4 Camera ... Action ... Murder!

by Faith Mortimer

  “I still can’t believe I’m here doing this,” complained Patrick. “After all I’ve said.”

  “Look, let’s treat this purely as a fun day. We all know Duncan’s got us here more or less under false pretences, but we can still enjoy ourselves. Besides, we have fabulous free food and wine and this gorgeous house to stay in for a few days. I certainly mean to have a good time.”

  Patrick looked unconvinced. “Even so, you don’t know what I know,” he muttered and stalked off.

  The others stared after him as he left, and Diana made to follow him. Steve caught her arm. “No, let him go. He obviously has something on his mind. If he wanted us to know he would have said.”

  Diana was about to protest when she caught the look in Steve’s eyes. She sighed. “Okay, you’re probably right.” What she didn’t say was, I can buttonhole him later and ask.

  “Okay, let’s see what else you’ve been given to wear. I love your hats by the way.”

  “Apparently mine’s called the Milan bonnet,” said Russell. “And the flat cap Steve’s wearing is the one Henry VIII favoured. What about our shoes then, are they over-embroidered or what?”

  “Like I said earlier, you’re both definitely dandies, and with those tights you’re likely to be had up for budgie smuggling!”

  Everyone burst into laughter, causing passers-by to look at them with interest.

  “Look! I think we’re about to start. The photographers have arrived.”

  ***

  The morning passed in a flash. Diana forgot how many times she stood with a group of ‘ladies’ under a huge tasselled parasol to take a glass of ‘sherbet’ or two. She paused to listen to Caroline while she practiced her soliloquy and thought her voice most mesmerising. She really was dazzling with her blonde hair and exquisite green eyes, and if Duncan was to be believed, a natural-born actress as well. Ho-ho, watch out the Jessica Roberts of this world, she thought. There’s soon going to be a new and younger actress to reckon with.

  Diana noticed Steve was often seen ‘listening’ to a madrigal from a ‘passing’ singer or lounging on the grass with a small group of other ‘lords’. Around noon, the striking of a gong indicated all members were to congregate at the edge of the lake where the picnic was to commence. While that was going on, Caroline’s boat was to be towed out into the middle of the lake where she would perform her soliloquy.

  Diana and Steve met up at one of the tables and piled their plates with food. “I must admit I never thought I’d want another meal after last night,” Steve said, choosing another chicken leg.

  “Me neither, I was so full. I’m very thirsty after all this parading around in the sun. Shall we find a couple of chairs in the shade and watch Caroline’s scene when it’s time?”

  It seemed most people had the same idea, since the shady seats under the trees were filling up fast. Steve wandered around and finally managed to locate two seats set apart from the rest of the noisy, chattering group.

  “Come on, Di, I’ve got some easy chairs under the weeping willows. I’ll carry the food. You bring the drinks. Go steady in that dress because the ground’s a bit bumpy.”

  They walked some way away from the group and ducked under the willow fronds.

  “What a wonderful spot! It’s like a secret green bower in here, and with the view of the water I’m reminded of Wind in the Willows. Ah! I must take off these shoes. They’re a bit tight. Are you enjoying this?” Diana asked while flopping down into her chair.

  “I am. What about you?”

  “Yes, it’s been great fun, and the time’s flown. I wonder how long they’ll continue today. Seb said he was pleased so far and thankful he’d brought along enough charged battery packs. He estimated he’d taken over four thousand shots. Can you imagine? Add the movie part and it’s quite a campaign Duncan will have pulled off. I wonder what he’s proposing to do with it.”

  “I’ve no idea. We’re so out of touch now, but no doubt he’ll have plenty of contacts. Look, I must pop back to the house…I’m bursting for the loo. I’ve drunk so much water in the last couple of hours. I won’t be a moment. Do you need anything?”

  Diana shook her head and remained sitting in the shade, admiring the view of the lake. The two boats they had seen the previous afternoon were now tied to a small jetty which led from the boathouse. Diana smiled to herself while she watched Caroline walking tentatively along the uneven planking towards the rowing boat. Even from where she was sitting, Diana could hear her shrill voice grumbling about the rotting planks of wood. Two tall and muscle-bound men called out that when the time was right, they would help her down into the rowing boat where she was to sit on one of the bench seats. Once she was seated, the boat was going to be towed away from the shoreline. The oars in the rowlocks were just for show, because Caroline was not expected to row the boat herself.

  “But I hate boats,” she wailed. “They make me nervous, and I’m not a brilliant swimmer. Please, do I have to do this?”

  Sebastian appeared from the direction of the boathouse and hurried over to her. Taking her hand, he led her back nearer to the shore. His voice seemed to have a calming effect on Caroline because Diana saw her visibly relax and smile again. Two minutes later, she was laughing and flirting with Sebastian, who, judging by the look on his face, was enjoying the attention of the pretty and vivacious woman. Watching Sebastian put his arm around Caroline’s waist to help her down from the jetty, Diana smiled. On occasion, she thought it would be nice to be young and free and indulge in some harmless romance. It was all fantasy, of course; there was no way she would endanger her marriage. She and Steve were perfect together. All the same, a sexy dream was a dream.

  While Diana was watching the scene from her green sanctuary, she noticed Patrick moving towards her. She thought he was still looking moody and wondered what his parting words to them had meant earlier that morning. Because Steve was nowhere to be seen and therefore unable to interfere with her snooping, she called him over.

  Patrick hesitated and peered through the feathery branches. Seeing Diana was alone, he moved over to where she was sitting.

  “Have a seat, Patrick. Steve is up at the house. So, are you still feeling disgruntled with today and Duncan’s advertising campaign?”

  Patrick paused before replying. “It’s not the free advertising so much as him.”

  “You appreciate Duncan has always done whatever he likes. We all know that. He’s never going to change now, is he? But apart from that, there’s no real malice in him. I’ve always quite liked him you know.”

  Patrick eyed her with a wary look. “Oh, he’s likeable all right, it’s just that—”

  Diana’s interest was piqued. “Just what?”

  Patrick’s gaze slid away from her, and he peered at those people nearest them. Most were individuals neither he nor Diana knew. He turned his attention back to her and seemed to make a decision. “Can I tell you something secret? Can I trust you?”

  Diana stiffened in her chair. “It all depends, Patrick. Is it legal?”

  He hesitated. “Er…I’m not sure, probably not.”

  “Well, then try me. I’m not going to judge you, so don’t worry. You know me and we’re old friends.”

  “It’s about this film.”

  “I gathered as much,” she replied drily. “Yes, go on.”

  “Duncan didn’t write the play at all.”

  Diana looked at him suspiciously. She knew what was coming. “I see. And are you going to tell me who did, or can I guess?”

  Patrick nodded and hung his head with a miserable air about him. “I went to him with it years ago, not long after I left stage school. I rather fancied myself as a playwright, you see. I explained my idea, and he said it was too fanciful for a stage play. I even showed him what I’d already written. He said he’d have another think and he’d take a closer look at my manuscript. It was all but finished. There was only a bare outline of the ending, which I had to complete,” he whispered, as if not wanti
ng anyone else to overhear them. “It was ages later before we actually performed it at the Everyman. One day, he took me aside and said we’d stage it, only he wanted it to be in his name. When I protested, he said it was only to try the play out and see whether it had a chance. If it flopped, then he would bear the failure. I still wasn’t happy, but he hinted I’d have a good part in it. If I made a fuss, then I was out of the company altogether.”

  Diana gasped in shock. “You mean he stole your play, your idea?”

  Patrick nodded.

  “That’s awful. How despicable. I can’t believe I’m hearing this. I’d never have thought it of him,” Diana spluttered. “No wonder you look so down. Whatever are you going to do?”

  Patrick looked Diana fully in the face. “What can I do?”

  “I realise it’s been years since the play was first performed, but you must have the original manuscript, surely?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Then you must have it out with him. I take it this is what you were rowing about yesterday?”

  “Yes, but he doesn’t want to know. He says it’s my word as a second-bow actor against his as a prominent director and playwright. Also, he says it’s far too long ago, and there’s been too much water under the bridge since then.”

  “But Patrick, if this is all true—and I do believe you by the way—then Duncan stands to make a lot of money and prestige out of all this. Part of which should come to you.”

  He nodded and looked away. Again Diana felt a horrible premonition settling over her.

  “That’s not all, is it?”

  Patrick shook his head. “No, I’m afraid that’s the least of his problems.”

  Warning bells began to ring in Diana’s head. “You’d better tell me everything.”

  Patrick paled while he spoke. “I’m afraid I haven’t been entirely truthful with my explanation. I…I—” Patrick looked towards the house and suddenly scrambled to his feet. “I can’t tell you now, I haven’t time. Maybe later.” And with that, he rushed away towards the house.

  Diana was left looking suitably stunned. Goodness. Duncan’s swindling Patrick out of his work. At the very least, Patrick should receive royalties for the copyright of his play. How could Duncan have stooped so low?

  Chapter 7

  Diana stared in the direction Patrick had taken and was gratified to see Steve appearing over the brow of the hill. She caught her breath when she saw who was walking behind him. Duncan was striding down towards the lake with Isabelle’s arm tucked into his.

  Steve flopped down in the seat alongside Diana. “That’s better! Now I can enjoy my lunch.”

  “Duncan and Isabelle are right behind you, did you know?” she muttered.

  “I did. Isabelle was complaining of the heat and wanted to go back indoors, but Duncan insisted she accompany him to watch the lake scene. I deliberately walked fast enough to keep ahead of them because I didn’t want to be part of their domestic.”

  “She is a pain. I wonder why she does it. She was all smiles during last night’s dinner.”

  Steve grinned. “She’s a woman! Now eat your lunch, and enjoy the sit down.”

  Diana tossed a cherry tomato at him, and he ducked with a laugh.

  She debated whether to tell Steve about Patrick’s secret. Diana had a dilemma. She had taken Patrick’s words on trust, but Steve was her husband and closest confidant. She mulled it over and decided she would wait a while and see whether Patrick and Duncan came to some arrangement before she said anything. She couldn’t understand why Duncan would have swindled Patrick out of his rights and decided there was more to the story than Patrick was telling her. Duncan seemed to live in a world governed by intrigue concerning the play and bedlam with his overbearing wife. Despite what she had learned and witnessed, Di couldn’t help feeling a sneaky bit sorry for him.

  Thinking about Isabelle, Diana looked in the direction she and Duncan had taken. The couple were by now on the other side of the willows, and Diana and Steve looked at each other when they heard Isabelle disagreeing about something, her cultured voice going up an octave. Steve gave a low laugh and held a finger to his mouth.

  “Isabelle,” Duncan hissed. “Just shut the fuck up, will you? It won’t hurt you for once to be out in the sun for a few minutes. Let’s try and pretend we’re in this together and act like a nice loving couple. These few days are vital to me, and I do need that extra money. Lodestone is committed to their original offer, and I doubt Andrew Downs will come up with anymore unless he sees we have a watertight operation. You know you’ll get your extra investment back plus interest. Now please, I want to watch them filming Caroline because this scene is so important, and since you organised all the costumes, it’ll seem odd if you’re not here. So kindly belt up, and come down to the jetty with me.”

  “How dare you swear at me? I tell you when…okay, okay.” She sighed. “I’ll stay just for the filming. Then I have to go, because I’ve lots to do. The catering company needs watching. I want to make sure they provide everything I’m paying for.”

  Duncan murmured something inaudible while they wandered down towards the water.

  Diana looked at Steve with raised eyebrows. “Ooh. So it’s true. There isn’t enough loot on the table. Do I take it he’s trying to get some money out of Isabelle, then?”

  “I’m not sure. It’s possible, and it certainly did sound that way. Whatever it is, they seem to be at loggerheads more than usual. I think I’ll stay well clear of both of them.”

  “You and me both. Look, they’re getting the boats ready for the filming on the lake. There’s a camera crew and helmsman in the motorboat, and Caroline’s being helped into the rowing boat. She’s obviously not a sailor. She’s wobbling around a lot. Mind you, it can’t be easy in that long dress and carrying that sun parasol. Oh…she nearly tripped!”

  “She’s looking hot and bothered.”

  “Poor thing. I don’t blame her. I wonder if Duncan thought this little idea up. Caroline was going through her lines earlier. She has a lovely speaking voice—very clear, and her words are perfectly enunciated. Duncan’s chosen well.” Diana cast her gaze over to where Duncan and Isabelle stood at the edge of the lake. Duncan was making encouraging noises to Caroline, while Isabelle was now looking as if she was enjoying herself. “Look at the expression on Isabelle’s face. She’s just loving this. No, I bet it was she who put the idea into Duncan’s head. While you were up at the house, Caroline was complaining about not liking boats, you know, and Russell told me yesterday Caroline’s the daughter of an old flame of Duncan’s. No wonder Isabelle looks bad-tempered most of the time. Talk about rubbing her nose in it by first having an affair with the mother and now parading her daughter around as your latest find.”

  “Is that so? It sounds like you’ve been snooping again. I suppose you could be right, then, about the boating idea. Isabelle can be horrible at times,” Steve said. “Pass me another one of those cans will you. I’m still thirsty.”

  “I see Seb has joined the motorboat crew now, and he looks relaxed enough. I think he has a crush on Caroline—you should have seen them together earlier. He looked completely besotted. The rowing boat looks smaller now it’s out on the water. I suppose the new paint job with the roses is to reflect Tudor designs. Look, there’s another movie camera trained on Caroline from the shore too. This is interesting…I never got into television or films, and it looks like fun.”

  “I think it’s more like bloody hard work in fits and starts and then loads of time standing around doing nothing, if you ask me. Mind you, it might have been amusing being rich and famous.”

  The motorboat was soon free from the jetty and very slowly began to tow the little rowing boat behind it. Caroline was settled at the stern end on one of the bench seats and now looked calm. When the boats were about eighty metres from the shore, the motorboat crew untied the towing rope from one end, let it drop into the water, and then motored another fifty metres or so away before cutting
the engine as soon as there was a suitable gap between the boats for filming. Once there was complete silence, the cameraman on the shore trained his camera on Caroline, who made a couple of tentative pulls on the oars and then stopped.

  “It’s a shame we can’t hear everything she’s saying,” whispered Steve. “I suppose the boat crew can, since they’re near enough. She’s certainly acting her socks off though.”

  “Earlier, she told me the scene concerned her lover. She’s playing a young woman in love with an older man and trying to come to terms with the fact that she has to give him up. She’s arguing with herself. Listen, you can just make out her anguish. She’s crying.”

  They fell silent and strained hard to listen, as did the large group which had gathered nearby. People stood in silence, appreciating that Caroline was reaching the climax of her soliloquy. Caroline let out a sudden surprised squeak and stood up. She lifted part of her skirt, pointed to the bottom of the boat, and gave another excited squeal. People looked at one another and smiled, shrugging, since they didn’t know the full context of Caroline’s speech and wondered what she was on about.