“Oh, no,” Philodendron cried, his eyes wide. “Has there been a crime?”
“You tell me!” Olivia fumed, losing patience. The worst thing about this call was something about Philodendron’s location was bugging her. Behind him was a smooth white wall. He could have been anywhere, but it seemed familiar to her somehow.
“Listen here,” Olivia said, glaring at him. “I want you to tell me, right now …”
“Is that Olivia?”
The question cut through the conversation with the force of an explosion. Olivia went completely numb, her body going cold with shock.
“Mom?” she whispered.
Philodendron looked at her through the screen, and his eyes were maniacal. His grin widened.
“Yes, Maureen!” he said with enthusiasm. “Come and say hi. No, actually, stay where you are. I’ll come to you.”
“I made the tea,” Maureen said. “Will you pour?”
“I’d be delighted,” Philodendron said as he crossed the room.
Frozen with shock, Olivia watched the screen as Phil moved. The white wall behind him had been the foyer before the living area of her mother’s house. Now she recognized the wall hangings and furniture as he headed in, giving Olivia a clear shot of her mother settling into her favorite chair.
“Hello, dear!” her mother said, smiling and waving. Beside her chair, there was a little tray covered in cups and cookies. Maureen looked perfectly happy and relaxed as Phil propped the phone on the table in front of her chair and then moved around behind her.
“Mom, are you okay?” Olivia croaked.
“Why, yes, of course,” Maureen frowned. “But what happened to you, dear? You look upset.”
“I’m okay,” Olivia croaked, trying desperately to stay calm. “I just … lost track of Henry for a bit. I was worried. I wasn’t expecting Phil to call right now.”
“Oh, we’ve been getting on so well.” Her mother patted Phil’s arm affectionately, turning a little to glance up at him. He grinned at her, and the second Maureen’s face turned back to the screen, Philodendron’s expression glowed with menace.
Maureen was talking, but Olivia couldn’t hear her because Phil was making a threatening slashing motion across his throat. He then pointed at her mother.
As if sensing the movement, Maureen looked up curiously. Philodendron just grinned innocently and ran a hand through his hair.
“Did I hear you say something about the police?” Maureen asked, taking a sip of tea. Olivia looked at Phil to see him shake his head, mouthingnoemphatically.
“Oh, I’m just a bit worried about Henry,” Olivia said. “He hasn’t been gone that long, though. I just can’t get him on the phone.”
“It’s lovely how you two keep track of each other,” her mother said almost dreamily. “You remind me so much of your father and me when we first got together.”
“Really?” Olivia said, ignoring the comment as she tried to stay calm. “Can I ask what you’re doing there, Phil?”
“Oh, I just dropped in to visit,” he said casually. “I thought you might be here. Either way, I think I lucked out. I’ve had the loveliest time with Maureen.”
“You are just delightful,” Olivia’s mother said, patting Philodendron on the arm again. Olivia felt so anxious. She could’ve thrown up right then and there.
“You should have more of your artist friends stop by,” Maureen went on. “I’ve had such a great time talking with Philodendron about his work.”
“Yeah,” Olivia said, thinking wildly. “Look, Phil, I’ve got to tell you, a spot opened up, quite suddenly, in fact. I could use your support on the podcast.”
“Really?” Philodendron said, glaring at her from over her mother’s head. “That’s very interesting.”
“Anything you need, we can do it. I promise. I need you on the show, Phil.”
Philodendron stepped around Maureen’s armchair, picking up the phone again and moving over to the corner of the room.
“I’m afraid that might not work for me,” he said with an air of regret. “I’m so busy right now. I’m sure you can see how I’ve got my hands full with … everything.”