Chapter 22
Irving had the full attention of a gorgeous young blonde starlet. With green eyes, full lips and classic features, she had the attention of anyone who looked at her. The camera would love her. She could no doubt become a star under Irving's expert tutelage.
Irving was not a handsome man. A little overweight, thinning hair, and a hard face pocked with acne scars. Power was his aphrodisiac. And he had a lot of it in this town.
I approached the couple with a smile and a flash of my badge. "Irving Roth, Tyson Wild."
A look of concern and annoyance filled his face. The girl almost gasped when she saw the badge.
"I'm hoping you can help me with a case," I said, taking a seat. "I won't take up much of your time. I promise. I know you have much better things to do than talk to me," I said, nodding to the young lady.
"What can I help you with?"
"It's about Vivian Steele."
Irving frowned and shook his head. "Just terrible. Vivian was one-of-a-kind. There will never be another like her.”
"I guess that's good for you."
"She was a ball breaker, no doubt about it." He thought about it for a moment. "Tyson Wild." He shook his finger, thinking about it more. "The Bree Taylor project.”
"Yes," I said with a smile. It was a movie that was made based on the last days I spent with the movie star.
"You're working with Flynn McQueen on a couple of projects now, aren't you?"
"You, sir, have your finger on the pulse."
Irving smiled. "Nothing happens in this town without me knowing about it."
"That's just why I think you can help me."
"It's a shame they pulled the plug on your TV series. I thought that was going to be a great show."
"Susan hasn’t pulled the plug. It's on hold.”
It was a show based on our adventures. It was still in the works.
Irving smiled. "Nothing ever dies in Hollywood."
"Except the people."
"With technology, not anymore,” Irving said with a grin.
He had a point. They would be recycling the same movie stars forever with AI.
"Do you have any idea who may have killed Vivian?" I asked.
Confusion wrinkled his brow. "I thought that case was closed."
"There are still a few lingering questions.”
"What kind of questions?"
"It's my understanding she had dirt on a lot of people.”
Irving chuckled. "Vivian knew how to put the screws on people. If there was something you didn't want Vivian to know, she'd find out about it, then use it against you."
"What kind of dirt did she have on you?”
The blonde gasped. Nobody talked to Irving like that—nobody who wanted to work in this town.
He chuckled again. "If I told you, then you'd have that dirt on me and use it.”
"I wouldn't do that,” I said with a smile. “I'm just trying to find out who killed her.”
"It wasn't me. I can assure you of that, if that's what you're getting at. I was at home that night with my wife. You can talk to her and verify that if you'd like.” He leaned in and spoke in a hushed tone. "You've got a promising career in this town. Why would you want to screw that up?"
"Frankly, I can take it or leave it. Makes no difference to me.”
Irving smiled. "That makes you dangerous.”
"I guess it does."
"I'm just saying it's a small town. There are only so many bridges you can burn.” He paused, surveying me.
With a slight grin, he said, “I like you. I think you’ve got promise.
But think twice about upsetting the apple cart.
Everything is interconnected. Vivian is gone, God rest her soul. Nothing's going to bring her back.”
"Would you consider Vivian a friend?"
"I held Vivian in high regard. With her talent, I made some great pictures and a lot of money." Irving thought for a moment. "Yes. She was a friend."
"So, you and I both have a vested interest in getting to the truth.”
"What's your vested interest in Vivian?”
"Let's just say I'm a truth seeker.”
Irving laughed again, then said to the starlet, "This guy. A truth seeker.”
She flashed an uncomfortable smile.
"The West Beverly PD wrapped it up quickly and put a nice bow on it,” I said. “I've been around long enough to know when something is getting covered up.”
Irving looked around, then said to the blonde. "You should go powder your nose."
She took the cue to excuse herself and use the restroom.
When she was gone, Irving said, "If I wanted somebody dead, I'd make a phone call, and it would get done.
But I don't need to kill anybody in this town.
I can just freeze them out. Now Vivian was a tough cookie, but I enjoyed having her across the table from me.
I liked the challenge. I don't know who killed her. But as sure as we’re sitting here, it wasn't random. I'll give you that.”
"What have you heard?”
"I haven't heard anything. But my guess is she got dirt on the wrong person, and somebody got nervous.
You find out who that is, you'll find your killer. But like I said, you could step on a lot of toes and piss off a lot of people in the process.” He paused.
“You need to understand the lengths to which people will go to protect their careers. It doesn't matter whether they are an agent, a studio head, a movie star, a director, or a hopeful. There is a hunger and an insecurity among people in this town. Most of them would kill their mother for fame. I’ve seen it all.”
"I'm sure you have."
"Good luck in your investigation. I hope you sort it out. I really do. And when you're done, if you haven't burned too many bridges, you and Flynn should come talk to me about a project. Call my office. I'll get you in any time. You got balls. I respect that."
I dug into my pocket and gave him a card. "Thanks for your time. Sorry for the interruption."
“No problem."
Irving reminded me of an old Mafia boss, only with more power.
Scarlett and JD tried not to make it obvious, but they watched the whole interaction. The concern in Scarlett's eyes was evident. I decided not to go back to the table, and I'm sure Scarlett appreciated that.
I tracked down Kai and displayed my badge. "I need a quick word with you."