In Deep Shitake (A Humorous Romantic Suspense) by Patricia Mason Read Free Book Online Page B

about. A lone saxophonist had positioned himself on the square’s east side, playing a slightly off-key rendition of an old standard. Several elderly ladies were clustered together on a park bench, nattering amongst themselves. An old man carried a sign warning against an evil something or other while periodically hurling indistinguishable words in the direction of the nearbycourthouse .
    A couple—obviously tourists—with T-shirts displaying their allegiance to some college in North Carolina, stood near the square’s center as they examined the plaque which described its history. Each carried one of the famous Savannah to-go cups . Could they be drinking before noon ?
    A young man in an ill-fitting blue seersucker suite and bottle strength eyeglasses, sat on a park bench, reading a newspaper with his legs stretched out in front of him blocking, the way of passers by.
    A squealing of tires caught Ross’s attention. He turned toward the source, a black SUV speeding around the square. The vehicle screeched to a halt in front of the agency building and continued to rev. The driver—a block head with a Neanderthal brow—stared at Ross for a second before turning away. What was wrong with that guy?
    The cell phone in his pocket rang. Ross pulled the sleek, black device out to see the caller’s name displayed on the face. He groaned. As much as he didn’t want to, he’d have to answer it. His agent became nervous if he couldn’t reach Ross at all times. Ross hoped he didn’t have bad news from the studio.
    “What is it, Aaron?” Ross schooled his tone to boredom with a hint of annoyance designed to hide his trepidation. Dealing with Hollywood types resembled dealing with wild animals. One could never show fear or they’d tear you apart.
    “I’m hearing good things about your meeting with Nicodemus last night. It’s looking good. This one could really do it for you, Ross. This film could put you back on top of the power pyramid.”
    “That’s great,” Ross said, smiling to himself.
    “The studio suits were blown away by your professionalism.”
    “Do I hear a ‘but’ coming?”
    “If anything happens to make you look personally unstable, this whole deal will fall apart like a house of toothpicks.”
    “Cards,” Ross corrected under his breath.
    “Whatever. It could all quickly turn to a smelly brown substance.”
    “I know you’ve warned me before, but—”
    “You’re trying to prevent leaks about the project.”
    “Exactly," Ross commented. "And you know the old saying about doing things yourself if you want them done right.”
    “Yeah, but you obviously don’t know the old saying about shit rolling downhill. If you’re the only one on the hill, it’s definitely going to hit you. But if you hire some minions to stand around you on the hill you can always duck behind them when the time comes.”
    “Very profound, Aaron. I’ll keep that in mind. Was there anything else?”
    “Yeah. I hear you’re riding on the Nicodemus family float in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.”
    “Any advice?” Ross asked.
    “Yeah. Smile and wave. Simple.” Aaron said.
     Ross groaned.
    “Think of all the goodwill it will get you with the locals. Maybe I can book you to appear at the greening of the goat ceremony.”
    “There’s a green goat?” Ross asked.
    “I’m assured there is.”
    “No goat greening ceremony.” Ross didn’t try to hide his anger. Aaron didn’t realize when he’d gone too far sometimes. “What will you want me to do next? Mall openings?”
    “Don’t be a schmuck," Aaron said. "Until you have a successful new movie, your career could use all the help it can get. A mall opening isn’t a bad idea.”
    “Good-bye, Aaron.”
    After ending the call, Ross pushed the phone into his pocket. Ross pulled his sunglasses from his shirt neck, before placing them over his eyes. He glanced at his watch. Mo should be exiting the building any minute now.
    Out of the corner of his eye, Ross saw