Page 85 of One Filthy Kiss

“It isn’t?” He straightens his spine a little, relieved that he isn’t being accused of doing something else that has caused my displeasure.

Owen, like so many other great unrecognized directors, was still waiting for his big break when I offered him this movie. He jumped at the chance. It’s a new productioncompany, so he understood the risks, but he was the only director I interviewed who showed compassion for the subject matter of the movie. I believed that he was my man.

I still do. I just wish that he would grow a backbone.

“I only want to have a little chat.”

I gesture for him to lead the way to his trailer.

He doesn’t glance behind him until we’re inside the trailer with his name on the door, OWEN HALL. When he discovers that we’re not alone—we have Bruno for company—his eyes instinctively dart to the door, in front of which the bodyguard is strategically placed.

“What’s this about, Mr. Sabatelli? You’re not pulling the plug on the movie?”

“Not at all. I’m happy with what you’re doing.” I need him on my side.

“Y-you are?” He allows himself a small smile.

“Of course. You’re doing exactly what I’m paying you to do—you’re bringing the story to life.” There’s nothing like a little sucking up to get what you want… In the right circumstances.

“Thank you, Mr. Sabatelli.” He wants to say more, but Bruno’s presence is perhaps a little intimidating, and he doesn’t want to be seen to be sucking ass. “So, how can I help you?”

“Nikki Marshall.”

He furrows his brow.

“The waitress. Arthur Bello’s love interest.” I wait for him to catch up before I continue. “I want to know who she is close to on set.”

He blinks furiously while he tries to produce the kind of response he thinks I want to hear. “I don’t get involved much with the actors behind the scenes.” He swallows. “She and Arthur seem to get along.”

“How well would you say theyget along?”

He nods while releasing a heavy sigh. “They’re not romantically connected if that’s what you’re thinking. Arthur is married. Very happily so.”

“Go on.”

“You want to know who she’s been hooking up with? Is there a problem?”

“You could say that.”

I hear the bones in Bruno’s neck clicking behind me as he twists his head from side to side. Owen hears it too.

“Are you… I mean is she being replaced?” He’s already working out where that leaves him with re-shooting Nikki’s scenes.

“I haven’t made up my mind yet.”

“She’s a bit of an outsider.” He licks his lips. He knows I want more. “She and Arthur seem to hang out off-set a lot… But I’ve heard a rumor.”

My pulse picks up. I wait for him to elaborate.

“Don’t quote me on this, but I think she’s secretly been hooking up with an actor who would prefer it if his indiscretions remained hidden.”

“He’s married?”

Owen’s mouth twists to one side. “Close. Some say it’s a publicity stunt, you know, to draw the crowds in and earn blockbuster status on their next movie. Either way, I’ve heard that he and Nikki have been meeting up in disguise. They’re actors. It’s what they do.”

I smile. “I need a name, Owen.” He hesitates. “It won’t go any further than this trailer, you have my word on it.”

Finally, he gives me what I’ve been waiting for.