"Or Braden's. He cut his hand the night of the party during their fight. He said Andrea threw a glass at him and it broke when he tried to catch it, but who knows if that's true?"
"Nobody saw her throw the glass?"
"No. And there wasn't anything to clean up so either one of them cleaned it up or it never happened. I'm guessing it never happened."
"Then how did Braden cut his hand?"
"I don't know. I don't want to talk about it. Let's get your stuff and go."
We head back to his house. When we go inside, Roman is there.
"Dad, I thought you were coming back tomorrow," Jackson says.
"I was, but there was a party going on next door and I didn't want to deal with calling the police or trying to sleep through the noise. I think I might sell that house. The neighborhood's not what it used to be." He gives me a nod. "Rumor."
"Hi, Mr. Novak. How'd the casting go?"
"It's behind schedule. The studio's calling me day and night telling me to move things along or they'll halt production."
"Like not do the movie?" Jackson asks.
"They may not have a choice. If this continues, we won't have time to wrap up production for a summer release."
"This is because of me?" Jackson asks. "Because of what's happening?"
Roman rubs his hand over his jaw. "We'll figure it out. The studio execs are alarmists. They're just trying to light a fire under me to get things moving again."
"Dad, just go. Work on the movie. I've got this. I can work with the lawyers."
"Jackson, this isn't petty theft. This is murder. I need to be here for this."
"Can they move the auditions here?" I ask.
Roman chuckles, like it was a dumb question. "Like I said, we'll figure it out. We have our leads picked. We just need them to sign the paperwork. After that, thing's will go faster."
"Are you letting Brock audition?" I ask. "I won't tell him if you don't want him to know. I was just wondering."
"I might let him audition but I'm concerned about giving him the role."
"Why? Because of what's happening with Braden?"
"That, and because of our female lead. I don't want their past relationship causing drama on set."
"Past relationship? Wait—are you talking about Morgan?"
"It hasn't been made public yet, but yes, we've cast Morgan Kristoff as our lead. That needs to remain private until an announcement is made. Tell no one, including Brock."
I nod. "I won't tell."
Jackson takes my hand. "Dad, we're going to go watch some TV. We'll see you later."
As we're walking to his room, the doorbell rings.
Jackson stops suddenly. "Who the hell would be here this late?" The bell rings again. "I'll be right back."
He heads to the door. I follow him, wanting to see who's there. Roman's already at the door and opens it.
"Jonathan," Roman says. "It's rather late for a visit."
