Page 36 of Angel

Frankie always looks the part of a successful agent. He should do the amount of commission he earns from me. I am his golden goose, and he knows it. When he represented me and things took off, he attracted other enquiries, and his books are now full. He is successful. We both are because of a lucky break when the movie I had a small supporting role in exploded.

“But you’re okay.”

“I’m fine. Just a little shaken that someone broke into my home and assaulted me.”

My tone is dry, but he sweeps that aside.

“You can’t stay there.”

“I know.” I shiver. “I’m going to ask Bethan if I can stay with her.”

“Are you crazy?”

He rolls his eyes. “Bethan lives in the suburbs and has two kids. You have no security there. What do you think she’ll do, throw her son’s plastic sword at him? Think again, Sophie. Those kids would be in danger.”

He has a point.

He perches on the edge of his desk.

“What did the cops say?”

“Not much. They have seen this all before. Merely filed a report and said they would investigate.”

Frankie groans.

“I can do without this shit. I’m heading to Bali next week and Maureen will cut my balls off if I cancel.”

“Then don’t. I’ll head to the studio penthouse. It’s probably safer. I doubt whoever it is can scale a skyscraper and get in through a closed window. I’ll take extra precautions. Go and enjoy your vacation.”

I’m aware this is the first one Frankie has taken since he started representing me. His wife, Maureen, deserves this. They both do, and I will not stand in the way of it.

“I don’t like it.”

I stand, effectively cutting the conversation dead. “Go and relax, Frankie. I’ll be okay. I have the movie to occupy my time, and I’ll make sure to lock myself in every night and won’t answer the door to anyone.”

“But what about during the day, Sophie?”

He seems upset, and my heart softens. Frankie has been like family to me, and I appreciate that more than he will ever know.

“I’ll be okay. Trust me.”

“I do, but I don’t trust crazy, deranged killers on the loose with your name on their hit list. This is a disaster.”

He stands, resuming his pacing, before saying, “You should come with us. I can keep my eye on you.”

“No way.”

I laugh as I picture Maureen’s face if I rocked up.

“I’ll be fine. Now go, I’ll check in daily and Frankie…”

“What?”

“Relax.”

I head toward him and kiss him softly on the cheek, and his eyes are filled with emotion, causing my heart to swell. It’s not only because I’m a valuable commodity to him. Frankie really cares; he always has, and I love that about him.

Before he can say anything, I head for the door.