The Postman Always Purls Twice Read Online Free PDF Page A

plastic wrap. Alicia was obviously headed in that direction.
    Maggie watched the assistant finally depart and saw her chance to approach the star.
    Well, here’s my cue. Enter stage left . . . Or something like that.
    Just as Maggie headed for her target, a horrific sight filled her gaze. She heard people gasp and even scream as a long metal pole, poised on a metal stand and topped with a square grid of flood lights, suddenly fell toward the table.
    Maggie felt as if she was watching a slow-motion film as the heavy fixture swayed and then headed for the floor. She heard more screams as all the lights flickered and blacked out completely for a moment. The metallic monster crashed on the table in a spray of broken glass and sizzling, exploding lightbulbs, then finally settled, an acrid, burning smell filling the air.
    Maggie had already raised her arms to shield her face out of sheer reflex, though she and Suzanne stood several yards away.
    When she looked again, almost everyone in the shop was running toward the accident. She could hardly see a thing.
    She turned and stared at Suzanne. For once, Suzanne was speechless.
    â€œJennifer Todd . . .” Maggie whispered. “Is she under there?”
    The actress would be smashed like an insect, all that metal and cables . . . and broken glass.
    Maggie winced and squeezed her eyes closed, imagining the fate, too horrified to look back and find out what had happened.

Chapter Two
    â€œJ ennifer! Are you all right? Answer me . . . please!”
    As Maggie and Suzanne moved toward the back of the shop along with the rest of the crowd, all they could hear was Alicia, crying and screaming.
    Some of the crew members, along with Alicia, rushed to the spot where Jennifer had been sitting, but the star could no longer be seen.
    While they shouted at each other, there was no reply from the actress for the longest moment. Maggie glanced at Suzanne, who stood with her hand over her mouth, pale and shocked.
    Finally, they heard a weak but familiar voice. “I’m all right. I’m okay . . .”
    â€œStep back, please! Give her some space!” one of the crew members shouted as he and Alicia dove under the table and helped Jennifer to her feet. She stood on shaky legs while Alicia frantically brushed bits of broken glass from Jennifer’s clothing and hair, heedless of her own hands touching the jagged bits.
    Jennifer had either fallen, or perhaps purposely dropped to the floor to protect herself. Alicia and the young man helped her walk to a canvas folding chair a few yards away from the table. It said “Todd” on the back in white block letters, Maggie noticed.
    â€œCall first aid! Somebody, please!” Alicia hovered over Jennifer and continued to gently pick bits of debris off Jennifer’s clothes and hair. The poor girl looked very shaken herself, weeping as her own hands trembled.
    Jennifer gently patted Alicia’s arm, quite ironic, all things considered. “Please, don’t cry. It’s all right. I’m fine.”
    Alicia gasped for a breath. “I saw it falling . . . I couldn’t reach you, Jen. You could have been crushed.”
    Maggie sympathized with Alicia’s reaction. She felt shaken to the core herself. The sight had been heart stopping.
    â€œYes, dear. But I wasn’t hurt at all. At least I don’t seem to be. Any scratches on my face? That’s the main thing,” she said quickly.
    Alicia checked, then shook her head. “No, thank goodness.”
    â€œWe’re okay, then. But look at your hand. You’ve got a big cut.”
    Alicia held out her right hand to check. Maggie saw a slash on the side oozing blood.
    â€œIt’s nothing. Doesn’t even hurt. I’ll just cover it.” Alicia took a hand towel that was draped on the chair and quickly wrapped it around the wound. She glanced around. “Where’s Nora Lynch? I