by M Howson
The Principle
Of
Chance
M. Howson
Copyright © 2012 M. Howson
First Paperback edition 2013
All Rights Reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted
in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the author.
This book is a work of fiction.
Names, characters, businesses, places, events, opinions and incidents
are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner.
Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is
purely coincidental and completely unintentional.
ISBN-13: 978-1482580853
Acknowledgements
Thank you to my friends and family.
This book wouldn’t be the book it is,
without your help.
James, Edit, Martina, Natalie.
A special thank you to Sue and Sally for their never ending support and friendship.
Prologue
Amy paced up and down the room answering Frank’s questions. She stopped by a desk noticing a large envelope on the carpet. She picked it up to place it on the desk.
‘Perfect, I will sign them later and they can be distributed.’ Amy had done an excellent job, Frank knew she would.
‘This was on the carpet Frank.’ Amy offered Frank the large envelope.
‘The damn envelope!’ Frank swore aloud. It was too late; he watched its contents tumble out in front of him onto the carpet.
‘Oh I am sorry! Let me pick these up.’
‘No! Amy!’ He shouted, but Amy’s photos were already scattered around on the carpet.
Amy saw the agony in Frank’s eyes. What had happened to Frank to burst out like that? Then, she followed his gaze, she saw the photos, - of herself.
‘You do want to explain Frank, why you have an envelope full of my photos?’ She said with a cold tone as she picked up a picture of her father. ‘This is my dad!’
‘It isn’t what you think Amy!’ He said taking a deep breath. ‘It’s even worse!’
‘What? I don’t understand? Did you hire a detective to get the lowdown on me, and my family?’
‘Yes, I did! I am sorry. Let me explain!’ Frank was fully prepared for Amy to run out of the room, but she sat down, folding her arms across her chest.
‘I am listening Frank!’
Frank offered Amy a drink. ‘You might need this.’
Chapter One
Jack Harvey had a reputation as a man who knew exactly how to please a woman. The girl in his bed couldn’t complain. She was enjoying Jack’s skilled hands exploring her perfect young body. Jack was very proud of the fact that at the age of seventy he could still satisfy a woman.
‘Jack!’ She sighed.
‘How about this?’ Jack expertly lifted her bottom as they reached climax together. He slowly moved away and got out of bed. Lying around and answering questions wasn’t his thing.
‘Take your time gorgeous.’ Jack put on a robe and lit a cigar. He walked out to the terrace of his penthouse and surveyed the still busy streets and twinkling lights of the Los Angeles night. He consulted his expensive watch - two in the morning. He couldn’t possibly send her home at this hour. Jack didn’t want the girls he slept with to feel they had been used; - he made certain it was their choice. He had no problem picking up sexy, young, big- breasted girls. In fact, girls didn’t even want Jack to work his charm on them, they picked him and Jack rarely said no to their easy manners and well-practiced smooth lines.
The girl came out to join him on the terrace, fully dressed. ‘So many lives unfolding down there.’ She pointed into the distance.
A sentence he wasn’t expecting. He wondered how long it would take her to ask that small favour.
‘I love this city Jack. I would do anything to make it big here.’
He wasn’t disappointed. The gentle hint had arrived! – yet he chose to ignore what she said.
‘You had a good time?’ She was a stunning girl - but they all were. Sometimes, they could even hold a meaningful conversation.
‘You were incredible.’ She purred. ‘The best sex I’ve had in ages.’
Jack bit his lip; obviously she was the ego flattering type. A load of bullshit, but hey – he loved it.
‘What can I say sweetheart? I try!’ Jack took a step towards a glass table.
‘Little something for you… Nancy.’ He picked up a small box and congratulated himself that he had remembered her name.
‘Jack, how sweet of you.’ Nancy gushed, inspecting the jewellery box he handed her.
‘Don’t mention it girl.’ Jack watched her carefully checking the weight of the box.
‘I’ll see myself out.’ Nancy said, kissing him softly on the lips. ‘Call me ….’
She walked towards the door. He felt a stab of conscience, but hurriedly brushed it aside. Jack was one of Hollywood’s silver screen legends. His longish, dark hair streaked with grey was expertly styled, which gave him a youthful air. His tanned skin and toned body were due to the California sun and to his personal trainer. Good looks and charming manners made him desirable to women. Young women, who usually wanted to gain something by sleeping with Jack. He consoled himself with the knowledge that he treated women right. What was right? Dinner in a happening restaurant, a movie premier or a nightclub opening. Was it not what these young girls wanted?
Jack always made an effort to introduce the girls to some big shot. The clever ones were able to take it from there. He was no fool - why would they go on a date with a seventy year old man? He rightly presumed that the type of girls he was into wanted to be rich and famous, so he played the game.
The door slammed, she left. Jack stood there for a moment and viewed the city through the glass panel. On a side table next to him lay a pile of papers. He picked up a few sheets and soon he was lost in a world of his own. When he finally looked up he could see the sharp lines of the beautiful morning sun rising above the city. There were certainly advantages to living in a skyscraper.
****
Frank, the head of Orban Film Studios just celebrated his eightieth birthday. In truth, he didn’t look much older than a sixty. His sleek steel-grey hair and sharp black eyes spoke volumes. With a confident manner and immaculate appearance he presented a powerful man. Frank was a thoughtful man who had worked hard all his life without wasting time on fools. If people around him wanted to make something of their lives, Frank was keen to provide an opportunity. Regardless of his age, he was still much involved in his business and showed no signs of slowing down.
Frank lived in a Hollywood mansion, where he had just finished a workout in his gym. He felt good, ready to face the day.
‘Good morning Frank, a Mr Green is here.’ Don, his personal secretary announced from the doorway.
Frank wiped the sweat off his face. ‘Ask him to wait in the morning room, and Don, offer him some breakfast.’
The clock on the wall showed six in the morning. Mr Green, a private detective had worked on different assignments before and Frank was well aware of the fact that the man had most likely been up all night to deliver a result.
‘He said it’s important.’ Don hesitated.
‘Did he?’ Frank experienced a mild excitement – he’d got the information he wanted.
‘Tell him I won’t be long.’
‘What time will you need the car this morning?’
‘Have it ready for eight.’ Frank gave himself an hour to spare before it was time to leave for the studio.
‘Want to share the car with me?’ Frank asked.
‘No than
k you. I have arranged a meeting in the Downtown office with one of the producers.’
‘Problems?’
‘Nothing we can’t handle.’ Don sounded confident.
‘They always try it on Don!’ Frank stepped into his personal elevator.
‘Yes Frank, they do.’
As Frank made his way upstairs, he deliberated on what news the private detective had for him. Was it worthwhile to investigate further or better to leave it alone?
In his dressing room, his personal butler, a man Frank rarely saw, had already laid out his clothes. Everything was in order; made-to-measure expensive suit, silk tie, crisp white shirt and handmade leather shoes. He always made an effort to dress his best. One important rule in business – make a good first impression.
Frank remembered some of the actors he had worked with in the forties. What a dirty, boozing and partying bunch they had been. Whenever they arrived on set usually late, they always stank of alcohol and tobacco. Nevertheless, women still fainted over their photographs. Yet, there were also decent actors, hardworking people who made a good living out of acting and they had helped to expand the movie business.
After a jet stream shower, he dressed carefully, checked his appearance in the full-length mirror, adjusted his tie, splashed on some aftershave and was ready to face the day.
Downstairs, in the breakfast room, Frank saw a nervous-looking man drinking from a cup. The minute Frank appeared, he jumped to his feet nearly spilling the contents.
‘Good morning Mr Orban.’ He said, desperately trying to keep his hands from trembling.
‘Morning. Sit down, Mr Green.’ The man’s clumsiness amused Frank for a moment.
Mr Green was fiddling in his briefcase, taking out a stack of documents.
‘Finish your coffee man and have some toast.’
‘No, thank you very much, very kind.’ He said nervously. ‘Here is what I found Mr Orban.’ He quickly filled the table with documents.
Frank didn’t want to read reports this early. ‘All right, spill the facts.’ He said, filling up his glass with fresh orange juice.
‘Mr Orban, you might be interested to see these!’ Mr Green spread out some photographs in front of Frank.
‘Photos? Put them away!’
‘I thought …’
‘Continue, - you got some facts for me?’
‘Of course, everything is here.’ Mr Green quickly put everything back into an envelope and gave it to Frank.
‘Great job!’ Frank placed it on the table next to his coffee.
‘Your payment.’
‘Thank you. If you need …’ He stammered his words as he accepted a stack of bills from Frank.
‘I know where to find you.’
Frank stood up to leave, his business was finished here. ‘Don’t leave this room until you’ve had some food!’
‘Thank you, but I need to be going.’ The nervous man said. He wriggled up from the table, gripping his briefcase.
‘You have time.’ Frank said, fixing him with a stern look.
‘Yes.’ Mr Green said, giving in. He sat down again.
‘Good, that’s what I like to see.’ Frank manufactured a smile.
‘Yes …’
‘Thank you.’ Frank opened the door and was gone.
He was met by his driver in the front hall at precisely eight o’ clock.
‘Ready Joe?’
‘Yes Mr Orban. The car is waiting for you.’ Joe informed him.
‘On time as usual, Joe.’
‘Thank you Mr Orban.’
The exquisite Rolls Royce was one of Frank’s highly prized indulgences. Before he could collect his thoughts, his phone rang and the day began.
Chapter Two
Jack decided to have a shower and make some phone calls. He considered picking up the sheets from the side table. It was a script for a new movie Frank had given him to look through. He strode into his kitchen to put the espresso maker on. There it was; - a little note with Nancy’s phone number. He shook his head; these girls were all the same.
He loved his life - his penthouse, the beach house, fast cars, money and women. He also had good friends, which in this city was scarce. Happiness? What was that? – it didn’t exist.
Jack Harvey’s acting career started in 1945, when he was fifteen years old. He was working as an extra in a low budget film at Golden & Red Studios. One of the producers noticed his good looks and Jack was offered a one-line speaking role. It was a female producer of course. Jack worked hard to show off what he could do. Before long, he managed to get a lead role alongside one of the major heartthrobs, Gregory (Smooth Boy) Taylor.
The high demand for cheerful, entertaining movies during the depression years, provided him with a steady job. Jack’s love of women began as his fame grew. There were always gorgeous, well presented women hanging out on movie sets. He didn’t have to work hard; usually a smile was a good start.
Jack had never married; he didn’t need a blissful family life. There was no such thing in his mind as a happy family. His parents came from the working class and lived in a rundown trailer on the outskirts of the city. They struggled with money and argued all the time. His father liked to drink, and that gave him the courage to beat up his wife and his only child Jack. At the age of fourteen, Jack ran away. He couldn’t stand it anymore and there wasn’t much he could do. The one time Jack tried to stand up to his father, he had beaten the shit out of him.
During Jack’s first night on the street, he met a prostitute called Suzie. Jack was a smart kid and he knew what she was after. She was a woman of a certain age and she offered to house Jack in return for regular servicing.
‘I have needs sugar.’ She explained, while feeling the bulge in Jack’s trousers. With huge embarrassment, Jack realised he was getting a hard-on.
‘I like….’ She said in a suggestive tone.
Suzie taught Jack the art of pleasing a woman. Jack was a fast and grateful learner, however after a few weeks of living with Suzie he wanted out. She was a sex-crazed bitch who needed to be pleasured day and night.
One afternoon Jack found himself at the front gates of Golden & Red Studios. He boldly enquired about a possible job. They needed a runner, Jack needed a job. His life was about to change.
****
Frank arrived at one of his offices on Eucalyptus Hill. He used this place only on rare occasions. It was located in one of the remaining nineteenth century commercial buildings, surrounded by appraised restaurants, art galleries and designer boutiques. Frank’s office was on the top floor of a stunning Victorian building, overlooking tall palm trees and the beautiful Laurel Park. The office was designed with comfortable armchairs scattered around the period fireplace; the oak panelled walls and sparkling chandeliers were an additional luxury.
He greeted his secretary, Edna, and firmly requested not to be disturbed. Frank sat down behind his enormous desk. He lit a cigar, one of his old habits that surfaced from time to time, and took out the envelope from his briefcase. He placed it on the desk. Before he could look at the contents, Don came in.
‘What time would you like the meeting to start?’
Frank looked up surprised. ‘What are you doing here so early? I thought you were at a meeting.’
‘They pulled out.’ Don informed him.
‘They did?’
‘Works better for us Frank.’ Don knew what he was doing. Frank didn’t need to be concerned.
‘You say we have a meeting?’ Frank enquired.
Don was an amazing addition to his team of people. He was diligent, precise and discreet. He’d been with Frank for over forty years. He’d found Don in one of his offices doing meaningless paperwork. Frank made some enquiries about him. Don was a lawyer struggling to get a job. Frank offered him a temporary position in his company and never looked back. They had formed a strong business relationship.
‘The strategy meeting?!’ Don offered.
‘All right!’ Frank buzzed his office secr
etary.
‘Edna dear, bring us some coffee and hold my calls for a while.’
She responded straight away. ‘Yes Mr Orban.’
Within minutes Edna, a woman in her forties dressed in a black suit, came in with a bright smile on her face. She placed two fresh coffees on the small table.
‘Where are the cakes?’ Frank was disappointed.
‘You know what the doctor said Mr Orban.’ Edna said, concerned.
‘To hell with the doctors! Bring the cakes. I know you Edna, you have a tray full of my favourites!’
Edna and Don started laughing. Frank couldn’t be fooled.
‘You know me too well Mr Orban.’ Edna left and shortly returned with some scrumptious-looking cakes artistically placed on a silver tray.
‘Don’t you play this trick on me again woman.’ Frank said helping himself to a slice of chocolate cake.
‘Business now.’ Frank sat back to listen to Don’s report.
‘I had the final meeting with the ‘Blue Title’ production company. They are interested, but I will need to double check the terms before signing. All seems in order. The lead role for ‘Your Night and My Day’ has been cast. Ley Sinclair has been signed as you requested.’
‘She agreed to the fee?’ Frank questioned.
‘Yes she did. I didn’t need to offer our top budget.’
‘You are a clever man Don! I like it. These actresses are paid too much anyway. Ordinary people don’t earn a quarter of it in their whole life.’
‘I also have the annual ‘‘revisit’’ report ready for you. I have taken the liberty of arranging a meeting for next week, at your house with Mr Harvey.
‘Already?’
‘It has been a year.’ Don said.
‘So it has. Maybe this review is needed. Do you think it is worth a go? ’ Frank mused.