STUDS AND STILETTOS (Romantic Mystery) (4 page)

“This is great,” Emily said. “I wonder how they’ll do our hair.”

Judith shrugged. “You already look gorgeous. I doubt they’ll do anything more. Just leave your bag on the bench and get in the makeup line. After approval, we’re allowed to wait in the lunch room until our call time.”

Emily grimaced at the prospect of another lineup. At least there was something interesting to watch in this tent. There were six makeup stations and it looked like they did hair at the same time. One woman, obviously the supervisor, made last-minute adjustments before nodding curt approval.

All the makeup artists were extremely quick. And talented. But one poor woman was being rubbed with far too much rouge. “What are they doing to her?” Emily asked in horror. She certainly hoped they didn’t put that clownish red on her cheeks.

“It’s probably for the pool scene,” Judith said, keeping her voice low. “That’s when Thomas Hamilton brought Reckless to the house and announced he’d win the Derby. The poor colt was terrified and leaped into the pool. A couple guests were hurt, but they managed to get Reckless out okay.”

“It looks like that woman hit the side of her head,” Emily whispered, staring in awe as the lady’s face was transformed into a bloody mess. “They even made a line down the side of her cheek.”

“Probably supposed to be the horse’s hoof,” Judith said.

“What happened to Reckless at this party? I remember his name,” Emily said, “but I’m a little fuzzy on the history.”

“The pool incident is a famous story.” Impatience edged Judith’s voice. “He was drowning, and his groom jumped in and saved him. Animal experts think that’s why he missed her so much when she disappeared.”

“So, if Robert Dexter is playing the Hamilton guy, he’ll be in this scene?”

“Yes. There was some sort of party, lots of drinking, and then the horse was led up to the house. That’s when the trouble started.”

“Pool trouble?”

“Not just that.” Judith fiddled with the neckline of her dress. “Rumor was the groom and Thomas Hamilton were having an affair. The wife noticed and wanted the groom fired. I’m not sure if all that will be in the movie though. It’ll probably focus on Reckless jumping into the pool.”

“Wow.” Emily shook her head, unable to imagine a horse leaping into a pool. It had been tricky persuading some of the Thoroughbreds to enter the whirlpool at the Center. And that pool had a rubber ramp.

She inched another step forward in line, keeping her gaze on the woman with the bloody face. So far, everything on the set was fascinating—except, of course, for the waiting. But she was going to be in the same room as Robert Dexter and Shania Stevens, huge Hollywood stars. This could be her big break.

“Next.” A makeup artist gestured.

Emily stepped forward and sat in the chair, pleased to recognize several beauty brands crammed on the table in front of the mirror. “I’d like my eyes darkened a bit,” she said, tilting her head and studying her reflection. “Maybe add a little more charcoal eyeliner on the sides with just a touch beneath.”

The artist laughed. “Sorry. You’re okay as is. We’re not doing much for the extras, just making sure there’s enough party look. You won’t be that close to the cameras. Not unless you’ve been chosen for special effects. Have you?”

“No. Not chosen,” Emily said, rather deflated. It had been six hours since she left the apartment and her makeup needed refreshing. She’d packed her bag with essentials but this was her first chance to look in a mirror. It wasn’t at all reassuring. “Perhaps I could just sit here and fix my face myself?” she asked.

“Sorry. No time.” The artist tugged her out of the chair and Emily reluctantly rose, appalled at the noticeable shine on her cheeks.

“Come on.” Judith waved an impatient arm. “The quicker we get to the lunch room, the longer we’ll have for a break. They still have about twenty people to get ready.”

Emily took a last glance in the mirror but shook off her disappointment and followed in Judith’s wake. No hair, no makeup but at least she wore a very elegant dress. “The dining room is the other direction,” she said to Judith, remembering the tent with the delicious coffee…and Dan Barrett.

“We’re not allowed in that one. Background has their own lunch room.” Judith pointed toward a ‘BG’ sign. The crude letters were painted on a piece of plywood in bold green and a trail of well-dressed people filed into the drab tent.

Sighing, Emily stepped over a cluster of thick yellow wire then followed Judith inside. This place was much different from the dining room. It was poorly lit, the floor was merely dead grass flattened by countless feet and the musty air reeked of mold and onions. Wooden tables stretched in uneven rows. No chairs, only worn benches. Three metallic urns squeezed onto a wobbly stand. Coffee, tea and hot water: a much more limited selection than the dining room.

“Hurry,” Judith said. “Grab a doughnut before they’re gone.”

Emily picked up a plain doughnut then filled her coffee cup. “I hope my dress doesn’t pick on those benches.” She eyed the rough wood with suspicion. “We look much too nice to be stuck in this place.”

“At least you can have coffee,” a woman behind Emily said. “I was ordered to avoid drinking and not mess my makeup.”

Emily turned, recognizing the woman with the bloody face. “Your makeup does look realistic,” she said. “They did an excellent job. Do you get hurt in the pool?”

“I have no idea what I’m doing. I just stand where they tell me.”

Emily enjoyed a rush of relief. She wasn’t so ignorant. This woman knew even less than her. Probably nobody had researched the movie as much as Judith. “I heard we’re guests at the house party,” Emily said, trying to be helpful. “Apparently Reckless is scared and jumps into the pool. I can’t imagine a horse doing that, can you?”

“Doesn’t matter.” The woman pushed past her and scooped up three chocolate doughnuts. “The longer the day, the more money I make.”

“Exactly.” Emily nodded agreeably although she’d been so entertained by all the activity she’d forgotten she was here to earn a paycheck.

She edged onto the bench beside Judith and checked her messages. Still nothing since she sent the text on the bus. Maybe Jenna didn’t believe she was really working on the
Reckless
movie?

“Would it be possible to snap a picture of the set?” Emily asked. “Not the actors. But I need something to send my sister.”

“You still have your phone?” Judith’s eyes widened in horror. “They told me to leave mine in my bag.”

“They told me that too.” Emily shrugged. “So I stuck it in my shoe. It’s very expensive. I’m not going to just leave it.”

Judith’s lips clamped so tightly they turned white. “Don’t even think about taking pictures,” she hissed. “Your sister will have to understand. We could be kicked off. It’s not done.”

“She didn’t ask for a picture,” Emily said. “I just want to send one.”

“Why? Are you trying to impress her?”

“No, it’s not that,” Emily said. “Movies stars wouldn’t impress Jenna. But I want her to see what I’m doing.”
And maybe a picture would validate my education allowance
.

Her hand shook so abruptly coffee splashed her wrist. It hurt to admit most of her energy was spent figuring out how to justify handouts from her wealthy sister.

“Jenna really likes horses,” Emily added defensively, “so she’d be interested in this type of movie. That’s why I took the background job, so I can take her to the steeplechase back home.”

“I see.” Judith’s voice softened, her expression turning wistful. “Family is important. But now that you’ve met Dan Barrett, at least you can try out for special skills. Just make sure you get back to the bus by seven.”

“Sure,” Emily said. “And maybe you can get more work too. Will they need party background another day?”

Judith shrugged. “Who knows? But if this scene is based around an unpredictable horse, it might take days to get it right.”

“I hope so,” Emily said. Maybe she’d make enough money to book a deluxe room at the Steeplechase Inn. The end suite had a balcony overlooking the parking lot. There’d be at least fifty trucks at the tailgate party, all within shouting distance. The suite had a big fridge too so there’d be no problem keeping Jenna’s beer cold. She rubbed her hands with anticipation.

A man with a mike bustled through the doorway, interrupting her daydreams. “You’re heading to the set now,” he called. “Bus is waiting.”

“Show time.” Judith rose to her feet. “And if you’re going to sit with me,” she warned, “make sure that phone is turned off.”

“Wow.” Emily pressed her nose closer to the bus window and peered at the huge mansion with the six white pillars. “That place is amazing. Do the Hamiltons still live there?”

“Yes. The movie is using the ballroom but none of the other floors. The barns and track are unrestricted though. That’s one of the reasons they were able to proceed with the film. Shooting on a single site keeps production costs lower.”

“What kind of budget are we talking? Ten million?”

“More like thirty,” Judith said. “And Mr. Harrison is one of the backers. So it’s doubtful the movie will reveal his many affairs. Rather a pity.”

Emily nodded, more at ease now with Judith’s detailed knowledge. Earlier, it had made her feel unprepared, stupid even, but now she realized the woman was simply an avid movie buff. Besides, whoever had slept with Harrison almost a quarter century ago didn’t matter much, although it was certainly remarkable that Reckless had jumped into a pool. And survived.

The bus shuddered to a stop.

She rose from her seat and followed the line of extras into the house, her heart pounding. It didn’t matter now that she was only background. She was going to be working with genuine movie stars.

A frowning woman with a dangling headset herded them into an airy ballroom. And now Emily really felt like she was on a movie set. Lights, cameras and faces crowded the area. Three of the cameras were in a semi-circle around a smiling man at the front of the room.

“Is that Robert Dexter?” she whispered to Judith. “He looks smaller than I expected.”

“Shush,” Judith said.

Camera crew surrounded Robert Dexter and the regal lady beside him. Obviously the lady was Liana Mason. Emily rose on her toes, craning to see past all the heads. Liana Mason had been in several of her favorite movies and appeared just as classy in the flesh. Dexter was disappointing though—not nearly as charismatic as she’d imagined. Certainly not as attractive as Dan Barrett, who wasn’t even an actor.

Someone rushed up and brushed powder on Dexter’s forehead. Emily edged closer until she was only twenty feet away. Her fingers itched to pull the phone from her shoe and snap a picture. Anything to prove she was really here.

“Spread out, please,” an authoritative voice directed. “Stand in groups of two to five.” A man carrying a loaded champagne tray pressed a fluted glass in her hand.

“Stay away from the front.” Judith tugged at Emily’s arm. “We’ll have a better chance of getting more work if our faces aren’t seen.”

Emily wavered. She understood the rationale, but it was incredibly tempting to squeeze closer to the action. Already many extras had pushed to the front. Besides, how would she be offered a speaking line if the director didn’t even see her?

“You’ll blow your shot at special skills if you go any closer,” Judith warned. “And you already had your share of luck meeting Dan Barrett this morning.”

Emily clasped her champagne and reluctantly followed Judith to the back of the room.

“Picture is up,” a man yelled. “Quiet everyone!”

At least she had a good view of the set. But it was difficult to hear the words and it seemed as if the two actors said the same lines over and over again. Her drink wasn’t even real, just some colored water in a plastic glass. And every time the assistant director yelled ‘action background’ she had to tilt her head and pretend to be having a fabulous time.

“This is boring,” she whispered. “How many times are they going to shoot the same thing?”

“Until they get it right,” Judith said, her voice rather distracted. Emily followed Judith’s gaze to an older man with silver-streaked hair and a rather pompous expression.

“Is that the real Mr. Harrison?” Emily asked.

“Yes. Apparently he watches most of the scenes. That’s his wife standing beside him.”

The wife looked younger than Harrison or maybe she was just better preserved. “It must be neat seeing two famous actors pretending to be you,” Emily said. “To have done something so important that it warrants a movie.”

Judith sniffed. “All they ever did was own a fast horse. And Hamilton was such a playboy, I’m surprised his wife didn’t leave him.”

The assistant director gestured at the background performers. “Reckless will be introduced now. When you see the signal—we’ll wave a yellow paper—rush to the pool window. Remember to keep your eyes on the horse.”

Emily glanced over her shoulder. The pool behind the clear glass was a hubbub of activity centered around a compact brown horse with a distinctive white stripe on his forehead. A striking blond lady stood by his head.

“Wow. Is that Shania Stevens?” Emily whispered, recognizing the gorgeous actress.

“Yes, she’s playing the part of the groom. The one that disappeared.” Judith edged closer to the window.

“How do they get that horse to stand still with all this commotion?” Emily asked, unable to remain silent. Her gaze shot to the man beside the director. “Oh,” she blew out an appreciative breath, absorbing Dan Barrett’s chiseled face. No wonder the horse was relaxed. She’d already experienced Dan’s super-calm vibes, his velvety voice.

“That’s the reason all the directors want Barrett,” Judith said. “His horses do the job right. And so far his stunts have been injury free.”

The wiry director was gesturing now, obviously more tense than in the ballroom. Even the camera crew appeared strained.

“Is there a problem?” Emily asked.

Judith shrugged. “I don’t know. But it’s a complicated scene. The Humane Association always has a safety rep on location. Maybe the rules say a horse can only jump in a pool once a week or something like that. This would be a pain to re-shoot, with all the background. There are another twenty extras outside.”