Page 38 of Motion to Dismiss

“They said fundraising was optional.”

“They lied.” He grabs my bag. “Dinner before they hit you with reality tomorrow?”

“I guess.”

“Did you finish this one already?” He points to a copy of Peter Hansel’s first novel I bought the other day. “What did you think?”

“It’s pretty good,” I admit. “I went down a rabbit hole last night and…” I stop myself.

Telling him I researched the man my ex-boyfriend hates—and read his last two court transcripts before he became an author—seems a bit too much.

Is telling him that Peter Hansel seems just like my father “too much” as well?

“I looked up his other old books—” I make a quick correction instead. “I’m excited to see where I should start next.”

“His newest one.” He deadpans. “You know, the one he’s on tour for.”

I give him a blank stare.

“No Parole for You,” he says, like I should know the title. “It’s the fictional follow-up to the story that started his entire career.”

I’m still confused.

“The guy—Jameson Tate—comes up for parole later this year,” he says. “He’s pretty much guaranteeing it won’t happen since the murder was so brutal. His author’s note at the beginning says he feels bad for ever taking on the case. So, you know it’s…”

I can’t hear the rest of his words.

“I need a rain check on dinner.” I snatch my bag. “I’ll call you later.”

I rush out of the theater without another word and head straight to my mother’s hotel.

I changed my mind about only wanting the signing package for Friday.

Can you get me a VIP Q&A session ticket too?

Mom

Absolutely.

INSANITY DEFENSE (N.):

THE CLAIM OF A DEFENDANT IN A CRIMINAL PROSECUTION THAT HE/SHE WAS INSANE WHEN THE CRIME WAS COMMITTED, USUALLY ONLY TEMPORARILY.

JAMESON

Iskim the latest play reviews in the Los Angeles Times, not the slightest bit surprised that Scarlett is earning rave reviews.

“She was a world-class liar when we met, so the stage is the perfect place for her…” I try to convince myself that’s the only reason she’s doing so well, but just like all my other mantras lately, it falls flat.

Sighing, I pick up my phone and click on the website I’ve visited at least fifty times over the past two days.

The words are still the same.

Our Theater Runs on Audience Support, so Please Donate to Keep Our Stage Lights Bright!

Get a Personal “Thank You” Call & Tour from a Main Cast Member!

Call 555-232-8771