Free Fade to Blue by Bill Moody

the banner.”
    That surprises me. I thought Ryan would have called Robbins. Ryan stands up and looks at Robbins. “Are we done?” He turns and walks out without waiting for an answer. “Hey, Andie. Glad you could make it.”
    Robbins sighs and shakes his head. “God, he can be trying. Can we talk a minute, Evan?”
    “Sure.” I turn to look at Andie.
    She nods. “I’ll be in the guesthouse.”
    “No you won’t,” Melanie says, as she suddenly appears in shorts and a sweatshirt. “We’re going for a walk.” She hugs Andie. “I’m so glad you came back.”
    Andie looks taken by surprise. She waves and lets Melanie lead her away.
    Grant Robbins and I sit down. “So tell me about this thing tonight,” he says.
    I run down the details, or as much as I know. “It’s not that big a deal,” I say.
    “Okay, it’s a good cause, but if Ryan is making an appearance, it’s always a big deal,” Robbins says. “Do me a favor. If something else like this comes up, give me a heads up okay? Ryan forgets how his presence can stir things up.”
    I doubt that but I don’t say anything. “I’ll have to be there early to get everything set with the band and see what Ruth Price wants.”
    “No problem,” Robbins says. “I’ll have a car to pick up Ryan and Melanie. Andie will go with you?” He considers a moment. “Your policeman friend will be there, too?”
    “Yeah. Ryan suggested inviting him.”
    “Good. Maybe you can tell him to stick kind of close to Ryan.”
    I study Robbins for a moment. “Are you worried about something happening?”
    “No, it’s just, well, there’ll be fans, photographers. You just never know.”
    “Ryan sort of jokingly asked Coop—Lieutenant Cooper to help with security on the film. By the way—”
    Robbins puts up his hand. “Good. Tell him he’s hired, as of tonight.”
    At the Anchor, I turn over the BMW to a valet parking guy. “Be careful with this. It belongs to Ryan Stiles.”
    “No way,” he says.
    “Trust me.”
    “Dude, it’s handled. No problem.”
    Andie and I push through a growing throng of people gathered near the entrance, I assume, to get a glimpse of Ryan when he arrives. Some temporary barriers have been set up manned by some Malibu sheriffs, but it all looks pretty friendly. I see a couple of photographers leaning on the barrier talking to one of the cops.
    Inside, there’s already a sizable crowd seated at the tables and hovering around the buffet. Near the stage, a blow-up photo of Hoppy on an easel.
    Ruth Price comes up as I look at the photo. It had to be taken years ago and shows Hoppy in his signature beret and smoke glasses. “How’s he doing?”
    “You know, resting comfortably as they always say. Cancer’s a bitch, isn’t it? Thanks again for doing this, Evan. And my God, Ryan Stiles to boot. I won’t even ask how you pulled that off.”
    I smile. “Good, it’s top secret.”
    Ruth gives me a look. “You’re not kidding, are you?”
    “Nope.”
    “He and his girlfriend can sit with me over there.” She points to a table off to the side of the stage, with a “Reserved” placard on it. “You can do a couple of sets, we’ll make a presentation, a few speakers, you know how these things go. We’ll just fake it.”
    “No problem. The other guys here yet?”
    She points to a buffet set up against one wall. “Buster’s over there, of course.” I look and see Buster Browne piling a plate full of food. “Try the piano. I got a dealer in Santa Monica to donate it for tonight. I’ve got to work the room a little.” She hurries off.
    “I’m going to look for Coop’,” Andie says as I head for the stage. The piano is a baby grand. I sit down and try a few chords. The action feels good and will be fine. I’m joined by the drummer as he rolls his cases in. He’s a tall thin guy wearing thick glasses.
    “Evan, Jack Sears. Looking forward to it.” He starts setting up and Buster wanders over, his plate still half-full.