G'Day USA Page 8

  ‘You look stunning tonight. That dress is fabulous.’ Colin’s wife, the delightful Sam Bryant, had a smile on her face, her red hair pulled up and offset with a brilliant jade floor-length dress. ‘Gucci, right?’

  ‘You know it. You look fantastic yourself. And your husband is a doll.’

  She squeezed Colin. ‘I know. And quite the hero in this. I like the way he buffed up. Inspired me to get fit too. If I was eight inches taller I might fit in your dress.’

  She probably could.

  I buzzed without the champagne. Taking the offered glass was probably not a good idea. My tolerance was low. I had hardly touched a drop since we started filming, and that abstinence had continued through post. My system was no longer accustomed to alcohol.

  Jon Favreau caught my eye from across the lobby and waved me over. Pecking order had been established. Probably subconscious on his part, but there it was. I smiled and excused myself from the discussion I was in and met him a quiet corner.

  ‘You beckoned?’

  ‘Oh, don’t make it sound like that. I would have come over there, but it was too noisy and it’s nice and quiet here. And I want to talk to you.’

  ‘Well I’m a huge fan, so this is even more exciting than the premiere. Did you like the movie?’

  He nodded. ‘I had to see you up close, too, because you look so frail, but that fight scene, where you had to carry Colin’s unconscious body back to the hospital, how did you do that? You did that, right? That wasn’t your face slapped on someone else’s body?’

  ‘No, that was me.’ I flexed a tiny little bicep. ‘I’m stronger than I look.’

  ‘Clearly. So what’s your schedule look like for the next few months?’

  I gestured back to the larger crowd. ‘Tom wants to sit down with Brett and me and Marty and decide that in a couple of weeks when the wild and crazy wears off.’

  ‘Makes sense. You’re golden right now. I’ll chat with them and see if I can horn in on that action.’

  ‘It’s a bit overwhelming. The attention has ratcheted. I came out of the water this morning to a crowd of paps who almost physically assaulted me.’

  ‘At the swimming pool?’

  ‘No. Swam off Venice for about an hour this morning. Very refreshing. I was trying to relax and those knobs killed it. I wasn’t very nice.’

  ‘Wait. You had it out with the scum of the planet and there’s nothing in the press? You really are golden.’

  ‘A friendly cook helped me out. Long story.’

  ‘One you’ll have to tell me someday.’ He looked over at the crowd surrounding Brett Ratner, the Hanks and Paymer. ‘You’ve got a hell of a hit on your hands and it’s going to be a non-stop rocket ride for the next few years. If I could give you any advice it would be to take it all with a sense of humor. It will all end, and in three years you’ll act in something that makes Juwanna Man look like Golden Globe material. You’ll look back at these days with disbelief, like this is a dream. It happens to everyone in the business. Marty should have told you already. Where is Marty? You’re going to be making that man very rich. He should taking care of your every need right now.’

  I shook my head. ‘Not sure. He was talking to Tom and got a phone call. Haven’t seen him since.’

  ‘Probably his broker called and he’s in his counting house, counting all his money. I’ll get some of my upcoming projects in front of him and let him sort out the logistics. That’s not something you should be worrying about anyway, right?’

  ‘I guess not.’

  Jon took his phone out. ‘Let me give you my number, and you can call me if your schedule changes.’

  ‘Are you hitting on me?’

  ‘Oh, God no. Joya would kill me.’

  I laughed. I entered his number in my phone and called him. ‘Now you have mine. I would love to talk to you, but more to pick your brains about how you’ve made it. You started out in indie works early on, and moved on to big stuff. Huge stuff acting, huge stuff directing. I just loved Cowboys and Aliens. And you’re still a really nice guy.’

  He laughed. ‘You forgot writing.’ He scratched his head. ‘I can’t teach you to be nice. You’re born nice. I’ve heard the stories. You just need to stay you. Don’t get too big. It’s really easy to get too big. The limos, obscene amounts of money, the pampering hand and foot. Enjoy it, but don’t take it for granted.’

  ‘Sounds easy, but I’ve met a lot of dicks in this town. Wait, not like that. You know what I mean.’

  He smiled. ‘I do. I’ve got to mingle or people will start talking and Joya will stab me in my sleep. Enjoy your night.’

  He gave me the industry standard cheek kiss which I returned. Makeup was less of an issue now. The night was almost over.

  The voices reduced to a murmur and I noticed people were starting to look at me a little differently. I surreptitiously checked for obvious wardrobe malfunctions, un-ladylike drops of drink on my dress or food on my face. All clear. My phone vibrated with an incoming message and rang at the same time. Marty was calling.

  ‘Where’d you go, Mar? You abandoned me. Find a better pay check?’

  ‘What do you know about Bart Sweeney?’

  ‘Why are you spoiling this night bringing up that ass-hat? He sat in his tub and killed himself yesterday, in a piece of incredibly appropriate karma. Why are you calling me about him?’

  ‘He didn’t commit suicide.’

  ‘Sure he did. It was on the radio yesterday. We talked about it. By the sounds of it, it was a head wound no one could survive. Don’t tell me he’s alive. Although I doubt anyone would notice the lack of brain.’

  ‘He’s not alive, and he didn’t commit suicide. He was shot in the head in an attempt to make it look like suicide.’

  This didn’t make sense. ‘Okay. Again, why are you calling me?’

  ‘You don’t know anything about this?’

  ‘Just what I heard on the radio, which apparently was wrong. What the hell is going on?’

  ‘I’m outside the theatre with Sergeants Perkins and Stanfield who would like to talk to you about the killing.’

  ‘Yeah, sure. Why all the mystery?’

  ‘The murder weapon is registered to you.’

  ‘What? No. Not possible. It’s in the table by my bed. And I haven’t seen the guy in almost two years. It must be some mistake.’

  ‘I’m sure it is. Come on out and we’ll have a chat with these guys and get it all settled.’

  ‘Yeah, absolutely.’

  I hung up. The news must have spread. The faces looking at me weren’t the faces of people who just enjoyed a movie. They were the carnivorous faces of people starved for scandal. Looks like I was on the menu. I check the text message I’d received when Marty called. It was from a number I didn’t know, but a person I did.

  “Ellie, it’s Kent. I heard about the cops looking for you. You need to call me asap. It’s worse than you think.”

  What the hell was that supposed to mean? I slipped through a side door to the backstage area where the noise levels were a lot lower and I could get some privacy. I called Kent.

  ‘Ellie? Thank God you called me. Have you talked to the police yet?’

  ‘No. I just had a chat with my manager. Apparently my gun was found at the scene of Sweeney’s murder. It wasn’t a suicide after all.’

  ‘Oh, it’s worse. I’ve got an old girlfriend who works in the station and she’s told me the evidence they have against you is slam dunk level.’

  ‘How? I wasn’t there.’

  ‘Right. They have your gun, registered to you, with your prints on it. You were known to be pissed off Sweeney was out. An earring was found at the scene which apparently matches one found in your apartment.’

  ‘They were in my apartment? Why in the hell were they in my apartment?’

  ‘You’re a murder suspect. You need to face the fact they’re ready to throw away the key.’

  ‘But I wasn’t there. Shit, the closest I’ve been to Northr
idge was when I got my hair done today in Glendale. I haven’t been in his neck of the woods since he was initially arrested.’

  ‘But they have a witness who saw you there.’

  ‘Impossible. Fuck. What’s going on?’

  ‘I’m not sure. I think it’s best of you stay below the radar until you figure out what’s going on. I’ll help. This is bullshit.’

  ‘You mean run? From the cops? No way. They’re outside the theatre. I’m going out and turning myself in and sorting this shit out. I didn’t do it.’

  ‘Who’s the cop on the case?’

  ‘Sergeant Perkins.’

  ‘Is he a good cop? Does he dig for the truth and make sure everything makes sense?’

  I thought about the whitewash he gave Joel’s death until I found the evidence proving Sweeney killed him. Now he was going to whitewash me. ‘No. He rushes to judgment. He had Joel down as a suicide until I intervened. Now he’s going to make sure I go to jail.’ I paced. ‘But I didn’t fucking do it. Jesus Christ, this is so much bullshit.’

  ‘Can you get out of where you are without being noticed?’

  I looked down at my $2,000 dress. ‘Yeah, I’m not really all that subtle. Bright red open-back dress, pimped out for the premiere.’

  ‘Oh yeah. How’d it go?’

  ‘Focus, Kent. Cops, remember?’

  ‘Sure, sure. You’ve got money on you, right?’

  ‘A bit.’

  ‘Sneak out the back and take a cab to your place, get changed and hide out in a cheap motel somewhere. There’s a city-wide bulletin out for you, so stay really far below the radar. Maybe even get out of town while you figure things out.’

  ‘How in the hell can I figure things out if I’m out of town. And who in the hell is this witness?’

  ‘I don’t know. Some woman said she saw someone who looked like you in the neighborhood. So they have the means, motive and opportunity. Where were you last night?’

  ‘Zoning out at home. Nobody saw me.’ I deflated. ‘Oh, fuck, this can’t really be happening.’ My phone beeped an incoming call in my ear. I pulled it and looked at the display. ‘Marty’s calling me, wondering where I am.’

  ‘Answer it and stall him. Tell him you’re in the bathroom and you’ll be out in five minutes, then get the fuck out.’

  ‘It doesn’t feel right.’

  ‘It’s that or jail, Ellie, and they have the death penalty for premeditated murders in California.’

  He hung up on that cheery note.

  I took a deep breath in and exhaled slowly. He was probably right. I was screwed. For some inexplicable reason the universe didn’t feel like giving me a break. I called Marty. ‘Sorry, Marty. Having a pee. I’ll be out in five minutes, okay? We need to get this straightened out.’

  I hung up before he could answer and looked for the exit sign. I cracked the door open and checked the alley. It was clear. I stood in the doorway. If I went through it I would be committing myself to running. If I went through the front doors, though, I’d be wrapped up in a mess I doubt I’d ever get out of. I at least owed myself some time to try and figure out how Perkins had screwed this one up.

  I stepped through.

  I walked down the alley to the next main road. To my left was the front of the theatre and a huge crowd of waiting fans. And Perkins. Good for him he finally made Sergeant, but I wasn’t about to trust him with my life. I turned to my right, then right again. A tall, thin and well dressed blonde in LA does not wait for a taxi. I barely raised my hand when two cabbies were fighting for my fare. I took the one who seemed to have the cleaner car. ‘Venice. Take your time. The fish pier.’

  ‘You sure?’

  ‘Positive.’

  I sat back and planned. There would be paps and cops at my place. I needed to keep my distance until it was clear. The parks were well lit, but the pier would be closed down by now.

  If I wanted to stay out of jail until I figured this out, I’d have to be invisible.

  Chapter Ten

  Sergeant Perkins looked at his watch. ‘I’m not liking this. She’s given you the slip.’

  Marty sighed. ‘She’s given us both the slip. Shit. She’s a smart girl. I didn’t expect this.’

  ‘I’m not surprised. She is a smart girl. She knows what’s up. I’ll send a squad car to her house. No way she’s going to get around town in a fancy gown.’ He poised a pen. ‘What did it look like?’

  Marty rubbed his hand over his forehead. ‘Look, boys, I’ve got to find out what she’s up to.’ He looked at Perkins. ‘It’s a red open-backed Gucci. Full-length. She didn’t do this, guys. Someone is setting her up.’

  ‘Sir, harboring a fugitive is a felony. You must call us immediately when you find her.’

  ‘No shit, Sherlock. Keep an open mind.’

  Marty called Ellie’s number. It rang out to voicemail. ‘Ell, hon, this isn’t the smart thing to do. I know this is a set up, but you running just makes it look worse. Call me and we can sit down and sort things out. You’re a smart girl. Don’t mess up your future, okay?’

  He walked back in the theatre with Perkins and Stanfield in his wake. ‘This night certainly isn’t turning out like I thought it would.’ A phalanx of media shoved microphones in his face. He held up hands in an attempt to stem the flood of questioning.

  One voice rose above the rest: ‘Where is Ellie Bourke? What is her response to the allegations made by the LAPD? Did she kill Bart Sweeney in self-defense or was it premeditated?’

  ‘You guys are quick. And why are the only two options self-defense and premeditation? Miss Bourke categorically denies these allegations. She was not involved in Sweeney’s death in any way. She will be turning herself into the police later tonight, once she gets out of that gorgeous gown. I’d appreciate a bit of restraint on the part of the press, but I’m not so naive to expect it. I’m not going to answer any more questions, so save your collective breaths.’

  Kent checked his watch and muttered to himself. ‘She should be clear by now.’ He redialed her number.

  ‘Kent?’ Ellie’s voice was hushed.

  ‘You clear?’

  ‘I’m out of the theatre, if that’s what you mean. I’m under the pier. There’s a uniform in front of my house and a ton of paps.’

  ‘It’ll do you no good to get nabbed now. I didn’t get a chance to tell you earlier. It was more important you get out of that place. You stay in the dark as long as you need to. The cops were by to see me and Charlie. They got our prints from Sweeney’s place. Must have questioned me for about half an hour, probably because I was arrested when I was a kid for shoplifting. Like that’s anything like plugging a guy in the head.’

  ‘Sorry man. Could you tell then they were looking for me?’

  ‘They asked a lot of questions about you, like how you knew Bart and if I’d seen you around. Guess they asked Charlie the same thing. I haven’t talked to him yet. I’ll give him a call after this. So how are you doing?’

  ‘I’m sitting in a really expensive dress I’m supposed to return, surrounded by seaweed and what I hope are clumps of mud. It doesn’t smell too good. I’m hoping the tide is high and I won’t get wetter, but my luck hasn’t been the best lately. This dress is a one of a kind and it’s a write-off.’

  ‘I think you should be a bit more concerned about the charges against you and less on the dress.’

  ‘The dress is real, mate. These charges are a bad dream fueled by too little food and too much stress.’

  ‘Oh, they’re real. Want me to come out to your place and give you a hand?’

  ‘No. You’ll just draw attention to yourself.’

  Kent listen to the silence and was about to break in when she talked again.

  ‘So, that visit you and Charlie made to Sweeney, he really had a project?’

  ‘He really did. And as far as I know, the project still exists. He signed me on in a supporting role and Charlie as both AD and Second Unit Director.‘

  ‘And then someone
killed him. Is the project a contentious one? Something which might piss some people off enough to get rid of the director?’

  ‘Not really. Filipino war story. We were supposed to get back together again with Bart and Saul and the backers and go through the details, but I doubt it gets more contentious than that.’

  ‘Who’s Saul?’

  ‘Sweeney’s lawyer and business manager. Hey, he’s my manager now, too. You’re asking a lot of questions.’

  ’Because I haven’t found the answer yet. Why is someone framing me?’

  ‘You really didn’t do it?’

  ‘How long have you known me, asshole? You ever, even once, get the inkling I’d kill someone? Fuck no, I didn’t do it.’

  There was another pause in conversation.

  ‘So where did you and Charlie go after seeing Bart?’

  ‘I went back home. Not sure where Charlie went. He said he was going to visit someone in the Valley and left on foot. Very atypical of him. To walk, I mean.’

  ‘And you don’t know where?’

  ‘What are you, a cop?’

  ‘I may as well be. They’re not going to help me.’

  ‘So young to be such a cynic. Don’t take any chances, okay? I think I believe you about not doing it.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Just kidding, Ell. I do believe you. You didn’t do it. Let me call my contact inside the department and see what I can find out. Stay safe.’

  He terminated the call and dropped into the sofa. ‘I wonder what Charlie is up to?’

  Marty sat in the back of his limo heading to his cliff-side house in Malibu. His phone had been planted to the side of his head since he left the theatre. ‘Ellie, quit ducking my calls. This is not going to just go away. What the hell is going on? Where are you? Call me.’

  He terminated the call and threw the phone on the seat beside him. It started ringing before the first bounce. Ellie’s face was on the screen.

  ‘Shit, Ellie. Where are you?’

  ‘Not in jail for now. You need to stop calling me. It’s going to kill my battery.’

  ‘I am completely stumped. Why in the hell are you running? I know you didn’t do this. And you’re doing a piss-poor job of convincing anyone else you didn’t do this. Let me pick you up wherever you are and we can talk this out.’