a "deal" with Austen? Was she deliberately putting herself in his sights? A pretty woman posing as someone interested in the same things he was? That could pay huge dividends from the investment of the ticket’s original purchase. It was such a horrible, cynical way to look at it. Even worse, it played into Austen's theory that Sophie wasn't the woman she said she was. I didn't want to confirm his suspicion but would if I had to. Was she a gold digger who figured out a way to siphon cash from a rich husband? Maybe, but didn't I have an obligation to the unconscious woman that was brutally attacked to give her the full benefit of my doubts? Her friends at the museum mentioned her passion for theater, so perhaps it wasn't entirely a lie. I couldn't question her until she could defend herself. All I had so far was an uncomfortable feeling that something wasn't quite right in Sophie Takahashi's life. I needed some proof. I had to be absolutely sure.
I checked my inbox again but found no message from Annie Woodley. Another thought struck me. I was still waiting on Maddox to tell me about the cash stash in the Takahashis' home. I called him, hoping he would have some fresh answers for me. When he didn't pick up, I left a message to phone me about any news.
While I waited, another bright idea crossed my mind and I decided to call The Playhouse. A man with a very low voice answered. I told him I was interested in purchasing tickets for the annual gala.
"We haven't begun selling those tickets yet, ma'am," he said. "I can add you to the 'interested parties' list if you like?"
"If you could just provide me with some information for now, that would be great," I told him, lacking any desire to be added to yet another mailing list. "My friends, Austen and Sophie highly recommended it. They actually met at the gala. Isn't that lovely?"
"Very," said the man, audibly uninterested.
"Perhaps you know them?" I continued. "Austen Takahashi? I imagine he must be a patron?"
"The name sounds familiar but I can't divulge the identities of our current or past patrons. A public list is posted on our website where you will also find the dates, time and the particular play they plan to debut for the next gala."
"And can I buy the tickets through that website too?"
"Yes and no. Our corporate manager handles all the ticket sales for tables, which we reserve for our esteemed business guests. Our priority list ensures patrons have an opportunity of at least twenty-four hours prior to the general sales. In addition to that, there is the competition we offer in the Montgomery Gazette for a free pair of tickets."
"Is the competition held every year?" I asked, making a note. "And is it free to enter?"
The man sighed as if my questions were irritating him. "Yes, every year. I think the contestants have to write a short essay about a personal experience they've had involving the theater."
"You mean, as an actor?" I asked, more confused now.
"Last year's winner wrote about her first time seeing a musical, which was a treat from her grandparents. Like I said, any personal experience with the theater. You can find all the links to the winning entries on our website."
I tapped my pen against the notepad. What if Sophie simply won her ticket? "Do you have a list of past winners?"
"You can also find that information on our website."
"Thanks so much for your time."
"Have a wonderful day," he sighed before hanging up.
I called up a new tab on my browser and searched for The Playhouse. The gala had its own subheading and it didn't take me long to find the answer. Sophie didn't win a ticket and neither did Zach. Nor was she given them by the actual winners who were all pictured in their evening dress at the events in the galleries. I checked the patron list too but didn't find any names I recognized.
Drawing a large question mark on my notepad, I moved onto my next call: Austen's secretary, Katrina Halliday. I felt weird about asking her probing questions regarding her boss but I couldn't ignore the lead. Zach raised the issue of her and Austen having an extracurricular relationship, although he could have simply been throwing out wild accusations. But that didn't mean there wasn't an element of truth despite Austen's counterclaim.
"Austen told me to expect you," she said,