by M Howson
‘I see you got your people on it as usual!’ Jack said, knowing Frank had it all planned already.
‘I do! Eleanor is looking into some upcoming actors for the roles. It is my priority not to spoil the movie by using well known faces. They would put their stamp on this movie.’
‘Good point Frank.’ Jack shook his head. ‘Now, I know I am looking forward to filming.’
‘Glad to hear that!’ Frank said with a slight sarcasm in his voice, which went undetected by Jack.
Frank had it all in motion, he had contacted his long-time friend, Eleanor Taylor, an elegant woman of seventy three. Like Frank and Jack, Eleanor was around when Hollywood began to shine and she had a good knowledge of actors. She owned Taylor PR Talent Agency, the best in town, specialising in actors who were just starting out. Eleanor sensed talent and had never been wrong about an actor. She already had a few lined up for Frank.
What Frank needed was to get Monica on board, which shouldn’t be difficult. Frank picked up his briefcase, which he’d collected earlier from his driver. He pulled out the envelope and opened it. Indeed it was just as he’d thought, it was all there.
****
The girl in the car found a great spot under some trees where she couldn’t be seen. The plan hadn’t worked as the security guys wouldn’t let her into the house. Plan B - she already had a stack of pictures of the house but without Jack Harvey in sight. Jack had top security, but to a girl like Jasmine, a top journalist/paparazzo, this wasn’t a problem.
Jasmine used to work as a nude model. She was a Hollywood blonde with fake breasts and an over tanned, skinny body. She wasn’t pretty but she was sexy in a suggestive way. She always got the top stories, especially when it involved men. Her tactics were simple – sleep with the guy in question! It always worked. Nobody ever suspected she was one of the paparazzi and this allowed her to get close!
Her career had started by chance. She slept with a top TV executive, hoping to get a part in his TV series. Unfortunately he wasn’t supplying the goods, he even laughed at her when she asked. Jasmine decided to teach him a lesson. She was tired - men who only wanted sex bored her. It was a tough business, but she had talent! She wasn’t giving it up! After an exhausting night of full on sex, the guy fell asleep! Jasmine was quick to grab the opportunity. She took pictures on her phone of his sprawled, naked body and sold the lot for mega bucks! She didn’t even need to blackmail the guy. Magazines paid her big time and, offered extra for more photos. She was in business!
There was a small problem of dealing with the ‘injured’ celebrity’s muscle men, but Jasmine had connections!
Now she was after Jack Harvey. Nobody could get any dirt on him, but Jasmine was reassured he had a lot to hide. With Jack’s reputation it was only a matter of time before she warmed his bed!
Chapter Eight
Justin left the guys to their drinks after toasting the movie. He stood on the brightly lit terrace. Jack’s guests were scattered around the pool enjoying the soft music and drinks. Most of them had already left; it was a lot quieter than earlier.
Justin liked the late night chats with Frank and Jack. They used to fill his head with stories about their younger years. He’d always thought that their stories would make a great movie, so he’d done it, he’d written a screenplay.
It only took him three months to finish it. When he presented it to Frank, his reaction wasn’t what he’d expected. Frank informed him that he’d waited a long time for Justin to make a story out of their tales. Frank was an expert at weighing up people, Justin didn’t surprise him.
A voluptuous blonde was rushing towards Justin. It was too late to escape!
‘You are a bad boy Justin darling!’ She buzzed. ‘You haven’t called!’
He quickly brushed her away. ‘I never said I would.’
‘But, you did darling, remember?’ She insisted.
‘Look, I don’t know who you are.’
The blonde couldn’t believe what she was hearing. ‘You said … I was a great singer!’ She blurted out, adjusting her invisible bra.
Justin searched his brain for when he may have said that. Women came up to him with ridiculous excuses – he was kind of used to them.
He caught sight of his sister and excused himself.
‘You are looking lovely tonight.’ He whispered into her ear.
‘I know!’ She kissed him gently on the cheek. ‘Who was the blonde?’
‘Don’t know, she told me that I said she had talent!’
‘Did you?’
‘Did what? I’ve never seen her in my life.’
Amy was standing next to Monica thinking fast; what to do. Here was Justin Blakes looking the picture of cool innocence.
Amy didn’t know much about Justin, but he had a reputation for being a selective record producer. She recalled, there was a story about him signing a band to his label when he’d seen them playing in a run-down bar. It wasn’t long afterwards that the guys hit number one in the charts with a catchy song.
When Amy arrived at Jack’s house, she considered turning back. There were a lot of people around and even more, expensive cars.
Definitely, it had been a mistake to come; a chance meeting with Jack Harvey wasn’t everything. Talking about chance, meeting Ed was one for a start.
Amy had just started the car up, when Monica marched up to her.
‘Is your name Amy?’ She said, opening the car door.
‘No!’
‘You look like the Amy I was told about.’ Monica was checking her out.
‘Who are you?’ Amy asked her after she’d stepped out of the car.
‘I’m Monica.’ She said. ‘Jack called me…. he said not to let you go if I saw you.’
Monica was a film director with a prestigious award to her name. She was different to all the usual blondes, with her dark hair in a simple knot and hardly any make up on. Monica didn’t have a glamorous dress on; she was clad in skinny jeans and a silk top.
She suggested they walk up to the house and wait for Jack there. With her bubbly personality she made Amy feel much more at ease. They talked easily until Justin arrived on the scene.
‘Justin, let me introduce you to Amy who is Jack’s friend and a lawyer.’ Monica watched Justin’s reaction.
‘Amy, this is my brother Justin Blakes who is a … what do you do again?’
For a moment, he couldn’t help staring. ‘We have already met.’
‘You have?’ Monica asked curiously.
‘Jack introduced us in Nonna’s.’
‘Ah, Jack again?’
‘I noticed a shiny, black Aston parked outside with your name on it.’ Justin looked at Amy; this was a foolish line, and one he’d never used before, - not that he used chat up lines!
Amy tried to suppress a giggle without much luck. She started laughing helplessly and was soon joined by Monica.
‘Printed in pink, glittery letters.’ Amy said.
That’s a relief, Justin thought - she didn’t give him the cold shoulder. ‘Don’t know about the pink, but shiny enough.’ He said, desperately trying to cover up his embarrassment.
‘Are you hitting on Amy already?’ Monica said, surprised to notice fiery sparks. Amy must be doing something right, Justin doesn’t do sparks!
‘Women! Always reading into things! I am sorry Amy, I’m not trying to pick you up but that car’s license plate reads AMY!’
‘You must like cars.’ Amy said.
‘That’s the understatement of the century.’ Monica volunteered. ‘Justin has a whole parking lot full of cars.’
‘It isn’t my car, but I am driving an Aston Martin tonight, which has an AMY license plate, - Ed insisted I take his car.’
‘Oh, that ….. I can understand.’
‘Can you?’ Their eyes met - instant attraction. Monica stared; the two of them were standing rooted to the ground, lost to the world.
Justin needed a quick diversion. ‘Have you met the other guests, Amy? Monica
is here with the whole crew of her latest movie.’
‘Your sister kept me fully entertained.’ Amy said.
Amy had moved on - great, he pulled himself together. ‘So you haven’t met them?!’ He asked.
‘No.’
‘They are a nice enough group of people; it isn’t your usual celebrity crowd.’ Justin explained. ‘Unless they are allowed to bring a guest!’ He thought of the blonde who’d finally disappeared.
Justin started to talk about the movie business. He wished he could stop himself talking! Amy preferred Ed, a womaniser, for company. What was he supposed to do about it?! Why did that matter?
‘What sort of a crowd is it?’ Amy asked lightly, regaining control.
‘These people work on a movie and keep a tight ship; they read the screenplay here – as you can see.’ Justin pointed to a group of people, by the pool. ‘They in fact are reading their lines.’
‘I never thought they did that in groups.’ Amy was amused.
‘They don’t! This is a different group. If you work for Frank, you do things differently.’ Monica said.
‘Who is Frank?’
‘I don’t suppose you are into the movie business?’ Justin was puzzled.
‘No, I’m not. I don’t have much time to get to know the business.’ The reason was that she couldn’t stand stuck up actors and self-important people.
‘To answer your question, Frank Orban is financing the movie. He does things his way – you might say he is unconventional.’
‘Frank Orban?’
‘That’s the one.’ Justin said, wondering why he was talking about Frank. He wanted to know about Amy and forget she was with Ed. He had seen Ed many times in nightclubs with several different women. His poor reputation preceded him. Why again?
They were standing outside by one of the wrought iron tables. The huge pool was glittering in the moonlight surrounded by a manicured lawn and a high stone wall.
Monica checked her phone. ‘I’ve got to go, unfortunately.’ She said, her voice strained. ‘I’m meeting Al, ….. I forgot.’
‘Your boyfriend?’
‘I suppose he's my boyfriend.’
‘Look after this girl Justin, until Jack finishes his host duties.’ Monica turned to Amy. ‘Nice talking to you Amy.’ She said sincerely.
‘Yes, you too.’ Amy answered, distracted and hardly able to take her eyes off Justin.
‘Here’s my number Amy, please call me.’
‘Thanks, I will.’
Monica was sorry that Al wanted to meet her. Oh, how much she wanted to stay! - but she had a boyfriend with a problem. What’s new?!
‘We have to do lunch Amy!’ Oh dear God. ‘I sound like a Hollywood housewife!’
‘Yes you do darling!’ Amy answered smiling. ‘I’ll call you tomorrow.’
‘Amy dear, you are here!’ Jack showed up suddenly.
Monica gave Jack a disapproving look. ‘You told me to wait for a girl. You never told me she wasn’t your type of girl Jack! Keep your hands off Amy. She’s not for you!’
‘I know she isn’t Monica, she’s a friend.’ Jack acknowledged. ‘Maybe I can show Amy the house?’
‘I am ready for a house tour Jack – it’s striking.’ Amy was ready to move on, it was late and she wanted to get back home.
‘Then we shall go.’ Jack said, very pleased. ‘Follow me, Amy.’
Justin offered to walk Monica to her car, knowing she had a list of questions.
‘Is there anything you need to tell me Justin?’
‘Nothing at all.’
‘Liar.’
‘The answer is no.’
‘It is yes, if you ask me.’ Monica knew her brother! - she detected an interest.
‘No, she is seeing a guy.’
‘Who?’ If Amy was in a relationship, why did she come here? Without that boyfriend?
‘A real estate guy, you don’t know him. He’s coming later.’
‘The way I see it ….’
‘You don’t see anything Monica. Where are you going now?’
‘Meeting Al, … he had to work late.’
There was something in Monica’s voice, which he didn’t like. ‘You two are ok?’
‘We are ok, brother.’ Monica opened her car door.
‘Look after yourself.’ Justin said.
‘You too.’
She took off at full speed. There was an unpleasant task ahead of her to deal with!
Chapter Nine
Justin decided to go for a walk on the beach located at the back of Jack’s house. He walked towards the tall, stone wall which surrounded Jack’s property, opened the wrought iron gates in the skilfully shaped archway and there it was, the gleaming, dark night sea.
He set off to go down to the beach - he needed to make a call, deal with a hitch. This time his lawyer was the major hold up. Was it too late to call people? – no! He dialled his lawyer. The guy answered after one ring.
‘Mr Blakes, what an unusual time to call.’ His lawyer said.
Justin didn’t waste time on pleasantries. ‘You’re fired; the sale of my label is off. Please inform the relevant party. Have all the paperwork on my desk tomorrow morning.’ He said calmly.
‘Mr Blakes, what has happened? Do you not wish to sell anymore?’ The lawyer sounded agitated.
‘Let’s just say, you got found out! You screwed with the wrong guy!’ Justin was surprised he wasn’t even angry.
‘But …’ He protested.
‘I want you in my office tomorrow morning at eight am sharp.’ He clicked his cell off.
He hated dealing with nasty people. He was also disappointed that he’d let the situation go this far. From the second meeting with the purchaser, he had his suspicions. His lawyers had drawn up a profitable purchase but not a lucrative sale. He was surprised at their stupidity.
On an impulse, he phoned Frank.
‘Justin, have you left?’ Frank answered the phone.
‘No, I’m down by the beach. I made the call Frank.’
Frank wasn’t surprised and didn’t need to ask what call. ‘Need my lawyers? He asked.
‘I am not even going to ask how you know.’ Justin said. ‘Yes, I do, tomorrow morning. I called it off. The jerk is coming to my office first thing tomorrow morning.’
‘I’ll get a lawyer to call you tonight Justin.’
‘Appreciate it Frank.’
‘Don’t even mention it, good thinking.’ Frank added.
How did Frank know everything? He just did! Now business was taken care of, Justin felt a lot better. However, who was Amy, and why was he interested in her anyway?!
Back at the house he entered the lounge; there was Amy sitting in Jack’s favourite armchair, chatting to Frank and Jack. The guys hung onto her every word.
Amy’s evening had turned into a pleasant experience – Jack was the perfect gentleman, charming and intelligent. Frank on the other hand, didn’t say much apart from entertaining Amy with amusing stories about their younger years. It seemed to Amy this must've been one of their favourite topics. When the conversation moved to Amy’s work, she was impressed how much Frank was aware of the law. He questioned Amy as he would interview a potential employee.
Jack had given up on flattering Amy, it wasn’t working. Instead he joined Frank interrogating her.
Amy was painfully aware of Justin appearing and sitting down close to her on the sofa.
‘Are you having fun Amy?’ He asked casually, not knowing why he sat down so close to her when there were more than enough other places he could sit.
She could only manage a smile. Her stomach was doing somersaults.
‘Why don’t we go up to the rooftop, the air is so fresh up there.’ Jack said, standing up.
‘Now?’ Frank enquired, but he got up and followed Jack.
Justin held out his hand to Amy. ‘Jack wants to check out the paparazzi we saw earlier, probably hiding in the shrubbery by the gate.’ He explained.
‘Serio
usly, – playing detectives?’ Amy asked.
‘Are you interested in this sort of thing?’ Justin tested. ‘Jack’s hobby is watching the paparazzi perform – and so they do!’
‘What do you mean, Jack’s a spy?’ Amy enquired.
‘Oh no, Jack is all right, but the photographers can be very intrusive at times. You can’t even imagine what it’s like.’ Justin said with a calmness he didn’t feel.
He admired her so very blue eyes. He felt nervous standing next to her, wrapped up in her sweet perfume.
Justin hadn’t had many relationships but he appreciated beautiful women. Who didn’t? The truth was, he didn’t have time for women and one night stands. What did he do? Worked! Long days and even longer weekends.
This was about to change, he had decided to cut down on work, if he couldn’t sell the label right now, he would do eventually. He wanted to stay in the background and write.
The rooftop was dark, Amy couldn’t see much.
‘Take a look at that.’ Justin said pointing to the far end, where Jack was opening up a telescope.
‘How amazing! Can he see anything?’
‘It’s a special telescope made for Jack, his pride and joy.’
Jack was searching for the car, convinced it was parked nearby. He stepped away and proudly said; ‘There it is, told you.’
‘What is there?’ Amy asked.
‘The car, have a look.’ Jack moved away to let Amy see it for herself.
Amy thought it was quite exiting watching the paparazzi hiding behind some trees.
Jack called his security to remove the car as it was still on his property.
‘It wasn’t always like this.’ Frank said.
‘It’s money now, people are getting paid cash selling our lives. Sad…’ Jack looked at Amy. ‘You must’ve had some cases?’
‘Not me personally, but yes the firm I worked for did.’
‘Anyone we know?’ Jack pursued.
‘I can’t tell, Jack.’
‘Stop questioning the girl Jack, it’s top secret.’ Frank stepped in.
‘No such thing as top secret Frank.’ Jack said confidently. ‘Amy, how about you have a look at my rooftop design.’ Jack pressed a button.