Free Beauties and the Beast by Eric Scott Page B

be able to work in the only art form that mattered - theatre. With the money I make from films I can afford to work for nothing if necessary to perform a theatrical role that is a challenge to my talents.’ Time Magazine, April, l978.” She smiled. It was a strangely nice smile.
    â€œTrue,” said Thornton.
    â€œSo if the role is right, we don’t even have to discuss a fee.”
    â€œI don’t discuss fees. My personal manager sees to all that.”
    â€œLike Genghis.” cut in Billy. “Look. I’m getting pissed off, you know what I mean? So what’s this gig all about?”
    Angela sat on the edge of the computer desk, skirt riding up showing leg to kill for. Billy licked his lips. He had to have that woman. She looked at him and laughed. “Naughty boy,” she said.
    Billy turned abruptly and looked at Thornton and then back to Angela. How did she know? “Are you a mind reader or something?”
    â€œJust a student of the psychological insight technique,” said Angela. The women laughed and they created a maelstrom. There was a roaring of wind, lightning strikes, and thunderbolts crashing. But nothing moved. Not a paper was disturbed. Not a hair ruffled. The laughter stopped. There was silence. Four hungry questioning eyes stared at the men.
    â€œWhat’s the gig?” Billy’s almost hysterical cry broke the silence.
    â€œPatience,” said Diana. She moved away from the computer and stood close to the singer. She was equal in height and stared directly into his eyes. “I can’t reveal the plot of the play yet, but I can give you an insight into your character.”
    Angela slid from the desk, skirt riding higher. For a split second Billy thought he saw the suspenders. White, surprisingly. Not black or red. She sat in a chair and concentrated on the screen, her nimble fingers flicked over the keyboard.
    Thornton swirled round. “The boy gets to know his character first!” It was a declaration of war. “What about me!” He confronted as he stood alongside Billy.
    Diana slowly turned her gaze on Thornton. “Tut tut, Mr Thornton,” she said, “such impatience from a man of your age and experience.”
    â€œAnd what is that supposed to mean?” Thornton could have bitten off his own tongue. He used the oldest cliché in the TV script book.
    â€œSimply that a man of your supreme experience, a man almost 66 years old ...”
    â€œI’m only just turned 50,” Thornton insisted vehemently.
    The computer terminal buzzed and blinked. Diana didn’t even turn and look. “My computer tells me you’re 66 at the end of this year.”
    â€œYou bugger.” Mickey came in from the cold of his mesmerised absorption of the words and action around him. “You’re older than I am.”
    â€œNonsense,” snorted Thornton. “The computer records have been forged. It’s bad-mouthed gossip aimed at ruining my image.”
    Mickey stood and came to Thornton. He peered exaggeratedly at Thornton’s face. “The available evidence proves otherwise, even with the Botox” he said. “I cast my vote for 66.”
    â€œAdd on another 6 and you’ve about got it,” said Billy.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œ666.”
    â€œWhat’s 666?”
    â€œThe Devil’s number.” he looked disgustedly at Billy. “Don’t you know anything?”
    â€œI know enough,” said Mickey, bluffing. He turned to Diana. “Come on Miss, when will you tell us?”
    â€œVery soon,” said Diana, “very soon.” She turned her attention to Billy. “Now ...”
    This was too much for Thornton. He exploded. “This is intolerable. I can do without listening to the drivel about the boy wonder here.” He drew himself to his full, impressive height. “Would someone kindly direct me to the men’s room?”
    Diana, amusement toying at