Final Cut by Franklin W. Dixon Read Free Book Online Page A

in his pocket. I pick the sound up on this receiver. It's great, say, when the actors are in a car, and you can't use a boom mike or run wires."
    "Frank, Joe!" Trish came over. "Mr. Addison needs you in his dressing room."
    Jim Addison's dressing room, unlike the boxy little trailers that the minor actors had, was large and comfortably furnished. It was set some distance from the stage, isolated from the noise and bustle, with only a few equipment trucks around it.
    The Hardys found J. F. Graham and Norris in the trailer there along with Addison and Andrea Stuart. Drawn curtains over the windows and the air conditioning made the room dim and cool. A stereo played softly in the background.
    "Come in, boys," said Graham, smiling. "I have some information for you. I had Norris check to see if anyone working on 'Thieves Bargain' might have a criminal record. He's made an interesting discovery. Tell them, Norris."
    The secretary, who wore either the same or an identical black suit, opened a folder. Then he read aloud in a thin, reedy voice: "Freed, Sam. Arrested five times on assault charges, convicted twice. Served eight months in prison after the second conviction. Released three times for lack of proof."
    "Why, the man is a gangster! Why not just have him fired?" Andrea Stuart blurted out.
    "Not without definite evidence that he's committed a crime," Graham said. "The union wouldn't stand for it, and a man is innocent until proven guilty. We don't have any evidence against him, do we?"
    Frank and Joe exchanged glances but said nothing.
    "Then," Graham went on, "let's simply keep an eye on this fellow. He might be - "
    There was a knock on the door, and Mel Clifford burst in. "Hello, J. F., I wasn't told you were going to be here today. What's this meeting all about? Or shouldn't I know?"
    "Take it easy, Mel," said Addison.
    "If I'm not wanted ..." Mel said sulkily.
    "Oh, that's all right, honey." Andrea Stuart hooked her arm through his. "We just want to see that Jim isn't tangled up with this horrible murder more than necessary, that's all."
    Mel nodded, and then looked suspiciously at Frank and Joe. "And what about these kids?"
    "They've been helping - " Andrea started to explain, but Addison cut in sharply.
    "Andrea! Stop!"
    Mel's eyes jumped from person to person in the room. "Oh, so there are some secrets, are there? What's happening? You hatching a plan to give the cops some suspect besides Jim? I mean, he's still the prime suspect, right? And with reason, right?"
    "If the cops wanted another suspect," said the actor, glaring at Clifford, "they wouldn't have to look very far. Would they, Mel? You figure that Fairburn ruined your Hollywood movie career, right? Can you account for your whereabouts on the morning of the murder?"
    "Me! Why, you big, overrated ham! We all saw you practically strangle Fairburn when - "
    The two men stood up, Addison towering over Clifford. He said, "Remember, Mel, you have the criminal record, not me! You're the forger!"
    Mel Clifford's face went from tan to bright red. "That's it! One more word, and I'll - "
    J. F. Graham stepped between the two. "Cut it out, both of you! We have enough problems on our hands without this kind of nonsense. Mel, come with me, and cool down. Excuse us, please."
    Graham and Norris left, taking the furious Mel Clifford with them.
    Once they had left, Joe spun around to face Andrea Stuart. "You just won't learn, will you? You were going to tell Clifford about us a minute ago! Why don't you buy an ad in the local papers? Then you wouldn't have to spend all your time telling everyone in person."
    "I've known Mel for years!" she exclaimed. "He's a pussycat! He couldn't be involved - "
    "That's not the point," Frank said. "My dad told you not to tell anyone why we're here. You might tip off the murderer that - "
    A knock on the door stopped Frank. Trish poked her head in.
    "Mr. Addison, you're needed on the set."
    Addison took a deep breath. "Thanks. Andrea, come with