“I guess that’s one way to deal with the problem, but I’d like it better if they would give you a few more days off.”
Sienna looked at her grandfather. “He’s starting to sound like you.”
“I like this kid,” William said. “Even if he is being too slow getting that ring on your finger.”
Sienna rolled her eyes before turning to Craig. “Take it as a compliment. He doesn’t try to marry me off to just anyone.”
Craig leaned closer. “Does he do this a lot?”
“Not really,” Sienna whispered back. “He usually just lectures me about dating people who aren’t Mormon.”
“You know,” William stated, “my hearing is perfectly fine.”
“Good to know,” Craig said, feeling more comfortable now that he was starting to recognize William’s dry sense of humor.
“I know you came to visit my granddaughter, but I assume you also want the latest on our possible suspects.”
“Actually, yes.”
“Have a seat, and I’ll show you what we have.”
* * *
Sienna listened to the discussion about who could be trying to hurt her. As her grandfather, George, and Craig spoke, she vacillated between feeling like she was in a read-through for another action film and feeling utter disbelief that someone would really go to such lengths to get to her.
“The police are looking at the surveillance video from the garage at the beach house where the Mustang was parked until the truck picked it up and brought it to the set. Unfortunately, they haven’t found anything except a couple shadows,” William said.
“Was there anything on the other surveillance cameras?” George asked.
William shook his head. “Nothing they could identify.”
“I think the most likely suspects are Liam and the screenwriter, Devin Radford,” Craig said. “No one seems to have anything personal against Sienna, so it comes down to who would have the most to gain.”
“I have a hard time believing either of them could be involved,” Sienna insisted. “Devin has written almost a dozen action films. I’m sure this isn’t the first time he’s undergone a major rewrite.”
“If Devin isn’t involved, then everything points back to Liam,” George said.
“I also want to know what Bruce Parsons and Joseph Hurst have been up to lately,” William added.
“I remember Bruce. He’s the one who was at Kendra’s concert, but who is Joseph Hurst?” Craig asked.
“Sienna’s last boyfriend,” George said, not giving Sienna the chance to answer.
Craig shifted his gaze to her, concern and something else Sienna couldn’t define in his eyes. “Is there any reason to think this Joseph guy might resort to violence?”
“I seriously doubt it.” Sienna shook her head. “He wasn’t happy when we broke up, but it was more because he wanted the publicity he could generate from us being a couple than any real hurt about us going our separate ways.”
“It’s still not a bad idea to make sure he hasn’t been around Virginia Beach lately,” Craig said, apparently jumping on the overprotective bandwagon with George and her grandfather.
Overwhelmed, Sienna lifted a hand and ran her fingers through her hair. “Maybe I should quit this movie. If that’s why someone keeps doing this stuff, if I’m not around anymore, all of this should stop, right?”
The room fell silent.
Craig was the first to speak. “Do you want to quit?”
“Of course not. I’ve never quit anything before in my life.”
“Sweetheart, we’ll find a way to keep you safe,” William promised. “The truth is, everything we’ve said is still speculation. We don’t want to take a chance that whoever is behind this is someone like Kendra’s stalker.”
“What do you mean?” Craig asked.
“The man who obsessed over Sienna’s sister set off a bomb at her concert to get her to leave the safety of her normal routine. That was how he managed to get to her.”
“You think someone might be doing the same thing to Sienna?”
“I don’t know, but knowing that Bruce was here in Virginia a few weeks ago makes me nervous. We also have to face the reality that many of Kendra’s struggles were described in the press.”
George straightened now, concerned. “You’re worried about a copycat?”
“Not a copycat, per se, but it is possible someone might try to use the same ploy,” William said.
Sienna pushed out of her chair and crossed to the window. Again, the room fell silent. A prayer ran through her mind, questions tumbling along with it. Should she stay with the movie? Should she go into hiding like her sister when she found herself in a similar situation? Answers eluded her, and she turned to face everyone again. “What do you suggest I do?”
Her grandpa rubbed his thumb along his jaw the way he always did when contemplating a serious decision. “I feel like we have more control over your safety here. With the extra help we’re bringing in, we also have a better chance of figuring out who is behind the trouble.”
“Okay. I’ll stick with this, but I do have a favor to ask.”
“What’s that?”
“I really could use a blessing.” She shifted her gaze to Craig. “Would you be willing to give me one?”
A brief flash of surprise crossed his face. Then his whole demeanor seemed to melt into acceptance, and a sense of peace settled over the room. “I’d be honored.”
Her grandfather pulled a chair out, and Sienna took a seat. William and Craig laid their hands on her head, and Craig offered her a blessing of comfort and peace.
The peace he spoke of rested gently on her shoulders after he concluded the blessing. She stood and gave her grandfather a hug. When she turned to Craig, she did the same, finding comfort when he drew her close.
She couldn’t say why tears welled up in her eyes, but she held on to Craig, blinking rapidly and trying to get her emotions under control.
Craig ran a hand down the length of her hair. “It’ll be okay. We’ll be here for you.”
She closed her eyes and tried to find the strength to believe his words. After several minutes, she stepped back and noticed her grandfather quietly watching them. She wasn’t sure what to think of what she could only describe as acceptance in his expression.
26
Craig was nearly to the barracks when his phone rang. He looked down at it, at first disappointed not to see Sienna’s name on the screen. Then curiosity took over with the 480 area code.
“Hello?”
“Craig, this is William Blake.”
“William, what can I do for you?” He walked the last few steps to his building and pulled open the door.
“Just thought you would appreciate an update,” William said matter-of-factly. “I had a friend of mine do some research on the suspect list we came up with yesterday.”
Craig halted his step. “Did they find anything?”
“It’s what we didn’t find that has me concerned.”
Craig’s own concern heightened. “What do you mean?”
“Bruce Parsons hasn’t been seen or heard from since Kendra’s concert.”
“Any credit card or cell phone activity?” Craig resumed his forward progress toward his room. “I assume you FBI types can look up that sort of thing.”
“Actually, I had my FBI guys do exactly that. Bruce’s phone is turned off, his car is still parked at his house in California, and the only credit card activity since the concert was an automatic payment to his electric company.” William paused before adding, “We also found that Bruce’s credit card balances have been climbing steadily since he lost his job working for my son.”
“Could something have happened to him?”
“Something has definitely happened to him. The question is whether something is wrong or if his lack of electronic signature is deliberate,” William said. “He isn’t the type of guy who would easily be taken by surprise.”
“He acted like he
was giving a warning when he was at Kendra’s concert,” Craig said, considering.
“Exactly. It makes me wonder if he’s involved.”
“Do you seriously think he might be the one behind all this?”
“It was his son who went after Kendra. For all we know, this could be some sort of revenge. Maybe when he realized he couldn’t get to Kendra, he decided to go after Sienna.”
“That’s sick.”
“It is.”
Craig unlocked his door and walked into his room. He waited until he was inside with the door closed before he asked, “Did you find anything on any of the other names we talked about?”
“A little bit. Sienna’s instincts on the screenwriter appear to be accurate. Not only has he written several movies, he is known for his ability to do quick rewrites and adapt easily. He’s not one of these prima donnas who can be so difficult.”
“What about the old boyfriend?”
“If you believe the latest press, he’s in Hawaii with his new girlfriend,” William told him.
“If he has a new girlfriend, I find it unlikely he would bother Sienna.”
“I agree.”
“That narrows your list to Liam Rickman and Bruce Parsons,” Craig surmised.
“Exactly. I’ll let you know if I hear anything else, but at least now we know where we need to focus our search.”
“I appreciate the call.”
“And, Craig?”
“Yes?”
“You make sure you keep my granddaughter happy.”
The corners of his lips curved. “I’ll do what I can, sir.”
* * *
He looked at the rewrites, his jaw clenching with each line he scanned. This wasn’t supposed to happen. How could the director not see the obvious solution to how this story should go? It was right there in front of him, but Marcus seemed determined to look past him, as though he was invisible.
His hand tightened on the page, the paper crumpling. This was his movie, his chance for his name to rise to the top in the industry. This was his comeback.
He thought of the other actors he had worked with over the past few years, people everything came so easily for. They didn’t appreciate what they had. He might have been like that once, but he knew better now. Now he was ready to take his place at the top, ready to appreciate everything Hollywood could offer.
And if Hollywood wouldn’t offer it to him, he was determined to take it by force if necessary. He would be famous. Someday soon, everyone would know his name.
He stood, and his script fell to the floor. It was time for action.
* * *
Sienna donned her sunglasses and pulled the hood of her sweatshirt up. She followed George to a side door of her hotel. Experience told her the paparazzi would be everywhere, but George helped her time her exit to when the rest of the cast would be wrapping up for the day and the photographers would be clustered near the main entrance.
George pushed open the door, and she braced for the cold, surprised to find the weather had warmed significantly since the day before.
She walked toward the beach, only going a few yards before she saw Craig waiting for her near the edge of the sand. She was surprised and disappointed when she reached him and his greeting didn’t include a hug or kiss.
He must have seen the concern on her face. “We have company. I didn’t think either of us would want to be in the news.” Craig’s words didn’t match his casual demeanor. “There’s a photographer at your ten o’clock.”
Sienna turned away from the direction he had indicated so only the back of her head would be visible to the camera lens. “You know I’m really not used to this.”
“What’s that?” Craig asked, starting to walk toward the beach.
She fell into step with him. “It seems like every other guy I’ve dated has liked the press attention that comes with my name.”
“It sounds like you haven’t had the best track record with guys.”
Sienna laughed, much of her tension disappearing. “You’re absolutely right. My grandfather has been lecturing me for years about my poor choices.”
“Oh, really? Anyone I should know about?” he asked. “Anyone serious?”
“Not since Jimmy Mickelson in the seventh grade.”
“Jimmy Mickelson, huh? Should I be jealous?”
“He did look quite handsome in his football uniform.”
“A football player? I was more into baseball myself.”
“We may have to catch a game sometime. Kendra’s brother-in-law plays for the Marlins.”
“That would be fun. We’ll have to check the schedule and see if there are any games in DC before you leave Virginia.” The words left Craig’s mouth, and he immediately stopped walking, waiting for her to look up at him. “How long are you in Virginia?”
“The current shoot schedule has us here for a few more months, until the end of May.”
“Then what? Do you have another movie already lined up?”
“My agent said he’s had a couple directors express interest in having me read for some upcoming movies, but I haven’t had time to look over the scripts.”
“That must be hard, always going from one movie set to the next. Do you ever get to take a break?”
“I like to take a couple months between projects, but sometimes it depends on the timing of what comes my way.”
“Selfishly, I hope the timing works out well after this one. It would be nice to spend some time together when you aren’t working so much.”
Sienna smiled up at him. “I think I might be persuaded.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear.”
* * *
Craig sent a quick response to Sienna’s latest text before following Quinn and Damian toward the helicopter pad.
“I gather you and Sienna made up,” Quinn commented.
“What?”
“For the past two days, every time I look at you, you’ve got your cell phone in your hand.”
“That’s not true. I wasn’t holding it when we were at the shooting range or when we did the obstacle course—”
“But you did have it when we had breakfast,” Damian cut him off before he could come up with any other times his phone had been out of his hand. “And when we did our five-mile run this morning and lunch and . . .”
“Okay, fine. So I’m worried about her. She’s supposed to go back to work this afternoon, and we still don’t have any idea who was behind the accidents that keep happening.”
“You know, I’ve always wanted to check out a movie set up close,” Quinn said.
“Me too,” Damian agreed.
“Did I hear someone say we’re going to the movies?” Tristan walked up behind them.
“In a manner of speaking.” Quinn nodded. “We thought we could go check out Craig’s girlfriend’s place of business. You know, just to make sure everything is safe for her there.”
“Cool. I wouldn’t mind a field trip.”
“Load up,” Brent told them, bringing up the rear of the group. “For now, you have another movie role.”
“What are you talking about?” Craig asked.
“The navy authorized Sienna’s movie crew to film our training exercise today. Looks like you all get to pretend to be movie stars.”
Quinn looked at Brent skeptically. “Is the navy really going to let them film us?”
“The navy agreed months ago, but the higher-ups waited to assign a squad until they knew who would be available.”
“I wouldn’t think they would want to take the chance of us being identified,” Damian said.
“It’s all from long range. They won’t be able to see our faces, but while we’re doing our preliminary overflight of their set, I thought we could take a look at what they’re all up to.”
“Break out the binoculars, boys,” Quinn said. “It’s time to do some spying.”
27
“Are you ready for this?” George asked when they pulled up in front of th
e beach house.
Sienna drew a deep breath and let it out in a whoosh. “I think so.”
She had hoped to talk to Craig before going back on set, but his last text had told her he was heading out to work and wouldn’t be able to call or text for a couple hours.
George motioned to the sling on her arm, a reminder to keep her from overdoing it with her sore shoulder. “Are you sure you’re okay doing these scenes while you’re still so sore?”
“The screenwriter was kind enough to redo the script to allow for the injury. The least I can do is play along.”
“I don’t know that Devin has ever had this many rewrites,” George said wryly. “First adding a car crash he hadn’t planned and now giving a main character a new injury. He’s earning his money.”
“Definitely.” Sienna waited for George to circle the car and help her out. They walked in together, and immediately she noticed her grandfather talking to the director. “Looks like Grandpa is already hard at work.”
“Can’t blame him for worrying.” George walked her to her chair before motioning to William. “I’m going to check in with him. I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.” Sienna took another deep breath. What did it say, she wondered, when George felt the need to explain where he was going to be when he was only walking five yards away?
She saw Liam approaching, and it took all of her willpower not to turn and walk the other direction. All this talk about him being involved with the accidents had her second-guessing herself.
She studied him objectively. She knew this was only his second significant role in the past several years. Like many other famous child actors, he had struggled to transition into adult roles, but this film would most certainly help change that image. He had already started on his transformation, his sandy-colored hair now short and styled rather than all straggly, as it had been when he’d hit his late teenage years. Like Adam, he also spent a decent amount of time in the gym. Since he recently signed with a new agent, he clearly wasn’t happy with his lack of professional opportunities over the past few years.
Could his need for validation as an adult actor cause him to resort to extreme measures? She didn’t think so, but she still had to remind herself to relax when he approached.
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