by M Howson
Frank promised himself when he left the country, that he will work hard and have enough money for a decent living. Hard work was one thing; but Frank had never forgotten the chance he was given. Maybe it was his turn to provide that chance to someone else.
He no longer had any ties to Hungary, but here was an opportunity for him to make a difference in other people’s lives. Why miss it?!
Chapter Twenty One
Justin and Monica were busy on the set all day, filming was going according to schedule. Monica’s first movie had taken eleven months to get to pre-production, this one only a couple. The actors she was working with this time could actually act and luckily, had left their egos at home.
‘Here are the visuals for the next scene, what do you think?’ The storyboard artist came up to Monica.
She glimpsed at the drawing. It was showing a stable where the actor who played Frank was standing with Eva, his sister. She was sitting on a bale of hay in the corner, crying.
‘Perfect!’ She threw herself in the director’s chair. ‘On board everyone.’ Monica shouted. ‘Rolling….’ The camera followed Frank’s character walking into the stables, finding Eva and getting angry, as she would not speak to him.
‘Close up on the girl.’ She said to her cameraman. ‘Closer. Stop!’ She turned to the lighting people. ‘Soft lights on the eyes … sound on.’
Eva’s character did an outstanding performance. The set was silent.
‘…. and cut! Great job everyone, it’s a wrap!’ Monica announced.
A pretty assistant appeared next to Monica. ‘Can you approve tomorrow’s schedule, so I can hand out the calling sheets before the actors all vanish?’
‘Give me a moment.’ Monica ran through the schedule, whilst noticing the young assistant checking Justin out.
She wondered what was so special about her brother. Then again, what was it about Jack Harvey that attracted Monica? – definitely not his money!
Justin was talking to a couple of female actors. The best thing about Justin was that he wasn’t aware of the effect he had on women.
‘They are fine Mandy, you can distribute them. Thank you.’ She returned the sheets.
‘No problem.’ She said kindly.
‘I can’t wait to watch the dailies.’ Justin said, noticing Mandy, who rewarded Justin with a brilliant smile.
‘After the numerous takes, they should look pretty good!’ Monica murmured as Justin insisted on more takes than were necessary.
‘Come on Ms Director, humour me! I needed perfection. By the way have you seen Frank?’
‘Not seen him all day.’
‘Strange, then again, it was a common knowledge he had another agenda. Ready for dinner?’ Justin was gathering his notes.
‘I am, but fancy a swim first?’
‘I would …’ Justin replied when he saw Amy walking towards them clad in white skinny jeans, a soft white sweater and purple leather boots.
‘Amy…. I haven’t seen you all day!’ Monica rushed forward. ‘You are looking great, you need to come shopping with me, I never know what to buy!’
‘I have heard there is a big shopping mall nearby, you wanna go?’
‘I’m coming with you!’ She wasn’t a keen shopper, but she wanted new clothes, or was it more like she wanted to impress someone?!
‘Nice boots Amy.’ Justin commented.
Amy ignored his comment. ‘Have you seen Frank or Jack?’
‘No, we were looking for Frank too.’ Justin said.
‘Well, they will turn up.’
‘You going outside?’ Monica asked.
‘Just for a walk before dinner, the snow is so inviting and the grounds are lit pretty well.’ Amy said shrugging her shoulders.
‘I would join you but I prefer a refreshing swim after a long day.’ Monica said. ‘However, Justin was about to go for a walk too. You want to go together?’
Justin fixed her sister with a stare. ‘Let me grab a coat Amy, I think I will probably need one.’
‘Dinner in an hour?’ Monica enquired, content with her matchmaking skills.
‘Sounds good, we will meet you in the dining room.’ Amy waited for Justin in the hall. He was back with a red jacket. Amy put on her duck feather-filled, long, purple coat.
‘Our romantic walk in the snow?’
‘Romantic, you say?’
‘Yes, very, it’s started to snow. What could be more romantic?’ Justin grabbed her hand firmly. ‘In case we fall, we have each other for support.’ He explained.
‘Oh yeah?’ Amy felt the cold air biting her cheeks.
‘Yes.’
She was lost for words; they had talked about the filming, the country and the weather. Now silence. She was painfully aware of his closeness; she could even feel the heat from his hands through the leather gloves.
Justin stopped under a tall, bright gas lamp. ‘This place is wonderful.’ He pulled her closer, bent down and softly kissed her cold lips.
Amy pulled away, leaving him surprised.
‘Sorry, Amy I don’t know ….’
‘I stopped by the set today …’ She searched for something to say.
‘You did?’ He asked interested. ‘I didn’t see you around.’
‘I was on the first floor which had a perfect view of the set.’
‘What did you think?’
‘So far, it held my attention – we’ll see what comes next.’
‘What do you mean, what comes next?’
‘I think we should turn back.’
‘Changing the subject, - okay.’
****
‘Justin and Amy might hit it off.’ Jack announced to Frank.
‘You would love that.’ Frank laughed out loud.
They’d had an excellent dinner served by the butler in Jack’s suite.
Frank had arrived back from the village and suggested a dinner to Jack to take his mind off the afternoon. He knew Jack will start questioning him and he would have to do some explaining.
‘You like the house?’
‘I appreciated the Spa this morning and the library! What can I say Frank, you knew …’
‘You don’t say, old man – how did I know you would like that?!’ Frank was sampling the Hungarian cuisine.
‘What about this place Frank? Is it yours?’
‘Let that be my secret.’ He pointed at his plate. ‘This roast duck is delicious.’
‘No answer, hey? Ok, the duck is excellent!’ Jack said grumpily.
‘All right you will nag me until I tell you; no the house isn’t mine but I quite like it…’
‘It is far from home…’
‘Home? Where is home Jack?’ Frank reflected on his day, the memories filled him with sadness.
Jack knew that Frank would have to talk about his day sooner or later. ‘Come and sit by the fire Frank. Have a drink, a cigar and out with it, - what have you discovered?’
‘You want me to cut to the chase?!’ Frank lit a cigar and accepted a drink from the butler, who was swiftly removing the remains of the dinner.
‘I wanted to come with you Frank, but obviously you had a plan.’
‘They are all dead Jack.’ Frank began. ‘The life I have seen today made me think. I don’t know what I was expecting, still it was sad. I met an old man; I used to go fishing with him when I lived there – now he walks with a stick. He lost his leg in the war! The war, I should’ve been part of – instead I abandoned my country.’
Jack felt Frank’s pain. ‘You chose another life Frank!’
‘I should’ve fought for my country.’ Digging up his past wasn’t a good thing but after his trip Frank wanted to know more. His private detectives had provided him with a detailed report through the years, but experiencing it – was something else.
‘You want to quit filming?’
‘You kidding!? I can’t wait to see it coming to life! I do hope it will show people the reality of life, what it was and what it is now! We are covering over fifty y
ears Jack!’
‘You got me going there for a minute Frank. I thought you’d lost it...’ Jack chuckled.
‘What? Me, losing the plot? You have another thing coming if you’re even considering such nonsense.’ Frank was meddling in foreign matters, affairs close to his heart. Nonetheless, he would turn things around and leave this place satisfied.
The butler came in with a tray full of cakes, coffee and tea.
‘Would you like a drink Miss Blakes?’ He addressed Monica.
‘Coffee for me.’ She replied.
Jack looked up when he heard Monica’s voice. ‘I didn’t hear you knock darling!?’
‘I didn’t.’ She said, looking cool in a black jumpsuit. She kissed Jack on the cheek while smiling at Frank.
‘I don’t want to know!’ Frank said, fully aware the pair had something going on.
‘I thought you wanted to see the dailies Frank.’ She waved a tape in front of him. ‘Are you interested?’
‘Don’t ask, get the damn thing working.’
Monica placed the tape in the machine and switched the lights off. State Of Mind came to life. Frank sat silently looking into the fire, and then started watching the life he used to know, replaying in front of him.
Monica and Jack discreetly left the room. Frank needed to see this on his own.
‘He will be all right.’ Jack pronounced.
‘I know Jack, he's made of strong stuff.’
‘So, you enjoyed last night?!’ He asked pulling her onto a large couch in her suite. ‘I never had a girl complain before.’
Monica flashed him a seductive smile. ‘I wouldn’t dare to complain Jack.’
Jack was twenty five years older than her, but she didn’t care. She never stopped to analyse last night, Jack was an amazing lover; exactly what she wanted right now.
All right, she could be joining the long line of one night girls, - but hey – who cared? She didn’t need or want commitment in her life, she had her work.
Take every day as it comes! Life is a present, not a rehearsal, live every moment to the full, - or whatever the clever people say!
‘I need to go.’ She said, freeing herself from Jack’s arms.
‘…. and she is leaving!’
‘I might come back if there is an invitation for later.’
‘Oh! There is!’
‘By the way, we are scheduled to film your younger years here as well Jack. I spoke to Frank suggesting this. The set can be easily changed and we have enough extras with us.’
‘Huh?’
‘Jack, it will be all right!’
‘If Frank says ok, do it!’
Monica, the woman who wasn’t his type at all, - Jack couldn’t understand why he felt so elated being in her company. She was totally off his track record. No big breasts, not blonde and not under twenty - amazing. She could talk, hold a conversation and get him very, very excited!
Jack went back to see Frank. He was finishing watching the dailies.
‘She's the best director.’ Frank told Jack.
‘You think so?’ Jack asked airily.
‘Monica has done an excellent job.’
Justin had managed to capture their story spot on but Monica was taking it to the next level. He couldn’t complain.
‘She wants to film my family hell, Frank.’ Jack blurted out.
‘I know, I’m up for it Jack.’
‘I suppose she has to get on with it.’
‘She's on it, can’t stop her now, we are making a hell of a movie here!’
‘Keep reminding me.’
Chapter Twenty Two
Monica didn’t tell Jack she was meeting Justin and Amy. She arrived as the waiter was serving coffee and placing a fruit stand in the middle of the table.
Amy was in high spirits, for whatever reason, she felt good. Justin Blakes was finally making a play for her and she wasn’t going to stop him.
Justin wished he knew what she was thinking. Was she playing a game? So far she had managed to confuse him. He would need to do something about that.
Monica felt like an outsider; the two lovebirds were ignoring each other. Her brother was blind, she decided and needed to wake up.
After they finished with coffee, Amy popped into Frank’s to run through the finalised contracts. She found Frank reading some papers. He was pleased to see Amy and offered her a late night drink.
Whilst Frank was reading the contracts, 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.’
‘Yes I do need a strong drink.’
‘I will start in the middle.’ He cleared his throat. ‘Amy, you are my Great Niece!’
Amy nearly let go of her drink. ‘What?’ Talk about dropping a bombshell. ‘Frank you are kidding, right?!’
‘No, I’m not Amy, this is an important business. It means a lot to me, I want you to try to understand, - please listen …’ He started by telling Amy the story of his life.
Amy sipped her drink and gradually calmed down, she listened in awe; this was some story! Frank talked for a long time, he knew so much about Amy and her parents and she had so little knowledge. Amy’s father didn’t like to talk about his past, anytime she asked, he changed the subject.
‘Frank, why didn’t you contact my father?’
‘I didn’t want to interfere in your lives Amy! What could I say? Here I am, Louie, I am your uncle?’
‘You could’ve said that!’
‘Your father had his life under control; he had a well-paid job, a good wife and had you.’
‘You,….. I can’t believe this, it’s too bizarre.’
‘Amy, please let me tell you ….!’
‘They died Frank, I was left alone. Why didn’t you contact me?’
‘I watched you from a distance. You were perfect. You knew what you wanted and got it. I was very proud of you. The last thing you needed was me knocking on your door.’
Amy listened to his explanations. Frank was right. She was ok. She was shattered when her parents died but she had her career and her work kept her going.
‘Why did you look for me now?’
‘Old age kid!’ He tried to crack a smile. ‘I don’t have an answer for you Amy, but I am glad I did!’
‘I need to go Frank, you understand right?’ She stood in front of him, looking into his sad eyes wishing this was a dream. She’d got used to being around Frank, she loved every moment of it, he’d shown Amy a new way of life.
‘Whatever happens Amy, I want you to know that you mean a lot to me, I care about you like I never cared about anyone. I screwed this up big time, but I have no regrets sending in my
private eye. Apart from one, you are right, I should’ve contacted you years ago.’
‘Oh Frank, …’ Amy’s eyes filled up with tears, she looked at him sadly and rushed out of the room.
She saw Justin coming up the stairs, when he reached her she burst into tears.
****
‘I didn’t know I had this effect on you Amy? What happened?’
‘You are funny Justin,….’
‘Ok, bad move. Why the tears?’ He could not imagine what had upset Amy so much. ‘Whatever it is, it will look a lot better in the morning!’ He said, stopping in front of her suite.
‘Maybe.’ She opened the door but didn’t go inside. ‘You want to come in?’
‘I thought you’d never ask!’ Amy stopped crying, went into her bedroom and sat down on the bed.
‘Drink this.’ Justin came in with a glass of something.
‘What is it?’ She pulled herself up on the pillows.
‘Gin and tonic.’ He sat down next to her on the bed.
‘You want to tell me?’
‘No.’
‘Then don’t.’
‘I do, you probably know this anyway!’
‘Sounds interesting, I know something made you cry?!’
‘I need a cigarette.’
Justin searched for her cigarettes on the bedside table. Amy had a bad habit, but she didn’t need him to tell her that. She lit a cigarette and began to tell Justin her life story!
Justin was a good listener, he didn’t interrupt Amy; he just sat next to her and kept topping up her drink.
She gradually understood that Frank was right; she would’ve done the same – kept away. Amy and her parents were happy. Her father was a proud man. He undoubtedly would’ve shut the door on Frank. What did she know about her parents?
Her father was born in Hungary but he’d never told her why he left the country. He never spoke of his family or past.
‘This is my unbelievable life story Justin. Did you know?’
Justin was stunned; Frank was a dark horse! ‘No Amy, I didn’t. I am as shocked as you are.’ He replied.