STUDS AND STILETTOS (Romantic Mystery)

by Bev Pettersen

  She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to blink away her tears. “Yes. She already paid me. But I could use another couple days’ barn work.” It was awful to beg. However, she raised her head, gulping back her tattered pride. “Please, Dan.”

  “Those horses need an experienced handler.” He was already moving toward the door. “I don’t want you to get hurt. Besides, you need to go after what you really want.” He glanced over his shoulder. “How much money do you need? I’ll have Lizzie top it up.”

  Her hands clenched the sheet so tightly, she could feel the bite of her nails through the fabric. He wants to pay me? This had to be a new low.

  “No need.” She hid her despair with a flippant laugh. “I don’t generally charge for sex. And never with well-connected movie people.”

  He whipped around. The air in the room crackled. “Lucky for me then,” he finally said.

  He stepped into the hall. The door clicked shut.

  She slumped back and yanked the sheet over her hot face. He was really sending her away, after one night. Groaning, she pressed the cotton against her eyes. Men tended to muck up her life, but this one especially hurt. She expected shoddy treatment from jerks. Could prepare for it even.

  But Dan wasn’t a jerk. Clearly, she had some fatal flaw, something that prevented people from caring.

  Water splashed in the bathroom. She remained in bed, preferring not to face him again. It was definitely a speedy shower, four minutes max. A towel rustled beyond the thin bedroom wall and she guessed he was drying that hard body. The one that had done such magical things last night.

  She straightened her thoughts and flung aside the sheet. Screw him. Which of course, she had. Several times.

  A cupboard opened and closed. Footsteps thumped. She stiffened, hoping he wouldn’t return to the bedroom. Praying that he would. However, the bedroom door didn’t open.

  Moments later the front door slammed and the compact trailer quivered. She scrambled from the bed and peeked out the window but saw only a dark tree line. To her right, the sun glinted just below the horizon.

  She switched on the light and gathered her clothes, trying not to remember how feverishly he’d whipped them off. He’d acted so enamored. Damn, she was dumb. She hated when other people called her that, but clearly the label fit. She really hadn’t seen this coming.

  Maybe though, just maybe, he’d left a note. It was apparent he was exceedingly busy now, but maybe he’d want to see her when the movie was finished. Of course, that made total sense.

  She rushed down the narrow hall and scanned the kitchen. Empty, except for a piece of paper on the table with a name and number scrawled in black.

  The Louisville area code. Super. The movie might even be on a local bus route. She dropped the paper listlessly on the table and wandered into the bathroom. At least her agent would feel vindicated. Tamara had said background work would help with movie networking. Emily, however, couldn’t summon up any enthusiasm.

  She turned on the shower, knowing she had to harden her heart and put Dan in the business portion of her brain. This happened all the time. She’d heard enough gossip about the ‘casting couch.’ Besides, she now had a director’s personal phone number. That had to be a plus. It certainly was thoughtful of Dan. Unfortunately it wouldn’t be in time to pay for the rest of the steeplechase weekend.

  And why the heck couldn’t he angle her a job in this movie? Why one back in the stuffy city? She shook her head and huffed.

  The ache in her chest loosened a notch so she blew out another huff. It was always easier to fan indignation than wallow with a broken heart. Besides, she’d been dumped by nicer men.

  No, I haven’t.

  Sighing, she stepped into the shower and let warm water spray her face. At least she had this lovely private bathroom to enjoy. No worries today about frigid water or an overflowing drain. She didn’t even have horses to feed now that she’d been fired. Just an entire day to wander around, watch the lucky actors who were still working—and wait for the bus.

  She rubbed some of Mrs. Hamilton’s aloe shampoo into her hair, resolving not to agonize about Dan. That never helped. Besides, there were lots of hours left in the day. And one thing she had learned, opportunities tended to pop up when a girl was alert.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  The mouth-watering smell of bacon wafted from the dining tent. Emily gave an appreciative sniff but kept walking. She’d enjoyed a lengthy shower in Dan’s trailer, and the sun already poked over the eastern ridge. Her last day, and she didn’t want to miss the stunt horse galloping through the rail. She wondered if it would be Bruno or a horse she hadn’t met yet. It was fascinating seeing the animals perform, even more interesting than watching the people.

  And Dan would be there.

  A lump climbed her throat but she stoically shoved it back. He wanted her on the outgoing bus this evening—fine, but obviously they’d bump into each other sometime today. No doubt, he’d be cool and distant, the way men were when they no longer wanted a woman. And she could do cool. But her feet dragged and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t find her usual bounce. It was much easier to pretend optimism to others, than to herself.

  She rounded the string of trailers where a line of sleepy-looking extras stood in front of a registration table. It seemed a lifetime since she’d waited in that same line, naively believing she was on her way to box office fame.

  “Emily!”

  She wheeled toward the familiar voice, then charged forward to give Judith a warm hug. It was amazing how a friendly face could boost spirits. “I’m so glad to see you,” Emily said, stepping back and smiling. “What scene are you in?”

  “Reporter in a media scrum,” Judith said. “I stand by the rail waving a notepad when Reckless bolts. You weren’t on the bus. Are you background too?”

  “I wish. But I’m finished here. I go home tonight.”

  “You stayed here for the last three nights? What were you doing? Where’d you sleep?”

  Emily concentrated on smoothing a non-existent wrinkle in her T-shirt. “I did that groom scene and then I worked cleaning stalls in the little stud barn,” she said. “It’s over now though.”

  “Reckless’s old barn.” Judith voice rose. “You worked there? Can you take me to see it?”

  “I guess.” Emily shrugged. Dan hadn’t said to stay away from the stud barn and there wasn’t any security, other than at the estate entrance. And she wanted to say good-bye to Barney and Ted. “Sure, I don’t see why not,” she added with fresh confidence. “We can go there after you’re finished.”

  “Great.” Judith grabbed Emily’s hand and tugged her toward the track. “This media scene shouldn’t be more than a few hours and I want to see the rest of the estate. Has Thomas Hamilton been around?”

  “A little. But I saw more of Mrs. Hamilton. She’s very nice.”

  Judith’s nose wrinkled. “I heard she’s a society lady with old money and no interests but the arts.”

  “Maybe,” Emily said. “But that doesn’t mean she’s not nice.”

  Judith tilted her head. “True. And you look nice toned down, without all the makeup. Are those groom’s clothes?”

  “Yes. I only used lip gloss today,” Emily said. “Thought there might be an off chance of snagging some background work. They like the grooms barefaced, and I need to make a few more dollars. Do they have all the extras they need for the media scene?”

  “I don’t know. The bus was packed full of guys though. There were only five other women and one changed into a low-cut shirt—right on the seat beside me. Rumor is the director wants more boobage.”

  Emily glanced wistfully at her chest. She was adequate but not huge, not like Shania. In fact, this shirt barely showed any cleavage. A push-up bra did wonders. Dan hadn’t seemed to find her wanting last night though. His hands, his mouth—

  “Maybe Thomas Hamilton could help.”

  “Pardon.” Emily yanked her attention back to Judith, irrit
ated that her thoughts kept swerving back to Dan.

  “Maybe Hamilton could help,” Judith repeated. “He’s a bit of a creep but he helped me with the casting people. That’s why I got the second call.”

  “I’m not a poster girl for big boobs,” Emily said.

  “Too bad,” Judith said. “Because that’s what they need.”

  Emily experimentally pressed her arms against her ribs. Definitely some cleavage now, and the scooped blue T-shirt displayed it nicely. “I’ll meet you at the track,” she said, pivoting toward the wardrobe tent. “I need to make a clothing adjustment.”

  “You can’t just wander off,” Judith said, but her voice trailed off in a sigh of resignation. “Good luck,” she called.

  *

  “You must have some bras with underwire,” Emily said. “I don’t care how uncomfortable they are.”

  “Sorry, we don’t,” Maggie said, her arms loaded with hangers. “And I’m in a hurry. I have to dress all these people.” She slanted her eyes at the line of extras in front of the counter and nodded for the next man to step forward.

  Emily shoved her hands in her pockets and trudged from the tent. There had to be another option. For the high school prom, Jenna had strapped tape beneath Emily’s gown, rather than buy an expensive bra they could ill afford. However, it had been special surgical tape they’d borrowed from Wally.

  The stud barn had first aid supplies but it was too far away. She paused outside the door, her mind whirling. She needed this job in order to scrape together the rest of the money. The remainder of the steeplechase package was due in three days. There could be no better present for Jenna. But time was running out.

  Two men in coveralls walked past, carrying coffee and a green tool kit. “Nice morning,” the shorter one said.

  Emily nodded then spun around. “Would you gentlemen happen to have any tape?”

  “Yup,” the short man said. “But if you have any set repairs, call the supervisor. He’ll have someone over within the hour.”

  “I just need to borrow a roll of tape for a spot repair.” She gave them a hopeful smile.

  The taller man set the toolbox on the ground, flipped open the lid and tossed her a gray roll of tough-looking tape. “Keep it,” he said.

  “This is perfect,” Emily said. “Thank you.”

  Elated, she rushed back to the wardrobe tent clutching the roll. Ten minutes later, and after mangling several strips of tape, her chest was wrapped so tightly she looked like somebody else reflected in the mirror. Sure, she could barely breathe, but the transformation was astonishing.

  She gaped at her chest, amazed by the eye-catching cleavage. Her push-up bras had never worked so well.

  She stepped from the change room. “Thanks for the scissors,” she called to a curious Maggie.

  “Wait. Turn around.” Maggie leaned over the counter, practically pushing aside a bearded background performer in an attempt to get a better look. “Did you use tape?” she asked.

  “I did.” Emily turned and spread her arms. “What do you think?”

  “Amazing.” Maggie smiled her approval. “Looks like a D cup.”

  The man with the beard nodded. “That’s my guess too,” he said with a grin.

  By the time Emily reached the set, she was confident she’d nailed the look. Men’s eyes simply locked on her chest. She could have egg on her face and they wouldn’t have noticed.

  “I should have done this before,” she whispered to Judith, “and not bothered with makeup. Tape is much faster.”

  “Shush,” Judith said. “He’s coming.”

  “Good morning,” Mr. Hamilton called. “Nice to see you back.” His gaze flickered to Emily then lowered and locked on her chest.

  “Remember my friend, Emily?” Judith asked. “She’s already registered for background and has experience here. So if they need anyone else…”

  “Yes indeed. Nice to meet you, Emily.” Hamilton’s gaze remained riveted to Emily’s chest, and it was clear he had no memory of ever seeing her before. If it hadn’t been amusing, Emily would have been insulted.

  “Is that the casting assistant over there?” Judith prompted. “Should Emily report to him?”

  “Yes, indeed.” Hamilton wrapped familiar arms around their waists and guided them toward a cluster of people with headsets.

  Emily fought the urge to shake off his arm, relieved she didn’t have to work for the man. Expensive cologne couldn’t mask his smell of eagerness. At least Judith was on his other side. But pity the female grooms who’d had to tolerate his pawing.

  “Background for the rail scene,” Hamilton announced, as though he’d conjured them up himself.

  “Thanks,” a man in a white jacket said, his head still bent over a monitor. “We’ll put them along the rail, next to the reporters. Wait until you’re called.” He glanced up with a distracted smile. His gaze skimmed over Emily’s chest. “We might be able to use you by the tractor,” he added. “What scenes have you been in?”

  “I only led a horse from the barn. I was background in the party scene but my face wasn’t shown.” Emily shot a grateful look at Judith.

  “Okay, if you haven’t checked in, sign this sheet,” the man said. “Then hang around with the other background. Wait for your call.”

  “I’ll be back,” Hamilton said, his elbow brushing Emily’s breast. “But first I want to watch Reckless go through the rail.”

  “Okay,” Judith said. “See you later.”

  Emily gave him a polite nod, grateful for his help but relieved he was leaving. It was odd being restricted to the background area though, after days of wandering freely around the set.

  “This is great,” Judith whispered, her gaze on Hamilton’s receding back. “Looks like you landed another background job.”

  “Thanks to you. Now what do we do?”

  “We wait,” Judith said. “Could be hours. Looks like they’re filming across the track.”

  Emily peered across the infield, straining to see Dan. “Do you think we could walk over there?”

  Judith scowled. “Don’t even think about it. Isn’t this what you wanted?”

  “Of course,” Emily said. But she fidgeted, fighting her boredom along with the growing discomfort around her rib cage. Perhaps she shouldn’t have pulled the tape quite so tight.

  At least this was easy work, relaxing beneath the warm sun. No stalls to clean, no horses to brush, no man to make her heart jump. She managed to wait another three minutes.

  “Want me to get some coffee?” she asked.

  Judith opened her mouth to protest then gave a wistful shrug. “That would be lovely. But the tent’s too far away, and we’re not supposed to wander.”

  Emily blew out a frustrated sigh. The time she’d worked as special skills, coffee had been delivered. However, the lowly group of background performers had no such perks. One actor, clearly union, sat beneath a shady umbrella with a hovering attendant delivering his drinks. But it wasn’t really coffee Emily craved. She wanted a glimpse of Dan.

  Plus there had been a lot of talk about the rail scene, and it would be exciting to see the runaway. Heck, she’d even watched the guys construct the cardboard rail, so naturally she had a proprietary interest. Even if Dan wasn’t directing the stunt she’d rather be there. Not here.

  “What’s wrong with you?” Judith wrinkled her forehead in exasperation. “Robert Dexter is under an umbrella, only thirty feet away. And I’m sure I recognize that gray-haired man with him. Wasn’t he in Breaking Bad?”

  Emily gave a feeble smile. She’d never be able to match Judith’s interest in the actors. She was more concerned about how the horses performed. Hopefully, they’d get the stunt on the first take.

  She shaded her eyes and stared across the infield. It looked like eight horses were on the track, but none of them were moving. So either they’d finished or the scene had stalled. Maybe soon, she’d see Dan.

  She turned back to Judith. “What exactly are we doin
g in our scene?”

  “Reckless runs through the rail, dumps the rider, and is loose on the track,” Judith said. “I think he acts up in the starting gate too.”

  “But what’s the background for?”

  “Mr. Hamilton invited press and other guests to watch Reckless train. His colt was the Derby favorite until the horse turned outlaw.”

  “Breeders obviously didn’t worry that he’d pass on his uncertain temperament,” Emily said thoughtfully. “I guess he did end up winning a lot of races.”

  “Yeah. He loved his groom,” Judith said, “but like any male, he got over her quick enough.”

  Judith’s voice sounded strained, a mixture of pain and bitterness. Clearly, she’d been dumped a few times too.

  Emily gave her an empathetic pat on the back, determined not to dwell on Dan and the male species’ deficiencies. Horses were a safer subject.

  “I heard Reckless didn’t like the little barn,” Emily said. “That he bounced back to normal after they moved him. They turned the building into a stud barn, but it feels like that apartment was empty for years.”

  “What do you mean?” Judith frowned. “You saw the apartment above the barn?”

  “That’s where I slept. When I stayed for special skills.” Except for the night she’d spent at Dan’s. But Emily refrained from mentioning that. The pain was too raw.

  Judith tilted forward. “Can you show me the apartment too?”

  “Sure. No problem.” There might be a problem if Lizzie saw them. However, Emily brushed away the concern. Judith had looked so sad when she spoke of men, and it was nice to be able to help her for a change. “Thanks for speaking to Mr. Hamilton about me,” Emily added. “I really appreciate it.”

  “It helps to have contacts in this business.” Judith’s gaze drifted to the group gathered on the other side of the track. “What do you think of him?”

  “Who?” Emily’s voice gave a telltale quiver as she scanned the oval for Dan.

  “Thomas Hamilton.”

  “Oh…I don’t really know him. But I like his wife.”