A Dizzying Balance

by Harriet E Rich

  “Wonderful! Roger usually leaves the office early on Fridays anyway. The guys have a grudge match scheduled but they can play on the court at Kenting, and the kids can swim. We’ll have to leave by two, though. I’ve got a committee meeting for the benefit at five.”

  “When is the benefit?”

  “A week from Thursday and I still have a thousand things to do.”

  “Can I help with anything?”

  “But you already know what you’re doing – oh, damn, I keep forgetting! We haven’t talked about it since the car accident. First of all, you’re one of my special draws this year because you’ve been busy with acting commitments for the last three and haven’t been able to attend. You are to look beautiful and talk sweetly to all of my really important guests, explaining how essential it is for them to support such a worthy cause, you with me?”

  Jen laughed. “Oh, yes, I know exactly what you mean. Be gorgeous, talk nice. Got it.”

  “And for everyone else, we’ll have a table set up for you to sign programs. Each guest will get a little gift and an autograph – for a hundred dollars a signature. You know what I mean, I’m sure. --- To Henrietta Plotnik, Thank you so much for your generous support of the Museum, Jennette Colson ---. You’ll only have to sit there for about an hour and I’ll have a volunteer taking the checks so you won’t have to worry about that part of it. It should be a big hit.”

  “It sounds like fun. Now, if you’d asked me to be the auctioneer, I’d have run for the hills.”

  “Oh, no, that’s Rick’s specialty. He made the mistake of telling me that he’d done it once in college at some fraternity thing or other, so I recruited him for the benefit five years ago. Enough time has gone by for us to do it again.”

  “What exactly will he be auctioning off?”

  “Paintings and sculptures. I’ve gotten a number of friends to donate pieces by various local artists who are just starting to make names for themselves. They’re different sizes –”

  “The artists?”

  “The artwork. Well, the artists, too, from what I understand,” she chuckled. “They’re all different shapes with different emotions –” Jen grinned at her and Danni laughed. “The artwork! Cut that out, or I’ll forget what I was going to say. The only stipulation I made was that there not be anything too dreary. It’s a little hard to interest anyone in depressing works of art for their living rooms.”

  “No, I can see that it would rather put a damper on the evening. I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ve collected. And you’ll have to give me the names of your special guests or I won’t know which ones to charm.”

  “I’ve got a list for you in my den. What time are you and David going home?”

  “He said two o’clock.”

  “Good, I’ll get it later. Let’s take the dogs and see what the kids are up to.”

  * * *

  Tony and Colleen were in the office when she got there the next morning. As she walked up the path, she heard them laughing together through the open door, but they jumped up when she came in.

  “Jennette, are you all right?”

  “Hey, kid, what are you trying to do – give me a heart attack with these close shaves?”

  Jen smiled at them. “I’m fine, really, although I’m still tired. It was Anna I was worried about, but it looks like she’s going to be all right, too.”

  “Would you like some coffee?”

  “I’d love some.”

  Jen and Tony sat at the table while Colleen went into the kitchen.

  “It was Daisy that raised the alarm,” he said proudly, “when she looked up and couldn’t see the sail anymore. She told them that something was wrong.”

  “I’d seen you go out,” she called, “but then I was busy for a while. I didn’t know how long it had been, but you weren’t in sight anywhere.”

  “The guys had just gotten back from their tennis game.” Tony reached to take two cups from Colleen, handing one to Jen. “She came running down the stairs and everyone rushed out to the deck. It’s a good thing I didn’t find out about it until after it was all over and you were safe.”

  “I’m sorry I worried you.” She shook her head. “I was more than a little worried myself. But enough about that. Have you two picked a date, yet?”

  “Yup, the last Saturday this month.”

  “I guess I’m old-fashioned, but I’ve always wanted a June wedding.” A faint tinge colored Colleen’s cheeks and Tony smiled at her.

  “You’ll make a beautiful blushing bride,” he said, and the tinge deepened to a definite pink.

  “That gives us not quite three weeks, Colleen. Do you think it will be enough time?”

  “Oh, yes. We don’t want anything elaborate, just a simple ceremony with something to eat afterwards.”

  “Not just something to eat or Mrs. Brown will never forgive me,” she said. “And a cake and champagne.”

  “And dancing,” Tony added.

  “And an open bar for anyone who simply must have a drink, and your bouquet and a garter, of course.”

  “And dancing,” Tony repeated.

  When it looked like Colleen would object, Jen reassured her. “We won’t let it get too big or too expensive, so you mustn’t be concerned. Aaron said he’d help, and he’ll keep Tony and me in line. He always does, you know.”

  “He’s not gonna let me have any fun. He never does, and you know that, too!”

  “You’re responsible for the license.”

  “And our rings,” Colleen put in with a laugh.

  “Okay, Daisy, you plan the wedding, but I’m planning the honeymoon.” He leered at her, then grinned with delight when she blushed again.

  She took his cup away from him. “You’re done with this coffee whether you’re done or not,” she said, trying to sound severe. “We have to talk about the new screenplay, or we’ll never be ready to meet with the author. Miss Hall called first thing this morning to suggest tomorrow morning at the sound stage offices.”

  “She really wants us to do this movie. You gonna give her the lead, Jen?”

  “I haven’t decided.”

  “It’s a really good part for you, kid, and there’s one that would be just right for Daisy.”

  “Tony, you are bound and determined to tease me, aren’t you.” She was both embarrassed and a little angry. Jen was surprised.

  “I didn’t know you were an actress, Colleen.”

  “I’m not. You mustn’t listen to him.”

  Tony was contrite. “I’m sorry, honey, I didn’t mean to upset you. She did do some acting, Jen, in her wild and beautiful youth.”

  “It was a while ago and it didn’t work out.” She looked away.

  “Am I forgiven?”

  “Yes, of course.” she turned back to smile at him. “I like what I’m doing now. It’s very satisfying work and I’m good at it.”

  “You most definitely are, Colleen,” Jen agreed. “I’d never get through everything that needs to be done without your keeping it all straight for me.”

  “Then we’d better get started on the screenplay. Our appointment with Mr. Curtis is at ten tomorrow.”

  “Is Hector coming by himself,” asked Jen, “or will Nikki be with him?”

  “Try keeping her away!” Tony snorted.

  By the end of the day, they had worked out a basic production plan for the movie and discussed a preliminary budget with Aaron by phone.

  When they’d finished, Jen said, “We’ll all meet at nine tomorrow to add in the things we’ve talked about, Aaron, but before you hang up, I want to let you know about Anna’s birthday party.” Jen nodded at Tony and Colleen. “You three are invited. It will be this Friday afternoon at five-thirty for dinner and cake. But you mustn’t feel obligated to bring presents.”

  “Don’t be silly. What’s a birthday without lots of presents?” Aaron said. “I’ll be there. See you in the morning.”

  Tony hung up the phone, agreeing with Aaron. “Lots and lots of p
resents. What do you say, Daisy? Shall we buy out the stores?”

  “Tony Manelli, don’t you dare spend –” Colleen began, then realized he was teasing her again and laughed. “You are an impossible man!”

  * * *

  Adelia returned from San Francisco that evening just as they were finishing dinner. Rick jumped up when he heard Miguel open the front door for her. “Aunt Adelia! How was your trip?” He gave her a hug, smiling down with a grin. “Looking younger every day, Auntie.”

  “Richard, how many times do I have to say that you are not to call me that. Your hair is too long, as usual, and if you’ve ever run a comb through it, I can’t remember the time.” Her voice was severe, but Jen could tell that she was pleased to see him. “I understand that you were here the morning I left and didn’t bother to say hello.”

  “Well, I’m saying it now.” He smiled at her. “I’ll be here for several weeks, so we’ll have plenty of time to catch up. Rob sends his love, by the way. We had a great time mountain climbing.”

  “I will expect you in my room at eight-thirty for breakfast. Miguel, take my suitcases upstairs and ask Mrs. Grider to make tea for me.”

  David had stepped past Rick to kiss her cheek. “Welcome back, Mother, how are you feeling?”

  “As well as can be expected – under the circumstances. How is my granddaughter?”

  “She’s fine but it was a narrow escape.”

  Rick realized that Jen was being ignored by both his aunt and his cousin. “Jen saved her life, Aunt Adelia.”

  “Jennette endangered her life by mishandling the boat.” Her gaze swept across Jen’s face, merely acknowledging her presence. “But we will say no more about it. Anna is safe and that is the important thing.”

  “Are you hungry, Mother?”

  “I’m tired and the meal on the plane was practically inedible, but it will suffice. If you will help me upstairs, David? Richard, please bring the last few bags.”

  Jen had not moved from the dining room doorway. She watched as they disappeared around the corner to the elevator.

  “And hello and good night to you, too, Adelia.” She shrugged and went up the stairs. At the side stairway, she paused, then climbed to the third floor and went into Anna’s suite. Ellen was in the sitting room with textbooks spread out on a low table in front of the couch.

  “Good evening, Miss Colson, Anna’s asleep. Is there something you needed?”

  “No, not at all. I just came up to check on her. Did she sleep all right last night?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I slept in here because I was afraid that she might have nightmares, but she didn’t wake. I think she’s going to be fine. She told me all about helping you sail the boat and when I asked her about the accident, she said she was really scared but she knew she was safe with you.”

  Jen blinked away her tears with a smile. “I’ll just peek in.” Anna was sleeping soundly. Jen closed the door quietly.

  “What are you studying so industriously?”

  Ellen pointed at the books. “Economics. Spanish. Art History.”

  “That’s certainly a wide range of subjects.” Jen shook her head with a laugh.

  “I’ve always been interested in Pre-Columbian art and I’d like to work in a museum some day. Mr. Jameson has been really helpful explaining the Mayan and Aztec styles from Mexico, and he and Miguel patiently let me practice my Spanish with them.”

  “But how can you work all hunched over like that? I’ll ask Luke to move in a table, a comfortable chair and a reading lamp.”

  Ellen was flustered. “You don’t have to do that, Miss Colson.”

  “Of course, I do,” Jen said with a grin. “I’m only thinking of Anna. If you’re studying at night, we can’t have you too tired during the day. Speaking of Anna, we’re having a birthday party for her Friday afternoon and you’re invited. Five-thirty.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.”

  “Good night and don’t work too late.”

  Jen had reached the foot of the stairs when she realized that Adelia didn’t yet know about the party. She could hear David and Rick talking in the living room, so at least she wouldn’t be barging into a family gathering. Crossing the bridge, she walked silently along the thick carpet, but as she rounded the curve, she saw Thelma carrying a tray into Adelia’s room. The door didn’t close completely behind the housekeeper and Jen heard Adelia’s sharp voice.

  “There you are,” she said. “I go away for five days and look what happens. Do I have to take care of everything myself?” Jen couldn’t hear Thelma’s reply but Adelia continued bitingly, “No, I don’t want to hear it. You were to do as you were told and to watch over Anna. I turn my back, and she almost dies. How could you be so stupid? Shut that door and bring me my tea.”

  Jen moved backward as the door closed, then turned to walk into the other wing. Adelia couldn’t have planned the boating accident but Thelma had been in the living room handing around a tray of canapés when Jen had agreed to sail the next day. If Thelma had decided to act on her own initiative? And did she have the technical skill? Jen had no way of knowing. Thelma may have planned to finish what was started at the cabin but couldn’t have guessed that Anna would also walk into the trap.

  On the other hand, if Anna was a target as well as Jen herself, then someone had to have known that she would be aboard. Had someone suggested it to the little girl? For the last two days, she’d been careful to say very little to Anna about the accident, afraid to see again that look of shock on her face. But she would have to question her gently. If someone else had known that she would sneak onto the boat, then they were both in danger.

  Chapter Twelve

  The production studio was a huge rectangular structure with a much smaller four-story office building tacked on at one end looking very like the afterthought that it, in fact, was. SailingStar Productions had begun in half of the large building with a few makeshift offices along one inside wall. As the company grew, they had expanded into the other half. Then, eight months ago, the new building had been completed and they were finally able to move into offices worthy of the company’s success.

  Not wanting to appear in public until after her nose had healed, Jen hadn’t been there since the car accident, but Colleen gave her thumbnail sketches with photos of each employee and Tony drew floor plans of both buildings.

  “There are three sound-proofed stages,” Colleen indicated them on the plan, “one large, the other two smaller and less elaborate. There’s a screening room like the one you have here but much bigger and set up for business rather than comfort. Here’s the shop for all the mechanical and electrical work, repairs, stunt construction, things like that. This is the geek room –”

  “Geek room?”

  “For the computers, computerized graphics, sound mixing and special effects. And there’s a group of small offices and a meeting room. The remaining space is divided into dressing room facilities and storage areas for costumes, props, make-up supplies and technical equipment.”

  “It’s a surprisingly complete operation.”

  “Don’t you believe it, Jen.” Tony shook his head. “There’s still a lot that we have to contract out, and filming on location is a nightmare more often than not.”

  Tuesday morning, Colleen was waiting for her as she pulled into the parking lot and suggested a quick tour before their meeting with Aaron. The building was alive with activity as they stepped in – people moving purposefully, carrying equipment, talking intently in pairs or small groups.

  “How early does everyone get here?”

  Colleen pointed to a yellowed piece of paper pinned to a bulletin board that read --- If it’s eight, you’re late ---. “It’s been hanging there since before I started working here.”

  Jen’s watch read eighteen-fifteen. “Then my first official act, today, is to take it down.” She unpinned it and stuffed it into her pocket. “It’s making me feel guilty.”

  As they walked through the building, everyone stopped to
welcome her back and she thanked each one, using names with faces she recognized.

  Colleen smiled at her success. “Nothing’s happening in Tom until later this morning, and they’re doing orchestral synchronization work in Dick, but we can slip into Harry and watch for a little if you’d like.”

  Expecting to find an elaborate set, Jen saw merely a simple roofed platform on stilts made of weathered redwood posts sitting in the middle of the stage area. Two actors were leaning out against its railing listening to the director as he rode ten feet off the floor on the camera boom. Behind the platform was nothing but a shimmering blue screen. A tall fan was turned on at a low setting, adjusted by a team of stagehands, and Jen and Colleen stayed to watch as the same scene was filmed twice from two different angles. Then they slipped out again.

  Colleen explained as they walked to the ground-floor entry of the office building. “They’ll do it at least twice more from other angles, but they’ll have to stop now for camera adjustments and make-up retouches. It’s an outdoor scene, the only one of its kind in the movie; the blue scrim at the back will allow the computer whizzes to add the mountains and trees in the background later. It’s the same way they do the Peter Pan stuff.”

  “Oh,” Jen laughed. “You mean flying scenes. It’s all just smoke and mirrors?”

  “That’s right except that for scenes like those, it’s wires and carefully hidden supports. Now – ground floor: reception, cafeteria, and employee locker rooms at the back. The elevators are here.” They rode up as Colleen continued. “Second floor: production work, more computers and another screening room. Third floor: personnel, casting and accounting. Fourth floor: finance, legal, the VIP dining room and your suite.”

  “Shouldn’t I have a key to the executive washroom?”