by M Howson
Justin was waiting for a call from his lawyers, confirming the sale of the company. He had a gut feeling the deal was too good to be legitimate. Yet, his lawyers seemed satisfied.
‘You know what I’m thinking …?’ Justin turned to Jack. ‘Something isn’t right, I feel it.’
Frank was enjoying his cigar and the company. He wanted to offer Justin the help of his lawyers but Justin was on top of things, it wasn’t his place to interfere.
‘Go with your gut feeling – it will never let you down.’ Frank said, noticing that they had arrived at Jack’s beach house.
The display of cars on the drive was unbelievable.
Justin focused his attention on Jack. ‘You said a few friends?’
‘I don’t know what happened – they must belong to next door.’ Jack said, not meeting Justin’s eyes.
Justin and Frank exchanged a meaningful look. Jack was predictable.
****
Amy didn’t think she would manage another hour with the guy. Unknown to her, Ed realised he had unexpectedly gained competition. This rapidly turned him into a charmer, eager to amuse - and he wanted to get laid! A little hard work wouldn’t hurt.
Amy found some of the things Ed said interesting. She sat back to see what he could do for five minutes entertainment.
Ed misinterpreted the move. He reached out, gently touching her hand. ‘You are looking stunning,...’ He said in a husky voice.
Amy looked away as she wondered if he was heating up in the trouser department. ‘Thank you.’ She said cautiously.
‘I mean it.’ He said moving closer.
Jesus! Was she turning him on? ‘One question!’
‘Ask away!’ Ed leaned back in his armchair, the girl was playing along.
‘Why did you tell the guys I was your girlfriend?’ Amy asked casually.
Ed hadn’t anticipated this; what a question! She should be glad that he’d said that! He searched his brain for a quick answer.
‘Wouldn’t you want to be sweetie?!’ He asked with a huge beam on his face.
Ed found it hard to concentrate, he was already undressing Amy in his mind. It shouldn’t take long, just lift that skirt up and he's in there!
‘That’s not an answer.’ Amy said, feeling short tempered.
Shit! She was being difficult. Let’s turn it up a notch. ‘Here is the deal Amy. I like you, you are a sexy girl. The Jack Harveys of this world are sharks with one thing on their mind; to get you into their bed.’ Ed dispensed some words of wisdom.
He never mentioned that he wanted the same thing, but that was irrelevant in his mind.
‘I see! So you had taken it upon yourself to protect me!’ Amy was furious.
‘Of course babe! You are with me tonight.’
Was this real? Amy wondered - not for the first time. On the other hand, it would be interesting to find out more about Jack and maybe Justin.
‘You seem to be well informed Ed, tell me about these guys.’
He was off the hook! – great, he launched into a speech.
‘Jack Harvey has a reputation for being a Romeo. He likes them young! Real young! He is Hollywood old school. In his prime, which was some decades ago, Jack made hundreds of movies and mega money. Jack has never married and never been in a relationship - he just gets laid.’ Ed paused to take a sip of his iced vodka.
‘Justin Blakes is a spoiled Hollywood kid. He is into music, has his own label. The usual stuff. Nobody has ever seen him with a woman – you know what I mean.’
Amy had ordered ravioli – her favourite, but she was only picking at her food, Ed was exaggerating. It didn’t matter. She will go to Jack’s house, now - she was intrigued. What she heard from other sources was a different story to Ed’s.
Ed had enough; no more talking, he wanted action. ‘Amy honey, you ready to go?’
‘I am.’ Amy said pleased.
Ed signalled to a waiter. ‘You be careful with my car babe!’
‘I’ll treat it as my own.’
‘That’s what I was afraid of.’ He said, cracking a smile.
Amy admitted that he looked good, clad in expensive clothes – she was sure he selected them very carefully. While Ed waited for his taxi Amy noticed that women were certainly looking at him - and vice versa!
The parking valet brought the car around and opened the door for her. Paparazzi jumped to attention as she revved up the engine. Ed’s face was a picture of pure horror.
She had better make a move before he changes his mind. She raced off, leaving the paparazzi wondering who she was.
Chapter Six
Jack’s beach house was amazingly in order. He was right; there were not many people around; merely a select few. The atmosphere was relaxing, helped by the eighties music playing.
His French butler greeted Jack. The man had a stern face, which didn’t give anything away. He lived with his wife in a small condo near the main house. They’d been working for Jack for many years and couldn’t complain.
‘No need for you to stay up Philip, don’t worry about the guests, we can look after ourselves.’
‘Very good Mr Harvey.’
‘Shall we meet in the study Frank, in say, twenty minutes? Need to attend to some host duties.’ Jack spotted a barman coming towards them with a tray. ‘Here is my man with some drinks for you.’
Frank and Justin picked up a drink from the hovering barman and made their way to the study, stopping to exchange a few words with people.
Jack’s study was a mixture of old and new. Antique bookcases lined the walls, filled with old, leather bound books and magazines. Huge white loungers were placed in front of the full length glass wall overlooking the ocean.
Frank sat down, but Justin preferred to stand.
‘I gave Jack your screenplay to read.’ Frank announced.
‘Yeah, I gathered that.’
‘You know me, I am an old man and I do things my way.’
Here we go again, Justin knew Frank used the old man excuse on many occasions, especially when he was up to something. ‘What are you saying Frank?’
There was a long pause. ‘Jack doesn’t know it’s yours.’
This was news to Justin. ‘I didn’t think you had any secrets in front of Jack.’
‘Are you kidding? It’s a must, to have secrets – you need to keep ahead of everyone.’ Frank surveyed his glass filled with whisky. ‘You are sharper than you let people believe Justin; my kind of a man.’
A hollow laugh. ‘I learned from the best Frank!’
‘I take the compliment kid.’
‘Don’t mention it Frank.’
‘Are you certain; - you want to sell?’ Frank enquired.
‘Yes! Got a guy lined up, he made me an offer.’ Justin paused. ‘The wrong kind of offer.’ He added bitterly.
‘I see! You got your people on it?!’
‘My lawyers like his proposal – which puzzles me.’
‘They do?’ Frank understood precisely what Justin was saying.
‘When?’
‘I was promised an answer by tonight.’ Justin said, checking the time on his wristwatch.
‘If you need help …’
‘I know Frank, I know. Thanks.’
Frank identified the problem correctly. The lawyers had screwed up. Justin was disappointed.
Holding onto a glass, Jack strolled in. ‘I think I need a drink!’ He announced.
‘You’ve got one!’ Frank pointed at his glass.
‘Not anymore. Empty!’
Jack hurriedly inspected the contents of his full bar and settled on his usual, whisky. The atmosphere in the room was undeniably tense.
‘You lost anything Jack?’ Justin queried.
‘You’re a funny kid!’ Jack sat down behind his enormous desk. ‘Great job! I tell you, I have enjoyed reading every page.’
Jack selected a folder from a drawer and handed it to Frank. ‘I couldn’t change a word – it’s done!’
‘Who told you i
t was me Jack?’
‘The story made it obvious. The story you have heard many times since you have known me and Frank.’
Jack studied the small monitor on his desk. There was a car in front of his gate; the security guy was talking to the driver. The car reversed and disappeared.
‘Paparazzi at the gate!’ He pointed at the monitor.
‘I thought you lived on a secret location?’
‘The kid is funny.’ Jack pressed the intercom. They heard a guard answer.
‘Who was at the gate John?’
‘A woman got lost, Mr Harvey, but she had a lot of equipment on the back seat.’
‘Paparazzi?’
‘That’s what I thought.’
‘Thanks John.’ Jack thought for a moment, he wondered what the woman wanted. He was sure he would find out soon enough.
‘Justin, you are the only person who would know so much about us and in such detail.’ Jack stated.
‘All right, kids – I wanna make this movie, with your help.’ Frank announced.
He wasn’t after a blockbuster, but he wanted to create a good movie. He wanted to bring a much-needed upliftment to everyday people. God knew how much it was needed, if only for a few hours. Like old times! Back in the day people needed laughter to escape from the dark days. Now, people need a well-directed, happy movie after all that action, horror and violence.
‘What sort of title are you thinking of Frank?’ Justin asked, although he guessed what he might say.
‘State Of Mind.’ Jack and Frank answered together.
‘I never thought of that. What a surprise?!’
The guys didn’t miss the sarcasm in his voice. However, to them, living was a state of the mind. Surviving the past, and turning bad experiences, disappointments into success; the mind had to be carefully controlled.
Frank stood up and started pacing around the room.
‘Looks like you are ready for a speech!’ Jack knew what was coming.
‘Justin, I want you to be involved in this movie.’
‘I will be on hand Frank.’
‘I want you to be more than just on hand.’ Frank focused on Jack.
‘What Frank is saying is he wants you to be the man.’ Jack explained.
‘The man? What do you mean?’
‘I want you to oversee the filming, Justin. I want you on the production side and also as co-director.’ Frank informed him.
‘What makes you think I’m your man?’ Justin was stunned.
‘You are the man!’ Frank declared.
‘Are you on board Justin?’ Jack asked. ‘We are easy to work with!’
The butler quietly brought in some refreshments and placed them on a side table.
Justin was thinking fast, yes, he wrote a screenplay. Big deal, anyone can do that. It’s a bonus that Frank liked it.
‘I am honoured Frank, but I have to say no.’
‘You mind working with your sister?’
‘I get it now Frank, you want Monica to direct it.’
‘Your sister is a film director with many awards to her name.’ Jack announced.
‘We will keep it under wraps for now. If you like it, you stay, if you want out - fine!’ Frank was sure Justin was interested; he will be the right man for the movie. ‘What do you say to the offer?’
‘What you are saying Frank is; come and join the gang of actors and musicians turned filmmakers.’
Frank helped himself to a steak sandwich. ‘Precisely! You’ve got that right, kid!’
‘What is this?’ Jack questioned. ‘You need convincing?’
‘It isn’t that, Jack.’ Justin wanted to explain his predicament. ‘I am in music …’
‘Look here; you wrote it! You produce it!’ Frank wasn’t taking no for an answer, this was what Justin needed. ‘Have some food, these sandwiches are delicious.’
‘All right; but don’t come complaining to me later.’
‘That’s what I like to hear.' You wrote the screenplay, you know what you are doing.’ Frank said proudly. ‘However, I need to add a small detail.’
‘Which is?’
‘You can write about ‘that’ girl!’
‘The girl?’ Jack was surprised.
‘Oh come on Jack, you were there, you know!’
‘It’s a big step towards your privacy Frank.’
‘Come up with a name Justin, tweak it a little, but I want her in. You know she was an actress. There were a lot of them there, all beautiful - choose one.’
‘Let me make this clear Frank. You want me to write about the woman you are so secretive about. The woman, who you loved and wanted all your life.’
‘Yes.’
‘The woman, who married someone else?’
‘Yes.’
‘Who did she marry Frank?’
‘She married a man in power – that’s enough information for you.’
‘You are still seeing this woman, right?’
‘We are still friends.’
‘More than friends if you ask me.’ Jack nodded knowingly.
‘Who is she?’
‘I will not tell you Justin. The reason we are not together, using your words, is because she wouldn’t leave her husband. She feels he doesn’t deserve a public divorce. That’s all. Make it your own Justin!’
‘I will Frank!’
‘Now, let’s celebrate!’
Jack opened a bottle of Champagne. He offered a glass to Frank and Justin.
‘To State Of Mind!’
Chapter Seven
Jack picked up a call on his phone. ‘Turn on the TV Frank!’ He shouted.
‘What?’ Frank raised his eyebrows.
‘Your Selina is making a cake of herself on live TV!’
They watched in amazement how Selina was shouting at everyone on The Lucas Show, not knowing she was in the live waiting room, where appearing celebrities waited for their turn and the audience could see and hear them.
Selina obviously wasn’t aware of this. She could have been, but she hadn’t listened to the production assistant when she arrived late for the show. The assistant tried to tell her, because she was late and the show was nearing the end, she only had five minutes to get ready. Selina rushed into the first room she saw, expecting it to be a dressing room.
‘What do you mean I’m late?’ They heard her addressing a frightened looking assistant.
‘I am sorry but you are an hour late and Mr Lucas will have to fit you in at the very end of the programme.’
‘What? Do you know who I am?’ She screamed at her, out of control. ‘I don’t wait for anybody, do you understand?’ She fumed. ‘Tell your Mr Lucas he can stuff his show up his backside for all I care!’
Selina marched up and down in the waiting room. Nobody was telling her she was live on TV. The assistant hurried up to her with a tray of sandwiches, which she promptly knocked out of her hand.
‘What do you call this? I don’t eat bread, where is the organic fruit I ordered?’ She demanded.
‘Selina, this is Mark John Lucas, you are live on the show!’ They heard a voice addressing her.
Selina looked around surprised. ‘Hello Mark, where are you?’ She said sweetly.
‘I am here in the studio and we CAN all see you and hear you.’ He said, fully aware of the massive viewing figures he was getting right now. The girl had screwed up big time!
‘You can see me?’ She had just realised what had happened.
‘We all love listening to you. How refreshing….’ Mark was pushing it. He won’t have another show like this again. Talk about the ratings!
Jack clicked the TV off. ‘I don’t suppose she knew what she was doing.’ He tried to take the edge off the situation.
‘She is finished in this city, Jack!’ Frank said with a heavy heart.
‘That’s an understatement Frank.’
‘There are thousands of talented actresses who would give anything for a life like Selina’s.’
‘Tell me about i
t.’
Frank dialled Ross. ‘I suppose you’ve heard the news?’
‘I’m watching it live.’ Ross said.
‘Have you finished filming the scenes with Selina?’
‘Yeah, all done.’
‘Don’t do anything with it for now; we’ll have to recast her part. She can’t stay in my movie. How many scenes are we talking?’
‘Not a lot Frank, but it will mean extra money.’ The budget Ross had for the film was nearly gone.
‘Money isn’t a problem, Ross; tell everyone they will get paid.’
‘Great, thanks Frank.’
‘You will have your new actress by tomorrow!’
Frank finished the call. ‘This just shows how quickly your career can be over in this business!’
‘On the other hand, actors can get away with murder, if they are represented by a shark of an agent.’ Jack implied.
‘True.’ Frank agreed, fed up with prima donna behaviour. ‘Selina will pull through, but she's finished at my studio!’ He didn’t care about the money.
‘Let’s move on.’ Frank suggested. ‘Enough of Selina for today.’
Frank started outlining his plans to Jack as Justin had already left. Frank had already arranged to start filming. Jack guessed that Frank had used his contacts to get the film rolling. If people had the opportunity and luck to make a movie, it still would take months or even more to get it off the ground and actually start rolling, but not for Frank.
‘Why didn’t you tell me about this movie Frank? You gave me a screenplay to read without a word. I was there reading your beginnings and mine.’
‘What do you mean? I did!’
‘There was only one person who knew what we went through, and that was Justin.’ Jack laughed out loud. ‘It wasn’t just a screenplay, you forgot that minor detail.’
‘All right, I was going to tell you.’
‘Don’t play it cool old man! You planned it for months!’
‘Look Jack, the thing is … we cancelled a movie last month – remember?’
‘You mean, ‘Dark Woods’?’
‘Precisely! Everything was set, we were ready to roll.’ Frank explained. ‘The guys need their jobs, we use the same crew and budget and nobody is out of pocket.’