“That’s one of the reasons he chose it. He said it was so…authentic.” Aunt Amber grabbed my hand. “Come with me and I’ll introduce you.”
4
Ten minutes later, I sat beside Aunt Amber in Steven Scarabelli’s office trailer. I was in awe of the legendary Hollywood director and producer, yet the man seated across from me seemed so ordinary, not at all like a Hollywood icon. His tired expression also made him appear much older than the man I had seen on television. He looked like he needed a good, long rest.
He stood and leaned over the desk. He shook my hand and gave me a warm, friendly smile. His casual attire of a white cotton shirt over dark jeans made him look more like a member of the crew instead of a top Hollywood director/producer.
“Welcome to Westwick Corners.” It was lame but I didn’t know what else to say. If any town had imposter syndrome, it was ours, hiding behind a fresh coat of paint. I was certain that Steven Scarabelli would come to his senses any moment now and call the whole thing off. We weren’t exactly Hollywood material.
“It’s great to be here. I would never have even known about this little gem if it weren’t for Amber. Your aunt and I go way back.” He nodded at Aunt Amber.
Aunt Amber beamed. “This movie’s going to put our town on the map, Cen. High Noon Heist will be even bigger than Midnight Heist was. It’s guaranteed to make a bundle for Steven and his investors.”
“I’m counting on it.” Steven Scarabelli pushed a contract towards Aunt Amber. “Here’s the final contract for your signature. Everyone else has signed except for Dirk, who should be here any minute. Once I get his signature, we’re good to go.”
My mouth dropped open. Steven Scarabelli’s last box-office blockbuster had starred one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. “Dirk…as in Dirk Diamond? He’s coming here to your trailer?” Men loved Dirk Diamond movies for the cheesy action plots. Women loved his movies for…well, Dirk Diamond.
Steven chuckled. “He better get here soon, or I’m in big trouble.”
I was surprised that Steven hadn’t already locked in his actors with signed contracts, but since this movie was a sequel maybe that was just a formality. Or maybe things were more informal in Hollywood. I somehow doubted that, but what did I know?
I turned to Aunt Amber. “Is Dirk staying in town?” I was really asking if he was one of our guests at The Westwick Corners Inn. I hadn’t seen his name on the register, but then many stars checked in under fake names for anonymity.
“Of course,” she said. “Steven’s staying with us too, along with a few other cast members. The rest are staying in Shady Creek.” She scribbled her signature on the contract and pushed it across the table to Steven and smiled at him. “There. I’m yours.”
Steven grinned. “I just checked myself in at your property late last night. It looks lovely.”
Our quaint and cozy inn wasn’t anything close to a posh Beverly Hills hotel. It was probably a step down from what Steven was used to staying in, so it was very gracious of him to compliment us. I just hoped that he wouldn’t be disappointed. The nearest luxury accommodations were an hour away in Shady Creek, so I guess convenience had won out over luxury.
“Our little town is going to be famous, Cen!” Amber rose and motioned for me to follow. “C’mon, I’ll show you the set.”
I imagined movie buffs making pilgrimages to Westwick Corners, spending money and staying at our Inn. I followed my aunt outside, glad her mood had improved. We screeched to a stop after almost colliding with a petite dark-haired woman. I apologized as she passed us and stepped into Steven’s trailer.
I pointed excitedly. “That’s Arianne Duval! Another Hollywood A-lister!”
Aunt Amber slapped my hand down. “Don’t point, Cen! You’re embarrassing me in front of my colleagues.”
I turned to Aunt Amber. “How exactly did you land a starring role in the movie? You’ve never even taken acting lessons.”
“Steven says I have natural talent. That’s why he cast me opposite Dirk.”
My mouth dropped open, stunned. Aunt Amber had never acted or performed in public that I was aware of. “You bewitched him, didn’t you?”
Aunt Amber didn’t answer.
“You know it doesn’t count unless it happens naturally.”
“It is natural. Steven spotted my natural abilities.” Aunt Amber sniffed and turned away, indicating the discussion was over.
I froze as I spotted Dirk Diamond headed in our direction. His brown hair had grayed at the temples, and he was shorter than I expected, but still incredibly handsome. He wore a western shirt, cowboy boots, and jeans.
A woman walked beside him in two-inch pumps. Her trendy flowered dress was covered with a white linen blazer buttoned at the waist. Her brunette hair was pinned up in a loose bun. She wasn’t in costume so I assumed she wasn’t part of the cast. “That’s him! That’s—“
“Dirk Diamond,” Aunt Amber finished my sentence. “He’s my co-star. That woman with him is his agent, Kim Antonelli.”
“I don’t believe it.” I’ve always thought of movie stars as ordinary people, and it amused me to see people acting silly in front of their big screen idols. Yet here I was, star-struck. Dirk Diamond had a real presence about him, even off the screen. I felt drawn to him like a magnet.
I grinned like an idiot, speechless.
“Hi there.” He winked and smiled at me before turning to Aunt Amber. “See you in a bit, Amber.” He waved and walked past us to Scarabelli’s trailer.
“Dirk Diamond just winked at me!” The whole idea of Aunt Amber co-starring with a mega star like Dirk Diamond defied logic. “You used magic. Somehow you’ve bewitched the entire cast and crew into thinking you’re a star.”
“Of course I’m a star.” Aunt Amber pouted. “Are you doubting my abilities?”
“How exactly did you get ‘discovered’?” I made air quotes with my hands. There had to be more to the story. There always was with a witch involved.
“Steven and I go way back. He always told me I should go into acting, that I had charisma.” Aunt Amber shrugged. “He lost his female lead at the eleventh hour. Friends help friends out. It really doesn’t matter how it all came together, just that I’m part of it.”
I was skeptical of her version of events. “Why now after all these years? You’ve never been interested in acting.”
“Steven was in a pickle when Rose suddenly died. I’m just helping him out. It would have taken forever for them to hold new auditions and then negotiate a new contract. Steven can’t afford any delays or new talent. He’s way over budget on the film already. So I stepped in.”
“Rose? Rose who?”
“Rose Lamont.”
I gasped. “Dirk Diamond’s wife? When did this happen?” I hadn’t heard about it on the news, and Dirk hardly looked grief-stricken. On the other hand, he was an actor, so he knew how to mask his emotions. I turned around just in time to see him enter Steven’s trailer.
“About a week ago. Rose Lamont had a brain aneurysm. Dirk has kept it very quiet. It hasn’t even come out in the news yet.” Aunt Amber said. “Just thirty-seven years old. What a shame.”
“Dirk doesn’t seem too upset about it,” I said. “I’m surprised the filming wasn’t postponed if she just died.” I was troubled that the location change to Westwick Corners had been very last minute too. Was there a connection? Whatever it was, the timing seemed suspect. One star was dead and the other star, the spouse no less, carrying on business as usual.
“Dirk, brave soul, has decided to soldier on,” Aunt Amber said. “After a bit of a pep talk from me, of course.”
“Were you there when it happened?” Rose Lamont was young, athletic, and the picture of health. Aneurysms were rare but they happened to apparently healthy people all the time. Still, the timing seemed suspicious, and I had to be certain that Aunt Amber had no involvement, even indirectly.
“Of course not! Cen, are you insinuating that I did something sinister to land t
his role? I’m completely insulted.” She shook her head. “I was in London and I have witnesses to prove it.”
Shouts erupted from Steven’s trailer before I could answer.
I spun around.
Steven and Dirk’s voices carried across the lot as they stood just inside the trailer. They were arguing about the contract. Kim stood outside the trailer. She cringed each time Dirk’s voice rose.
I frowned. “If she’s his agent, shouldn’t she be inside the trailer negotiating with him?”
Aunt Amber didn’t answer.
Dirk bounded down the steps and turned to Kim. “Let’s go.”
Kim followed for a few feet then suddenly stopped. She turned around and locked eyes with Steven as he bounded down the trailer steps after Dirk. She held her hands out, palms outward. “I’m really sorry, Steven.”
“C’mon, Kim. You’ve got nothing more to say to him.” Dirk face flushed in anger. “Let’s go.”
Kim followed Dirk like a scolded puppy, a pained expression on her face.
Steven stormed after the pair. “You can’t do this to me, Dirk.”
“Something’s wrong,” Aunt Amber whispered. “Dirk was supposed to sign that contract. I’m guessing that didn’t happen.”
Kim grabbed Dirk’s arm and pulled him to a stop just feet away from us. “You’re making a mistake, Dirk. You already gave Steven your verbal approval. You want some terms changed? Let me talk to Steven and see what I can do.”
Steven Scarabelli stood a few feet away, uncertain whether to pursue the pair or return to his trailer.
“Don’t tell me what to do, Kim.” Dirk yanked his arm from her grasp. “Unless you want to get fired too. I’m not working for Scarabelli or anyone else. I’m starting my own company. I deserve a bigger share of the profits.”
“But Steven made you a star.” Kim was clearly frustrated with her client. “You know this sequel will be a box office hit just like the first one. It’s easy money and you already know your lines. All you have to do is show up for a few weeks, go through the motions and get the movie done. It’s a done deal.”
Dirk stamped his foot. “That’s a lie! Steven didn’t make me or anyone a star. People give him way too much credit. It’s not a done deal at all. I never signed, so I’ve got the right to change my mind.”
“But Steven trusted you. You were fine with everything last week when we discussed the terms.” Kim waved her arm at the set. “Steven went ahead in good faith based on your verbal acceptance. He invested everything he had in this film. All the cast and crew will be out of work if you don’t go ahead. And Steven is already committed to paying them.”
“I don’t care. That’s Steven’s problem. That script is a piece of crap and I don’t want my name associated with it.” Dirk made a cell phone gesture and dismissed Kim with a wave. “Call me later.”
We all stared as Dirk Diamond stormed off towards his trailer. He was nothing like the guy I idolized on screen. In fact, I intensely disliked him. He was the epitome of a demanding, cantankerous prima donna. A total jerk. But he was the box office draw and knew it. Everybody had to bend over backward and cater to his every whim. They had no choice if they wanted to keep the cameras rolling.
Kim Antonelli didn’t say a word. She didn’t have to. Her disgusted expression said it all.
Steven walked over to Kim. “Can’t you talk some sense into him, Kim? I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him happy, I promise. Time is money, and I’ve got all these people on set waiting for the cameras to roll. Find out what Dirk wants. Whatever it is, I’ll do it.”
“I’ll try, Steven.” Kim nodded sympathetically. “But you know how unpredictable he is.”
Steven looked desperate. “That’s what worries me. I’ve got the investors breathing down my neck and I’m late on my payments. I’ll go bankrupt without this film.”
“Don’t do anything rash,” I whispered to Aunt Amber. She wanted this gig so bad that I worried she just might conjure up another leading man.
“I’m sorry, Steven. I tried to reason with him but he won’t listen,” Kim said. “I feel terrible about it, but what can I do? You know I’m his agent in name only. He just does whatever he wants. I’m out money too, and I really need the paycheck right now.”
A man ran towards us waving a file in his hand. It was Rick Mazure, the man who had helped me with Aunt Amber’s dresses earlier. “Hey, Steven, I got those rewrites done. It took me all night, but they’re finished. I think it’s pretty good. Can you approve them?”
Steven dismissed him with a wave. “Not now, Rick. I don’t have time to read them because Dirk has just walked off the set. Unless we can calm him down, there won’t be a movie to shoot.”
“Again? I don’t understand.” Rick’s shoulders sagged in defeat. “Dirk got everything he asked for in these rewrites.”
“I know. Just go ahead and hand it out. I’m sure what you’ve got is good so I don’t need to check it. Let’s just hope that Dirk comes around soon so we can start filming.”
“Okay, boss.” Rick took off in the same direction as Dirk.
“Maybe I can talk some sense into Dirk,” Aunt Amber turned to Steven. “Let me see what I can do.”
“It’s worth a shot. Otherwise, I’ll lose millions.” Steven wiped a palm across his forehead. “Whatever you do, it can’t be worse than this.” He turned and walked slowly back to his trailer, his shoulders sagging like the world had just ended.
“C’mon,” I grabbed Aunt Amber’s arm and we headed towards the set. We soon caught up to Rick. “You must be disappointed to have done all those rewrites for nothing,” I said.
Rick shrugged. “You never know what’s going to happen with Dirk. He’s unpredictable, but things work out eventually. I’m working with Dirk on another project—a high-octane thriller. I just finished the script for that one too. I only put up with all his demands because his name on the marquee pretty much guarantees box-office success.”
We walked with Rick towards the set, where Dirk had stopped en route to his trailer to argue with one of the crew.
“At least Dirk hasn’t left yet.” Aunt Amber headed towards him and I followed.
Dirk turned to Rick as we approached, an expression of disdain on his face. ”What do you want?”
“Have you had a chance to look at my spec script yet?” Rick waved the papers in front of Dirk. “I’ve got a copy right here.”
“Don’t bother, Rick. Your script is a piece of crap. I never got past the first few pages. Your so-called thriller just put me to sleep.”
Rick’s face was a blank. “I’m open to suggestions. Just tell me which parts—”
Dirk waved his hand back and forth, palm outwards. “The whole thing is garbage. Don’t waste my time. I’ve had it with all of you people. I’m starting my own production company, with my own scripts. No more parasites getting rich off my talent.”
Kim materialized beside Dirk, a pained look on her face. As his agent, she got a percentage of everything Dirk Diamond earned, but judging from her expression, the trade-offs were enormous.
“Dirk, we need to talk.” Aunt Amber smiled. “You can do this in your sleep. Remember what I told you about professionalism.”
Dirk’s scowl morphed into a meek smile. “You’re right as usual, Amber. I wish I was more like you.”
My mouth dropped open. Aunt Amber held some sort of spell over Dirk, only this time no magic was involved. If it had been a spell, I would have felt it. But there was no magnetic pull, no feeling of anything other than force of personality. Which Aunt Amber naturally had. Still, it was a little hard to believe.
Kim sighed, relieved that someone had reined in her boss from hell.
“Dirk is my protégé. We go way back, don’t we, Dirk?” Aunt Amber turned to me. “I helped Dirk get his first big break in show business. As a matter of fact, his very first film was with Steven Scarabelli. We’ve know each other a very long time.”
“Yes,” said Dirk. “W
e’ve got history together.”
“Steven needs us this time.” Aunt Amber patted Dirk’s arm. “Now go see Steven and get everything worked out. You’ll be glad you did.”
Dirk pursed his lips and thought for a moment. “Okay, Amber. C’mon, Kim.”
Kim followed behind him as he reversed course and headed back in the direction of Steven’s office trailer.
I studied my aunt, stunned at the hold she apparently had on Dirk. He listened to her when he would listen to no one else.
She caught my eye and smirked. ”What?”
“Nothing.” She wanted praise, but I wasn’t dishing any out. I didn’t want to inflate her ego any more than it was already.
“Don’t you have work to do?” Aunt Amber tapped her foot as she stared at me.
“Huh? Oh yes, I do.” I didn’t think my newspaper stories were even on Aunt Amber’s radar.
“My dresses aren’t going to iron themselves.”
“Uh…I’ll get right on it.” I had no intention of taking care of her wardrobe, but the last thing I wanted was another on-set tug-of-war. I had no idea where Aunt Amber’s chameleon-like mood changes were coming from, but my normally even-keeled aunt was getting to be almost as bad as Dirk.
Or as bad as Aunt Pearl. I realized that I still hadn’t asked her about Aunt Pearl’s job.
“Good. I’ve got to get on set.” Aunt Amber dismissed me with a wave of her hand and spun around. She crossed the street to the old bank.
I was relieved to see no sign of Dirk or Kim. They must be already talking with Steven in his trailer. I hung back and waited for Aunt Amber to enter the building. Then I turned back towards Steven’s trailer, hoping to eavesdrop. Once Dirk and Kim left, I hoped to grab a few minutes with Steven for a story.
I didn’t get far before I heard voices coming from the side of the bank building. I couldn’t see them, but I recognized Dirk Diamond’s voice, and he was talking to Steven Scarabelli. I inched closer as their voices grew louder.
“We can change the script, the terms, whatever you like,” Steven said.
Witch and Famous--A Westwick Witches Cozy Mystery Page 4