by CC Dragon
“Hollywood makes strange friendships or partnerships. You’re probably right, Carmen wanted to hurt Sonia. But she probably never thought about it going this far. Sonia is the grieving widow and she’s getting nothing but good press.”
“Except that she’s the number one suspect,” I reminded.
“Sure, but Carmen’s getting nothing for being the other woman. An affair is one thing. A murder is another. Just be glad you’ve got real friends. In Hollywood anyone will stab you in the back.” Jordan sighed enviously. “Oh, sorry. Danny was literally stabbed. I have to watch that.”
I shrugged. “I’ve got a lot of good friends and a good ex. I’ve dated plenty. Sonia and Mom just want me to get married again. I don’t date assholes and most of the time the nice guys and I end up being friends.”
“And do you dump them or do they dump you?” He steered us toward the bartender.
“Both really, but it’s less like dumping and more like fizzling out. Circumstances change. I dated a couple guys in Vegas.”
I got a diet cola and wondered why we were talking about my former men. “What about you? Any current guys? Celebrity former boyfriends?”
Jordan ordered a Cosmo and shook his head. “No, no guys. I’m all about the career right now but I could never stay friends with an ex. How do you do it?”
I headed for the food table. I grabbed a mini chicken sandwich with a nice honey Dijon and Swiss and I tried to eat like a lady. “I’m the last person to give dating advice. My ex and I were young and happy. Things change but I never expect a relationship to last long or get serious now. When you’re not overeager and don’t need them, men are all over you. It’s very weird.”
“I’ll have to try that.” Jordan stabbed a piece of cheese with a toothpick and nibbled. “Maybe you should’ve kept the ex? Unless you’re going after a younger and hotter guy? That John is sweet and sexy.”
I swallowed the last bit of sandwich and sipped my drink. “Marriage isn’t easy and trusting men completely is hard. I’m better off as a loner.”
After a few more sandwiches and pieces of cheese with crackers for me, I hadn’t overheard anything of use. Odd how I could pick the frenemies from the dangerous women now. I went in search of my sister. Jordan followed, seemingly relieved to be away from the food.
“Were there really pictures of me on the web just because of my jeans?” I asked him.
Jordan nodded. “Can’t help it. You’re getting a following and the murder only adds to the mystery that is you.”
“That’s so stupid,” I said.
Danny’s death was tragic, not a call for gossip hounds to attack. I spotted my sister sipping champagne with some of her co-stars and her former agent, Myra. Ricky was right there in Sonia’s inner circle but not intruding. Sonia would be nicer to him than me dogging her every step.
“You’re tough as hell and she comes off sweet as cotton candy. The paparazzi keep snapping pictures of you and putting them up because news is slow. You found the body so they think you’ll find the killer. Sonia and Danny were sort of being civil in the divorce. Then it all exploded. People love the drama and they like you because you’re different. I’m still shocked you really don’t care what people think.” He looked at me like I’d lost my mind.
“I’ve been focused on my sister and looking for the stalker and or murderer.”
I didn’t know quite how to explain to Jordan the way I looked at a crowd. I took in a million little details and filtered them unconsciously. Just like facing an opponent in a martial arts competition, I dismissed useless facts and keyed in on those that mattered. I’d rather be feared than the one fearing others.
Glancing around the crowd, I sensed none of that. No one saw me as a fighter. Before when I visited Sonia I was invisible to others. They just ignored me. But here and now people looked, pointed, and smiled at me. Was this celebrity?
“No doubt a lot of these people had paparazzi issues and would love to wear comfy clothes instead of dressing for others. But why would they like that I elbowed a rock star?”
“Why not? It’s drama and blood on the web all because he grabbed your ass.”
“So? He’s not the first guy to do that.”
“People are always trying to grab a piece of celebrities. An autograph, a picture, even a shoe. Celebrities use each other to boost careers and get attention. I’ve seen it all. You fought back,” Jordan said. “Quit obsessing because you can’t control it.”
“I’m not a celebrity,” I insisted.
Jordan chuckled. “I think you are now. You just don’t want to be one. But you don’t have to have any acting talent to be a celebrity. All those reality shows prove that. You don’t even have to try. You said it yourself—you’re on stalker patrol and hunting for a murderer. The fact that you don’t care what they think makes people even more intrigued with you.”
“I don’t want to be a celebrity. Make it stop.” I hugged Jordan like he had the power.
“Not my area, sweetie, you’re out there now. But you’re ignoring it. That’s very unlike an actual celebrity. They obsess about how popular they are and they go to the hot clubs and restaurants because the paparazzi stake out those places. It’s a few big stars that the paparazzi follow and those stars make or break the popularity of a club or restaurant. But they’re also opportunists so if they catch something when they stake out the airport or a hot new bar, they win again. It’s really weird when you think about it. The weird part is they aren’t just doing a tribute to Danny. It’s all about him and Sonia and some fairytale lost.” Jordan scanned the crowd again.
“Haven’t seen too much about him and I’m glad. You think Faith was invited?” I asked.
“I think everyone was invited. That’s the executive producer, Malcolm Jennings. Go chat him up. I’m going to cruise the extras.” Jordan winked.
I walked to the balding and pudgy older man munching on mini Reuben sandwiches one after the other. “Mr. Jennings? I’m Sonia’s sister and just wanted to say how much I enjoy your show.”
I’d seen it enough over the years to convince my sister I watched it so I could fake it with this guy no problem.
“Thank you, Miss—”
“Morris. Helena. Sonia Flynn’s sister. I hate to be a pest but can I ask you a question?” I did my curious and fascinated act.
It worked like a charm on full of themselves Federal Agents. Making small talk was a skill I’d had to learn but it was so much easier when there was something I actually wanted to find out. Men loved to brag and that was just a confession.
“Sure thing, anything for family and we still think of Sonia as family. We missed Danny and it’s such a tragedy.” He stuffed a little croissant with chicken salad in his mouth.
“That’s so sweet. I know Sonia feels the same way. Was Faith still on good terms with everyone on the show? I just want to know if there’s anyone I need to worry about for Sonia’s sake.”
“No, everyone loved Faith. I haven’t seen her tonight, but a lovely girl. Good actress but not right for the soaps, really. Pity about Danny. If your sister stayed things may have been different.”
“The what-if game is hard on everyone. Thanks, it is too bad they couldn’t work things out.” I wandered off to find Ricky and find out what he’d seen.
An hour and some amazingly rich chocolate cake with gooey fudge icing later, still no Faith. Myra was one of the few other women indulging in cake. I noticed her husband wasn’t around. She looked nervously at me and I decided to try and smooth it over.
“Glad to see other people eat,” I said.
She smiled. “I know people hate me for it, but I never could put on weight. Like a skeleton. I don’t fill out a bikini but I can eat,” Myra nodded.
I moved closer. “I’m sorry if I upset your husband. I know everyone thinks I’m accusing them but I really am just trying to get information. Clues to find the real killer and keep my sister safe.”
Myra smiled. “I understand. He does too, really. He’s
protective of me.”
“That’s nice.” A bit overprotective in my opinion but who was I to judge a relationship?
“He wasn’t always so involved with my work. He used to be in real estate but when the bottom fell out, he was better off closing up shop. He liquidated and bought up a bunch of foreclosed properties.”
“Very entrepreneurial. Now he’s his own boss.” I couldn’t fault the move.
Myra didn’t look so thrilled. “His dad owned a construction company so he can do a lot of the repairs himself. It’s good money and he likes it but...”
“But?” I prompted.
She shrugged. “Big property deals kept him busy. He felt more important. He didn’t bother with my career. I think he’s bored. As much as he loves working with his hands and lower stress, he doesn’t have the same status.”
“Status is king here.” I shook my head.
“Not to you. I envy that. You don’t care what people think of you.”
“Everyone cares a little. I care what my family and friends think.” I wasn’t some sociopath who didn’t have human feelings.
“But fame and social status aren’t paramount to you. Very odd here. I miss Sonia and Danny. They were special. I don’t get many clients like them,” Myra said.
“Can I ask you about Faith? I just want to make sure she and Danny had no problems. Rule out some people.” I shoveled a fork full of cake in my mouth before I babbled on.
“The police did ask me already. I know she didn’t like the press she got. People treated her like the home wrecker and it wasn’t true. She and Danny weren’t meant to be forever, if you want my opinion. But they weren’t fighting. I can’t imagine that girl killing a spider, let alone a man. They could just break up. No need to shed blood over it.” Myra sipped her champagne.
Milk really would go better with this rich cake but asking for some would probably be really out of line. “Thanks, Myra. I appreciate the help. If you think of anyone who wanted to hurt Danny or still has a grudge with Sonia, please let me know. I just want to keep her safe.”
“Of course,” Myra handed me her card and I handed her one of mine. “I should be headed home to Norm.”
“Good night,” I said.
Even if Faith was off the suspect list, I wanted to see if she had any leads. I’d already finished my piece of cake and watched as my sister held and picked at her piece.
Heading over, I scanned the crowd again. Tons of people but no one special jumped out.
“It doesn’t look like Faith is going to show. Eat,” I said to Sonia. Was she that nervous? Her comfort eating had shifted to zero calorie intake in public.
“I have to fit into my wardrobe next week for episode three. This is loaded with calories. After all my overeating at the funeral.” She handed it to me like it was a ticking bomb from a cartoon.
I took it and dug in shamelessly. “Don’t worry about it, you’re barely eating now. There is a thing called balance that you could try.”
“I just can’t keep up my exercise routine with the stalker stuff in the back of my head. That plus Danny has me totally depressed. Maybe I should go to the doctor and get something else.” She sipped her third glass of champagne.
Part of me wanted to point out the calories in alcohol but I didn’t want to make it worse or share the cake. Mom always worried she’d get into some pill popping routine in L.A. and I couldn’t encourage that.
“You don’t need drugs or alcohol. Exercise is a natural cure for depression. You want to be a big star, you need to figure out how to balance all of this and deal with life. Keep the security system on even when you’re in the house. You can turn up the music and do your treadmill or Stairmaster thing. You’ll hear the alarm, I promise. Clear your mind and get the endorphins flowing.”
“I just can’t focus, I’m so nervous. I wish Danny were here,” she said.
“I’m tougher than Danny.” I tried levity to change the mood and acted offended.
She smiled. “I know you’re a better shot and more kick ass black belt dangerous. But having a man lying next to you in bed is different. It made me feel safe even when I had nothing in the world to fear.”
I’d had that with one guy. I knew I could protect myself but having someone to watch my back and appreciate me—it was nice. “There are other men out there.”
Her face didn’t perk up.
“Or maybe you wanted to talk to Danny before he died. Try to get back into counseling?” I asked.
She shook her head. “We tried it. I couldn’t let go of the cheating and he was still jealous of my career. Even if I forgave him he’d still have been out of work and I’d be the lead on a hot new show. The drama wouldn’t have ended.”
I didn’t point out that the show had yet to debut and it was all just buzz. What did I know about Hollywood? Not my job.
“Well, he’d want you to stay healthy and take care of yourself. Danny adored you. Give it a little time.”
Sonia nodded and downed the rest of her drink. “We should go, I want to work out early tomorrow. Then I have to learn my lines for the next episode.”
“Just call me your shadow and I’ll try to stay off the websites,” I joked.
“Don’t start about that.”
“What?” I asked.
“You’re getting all that press now. Don’t get used to it—you’re just new and weird. No one goes around wearing those clothes and eating in public. It’s embarrassing,” she hissed at me.
“I embarrass you?” I turned and stared her down. “Your life is a soap opera and I’m stuck babysitting.”
She just glared. “You don’t understand.”
“No, I don’t. And I don’t care right now. You need to grow up and deal with your life.” We walked toward the door and I nodded to Ricky that it was time to go.
“You don’t care what people think of me?” Her voice caught in her throat.
“It’s not about you, Sonia. Not everything in the world is about you. Is that so hard to understand?” I looked out the door and there was no sign of Faith or trouble.
The men arrived and we piled in the car to go home. Sonia pouted and I fumed. Things had indeed always been about her. Our lives had been very separate as adults, so it never bothered her that I didn’t wear designer stuff or accessorize. Apparently now she wanted to blame me for paparazzi? I hurt her image? She needed to worry about her life right now.
Denial, trendy or not, wouldn’t solve anything.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
With one of the San Bernardino sisters in custody, I relaxed for the first time this trip in Hollywood. Talking to Myra about Faith had put my mind at ease a bit.
The next morning I cruised around feeling free of my sister for a change. I knew she was as tired of me being always two steps behind her as I was. Currently she was deep in the taping of some interrogation scene for episode two. I’d read it over and as long as they stuck to the script, it’d be fine. Not really a tech area so I was free!
I’d seen the tourist things before when Sonia first moved there. The Hollywood sign, the handprints out in front of that theater, and other little things I didn’t even remember. I drove through the hills and enjoyed the sun.
My cell phone rang and I grabbed it. Ricky. I hoped for good news. “Hello.”
“Bad news.”
“No, no bad news. I’m full up on bad news.” We were at a dead end. It had to be Vicky!
The rookies were finding nothing on all the blogs. Of course the San Bernardino sister showed no signs of threats on the web. Her sister edited or deleted anything that sounded off. If Vicky didn’t do it, who?
“Hel, they had to let her go. She was in the hospital getting her meds rebalanced at the time. Vicky’s memory is still hazy but the psych hold and hospital records are clear.”
“She couldn’t have left the hospital?” I asked. I gripped the steering wheel until my fingers looked bleached. There went my plans to drive down to a beach and enjoy the view.<
br />
“No, she was in a locked ward,” Ricky said.
“So now what? Everyone’s got an alibi and no one is guilty?” I asked.
“The cops are back on your sister and her alibi is flimsy at best. She could’ve borrowed a car or had the studio get her a car. Heck, she could’ve stowed away in a truck so the cameras wouldn’t spot her. We both know she has the best motive and opportunity.”
“Ricky, you don’t believe it,” I said.
“No, but the facts support it. Her alibi is weak and Danny knew his killer and let them in because there was no forced entry. It’s a passionate crime and they were having divorce problems.”
“Tell me something I don’t know. What can I do?”
Even if I had a badge I couldn’t see a way around this dead end. If my sister got arrested she’d freak. Jail was no place for a girl like her.
“We need to refute some or all of these facts or she’s going to end up in custody. The chief wants an arrest and the press is starting to say they’re giving Sonia a pass.”
“They didn’t find her fingerprints on anything, did they?” It was all I had. “Nothing was found in the searches.”
“No, but all that proves is she knew enough to wear gloves. Not touch anything and not keep any evidence. Or she hired a professional. We never found the weapon and the physical evidence is minimal.” He had to be setting the stage for something.
I knew the next step. “They’re going to search her house again, aren’t they?”
“I put them off as long as I could with solid leads. We’re out of them and a search buys her time to lawyer up. They’re going over her finances and phone records.”
“Are they going to search Faith’s apartment? I still have a bad feeling about that Carmen. She cheated with Danny to hurt Sonia. Maybe she had a reason to hurt both of them and it wasn’t enough?” I wanted it on principle.
“I checked them both out. Carmen has an alibi. I’ve got the screen test of her for some Mexican-American telenovela. The date and time are right on it and the casting director corroborated. As for Faith, she had no motive. She had the man. Her alibi is backed up. Five people confirm she was in a kickboxing class starting at nine thirty that morning with them. Three women say she was in the showers with them around eleven. The bartender made her a smoothie at eleven thirty and we found her by noon to inform her. Even the girl at the front desk said Faith’s a regular, in every morning unless she’s working and then it’s in the evening. Not shabby ID work. And they have no motive to lie.”
