“You’re the man I will be eternally grateful to.”
“Thank you for that, said Donnelly. “If I’m out in California, and if I called, would you meet me for a drink?”
“Here’s my phone number.” She opened her purse and took out a pad and wrote it down and gave it to him. He picked it up and peered at it. “I hear you movie stars change your phone numbers all the time.” “Give it back to me. This is my agent’s number. He always knows where I am.” She wrote down Clint’s number and gave it back to him. She got up to leave.
“I’ll see you tomorrow at the Grand Jury. Be there at ten,” he said as he put out his hand to take hers. He held it a little too long to be polite. It felt to Dorothy like a seduction.
“Good night,” she said giving him the “please call me look”. She turned and left the barroom. I like this man, she thought, as she went out the front of the hotel to her waiting car. This is the big lawyer I might be needing soon. I think he fell. God, he’s attractive.
Clint and his group flew in on a military plane and landed at Bolling Field across the Potomac from the Pentagon. Clint brought Marty, Tana Williams and Dawn Summers, a new Hollywood starlet, for window dressing. The USO had them booked into the Shoreham Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C.
Clint was excited about being in Washington. He wanted everyone to know that he was on a personal basis with the President. Marty was constantly complaining about everything. He hated Washington. He thought they were all a bunch of phonies. All they wanted was their picture taken with him. They’re worse than Hollywood types. A bunch of publicity hounds. Nothing pleased him. He reminded Clint he was here because of him, not the President. Clint was trying to enjoy himself, but Marty gave him a big pain in the ass.
That night Clint, Tana Williams and Dawn Summers went out on the town. They got invited to a party given by Senator Humphrey from Minnesota, in one of the private rooms at their hotel. When they made their entrance they caused a minor incident. Everyone stared as they came into the room. Clint thought, we must look different to these people.
Senator Humphrey came to be introduced. The girls acted giddy over him. And you could tell he liked tall beautiful ladies. He introduced the girls around to all the eager gentlemen he knew. Clint noticed that Washington was much like Hollywood, especially at parties where behind the scenes press agents worked the room getting their clients interviewed and their pictures taken. Jack Anderson, the Washington columnist, stood with Dawn Summers and asked her what she did in Hollywood. She told him she was starring in a new Andy Warhol movie called “The Specimen of Man”. Vice President Lyndon Johnson had Tana Williams in a conversation. telling her what he was doing to support civil rights. She was impressed with this powerful man.
The girls had given out their numbers to some important men that night. They had fun being with the VIPs and getting their attention.
They couldn’t wait to tell their friends in Hollywood who they had met and couldn’t wait for there visit to the White House tomorrow.
The limousine waited for them downstairs at the Shoreham the next morning.
Marty had called at 7:00 and told Clint he was canceling his appearance at the White House. Clint talked to him for ten minutes trying to convince him that it was all for his benefit, no one else. As much as he might not like the President he couldn’t let down the USO who was giving him the award.
Dorothy called him when he hung up. She was also staying at the Shoreham.
“How’s it going?”
“Awful, I hate this place. I can’t wait to get out of here. I’ve been lucky.
No one knows I’m here. I go before the Grand Jury at ten. I’m as nervous as a cat and my claws are out. I hate what Nathan has done to me.”
“Sometimes that’s the cost of fame. When you get it the way you and I have.”
“Listen smartass, I can do without the lecture. What have you got planned for this evening? I’d rather be with you than Nathan.”
“I’m baby-sitting Marty. He’s been a pain in the ass. I want to have some fun. I’ll mention to the President that you’re in town. Call me at six. By the way, make sure you wear your Virginia Hill hat.”
“I don’t appreciate that crack, you filcher.” She hung up.
They met downstairs at the entrance to the Hotel. Marty had his dark glasses on. Clint knew it was a sure give-away for a terrible mood.
As Marty got into the back of the limousine, he said to Clint, “I’ve been calling the house in LA. She’s not home. She couldn’t wait to get rid of me so she could go off with her lover.”
“You’re at it again. Making up some crazy fantasy about Georgia.”
“Don’t you tell me it’s a fantasy. I know when I am being cheated on,” said Marty, sitting in the back seat solemnly.
The girls arrived with an attitude they could take on the White House. They were dressed in suits that cinched in their waists and pushed up their boobs. They got into the back of the limousine.
“Marty, you should have come with us to the party. We met Senator Humphrey and Vice President Johnson and all these wonderful people.
It was so much fun,” said Tana.
“I would have hated it. They’re all Democrats. I hate Democrats.
The only one I will put up with is my agent. And he’s bad enough.”
Marty looked with displeasure at Clint.
They arrived at the East Gate of the White House. The large black wrought iron gates opened. Clint and the girls were thrilled as they passed under the White House portico and stopped. Everyone remained cool for their entrance, except Marty, who fumed under his breath. The group was escorted into the Cabinet Room, which was taken up by a huge table. The names of the President’s cabinet members sat on individual place stands in front of the chairs.
Clint saw one of the President’s aides whom he recognized. It was Kenny O’Donnell, the appointment secretary. He waved to him as Kenny went into the Oval Office adjacent to the Cabinet Room.
Someone told the gathering to wait, that the President would be with them shortly, and to please sit down. Everyone looked for a important cabinet member chair to sit in. Clint grabbed MacNamara, Secretary of Defense. Marty sat in Dean Rusk’s chair, the Secretary of State. The rest followed suit.
Mr. P.T. Smith, the USO Washington director, entered the room and went to Marty who got up to shake his hand.
“Good to see you again, Mr. Fallon. Thank you for coming to Washington to accept this award. We at the USO are very proud to give you this. Aren’t you lucky to have the President himself present it to you?” He let Marty look; Marty’s name was engraved on the plaque.
“Thank you sir, I’m grateful to be receiving this from you,” said Marty as he sat back down.
The President’s aide, Kenny O’ Donnell, came out of the Oval Office into the Cabinet Room and announced. “Would you go out into the Rose Garden? The President will be there shortly.”
They got up from their chairs and went through the French doors out onto the White House lawn. It was a beautiful day in Washington.
It smelled of springtime, the trees and roses were showing their buds.
The grass was soft under their feet and the girls had trouble with their high heels sinking into the lawn.
The President came out of the White House. He shook a few people’s hands and gave them his good wishes. He looked out over the lawn, saw Marty and came over to him. The photographers followed.
“It’s so good to see you again. Thanks for coming to Washington.
You know I met you years ago. You wouldn’t remember,” he said.
Marty was puzzled.
“Where was that, Mr. President?” he asked.
“Boston. You were in town for a opening of one of your movies. I happened to be in the hotel where you were staying. I had attended a party on the top floor. I rang for the elevator and when it came, you were on it. You must have been about eighteen. You had a great time going up and down in that elevator
. If I remember you had a few that night.”
Marty laughed but was upset that the President had something so personal on him. “You can bet I will remember this time. Thanks so much for having me here. It is very kind and considerate of you, Mr.
President,” said Marty in his most charming manner.
“Next time we meet, call me Jack.” The President moved on to Clint and the girls. He shook Clint’s hand.
“Clint, thank you for coming and bringing all these lovely young ladies with you. Washington always seems better to me when I see pretty ladies.”
“Mr. President, Dorothy Winters is in Washington also, but she couldn’t come today,” said Clint. The President peered at him with interest and moved on to Tana and Dawn.
“Where are you girls staying in town?” he asked. Tana became speechless. Her high heels sank deeper into the soft grass. She couldn’t seem to open her mouth to respond.
Clint came to her rescue.
“The girls are staying at the Shoreham, Mr. President.”
Tana got her voice back and said. “Mr. President, I voted for you. It was my first time.”
The President smiled and said. “See, your vote got me here.”
“Mr. President you’re so funny. It was all of our votes. I’m so happy that it’s you in this place instead of that other man.”
The President smiled and moved on. The girls exchanged looks.
They felt they had the same feeling. They had met the Man.
The President went to a podium that had been set up for this occasion. He started to read a prepared speech about the USO. When he got to the end he said, “We are here today to honor a terrific American, a man who has given so much of his free time to make us all laugh. A man who has helped make the USO what it is today, through entertaining and taking care of our service men and women all over the world.
Ladies and Gentleman, Mr. Marty Fallon.”
The audience clapped and Marty came up to the podium and stood next to the President.
“On behalf of the USO and the American people it is my pleasure to present you with this award, Marty Fallon.”
Marty accepted the award and went to the microphone. “Thank you for this wonderful honor today. It will always be remembered as one of the highlights of my life. Thank you, thank you,” said Marty as he shook the President’s hand and left the podium. He went over to Clint.
“Let’s get the fuck out of here. Are you coming?” he asked as he started to walk off.
“Christ, no. Jackie is waiting for us in the West Wing to show us what she has done to the White House. You can’t leave now. It would be rude. What’s your problem? After what’s just happened, you would think you’d be proud of yourself and take a few bows instead of acting like a jerk,” said Clint “I’m not going back to the hotel by myself. You are coming with me. You can come back after you drop me off.”
“But I’ll miss the tour,” said Clint.
“Jackie will wait for you,” said Marty.
“In a pig’s ass she will,” said Clint pouting. He went over to Tana and Dawn.
“Marty insists that I go back to the hotel with him. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Tell me everything I’ve missed.” The girls were concerned with Clint leaving. As he was about to catch up to Marty, Kenny O’ Donnell, the President aide caught up to him.
“The President would like you, Dorothy Winters and the two girlfriends to come to the White House tonight. We’ll have a car for you outside the hotel at 8:30 PM,” said Kenny.
“Tell the President we’ll be there.” Clint ran off to catch up to Marty, who waited in the White House driveway.
Clint had gone back to the White House after he had dropped Marty off. He had straightened out a reservation in Athens, Greece for him. He had the limousine wait for him and was driven back to the White House. He couldn’t help but feel important as they drove through the East Gate. Some onlookers stood outside the gate checking on who was going in. Clint felt like he was a statesman VIP as the coach pulled up to the White House door to let him out.
The girls stood at the entrance waiting for him.
“The tour was fabulous. You can’t imagine. It’s a shame you missed it,” said Dawn.
“I’m disappointed, but I couldn’t leave Marty. He’s just a big kid,” said Clint.
“The First Lady is so beautiful and she sure has the best taste. She showed us the Lincoln bedroom. I felt so good in that room. I’d like to get screwed in that bed in appreciation for what he did for my people,” said Tana. Everyone laughed.
“Only you could say something like that, Tana. It could just happen.
The President has invited us back to the White House tonight for a little party,” said Clint. Tana let out a scream as she and Dawn gripped each other.
“Are you putting us on, Clint? asked Dawn?
“Why girls, why would I do that?” said Clint smiling.
“Just to be BAD,” said Tana. Clint opened the limousine door and they got in and drove off through the White House gate. Clint waved to the gawkers at the entrance.
“We’ll be back,” he said, as they drove off down Pennsylvania Avenue.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
At ten o’clock Dorothy, Nathan and Morry gathered outside in the corridor of the Justice building. Dorothy dressed in a conservative suit with very little jewelry. She had gotten mad at Clint when he asked her if she was going to wear her Virginia Hill hat, a tasteless joke, she thought. Nathan and Morry had a battery of lawyers with them, but Matt Donnelly handled the Grand Jury. Morry Marsh was called in first to testify. Nathan and Dorothy sat in the corridor not saying too much to each other. A few people recognized Dorothy when they walked by.
Dorothy tried to hide her identity. She had put on large sunglasses to hide her face, but that brought as much attention to her as without them.
“You look as if you shouldn’t be here,” said Nathan. “I told you not to worry. They’ve got no case. This will be over in no time. We’ll be out of here and never be back,” he said as he put his hand on her knee and patted it. “Donnelly said Bobby Kennedy is behind this. When I think of what I did to get his brother elected President and now they turn on us. That’s gratitude for ya.”
The door opened from the hearing room and Morry walked out.
“They’re just fishing. They’ve got nothing on us. It’s just some fucking harassment,” said Morry, wiping his brow.
Matt Donnelly approached Nathan. “You’re next.” Nathan got up and went into the courtroom.
“What kind of questions did they ask you?” asked Dorothy.
“They didn’t get any answers,” said Morry.
“Why not?”
“Because I took the fifth, that’s why. Don’t worry. You could be a murderess, and they’d forget who you are in six weeks. Everyone in this country has a short memory,” said Morry “But I’m a celebrity. Look what happened to Ingrid Bergman. She had a baby out of wedlock and the public has never forgave her.”
“Nah, forget it. That’s different.”
Morry glanced around. “Where’s a phone? I got to find a phone.”
Dorothy pointed to a phone on the wall in the corridor. “I’ll be back,” said Morry as he moved to the telephone.
Dorothy sat in deep thought. The only person that knew she was in Washington was Clint. She wanted no one to know, especially the studio and Johannes.
The door from the Grand Jury room opened and Nathan came out acting relieved.
“Did you take the fifth?” she asked.
“Yeah,” he said.
“Should I, Mr. Donnelly, I mean Matt? I don’t want to.”
“Why not?” asked Nathan.
“Because I don’t feel right about it. That’s why.”
“For Christ sake, honey. It’s there for your protection,” said Nathan annoyed.
“What do you think, Matt?” she asked.
“If you feel you don’t have to, don’t,” he said. “They’re wai
ting for you.” Dorothy got up from her chair and Matt Donnelly escorted her to the door of the Grand Jury Room.
“Tell them what you know. They’ll believe you,” he said as she walked into a walnut-paneled room. An enormous table took up the room behind which sat twenty people, males and females from all walks of life. All were white except for one black woman. Most of them recognized her as Dorothy Winters, the movie star. Some smiled at her, which she felt pleased about. It took the tension away for a moment. She sat in the chair and faced the Grand Jury.
A clerk came.
“Would you please state your full name and the address where you reside.”
“Dorothy Winters, l229 Dawn Ridge Drive, Beverly Hills, California.”
“Raise your right hand for the oath. Do you Dorothy Winters solemnly swear that you … according to the best of your understanding.
So help you God.”
“I do,” said Dorothy. A tall, thin young man wearing a dark suit and horn-rimmed glasses got up from a desk in front of the Grand Jury. He came to the witness stand and introduced himself as Larry Simon, a government attorney. He peered at Dorothy closely.
“Miss Winters, you are an officer of Marsh International Gaming?”
“Yes, I am.”
“What is your corporate position?”
“I’m the corporate secretary.”
“What does that entail?”
“I attend all board meetings. I’m responsible for the corporate minutes.”
“What exactly does Marsh International Gaming do?” he asked.
“Marsh International Gaming is a corporation that buys hotels and casinos in Nevada and runs them,” she answered.
“Runs them for whom?” he asked.
“For the corporation, the stockholders.”
“Whom did Marsh International buy these hotels and casinos from?
Was it from known mobsters and professional gamblers?” he asked.
“I never knew from whom the hotels were purchased.”
“I’ll change the question. Did you know any of the sellers personally?”
“No, I did not.”
Confessions of a Hollywood Agent Page 17
