Deadly Overtures: A Music Lover's Mystery Read Online Free PDF

least, it looks like that’s what happened. Mikayla and I found her.”
    “Ouch,” Cameron said.
    “Will she be okay?” JT asked with concern.
    “No.” I swallowed. “She’s dead.”
    Cameron’s eyes widened, but he said nothing.
    JT put his free hand on my back. “I’m sorry, Dori. That’s terrible. I guess that’s why she didn’t turn up on stage at the end of the concert.”
    I nodded.
    “Are you all right?”
    “Just a bit unsettled. I’ll be fine.”
    “You seriously saw a dead body?” Cameron asked, looking both fascinated and slightly sick at the thought.
    “Yes.” I didn’t add that it wasn’t the first dead body I’d seen.
    JT gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Why don’t you grab your things and I’ll walk you to your car?”
    “All right. Thanks.” I was more than ready to head home by then.
    I made my way back up to the wings of the stage, JT and Cameron falling in behind me. I waved once more to Fred and continued on to the musicians’ lounge. Mikayla had returned from the lobby and was deep in conversation with fellow violinists Katie and Bronwyn. When she saw me, she excused herself from the others and came to meet me at my locker.
    “The paramedics arrived?” I asked as I twirled the dial on my combination lock.
    “Yes,” she replied. “And a couple of police officers.” She shivered. “I can hardly believe she’s dead. Imagine having your whole life and career ahead of you and then dying because you happened to slip in a washroom.” She shook her head. “It’s awful.”
    “It is,” I agreed as I opened my locker.
    I reached for my coat but my hand fell to my side as Hans’s voice filled the lounge.
    “Everyone, could I have your attention, please?”
    Along with everyone else, I turned to face Hans. He stood just inside the lounge door, a uniformed police officer at his side. JT and Cameron had come in from the corridor and waited off to one side, their eyes on Hans and the police officer. I wondered briefly if they’d come into the lounge of their own accord, or if the officer had requested that they do so. My attention quickly shifted to Hans, however, as he resumed speaking.
    “The police would like for everyone to remain at the theater for the time being so they can speak to each one of you about the unfortunate event that occurred this evening. I know some people have already left, but the police would appreciate it if those of you still here would take the time to provide a statement.” Hans gestured to the uniformed man standing next to him. “This is Constable Ryan. I’ll let him take over from here.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Clausen,” Constable Ryan said.
    Hans nodded and left the lounge.
    The constable addressed the rest of us. “As Mr. Clausen said, my colleagues and I would like to speak with each one of you. We’re attempting to piece together what happened to Ms. Nicolova and even the smallest piece of information could help us greatly with that endeavor. If you’d please remain in this room, I’ll return shortly with my colleagues and we’ll begin taking statements.”
    As he turned to leave, clarinet player Hettie Vallance spoke up. “It was an accident, wasn’t it? I mean, didn’t she slip and fall?”
    Everyone, including myself, directed our full attention at the constable, waiting for his response.
    “At this time, it does look as though that could be the case. However, I understand there were no witnesses to Ms. Nicolova’s death, and because of that we’re not prepared to make any assumptions. I assure you that what we’re doing is routine in such circumstances, and my colleagues and I will do our best to speak with you all as quickly as possible so you can get on home.”
    With that, the constable stepped out of the room, shutting the door behind him. My fellow musicians and I all looked at each other in silence for a moment, but then several conversations sparked up around the room, all related in some way to Pavlina.
    JT