Silent Truths (38 page)

Chapter 16

BETH WAS LOOKING
at Theo Kennedy across the lunch table. For a so-called Hollywood producer, he was surprisingly softly spoken and had an air of dignity and integrity about him that she really hadn’t been expecting at all, even though Robin Lindsay had told her what a respected and acclaimed filmmaker he was. Not being familiar with the movie world herself, she hadn’t heard of him until Robin had first mentioned him, but it turned out she’d seen one of his films, which might have been helpful were she able to remember now what it was about. However, she needn’t have worried, because the subject, so far, had centred round her book, which he seemed to have a genuine high regard for. Naturally, his praise was welcome, and his screen-adaptation proposals, though vague at this early stage, were interesting. But as he waxed on about special effects and story techniques, she was, for the moment at least, more intrigued by the man himself.

She guessed he was around forty, and even if the
accent hadn’t told her he was American, the look certainly would, for he had that shiny, yet rugged, sort of cleanness about him, that made his features appear freshly sculpted, and his body genetically enhanced to athletic perfection. His hair was probably naturally sun-bleached and curled, she decided, though she could easily imagine his super-white, dead-straight teeth on the front of some Hollywood dentist’s portfolio of successes. And then there were his eyes, which were such a deep, lavender blue she had to wonder about tinted contacts, though they were so grave and intense, even when he smiled, that it made the idea of such artificial aids seem unlikely. In fact, he appeared to take himself very seriously indeed, and had, she noticed, either missed the few ironies Robin Lindsay had dropped into proceedings, or simply hadn’t found them amusing at all.

Realizing he’d moved on to the subject of casting, she started paying attention again, listening to the various names he was considering for the role of Carlotta. Most were instantly recognizable, and, as he put it, guaranteed box office, though personally she found that more of a turn-off than a turn-on. However, she didn’t voice her opinion, for she could see she was supposed to be impressed by these legends, and there was simply no point in making objections until the suggestions were promoted from a producer’s hyperbole to the status of serious contenders, for even she knew that most of what was discussed at this stage fell into the category of blarney and bluster.

‘But getting the script together is priority one,’ Theo informed them. ‘Obviously we can circulate a
copy of the book manuscript to the potential leads, but if we can show them a red-hot script, they’ll be more likely to commit.’

‘Do you have someone in mind to write the screenplay?’ Robin asked, sitting back as a waiter came to clear away their entrées.

‘Mitzi Bower’s my first choice,’ he answered. ‘She co-wrote
Heaven Came Down
, which won at Sundance a couple of years ago. She’s done a couple of scripts for me since, both are in development, and I’m here to tell you she’s good.’ He turned to Beth, who blinked at the way his lavender gaze seemed suddenly to glow with feeling. ‘You two should really get along,’ he told her earnestly. ‘She doesn’t come loaded down with the kind of ego that’ll get us stuck in the starting gate. She’s easy, laid-back, and she’ll welcome your input as story consultant. How soon do you reckon you can get out to California?’

Beth blinked again, then looked at Robin. ‘Well, uh, I’m not sure,’ she answered. ‘When were you thinking?’

‘Just as soon as you can make it,’ he replied, picking up his glass of iced water. ‘The quicker we get moving on this, the better chance we’ll have of pulling in the cast and director before my option runs out. Did I tell you I’ve spoken to Eric Weston about directing?’ he added, more to Robin than Beth.

Robin frowned. ‘I don’t think I know that name,’ he said.

‘He’s got a film coming out in the fall. I’ll try to get you an advance copy. Everyone’s tipping it for an Oscar next year. He’s young, kind of crazy,
looks like a geek, but he’s got an unusual style that could be just right for this. I’m waiting to hear back from his agent.’

‘What sort of accommodation are you arranging for Ava once she gets to Hollywood?’ Robin asked.

‘I’ve got my PA on it,’ Theo answered, returning his attention to Beth. ‘We’re looking into renting a house somewhere in Beverly Hills or West Hollywood. Not too far from the office, which is on Wilshire, west of Doheny. Do you know LA at all?’

Beth shook her head.

‘Don’t worry about it. It’s not hard to learn, especially when you’re going in at this level. If I can get Mitzi on the project, it might be a good idea for you two to move in together for the duration. Would you have a problem with that?’

Beth shrugged. ‘It’s hard to say when I’ve never met her,’ she answered, ‘but I’d be willing to give it a try.’ It was amazing, she was thinking, how smoothly her words were going along with this when her heart, whilst not exactly resisting, was still there on the fence. But of course she would go, she knew that already, because apart from anything else she’d just signed the contract to say she would act as story consultant. Not that she was going to get rich on what Theo was paying her during the option period, but since that wasn’t the point of the exercise, she was hardly going to make it an issue.

‘Is there any more editing to be done on the book?’ he asked. ‘Anything that might change things from the way they stand right now?’

‘No,’ Robin answered, before Ava could speak. He felt it best not to get into the little tussle she was
currently having with Stacey about the few cuts Stacey had suggested. ‘Everything will be as per the manuscript.’

Beth treated him to one of Ava’s dazzling smiles. How wonderful it was to be able to rely on his support. Picking up her wine she said, ‘So, Theo, when are you going back to LA?’

‘Friday,’ he answered.

She mulled that over, then said, ‘Maybe I could get the same flight.’

Both men appeared taken aback. ‘Well, sure,’ Theo said, ‘if you can be ready that fast. It’ll mean staying in a hotel when you first get there, but hell, there’s no shortage in LA.’

Beth was smiling, amused by the speed of her decision, and pleased that she’d actually made it. After all, what was the point in delaying, when she needed to put as much distance as she could, emotionally and geographically, between herself and Colin – and whoever it was following her. Though she still hadn’t spotted anyone since returning from Spain, someone was there, she could sense it, just like a bird could sense when danger was close.

‘Who’ll be paying for the hotel?’ Robin enquired, ever the agent.

‘We will,’ Theo answered, meaning his production company.

‘The Four Seasons?’

‘Or equivalent,’ Kennedy responded.

As she regarded them Beth felt herself flood with affection. It was so comforting, and enjoyable, having them take care of her like this. If it continued it might almost make up for Colin’s neglect.

‘What’s the weather like in LA?’ she asked Theo.

‘Hotter than this. And don’t expect too much in the way of humidity. You might hear Californians complaining about it, but in comparison to here, it’s drier than paper. You’ll need a great moisturizer at all times, and plenty of sunscreen. But don’t worry, Mitzi’ll get you fixed up with everything, including all the right spas and masseuses and manicurists and hair salons …’ For the first time his smile seemed to reach his eyes. ‘We’ll turn you into a real California girl,’ he promised.

Beth’s eyebrows were up. ‘What about the accent?’ she said. ‘I don’t think I’d do too well with that.’

‘Oh no,’ he protested, ‘your Englishness is going to be as effective a passport as your book, so no way do we want to lose it.’

She didn’t respond to that, though the idea of Ava with a Californian accent was already starting to gain some appeal.

Later in the afternoon, after returning to Bruce and Georgie’s London flat, she stripped off Ava’s neutral Armani sheath and stepped into a cooling shower. She was intrigued and slightly amused by the way she was going so effortlessly with the flow of this new stream of events. Was this how easy life could be if she just allowed it to happen? Tickets were now being arranged, hotels booked and houses rented, all in order to transport her from this turbulent yet familiar world to one where she hardly knew what to expect, apart from sunshine, luxury and the freedom to be, as Robin had put it, whosoever she wanted to be.

‘Friday!’ Georgie cried, when she came in from her workout. ‘Isn’t that a bit soon?’

Beth shrugged. ‘Why wait? They want to get started, and what am I doing here besides trying to fight off an editor who doesn’t understand no, and hanging around for a letter that’s probably never going to come?’

‘Actually,’ Georgie said, pulling open a drawer, ‘it arrived with the second post.’

It was suddenly as though day had turned into night, or the world had started spinning the other way. She’d been so convinced Colin wouldn’t write back, so engrossed in her Hollywood plans, that she couldn’t make the change. She stared at the prison envelope, so fearful, yet hopeful, of what it might contain that the conflict was making it hard to move. She’d prayed every night for a letter, but now it was here she wasn’t sure she wanted it. She could see that it had come through regular channels, rather than through Bruce. Was that significant? Would it make it harder, or easier to read? If there was a visiting order she would see that first. She’d know then that it would be easier. But if there was, what would she do if it was dated after Friday?

Her eyes came up to Georgie’s. ‘I almost want you to read it for me,’ she said in a hushed voice.

Georgie put it on the table. ‘I’m going to have a shower,’ she said. ‘There’s wine in the fridge if you need some fortification.’

Beth nodded, then realizing she did, she opened a cupboard and took out a glass. ‘Theo Kennedy, the producer, doesn’t seem to drink,’ she said, her voice sounding oddly distant to her own ears.

‘Probably in rehab,’ Georgie commented. ‘Half of them are.’

‘What about the other half?’

‘They’re fun.’

Beth smiled vaguely, then poured the wine as Georgie went off to the bathroom. After taking a sip she sat down at the table and forced herself to tear open the envelope. There was no visiting order, just a single blue page.

My darling Beth,

I have read your letter over and over, and though I’ve tried many times I know I’ll never be able to find the words to tell you how truly sorry I am for all the pain and anguish I have caused you, or for the times I’ve deceived you. No man could ever ask for a more beautiful, supportive and loving wife. I have been truly blessed in you, my darling, yet how do I repay you? By abusing your trust, dishonouring your love, and failing to appreciate your loyalty. And now, when I deserve your scorn and contempt, you are there, wanting to stand by me to show the world how deeply you believe in me. For that, and for everything else you are, I will always love you. But, my darling, I can’t hold you to me any longer. You have a life to live, one that is just opening up with all the new and exciting challenges you told me about in your letter, which I’m sure will bring all the success and recognition you so deserve.

It filled my heart with pride when I read about Ava’s achievement – and I love her name, by the way. I’d already read about her in the paper, which was hard, not hearing it from you first, but all the excitement you expressed in your letter more than made up for me finding out that way.
Will you send me a copy when it’s in print?

I don’t know how long I will be in here now, but don’t feel badly, darling, that you’ve doubted me. I didn’t kill Sophie, but I can understand why you, and so many others believe I did, when the evidence looks the way it does. So yes, of course I forgive you for thinking the worst, though I’m relieved to hear that you no longer do. I’ve relented now, and am allowing others to try finding out what really happened that day. All the time I’ve been afraid for your safety, wondering if your association with me will bring you harm. I will tell you no more than that, because I don’t want you to bear the burden of secrets that I only half know anyway. It won’t surprise you to hear that I’ve turned to journalists for help. I just hope I’ve chosen the right ones. My own close colleagues appear to have deserted me, so I’m left with the girl who delivered the news of my arrest, and Elliot Russell, who we’ve both met once or twice in the past. He is not an easy man to intimidate, and has a way of getting to the truth that I hope will eventually return me to freedom.

If that happens, my darling, I want you to know that I will go to Heather and Jessica. Your offer to accept my daughter into our lives reduced me to tears, but, Beth, I can’t let you sacrifice yourself any more. You deserve all the happiness and triumphs Ava can bring you, so, darling, seize your opportunities and know that I will always be there for you in spirit.

God bless and good luck,

Colin

Beth was sobbing and laughing, twisting her hair, and trying to be strong, but this was so devastating she didn’t know if she could hold on. The last thing she wanted now was to go to Hollywood. Ava was nothing, no one, just a false dimension of her battered mind that she was using to protect herself from the pain. But it wasn’t working; the pain was still there, and it would never go away because in the end Colin was all that mattered – not a book, or a script, or even a new life. But he didn’t want her. He’d chosen Jessica.
The daughter that should have been hers
. How was she going to bear this? Oh God, how could she change his mind?

She looked around the empty kitchen. What should she do now? Almost without thinking she shouted Georgie’s name. Georgie needed to know this, she might be able to help.

Georgie’s feet sounded in the hall. ‘Oh no,’ she groaned, seeing Beth’s stricken, tear-stained face. ‘What does it say?’