Chapter 32
Oren thought about it for a moment. He knew exactly why I was asking. “I like to think I’m pretty good, but that’s probably beyond my skill level.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. You gotta be good to work in Hollywood.”
“I mean, I guess I could do it if I had the budget. Titanium and composite materials are expensive. It would take a lot of testing and countless failed attempts.”
“You know, JD and I produced a horror movie recently.”
“Oh really?”
“Well, we didn’t directly produce it, but we facilitated a deal with my agent to take over the production. Curse of Pirate Island.”
“Is it out yet?”
“No. It’s finishing post-production. You should give me your number, and I can pass it along to my agent. He handles on-camera talent, along with writers and directors. He might be able to make some connections for you.”
Oren stammered, “Uh, yeah. Okay. That sounds cool.”
I gave him a card, and he texted me his info before saying goodbye.
JD and I watched him slip away into the crowd.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” JD asked.
“Yep.” I asked Taryn, “How well do you know that kid?”
She shrugged. “He was in my class last semester. Good kid. I don’t think he missed a day.”
“Is he part of the werewolf group?”
“Not that I know of. He was kind of shy and kept to himself. Didn’t really socialize with others in the class.” Her curious eyes surveyed me. “You don’t think he’s a suspect, do you?”
Oren was kind of a scrawny guy—5’9”, 130 pounds. Not exactly an 8’ tall beast mauling girls under the moonlight. But I was keeping my mind open. There was a good chance he’d made a suit for the killer.
The sheriff buzzed my phone.
I didn’t want to answer, but I swiped the screen and held the device to my ear while I plugged the other. The noise in the club made it hard to hear. “What is it?”
“I need you two numbskulls to get back to Echo Point.” The tone of his voice wasn’t good. “I was afraid something like this might happen.”
“Like what?”
“You’ll see when you get here.” He ended the call.
Taryn asked, “What’s wrong?”
The look on my face said it all. “I’m not sure, but we’ve got to run.”
She frowned.
“I feel terrible. I dragged you out for nothing.”
“You promised I’d have fun.”
“I did, didn’t I?”
She sighed playfully. “If this is your idea of fun…”
“I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
She laughed. “Your promises aren’t good for much.”
“Yes, they are. You’ll just have to give me a second chance.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I’ll consider it.”
“Are you going to be okay if I leave you here alone?”
“I’m sure somebody will offer to buy me a drink,” she said, trying to make me jealous.
“I have no doubt you’ll get plenty of offers.”
“I’m pretty picky about who I let buy my drinks, just so you know.”
I smiled. “I have a mission for you.”
“That sounds intriguing. I’m not going to get in trouble, am I?”
I shrugged. “I suspect you like an element of danger.”
“Is that what you suspect?” she said in a sassy voice.
“Find out who the guy with the good costume is. He could be a suspect.”
She gave me a mock salute. “Aye-aye, Captain.”
I chuckled and said I’d be in touch.
JD and I weaved through the crowd and stepped onto the sidewalk.
The air was cool and damp. We jogged down the avenue, weaving through the revelers as we made our way back to the Porsche.
We’d beaten the crowd and had found a decent place to park.
Jack slid behind the wheel, fired up the engine, and we raced to Echo Point.