Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57423 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57423 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
“Like this production?” Ally asked. “Or this actual production?”
“She’s a smart one, West. You should keep her,” Tag acknowledged. “It was this actual production, and knowing that led me to wonder what I could find from that spring-loaded present you sent Ally. I worked with DPD on this one. Turns out the equipment came from here as well. I think you’ll find your props master is down at the station and he’s talking. Jay here couldn’t build that thing himself, so he brought in one of the crew.”
“I believe he likely brought in more than one of the crew,” Channing said, her lips pursed as she looked around. “He doesn’t do anything himself. So I’m curious as to which of the production assistants he sent to the courier.”
Jay shook his head. “This is my crew. Mr. Taggart is bluffing.”
“I’m not mad at the crew.” Ally joined Channing after letting go of his hand. “You were doing your job, and I understand that. You probably had zero idea what you were doing. The props master likely didn’t either. Even if he did, I know how it feels to have one man hold your future in his hands, and you know he has no mercy. I know our boats are more luxurious, but we’re all capable of capsizing, and he’s the wave. I don’t know if you know what he’s been doing to the cast, but it was pretty much torture. I think he wanted to drive me a little insane.”
“I wanted to make you a star, but your skull is too thick for it,” Jay shot back.
“It was me.” A young man who couldn’t be past twenty-five stepped up. “I was the one who went to the courier. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew it was weird because he gave me cash and told me not to let the cameras catch my face. I also am the one who put the birds in your house, Ms. Pearson. He promised that I would get a promotion and also that this was nothing that could hurt you. I’m very sorry.”
“I don’t know what you expect will come from this, Ally,” Jay said with a shake of his head. “I played a few pranks on you and used a method to enhance your performance. All you’re going to be able to do is get a couple of low-level employees in trouble and set back my production a few days while I find another actress. Then we’ll be right back on schedule, and you’ll be a sad footnote in Hollywood history. I assure you no one is going to employ you after this.”
“I will,” Channing declared. “I’m making my directorial debut next year, and I think Ally would be perfect in the role of my daughter. But also, do you think I’m staying quiet after everything you’ve done not only to us but to our crew? You put them in harm’s way. You manipulated each and every one of them. I will not stand for that, Jay. I’ll be calling the head of the production company and explaining that I will no longer be working with you.”
“I won’t either.” Bryce’s shoulders straightened. “We have to stick together. For some of us, we’re the only family we have.”
“I’ll talk, too.” Reid seemed to find his strength. “He put me through hell.”
They rallied around Ally, these people who’d looked down on her before. She’d been stalwart and true and proven herself.
Damn, he loved that woman.
“I think we need a new director,” Ally said.
“Yes, I think we do,” Channing agreed.
“Good luck with that,” Jay said, sarcasm dripping.
“Mr. Clarke, I believe you’ll find the Dallas Police Department would like to have a word,” Tag announced. “And the security guards here won’t be kicking me out. I trained them all. Do you need a ride down to the precinct or shall I let the police escort you?”
He was going to let the boss handle Jay. He seemed to be having fun with it. West had better things to do.
“Don’t worry, dear,” Channing was saying. “I think I can handle this. I believe the production studio will decide Mr. Clarke made this a hostile work environment and will find a replacement. They’ve got too much invested. I think I might know the perfect person to take this project over. He’s a friend of mine who’s been trying his hand at directing. I’ll float his name by the money boys. We’ll be back to work soon, and Bryce and I will take care of the crew.”
“Now wait,” Bryce began and then seemed to read the room. “Of course we will. Be happy to.”
West started to walk toward Ally, but she raced to him first, wrapping her arms around him.
“Can we have some cowboy take me away time? I need you,” she whispered.