by M Howson
‘I agree; it’s a striking country.’
‘Have you been there Frank?’ Ross asked interested.
‘Yeah, many years ago.’
The Story Of Frank Orban
Frank was born in Hungary to a poor landowner and his frail wife who lived in a small village. Frank’s parents had six children. In 1937 Frank turned seventeen and rumour of a war was everywhere. Frank wasn’t going to stick around. The stories that circulated amongst the village people about the last war were horrendous. Frank wanted to stay alive and make something of his life. He had lost his parents, brothers and sisters in an outbreak of tuberculosis some years ago. His only surviving sister Eva, was making it hard for him to leave.
Eva was sixteen and she was expecting a baby. There was no chance that she could marry the father of the baby, Daniel Darvas, who was the son of the richest man in the village. She was in trouble; bringing the baby up by herself would be hard. To live in the village in shame was unheard of. Frank’s efforts to find out how she became pregnant were wasted. Eva refused to say what had happened. Frank hoped it was Eva’s choice and not Daniel’s ruthless character. He tried to convince Eva to travel to America with him, but she didn’t want to leave. It came as a surprise when Jani, Frank’s best friend, offered to marry Eva to save her reputation and provide her with a future. Frank didn’t want Eva to be unhappy so he dismissed the offer but shocking everyone, his sister agreed to the marriage. Jani had land and a house. She will be looked after... Everything had quickly been arranged and Frank left his homeland behind for the unknown.
Eva missed him greatly but Jani was a good husband who provided everything she needed. Some months later she gave birth to a baby boy called Louie.
They only heard from Frank once when a postcard arrived from New York. He said he was fine living in New York and will write. However the war made it difficult to get any correspondence and Jani and Eva had to move around the country to stay safe.
His sister taken care of, Frank began his journey. He had been travelling for weeks when he finally reached England and boarded a ship heading for New York. When Frank had arrived in New York and received the all clear from customs, he wasted no time in looking around. There were thousands of men like him – looking for a job and a home. He needed to be quicker if he wanted to get some work.
Frank found New York filled with people, grey and cold. He took any job that came his way but it wasn’t enough. He slept in passageways as many other men did. One cold night, shivering under a thin blanket, he overheard a couple of his countrymen talking about Hollywood. There were jobs in the movies, they said, and blue sky, sunshine and the ocean.
The next day Frank was on his way to Hollywood, but when he arrived on a sunny day, he discovered there weren’t many jobs around but he couldn’t give up. Advertising posters of movies were everywhere. When he asked why there were so many, he was told the movie business was doing well. There must be jobs then, he thought.
He regularly stood in line for work to get a job in the big studios and eventually he managed to get on one of the movie sets. Frank was learning the language very quickly. The studio he worked for provided English classes as there were many Europeans arriving in America every day; the lovely chorus and dancing girls were the best teachers. Not many resisted Frank’s piercing black eyes. He wasn’t interested much in women - first, he wanted to make money. He worked as much as he could late into the night. There wasn’t anything Frank wouldn’t do, he helped wherever he could. He worked with the lighting people, carpenters, sound and catering. After a year, he got a job in the production team where Frank met a talented director, Jim Wellsenry, a kind, easy-going man. Jim was much liked on set. He was directing a light-hearted comedy when he observed Frank’s eagerness to learn. The two men formed a two-year friendship until Jim died suddenly of a heart attack.
Jim taught Frank everything about movies. The two of them worked well together producing and directing movies. When Jim died, Frank was surprised to discover that Jim had left him some money with instructions to spend it on buying his own studio. Frank never questioned his will, he set up Orban Studios in just a few months, he was only young but he had plans!
Chapter Four
Jack was on his way to Nonna’s, one of his favourite restaurants, where he loved the food. Nonna’s was a place to be seen, even so it was an ordinary restaurant. It had been a family business for generations and Jack of course, knew the whole family. He could arrive anytime and he always had his table waiting for him. It was a traditional Italian restaurant with an open kitchen and small, round tables covered with checked tablecloths. The food was exceptional!
Jack arrived in style and as usual, heads turned as he walked passed. A young waiter greeted him, rushing to get his favourite drink.
Justin saw Jack from his corner table.
‘Working?’ Jack pulled up a chair next to him. ‘People come here to eat kid!’
‘I was but there’s too much movement in here, it’s difficult to concentrate.’ Justin said as he noticed a one-time actress making an embarrassing attempt to grab the attention of a happening young director, but the guy didn’t seem interested.
‘You got that right! Way too much going on.’ Jack received his whisky from a waiter.
Justin closed his laptop and placed it into its case. ‘Do you want to wait or are you ready to order?’ Justin asked.
‘Where is the menu?’ Jack was looking around the place. He didn’t care about the menu, but he needed to check out the girls.
‘No, I didn’t think you wanted to wait.’ Justin offered the menu to Jack, fully aware of what Jack was up to.
‘Look here; I don’t have to watch my waistline and I love to eat.’ Jack said, recognising a tall blonde.
‘Nothing can come between Jack Harvey and his food!’ Justin waved to a waitress who appeared immediately by their table.
While Jack discussed the menu with the girl, and of course her family’s health, Justin searched the people in the busy restaurant. He saw a young ‘just made it’ group of guys entering the restaurant. What were they, sixteen? Justin had met the producer who had signed them, who actually handpicked them for a band. The guys were good singers but failed to impress singing on their own. Therefore, the producer created a group – to make himself a load of money! The guys would sing what other people wrote for them, would do what other people planned for them and would wear the image others created for them. Just to be famous!
Justin was aware of the business inside out and the dirty tricks of the trade, although, his company wasn’t that kind of a label. He also handpicked the people he wanted to sign, but he selected his artists carefully for the sake of their music, not to make megabucks for himself.
****
Justin Blakes was thirty eight years old, tall, athletically built with sparkling blue eyes and midnight black hair. A Hollywood kid, whose parents had split up when he was a teenager. They had given him a large amount of money, to spend as he liked.
Justin was into music so he decided to look around and see what he could do with some capital in the music business. Everyone knew there were a lot of struggling singers and bands around, desperate to make it big. Justin set up a music studio and employed a couple of people. He spent his nights in shady nightclubs and bars searching for gifted musicians - there was talent around and he could spot talent.
He began to offer contracts to struggling bands and singers. It was a gamble but for Justin it paid off and today he had big names on his label, The Room.
Justin’s name was known in the music business and unwillingly he got involved with unhealthy competitors. He started to see the nasty side of the business and he didn’t want to be associated with it anymore. His company was doing well, making enough money; he paid his guys well and kept away from pushy agents and talentless wannabe singers. Justin signed people because he believed in their talent, not because he thought they would make him money.
The big talent shows wer
en’t for him and he could talk about offers he’d received to take part. ‘Imagine the money you will make!’ - was the usual closing line. He didn’t want to make money; he had as much as he needed.
Now, he wanted to sell up, to get out of this nasty business that music was turning into. He had an offer already and soon he will have nothing to do with it anymore.
‘What are you having Justin?’ He heard Jack asking him.
‘I’ll have the same as you, whatever it is.’ Justin said without thinking.
‘Steak?’
‘Sounds good!’
‘By the way, you heard from Frank?’ Jack asked eagerly.
‘He's on his way here.’
Jack got up. ‘Excuse me; I’ve spotted a beautiful young girl ….’ With that he walked off.
There he goes, Justin thought. How Jack managed to keep up with his love life, he had no idea.
****
Amy and Ed were seated in Nonna’s by a window overlooking the busy street. Ed was ordering drinks, and the paparazzi waited outside. Nonna’s was a restaurant usually sheltered from photographers. Nevertheless, today the paparazzi were waiting outside for that famous face.
‘What a great place don’t you think?’ Ed asked, obviously pleased with himself.
‘Yeah, very nice.’ Amy replied.
‘Very nice?’ Ed couldn’t believe Amy wasn’t falling over herself to be here.
‘I am not into star spotting.’ She announced.
‘It takes a lot to impress you Amy.’
‘It does!’ She was on the verge of standing up to leave.
Ed started talking about his business success. Amy needed to know how much money he had made so far. He also proceeded to share with her his knowledge of famous people and their secrets.
‘You must be impressed babe? I tell you, I see the things people don’t want anyone to know.’
What an idiot! Amy was about to give him a full-on snappy answer, when Jack Harvey materialised out of nowhere.
Ed jumped up to greet him. ‘Jack, great to see you.’ He was rushing to shake his hand.
Jack ignored him and his outstretched hand. ‘Good evening.’ He directed his full attention at Amy.
Amy looked up with a smile on her face. ‘Nice to meet you in person, Mr Harvey.’ She responded.
‘The pleasure is all mine, I can assure you.’ Jack reached out for Amy’s hand. ‘Such loveliness ….’ He whispered, holding her hand and staring directly into Amy’s eyes.
Justin, observing from his table, recognised the signs; Jack wanted to make a move for that girl, but Justin also knew Ed, who wasn’t a guy to get involved with.
Ed wasn’t taking any notice of the fact that Jack had failed to acknowledge him.
‘Can I do anything for you Jack?’ Ed asked readily.
‘Introduce me to this dazzling girl.’ Jack responded.
‘This is Amy, my girlfriend.’ Ed was desperately trying to sound authoritative.
‘Ed?’ Amy questioned, but he wasn’t listening to her.
Before Jack could reply, he felt a hand on his shoulder. There was Justin standing next to him.
‘Frank is here Jack.’ Justin informed him.
Nothing fazed Jack when he was on a hunt. ‘Justin, let me introduce you to Amy.’ Jack said.
‘My girlfriend Amy.’ Ed added quickly. He wondered what was going on here. Jack Harvey and Justin Blakes were falling over themselves to get an introduction.
Ed knew that Justin was looking for a house but he’d been told that the offers he’d sent to his agent, were unsuitable.
‘Have you found a house yet Justin?’ Ed asked.
Justin stared at him for a moment. ‘I have.’ He said sharply.
‘Anything I can do?’ Ed pushed on.
‘I don’t think so.’ He turned to Amy. ‘Great to meet you Miss Ronay.’ He said softly, looking into her blue eyes.
‘You know Amy?’ Jack was surprised.
Justin smiled at Amy. ‘No, I can’t say I do, but I enjoyed the write up about you in Society magazine.’ She was undeniably attractive and she had class. What was she doing with Ed; he wondered.
‘I would love to return the compliment but I don’t actually know you, Justin.’ Amy noticed that people were watching them. ‘In fact, I can see many people here who know who you are.’
‘She’s very smart!’ Justin remarked.
Ed had no idea Amy’s name was Ronay, he didn’t need to know that minor detail. His cell buzzed and he had to take a call! Damn all phones! Just when it was getting interesting.
Ed excused himself. Nobody paid him any attention.
Justin remembered his manners and introduced himself to Amy. ‘I am Justin Blakes. There isn’t anything exciting about me that you could compliment on.’ He said with a boyish grin.
Amy felt a twinge of excitement running through her body. She looked up, into his tanned face, and then the unthinkable happened! The butterflies arrived in full force, dancing in her stomach.
Jack moved in. ‘How about you come down later to my house on the beach?’ Seeing the pinned up smile on Amy’s face, Jack knew refusal was coming.
He quickly added. ‘It’s a calm, warm night, just come for a drink. Bring your …. uh, boyfriend too.’
‘I think you could say yes.’ Justin joined in seeing Amy’s hesitant expression.
Amy wasn’t into celebrity parties, but she met a lot of famous people due to her work. Ed was turning out to be a real jerk, she wanted to lose him.
The man in question caught the end of the conversation. ‘What a good idea, thanks Jack. Unfortunately I have a quick meeting to go to.’ Ed said.
Couldn’t be better, Amy thought. Quick meal and leave!
‘Not to worry...’ Jack patted Ed on the shoulder. ‘Your lady will be safe with me and Justin.’
‘She didn’t say yes Jack.’ Justin pointed out.
‘But she will. You can’t turn down an old man, Amy. It would break my heart.’
Amy was amused by Jack’s personality. ‘I suppose I can’t.’ She said.
‘We leave in an hour. Do you want to share the car with us?’ Jack offered.
‘No thank you. I’ll meet you there Jack; works better for me.’ Amy said, already thinking of an excuse to escape early.
‘An independent woman! I like that!’ Jack placed a gilded card front of Amy.
‘Remember, in an hour.’
As soon as they walked away, Ed started questioning Amy. ‘How do you know him?’
‘If you mean Jack Harvey, I don’t know him.’ Amy said in an icy tone.
Ed the jerk! She was getting tired of listening to him, she wanted to leave – a fast exit was what she needed.
Ed was smart enough to sense the tension; - change of tactics! ‘Take my car Amy; I’ll get a taxi to Jack’s place.’
What? Amy wondered; - was he for real? ‘Oh no, I’ll get a taxi, that’s no problem.’ She said quickly. On the other hand a little play with his precious car was too tempting.
‘I insist sugar – it will suit you.’ Ed said with a knowing grin.
‘All right, I’ll take it!’ The Aston was a beautiful car – with the wrong owner.
Chapter Five
Frank offered Jack and Justin a ride to the house. They had enjoyed a tasty meal earlier in Nonna’s and chatted about old times as usual. Frank wanted to talk to Justin, but he elected to wait.
‘Who is this girl,... Jack was trying to secure for himself?’ Frank enquired.
‘A young lawyer.’ Justin revealed.
‘Who?’ Frank’s interest perked up.
‘Picture this Frank; the girl is out on a date with her boyfriend and gets hijacked by another man, in this case - Jack!’
‘No surprise there!’ Frank chuckled.
‘What do you mean?’ Jack asked.
‘She sounds way too young for you Jack.’ Frank stated.
‘There was a boyfriend right before your eyes!’ Justin pointed out.<
br />
‘Ed? He doesn’t count, and she was willing…..’ Jack pursued.
‘How do you know Ed?’ Justin asked.
‘… loser.’ Jack blurted out.
‘What sort of loser are we talking here?’ Frank was amused.
‘He only wants to get laid! He's into casual sex!’ Jack relayed a piece of gossip.
Frank suppressed a smile. ‘You should talk Jack, all this arguing about a girl?’
A girl, that Frank had also noticed when he entered the restaurant. Of course, the guys didn’t need to know that! Frank also knew, that Jack had probably invited her to his beach house. That was his usual thing. This time it had worked perfectly for Frank.
‘She was something else Frank.’ Jack wasn’t giving in.
‘I suppose she was different.’ Justin admitted. ‘She had dark hair Jack!’
‘You’ll see Frank!’
‘If she turns up!’
‘Turns up?’ Frank asked.
‘Come on Frank, you should know how Jack works, he invited her to his house – of course.’ Justin said.
‘No surprise there!’ Frank agreed.
‘She will come!’ Jack said satisfied with the last word. ‘You will see.’
Frank and Jack had met Justin some years ago. Frank needed a singer for one of his movies. Justin had provided a soul singer who won an award for the movie and their solid friendship began.
‘It’s nearing midnight!’ Justin stated.
‘You’re ready for bed? Take one of the bedrooms – I have plenty available.’
‘You crack me up Jack!’ Justin laughed.
‘I know I do!’
Frank reached for a cigar. ‘No response?’ He looked at Justin.
‘You got it!’ Justin said.
‘The deal is shaky Justin.’ Jack said with his usual frankness.
‘What deal? God! There are no secrets between you guys.’ Justin said sharply.
‘What is a secret – nothing anymore?!’