Rosa nodded and gave Amy an exaggerated wink. “Si, chica, de nada.”
Amy smiled back, returning the nod, but she wasn’t convinced that Rosa would keep her word. Amy didn’t pay her salary, she knew that. But Rosa was closer to her than anybody in the family, and Amy was the only one who paid Rosa any attention or any respect at all.
She won’t sell me out, Amy told herself, not to them, not to anyone.
But the words of her own mother rang in her memory, sending chills down her spine. Family is the only thing you can rely on.
Now Amy wasn’t sure if she could trust her family at all, and that was even more worrisome as she knew she was on her way to see them that very night for dinner.
Chapter 14
Amy
Amy hadn’t enjoyed a meal so much in years. The chicken was tender and alive with lemon and pepper, tangy and delicious. The asparagus tips were perfectly steamed, retaining just the right amount of crunch. She couldn’t seem to get enough rice pilaf, which went perfectly with the chicken and the white wine.
She was on her second glass.
But it took a moment of protracted silence for Amy to notice that her mother and brothers were watching her, the absence of any conversation speaking volumes. Amy stopped and looked around at them, swallowing her chicken in the sudden awkwardness of their attention.
“What?”
Danny said, “Nothing, Amy, nothing. It’s just that you seem … pretty upbeat.”
Margaret reached for her own wine glass. “Upbeat? Darling, you’re positively giddy. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you’d found a friend.”
Amy could almost feel the blood drain from her face.
Calm down, Amy’s inner self told her, play it cool, the way Camden would do it. So she decided to say nothing at all.
Jonathan said, “What did you and Isla do this past week? Four days was a long time to be away.”
“Take it easy, Jono,” Danny said, “we can trust Isla, she’s like one of the family.” He gave it some thought and then added, “But not actually related, that’s important. Wonder why I never hit that.”
“She wouldn’t let you,” Jonathan said. “And don’t call me Jono.”
“We just spent a few days talking about things,” Amy said. “She was really supportive but challenging too. She forced me to look at life a little differently.”
“How so, darling?”
Amy searched her imagination for a creative lie, but slowly discovered that the truth was not only the better excuse but the better course.
Didn’t Camden say something about the truth being revealed? Love reveals the truth?
And Amy knew she couldn’t speak the whole truth, perhaps anything but the truth: It was wild, absolutely crazy! Before, I felt like a bird in a gilded cage, but I got out and flew around and it was incredible! It was something I did, something I did for myself, and I never felt better, never felt more comfortable in my own skin. And I’m going to do it again, as soon as I can!
But Amy said, “Isla convinced me that you were right, Mom, that I’m only going to be as happy as I want to be, happy as I choose to be. Happiness, it’s not about the house you’re in, one place or another, real happiness comes from within. I think I’m finally getting that.”
“And after all those years in college,” Margaret said, raising her glass. “Here’s to higher education,” before gulping down the rest of the glass.
Jonathan and Danny swapped a glance, Jonathan’s worried, but Danny’s smiling and pleased. Danny’s didn’t last.
Tia McBride’s assistant, Shin Lu wore an eternal scowl, seeming to disapprove of everything and everyone around her, every minute of her life seemed to be a trial of her patience. And in the plush surroundings of the Longshadows offices, her sternness seemed even more powerful, more intimidating.
But Amy was beginning to see the purpose of that, the marketing value. That’s what this is, Amy knew, a business like any other. That makes me the customer, and the customer is always right.
Something about just being in that office was making Amy feel stronger, like it was reflecting something in herself that was evolving, finally and at long last. Amy was there for herself, acting on her own, doing what she wanted to do without permission, without apology.
Just being there was turning her on.
“Another, so soon?” Shin Lu walked across the big office and sat down behind the desk where the nameplate read Tia McBride. Shin Lu eased into the chair with a satisfaction Amy couldn’t miss. “We do have a lot of repeat clients, but … after less than a week? I’ll be happy to report to Ms. McBride that you were so gratified.”
Amy smiled, but she felt less and less intimidated by the minute. Amy had money, Amy had power. Without people like Amy, something like Longshadows couldn’t exist and he was beginning to realize that. “You can report anything you wish to Ms. McBride. But in the meantime, call Camden and have him clear his schedule.”
Shin Lu smiled knowingly, pausing to reflect before saying, “You want the same service provider.”
“That’s right.”
“We try to suggest that you indulge in a different — ”
“No.” The cold silence which passed between the two women was stilted with increasing tension. “Camden.”
Shin Lu sighed. “Miss Dey, have you ever heard of Stockholm syndrome? It’s when a hostage forms an attachment to his or her captor — ”
“I have heard of Stockholm syndrome, Ms. Shin. I learned about it when I was a philosophy major at UCLA.”
“I thought your family kept you secluded — ”
“It wasn’t easy. I roomed with Isla, my best friend. She’s the only excuse I can use to get outta there. But I don't have to explain myself to you. I’ll pay whatever you want, just set it up.”
Shin Lu looked at Amy long and hard, a slow nod to her little head. “You know we have the right to refuse service to whomever we choose.”
Amy looked back at Shin Lu, a woman who obviously relished power and wanted as much of it as she could get. “You also have the ability to grant such requests … or don’t you?”
“I beg your pardon?” Shin Lu’s eyes narrowing, her tone becoming more serious.
“Well, I suppose I’ll have to talk to Ms. McBride personally. I don’t mean to go over your head — ”
“I do have the authority to contract services, Miss Dey, of course.”
Amy shrugged. “Then why would you refuse me?”
“Because you’ve fallen in love with your service provider, and that’s something we strongly discourage. I’m sorry, Miss Dey, but unless you’d like another service provider, I’m going to have to deny your request.”
Amy sat there stunned, her heart beating faster, blood rushing hot in her veins. But she used her new sense of self-control to quell it and press a professional smile onto her face. “I see. Very well.” She stood and Shin Lu stood too, Amy adding, “Thank you for your time,” before turning to cross the office, Shin Lu right behind her.
Chapter 15
Danny
Danny had just smoked a big joint out by the pool, waiting for the jacuzzi to warm up. When Jonathan called him to come upstairs, he knew he’d be leaving that hot bubbling water to go to waste, not to mention a perfectly good buzz.
Margaret shook her head as she paced around her study upstairs, Danny sitting in the big chair, Jonathan leaning against Margaret’s big marble-topped desk. “I don’t like it,” she said, “something’s going on.”
Danny waved her off. “Oh, c’mon. She’s mopey and depressed and we jump all over her, now she’s cheering up and we do the same thing. At some point, y’know, y’gotta wonder … ”
Jonathan sternly demanded, “Wonder what?”
“Maybe we’re driving the girl nuts! All this hovering, growing up like a museum piece. Hiring actors to party on the yacht — ”
“That was a good way to make sure I knew who those people were,” Margaret said. “Beside
s, it was Jonathan’s idea.”
“What does Jonathan know about having friends,” Danny asked, “he’s only got subordinates. You too, Mom. Even I just go from girl to girl, but at least I got my gang of four, hangin’ out by the beach, sweet buds, and cool waves. But … more and more, I think Amy’s right. We’re like some weird coven of rich witches, y’know? Amy does need to get out more, we all do. And talk about needing to get laid, Mom, you gotta climb outta that chastity belt and get yourself laid — ”
Jonathan’s fist came fast and hard, disorienting, Danny’s words punctuated by his own grunt as he rolled out of the chair. The hardwood floor rose up to meet him, a hard thunk against the side of his head. Before he realized, he was looking up at Jonathan, shaking his pounding head and holding his throbbing jaw.
All Danny could think to say was, “What the fuck, man?”
“You watch your mouth,” Jonathan said, pointing an angry finger at his fallen brother, “I’ll knock every last tooth out of your head.”
Danny pushed himself to his feet, shaking his head, but he didn’t have a chance to speak.
“Boys, stop,” Margaret said. “We’ve got a real problem here.”
“Damn right we do,” Danny said, glaring at Jonathan.
“Amy, boys, we have to think about Amy.” After a tense pause, Margaret added, “Go see her friend, Isla. Found out what’s really going on here. She’s no dummy, and if she’s got some secret, she’ll try to keep it and she’ll know you want it. So be smart about it, boys. Now get moving.”
Isla shook her head, Danny and Jonathan following her across her condo living room. “Of course she was depressed,” Isla said, “she hates how you two are always shadowing her, keeping her locked up in the compound. She’s a grown woman, why don’t you let her live her life?”
Jonathan snapped, “The way you live yours?”
Isla spat out a contemptuous huff. “I work for one of the rising stars of the fashion world, not suckling at my mommy’s corporate teat.”
“I could buy and sell you a hundred times over,” Jonathan rebuked.
“Hey, hey,” Danny said, holding his hands out to calm them. “Let’s all take it easy. Isla, we’re just worried about Amy, okay?”
“Why? She’s walkin’ on air these days.”
“That’s why,” Jonathan said. “What are you two doing together?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Isla questioned him.
“Are you lovers, is that it? Did you finally make it into her pants after all these years? Maybe you’re having orgies in this dump, who knows? But you better come clean about it one way or the other.”
“Or what?” Isla stepped closer towards Jonathan.
The two were nearing to a physical clash. Danny forced himself between them, flattened hands separating them from one another. “Really, c’mon you two. We’ve had enough fighting today, right?” Danny turned to Isla. “My brother’s all fucked up about this, I think we got off on the wrong foot. We’re glad that she’s happy, Isla, we’re grateful to you as her friend for helping out.”
Isla’s anger softened, but in very gradual increments.
Danny went on, “We want to thank you, that’s why we came, and maybe get just a little insight, y’know? I mean, what did you say to her? How did you cheer her up? If you tell us, we can do the same thing at home and things’ll be good all around.”
Isla glared at Danny, then at Jonathan, who only offered an agreeable nod, eyebrows high on his forehead. Her skepticism melted away a little more, enough to thaw her frozen tongue.
“If I told her anything at all, it was that even though she has a right to live her own life, and she does, that basically rebellion was no real reason to do anything.”
Danny and Jonathan shared a glance, but it was Jonathan who repeated, “Rebellion? How was she rebelling?”
“Well, you know, with all the moping around. So now maybe she’s just, y’know, going with the flow.”
“Makes sense to me,” Danny said. “That’s my whole scene right there.”
Jonathan said to Danny, “The only reason you don’t rebel is that you’re too lazy and you don’t give a shit about anything enough to stand up for it.”
“I care about our sister, more than just my own sense of authority.”
“Knock that shit off,” Jonathan barked at him, “I love Amy as much as you do. I love her enough not to have to feel like I have to be her friend. She doesn’t need a friend, she needs guidance, a strong, positive male role model!”
Isla said, “And you think that’s you? When are you gonna get married?”
“When I meet a woman that’s up to my standard.”
Isla shook her head. “You’ve already found her, and married her; your mother.” Jonathan lurched just a bit, but he held himself back, lips tight over his teeth. And Isla realized her own advantage and was happy to exploit it. “You gonna hit me too? Give me a shiner to match your brother’s?”
Danny hadn’t realized, but his throbbing face has swollen beneath his investigating fingertips.
Isla just shook her head. “You two have got a lot of self-examination to do on your own, I’d say. Why not leave Amy alone and get your own heads on straight?” Isla crossed to the front door and opened it, offering them the best smile she could fake. “Thanks for stopping by.”
Margaret turned from gazing out the window and glared at her sons. “Nothing about finding happiness from within, choosing to be happy, none of that?”
Danny shook his head. “No, but what she did say made some sense, I gotta say.”
“What you gotta say is nothin’,” Jonathan said.
Margaret nodded. “What matters is that their stories don’t match. That means they’re both lying to us.”
“You think they’ve hooked up,” Jonathan asked, “that Amy’s … y’know, one of them?”
“If she is,” Danny had to shrug, “it’s probably our fault. No wonder she turned queer.”
“We don’t know if that’s the case at all,” Margaret said. “I think it’s more likely she and that friend of hers are meeting up with men, men we don’t know.”
“I told you,” Jonathan said to Danny, pointing an accusatory finger, “they’re having orgies in that shit hole, she and that bitch she hangs out with. I never liked her.”
Danny had to smile. “I think the feeling’s mutual.”
“Good.”
Margaret held out her hands. “Stop, you two! I think you’ve done all the good you can, not to mention all the damage I can imagine and all the bickering I can tolerate.” She picked up the phone on her desk, shaking her head as she fiddled through her Rolodex.
Jonathan said, “A Rolodex, Mom?”
“It’s a phone number I almost never use,” Margaret said, finding the card and punching the buttons.
Danny asked, “Who are you calling?”
“Harvey Cox.”
Jonathan glanced at Danny before clarifying with her, “That private investigator?”
Margaret didn’t even bother to answer, raising the phone to her ear and waiting, the phone ringing on the other end of the line.
Chapter 16
Camden
Sitting in the office of Lew Weiss, he lowered his glasses, leaning forward to peer over the rims and down his nose. “Serving you say?”
Camden smiled, raising a hand to his chin. “That’s right, Lew. It’s not what I came to L.A. to do, obviously. Maybe we could talk a little more about that subject.”
“Happy to,” Lew said. “You’ve been taking these auditions?”
“When I can, of course.”
“When you’re not … serving.” With his short, curly black hair, receding far back toward the back of his head, Lew always felt to Camden like a nagging brother, somebody he liked and needed and appreciated but whose company he didn’t always enjoy.
“I stopped by Hamburger Haven a few days ago, hoped to surprise you.”
Uh-oh.
“I
s that right? Well, I was … I haven’t been on shift for a few days. A friend of mine needed the money, I let him take my shift.”
“Did you? Well, that’s very generous of you, Camden, very good-hearted. So, you still work at Hamburger Haven then?”
Camden could sense his agent’s tack, he knew the tone of voice and the truth of what it revealed. Camden could tell that Lew already knew the answer.
“Not anymore. When I say I let him take my shifts, I mean, you know, my last two weeks. Hey, maybe we can get me some acting work and it won’t make any difference?”
Lew stared him down. Camden knew Lew was suspicious about how he was earning a living; everybody was. But he managed to tell a few close friends and dodge the question with everyone else for almost two years. But it was getting harder and harder, and with Lew Weiss, it was becoming damn near impossible.
“I just gotta say, Camden, Hollywood’s a small town — ”
“You’ve been telling me that for five years, Lew.”
“Then why won’t you listen? Word travels fast, that’s all I’m saying. And I know it ain’t easy to make a living in this town, especially these days. Also, I know there are a variety of different ways a guy can get by, unconventional ways, but that doesn’t make any of them a good idea, ya know what I mean?”
Camden had to wonder, Does he know about Longshadows? Is that why he called me in, to let me out of my contract, to cut me loose because he found out about all this? But … how could he have?
Lew looked as if he thought he was on to something, turning his head just so to get a better look at his soon-to-be-former client. “I also know that drugs, well, it’s a different world these days, right? Pot’s legal almost everywhere, so, y’know, if you’re selling a little blow, a few pills, I can see where you might think it’s not such a bad idea. But I gotta tell ya, Camden, it’s the kiss of death in this town.”
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