Shadow Dancing

By Linda A. Wills

When a young dancer dies mysteriously in her hotel room on the eve of a prestigious dance competition, the cause of her death is initially attributed to some unknown health concern. But is that really what happened? Sylvia Trent, a longtime friend of the dead girl and a dancer herself, doesn't think so. She and her husband, Homicide Detective Anthony James, set out to find the real reason behind the girl's death, but neither is prepared for what they encounter. Caught up in a web of deceit, with every clue unravelling before them, Sylvia feels as though she and Tony are merely puppets on a stage, and they have no idea who is pulling the strings.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Aug 24, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450243483

Linda A. Wills

Linda A. Wills was trained as a dancer and choreographer and worked in that capacity for many years. She has authored three other books, including Dance Until You Die. She and her husband live in Ohio.

Book preview

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Kris Young for

her assistance and to everyone

who asked for a sequel to

Dance Until You Die.

Prologue

There it was again—that odd feeling in her throat, almost as though she couldn’t swallow. She’d only been back in the room a few minutes and already it had happened twice. What’s gotten into me? she wondered. It surely couldn’t be nerves, could it?

Eunice knew that many dancers fought nerves during a competition, but she had never been one of them. So why now, when the competition was practically in the bag? She and Toby had danced superbly in the smooth portion, acing every movement. All that remained was the Latin segment, and Latin was their forté. She should be on cloud nine, but instead she was almost apprehensive.

Disgusted with herself, Eunice quickly took off her ballgown and tossed it over the nearest chair. She only had a few minutes to reapply her makeup and put on her Latin costume for the final segment of the competition. Wrapping a large towel around her, she reached for her makeup bag. That was the trouble with competing. You perspired so much that your makeup practically melted off.

With an expertise born of much experience, Eunice deftly reapplied her theater makeup. She was heartily glad that she didn’t have to wear the stuff all the time. It showed up well under the bright lights, but it always made her feel like a painted figurine.

Eunice glanced at the bedside clock and realized she only had ten more minutes before she needed to be downstairs. She reached for her sports drink and took a sip before grabbing her Latin costume from the closet. She still had to dress, though there wasn’t much to put on, she observed dryly, looking down at the frothy bit of material she held in her hands. Honestly, the Latin costumes got skimpier every year.

Suddenly, as a wave of numbness engulfed her throat again, Eunice sat down abruptly on the edge of the bed, the costume slipping from her fingers. Frightened and unable to swallow, she tried to reach the glass of water on her bedside table, but for some reason her well-trained dancer’s body wouldn’t respond to her brain’s directions. All at once, she couldn’t breathe, couldn’t even cry out. Stark terror filled her mind as she silently slid to the floor.

Chapter One

Held in the Hyatt Convention Center near downtown Columbus, Ohio, the Ohio Star Ball was well-known in the dance world and well-attended. So well-attended, in fact, that this year, the thirtieth year of its inception, promised to be the biggest ever, drawing dancers from many states and several countries.

Thirty years ago the Star Ball had started on a much smaller scale, the brain child of Mr. Sam Sadano, a teacher with the Murray chain and a well-respected competitor himself. Originally held in a downtown hotel, the Ball’s reputation had grown rapidly; and as it grew, so had the number of participants. With the arrival of the much larger Hyatt Convention Center, the decision had been made to move the Star Ball to that venue, where there was room for even more significant growth.

Every November both amateurs and professionals flocked to Columbus to participate in the six day event, competing with other dancers in their particular division. The part of the program that everyone looked forward to, however, was the prestigious professional competition held on the final day. In it, the most highly placed couples in ballroom dance from around the world competed for the title, the final six performing in both American Smooth and Latin before a live audience. That portion of the event was always filmed and aired on TV the following January.

This year was no different except for one thing. The expected winners of the professional competition were none other than the Romani Dance Studio’s Eunice Kidd and her partner, Toby LeHay.

Everyone from the Romani studio had turned out for today’s event to support Eunice and Toby. This was the final day of the competition and the culmination of all their dreams, and the back-breaking work necessary in fulfilling those dreams.

Though the staff and students at the Romani studio liked and admired Toby LeHay, they were really rooting for Eunice Kidd, whom they loved and respected. Eunice and her former partner, Johnnie Armando, had been the top Latin couple in the U.S. when Johnnie was tragically murdered. Gathering up the pieces of her shattered career, Eunice had set about finding another partner who was talented enough to fill Johnnie’s shoes. With the help of the Romani staff, she persuaded Toby LeHay to come aboard. Toby proved to be an excellent choice, far more focused and disciplined than Johnnie on his best day. Soon Eunice and Toby were the couple to beat, not just in the Latin dances but in the smooth as well.

Joan Johnson, the new owner of Romani’s, had reserved four large tables for her staff and those students attending. Centrally located at the edge of the ballroom, the tables afforded the group an excellent view of the dancing while allowing them to watch the reaction of the various judges stationed around the room.

Since it was sometimes difficult for the judges to tell the fast moving couples apart, each couple was assigned a number which was pinned to the gentleman’s back. When a couple’s supporters saw their number dance by, they cheered at the top of their lungs, hoping to influence the judges. Whether they actually did or not was debatable, but the cheering certainly added to the excitement. The energy in the room was palpable.

The smooth portion of the competition had ended a few minutes previously, and Eunice and Toby—number 203—had acquitted themselves well. While they and the other couples changed costumes for the Latin segment, the Romani tables were achatter with comments about the various competitors and how their routines measured up to Toby’s and Eunice’s. During the intermission, special dances were being performed to keep the audience’s excitement level high, but the Romani group paid little attention to them. This was the day their couple was going to win, and they could think of little else.

Sylvia Trent, a longtime teacher at Romani’s, sat beside her new husband, Homicide Detective Anthony James. Though just recently married, Sylvia and Tony had known each other as children, having grown up in the same neighborhood. They had lost touch for several years, but when Tony was assigned to investigate the murder of her former employer, they had renewed their childhood acquaintance. A romance had ensued, and here they were, a year later, husband and wife. This was Tony’s first competition, and Sylvia was excited and happy to have him there.

Frank Clarkson, the manager of Romani’s, sat on Sylvia’s other side. Dear friends, they had worked together so long that they could practically read each other’s minds and often echoed each other’s thoughts.

Eunice and Toby performed that waltz to perfection, don’t you think, Frank? Sylvia asked.

Couldn’t have been better, he answered, though I’m partial to their tango myself. I’ve always loved tango.

This is so exciting! Tess Barker chimed in from across the table. Do you realize this is my first competition ever?

Tess, a relatively new teacher and everybody’s darling, loved everything about the dance business. To her, working at Romani’s was the best of all jobs, and she didn’t hesitate to say so to any and all who asked.

Sitting next to Tess was her fiancé, Joe Scott, who was also a homicide detective. He had met Tess while working with his partner, Tony James, on the Romani murder case; and to Joe’s way of thinking, both partners had been lucky. Something good had definitely come out of those tragic circumstances. He looked at Tess indulgently, much like a proud father. Tess was always so exuberant about everything. It was one of the things he loved about her, her joy of life.

Did you see the dress on number 214? Louis Del Marco, another teacher at Romani’s, commented. I thought any second it was going to slide off into the sunset.

Meow, meow! Frank Clarkson mocked. Don’t be catty, Louis. Had it slid off, she’d probably have received a standing ovation.

I’m not being catty, Frank. It was tasteless. You said so yourself. Ballgowns should be feminine and flowing. Leave sexy to the Latin costumes. God knows they’re brief enough!

Speaking of Latin, shouldn’t they be coming in soon for the Latin routines? Joan Johnson, nicknamed JJ by everyone who knew her, asked. I see the couples lining up, and there’s Toby, but I don’t see Eunice.

Toby’s looking around. I wonder where Eunice is. It’s not like her to be late, Sylvia commented.

Look, Toby’s motioning to us, Frank. Maybe we should see what’s up, Louis said, rising from his seat.

Frank and Louis hurried over to where Toby was nervously walking up and down. In a few moments they were back with the news that Eunice was nowhere to be seen.

Sylvia, Toby asks if you’ll run up to Eunice’s room and see what’s keeping her. They’re ready to go on, Frank said.

Sure, Sylvia answered, getting to her feet.

I’ll go with you, Tony said. I need to stretch my legs before this thing starts again.

She’s in Room 311, Louis said. Hurry, won’t you?

Come on, Tony! They’re due on the floor any minute! If they don’t go on with the others, they’ll be disqualified, Sylvia said as she ran towards the elevator.

Sylvia knew just how hard Eunice had worked for this day. A true professional, Eunice was always on time and always prepared. Nothing, short of death, would keep her from a performance. At that thought, Sylvia shuddered.

Exiting the elevator, Sylvia ran down the hall, with Tony hot on her heels. Locating Room 311, she pounded on the door.

Eunice! Eunice! she called, If you’re in there, open up! You have to come now! They’re lining up, and Toby’s chomping at the bit!

Eunice didn’t open the door, and no sound emanated from the room.

Could she be somewhere else? Tony questioned. Surely she’d have answered if she were here. You pounded hard enough to wake the dead.

Where else could she be? Sylvia asked. I don’t like this, Tony. I’ve got a bad feeling. We’ve got to get in there fast! Can you break down this door?

Are you kidding me? These doors are steel and built to last. I couldn’t break it down with a sledgehammer.

Then get someone up here to open it. Use your authority as a detective. I don’t care how you do it, but we’ve got to get in there, I tell you!

Okay, okay, but I’m not leaving you here alone, he said as he pulled out his cell phone and speed-dialed his partner.

Joe, this is Tony. No, she doesn’t answer her door. Listen, get someone from security up here with a keycard. Sylvia’s having one of her gut feelings, and I’m inclined to agree with her. Hurry it up, will you?

Turning to Sylvia, Tony said, She didn’t show downstairs, and the dancing has started. I’m sorry, honey, but it looks like Eunice and Toby are out of the competition.

I don’t care about that now. It’s too late to worry about it, anyway. But I know wild horses couldn’t have kept Eunice from performing tonight. Since she didn’t, something must be terribly wrong.

At that moment, the elevator door opened and Joe, followed by a uniformed security officer, rushed down the hall.

Puffing from the exertion, the officer complained, I want to go on record that I don’t much like the idea of opening up Ms. Kidd’s room without her okay. I’m doing it under coercion.

We’ll take full responsibility, Tony said. Just get on with it.

The officer fumbled in his pocket for the keycard, which he finally managed to extricate and slice through the slot provided for it.

By this time, Sylvia, already a nervous wreck and filled with foreboding, would have taken great pleasure in slapping the man.

As the green light came on, indicating the door was unlocked, Tony motioned the others to stand back while he and Joe entered first. Taking out their guns, they stepped into the suite cautiously.

In a very few minutes Tony was back outside, and Sylvia could hear Joe speaking quietly into his cell in the background. Impatient to know something, she grabbed Tony’s arm. She’s in there, isn’t she? she asked.

Tony nodded. Yes, she’s in there.

Looking at her husband’s face, Sylvia knew her fears had been correct. Something was terribly wrong. And she’s dead? she questioned softly.

Yes. I’m sorry, Sylvia. Joe’s calling in the crime squad. It may be premature, but we’re taking no chances. It looks like she was in the process of changing. Her ballgown is tossed across a chair and her Latin costume is laying on the floor beside her, as though she had it in her hands and dropped it. She’s slumped down next to the bed, kind of like she had a seizure or something.

Can I see her? Sylvia asked.

No, better not. If it turns out to be a crime scene, we don’t want it contaminated.

Do you think that’s possible, that someone killed her, I mean?

No, I really don’t. But let’s let the Medical Examiner decide that. He’s the expert, and he’s very thorough. If there’s any doubt, you can bet he’ll say so. By the way, did Eunice have any health problems that you know of? A seizure disorder, perhaps?

Are you kidding? Eunice was as healthy as a horse. She had to be to do the kind of strenuous training that she did day after day. I’ve known her since she first came to the studio, and I can’t remember her ever being sick, not even the usual colds and flus the rest of us have had.

Well, she had to die of something, and you hear of professional athletes dropping dead when everyone thought they were perfectly healthy. Maybe she had something genetically wrong that even she wasn’t aware of.

That’s possible, I guess, Sylvia responded, but I suppose the Medical Examiner will do an autopsy, won’t he?

Sure to, Tony replied. Anytime the death is unusual or unexpected. He should be here soon. Joe called him.

In that case, I’m going downstairs to break this to Toby and the others. Someone’s got to, and though I’d give almost anything to avoid it, I suppose the news would be better coming from me. Everyone will be devastated, I know, and why not? Who could possibly have foreseen anything like this happening?

Just then the crime squad got off the elevator and walked down the hall to where Tony and Sylvia were standing. The security guard had left as soon as Tony had informed him of Eunice’s death, probably afraid someone would ask him to help in some way. It was evident, to him as well as the detectives, that he was out of his element.

What have you got for us? questioned one of the crime techs.

Dead female. Approximately twenty-eight. Looks like a seizure of some kind, but we don’t know yet. Until we know more, treat it like a crime scene, Tony said.

Will do, the tech responded.

Joe came out of the suite as the others were entering. I’m sorry, Sylvia. I wish this had had a different outcome, he said sympathetically.

Thanks, Joe. I do, too, she said. She reached into her bag, pulled out a tissue and dabbed at the corners of her eyes. Listen, fellows, I’m going down now to tell the others. I’ve stalled long enough. If I don’t go soon, they’ll be up here investigating for themselves, and we don’t want that.

No, we don’t, Tony agreed. I’d go with you, Sylvia, for moral support at least, but the M.E. should be here any minute, and I don’t want to miss him.

That’s okay. I’ll be all right. I’m just dreading it, that’s all, she said as she turned and walked toward the elevator.

I don’t envy her having to break the news, Joe said. It’s bound to hit everyone hard. Most of them have worked with Eunice for several years, haven’t they?"

Yes, Tony said, and they were so excited for her. She was such a likable person, and she and Toby were a shoo-in to win this competition. Now, not only have they lost Eunice, but Toby has lost his big chance at the title and will have to start over again with a new partner—if he can ever find anyone half as good.

The detectives turned as the elevator doors opened and Hank Carter, the Medical Examiner, came down the hall.

What’s going on, boys? he asked as he approached. Well-known to both detectives, Hank didn’t stand on ceremony.

One of the dancers from Romani’s is in there, Hank. She and her partner were in the competition downstairs. When she didn’t show up for the final segment, Sylvia and I came upstairs to find her. We found her, all right—in 311 dead. It looks like a seizure of some kind to me, but my wife—you remember Sylvia—says she has no history of illness, that, in fact, Eunice has always been exceedingly healthy. The woman’s name, by the way, is Eunice Kidd, and I’d judge her to be around twenty-eight. Her driver’s license should tell us.

Okay, let’s take a look, Hank said as he led the way into the room.

The crime squad had been quietly working since their arrival. Always efficient, they had their work down to a science and wasted little effort. They moved aside as the M.E. knelt beside the body and proceeded to get a body temperature.

Eunice Kidd lay slumped beside the bed in almost a sitting position, her body only partially covered by a large towel. Her right arm was stretched out towards the bedside table as though she’d been reaching for something. Her eyes were wide open and her face had almost a contorted look about it. With her dark hair lacquered back and full stage makeup on, she reminded Tony of a marionette that had been tossed aside. Remembering how beautifully she had danced earlier in the evening, he was hit by an overwhelming sadness.

She must have been a lovely woman, commented Hank.

Yes, she was, Tony said, trying not to allow his emotion to show.

How long was she gone before you came hunting for her? Hank questioned.

Couldn’t have been over thirty, maybe thirty-five minutes, Tony answered. The smooth portion of the competition had ended, and the dancers had gone to change into their Latin costumes. They only have about forty to forty-five minutes before they have to start lining up for the Latin segment. Most of them come down a little early to go over a few steps in the hall, so Sylvia tells me. Anyway, when Eunice didn’t come, her partner got worried and sent us to check on her. So, maybe forty-five minutes before we actually got the door opened. Why do you ask?

Because she’s too rigid for the length of time she’s been dead, the M.E. responded. Even if you give it forty-five minutes and allow another fifteen for me to get here, that’s still only an hour. According to her body temperature, she can’t have been dead more than an hour and a half, tops. That’s not enough time for what I’m seeing. Look at her face. See how taut it is? And that stretched out arm is rigid. Rigor mortis doesn’t set in that fast.

If she had a seizure, would that account for it? Joe asked.

No, I don’t think so, Hank replied. I think there’s something else going on here, but I won’t know what until I get her down to the morgue. Here comes my crew now.

As the gurney and its two man team entered, the M.E. stood aside to allow them access to the body. I’m done here, he told his men. You can take her out. To Tony and Joe he said, I’ll schedule the autopsy for first thing in the morning. I’ll let you know what I find out.

Thanks, Hank. Talk to you then, Tony said as he watched the M.E. follow the gurney carrying Eunice Kidd down the hall. His mind rebelled at the realization that it was really Eunice’s body in that black bag. Only a couple of hours ago she was so alive.

You’re taking this one hard, aren’t you, Tony? Joe said, laying his hand on his partner’s shoulder.

Yeah. I guess I am, Tony answered. I hate this part of our job. You’d think I’d be immune to it after nineteen years, but something like this comes along, and I realize I’m not.

Do we ever get immune? Joe asked. I wonder if you can be a good cop and be totally immune to the kinds of things we see.

Maybe not, but when you know the people involved, it makes it tougher, not easier.

The crime squad was winding up their work, and one of the techs came up to the detectives just then and asked if anything else was needed.

No, if you’re finished here, you can go, but tape the door on your way out. Until we know what happened here today, I don’t want anyone entering this suite, said Tony.

Sure, responded the tech.

What do you think happened here? Joe asked. Hank sounded a bit mysterious.

Darned if I know, said Tony. An otherwise perfectly healthy woman dead on the eve of winning a prestigious title. It does make you wonder. But there wasn’t a sign of violence or unlawful entry as far as I could tell. I guess we’ll just have to see what the results of the autopsy show.

Let’s get back to the competition, then, said Joe. I wonder who will win now that Eunice and Toby aren’t in the running.

That’s a good question, Joe. They may be the only ones to benefit from Eunice’s death.

Chapter Two

Sylvia Trent had delayed going downstairs because she didn’t know how she was going to face everyone with the news that Eunice was dead. Toby, especially, would be hard hit. His hopes for a title had died with Eunice. Then there were Frank and JJ. They had backed the couple financially—paid for trainers, costumes, trips to other competitions—in hopes that a major win would reinstate Romani’s as the top studio it had once been. Now that wasn’t going to happen. The promise of success had turned into the death of a dream.

Eunice had been such a special person, too. Truly unique, in fact. Dedicated, disciplined, highly skilled—yet warm and caring and genuine. Everyone liked her, and that was unusual in competitive dancing. Sylvia couldn’t number the many catty stab-you-in-the-back women she’d met in the business. Fortunately, that kind of person didn’t last long at Romani’s, if she got hired at all. JJ, who did most of the hiring, sized that type up pretty quickly and gave them short shrift.

When Sylvia reached the ballroom, she found Toby leaning dejectedly against the wall outside the large double doors. As she neared, he looked up, and she motioned him toward a small sitting area nearby.

How is she? Toby questioned. Why didn’t she come? Tell me she didn’t break a leg or anything like that.

No, Toby, nothing like that. Listen, she whispered, reaching for his hand, I don’t know any easy way to tell you this, so I just have to say it outright. Toby, Eunice is dead.

Dead! Toby exclaimed. For God’s sake, Sylvia, don’t joke about something like that! Everyone knows Eunice is a health nut. She’s never even sick. She can’t be dead!

"I’m sorry, Toby. Really I am. I know how much Eunice meant to you, to all of us. I wish I had better news, but