Lindsey made her way backstage. She found Beth with Heather and Perry and the new cast member who had taken Dylan’s place as one of the lesser fairies. They were going over their blocking for Act II.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Lindsey said. “Beth, can I talk to you?”

“Sure,” she said. “Walk Molly through it, guys, and I’ll be right back.”

She and Lindsey moved out of the way of the actors playing Theseus and Hippolyta. Beth watched them go by with a wistful look, and Lindsey wondered if it was because she wanted the part of Hippolyta or because Hippolyta had a fine-looking partner in Theseus.

“So, how goes the costuming?” Beth asked. “Do you need help?”

“No, thankfully Mary and Nancy really have it under control.”

“Oh, I don’t know. I saw your donkey mask, and I was impressed.”

“Please. It looks like a gray waffle with ears,” Lindsey said. Beth laughed and Lindsey smiled. “But I’m confident I can bend it to my will before the dress rehearsal.”

“That’s my girl,” Beth said. “So, how can I help?”

“Actually, I was hoping you could help keep an eye on Violet,” Lindsey said.

Beth raised her eyebrows and Lindsey explained what she had discussed with Nancy and Mary.

“Do you really think this is about more than Robbie?” Beth asked.

“I don’t know,” Lindsey said. “I know there were a lot of people who had issues with him, but murder seems awfully harsh. I wonder if it isn’t bigger than that, like maybe someone wants the theater gone or they want revenge.”

“But if what you’re saying is true, then you think Violet could be next,” Beth said.

“I’m afraid she might be,” Lindsey said. “That Wargus guy sure seems to have it in for her, and Sterling Buchanan did hire him to cover the show. Maybe there is more going on here than even Violet is aware of.”

“Whoa,” Beth said. “Well, count me in. I won’t let her out of my sight.”

“And make sure she doesn’t eat or drink anything unless she knows its point of origin.”

Beth nodded. Then she looked at Lindsey. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m okay,” Lindsey said. “Feels weird without him here though, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, he brought a certain energy to the theater that is sadly lacking now.”

“How is Dylan doing?”

“Like a duck to water,” Beth said. “It was great that Robbie spent so much time working with him before. It’ll make the transition into the bigger part much easier for him.”

“How about his mother?” Lindsey asked. “She seemed unhappy that he was spending so much time here.”

“She was in earlier and seemed quite proud that he had such an important role. Maybe now that he’s one of the stars, she approves.”

“Ah.” Lindsey nodded. “Maybe she has a bit of the stage mother in her.”