Chapter 24
As predicted, the resumed filming began with a blast of energy surging through the house. Emma couldn’t keep up with all the activity. As most of the filming so far had taken place inside, Felix now planned to shoot several of the outside scenes. This was proving to be far more hectic than ever. At least they didn’t have the security issue hanging over them, conceded Emma. She could relax a little over routinely checking every door and window was locked. Instead, she was manically overseeing refreshments for the cast, crew and now the extras who were on set. As the number of actors increased, so did the makeup and costume assistants.
The place was heaving. Every now and again Felix would catch Emma’s eye and they’d share a secret smile. This of course wasn’t lost on Polly, who had clocked one or two of the furtive exchanges. Who did they think they were kidding? she chuckled to herself. They did look good together though, Polly concluded. Emma was very bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and as for Felix, he was positively glowing. His mood had lifted somewhat too, she’d noticed. No longer did he snap with impatience over forgotten lines, much to Brian’s relief, who still chose to improvise when his memory lapsed. Instead of exasperation, Felix showed consideration when the older actor slipped up. Everyone had expected the director to roll his eyes (as Felix was renowned for doing), but instead he cocked his head to one side and remarked, ‘Hmm, I like what you did there, Brian. It works better.’
Although busy, it was a pleasant atmosphere, tinged with excitement to be back together filming after the break.
‘How did the gig go?’ asked Polly during the coffee break. She and Emma were stood outside on the back lawn. A scene had just been shot with Lady Scarlett supposedly coming back from a horse ride and she wore tight jodhpurs and a black riding jacket.
‘Great, thanks,’ smiled Emma.
‘Did Felix go?’ Polly grinned with a raised eyebrow.
Emma paused before answering. She was suddenly aware of how many questions Polly asked. Was it just girly chit-chat, as they’d previously shared with giggles, or was it something more sinister? After all, what business was it of Polly’s?
‘I’d better get on,’ replied Emma and hurried to the refreshment trolly, busying herself stacking empty cups. Polly looked on with a puzzled frown.
Felix too was far more guarded with those around him. That’s what suspicion did to you. He may not have the worry of a mad woman stalking him now, but she almost certainly had an accomplice. Butwho? His eyes sceptically ran over the cast and crew. He’d observed Emma’s swift exit from Polly, but was convinced it wasn’t her. His narrowed gaze fell on Brian, but again, he didn’t know Anika and neither did the camera men he reasoned. What about the assistants? It was possible one of the makeup women knew Anika. But then he winced at how appallingly she had treated them and doubted their cooperation. He sighed into this coffee cup.
‘You OK?’ A hushed voice came from his side. He gave a wry grin.
‘You don’t need to whisper, Emma,’ he said, turning to face her. ‘We are allowed to talk in public you know.’
Emma laughed at how she must appear.
‘Sorry, I just feel like I’m being watched,’ she said, still a tad quiet.
‘I know,’ he agreed, ‘but remember, no harm can be done now Anika’s behind bars. It’s more…’ he struggled to find the words.
‘A betrayal?’ supplied Emma.
‘Exactly,’ he nodded. ‘I hate that someone close to me openly supplied Anika with every last detail of my business, without any consideration or loyalty.’
‘Especially when they must have known how contentiously your relationship had ended,’ agreed Emma, feeling his anger.
‘I’ve a meeting in London next Friday,’ said Felix, changing the subject. He’d had enough of thinking about ‘the mole’.
‘Right. What about the filming?’
‘We’ll finish on Thursday,’ he replied, then added, ‘fancy coming with me?’
‘To London?’ Emma sounded surprised.
‘Well, not to the meeting,’ he joked. Having said that, Emma’s attendance at the next meeting may make sense. He intended to put forward his plan then.
‘Why not?’ She beamed and leaned forward to kiss him, but hastily stopped herself midway. Felix looked into her amber eyes.
‘Later,’ he said with a sexy smile, making her insides melt.
Bunty was with Jasmine in her garden studio, looking at wedding dresses online. It was hard trying to envisage herself, as an older bride, in any of them.
‘Why are all the models young, slim chits of girls?’ she complained.
‘I know,’ agreed Jasmine, who was also subconsciously looking for herself.
‘I mean, come on,’ Bunty tipped her head towards the laptop screen, ‘really?’
Jasmine broke into laughter at the sight of a young bride literally bursting out of a white satin corset style dress, tied with ribbon down the spine. The model looked to be in pain, wearing not only vice, clamped-like bridal wear, but a tight smile too.
