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“Yes, I am, as a matter of fact. Why?”
His brother’s voice sounded a bit smug. “You’ve just been signed onto a new movie.”
Reece pinched the bridge of his nose. “What is it now?” He figured he’d be playing a naked cyborg this time.
“I’ve gotten you the lead role in a new screenplay. It’s called Limelight. It’s the kind of part you’ve been whining for.”
Reece sat up straight. “What’s it about?”
“The story begins with a famous actor and an ambitious writer. They meet in a strange situation, sparks flying between them. They carry on a torrid love affair, but he breaks it off with her when he discovers she’s only with him to gain his fame and popularity.”
He frowned. “Why does this sound familiar to me?”
“Perhaps it’s because it’s loosely based off your real life. It’s the perfect part for you because you lived through a situation just like it.”
Reece scowled out the window, the thought nagging him that something about this wasn’t right. “How did you hear about it?”
“A friend of mine asked me to look over a screenplay he was working on. I read it and liked it. I pulled a few strings, setting up a meeting for him to pitch it to a producer. When I informed the studio I could guarantee you for the lead, they were falling over themselves to make it happen. So, what do you think of that?”
Reece wasn’t sure how he felt. “Marcus, I’m going to have to call you back.” He hung up, closing his eyes. The story sounded too much like the one Nicole had been working on the last time they were together. He’d devoured that story in one sitting. When he’d gotten to the end, he remembered grabbing Nicole, giving her a happy ending of her own.
The memory was bittersweet, staying with him the rest of the afternoon. It wasn’t until he was dozing off to sleep that the significance hit him. This was Nicole’s story. His brother was pitching to him a movie project based off Nicole’s book. But wait, Nicole wouldn’t paint her character as a money-grubbing, fame-stealing whore. What the hell?
He rang his brother’s cell, impatiently waiting for Marcus to answer. “Hello?”
“I’m not going to waste words, Marcus. Did you steal Nicole’s manuscript?”
“Of course not, Reece, why would you think that?”
The pause between the question and answer had been too long. Bloody hell! Reese thought, slamming the phone down. His brother had committed a crime. Worse, he was trying to drag him into it.
He opened his contacts, dialing the number he had for Audrey in New York. She picked up almost immediately.
“Good afternoon, Open Heart Publishing, Audrey Langston speaking.”
“Audrey, it’s Reece Collins.” There was an audible click. He redialed, patiently listening to her spiel. “Don’t hang up, Audrey.” Another click. Why did women do that? Why couldn’t they just stay on the line to give you what for? He tried one last time. She didn’t give a greeting. She picked up, staying silent.
“I know you’re furious with me.”
“That doesn’t even begin to describe it. What do you want, Thief Collins?”
Bugger! They already knew. “I need to get in touch with Nicole.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t help you there. I gave you a prime opportunity to make things right with her, but instead you accused her of stealing from you, when it was you who was stealing. Enjoy that story as long as you can, Mr. Collins, because you’re about to be cast as the lead in a prison play.”
He gnashed his teeth. “I didn’t steal the manuscript, Audrey, but I know who did.”
“That’s convenient, Mr. Collins, because so do I. Make sure you get a good lawyer. You’re going to need one.” She disconnected the call.
Reece glared at the ceiling. How was he going to dig himself out of this hole? He picked up the phone one last time, dialing his mother.
“Mum? I need your help.”
“What is it, Colin?” She sounded alarmed.
“Are you home?” When she answered in the affirmative, he grabbed his coat, heading for the door. “I’ll be there in a few hours. Batten down the hatches. We’re going to war.”
~ ~ ~
