so I thought I would call Kim and offer him a job after he finished the one he was working on. I was excited just think
ing about working with him. After reading his resume I felt we would work well together and make a good team.
I called the jeweler to see if the ring was ready. He said it was, and that it was one of the most beautiful settings he had made so far. He was closing at noon as it was the weekend, but would stay later if I wanted to come in that afternoon to pick it up. I told him no, it was okay, and that I would go in on Monday to settle the account and pick up the ring.
Next on my list was sending the telegram to my parents. I didn't want to write Barcelona's name, as I knew others would be reading the message. So after much thought I wrote, "Mom and Dad, your prayers have been answered. B.J. and I are getting engaged on Wednesday. Hope you're having a great voyage. Love to you both, Sam."
When I walked in Charlie Long's room in the hospital, my sister Erica and two other doctors were having a conversation with Rachel who was in tears. I quickly looked over at the bed thinking that maybe Charlie had passed away.
Even though tubes where still attached to him, Charlie looked over at me and gave a slight grin. I couldn't believe it. The doctors motioned to me by placing their index fingers to their lips and shaking their heads, indicating that they didn't want me to converse with him.
When they were through, Erica walked over to me and said, "It is a miracle. Sam. We were just telling Mrs. Long that we've never seen anything like this before. Charlie has a long way to go for complete recovery, but it looks mighty good. Right now, we're going to restrict his visitors, So, Sam, I'm sorry but you'll have to leave."
As I started out the door, Rachel came over to me and we both hugged. "Please, Sam, tell Barcelona about Charlie. She's become such a dear friend and I know she'll be elated to hear the good news about my husband. When I thought I was going to lose Charlie, and the tears were flowing from my face, Barcelona reminded me of Alfred Tennyson's words that he wrote. '''Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.' Those words were really comforting to me and I knew she was right. The best thing that's ever happened to me was falling in love with Charlie."
The tears came back into her eyes, but this time there was a smile on her lips as she looked over at her husband, knowing that this wasn't the end.
Many years later Barcelona also reminded me of the British poet's words when I lost my mother and father. I too found them encouraging and so very true.
I told Rachel that as soon as I left the hospital, I would go directly to the theater and try to relate the great news to Barcelona.
I walked out the room with my sister Erica, who said, "Please, Sam, don't take it personally about visitors not being able to see Charlie Long at this time. We just want to be cautious."
"No, I'm not at all offended. I'm just amazed. I'm sure he recognized me. I'll be heading right to the theater to tell Barcelona the good news, and about the restricted visitors. Do you think we can both come by on Monday sometime to see Charlie?"
"It may be possible, but please call first."
We were standing in front of the elevator. When the doors opened I stepped in, holding the doors so they wouldn't close. "Okay," I said, "I'll call first. By the way, here's a copy of the telegram I sent Mom and Dad."
Before Erica could open the envelope, I released the elevator doors, leaving her looking very confused as they were closing. I had to smile to myself as I wondered what she would be thinking while reading it.
Chapter 48
Sunday
I was able to see Barcelona after I left the hospital, giving her the good news about Charlie Long. We agreed we would meet on Monday for a quick lunch and then head over to the hospital if the doctors said it was okay for Charlie to have visitors.
I woke up on Sunday morning and found myself getting dressed for church. By now I was calling it "My little church." As I walked in the church door everyone again greeted me with firm handshakes, and even some gave me hugs, welcoming me back.
The title of the message on the sign outside read, WHO CAN WE PRAY FOR TODAY?
After the greetings I was handed a piece of paper asking me to write down a name of the person I would like the church to pray for. Of course, my first thought was Barcelona, but the name I wrote down was Charlie Long.
After the service the pastor came over to me and invited me to have lunch with him and his family. Since I had nothing else to do, I told him I'd be happy to join him. It sounded great, and I asked where we were going. He said we would be going to his house. He assured me that even though lunch would be simple, the fellowship would be great.
Their home was connected to the church. I guess one would call it a parsonage. Anyway, it was small but very neat and homey. The pastor and his wife had three boys, all teenagers. It was a good family and I could tell that love was abundant to all. In many ways it reminded me of my growing-up days in our household. After we ate, the pastor said it was now getting-acquainted time. And with that, we all moved into the living room area.
The three youngsters shared first, then the pastor's wife, then the pastor. The pastor talked about his family and how they had come to the church where he had been the pastor for almost two years. When he started, there were about fifty in attendance and now there was a little over one hundred and twenty-five. He said he loved it there and loved the people who were all so welcoming to him and his family from the first day they arrived. He explained that being Africa Americans, that wasn't always the case.
When he was through, he turned to me. "Sam, are you married? Are you new to the area? And how did you come to us? I believe this is your third time here on a Sunday. Please tell us something about yourself."
I looked over at the teenagers, not sure if I wanted to talk about the murders and about Barcelona. The pastor caught my hesitance and excused the boys. They were due to go to youth meeting back at the church that was starting shortly. The pastor's wife thought maybe I didn't want her there either, so she got up to leave. I said that it was all right and for her to please stay.
"First of all, many thanks for inviting me to lunch. You have a great family. It reminds me very much of my family while I was growing up. To answer some of your questions, I'm not married yet, but very close.
"This coming Wednesday I will be officially engaged. We're not living together, in case you're wondering." Why I said, that I have no idea. I remember feeling a little embarrassed as soon as it came out of my mouth. "I'm not new to the area. I was born not far from here. I'm a private detective and working on a murder case that's been in the paper just about every day with the tag 'Murder on Broadway.' That's why I was hesitant for the boys to be here."
The pastor's wife spoke. "Yes, I've been reading about it." Then turning to her husband, she said, "It's the one about that Broadway star, Barcelona Jones."
He nodded. "Oh, that one. We have jokingly said that maybe she might be the murderer."
I was taken aback for a second, wondering how many others might be thinking the same thing.
"I can assure you Barcelona Jones is not the killer." My voice was a little stronger and a little louder than I wanted it to be.
The pastor said, "I'm sure she's not, but the paper and news programs leave everything to your imagination. We have no real thoughts about it." Then changing the subject, he continued, "How did you come to our little church?"
"I was walking past it and the message on the marquee -- I guess I can call it that -- said, 'Today's sermon will be being thankful.' It was just what I was looking for."
"And what were you being thankful for?"
"The girl I'm going to marry."
The pastor surprised me with the next question, "Is it Barcelona Jones, Sam?"
I looked over at both of them, then smiled. "Yes it is. How did you manage to come up with her name?"
"By the way you said her name. There was tenderness about it. And then being so quick in defending her as not the murderer."
"Please don't mention this to anyone. I would rather it didn't leave this room until after the press get a h
old of it."
"Don't worry, Sam. My wife's and my lips are sealed."
I ended up telling them the whole story of how I met Barcelona and fell in love with her the moment I saw her. We all laughed when I said it took her longer -- about five days."
By the end of our time together not only did I share my life, but so did they in much more detail than they had before. By the time I left I felt I'd found two more special friends, and found the reverend who I was hoping would marry Barcelona and me.
Chapter 49
Monday
I got up early on Monday morning and headed right for the jewelry store. The ring was beautifully made and looked exactly like my design. I was not disappointed at all. I wanted Wednesday to get here so I could give it to Barcelona, see the approval on her face, and become officially engaged. Then the rest of the world would know of my love for her, and I would be free to tell my family and friends.
I thought of the Chief and what his reaction would be, especially since he was so sure that it wasn't going be the star of Murder on Broadway.
The jeweler was about to put the ring into a velvet-lined square box, when I said, "No thanks. I'm going to look for a heart-shaped box."
"You don't have to look any further, Mr. Jones. Hold on for a second."
The jeweler disappeared for a few moments, and when he returned he was carrying two heart-shaped boxes. One was red velvet, the other black velvet with an embossed red rose on its top. I guess you can figure out which one I took.
I hurried home and called Mr. Suzuki. He was not in, and had no answering machine for me to leave a message.
I must have looked at the ring a hundred times while waiting for the time when I could pick up my love. At one point I even thought about giving it to her at lunch that afternoon, but I was hoping for a more romantic occasion than a quick lunch.
When the time came for me to leave and pick up Barcelona, I put the ring in my pants' pocket, but had second thoughts as I knew if I took it with me I would probably become weak and end up giving it to her immediately. So I took it out of my pocket and left it on the table. I was so anxious to put it on her ring finger and become engaged.
After we had lunch I called my sister Erica and asked if by any chance we could come over and see Charlie. The answer was a yes. Charlie had improved greatly over the last two days. The staff at the hospital were still overwhelmed at his progress.