Brad Taylor couldn't take his eyes off the beautiful woman across the room. He was intrigued with tall, slim, graceful women like Samantha Degan. He was sorry she wasn't playing the part of herself and the one in his bed during filming. Rochelle was beautiful, it was true, but he liked the subtle beauty he saw in Samantha. He'd noticed the ring she wore on her left hand. It didn't matter to him; he was a married man himself.
Barry Kline hated these parties. He started his career as an actor but found he had a knack for directing. He left acting behind and through luck and determination, he could make a decent living and provide comfortably for his wife, Andie and their two children.
The Kline family lived in an upscale neighborhood in the suburbs of Los Angeles where Andie stayed home with the children, five-year-old, Benjy and two-year-old Chloe. Life was almost perfect until the day Benjy was diagnosed with leukemia. Cancer had taken a toll on the entire family. The little boy was slowly recovering from the disease and the bills were piling up. Barry carried insurance on the family, but his policy did not cover the cost of a catastrophic illness.
They were close to losing their home to foreclosure which is the reason Barry signed a contract to direct the Stonehill movie.
He knew the movie could be a classic someday if only it were in keeping with the original story. He also knew it wouldn't be profitable if it wasn't embellished with sex.
Andie assured her husband they would still be a family if they had to give up their home. Wherever they lived, they would be grateful Benjy survived and would soon be the happy little guy he'd been before the illness. Still, Barry blamed himself for their financial situation. If only he hadn't tried to save a few bucks, the insurance coverage would have been enough, and they wouldn't be in this mess.
He would do his best to make the movie as good as it can be and hoped his reputation as a director wouldn't be irreparably damaged.
Rachel Ross, now known as Rochelle seethed when she looked in Samantha's direction. She remembered the last time she saw Fletch. She knew she'd broken his heart, but what was she to do? Reggie Crenshaw was in love with her and could give her every comfort imaginable. She didn't love him, but he didn't revile her either. It was bad luck when she fell in love with a cop. How could Fletch expect her to live in a little house in Chicago?
Five years ago, she explained Reggie couldn't live forever and once he was gone, they would be together. He could quit his stupid job and they would live in luxury. She was furious Fletch didn't wait for her to be free. Instead, he married that little nobody, Samantha Degan.
Her interest in the biography of Fenwick Stonehill was purely selfish. Rachel heard of Fletch's marriage to the author of the book and that was when she became an actress. Reggie always gave in to her whims and this time was no exception. She counted on Fletch coming to California and sending his wife packing. If this movie was the box office hit, she knew it would be, she'd be an overnight sensation and make loads of money. She and Fletch wouldn't need Reggie's money and wouldn’t have to wait for him to die.
For tonight, she would settle for the young screenwriter. Rachel knew Melvin was looking at her longingly, but he was becoming a bore. She felt the need for someone young in her life and Grant Walker was an easy target.
She sauntered over to where he was standing. Grant had watched her all evening. Jennifer Reed, the girl he left in Iowa was the farthest thing from his mind.
“Look over there, Samantha. Rochelle is headed in for the kill. Poor Grant, he won't know what hit him.”
“I'm tempted to go to his rescue, but I don't think he'd thank me. He can't take his eyes off the woman. I hope he does nothing foolish and ruin it with Jennifer.”
“Megan, do you think we've stayed long enough? I'm beat, we could sneak out that side door without being noticed.”
“I think Brad Taylor would notice,” replied Megan, “he's stared at you all evening. Brad is such a hunk in his movies but seeing him in person, he looks creepy. He's the first movie star I've seen out here and I don't care if I see any others.”
“I agree, Samantha, I think I've had it for the night. I want to go back to our suite, call the guys and go to bed.”
Brad Taylor watched as the women exited the room, Reggie Crenshaw didn't miss their escape either.
“Ivor,” he called to his bodyguard. “Those young women have the right idea, it's time to leave. I think I should save our young writer from Rachel's clutches, go tell her it's time to go. Carry her out to the car before she makes a complete fool of herself.”
Chapter Five
After a good night's sleep, Samantha and Megan woke refreshed. The hotel coffee shop was scheduled to open at six o'clock and they were about to leave their suite when the telephone rang.
“Samantha, it's Barry Kline. Melvin has called the cast and crew together this morning. The meeting will be at Seabrook Shores. I thought you and Megan would like to join us, I can swing by the hotel if you are interested.”
“Thanks for letting us know, Barry. I'm sure Mr. Kessler won't be happy to see us there, but he can't do much about it if we show up.”
“Marvin takes orders from Mr. C and I heard the old guy singing your praises last night after you and Megan left.”
“Oh, oh, I hope Rochelle didn't hear him, she took an instant dislike to me.”
“I've had my share of difficult women, and men, too. I'm not looking forward to working with her. Tell me, Samantha, have you had any acting experience?”
“I know you're teasing Barry and the answer is no. I'm no competition for Ms. Rochelle Rousseau.”
“It's too bad, I think we could have a great movie if we followed your book. I'll be by to pick you up in thirty minutes, will that give you enough time?”
“More than enough, we'll wait in the lobby, and thanks, Barry.”
“Sounds like they were planning to start without us. I wonder where Grant is? I think he abandoned us in favor of Rochelle. The poor guy, he acted like a love-sick puppy at the party last night.”
The telephone in the suite rang again. Megan answered it this time.
Samantha heard her ask who was calling and rolled her eyes. She covered the mouthpiece and whispered: “Creepy Brad wants to talk to you.”
Samantha frowned when Megan handed her the receiver.
“Good morning, Brad, what can I do for you?” Sam grimaced when she realized how indelicate that statement sounded.
“I was hoping to take you to dinner tonight. Melvin has called a meeting at that musty old house on Seabrook Shores but I'm hoping they'll let us return to civilization before eight o'clock.”
“Thanks for the invitation, Brad. Megan and I are still on east coast time, we'll grab a bite here before we call it a night. We will attend the meeting at Seabrook Shores today.”
“Do you ever do anything without Megan? I'd like to get to know you better, Samantha.”
“Brad, I'm flattered,” she lied,” I'm married and very much in love with my husband.”
“So, what’s the harm in adding a little spice to your life? Your husband is back east and my wife no one expects me home tonight. How about it?”
“I'm ending this conversation; Brad and I don't want it repeated.”
Samantha disconnected the call. “Ugh, do I have enough time to take another shower, my skin is crawling?”
“I could hear every word he was saying; I think he was talking through a megaphone. He is a disgusting man.”
“Maybe you were right yesterday, Sam when you thought we should get on the next plane for home. This place is nothing like I thought it would be. I miss Lancashire and I miss Mike.”
“Let's give it some thought today, Barry is picking us up soon. If the day is a disaster, we will be better able to make our decision whether to come or go. I was looking forward to when the guys join us. Maybe we can salvage this trip.”
Samantha noticed worry lines on Barry’s otherwise handsome face when he came to pick Megan and her up. The sleuth in her
wanted to hear his personal story or was she simply being nosy? Samantha knew it was a little of both.
“Tell us about yourself, Barry, I see you are wearing a wedding ring. Do you have children?”
Barry smiled, “Andie and I have two children, Benjy is five and Chloe is two. I suppose every dad says the same thing; however, two kids are the greatest, I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
The sadness in his voice didn’t escape Samantha’s attention.
Barry continued, “Few people know this, Samantha but you are easy to talk to. Benjy was diagnosed with leukemia several months ago. It’s been a struggle for him, but he has been a trooper through all the treatments,” Barry’s voice trembled.
“Oh Barry, that’s horrible, I’m so sorry for you and your family.” Megan expressed her sympathy too.
“He’s doing well, and he’s almost back to his normal, mischievous self. It’s been an experience I never want to go through again.”
Barry drove his car through the winding road to the Seabrook mansion. The sight of the replica of Stonehill Manor took Samantha’s breath away again. Memories of Professor Stonehill and her short-lived stay at Stonehill came back to her. Stonehill Manor was where she first met Detective Joseph Fletcher. The circumstances were less than ideal for a budding romance, but the attraction was there from their first encounter. He was gruff and suspicious of her. Samantha thought he was a nasty man but still, there was an attraction. Who would have guessed that surly, ill-tempered man was her gentle, loving husband of today?
“This place does something to you, doesn’t it Samantha? Barry asked. I can see it in your eyes. Hawthorne Stonehill must have done a good job duplicating the original mansion.”
“It’s unbelievable if it weren’t for the palm trees and the ocean behind the building, I would swear I was looking at Stonehill Manor. It’s a shame the place is vacant most of the time, I don’t understand why Mr. Lambert doesn’t sell it, from what Myra Sims has said, Mr. Lambert is rarely in the states?”
“I question it too,” replied Barry, “I've heard he's a young guy who isn't into lavish parties or a playboy lifestyle, he lives quietly in his London flat and comes to California only when his business requires his attention.”
“This place must cost a fortune in upkeep. The guy must have money to burn,” said Megan.
“Wouldn't that be nice,” said Barry wistfully.
Samantha and Megan glanced at each other both suspecting there was more on Barry's mind than his son's health.
“There you are, Kline,” chided a stern Melvin Kessler. “I see you brought those two with you. We have work to do here and I don't want interference, do you understand?” he was glaring directly at Samantha.
“You have made it clear you don't wish to have my advice on the production of this movie, Mr. Kessler. I must warn you; I will not allow you to denigrate Professor Stonehill's name.”
“I don't see where you have a choice, you signed over the rights to your book and I will do as I please.”
“Let's get started, where's Rochelle? She's late, she'd better not be with that Wagner kid.”
“Or what, Melvin?” hissed Rochelle as she walked through the door, “What business is it of yours who I spend my time with?”
“Hello, sweetheart, bear with me, I'm tired today, I didn't get much sleep last night.” Melvin whispered in her ear, “I missed you, baby, why didn't you call me after the party?”
Rochelle ignored him and instead stared at Samantha, “What's she doing here?”
“I tried to get rid of her, darlin', she insists on being here and I can't throw her out. What has she done to make you dislike her so?”
“Oh, shut up, Melvin, where's Grant? He was supposed to be here this morning. Did you get rid of him instead of her?”
“Grant's making changes in the script. Why are you so interested in him, Rochelle? I thought we had something special together. You know I want to marry you after the old man kicks.”
“Does something special have anything to do with the money I will inherit after poor Reggie passes?” Rochelle said as she walked in the opposite direction.
Melvin tried his best to ignore Rochelle's words. He had a sinking feeling she was becoming disenchanted with him. He couldn't remember a time when a woman ended a relationship, he was always the first to break it off. He was all too willing to marry some of them and allowed them to become pregnant. How stupid he'd been to believe them when they said they'd taken precautions. Well, he made sure that would never happen again. The procedure was a threat to his manhood, but it gave him peace of mind.
Last night when he didn't hear from Rochelle, he was so despondent, he placed a bet online. He couldn't afford to make the bet, but it was a sure thing. He lost the money and now he was worse off than he was before.
Samantha and Megan were fascinated watching Barry direct the cast. He explained it was a run through and many changes would be made during the production. Grant was rewriting Rochelle's part and therefore, they started with the kidnapping.
Brad Taylor played the part of the professor well. Samantha had to admit; he was a good actor although he gave her the creeps. When he was into the part, his focus was on his performance and not on her.
Melinda Sullivan played the part of Victoria Stonehill, now Hill, well too. Samantha thought she resembled closely the photographs of the professor's wife.
Samantha had a difficult time holding back the tears as did Megan.
Melvin approached them and told them if they couldn't control themselves, they could leave.
They were both obstinate enough to stay quiet through the rest of the scene.
Grant appeared with copies of the changes he'd made. Melvin looked it over and nodded his head in approval. Melvin handed the revised script to Barry.
“This won’t work Melvin, it's out of character for the professor. Thanks for the effort, Grant, we will not make the changes.”
“Kline, you have no say. I'm in charge and I say we go with the new script. Melinda, take a break, we'll pick up your scene later. Where's Rochelle, I need her to review the changes?”
Joel Young who was played Detective Fletcher watched the performance.
“Joel, you're in this scene, go stand by the door to the professor's study. Prop guy, strap the letter opener on Brad's back. I want this to see how it looks.”
“Are you directing now, Kessler, if so, you don't need me here.”
“No, Kline, you are the director, I want to make sure you do your job correctly.”
While everyone found their marks, they waited for Rochelle.
Grant sat down next to Samantha. “I'm sorry, Samantha, the new script doesn't resemble your story at all. Kessler had me make drastic changes. You are the murder and hauled off to jail by Fletch's partner. Rochelle is no longer playing the part of you, she turns up as the professor's long-lost daughter, Rachel. The entire show is now all about Rachel and Fletch and their love story.”
Chapter Six
Samantha was stunned when a plain, unattractive actress opened the door to the set resembling the professor's suite. Brad sat at the professor's desk wearing a gray wig, but hardly looked to be in his eighties.
“Good morning, Samantha,” he said to the girl, “I called you here today because I no longer need your services, my long-lost daughter has returned. She will help me with my memoirs. Pack your things and leave immediately.”
The girl shouted that the professor could not treat her like that after what they had meant to each other. Brad calmly said, he never loved her and with that, the actress picked up the letter opener and appeared to stab him in the back.
Rochelle opened the door and screamed murderer. Out of nowhere, Joel Young appeared at the door threw handcuffs on the girl playing Samantha and turned her over to his partner. Fletch held a sobbing Rachel in his arms and vowed to love her forever.
Samantha laughed, “That's ridiculous, who would believe that nonsense? Have you people read t
he story of Professor Stonehill?
“What’s wrong, Samantha, you don’t think Fletch could love anyone but an insipid creature like you?” Rochelle asked angrily.
Samantha shrugged off the insult. “Do you know Fletch?” she asked.
“I know him in every sense of the word. He and I are lovers; you are a fool if you think he will stay with you when I’m free and he can have me all to himself.”
Samantha knew someone had broken his heart before they met. She remembered a conversation with his partner, Robin Wells. She said a woman named Rachel soured him on all women until he met Samantha. Could Rochelle be Rachel? Is that why she seemed to dislike Samantha? “Are you Rachel?” asked Samantha.
“Yes, I’m Rachel, the love of Fletch’s life. I persuaded Grant to get rid of you and he did it without the violent ending I’d planned, but it’s all right with me if you are out of Fletch’s life.”
“No matter how many changes you make to my book, I am still married to Fletch. If he loved you in the past, he doesn’t anymore. I’m his life now.”
Reggie Crenshaw walked into the room after hearing the conversation between Rachel and Samantha.
“Everyone, go home,” he said. “There will be no movie today or any day. Rochelle Rousseau no longer exists. Rachel, Ivor will drive you home. Wait for me there, I have a phone call to make to my attorney and we will meet you in my study. I could live with your many liaisons with other lovers, but I refuse to stay married to a woman who professes her love for another man.”
Murder in Seabrook Shores Page 3
