by Tripp Ellis
Jack shrugged. "Time doesn't exist in this place, my friend."
"I take it you haven't heard?"
"Heard what?"
"About the dead celebrity in the pool last night."
"What!?" Jack's brow lifted, and his eyes widened with surprise.
"Come on," I mumbled with a mouthful. "We'll exchange stories on the road."
17
We cruised down Sunset Boulevard in the cushy limousine. Jack's eyes were glued to his phone as he read through the gossip blogs. "That's crazy! How did I miss that?"
I gave him a look.
"Okay, so, maybe I was a little preoccupied."
Jack proceeded to give me the details of his sordid evening with the gorgeous Czech model. From what he told me, it sounded like he had an adventure worthy of the legendary hotel.
We cruised over the hill, into the valley, and rolled onto the studio lot. The security guard waved us through. The driver, different from last night, hopped out and got the door.
Jack adjusted his suit jacket before we walked into the executive offices. We made our way to Susan's office and took a seat in the waiting area after speaking with the receptionist. She let Susan know we were here and offered us a bottle of water, which we both accepted.
"She's running a little behind this morning, Mr. Wild," the receptionist said. "I hope you don't mind."
"No problem."
She was a pretty girl. Raven black hair, cut in a shoulder-length bob, with short bangs.
David Cameron rushed in a moment later.
"Good morning, Mr. Cameron. She'll be right with you." The assistant offered him a beverage, and he took a seat in the chair next to the sofa.
He leaned over and introduced himself, when no introduction was needed. He was one of the biggest directors in the world.
We shook hands, and he recognized my name. "You're Tyson Wild. Great to meet you!"
David was in his mid-30s, had brown hair, a well-trimmed goatee, and he wore a T-shirt and beige cargo pants with lots of pockets. "I'm so glad you're here. I want to talk to you about a few things."
The doors to Susan's office opened, and her previous appointment, a man in a gray suit, strolled out with Susan. He smiled and shook her hand. Then he left the waiting area.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Susan said. "Come on in. I see you two have already met."
We nodded, and I re-introduced Susan to JD. "You met Jack in Monaco."
"How could I forget?"
They shook hands and Susan surveyed JD. "I bet people confuse you for—"
"All the time," JD said, finishing her sentence.
Susan was a young executive. Early 30s, brunette, brown eyes. No nonsense. She called it like it was and wasn't afraid to make a gutsy move. It was a rare quality in a town where one mistake, one flop, would cost you your job.
We stepped into Susan's office and took a seat at the opposing couches. There was a coffee table in the middle.
It reminded me of the Oval Office. This is where all the deals went down. Where careers were made.
There was a large flatscreen display on the wall where Susan could pull up anything from the studio archives including trailers, clips, and other promotional materials.
"So, first order of business," Susan said. "Have you read the new draft of the script?"
I nodded. "It's great."
I didn't know what made a good script or a bad script, but I enjoyed reading it. It was technically accurate, and it portrayed Bree in a flattering light. "I think it will do honor to her memory."
Susan smiled. "Fantastic. That's exactly what I wanted to hear. I don't know if you and David had a chance to discuss much, but he has recently signed on to the project."
I lifted an impressed brow. "That's great. The project is in excellent hands."
Susan leaned in. "David has put forth a very intriguing idea. It's risky. But it's bold. And I like bold."
David smiled.
Susan continued, speaking directly to me. "We gave you an unprecedented amount of control with this project."
"I'm aware, and I appreciate that."
"It's not often we give newbies input on casting, final cut, and script approval. But the studio believes in this project, and I believe in you. And so far, aside from a little turbulence, I think we have a good working relationship. I think we've left the past in the past. I know I have."
"Indeed."
In Hollywood, nobody ever liked to burn a bridge. Even though the studio had dropped the project and hit me with a breach of contract suit for $4 million, all had been resolved, and we were back in business. That little turbulent bump was easily forgotten. There's only one thing that matters in Hollywood and that is money. And the studio saw money in this project.
"David, why don't you tell him your plan," Susan said.
"I want to put Ultra Mega 2 on hold. We've already started casting, and we are supposed to go into production next month, but I want to flip the order of things. I want to do the Bree Taylor project first."
"That's great," I said. "The sooner it goes into production, the better."
"I think I can build a synergy between the two projects. As you know, Bree Taylor was the lead in the Ultra Mega franchise. We've been scouring Hollywood, looking for a replacement, but I haven't found anyone that can match her energy. That is until now."
His eyes glimmered with excitement.
"I recently met a delightful young actress," David continued. "She is a fresh face. Not a lot of experience. But she doesn't bring any baggage to the role. It's my belief, and Susan agrees, that she could step into the role of Bree Taylor in the project. Then we can use that audience identification to cast her in Bree's role in Ultra Mega 2. It's a big risk. But if it pays off, we have a new star, and the franchise continues."
"It's brilliant," Susan added.
"That sounds interesting," I said. "Who's the actress?"
18
"Scarlett Nicole," Susan said.
My brow lifted with surprise. That was Scarlett's stage name.
I put a subtle elbow into Jack's ribs. A prideful grin tugged his lips.
I smiled. "I think that's a great choice. Scarlett is Jack's daughter. Small world."
"Really?" Susan said, surprised. "You have a very talented girl. I think she's going to go far in this town."
A prideful grin curled on Jack's face. "She comes from good stock."
"So, it's settled," Susan said. "You have no problem with that casting choice, I'm sure."
"I think she will capture Bree's essence perfectly," I said.
"Excellent. We'll have the paperwork sent over to her agent and get her under contract." Susan exchanged a glance with David. "On to order of business number two. As you know, David is a master of action. I talked to him about the TV series we've been kicking around, and he has expressed an interest to produce."
"I won't have time to actually direct any of the episodes, but I'd like to oversee the project, pick the directors, set it off in a good direction. I like what Susan has told me. And the rumors going around town are endless. Maybe you can actually tell me what happened at the Chloe-C concert?"
JD and I exchanged a glance.
"Well, a lot of that is classified," I said, building intrigue.
I gave them the short version of the story and discussed a number of other cases we had worked on. We talked about an overall direction for the story arc of the first season.
JD chimed in with colorful anecdotes that had the room laughing.
By the end of the meeting, I felt like they were sold on the project. But I knew better than to count on anything until the check had cleared the bank.
We shook hands, and Susan said she would be in touch.
JD was on cloud nine as we strolled out of the office. He had a grin from ear to ear, and he strutted down the hallway with his chest puffed up. The limousine picked us up at the curb, and we cruised to Scarlett's apartment. The driver waited for us in the parking lot as w
e climbed the steps and banged on her door.
Scarlett screeched with joy when she pulled open the door. She threw her arms around JD's neck and gave him a big hug. Then she hugged me.
JD had a mischievous grin in his eyes. He exchanged a glance with me and asked, "Should we tell her?"
Scarlett's curious eyes flicked between the two of us. "Tell me what?"
I let Jack dispense the good news.
"You didn't get the small part, because you got the big part," JD said.
She crinkled her face, looking confused. "What are you talking about?"
Jack told her about our meeting.
"Shut up! No way." Her jaw was on the floor.
"I'm telling you like it is," JD said.
"Are you messing with me?"
Jack raised his hands innocently. "No. I swear."
I confirmed it was true, and Scarlett screamed again. She jumped up and down and gave JD another hug. "Oh, my God! This is so amazing!"
"Now you can start paying your own rent," JD said.
Scarlett smacked him playfully.
"And I want my percentage," JD added.
"You'll get it."
"Congratulations," I said. "Joel should be calling you shortly."
She looked dazed. "I can't believe this is really happening. We have to go somewhere to celebrate."
"We need to get back to Coconut Key. We're in the middle of a case," JD said.
"I'm buying," Scarlett said, trying to persuade him.
"You mean, I'm buying, and you're paying me back?"
"Well, yes, if you want to get technical about it," Scarlett said.
"Don't let this whole thing go to your head," Jack cautioned.
"It hasn't happened yet," she said.
Jack looked at his watch. "Well, let's go if we're going."
"Hold on. I need to put something cute on. If I'm going to be a celebrity soon, I can't go out in public looking like this."
Jack rolled his eyes as she disappeared into her bedroom to change.
Scarlett emerged a few minutes later wearing a cute top and a skirt that was probably shorter than Jack would have liked.
The limo driver took us to Très Bien, a Nouveau French restaurant in the Valley. It wasn't far from the studio, and celebrity sightings were common. You could get modern versions of traditional French dishes, and even New American cuisine with a twist. The $25 bacon double cheeseburger with bordelais sauce, foie gras, and caramelized onions was to die for. The deliciously creamy egg omelette with Boursin pepper cheese and chives was a staple of the lunchtime crowd. And the croque monsieur with ham and swiss was better than any you would find at a Parisian sidewalk café.
We devoured the meal, and Scarlett never stopped grinning. She was a budding starlet basking in the glow of possibilities. I was happy for her, and these moments didn't come along often, especially for new actresses.
We were halfway through the meal when Daniels called. "I need you to get over to 2202 Bluefin Drive."
I hadn't bothered to tell him I had left town. "What's going on?"
"Another real estate agent was attacked. Eliza Blake."
"Is she okay?"
"She's fine. A little frazzled. But I don't think her attacker is in good shape."
My brow knitted together, my curiosity piqued.
"She shot the bastard," Daniels said with glee.
My brow lifted, and my eyes widened.
JD looked at me with curiosity.
Daniels continued, "She kept a compact 9mm in her purse. When the scumbag pulled a gun on her, she pretended like she was getting cash from her purse and shot the perp through the bag."
"Did she kill him?"
"No. But he bled like a stuck pig. There's a trail of blood all through the house. He took off running. I've got a BOLO out for the suspect, but we don't have much to go on. He was wearing a ski mask, so she says. She's at the property now. Deputies Erickson and Faulkner are there."
"It's going to take us a few hours to get there," I said.
"And why is that? Are you two numb-nuts having a party on that overgrown float toy of yours?"
I broke the news to him that we were in Los Angeles.
He grumbled to himself. "How about you give me a heads up next time you leave town?"
"Sorry, boss. Last minute affair. We're about to hop on a plane now."
"Maybe I should give this case to Faulkner and Erickson? They actually show up for work."
Daniels hung up, and I slipped the phone back into my pocket.
I caught JD up to speed.
Scarlett frowned. "Aw, you guys can't go so soon!"
"Sorry, hon. Duty calls," JD said.
He flagged the waitress down, paid the tab, and the limo driver took us to the airport. We had already packed and checked out of the Château before we went to the studio.
Scarlett had tears in her eyes as Jack hugged her goodbye. "This is the beginning of many great things to come for you. I know it."
"Thanks, Dad. For everything." It was one of those rare moments when Scarlett actually called JD Dad. It was always touching to see.
Scarlett gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek, and we strolled through the FBO before the waterworks grew too intense.
Joel called just as we were boarding the plane. "Well, I don't know what you said in that meeting, but you outdid yourself this time."
"Is that good or bad?" I asked.
19
"It's good," Joel said. "David Cameron thought you guys were great. He wants to commit to producing the TV series. Susan wants to order a pilot episode. If it tests well, you guys are in business."
"That sounds great! How long will all this take to get in motion?"
"You know the drill. Things can happen fast, or they can happen slow. At some point, David wants to get together with you and hammer out an outline for the first several episodes and establish the basic series arc."
"Can you get me the same kind of deal you got last time?"
Joel scoffed. "Please, I can do better than that. You are an established commodity now."
"I haven't written a thing."
"Doesn't matter. This is a town where concept is king."
"I want casting approval, and when the series goes into production, it needs to be filmed in Coconut Key."
"That's a big ask," Joel said.
"The worst they can do is say no. I don't want to spend half my time flying between the coasts. I have a real life, remember?"
"You're going to be a show-runner for a successful TV series."
"No, I'm going to remain a deputy sheriff who moonlights in the entertainment industry."
"When I get you that big payday, you might change your mind."
"Speaking of, what kind of advance can you get out of them?"
"You know David. He likes spectacle. The bigger the better. That means there will be car chases, shootouts, explosions, helicopters, exotic locations, expensive boats, and gorgeous models. None of that comes cheap. The budget for the entire first season will probably be around a hundred."
"Million?" I asked, stunned.
"Yes, million. That's nothing for the studio. We're probably talking about 10 to 12 episodes per season. $10 million each," Joel said. "I know you're in a bit of a spot right now and you need fast cash. If the deal goes through, I'll see if I can get a front-end payout. I'll keep you posted."
He knew how much money I needed to purchase Diver Down from Madison. Even though the sale was pending, I was hoping the deal would fall through and I could swoop in at the last moment. But I had to be realistic. Even with the pending TV deal, the odds weren't good.
I ended the call and slipped the phone back into my pocket and took a seat.
JD's expectant eyes stared at me. "So?"
I shrugged. "So, we might have a deal."
A grin curled his lips, and he reclined his seat as a flight attendant brought him a cocktail. "Yes, I could definitely get used to this."
Chloe ca
lled as we taxied down the runway. "Hey, I missed you this morning. You snuck out without saying goodbye."
"I didn't want to wake you."
"How did your meeting go?"
"Good. I owe it all to you. It was the suit that closed the deal."
She laughed. "Happy I could help. I had a great time last night. Maybe we can hang out again sometime?"
"I'd like that."
"You've got my number."
"I'll use it."
"You better," Chloe demanded.
"Well, we're about to take off."
"Have a safe trip, and I'll talk to you when I talk to you."
The engines whined as the pilot throttled up. The thrust forced me back against the seat, and the fuselage rattled as we rocketed down the tarmac. The nose lifted, and the plane gently drifted skyward. Hydraulics whirred as the landing gear retracted, and the craft angled toward the clouds.
The plane leveled off as we reached cruising altitude, and the flight attendant sauntered through the cabin, checking on us. We left the surreal dreamscape of La La Land behind and over the course of the next several hours returned to reality.
We landed at the FBO in Coconut Key and taxied to the terminal. When I turned my phone off airplane mode, several texts and voicemails dinged through.
With the time change, the sun had already dipped below the horizon. We stepped off the plane and walked across the tarmac to the terminal. The night breeze blew through my hair. I felt like I had lost half a day.
I did lose half a day.
We caught a cab back to JD's, and I continued on to the marina. I climbed out of the cab in the parking lot at Diver Down, then strolled down the dock to the Vivere. When I pushed into the salon, Buddy greeted me with excitement. "Has Teagan been taking good care of you?"
Buddy barked.
He hadn't chewed anything up or demolished the place. Fluffy purred on the settee, looking at me like I was an intruder in her domain. The snooty white cat just wagged her tail and looked perturbed.
She had a face that could become an Internet sensation. Maybe that was my ticket to saving Diver Down? I knew the Internet loved cat memes, but I wasn't sure how to monetize that. Would people really want to buy coffee mugs with Fluffy's annoyed face printed on the side?
