Lady Boss (67 page)

The entourage snapped to attention.

* * *

The Sleazy Singles had sort of adopted Eddie Kane. He was their kind of guy.

‘You going to that party?' Arnie asked him. ‘It's like a surprise thing for Venus Maria. We may as well pick up broads. Best place in town to do it.'

‘Sure,' agreed Frankie. ‘You'll come with us.'

Vaguely Eddie remembered he'd been invited several weeks ago. God! Several weeks ago seemed like a lifetime. ‘Yeah, why not?' he decided. ‘I'll take a ride to my house and change. I feel like a shower.'

‘Why don't you shower here?' said Frankie, ever the generous host.

‘Yeah, why don't you fuckin' move in?' guffawed Arnie.

They all laughed.

‘Hey, guys, I'll see you there. Gimme the address.'

Frankie scribbled it on a piece of paper and handed it over.

Eddie drove back to his house. On the way he called Kathleen Le Paul. ‘I need to make a buy,' he said. ‘Can you come by my house?'

She was short with him. ‘What do you think I am, your runner? I happen to be busy tonight.'

‘And I happen to be one of your best customers,' he reminded her.

‘Yeah, one of my best non-paying customers. You still owe, and until I get paid – no more deliveries.'

He slammed the phone down in a fury. Bitch!

The Maserati ripped up the highway. God, he loved his car. He'd sell his house, he'd sell his clothes, but he'd never sell his goddamn car.

* * *

‘We're going to a party,' Lucky informed Gino.

‘Aw, come on, I'm partied out,' he said, groaning.

‘Don't be such an old grouch. We're going to a real Hollywood bash and having a great time.'

‘A great time, huh?' He looked at her like she was nuts, ‘You know how many of those things I went to when I was with Marabelle Blue? And how about when I was married to Susan? She dragged me to three a night! Christ. A great time – you gotta be kiddin'.'

‘Will you quit with the bitching? I want you to meet Venus Maria. She's a fabulous woman.'

‘Hey, kid, when you reach my age you've seen everythin', you've done everythin', an' you know something? You don't wanna see nothin' else.'

‘Stop talking like that. You're getting on my nerves. We're going, OK?'

Gino shook his head. ‘You're a tough broad.'

‘Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, and I got a smart mouth. So you've always told me. I'm just like my daddy!'

They both laughed.

‘Lucky, you really turned out to be somethin'.'

‘And so did you, Gino. So did you. Now go change – I want to see you in a suit.'

Mary-Lou and Steven had taken little Carioca Jade, CeeCee, Bobby, and his school friend to Santa Barbara to visit one of Mary-Lou's aunts. They were staying overnight.

Lucky had given Miko a few days off before he had a nervous breakdown. The place was a mess, but she didn't mind as long as everyone was having a good time.

Prowling through her closet, she decided on a white tuxedo with nothing underneath. When she was dressed she looked strikingly beautiful with her unruly mass of jet curls, black Gypsy eyes, wide sensual mouth, and weekend suntan.

‘Hey, kid,' Gino said when he saw her. ‘What am I gonna tell you? You make me proud.'

‘Thanks, Gino… Daddy.'

Their eyes met, father and daughter. They were truly united.

‘Let's go party,' Lucky said, smiling.

‘Kill her,' Carlo Bonnatti said.

‘Who?' asked Link.

Carlo Bonnatti paced around his Century City penthouse. ‘Lucky Santangelo, that's who.'

‘It's as good as done.'

‘I hope so.'

‘Don't worry, the lady is already dead.'

‘She's no lady, she's a Santangelo. It's to be done within the next twenty-four hours. And it better look like an accident.'

‘You got it, boss.'

Carlo nodded. The time had come to take revenge.

Cooper arrived on time to pick up Venus Maria.

‘What's so important that we have to go out to dinner?' she asked. ‘I'd really like to stay home. It's my birthday tomorrow and Martin's coming in. I need an early night.'

Cooper shrugged. ‘I'll bring you home by midnight – just in time to wish you a happy birthday. How's that?'

‘Very funny, Cooper.'

‘My aim is to amuse.'

‘So, what's the big secret? Why were you so insistent we get together tonight?'

‘When I explain it, you'll understand.'

‘Is it something about Martin?'

‘In a way. Remember when you asked me to talk to him?'

‘That was a while ago. Everything's changed since then.'

‘So I noticed. But I still think we should discuss some of the things he said.'

She sighed. ‘OK, Cooper, if that's what turns you on.'

He didn't crack a smile. ‘Yes, it is.'

She reached for her purse. ‘We're awfully serious tonight.'

‘I'm practising for when you announce your wedding.'

‘Would it bother you?'

They exchanged a long, silent look before Cooper changed the subject and said, ‘Is that what you're wearing?'

She was clad in ripped-at-the-knee jeans, a tight white T-shirt, and an oversized man's jacket. So much for Ron's theory that if she was seeing him she'd wear some incredible outfit.

‘Oh, I'm so sorry,' she said sarcastically. ‘Doesn't this cut it for Hamburger Hamlet?'

‘I booked a table at Spago.'

‘Not again! I can't be photographed with you every time we go out. Once or twice is a laugh, but this is ridiculous. Martin's going to get pissed off.'

‘Martin couldn't care less about you and me. We're just friends, remember?'

‘I'm not changing,' she said stubbornly.

‘Have it your own way. Don't say I didn't warn you.'

She looked perplexed. ‘Warn me about
what?
'

‘Not to worry.'

‘You're acting strange tonight, Cooper.'

‘Yeah?' He stared at her. She was the most desirable and stimulating woman he'd come across in a long time and she belonged to somebody else. ‘Why do you think that?'

‘You're just like, uh… jumpy.'

He glanced at his watch. ‘Come on. The sooner we go, the sooner I'll get you home.'

‘Charming! Maybe we
should
stay out until midnight.'

‘Why the change?'

‘I told you – it's my birthday at midnight.'

‘You should have told me before, I would have bought you a present.'

‘That's OK, you can send me flowers tomorrow. Orchids. I'm crazy for orchids.' She took his arm. ‘Let's hit the road. I'm starving.'

* * *

Lennie booked the girls into the Beverly Hilton. He didn't deem it appropriate to turn up for a reunion with Lucky dragging Brigette and Nona along.

They loved the idea of staying in a hotel. Room service and cable television. They were perfectly happy.

‘You're sure you're going to be OK?' he asked them for the fifth time.

‘Will you get out of here, Lennie,' Brigette said, giving him a little shove towards the door. ‘We're not kids, you know.'

‘OK,' he said. ‘But you've got to promise me – no boys in the room.'

Nona giggled. ‘What makes you think we'd bring boys up here?' she asked innocently.

‘I was your age once. The memory doesn't go – just the body. Know what I'm saying?'

Both girls nodded and laughingly escorted him to the door. ‘Yeah, yeah, Lennie, now get the hell
out
. Good
bye!
'

He felt really good, like a weight had been lifted. It was all going to work out. He knew it.

Downstairs he had the doorman get him a cab, then he set off for the beach. He tried to think of a great opening line. How about
I'm home?
That should do it.

* * *

Martin Swanson was met at the airport by Ken, proud to be assigned such an important task.

‘Venus Maria has no idea you're going to be at the party,' Ken offered. ‘In fact, she has no idea about the party.'

‘No photographers. You're sure about that?'

‘Absolutely sure,' replied Ken, guiding Martin to a waiting limousine.

‘I can't be photographed,' Martin repeated his fears. ‘I've had it with the press. Publicity is exactly what I don't need. It's becoming ridiculous.'

‘Oh, yes,' agreed Ken, wishing the press would hound
him
for a change. ‘We understand perfectly.'

‘Good,' said Martin. He was not in a talkative mood.

‘The surprise will be worth it,' Ken said, putting on his Ray-Bans, even though it was after dark.

‘I'm sure,' replied Martin, less than modest.

* * *

Although neither of them was aware of it, they passed on the highway – Lucky and Gino heading for Beverly Hills, Lennie in a cab on his way to Malibu.

When Lennie arrived at the house he was disappointed to find it empty. After letting himself in with his key he looked around. The place was a mess. Had Lucky been entertaining?

He yelled for Miko a few times and then realized that even he wasn't home.

Shit! He should have told her he was coming. What made him think she was sitting around every night hoping he'd appear?

God damn it! Well… she'd be home eventually and he'd be waiting.

* * *

On another highway, a short distance outside of Los Angeles, Deena sat behind the wheel of her rented Ford and headed towards her destination.

The throbbing rhythms of a half-naked bongo player welcomed the guests into Ron's somewhat eclectic home. He had a passion for high ceilings, black granite, mirrors, and huge expanses of glass. His home was dramatic, to say the least.

The guests had been instructed to arrive before eight, giving Ron plenty of time to see that they were served drinks and a wonderful array of hors d'oeuvres.

An army of servants worked flat out while a parade of Hollywood luminaries arrived at the door. Ron didn't know everybody, but Venus Maria's name was enough to get them all out.

Among the first to arrive were several married couples – the Tony Danzas, Roger Moores, and Michael Caine with his dazzlingly beautiful wife, Shakira. They were followed by a smiling Susie Rush in the company of her husband. Singing star Al King entered next with his exotic-looking wife, Dallas. And then came a few studio executives, including Zeppo and Ida White, Mickey Stolli, and a rough-looking Eddie Kane, whom Ron couldn't remember inviting.

The vibrations were good. There was a definite buzz in the air.

Ron personally greeted legendary film director Billy Wilder with his elegant wife, Audrey, unquestionably the chicest woman in town. He waved at the Jourdans, Poitiers, and Davises. The evening was shaping up.

* * *

Johnny Romano's silver limo snaked its way along the driveway. Warner sat beside him, knees firmly together, skirt riding high somewhere near the top of her thighs.

‘Hey, baby, how about a little feel?' Johnny encouraged, trying to wriggle his hand between her tightly closed knees.

‘Not now,' she objected. ‘Later.'

‘
Now
, baby,' Johnny said, fingers fighting their way towards his goal. ‘Johnny says so. C'mon, baby, open up for Daddy.'

She slapped his hand away.

‘Oh boy, you got a sharp slap.'

‘I've been practising.'

He grinned. ‘Yeah?'

His bodyguards travelled in the car behind. At private functions they attempted to make themselves unobtrusive. Not easy – but insisted upon by most of the hosts.

‘You ever fucked in the back of a limo?' Johnny asked, leering all over her.

She didn't want to tell him that this was the first time she'd been in a limousine, although she'd given out a few tickets in her time. ‘No,' she said.

‘Hey – baby – Johnny says your education is not complete. Johnny's gonna help you out!'

‘Not now,' she repeated vehemently.

‘When?' he demanded. ‘Tomorrow? You want I should send the car for you in the morning?'

She was planning to spend the night. ‘I'll be with
you
in the morning, won't I?'

‘Oh, yeah, sure, baby, if that's what you'd like.'

‘That's exactly what I'd like, Johnny.' Warner Franklin was not about to get fucked in the back of his car and sent home.

‘OK, I'll tell you what, baby. We'll drop by the party, stay an hour, an' when we leave I'll fuck you in the back of the limo. Hey – I'm gonna fuck you all the way home. How about
that?
'

Warner couldn't help getting excited at the thought. As long as it was
his
home.

There was something about Johnny Romano that turned her to jelly.

* * *

Adam Bobo Grant wouldn't have missed this party for the world. He'd got word of it in New York, telephoned Ron personally, and requested an invitation.

Ron had been only too delighted to oblige. Bobo had hopped a plane and flown right out. He was certainly not regretting it. There were stars everywhere. Enough to fill his column for a month.

He cruised the room with a happy little smile and a retentive memory.

‘Amazing house,' he complimented Ron. ‘Simply… different.'

Ron was pleased. ‘Do you really like it?'

‘I just said so, didn't I?' Bobo said tartly, spotting Lionel Richie and his pretty wife, along with Luther Vandross and the Bacharachs.

‘Then maybe you'd consider being my house guest, perhaps sometime in the future?'

Bobo didn't commit himself either way. He waved at Tita and Sammy Cahn, who were just coming through the front door, and took off in pursuit of Clint Eastwood.