Hotline to Murder

could identify people by the light of the candles they held. Except that they stood facing away from her, toward someone who was leading the singing. She arrived at the level area and looked them over. She wanted to spot Nathan before he spotted her. She strolled carefully among the singers. A few glanced at her, but even though she was wearing shorts, they didn’t seem to think she was out of place. The others were dressed in clothes suitable for walking.
    She spotted Nathan because he was separated from the rest of the crowd. And he was taller than most and whiter than most, although in the dark that wasn’t much of a distinguishing characteristic. Shahla edged closer to him, from behind. She didn’t see Tina. Had he…?
    There was a movement at his feet. It was Tina, sitting on the ground. Still alive. Shahla found herself saying a silent prayer of thanks. Tina was one of the few who weren’t standing. And she wasn’t singing, either. Was she still taped? Shahla couldn’t tell. She looked at her watch. It was time for the party to begin.
    She looked up the hill and saw a light come on at the top. Then, as she watched, Tony appeared in the light, dressed in white, and raised his arms. The vision was faint enough and ghostly enough to make it look authentic. He made a good Jesus. But nobody saw him. The singers weren’t looking up the hill.
    Shahla moved a few feet to one side so that several people were between her and Nathan. She put her hand over her mouth to disguise her voice and yelled, “Look up there,” over the sound of the singing.
    Everybody looked up. The singing abruptly stopped, and there was a collective gasp from the crowd. The faithful stood transfixed for several seconds. Then, as if on command, they started moving up the path toward Tony. They had to walk slowly, in single file, but the ones in back waited patiently for those in front to clear the way. Some required help, but they would all make it, given enough time.
    A murmur started somewhere in the crowd and grew louder as others picked it up. After a few seconds, Shahla could make it out. The people chanted the word, “Jesus,” in time to their steps, as if they were mesmerized.
    Shahla waited impatiently, hoping that Nathan would get caught up and follow the crowd. As the people in front of her moved forward, she could see the spot where he had been standing. He wasn’t there. She spotted him marching up the hill with the others. But Tina was still sitting there. How long would it be before he remembered her?
    This was Shahla’s opportunity, but she had to act fast. She made her way swiftly to Tina’s side and said, in a stage whisper, “Tina, it’s Shahla.”
    Tina turned her head and looked at Shahla, startled. Her hands were behind her back
    “Are your hands and feet taped?” Shahla asked, kneeling beside her.
    “Just my hands.”
    “I’m going to free you.” Shahla pulled the box cutter out of her pocket and slid the blade clear of the handle. She grabbed one of Tina’s arms and felt carefully for the tape. She didn’t want to cut Tina. The duct tape was wound around her wrists several times. Shahla sliced through it with the box cutter. That instrument was sharp, which made the job easier.
    “Ouch,” Tina exclaimed.
    Shahla had cut into her wrist a little. “Shh,” she said. “Sorry.” The tape severed and Tina moved her arms.
    “I can’t feel my hands,” she said plaintively.
    “We’ve got to get away,” Shahla said. They couldn’t go up the hill toward Tony and the truck. That way was blocked by the throng and, besides, it wouldn’t be smart to follow Nathan. She ran the short distance to the edge of the plateau and looked down the hill. A trail descended from where she was standing to the picnic area. It was dimly lit by the city lights, shining down below. That was their escape route.
    Tina was still sitting down when Shahla ran back to her. Shahla took hold of her arm and said urgently, “Tina, there’s a trail going down. Run down the trail and get away. I’ll be right behind you.”
    Tina continued to sit. She must be in shock. Shahla placed her hands under Tina’s armpits and tried to hoist her up. It took a lot of effort, until Tina started to bear some of her own weight. Finally, she stood shakily on her feet. Shahla grew impatient.
    “Come with me,” she said. She led Tina to the start of the trail. “Run, Tina,” she said. “Run as fast as you can. I’ll follow you.”
    Tina