“I’m told this lovely lady was once your pupil,” Zwick said. “If she has an ounce of your talent, she’ll be amazing.”
Confused and about to ask Zwick what he was talking about, Sonya turned and noticed the man sitting in the other chair.
“And this is Dr.Ang,” Zwick said.
“Hello,” Sonya said to the Doctor and April. She turned to Zwick. “What’s going on here?”
“With everything going on around here, I’ve had to make some pretty snappy decisions,” Zwick said. “I’m sure you know that we are now missing two cast members.”
“Yes. I am aware of that.”
“Well, here are my replacements.”
Sonya wanted to gag. “What?”
“April is a lovely replacement for Yolanda. She appears to be about the same size, so costumes won’t be an issue. I happen to believe that she will make a splendid queen’s lady. And as for Dr.Ang; I owe him big. You see, he’s been a very generous supplier of camera and lighting equipment for this production. When he heard of my dilemma, he offered the services of his beautiful daughter and then asked if he, himself, could possibly play the part of the king.”
Shocked, Sonya was left speechless.
“I thought you should know,” Zwick said with a pleased gleam in his eye.
You thought I should know? Why? Why should I know? Betty is the one in charge.No.There’s more to this that you’re not telling me.
“Congratulations,” she finally told the new cast members.
April smiled. “This is so exciting. I can’t wait to work with you...and to hear you sing.”
“Yes,” Sonya said, trying her best to hide the immense fear growing inside her. This was a disaster.
“I was hoping you could show Dr.Ang and his daughter around,” Zwick said, that maddening grin still on his face.
“Of course.” She would have to find a way to let them know about the dangers of working at the studio.
Surely Dr.Ang was aware of the trappings of Hollywood and the desire for fame. Had he warned his young daughter? Had he told her about men like Zwick? Men who devoured young women, even a mere teenager, like April. Men who didn’t hesitate to make a pass at young men either.
Bart, the bartender, had mentioned how Zwick had been rather handsy when he’d auditioned for a part in one of Zwick’s first movies. He had just barely turned eighteen.
“I take it you’re happy with my choice,” Zwick said, his eyes narrow and that Chesire Cat grin still clinging to his lips.
The man was pure evil. If he’d had any doubt at all about April being her daughter, Sonya felt certain he now knew with certainty. On seeing her young daughter, she’d been unable to hide her instant recognition of April.
Just as you expected, is it not, Mr.Zwick? You got me, just as you expected. But what are you planning now?
