‘But I didn’t. And do you know why?’
‘Because of your idea to out him on the stage in front of everybody?’
‘No, it was you.’
‘Me?’
‘Yes. I want you to have this chance to get the theatre up and running. Your future could be here, Bridie, running this place. I don’t think Dad’s past should interfere with that.’
Kate had never supported her before. She knew what had changed – Kate had.
A sound far away in the basement of the theatre interrupted their conversation.
Kate said again, ‘What was that?’
Then the lights began to flicker.
This time, Bridie was definitely going to bolt. She grabbed Kate’s hand. ‘Let’s get out of here.’
Kate said, ‘Wait. I think you’re right – it’s the wind.’
Bridie didn’t think the wind explained the flickering lights. She said as much.
Kate said, ‘Maybe it’s just kids messing with us. It might even be Layla and her boyfriend. Come on, let’s investigate. You said you haven’t seen the dressing rooms backstage yet.’
Bridie shook her head. She knew Kate was probably right – it was just kids exploring. Even so, it was dark out now, and she didn’t want to explore any further, just the two of them, when nobody knew they were there. She told Kate as much.
Kate threw her head back, her dark hair falling in waves over her shoulders, and laughed out loud.
Bridie put a finger to her lips. ‘Shush!’
‘Seriously, Bridie, there’s nothing to be afraid of.’
‘I know,’ she said, feeling foolish. ‘But that rumour about the actress, Isobel Raine, and her ghost haunting the theatre isn’t helping.’
‘Yes, I agree. Look, if it makes you feel better, we can explore the theatre further when we come back – in daylight.’
‘You really are going to help me?’
‘Of course. And by the sound of things, I’ll have no choice if I’m working in Cobblers Yard, and everyone else is involved in the theatre too.’
Bridie sighed. Now she had another person to let down gently when she told Kate she wouldn’t be revisiting the theatre any time soon, thanks to Jack. It just felt as though he was taking over.
They left the stage and walked up the aisle and through the door into the foyer. As Bridie unlocked the door to leave, Kate said, ‘I’d take Oliver’s advice, if I were you, and be a bit wary of Jack’s intentions.’
Bridie nodded, aware that that horse had already bolted.
‘I suppose at least Jack is here to help, and he hasn’t asked you to sign something official like a contract.’
Bridie let out a nervous laugh and changed the subject. ‘Next time, we’ll do a full tour of the theatre.’
‘I think you should take an inventory. There must be rooms backstage with props, that sort of thing. Would be worth knowing exactly what you’ve got, if there are any costumes, or props that could still be used.’
Bridie looked at her sister. Nobody else had suggested that. ‘What a good idea.’
‘Wish we could do it now,’ said Kate as Bridie opened the entrance door and they both stepped outside. ‘I’m not looking forward to heading back to Mum and Dad’s, I can tell you. It’s going to be very hard to keep this a secret, especially when I see Dad.’
Bridie could imagine. She locked the door and had a thought. She turned to Kate. ‘Fancy crashing somewhere else?’
