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“He already knows. I’m sure you’ve noticed the tails we had all the way here.”
“The innocuous black Range Rover with dark tint that has been following us parked in the corner over there? Or the grey BMW out in the street? Yeah, I saw them.”
“Which means we have backup should something go wrong,” Paxton said. “Besides, we were committed to Hannah before all of this happened. It would be unprofessional to drop her in light of yet unconfirmed danger.”
“And we are undercover.” Knox tossed the blonde hair and fluttered her eyelashes. “I’ll eat this wig if anyone recognizes me.”
“Ditto. The face masks will also help to keep our identities hidden.” Paxton hooked the black three-layered mask over her ears and turned her head sideways.
“As long as you don’t color those gorgeous red tresses black.”
“Lord no. I’d look like Morticia Addams.” She opened the door. “Well, let’s get the show on the road. Do you have the invites?”
Knox patted the black clutch bag as she locked the Jeep. “Got’em. Jordan did a stellar job. No one will know they’re fake.”
“Keep your cell phone in your hand. Take as many photos as you can, then export them to Jordan. She’ll run background checks to see if any of the guests have a deeper association with Bastian Conti outside of Hollywood.” Paxton critically studied her reflection in the full-length mirror of the elevator. “I’m getting too old to wear mini dresses. Either that or I need to exercise more.”
“You’re still a sexy bitch, honey. Just as much as you were ten years ago.” Knox stood next to her. She stared at their reflection. “No one would be able to tell you’re seven years older than me.” She smiled as her eyes ran over the chic, black cocktail dresses they both wore. “With those sexy legs of yours, you’d be able to wear a short dress for another ten years.” She flexed her calves and grinned. “We’re going to rock this party with these killer heels.”
“Just remember, they’re the only weapons we have to defend ourselves should something go wrong.”
“We’ll be fine. Even with stilettos, no one will be able to catch us.” Knox turned to watch the numbers above the elevator doors. “Almost there. Run our strategy past me again, please.”
“I’m Beverly Palmer, the newly appointed casting director for Luther Spielman Productions. I’m the protege of the acclaimed casting director, April Webster, but have decided to branch out on my own. I’ve already achieved success casting blockbuster action movies,Rage,Last Day in the Sunand the thriller,Waterfear.”
“Beverly Palmer isn’t an assumed persona, Paxton. Aren’t you taking a chance that she’ll be here in person?” Knox looked concerned.
“No, she’s currently scouting locations in Australia.” Paxton looked at herself in the mirror. “Hopefully, I can pull it off. At least Kezlin managed to turn me into a very close replica of her.” She smiled at Knox. “Don’t worry. Jordan assured me that none of the actors she cast over the last ten years will be attending this party. Let’s hope none of her friends are here either. Besides, I have no intention of socializing or introducing myself around. We’re not here to enjoy ourselves. We’re doing surveillance and gathering intel. That’s it. I want to be out of here within an hour.”
“Before lunch is served? Now that is just downright cruel.”
Paxton laughed. Knox was an unabashed gourmand. “How do you stay so thin with all the junk you eat is beyond me.” She cast a sharp look at her. “Remember, Knox, you’re Savvy Tallon, my assistant. Eager to please, a bit ditsy and as chirpy as a Nightingale.”
“Jordan couldn’t come up with a better name, could she?” Knox mumbled as they stepped out of the elevator into a large open reception area.
A stern-looking man watched them approach where he was intercepting all arrivals. He flashed them a brief smile. “Good morning, ladies. Invitations, please.”
“Oh! Of course, how silly of me,” Knox purred as she suddenly became all fingers, fumbling her clutch bag like a seasoned actress. “Here you go. This is Beverly Palmer and I’m her assistant, Savvy Tallon,” she said with a toothy smile. She looked around, eagerly. “Is he here yet? Bastian, I mean? I can’t wait to finally meet him.” She prodded Paxton in the side. “Thanks so much for bringing me, Miss Palmer. This has to be the most exciting day of my career to date!”
“Yes, yes. Just don’t pester everyone with your eagerness, please,” Paxton admonished. She shook her head and looked haughtily at the man. “Well? Is there anything else?”
“My apologies, Miss Palmer.” He stepped aside and gestured politely. “Please enjoy the festivities.”
Knox was all smiles as they began to mingle, keeping her phone at the ready to discreetly snap pictures.
“Good grief. I never thought I’d ever be around so many celebs.” Knox stopped in her tracks as she stared at Dawn Hunt, an acclaimed actress who had received many Emmys over the years.
“Did I ever tell you that movies are my secret pleasure?”
“No, but I gathered as much since you always watch one on your phone during stake outs.”
“I have one rule. Either read the book or see the movie but never both.”
“Hmm, I’m the opposite. I prefer to soak up the novel first, then compare the characters and plot all the while bemoaning the casting errors.”
“Not me. I watch movies for the pure joy of getting sucked into the story on the crest of a cinematic wave until the climax. I absolutely never watch movies twice.”
“Really?” Paxton looked around and snapped a couple of pictures. “Since we’re in the midst of a premiere party, I hope you at least watchedThe Day of Fear.”
