Lady Boss

by Jackie Collins

  She wondered where he was, what he was doing, if he was happy.

  Things at the studio seemed to be falling into place. Bombshell had already been rewritten and the new script was excellent. Venus Maria had read it and loved it. Montana Grey visited the studio and met with both of them. She was an interesting woman, tall, smart, and most of all extremely talented. Lucky had hired her to direct the film.

  She’d read two other scripts she liked and put them into development. And she’d also come across a black comedy which would take Susie Rush away from the sweet-little-thing roles she was so tired of playing.

  Susie was interested, but she’d already made a commitment on another project at Orpheus.

  ‘Is the deal signed?’ Lucky had asked, and finding out it wasn’t, had offered Susie more money and extra points in the picture.

  There was nothing like the mention of extra money to change an actress’s mind. Besides, this was the opportunity Susie had been waiting for. She said yes.

  In the short time she’d been at Panther Lucky felt she’d accomplished plenty.

  One of the things she’d attended to was reviewing the footage of Macho Man. If Lennie was prepared to work on it again, it was certainly salvageable.

  Maybe she should call him.

  No.

  Maybe he should call her.

  Just as she’d predicted, Motherfaker was failing dismally at the box-office. Although there’d been a rush of business the first weekend, word of mouth soon killed it stone dead.

  Johnny Romano was not a happy superstar.

  The weekend came as a welcome break. After lunch on Saturday, Steven suggested they take a walk along the beach.

  ‘I wanna come too,’ announced Bobby.

  ‘No. I want to be with your mommy alone,’ Steven explained. ‘I never get to see her. This is our one opportunity.’

  Lucky grabbed his arm. ‘That’s not true, big brother.’

  ‘Oh yes, it is!’

  ‘I’m here now.’

  ‘That’s why we’re taking a walk.’

  They set off along the beach.

  ‘I’m so glad you and Mary-Lou could make it. Not to mention Carioca Jade – she’s totally gorgeous!’ Lucky squeezed his arm. ‘You’re right, Steven, we don’t get to see enough of each other.’

  ‘She’s admitting it!’

  ‘OK, Father of the Year, what else have you been up to?’

  ‘More to the point, what have you been up to?’ He studied her for a moment. ‘I heard about your undercover scam. You’re really something, Lucky.’

  ‘Yeah,’ she said ruefully. ‘And look where it got me. I gained a studio and lost a husband.’

  Steven stopped walking. ‘What does that mean?’

  ‘Haven’t you heard? Lennie went berserk when he found out what I’d done. He’s not thrilled about my owning Panther. In fact…’ She hesitated. ‘We’re talking divorce.’

  Steven shook his head. ‘No way.’

  ‘I’m afraid so.’

  ‘Your problem is you always expect to get your own way. No roadblocks.’

  ‘Oh, like you’ve known me all my life, right?’

  ‘Hey – it hasn’t been that long, but I feel real close to you. Having you as a half-sister is an experience.’

  ‘Yeah. You too. Remember when we first met? The elevator?’

  He couldn’t help grinning. ‘Ah, the famous elevator. When we were trapped during the big New York blackout. Two strangers with nothing in common – little did we know…’

  ‘I was pissed off about Gino coming back into the country from his tax exile. And you were really uptight!’

  ‘Yeah, and you were a crazy one. There we were, stuck in the dark, didn’t even know each other, and all you could talk about was sex – and I’m thinking to myself – who is this insane woman I’m trapped with?’

  She laughed ruefully. ‘That was when I was wild and young.’

  ‘Hey, Lucky – nothing’s changed – you’re still the same pain in the ass!’

  She gazed at him earnestly. ‘Is it such a terrible thing I’ve done to Lennie?’

  ‘Well… it’s not exactly sharing a relationship, is it? Mary-Lou taught me that to make a marriage work you have to do things together. Confide in each other. Don’t hold back.’

  ‘So you’re saying I shouldn’t have surprised Lennie with Panther? I should have told him, and let him be part of it.’

  ‘That’s it, kid.’

  ‘Steven! You’re beginning to sound just like Gino!’

  ‘Not such a bad thing.’

  ‘Can you imagine growing up with Gino as a father? Do you realize how dull and boring most people’s lives are? And I had Gino – the most exciting father in the world.’

  ‘Sorry I missed out.’

  ‘You’ve got him now. He loves you, Steven.’ She reached up and kissed him. ‘And so do I.’

  ‘Mutual, kid.’

  ‘Stop calling me kid!’

  They resumed their walk.

  ‘Do you think Lennie will come back?’ she asked wistfully.

  ‘For sure.’

  ‘How do you know?’

  ‘Because you’re you – and no guy’s gonna walk away from you.’

  She grinned. ‘Thank you, Steven. Just what I wanted to hear.’

  ‘I’m a lawyer. I give good advice.’

  ‘Am I about to get some?’

  ‘Not that you’ll listen.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘When Lennie comes back, tell him you’ll sell the goddamn studio if that’s what he wants.’

  ‘Hey, hey, hey – hold on – I’m not about to become the little woman at home.’

  ‘Lucky – give marriage a chance. There’s nothing wrong with sharing. Remember that.’

  ‘I’ll try.’

  Back at the house Carioca Jade gurgled in her cot, Mary-Lou sunbathed, and Gino slept, while Bobby dragged buckets full of sand up from the beach and dumped them on the deck.

  Miko gave Lucky a pained look.

  ‘I told Mr. Bobby not to bring the sand up, but he informed me you gave him permission.’

  ‘No big deal, Miko,’ she replied casually. ‘It’s a weekend. Let him have fun.’

  ‘If you say so, Madame.’

  Miko certainly wasn’t enjoying this influx of house guests. But she was loving every minute.

  * * *

  ‘We’re flying back to America,’ Lennie said.

  ‘What?’ Brigette jumped with surprise. ‘We’ve only been here a short while. Why are we leaving?’

  ‘Don’t you want to see Lucky and Bobby?’

  ‘Wow, I’d love to, but I thought you and Lucky weren’t talking.’

  ‘You know something?’ Lennie said. ‘Life’s too short. It’s about time we tried to work it out.’

  Brigette nodded happily.

  ‘OK, so you and Nona get packed, and I’ll take care of the arrangements. Not a word. I want to surprise Lucky. OK?’

  * * *

  The call came at noon on Sunday. Lucky picked up the phone as she sat by the pool. Carlo Bonnatti’s low, grating voice was unmistakable.

  ‘Pay up, bitch,’ he said. ‘I’m tired of waiting. I’m giving you twenty-four hours. If I don’t get my money by then – you’re in deep trouble. The Santangelos have fucked with the Bonnattis long enough, an’ now it’s time for retribution. So pay, bitch, or you know what’s gonna happen.’

  She didn’t say a word. She replaced the receiver and glanced over at Gino. He seemed so relaxed lying in a beach chair, his head back catching the sun, Bobby playing nearby.

  Screw Carlo Bonnatti and his threats.

  Lucky Santangelo wasn’t intimidated by him or anyone else.

  She could handle it. She’d think of a way.

  Chapter 91

  Tony Maglioni was a handsome, slick-haired, big-nosed hood who sat in the neighbourhood pizza parlour and held court. Emilio made his entrance dragging Rita behind him.

  �
�What are we doing in this piss palace?’ Rita asked in disgust.

  ‘Securing my future,’ Emilio replied, wondering where she’d learned such a colourful turn of phrase. ‘So try and be nice to everbody, ’cause we’re gonna score big.’

  Rita scowled. She was fed up with being nice to everybody. She’d thought that when she’d finally arrived in Hollywood she’d left all the old neighbourhoods behind. Especially Brooklyn.

  Vaguely Emilio remembered Tony, even though the guy was younger than him.

  ‘Yo, Tony!’ he called out. ‘Emilio Sierra.’

  Tony was no slouch in the remembering-names department. He leaped up from the table. ‘Emilio, my man. How ya doin’?’

  ‘Found myself in town. Didn’t wanna miss seein’ ya,’ said Emilio.

  Getting a first-hand look at Tony was bringing it all back to him. Venus Maria had liked this guy a lot. She’d had a real schoolgirl crush, trailed him for months, and eventually nailed him in the kitchen one evening when everyone was out.

  ‘I hear you’re drivin’ a cab now,’ said Emilio. ‘Takin’ over Manhattan, huh?’

  Tony laughed. ‘Yeah, I drive a cab. I part-own it, y’know? An’ I got a few other things goin’ on the side. I do OK. An’ you, Emilio – what’s happenin’ with you?’

  Emilio shrugged modestly. ‘I live out in Hollywood, an’ like I’m doin’ a movie. Playin’ Sly Stallone’s best friend.’

  Tony was duly impressed. So was his girlfriend, a frizzy-haired miniskirted bimbo with cross-eyes and nice tits.

  Rita gave a disgusted sigh. What was with Emilio and this Sly shit he kept coming out with?

  ‘Mind if we join you?’ said Emilio.

  ‘Sit down, sit down,’ replied Tony, anxious to impress. ‘This is the pizza place. I gotta piece a the action.’ He thrust a greasy slice of pizza at Emilio. ‘Eat. Enjoy.’

  Emilio sat down, pulling a reluctant Rita into the chair next to him.

  ‘Yeah, well, I always knew you was gonna be a bigshot,’ Emilio replied, gingerly biting into a stale piece of pepperoni. ‘No way Tony Maglioni wasn’t goin’ places.’

  Tony nodded. This Emilio was a smart guy. ‘So,’ he smirked, ‘how’s your sister?’

  Emilio smirked back – it was all-guys-together time.

  ‘She’s doin’ pretty damn good.’

  ‘Yeah, little Virginia…’ mused Tony.

  ‘You two used to go together, right?’

  ‘Well.’ Tony gestured expansively. ‘I took her out a few times. She was a wild kid.’

  ‘Bet you didn’t think she was gonna become a big friggin’ movie star, huh?’

  Tony threw back his head and laughed. ‘Who would have guessed?’

  ‘Ya know, if ya ever come out to Hollywood,’ Emilio said, laying the bait, ‘Venus an’ me – we got a big house there. You could come visit us, she’d love to see ya. Talks about you a lot.’

  Tony looked eager. ‘Yeah?’

  His girlfriend leaned forward. ‘He ain’t goin’ nowhere without me,’ she announced.

  ‘Ya wanna shut up?’ said Tony, turning on her viciously. ‘You wanna keep your mouth tightly closed? We’re havin’ man talk here.’

  Rita wasn’t about to take that. ‘Emilio,’ she said. ‘Let’s get out of here.’

  Emilio didn’t say a word. He kicked her under the table, warning her to be quiet.

  ‘You know,’ he continued, speaking to Tony, ‘Venus never married. I gotta feelin’ she’s still hankerin’ after you. In fact I know.’

  ‘Me?’ Tony grinned, exhibiting two crooked front teeth – the only flaw on his handsome face.

  ‘Well, you gotta admit – you two were pretty tight for a while.’

  Tony gave a dirty laugh. ‘Nobody tighter!’

  His girlfriend frowned. ‘Tony!’ she complained. ‘Tell the man we’re gettin’ married. Go on, tell him!’

  Tony turned on her again. This was his opportunity, and he was taking it. ‘You know what, baby? I just broke the engagement.’

  Chapter 92

  What did you do with the million dollars, Eddie Kane?

  He asked himself that question every morning when he awoke. It was a difficult one to answer. All he knew was that he was broke. No money in the bank. No money in his pocket.

  Surely he couldn’t have snorted the whole bankroll?

  No. He’d had expenses. There was the house, a closet full of designer clothes, marrying Leslie, his prized Maserati. A man had to spend to make it big.

  What did you do with the million dollars, Eddie Kane?

  The question haunted him. Since he’d dumped Leslie he’d been on a downward spiral. Most nights he spent over at Arnie and Frankie’s house, where there was always a party going on. The drugs were plentiful and so were the girls.

  And yet… none of them compared with Leslie.

  He thought about her a lot. Her wide eyes, luscious body, open friendly smile.

  Shit, man. She was a goddamn hooker. He’d been right to dump her.

  Maybe.

  But now he wanted her back, only he couldn’t figure out a way to go about it and still save face.

  Maybe cocaine would help him find an answer.

  Snort enough and he could come up with the answer to almost anything.

  * * *

  Deena established a routine at the health spa. She was svelte and slim, her body pampered with the most expensive lotions and creams. In fact, she was in peak condition and really didn’t need to be at the health spa at all. But that wasn’t the point.

  Every morning she would swim a few lengths in the outdoor pool, have a leisurely massage, and then partake of a light lunch in the dining room. After that she made sure she disappeared into her private suite until the next morning.

  A routine. Establish a routine. That was the most important thing of all. She avoided contact with the other women staying there, barely spoke to the staff, and kept herself to herself.

  Naturally, everyone knew who she was.

  Monday morning the new edition of Truth and Fact hit the stands. On the front page there was a giant colour photograph of Venus Maria and Martin, strolling in the grounds of the Bel Air Hotel, gazing at each other and holding hands.

  SECRET RENDEZVOUS FOR LOVERS! blazoned the headline.

  Deena stared at the photograph for a while, and knew for sure she’d waited long enough.

  * * *

  ‘Hey, yo, Dennis! It’s your friend Emilio, back in town.’

  Hang out the flags, Dennis thought sourly. Was there no getting rid of the guy?

  ‘What you got for me?’ he asked.

  ‘What haven’t I got for you?’ Emilio replied arrogantly. ‘I got the real goods this time. I got her first make-out with a guy an’ all the details.’

  ‘Who’s the boyfriend?’

  ‘Fuck you!’

  ‘We can’t print the story if we don’t know his name.’

  ‘I’ll give you the story an’ then I’ll give you the name. After I’ve gotten my money, of course.’ Emilio was getting smart in his old age.

  ‘What’s the matter? Don’t you trust us by now?’ Dennis complained.

  ‘I don’t trust nobody,’ Emilio said contemptuously.

  ‘How do I know this is genuine?’

  ‘Am I selling magazines for you, or what?’ Emilio demanded in disgust. ‘Do I have to go through a third degree every time I give you somethin’?’

  ‘Your sister is selling us magazines,’ Dennis pointed out. ‘Without her you got nothin’, mate.’

  ‘Shit!’ Emilio said. ‘Maybe I should go to the Enquirer. Could be they’ll treat me better.’

  Dennis sighed wearily. ‘OK, let’s meet,’ he said. ‘I’ll listen to the details and we’ll arrange a price.’

  Triumphantly Emilio hung up.

  Rita was primping in the bathroom mirror. She appeared to have moved into his apartment – her stuff was everywhere. He hadn’t noticed how it happened, but it had happened.

/>   Emilio didn’t really mind. He’d never had a girl live with him before, and Rita was pretty.

  ‘Your sister’s mad as hell,’ she said, walking into the bedroom.

  ‘How do you know?’

  ‘’Cause I played your answering machine. I heard her. She’s steaming.’

  ‘She’ll get over it. In fact… You know something? I got a little treat for you tonight, baby.’

  ‘What’s that?’ she asked, hoping it wasn’t his body.

  ‘I’m gonna take you to meet Venus. Her fag friend Ron is throwing a surprise birthday party for her.’

  ‘Oh, yeah?’ Rita sneered sarcastically. ‘She’ll surely want to see you.’

  ‘I was invited,’ Emilio said cockily.

  ‘When?’ Rita asked, full of suspicion.

  ‘A while ago. You gotta remember I’m her brother. Of course she’ll expect me there.’

  ‘So? All the more reason for her to be mad.’

  He hated it when a woman had something to say. His father had been right. Women were put on earth for three reasons – cooking, cleaning, and fucking. End of story. ‘Whadda I care? I wanna go to the party, don’t you?’

  Rita’s eyes gleamed. ‘Is it a big party?’

  ‘Big enough.’

  Rita nodded. Try and keep her away! ‘Whatever you say, Emilio.’

  * * *

  On Monday Deena followed her usual routine. After lunch she vanished to her room. Once there, she made her preparations. She took out her long black wig, the denim outfit, and finally she removed her gun from its hiding place.

  Very soon she would slip out – unnoticed – get into the Cadillac, drive to the parking lot where she’d left the Ford, transfer into it, and drive straight to Los Angeles.

  Tonight she was going to kill Venus Maria.

  Chapter 93

  Ron surveyed the scene at his house. There were people running around everywhere. It was total chaos.

  He turned to Ken. ‘I hope she’s going to appreciate it,’ he wailed. ‘They’re wrecking my bougainvillaea!’

  ‘She will,’ Ken assured him. ‘It’ll be wonderful.’

  ‘It can’t be just wonderful,’ Ron fretted. ‘It has to be the party of the year.’