Chapter 25
Felix sat in the meeting room, waiting for the others to arrive. Making use of the drinks machine, he’d poured a strong coffee and positioned himself at the far end of the table, facing the door. He wanted to get a good view of everyone entering, assess each member of the meeting fully. It had become a personal mission of his, to uncover the informer. Was he being a tad dramatic? No, on reflection he didn’t think he was. Surely everyone was entitled to their privacy? And, as Emma had pointed out, even more so if an ex-girlfriend with an axe to grind was pumping someone for information. Everybody knew how badly his and Anika’s relationship had ended. Hell, thewhole worldknew!
In Felix’s mind, there was no excuse to be so indiscreet. Whoever had informed Anika knew full well he wouldn’t want her to be privy to all his personal details. They obviously valued Anika over him. But who? That was the question he kept asking over and over.
Whilst he was in London, Felix had arranged to see Jennifer. Although they spoke often and exchanged emails, he missed her presence. Jennifer had always managed to keep him on the straight and narrow, not just career wise, but personally too. She kept him calm, stable. When all the bad press Anika had thrown at him was circulating, it was she who had given him good counsel. It was Jennifer who had saved him from breaking down, fearing his career would be over.
‘Who’ll want me, with this reputation?’ he’d said in defeat.
‘Your reputation is that of a damned good actor. This,’ she stabbed at the newspaper article, ‘is just a cheap pack of lies, as those stupid enough to read it will know.’
And, thank God, Jennifer had been proved right. She’d also advised him not to retaliate.
‘Never explain. Never complain,’ had been her direction, echoing the royalty party-line. That too had worked. Felix’s tight-lipped stance had created an air of intrigue and also esteem. Seeming to be above Anika’s malicious vendetta had earned him respect, especially in the film industry. The phrase, ‘all publicity is good publicity,’ had been proved true in Felix’s case.
Although Felix had no intention of speaking to the press about Anika’s arrest, he knew better than to assume it wouldn’t leak. Of course it would. A story like that was hot, sensational stuff and hardly likely to go unnoticed; the world and its wife would know exactly what he’d had to endure. He was about to become the injured party, and this time the good publicity would be most welcome.
All things considered, Felix was in a good position. The drama was on track, going well. He loved directing and… he loved Emma. It hit him like a bolt of lightning. Truth be told, he’d pretty much fallen for her when first hearing her sing. He pictured her sat at the grand piano in his huge, marbled hall singing, when he’d been struck not only by her sweet voice, but her beauty also. After seeing her again at the interview, he’d been drawn by her sparkling personality and sense of humour. Getting to know her further, he’d understood how both caring and grounded she was. She was the one and he’d do all in his power to keep her.
His thoughts were interrupted by Andy, the location manager.
‘Hi, Felix,’ he said, entering the room and helping himself to the drinks machine.
‘Hi, Andy,’ Felix replied, eyeing him carefully.
Andy turned and gave a cheery smile. ‘Had a good holiday?’ he asked, sitting down next to him.
‘Yes, thanks.’ Felix looked for any possible signs of guilt, but saw none. Andy was just his usual friendly self. Then in came mouselike Flo, the associate producer, followed by Mel, the casting director. As always, Flo appeared twitchy and agitated, but nothing new there. Whereas Mel was his usual confident self, though he did give Felix a rather uneasy glance before greeting him, which raised his suspicions.
Both the production and design managers were attending, but more crucially to Felix, the music director too. Laurence Willis had connections to the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and Felix needed to speak to the man.
As the meeting got underway, Felix reported that they were bang on schedule and hoped to get all the outside filming done within three weeks. This was met with nods of approval. Springtime would see the drama conclude, with the exception of the opening scenes which needed to be filmed early summer.
‘Or maybe late spring, if the weather’s decent,’ Felix advised.
‘Good to know it’s all on track,’ remarked the production manager, then turned to Laurence. ‘We’ve now to concentrate on the music, particularly the theme track.’
Felix waited with bated breath for the music director to speak.
‘Yes, I’ve been working on this,’ he replied with gusto, ‘and I really feel it requires lyrics to accompany the jaunty tune.’
Result, thought Felix. This was exactly what he’d been hoping for.
‘I see,’ said the production manager.
Felix coughed and cleared his throat. ‘Do you have a singer in mind?’ he asked.
Laurence looked surprised by the question. ‘No, not really. Why? Do you have any suggestions?’
‘Actually yes, I do,’ replied Felix assertively.
‘Who?’ asked Mel.
‘Emma Scholar,’ answered Felix, still looking at Laurence.
‘I don’t think I’ve heard of her…’ Laurence frowned.
‘No, you won’t have, but I’d like you to meet her,’ said Felix.
