Day 9 by Robert T. Jeschonek Read Free Book Online Page B

conventions—not exactly Broadway audiences.
    "Then there's my product line," said Luanne. "'You Bella Believe It' clothes and cosmetics. Well, you wouldn't believe how much money we make every time we do a show on the Shopit Channel!"
    "That's wonderful." Hannahlee smiled pleasantly and nodded.
    "But enough about me," said Luanne. "What have you been doing, Lianna?"
    Hannahlee shrugged. "I'm working for the studio."
    "What?" Luanne's eyes widened. "For Halcyon ?"
    Hannahlee nodded.
    "I can't believe it!" Luanne leaned forward suddenly and grabbed Hannahlee's knee. "I mean, no offense, but...wow! You have a series? A production deal? A movie?" Luanne jumped back and fluttered her fingers. "Oh my God! Don't tell me they're finally doing a Willows movie!"
    Hannahlee sighed. "They are, but I'm not in it. He's writing it." She pointed at Dunne.
    Luanne's attention rocketed in Dunne's direction. "Really? Surely there's room for some cameos by the original Willows! Or why not some minor supporting roles ?"
    "Actually," said Dunne, "we do need your help."
    "Anything." Luanne flashed him what must have been her most enchanting smile. "What can I do for you?"
    "Have you ever mud-wrestled ?" said Quincy. "I'm thinkin' pay-per-view, you and Lianna, mud or Jell-O. Instant jackpot, I'm tellin ' ya'."
    Luanne ignored him. Crossing her legs, she folded her hands on her knee and gazed at Dunne as if his every word was the height of fascination. "What do you need?"
    "Cyrus Gowdy," said Dunne. "We're looking for him."
    Luanne's fascinated expression faded fast. "Good old Cyrus, huh? That's all you want from me?" Leaning back, she straightened her pants leg and gave her long, black hair a toss. "I'm sure I don't know where he is."
    "There's a cameo," said Hannahlee. "I'm authorized to offer you a cameo in the film if you provide information that leads us to Gowdy."
    Dunne gaped at Hannahlee. She'd taken him by surprise twice now—first with Quincy's stipend, now this. He wondered what else she was prepared to offer, and to whom.
    Luanne became instantly more engaged. "Cyrus did get me this job, you know."
    "How recently?" said Dunne.
    "A little over a year ago," said Luanne.
    "Did he talk about his plans?" said Hannahlee. "Did he mention anywhere he was thinking of going?"
    Luanne shook her head. "I, um, didn't talk directly to him. He did everything by voice mail and e-mail." She scrunched up her eyes and nose as she searched her memory. "I'm sorry." She said it with a sigh. "I don't remember anything about plans or travel."
    "You never spoke at all?" said Dunne. "He just called you out of the blue one day and asked if you wanted to be in a fan film?"
    Luanne shrugged. "Pretty much. He said he knew Enrique the director, and Enrique was begging to work with me."
    "We need to talk to Enrique again," Dunne said to Hannahlee. "He left that part out."
    "Let me do the talking." Quincy pounded a fist into the palm of his hand. "That Fexican fastard ."
    "Wait." Luanne grabbed Quincy's wrist. "Can't you at least wait till he finishes filming my scenes ?"
    "Perhaps I can be persuaded ." Quincy laid a hand on top of Luanne's. "You have the power to fulfill my lifelong dream , you know."
    Luanne jerked her hand free of his grip. "I doubt it," she said. " I'm not a man ."
    Quincy beamed. "Sweet Bella. Even your sarcasm makes me weak in the knees ."
    "Where aren't you weak?" said Luanne.
    Hannahlee got up from her chair. "Maybe you should hide out for a while, Luanne. At least until after the thirtieth anniversary of the show."
    "Not a chance!" Luanne slapped her knees and laughed. "The thirtieth's gonna be huge for Bella Willow Inc . Might as well tell Santa to take the Christmas season off."
    "Well, be extra careful." Hannahlee handed Luanne a business card. "And call me if you think of anything else about Cyrus."
    "Ah, baby." Luanne popped out of her chair and wrapped her arms around Hannahlee. "I've missed you so much." She gave Hannahlee a