Chapter 24
"Turnabout is fair play," Rachel said. "Vivian stole one of my clients, I stole one of hers.”
"Who?" I asked.
"I'm sure Vivian wasn't too happy about that.”
"No, she wasn't," Rachel said with glee.
"And now she's dead."
"What can I say? When bad luck comes, it comes in threes.”
"What else went wrong for Vivian before her death?”
"I had heard she made a bad investment. Lost most of her fortune."
"You don't seem too broken up about any of this," I said.
"Would you feel better if I cried?” she mocked.
I didn't think Rachel was capable of producing tears.
"What about any enemies Vivian had? People who might have been willing to go to extremes?”
Rachel laughed. "She had plenty. Too many to list. In this town, you often measure success by how many people hate you.”
"How many people hate you?”
Rachel smiled. "Quite a few.” Then she got down to business. "I hear you’re working with Flynn McQueen.”
"We have a few projects in the pipeline.”
"Well, if you ever feel like Joel is not looking after your best interest, give me a call. I’ll be more than happy to discuss how I could more effectively represent you.
I’d give you the same deal I gave Nick. I'll only take 5% compared to his 10.
And I won't ask you to investigate a murder outside of your jurisdiction.”
"Something to keep in mind," I said just to be polite. I had no intention of leaving Joel. I wasn’t a fair-weather friend. I handed her a card and told her to get in touch if she thought of anything helpful.
I didn't expect a call.
"Just out of curiosity, which studio did Nick sign his three-picture deal with?” I asked. “Was it Irving?"
"No. Irving is not a fan of Nick. He doesn't happen to see what I see. That's okay. Irving doesn't know everything. Believe me, he's going to come crawling to me for the next big thing.”
"Good luck."
"I don't need luck, honey. I make my own.”
“I’d like to talk to Nick,” I said. “I’m sure you have his contact information.”
“I’m not giving it to you, sweetie.”
“He knew Vivian well. He might have some insight.”
“I’ll give him your number. He can call if he wants to talk.”
I thanked her and started for the door, then turned back to her and asked, "Just out of curiosity, where were you the night Vivian was shot?” I tried to play it off casually.
She took a deep breath and thought about it. “If I recall, I was at home in bed. But don't quote me on that. One day often runs into the next around here. Work, work, work.”
"Were you alone?”
She smirked. "That evening, I believe I was with a talented up-and-comer. And I do mean up-and-comer.”
"Mixing a little business with pleasure?”
She gave a guilty shrug.
"You want to tell me the name of this person so I can verify your alibi?"
A devious smirk curled her plump lips. "Well, I really don't like to kiss and tell, but if you must know, Brendan Mitchell. And yes, I got him the series lead on Crime City."
“That’s a little unethical, don’t you think?”
She rolled her eyes. “Spare me. There’s nothing unethical about the paycheck he’s getting for that show. And I wouldn’t be the first agent in this town to give special attention to a client. Besides, he’s happy. He’s making more money than he ever has in his life.”
“What happens when the relationship goes south?”
“I’m not going to retaliate against him. I will maintain my fiduciary duty. I like money more than I like sex, gentlemen.“
"I'll need contact information for him.”
"You don't have any jurisdiction here. I don't have to give you anything.”
"I can find out. Just saves me a step."
She sighed. "Fine. I'll text it to you."
I thanked her for her cooperation.
We left the office, strolled back down the hallway, and said goodbye to Tonya. The elevator took us down to the lobby.
Jack muttered, "I wouldn't want to get on her bad side."
We left the building and waited for the valet to pull the Ferrari around. I called Brendan to confirm Rachel’s alibi.