A Vanishing Act Release Week Fun

A Vanishing Act by Edwina Kiernan

On screen they’re a darling duo, but it’s a whole different story backstage.

Hollywood legend Kent Selwood isn’t happy sharing the limelight with rising star Stella Sanders. Tired of her diva drama, Kent makes it clear—he wants Stella gone.

Seamstress Bonnie Roseland is practically invisible to everyone at the studio, except for slick actor, Jerry Jackson — the one man she wishes would leave her alone. Her deep-rooted faith helps her see beyond the glitz and glamor to the broken realities and dysfunctional atmosphere at the studio. She sometimes wonders if God has a purpose for her there or if she should just move on.

When the studio receives blackmail letters, Kent’s attitude makes him the prime suspect, and he’s swiftly banished from the lot, despite insisting that he’s been framed. Only Bonnie believes him — and she’s confident she knows who the real culprit is.

But when a ransom note arrives after Stella goes missing and evidence is discovered that clearly implicates Kent, will Bonnie help him uncover the truth in time to save his career… and Stella’s life?

What’s behind the curtain?

I rub my hands together as eager anticipation warms my blood. This is going to work. I flip the envelope over and trace the bold script of my name scrawled across the thick parchment.

Robin paces back and forth in front of the heavy black door. “Any minute now.”

I nod and tuck the envelope back into my pocket. I cup my hands together and blow into them as a chill wind rattles down my spine.

What’s behind the curtain?

The message from the note is imprinted on my mind. I see it every time I close my eyes. The clues led us here, to the theatre where we’ve spent many a night laughing and joking together.

Robin glances over his shoulder as the sound of heels click-clacks on the dirty alley street. “Marian.” Robin grinds his teeth as his love strides through the gloom. The single streetlight shines overhead, haloing Marian in a golden glow. Robin takes her by the shoulders. “What are you doing here?”

“Robin.” That one word is an admonishment and an admission of love all in one. She pecks his cheek with a kiss. “I’m not going to miss the mystery of our lives.”

Robin harrumphs. “Thought the missing horse and murdered jockey would have put you off mysteries.”

Marian’s grin grows wider. “Not a chance.”

The door behind me clicks and creaks open. I grab the knob and motion for Robin and Marian to follow me.

We creep into the darkened theatre. Whoever opened the door has disappeared. The theatre swallows us whole. Long shadows stretch across the red velvet seats and cast the crimson curtain in a dim glow that reminds me of…no. I won’t think about that. Not here in the ominous quiet where I hear my own heartbeat thundering in my ears.

I climb the steps first, Robin and Marian at my back. I stretch out a hand and grasp the heavy curtain. With one quick jerk, I fling it aside and leap into the darkness.

Laughter cascades through the room, building into a raucous cacophony. “You didn’t think it would be that easy, did you?” A melodic voice drifts on the still air, coming from everywhere and nowhere.

A glint of silver catches my eye. I snatch up the silver lighter as fear tightens in my chest. This is another clue to the mystery, but where will it lead next?