Chapter 16
As usual, Isabella had arranged for transportation. Another town car picked us up and drove us over the hill into Hollywood. We headed west on Sunset Boulevard.
We passed billboards for the latest blockbuster, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theater, and the nightclubs. The faces of movie stars were on the sides of buses and painted on the sides of buildings. Anywhere an advertisement could be placed, there was one.
The driver took us up a winding canyon road in the hills to Scarlett’s house. He pulled up the short drive to the gate and buzzed the callbox.
A man’s voice crackled through the speaker a moment later. “Can I help you?”
“I’ve got Jack Donovan and Tyler Wild for Scarlett.”
“Tyson,” I corrected.
The guard buzzed us through, and we drove up to the main entrance.
The driver parked, hopped out, and grabbed our bags from the trunk.
A muscular, bald guy in a grey suit and sunglasses waited at the front door—Scarlett’s security.
He greeted us with a smile and a handshake.
“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Donovan. I’m Vincent. ”
“Nice to meet you,” Jack said, then introduced me.
“Scarlett’s still asleep. Would you like me to wake her up?”
“Let her sleep in. We just need a place to hang out until check-in time.”
Vincent escorted us inside.
The home had clean, modern lines and an open concept floor plan. Lots of windows. The living room offered a stunning view of the massive deck, infinity pool, and Hollywood below.
We rolled our bags into the living room and took in the luxurious space.
“How’s security been?” JD asked.
“Good,” he said in an uncertain voice that hinted at an issue. “We had some lunatic hop the fence last week looking for an autograph. But other than that, pretty tame.”
Scarlett had come out here with nothing several years ago and was now a bona fide star.
“Can I get you anything to drink?”
“No, thank you,” JD said.
Scarlett stumbled into the living room a moment later, wiping the sleep from her eyes.
She gave Jack a hug. “I didn’t know you were coming this early. You should have given me a heads up.”
“It was late last night when our plans changed.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re here.” She gave me a hug, looking gorgeous as ever despite just rolling out of bed. “How long are you staying?”
Jack shrugged. “Might be a bit. We’ve got a reservation at the Chateau.”
Her brow wrinkled. “Why don’t you stay here? I’ve got more than enough guest rooms.”
With as dangerous as these investigations could be, Jack didn't want to put us in proximity to Scarlett for long. After what happened in Stillwater, it was too risky. Collateral damage. It seemed like the people around us always suffered.
Jack gave her an uneasy look.
“Good Lord, what are you two into now?”
“Don’t ask.” Jack changed the subject. “How's the movie business?"
"It was slow, but it’s ramping up. We start filming on Destination Unknown in two weeks. They’ve got me doing all kinds of fight choreography. I'm going to be a badass in this movie," she said with a smile.
"You’re already a badass. If you need fight coordinators, let me know.”
"I will keep you in mind. I know people, you know."
“It’s great to see you, kiddo.”
She hugged him again. “I’m so glad you’re here. What are you guys doing for lunch?”
“I don’t know, depends on how the day goes.”
“I’m going to grab breakfast, then get a workout in. Be thinking about where you want to go. Make yourselves at home.” Scarlett went back upstairs to her bedroom.
I called Joel.
"Are you here?"
"At Scarlett’s."
"Perfect. While you're here, I've got a bunch of meetings set up. Might as well get as much accomplished as we can. It’s like pulling teeth to get you out here.”
"It's pretty hectic right now.”
"Tyson, it's always hectic. You’re going to have to suck it up and fit it all in.”
I laughed. "Tell me everything you know about Vivian. Who did she have dirt on? Who did she butt heads with? Who would have had reason to get rid of her?”