Murder at the Royal Ruby

by Nita Prose

It’s funny, isn’t it? How you can look at someone a thousand times and never really see them—until suddenly, one day, you do.

That’s when I know who did it and that Vanessa was right. The ghost of the Royal Ruby killed her.

That’s the way it works in the theater—wait long enough, and the truth steps into the spotlight.

“Containment—an old actors’ trick. Arms by your sides. Put all that energy into your voice and eyes. Don’t move a muscle.”

Vanessa proves what Hamlet always knew: you really can smile and smile and still be a villain.

swear, sometimes I just want to loosen these ropes and let the chandelier fall right on top of her stupid celebrity head.

There’s more than one way to become a star. There’s more than one way to shine light in the dark.