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Silent Night 3(39)



Slowly, she slumped to the bed, looked up Grace’s number again in the student directory, and called her mother. She explained what had happened to a horrified Mrs. Morton.

“Those poor girls,” Mrs. Morton sobbed. “I’m so glad you’re all right, Reva. I’m leaving for Shadyside right now—Grace’s doctor is coming tomorrow. Maybe my poor Grace will really be cured one day.”

Maybe, Reva thought. But I wouldn’t count on it.

Reva said good-bye and hung up. Feeling exhausted, she started to lie back on the bed. Then she remembered her father. She had to tell him. Quickly, she punched in his office number at Dalby’s.

He answered on the first ring.

“Daddy? I—I have to tell you what happened,” Reva announced. Then she blurted out the whole horrible story about Grace.

“And you’re sure you’re all right?” Mr. Dalby asked anxiously when she finished.

“I’m fine,” she assured him. “My throat’s a little sore and I’m tired. But I’m really okay, Daddy. I feel so bad about Traci and Liza, of course. And Grace, too. I mean, she’s sick. But it’s all over, Daddy, isn’t that great?”

“It’s wonderful,” he agreed.

“And now I can go ahead with the fashion show,” Reva told him.

“Huh?” Mr. Dalby cried. “After all that’s happened, isn’t that the last thing you want to do?”

“Definitely not,” Reva replied. “Grace was right about one thing. The show was really important to me. And it’s even more important now.”

“But—”

“Please, Daddy, let me go ahead with it!” Reva begged. “I need something to help me forget all the horrible things that have happened. And everything is ready—the scarves and the set and the music. We could have a show tonight!”

“Tonight? What about the models?” her father asked. “Didn’t you plan on having three of them?”

Reva thought fast. “Yes. But couldn’t you get two of the store models to replace Traci and Liza?” Forget what color hair they have, she thought. Just as long as they don’t trip over their own feet, I’ll take them. “Daddy?”

“Well. . .” Mr. Dalby hesitated, but only for a few seconds. “I suppose you’re right, honey. Doing the show will take your mind off things.”

“And it will be good for business, too,” Reva reminded him.

Mr. Dalby grunted. “All right. I’ll line up a model for you. There’s not enough notice to do it tonight. The store is open until ten tomorrow. So how about tomorrow at seven for the show?”

“Perfect! Thank you, Daddy!” Reva cried. “I’ll see you later!”

Reva said good-bye, then quickly got Ellie’s phone number from Information and punched it in. When Ellie picked up, Reva quickly explained the situation. “The show is at seven tomorrow night. I’ll be there at six. But could you go a little earlier and make sure everything’s ready?”

“Sure,” Ellie replied. “No problem. I’ll let Maria know, too.”

“Great. I’ll meet you in the showroom at seven.” Reva hung up and clicked her nails on the bedside table. What next?

Pam, she thought, and snatched up the phone. “Pam!” she cried, when her cousin answered. “You are not going to believe what happened!” Once again, she explained about Grace and the murders.

“That’s awful!” Pam exclaimed. “I feel so terrible about Liza and Traci. But somehow, I can’t help feeling bad for Grace, too. That poor girl.”

“Hey, what about me?” Reva asked. “I almost got strangled, remember? Anyway, forget all that. I have some fantastic news—Daddy’s letting me go ahead with the fashion show.”

“Really?” Pam cried. “After all the horrible stuff that happened?”

“It’s good business.” Reva rolled her eyes. Of course, Pam didn’t have a clue about business. She should be grateful Reva had taken over the scarf show. “People are still going to shop, you know. Especially at Christmas.”

“Oh. I guess you’re right.”

“Of course I am,” Reva agreed. “The show’s tomorrow night, at seven. You and Willow should get down to the store right away and get to work. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Hanging up, Reva hurried into her private bathroom to take a long, soothing bath.

The horror is all over, she thought, smiling to herself.

And I’m right back where I belong.

On top.

• • •

Pam glanced at her watch. Six o’clock. She sighed and bent over the long green scarf she was working on.