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day before.
    Tazz greeted them after putting a dress bag over an adjoining chair with great care. “I didn’t expect to run into you two here,“ she said with a smile as she sat down in the back row of the theater, where Jane and Shelley had taken refuge until the caterers arrived.
    “Nor did we expect you,“ Jane said with pleasure.
    “We’re here to test out caterers for my husband’s business dinners,“ Shelley explained. “They’re just making snack suppers for the cast and crew. And you, Tazz? What’s your role here?“
    “I do the costumes for most of the local productions, and a few costume parties. Mostly around Halloween.“
    “How did you happen into such an interesting job?“ Jane asked.
    “I was studying accounting, and decided I’d probably slit my throat from sheer boredom if I had to be an accountant. So, since I’d always sewed my own clothes, I started sewing for other people. Word got around that I was good at period stuff. So—here I am.“
    “Do you make all the costumes for every play and party?“ Shelley asked.
    “No. Only special things I don’t already have warehoused. When I can, I build in extra hemroom, and bosom room in the women’s clothes in particular. Sometimes I rent from other costume places if something is too elaborate to use often.“
    “I just love hearing about other people’s jobs,“ Jane exclaimed. “I’ve never met anyone who does what you do. I’ll bet you have good stories. Sometime when we’re all free of this job, I hope you’ll have more time to tell us about your experiences.“
    “I’d be glad to. Now I need to snag everyone for measurements. I guess I’ll see you two at tomorrow’s needlepoint class.“
    “Yes, and Ms. Bunting is joining us as well.“
    “I thought the class was limited to five students,“ Tazz replied.
    “We got her in because she was once in a play with Sylvia Sidney,“ Jane explained.
    “Oh, that makes sense. I have a copy of Sylvia Sidney’s needlepoint book,“ Tazz said. “I’d love to hear what she was really like, aside from acting and needlepointing.“
    “I probably have the same book,“ Jane said. “Did she do more than one?“
    “I have no idea,“ Tazz said.
    “I’m sure we would all like to hear what Ms. Bunting knows about her,“ Shelley agreed. “What’s in the dress bag?“
    “Ms. Bunting’s dress for the first act. I already met with her at her hotel, and it was easy to size her up without taking all the measurements.
    Later, we’ll try it on and get the director’s approval. And he better approve it. It’s going to look grand on her.“
    As she spoke, Bill Denk, using his old-man voice, returned to the stage. “Madam, Cook says she will have luncheon ready at a quarter before one.“
    “Of course she will. That was what she was told,“ Ms. Bunting, as Edina Weston, replied.
    “Bossy broad could have thanked me,“ he said to the theater.
    Again, Imry questioned him. “Did you say something not in the script?“
    Denk shrugged. “I don’t think so.“
    “All right. I’ll play along,“ Professor Imry said condescendingly. “But don’t you try to get away with snide asides when we do this play for a real audience.“
    Bill just smiled.
    Jane nudged Shelley and said quietly, “He’s the only thing that might save this awful play.“
    Shelley nodded. “I wonder how he does it? I’ve never seen anyone who could throw his voice so well.“
    “And we both know he’s going to keep doing it,“ Jane said.

Six

    Tazz asked Jane to keep an eye on the dress bag and walked up on the stage. “Forgive me for the interruption, Professor Imry, but I’m the costumer, Tazz Tinker, and I have things I need to tell the cast. Are they all here?“
    “We’re missing a few still. Denny’s not here yet. And the prop person will be fifteen minutes late.“
    “I don’t need to dress the prop person.“ Imry gave an embarrassed fake laugh.
    “Okay, listen up, actors,“ Tazz went on,