The trio entered the production offices and an assistant led them to a conference room. Rhett and Cassie were already seated. They greeted them and took a seat as Dash and Sydney walked in.
Another woman entered as Cassie said, “Josh hasn’t arrived on set this morning. No one’s heard from him. He’s not answering texts or phone calls.”
“Are you kidding me?” Sydney asked, her anger obvious.
“I had the second unit director go ahead and set everything up but I didn’t think you wanted him directing the scenes for today.”
Mac listened as he watched the newcomer. Rhett greeted her warmly, kissing her on the cheek. In her black stilettos, she was as tall as Rhett and had hair as dark as his. She turned and Mac saw she also possessed the same gray eyes as the actor and knew this had to be Scarlett Corrigan.
Keely turned and then jumped to her feet. “Hey, Scar!” She hugged her friend. “It’s been almost a week since I saw you. Did you close the Jenkins’ negotiations?”
The dark-haired beauty smiled. “I did. Second biggest advance given in Random House history. Plus, RCDS landed film rights to the book. Rhett’s thinking of starring in it himself.”
“That’s terrific.” Keely linked her arm through Scarlett’s. “Come meet Mac Randall, my new co-star and savior of Murder at Magic Hour.”
Mac stood and greeted the attorney. “I understand you’re Keely’s best friend. What I didn’t know is that you’re the RCDS attorney.”
Scarlett shook hands with him. “Believe me, it’s not because my big brother is one of the production company’s founders. I earned this job.”
“Scarlett’s like a shark,” Cassie interjected. “Sleek and deadly. We love having her on our side.” She smiled at Carson. “And we’re always happy to work with Carson. I’m pleased you found such solid representation, Mac.”
“Keely’s doing,” he acknowledged. “Carson took me on purely because of her insistence.”
Rhett laughed. “Keely can be a dog with a bone. So, are we ready?”
Scarlett sat and produced a sheaf of papers from her briefcase. She outlined to Mac what they would pay and why, noting there was an option for a slightly lower salary with percentage points on the back end. Keely had explained this process to Mac as a possibility, though most studios only offered that option to well-established actors. RCDS proved more collaborative with their talent and often gave the leads access to that option.
Mac knew to go with points off the back end was a bit of a gamble. If the movie did well, it could mean considerably more money. If it bombed, he would be stuck with the lower salary and useless points. He looked to Carson and nodded, giving the lawyer carte blanche. Carson haggled a bit with Scarlett but the two sides weren’t far apart. Within ten minutes, they had a deal, including back end points. Mac hoped the pressure to perform and make this film a box office success didn’t cripple him.
After numbers were filled in and all parties signed, Scarlett said, “I’ll run by the office and have copies made. Carson, I’ll email you PDFs and then deliver hard copies to your office before the end of the day.”
“I’ll be there. Congrats on the Jenkins’ book and film deal. I heard there was quite a bidding war for it.” He smiled. “Maybe if you come by late enough in the day, we could go celebrate with a drink.”
“Maybe,” Scarlett said.
Mac wondered if something was up between the two—or if Carson wanted to start something. He’d ask Keely about it later.
“Time for a few nuts and bolts, Mac,” Rhett told him. “Sydney wants you in wardrobe and then hair and makeup.”
“I’ll tag along,” Cassie offered. “We can talk about any questions you might have after reading the script. I’ll help nudge everyone along or else you could be here all day. I know Sydney wanted Keely and you to spend as much time as possible working on your scenes today and tomorrow.”
“Thanks for running interference, Cassie,” Mac said.
“I’ll go over with you,” Sydney added. “I want to see if Josh has showed up. If he hasn’t, we need to get to the bottom of this.”
Mac spent less than an hour in wardrobe since he and Beau were almost identical in size. Only minor alterations would be necessary. Keely also returned her Ashley outfit from yesterday so it could be laundered and ready to wear on Thursday. Hair and makeup took a little over an hour, including taking stills and running a few screen tests, so they left the lot a few minutes before noon.
“Back to your place?” he asked.
“Yes,” Keely replied. “We can pick up some sandwiches along the way.”
They arrived at her house with lunch. Jax greeted them as if they’d been gone several lifetimes. Keely asked Mac to set everything up while she gave the dog a few minutes of attention. She washed her hands and joined him at the table.
Halfway through the meal, her phone rang. He glanced at it sitting on the table and saw Sydney Revere’s picture.
“I better get this,” Keely said.
“Hello? Okay.”
She set the phone down and hit speaker. “We’re both listening, Sydney.”
“Josh Middleton was struck by a car this morning while he was out jogging. That’s why he didn’t show up to the set. He’s got a broken leg and arm, two cracked ribs, and a concussion. Dash is at the hospital with him now.”
“Oh, no!” Keely exclaimed.
“The car didn’t stop,” Sydney added. “It was a hit and run. Josh is confused about the incident. I can’t afford to have production delayed further to locate a new director.” She paused. “I’m calling to let the two of you know that I’ll be directing Murder at Magic Hour.”
CHAPTER 7
Mac tamped down his shock at the quick turn of events as he watched Keely’s face light up.
“I’m really sorry about Josh but I have to tell you that I’m thrilled to work with you again, Sydney,” she said, looking at Mac.
“Same here, Sydney,” he echoed. “There are probably only a handful of first-time actors who can say they landed a leading role and one of the best directors in the business for their first film.”
Sydney laughed. “I’ll admit after seeing your audition, Mac, I was a tad bit jealous of Josh getting to shape this film around your untapped talent. I’m upset about what’s happened to him but it only makes sense for me to step in. I’ve already read the script numerous times because it’s an RCDS production so I’m familiar with it. I’ll spend the rest of today looking at the storyboards and wrapping my head around taking the reins and how I want to put my own stamp on the project.”
“Do you still want us to keep rehearsing another day?” Keely asked before Mac could.
“Absolutely. I’ll look at what little is in the can. I think Josh shot only two scenes yesterday. I’ll be on set tomorrow and meet with key crew members and be ready to sink my teeth into things on Thursday. Come in as we’d planned. I’ll have an updated call sheet texted to you both.”
“Thanks for giving us the heads up about the change and letting us know about Josh,” Mac added. “I’d like to go see him in a day or so, once he’s ready to have visitors.”