“I agree with you,” Eleanor said. “I mean, what if you lived on Tawas Beach Road?”
My face lit up. “Henry Winston lives on that road. We should pay him a visit.”
Andrew slowly shook his head. “Why is this so important?”
“Because I want to see them setting up for the movie firsthand.”
“And do what, take a boat to the point?”
“Great idea, Andrew. I knew I could count on you!”
Eleanor and I hurried back out the door before Andrew could stop us. He watched us leave from the porch with a sad shake of his head. I always appreciated his advice, even if I seldom followed it. I knew he was here if I ever needed him, and it’s always good to have an attorney on retainer.
“Do you really think Peterson will let us on Tawas Beach Road?”
“He’ll have to, otherwise how will we ever get to Henry’s house.”
“So we’re only going to Henry’s house?”
“Unless I find a different way to make it to the point. But I think by boat would be much better.”
“There isn’t a dock on the point,” Eleanor reminded me.
“I know, but at least we might be able to see a real Hollywood set being ... well set up.”
“You do know there are plenty of spots we won’t be able to see from Lake Huron. You can’t even see the state park from that vantage point.”
“Are you trying to be a downer?”
“No I was just reminding you is all.”
Eleanor settled down in the seat and soon I waved at Peterson as I attempted to drive up Tawas Beach Road. Suddenly a deputy’s car blocked my path.
Peterson climbed out of his car and sighed at me when he reached our car.
“What do you think you’re doing? I just told you —.”
“We’re going to Henry Winston’s beach house, if you need to know—which is totally not your business.”
“Fine, I’ll give you a police escort.”
I rolled past once the obstacle was removed, and indeed, two deputy cars tailed us.
“We must be more predictable than we thought.”
“We are predictable. And I’m not surprised that we’ve been given a police escort. I just hope Henry won’t mind us unexpectedly showing up.”
“He’s well aware of who we are. This isn’t the first time we’ve been to his beach house.”
I passed house after house, each more amazing than the one before as only the elite owned and resided in this area. Known as the sunrise side of Tawas, this was the most coveted real estate in town.
I pulled into Henry’s driveway and caught Tony carrying groceries. He turned to look at us when we joined him. “Can we help you with the bags?” I asked.
Tony frowned. “I hardly think I should expect you to help me.”
“That’s not an old reference I hope,” Eleanor gushed as she batted her eyelashes at him.
“I know better than to do that.” Tony glanced over at the deputy’s car. “Are you two in trouble or do you get a police escort everywhere you go?”
“That’s funny,” I said. “Could we have a few minutes of your time?”
“Of course. Where are my manners? Please come inside.”
Tony opened the door for us just as Henry moved into the living room. “What a surprise!” Henry exclaimed.
“I hope we’re not intruding, but we have something to speak to you about.”
Eleanor smiled. “Can we borrow your boat?”
“Please take a seat.”
We sat on the white sofa and I sighed as I gazed at Lake Huron from the large windows. “This is heavenly,” I said.
“Or a slice of it,” Henry agreed. “I often write on my laptop out here.”
“I’ll join you in a few minutes,” Tony called out as he headed into the kitchen with the groceries.
“So what’s this about the boat?”
“Well, you know about the movie being shot here in town. It appears that they’re setting up at the point.”
“That’s great, but I don’t understand how this involves my boat.”
“We’re not allowed to go there,” Eleanor said. “Peterson stopped us.”
“And we have to know what’s going on.”
“I’m certain you’ll know just how boring a movie set will be very soon.”
“So you’ve been on one before?” Eleanor inquired.
“A friend of mine was having his book turned into a movie. He should have gotten a better lawyer because he wasn’t given many rights. He wasn’t even allowed to write the screenplay.”
“That was a huge blow to him, I’d imagine.”
“You could say that, but I hope you ladies know there isn’t a boat launch at the point. And I hardly think you could swim to shore if you jumped off the boat.” He laughed.
“Please don’t tempt Agnes,” Eleanor said. “I think she’s at the point where she’d do just about anything to see what’s happening.”
“I suppose I could take you for a boat ride if you’d like and swing by the point. But don’t get your hopes up that you’ll see much of anything from that vantage point.”
“Thank you, Henry,” I gushed. “I’ve had a hard time thinking about anything else.”
“I can’t say I blame you. I’m looking forward to finding out who will play the two of you. Do you have any idea yet?”
“No, unfortunately, but we did learn that there’s a female director.”
“But we don’t know her name yet. We’re so looking forward to meeting her.”
“What did I miss?” Tony asked as he joined them in the living room.
“We’re going to take the speedboat out,” Henry said.
Eleanor’s eyes widened to saucers. “Speedboat?”
“Don’t you have a boat a little slower?” I fretted.
“Sorry, that’s all I have at the moment. I promise I’ll go slow.”
“It’s about time someone gets Henry out of the house,” Tony said with a chuckle.
“In Henry’s defense, do I have to remind you he was just at Elsie’s house for a party?”
“Only because I was cooking,” Tony countered.
“That had nothing to do with it and you know it. My father lives at Elsie’s house at the moment because of renovations.”
When Tony opened his mouth to retort, I said, “Let’s not fight boys. I’d much rather go for a boat ride.”
“I suppose I should go back to the kitchen,” Tony pouted. “I have a roast in the oven.”
“Turn it down. This shouldn’t take that long,” Henry said.
I gritted my teeth until Tony finally agreed, “I’d love that.”
Henry led us to the dock, where a red speedboat was docked. Henry and Tony teamed up and lifted us into the boat and we flopped into the two back seats. The boat had only four seats in total and I was surprised how low the seats sat. I only hoped that we’d be able to see clearly when we rounded the point.
“You ready?” Henry asked and the boat roared to life when we nodded.
I was scared beyond belief. Some of my past experiences in boats weren’t all that pleasurable. I only hoped I’d be able to hang on to my cookies.
I gripped the edges of my seat as Henry propelled the boat across the lake. Water sprayed Eleanor and she smiled when I locked eyes with my friend. I must admit this was more pleasurable than I expected.
Henry soared past the point, which rushed past in a blur. I would have asked Henry to turn back if not for the roar of the engine.
As if he knew my thoughts, Henry turned back and slowed the boat to an idle so I could see the activity at the point. Nobody was cooling themselves in the lake and I didn’t see even one camper. I wonder if they’d closed the state park, although that didn’t seem right. But how else would they be able to control the security of the set? From this vantage point we weren’t able to see much of anything other than the tall beach grass.
“We should have taken a helicopter instead,�
� I shouted over to Eleanor now that the engine wasn’t all that loud.
“Somehow I don’t see that happening.” Eleanor laughed.
“I’ll take a turn around the other side,” Henry offered, but I’m not sure how close I’ll be able to get. I don’t want to hit a sandbar.”
“I don’t want you to either,” I replied.
Henry slowly drove the boat to the other side, and although I was able to see semi trucks parked forty feet from shore that was all that was visible. I was so disappointed, but I had to resign myself to the fact that I wouldn’t be able to see the set until I was given permission, which I hoped would happen soon.
“Take us out for a good ride, Henry,” Tony exclaimed.
“Are you sure you’re not feeling seasick?”
“Not at all. Open it up.”
“I promised I’d take it easy on the ladies.”
“Go ahead,” I encouraged him.
I had no idea what I was saying as Henry opened up the throttle and the boat thumped across the lake. Every time the boat smacked back down, my stomach swirled. I wanted off this ride and Henry soon slowed and steered back to his dock. Tony didn’t need to help us, as both Eleanor and I clambered on the dock and collapsed.
I stared up as clouds floated across the sky.
“I’m sorry, ladies,” Henry quickly apologized. “I should have known to take it easier on you.”
“You did for the most part,” I finally said as I pushed myself into a sitting position. “My stomach is the one protesting.”
Once Eleanor and I were back on our feet we walked back up the long planked walkway until we parted ways with the men.
When I pulled out the deputy car was no longer parked there. “Obviously Peterson had something more important for the deputies to do.”
“Unless someone found a body,” Eleanor joked.
“Bite your tongue.”
“I was only joking. It would be pretty dumb to do anything with so many extra people in town.”
I nodded. “It would be hard to solve a crime with a movie being made in town.”
“See? I’m not the only one thinking about a crime spree while the movie is being made.”
“We both need to stop talking about this. It’s an omen that something bad will happen soon.”
The parking lot of the Tawas Bay Beach Resort was packed. “I bet the crew is staying there.”
“The crew is most likely helping to set up.”
“I wonder why they didn’t hire anyone from town to help.” Eleanor asked.
“It might be a union thing.”
“I suppose, but shouldn’t we at least see if anyone interesting is at the beach resort? I bet the director is staying there. He ... I mean she wouldn’t be on the set while it’s being constructed.”
“Let’s nose around and find out. They can’t possibly close down the restaurant.”
“Or so we better hope,” Eleanor replied.
“You know, if I was from out of town I’d go to Barnacle Bill’s,” I said.
“You’re right, but the beach resort might be easier if they’re staying there.”
I made the turn and parked off Newman Street. There were no parallel parking spots to be seen, so I pulled into the crowded back lot and snagged a spot.
A horn blasted when we hopped out of the car.
“I was waiting for that spot,” an old man said with a shake of his fist.
“Well, we beat you to it,” Eleanor sassed.
I hooked Eleanor’s arm and pulled her from the parking lot. We squeezed into Barnacle Bill’s.
“We don’t have any tables,” the hostess informed us.
“I can see that, but I believe friends of ours are saving a table for us.”
“Go ahead and take a look around. You fit the description of the sleuths that are inspiring the movie that will be shot in town.”
“In what way?” I asked.
“Your photos are in the paper.”
Eleanor puffed up her chest. “Did you hear that, Agnes? We’re famous.”
I smiled at the blonde hostess with the too-tight T-shirt. “What is your name, dear?”
She flashed her over-whitened teeth as she smiled widely. “Bobbie.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Bobbie. I hope you’ve been told you’ll see us a lot around here,” I said.
“As if she hasn’t figured that one out already,” Eleanor said.
Chapter Five
I led the way into the bathroom where I could freshen up. I splashed cool water on my face and pushed back the few stray strands of hair that worked loose from my do.
Eleanor was smearing on red lipstick when two women meandered into the bathroom.
My mouth gaped, but I was too shocked to utter a word. I pushed Eleanor through the door. “D-did you see who walked into the bathroom?”
“It wasn’t Betty White or Susan Sarandon.”
“I thought we already established that Susan Sarandon was too young to play me.”
“Jane Fonda would be a better fit, don’t you think?”
“She’s a little busy with that Frankie and Grace show, don’t you think?”
“True. And she doesn’t look a bit like you.”
“It was Eileen Foster and Hannah Paris,” I gushed.
“I wish I had been paying attention. But why would theater actresses be in town? Wasn’t Eileen Emma Thomas’s understudy?”
“No. Eileen is much older, which makes her the perfect age to play one of us.”
“Eileen is what?” a copper-headed buxom woman said as she waltzed from the bathroom with a notable frown.
“Please try to be cordial,” her companion said as she smoothed her salt-and-pepper hair with a careful pat.
“I didn’t mean anything by that,” Eleanor quickly apologized. “It’s just that I can’t believe we actually saw Eileen Foster and Hannah Paris in the bathroom of all places.”
“Believe it or not, we need to use the bathroom on occasion,” Eileen chuckled.
“She laughs just like you, Eleanor,” I was quick to point out, “although the hair color is way off.”
“So you’re the sleuths we’re portraying,” Hannah said. “I even have the same hair color as Agnes.”
“Of course you do, Hannah. You went out and had your hair dyed just yesterday for the part.”
“I do believe in throwing myself into a role. But we can speak about that at our table. I insist that both of you join us so we can have a nice chat.”
I don’t think my feet even touched the floor as we made our way to the table. Hannah had received several Tony Awards for her many roles on Broadway.
Once we were seated, a server approached with two soft drinks and set them down in front of Eleanor and me. “Thanks,” I said to the server. “When did you start working here, Sally?”
“When Fuzzy’s ice cream shop was temporally closed. It’s going to be one of the scenes in the movie, I was told.”
“What happened at Fuzzy’s?” Eileen asked. “I don’t recall that being in the script.”
“I had no idea that the script was completed,” Eleanor said.
“We received it just this morning.”
“I’d love to take a peek,” I said.
“I’d love to show you, but I’m afraid it’s confidential. It’s bad enough movies are hacked these days.”
“That’s fine. We’ll get our copy from Brax and Austin.”
“I’m shocked Roman is taking a chance on them,” Hannah said. “It could make or break the movie—and their careers.”
“Now that’s what you call pressure,” I said. “Is it true the director’s a woman?”
“Roman didn’t explain that when he signed us,” Eileen said.
“What does it matter,” Hannah asked. “We’ll be paid all the same. I’m actually hoping this movie will be a starting point for us older actresses. We could be the next Jessica Fletcher.”
“Have you ever met Jessica?” Eleanor ask
ed as she leaned over the table.
“I’ve always wanted to meet her, but somehow it never happened,” Hannah sighed wistfully. “I must admit I rather admire her success.”
“It’s our turn though, dear,” Eileen said with a smile. “We’ll make this a fabulous movie. Can you give us any tips about how to portray the both of you?”
Eleanor puffed out her chest. “Well, I’m on the boisterous side and Agnes feels the need to reel me in at times.”
“Eleanor here has a habit of interrupting me when I’m questioning a suspect.”
“Excuse me, but if you recall, I only interrupt you when you get off track.” Eleanor nodded curtly. “Agnes treats me like a sidekick, and it really bugs me.”
I narrowed my eyes. “I don’t appreciate you making me look bad here. Eileen and Hannah certainly won’t have a good opinion about either of us.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Eileen began, “It’s giving me such inspiration. I’m the fun one and Hannah will be the stick in the mud.”
I balled my fists and sighed heavily. “I wouldn’t call myself a stick in the mud exactly. I just happen to be the serious one, whereas Eleanor is ... careless.”
“Careless!” Eleanor shouted. “Tell me one thing I do that is even near to careless.”
“Well, you’re driving for one. You’re horrible at it.”
“As if you’re any better. You can’t even parallel park.”
“I can’t either,” Hannah put in. “In New York I pay a drama student to drive me around.”
“Only because she refuses to take the subway or the bus.” Eileen smiled.
“Well, she is a well-known actress,” I said.
“It’s easier to disappear in New York that you’d think,” Hannah said as she rubbed the worn table. “I was mugged a few years back. I’m afraid I haven’t been the same since.”
“How awful,” Eleanor exclaimed with a shudder. “It scares me to even think about living in a large city.”
“Obviously crime happens everywhere, including this small town,” Eileen said. “Otherwise we wouldn’t be filming a movie here.”
“How true you are,” I replied. “Eleanor and I have seen our fair share and have been put into dangerous situations in our pursuits. But we rely on one another to solve crimes.”
Tawas Goes Hollywood Page 4
