The Hanging Hill

72

So far, Judy wasn’t impressed with her brilliant director.

He didn’t even pay attention during the read-through. Jeff Woodman, the actor playing the father, kept calling Curiosity Cat “Monstrosity Cat” and Grimes hadn’t said a single word.

She approached the head table.

“Mr. Grimes?”

He didn’t look up. He was still completely engrossed in that big leather book, the one with Professor Nicholas Nicodemus embossed in gold letters on the cover.

“So who’s Professor Nicodemus?” she asked.

That got his attention.

He looked up. Stroked his mustache with a single finger.

“My grandfather. It was a stage name, of course. Professor Nicodemus was one of the greatest magicians who ever lived! He even performed here.”

“When?”

“During vaudeville. Back in the 1930s.”

“What’s in the book?”

“Secrets. Illusions.”

“I see.”

“Enjoy your lunch, Mrs. Jennings.”

His jet-black eyes went back to the onionskin pages of his blasted book. He tilted it up toward his chest so Judy couldn’t read what was written inside.

Shaking her head, she left the rehearsal room and went into the lower lobby, where the rest of the cast and crew were milling about, making lunch plans.

Who was this Professor Nicodemus?

What had he really written in that leather-bound book that was so fascinating?

“Meghan?” she asked. “Do you know how to find the library?”

“Sure. It’s two blocks west on Elm Street. My mom was going there this morning.”

“Great. Maybe she can help me.”

“Do what?”

“Some quick research.”

“Cool. You want me to tell Zack where you went?”

“Thanks. Do you know how to find him?”

Meghan gestured toward the door that led into the basement. “I have a pretty good idea.”

“I thought the janitor said downstairs was off-limits.”

“He did. But, well, as you might’ve heard, the janitor didn’t come to work today.”

Judy smiled. “I see. Enjoy your afternoon off. Tell Zack I’ll catch up with him around six. And, Meghan?”

“Yes?”

“Don’t break anything down there.”