Free Fade to Blue by Bill Moody Page A

Seeing Buster, I feel underdressed in a sports coat and slacks. Buster’s in his wedding gig uniform: a white shirt, a tie, and a dark suit that looks a size too small.
    “Dude, they have some serious food here,” he says, his mouth half-full. “Better try this roast beef.” He sits on the edge of the stage and finally takes a breath. “This movie star really coming?”
    “So I’m told,” I say. The three of us have a brief conference, deciding on what we’ll play as Jack finishes setting up his drums. “Ruth will introduce us and then go from there. We’ll play a short set, then she’ll introduce Ryan Stiles and make a few presentations.”
    We all turn toward the entrance then as the crowd parts and Ryan and Melanie come in, smiling and waving. I walk over to Andie and Coop as Ruth escorts the couple to their table, Grant Robbins trailing behind them.
    Ryan is in black jeans and shirt and a leather jacket. Melanie has opted for a tan pantsuit a shade darker than her skin.
    “You want to wipe the drool off your face, Coop,” I say.
    “She is something,” he says, blushing a little.
    I pull Coop aside. “Robbins would like you to stick close to Stiles, okay? He says you’re hired as of tonight.”
    Coop nods and takes on his cop look for a moment. “They expecting trouble?”
    “No, just being cautious.”
    “Always a good thing to be,” Coop says.
    Herman Cassidy has been a fixture on L.A. jazz radio for over three decades, so when Ruth Price makes her opening remarks, there’s loud applause. “Let’s be generous and remember why we’re all here,” she says. “We have a very special guest tonight who has graciously agreed to be here. Let’s show him some jazz fan appreciation.” She pauses and glances at Ryan’s table. “Ladies and Gentlemen, Ryan Stiles.”
    Ryan stands and waves and smiles in true movie star fashion. Coop, I see, is standing just behind the table. Andie is sitting with Melanie.
    “We’ll hear from Mr. Stiles a bit later, but right now, I’m going to turn things over to Evan Horne and his trio to get things started.”
    We get a nice welcome. I nod at Buster and Jack and count us into “Love for Sale.” The groove is there immediately as Buster bears down and Jack’s ride cymbal cuts through sharply. It’s relaxed, easy, a no-pressure gig. We play three more tunes. As the applause dies, Ruth heads for the stage.
    “I’m going to introduce Ryan now.”
    I nod as she steps to the microphone. “Once more for the Evan Horne trio,” she says. She glances toward Ryan. “We’re very privileged, and I must confess, surprised to have as a special guest, who really needs no introduction, Mr. Ryan Stiles.”
    There’s a burst of applause as Ryan makes his way to the stage, all smiles and waving. “Thanks, Ruth. I’m very happy to be here and do whatever I can to help one of jazz radio’s finest.” I catch Buster’s eye as we look at each other, both of us thinking the same thing.
    Ryan reaches into his jacket pocket and hands something to Ruth. She takes it, looks, and her eyes fly open.
    “This is a check for ten thousand dollars,” she says.
    The audience jumps to their feet and bursts into an ovation that lasts over a minute. I watch from the piano, as stunned as Ruth obviously is. I’m sure Ryan never heard of Herman Cassidy until I told him about the benefit. It’s an amazing gesture but it makes me wonder at his motives.
    Ruth then motions to a small woman in her late sixties to come up. “Ryan, this is Hoppy’s wife.” She hands the check to her and steps aside.
    Ryan smiles and hugs her. “Young man, you can’t imagine how much this means, how much it will help Hoppy. He loves your movies.”
    There’s more applause as she returns to her seat, clutching the check. Ryan grabs the microphone. “Hey, we’re not finished yet. I want to invite everybody here tonight to the premiere of my next movie. And hey, you all better be there.”
    There’s