Chapter 1

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It was the winter of 1954, and the annual dinner gala at the Billings Estate was packed with politicians, philanthropists, people of all enormous wealth and status. Par for the course. This event was the brainchild of Veronica Billings. A blue blood by birth, but she swore it ran green. Welcome, welcome, welcome to our home, everyone! It is that time of year again where we all gather and celebrate the blessing that is life. Time comes more than one.

Bill Billings wasn't much for public fanfare, but he always played his part. He raised his glass in acknowledgement, but immediately left the spotlight of attention his wife had garnered. And of course, my husband William, whom you all know and I hope, love as much as I do. Well, maybe not as much. I mean, we are married after all. Olivia! Olivia, darling, where are you?

Olivia Billings was Veronica and Williams' adopted daughter. A young Veronica had plucked her from her impoverished land of Liberia when she was just a child. She cared not about the laws of her own segregated country, for the wealthy had their own segregation. The only things that truly separated their kind from the others were commas. A shy Billings. I could swear you weren't even mine.

Like her father, Olivia did not enjoy the spotlight as much. At least not when she had to share it with her mother. For those of you who are joining us for the first time tonight, this is my daughter, Olivia. I saved her from a life of nothing. Isn't that grand? Huh? Olivia smiled with gratitude or tried to Now everyone eat, drink, and keep the party going. Veronica schmoozed her way across the room, greeting guests with endless effervescence.

Heavens! You know you mustn't sneak up on me like that. My mistake. The chef wanted to know when the main core should be circulated, as you had not determined time prior. George, the ever faithful butler, had a knack for appearing when he was least expected. A rather exasperating talent. Oh, you know scheduling takes all the fun out of it. But all right, I suppose eight o'clock is sufficient and make sure the aperitif is served immediately before.

Of course, madam. I will ring for the maid and have her clean this up. Again, my apologies for startling you so. The maid, Beatrice, entered the room and all eyes instantly. She was young. was effortlessly beautiful. Two things Veronica clung to with every ounce of her being.

She quickly made her way to the broken glass and began sweeping up the mess. Make sure you get every last piece. Of course, ma'am. Veronica glared sharply, giving the shards of glass a run for its money. And what did I tell you about calling me ma'am? My apologies. Veronica sauntered away to the other guests who demanded her presence. The maid watched her go, briefly, connecting eyes across the room with Olimia, who glared at her pitifully. Joseph and Esther finds the first time.

My most trusted benefactors. I'm so glad you could make it. Well, you know it wasn't easy with this awful snowstorm coming. I mean, the radio said we're due for 14 inches. Can you believe that? Esther, another What about the weather? I had to hear about it the entire drive here. Now, now, let's not grab at each other's throats like that. We're all just here to have a good time, right? Speaking of here, where is Senator Clark? And you tell me not to start. I have some ideas, that's all.

Okay, I I don't see what the big deal is about talking shop with a powerful man. He's trying to change the property taxes so he stops losing money on his terrible building investments. They're not terrible. I'm being robbed by the government. A few individuals in particular. I'm almost certain of it. I have names, I think. I didn't realize I married Joseph McCarthy. Don't even joke like that.

My husband is still a bit sensitive about the whole communist business. Veronica scanned the room for her husband. She spotted him across the way amidst a small crowd, being greatly entertained by their hired magician. Picard William It was the Jack of Diamonds. Face down, don't let me see it. William did just so. Is this your car? No sir. He put it face down on the table and pulled another. How about this? Ha ha. Wrong again. Put that one face down as well, and pulled.

Shook his head. Enrique put the third card face down in front of him. Hmm. Well, sir, if none of those three cards were yours, then explain. Enrique flipped over the three face-down cards to reveal three Jack of Diamonds. Oh my goodness! A triumph. Truly outstanding. Enrique Bal. Soaking up the sounds of pleasure he craved so desperately from his audience. A trick deck for a tricky man. Nothing exceptionally magical about that. Oh, don't be rude, Olivia. It's unbecoming.

rolled her eyes, sipping at her drink in disdain. I'm going upstairs. Veronica noticed her daughter's hasty exit and approached her husband. Now what was that all about? problems. What? What's wrong with the champagne? No, sweetie. I simply mean she's being a teenager. You know how it can be. You were that young once. His eyes drifted over to where the maid was clearing out a row of the Veronica noticed. Yes, well time passes for us all. The snow had started its earthly assault.

Chunks of white colliding with the ground like frosty mistakes. See? I told you it was gonna be bad. Now, how are we supposed to get home? Maybe we should leave now. You know Veronica would never allow that. Besides, we haven't even had dinner yet. Perhaps it'll subside by then. All right. Will you hold my drink? I'm off to the restroom. Attention Attention everyone As you may have noticed, there is a bit of a storm raging around us. Rest assured.

Should roads become undrivable, you are all welcome to stay here until it lets up. We have plenty of space, plenty of heat, and I can't afford to have anything happen to any of you. Literally. Perhaps I should go grab some candles, just in case. Veronica left, and the guests chattered on, forks feeding into hungry mouths, plates being scraped, glasses clinking together, the sound of a soft piano. It was a lavish affair, and everyone seemed The power went out.

Where's the light? This isn't good. Turn the power back on. And then. What was that sound? Was that a gunshot? When the lights came on, a shriek was heard from a nearby room. In the billiards room, everyone found an astonished Veronica standing over the dead, bleeding body of the formerly fabulous Enrique Ensemble, a bullet hole through his head. A silver pistol on the ground beside him.

William rushed to his wife's side. What the hell happened here? Looks like he made his life disappear. A suicide? Maybe it's another trick. Oh don't be so crass, Olivia. A man is dead. Oh dear, and on my Parisian rug. How cruel. Madam. A shaken Veronica clutched her chest in fright. George! Apologies again, but it appears as though the phone lines are down. Then how are we supposed to call the police?

Should I take care of the I wouldn't touch it. Dear God is that Everyone looked at where Esther was pointing. It was to the silver pistol on the floor, engraved with the letters JF. Why is your gun on the floor? Joseph patted his pockets in disbelief while Esther grabbed the gun. I have no idea. Please tell me you didn't do this. Of course not! I was in the restroom. So you say Olivia! How did this man get your gun? Maybe he didn't. Olivia.

What? This party was so boring until now. Boring? Well he was a magician. You know, he could have easily taken it from my pocket. Joseph felt the prying eyes of a curious crowd. His wife backed away. Esther. I think I need to Excuse me. Mister He went to go after her, but William stopped him. What what are you doing? Let me go. Can't be serious. Can't possibly think that I had anything to do. This clearly she does. To your room, Olivia. Now

Perhaps you should stay in here for now, Joseph. Uh just until the police come.

You have to come. I always knew you couldn't trust his kind. Prominent politician Roger Clark sneered at the now ostracized Joseph Feinstein. His wife Nancy. Embarrassed. Roger, don't starve. It's bad enough the world of politics is filled with scandal, and now this Jew is bringing chaos to what was supposed to be a perfectly wonderful evening.

We don't know what happened or why. And attacking a man for his religious beliefs will not be tolerated in this house. As you can see, all kinds are accepted here. But you liberals make me sick. clearly a murderer. Should I just sit back and accept that too? Well, I suppose that's the sound of dinner. If anyone's still hungry.

Please don't go. Veronica followed the exiting crowd to the front doors of her house. Everyone could see that the snow outside had piled halfway high up the window already. Dangerous to go now. Staying in the house with a murderer. Roger tried to open the doors. But they were frozen shut. Roger, relax. Let's wait for the police to arrive, we'll sort everything out. Until then

Why don't we all have some dinner? At least try to enjoy what's left of this night. Yes, yes, my incredible husband once again has a very good point. We don't know how long the storm is to last, and we all need to Let's at least do that and try to keep ourselves busy until help comes. Veronica gave her husband a loving kiss. Everyone looked at them adoringly, except the maid, who turned her back to the ensuing affection and

The partygoers filed back into the living room where plates of food had been laid out before them. Dinner is served. Of course The festive raucousness had dwindled to a low murmur, one of variety. Are you all right, my dear? I don't know. This whole situation has made me feel rather ill. People spirits up. It's what you do best. We're gonna be all right. Perhaps we should play a game. Would everybody like that? Ooh, yes. How about some charades? I think that's a superb idea, Veronica.

Well, why don't I go first? I'll act something out and you all try to guess what it is. Ready? Two words. A person Veronica nodded, then grabbed an ornate black candlestick holder from the mantle. Baseball player? Hmm, don't really know many sports players. Honey Yogi Berra. Mickey Mantle? Ted Williams? Nelly Fox?

Veronica saw Olivia lurking around the doorway. She grabbed her and pulled her over so that she was front and center. Veronica pointed to her daughter's skin, then made the swinging motion again. Judge Robinson says, Oh good, that was so fun. For who? Olivia yanked her arm away from her mother. Now, Olivia, and you can't use prompts of any kind. Someone else take a turn. I should check on our Esther. On the other side of the room.

Roger chatted up the maid, who was trying to clear some of the empty plates. Tweetest little thing. You must be horrified by the He fingered the frills of her uniform. The maid evaded his Welcome touch. Perhaps, sir, you should console your wife. Oh, come now. It's a party. I'm a powerful man. Isn't there something you want? Certainly. But not from you. You're making a mistake.

We'll see about that. The maid yanked herself free and fled, but not before being spotted by Roger's wife, Nancy, who witnessed the entire thing as she flawlessly acted out her charition. Esther, are you all right? You should eat something, darling. How am I supposed to eat when my husband could be a killer? You don't know that.

Doesn't mean it isn't true. You know, I always had a feeling about him. He was always very secretive with his business dealings. He could have been up to anything. Could have been worse, couldn't it? He could have been the one who died. I'd almost prefer it. You're just shaken up. Regardless, you still need to take care of yourself. Come, let's go downstairs and rejoin the party. You go ahead. I need a few more minutes. Veronica gave her a quick hug and made her exit.

The party seemed to be ramping up again. People desperate to forget that only a few feet away lie a dead man locked in a room with his supposed killer. Veronica scanned the room, pleased that her night was not yet completely low. In a few moments the butler will come by with more cocktails. Please, everyone, help yourselves and let him know if you need anything else. Veronica rejoined her husband, who sat at their grand piano playing a jaunty.

Keeping the spirits up too, I see. I may not love these parties of yours, but Of you and it pains me to see you so upset. What are we going to do? What if we're snowed in for days? The the body will certainly start to smell. Oh, what an awful smell that would be. And Joseph What are we to do about him? You don't think he actually did it, do you? As much as I don't want to believe he's capable of such a thing, people always have ways of surprising you. I just keep thinking about poor Esther.

Become of her. Esther is strong and resilient, just like you. No matter what happens, she will be fine, and so will we. I do hope you're right. Oh no Veronica noticed a significantly drunker Roger. Harassing a freshly emerged Esther. Despicable. That's what you are. A bunch of Christ killers. No wonder you murder. It's in your blood. Mr. Clark! I find your comments reprehensible and I I don't give a shit what you find.

You and all your people can go to hell for all I care. Jewish people don't believe in hell. Oh good! The Moor has something to say. Unless you want a whip in from your massa. Now that is enough of that. Don't you dare speak to my daughter that way. Don't you know who I am? I'm the most powerful man. And sell all of you at the drop of a hat. William quickly rushed to Roger and escorted him away. Let's go take a breather, shall we? I'm so sorry, Olivia. Are you all right? I hate your

Sorry everyone, the the storm is truly wreaking havoc on our electrical system. Let me make sure we're on course for dessert. Veronica left. A few moments later. The power went out again. Everyone kept talking and carrying on, knowing that it was all they could do. finally came back on school. Veronica had returned. Esther, I know you're a good one.

But we do have to at least feed your husband. Do we? I'll come with you. And don't worry, there's nothing to be afraid of. After all, you're the one with the gun now, aren't you? Two women grabbed a plate of food and went to the room where Joseph Feinstein was quartered off. Yeah. A familiar ornate black candlestick holder covered in blood laid next to the neck. of Joseph Feinstein. Meandies are the software.

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You better take your hands off me. You better take your hands off. God who did this It could have been anyone. Anyone with your I'll tell the police you did it. You hear me? I'll tell the police you did it! I will not spend one more money. In this slaughterhouse. My lips are sealed. Alright, honey. Let me get you all set up.

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