Epilogue
When Verifiable Deceptions opened, Lucy and Dainley stayed backstage, ready to jump in if something went wrong with the new revolving stage.
To their relief—and Lucy's pride—the climactic scene involving a carriage chase went off without a hitch.
The audience gasped as the entire set moved, giving the illusion that they were following the hero as he tore through the city to rescue his wife from the cave elves.
Thunderous applause erupted when the curtain fell. Dainley and Lucy held hands in a grip that threatened to break their fingers, grinning and giddy.
After the cast and crew took their bows, Windemere himself took center stage, waving to quiet the applause.
"Friends, thank you for joining us tonight.
If you've been to this theater before, you know I'm always bringing something different, with the dancing or singing or the story.
" A few laughs floated from the audience.
"This time, we wanted an entirely new stage.
Folks, everything in theatre is a group effort, and this was no exception!
" Windemere gestured to the cast members nearest the wings, who grabbed Lucy and Dainley and all but dragged them to stand beside Windemere.
The playwright stood between them and took their hands.
"This stage was brought to you by Lucy Bevo and Dainley Deep!
If you want to see what inspired it, please visit Ms. Bevo's bookshop, Turn the Page, in Potato Town. "
Windemere raised their arms and pulled them into a bow. Lucy and Dainley shared stunned looks at the round of applause for them. As the curtain fell a final time and the applause faded, Windemere looked between the two and asked, "What's next for you two?"
Lucy stammered something vaguely nice, until Dainley said, "Well, I might have some ideas for your shop."
Lucy raised her brows, and smiled like a sunbeam incarnate. "I like a new challenge."
Windemere patted both their shoulders. As he turned to join his cast in resetting for the night, he gave Dainley a smug look. "You're welcome."