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“I arrived late to the screening…” I whisper to myself.

I immediately check with my coworkers, who confirm my fears. Grace does indeed make an appearance in the first half hour of the film. She’s only on screen for a few brief minutes, since her character meets a spectacularly brutal end almost immediately.

If only…

You’re losing focus, Alma.

She is the eleventh person I manage to reach. So far, seven actors have agreed to participate in this last-minute project.

“Grace here.”

Her voice sends a chill through me.

“Hello, it’s Alma Lancaster from King Productions France calling,” I explain briefly in English.

“This is about the promotion for Pretty Little Murders, right? April filled me in.”

April Dust, the film’s lead actress, whom I made sure to call first.

“Perfect. Are you currently in L.A.?”

“Yes. So, you’d like me to be in your little promo spot?”

She doesn’t even try to hide her disdain. I manage to stop myself from reminding her that she’s only in the movie for three minutes and that she really isn’t in any position to act like a diva. Biting my tongue, I remain professional.

“Yes, Grace, that would be wonderful.”

“Where and when?”

“At the Sunset Studios at three. The director will guide you through everything step by step, and the production team will give you a script. It’s just a few lines—shouldn’t take much of your time.”

“Okay.”

“Thanks for being so willing to help.”

“Alma, right?”

“Yes.”

“Vadim could have contacted me himself.”

“I…”

“If you think you’re enough for him, you’re mistaken.”

She hangs up on me, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

22

Alma

“I bet it’s Grace Montgomery!”

With his mouth full, Clarence closes his pizza box and slumps back into his chair. It’s past 10 p.m., and for the last fifteen minutes, a nonsensical debate has been raging in the vast conference room. Our goal: identify the most likely culprit.

“What are you talking about? She’s in the movie. She has no interest in sabotaging it!” Bertrand from communications argues.

“Oh, but she does! She’s probably trying to get revenge! Not only has the boss dumped her, but he’s already moved on.”