Fannie harbored doubts about his claimed busyness, well aware of the directorâs unchallenged sway over the set. If he decided to sideline someone, the entire crew would inevitably follow his lead.
âYes, Selma took it a bit too personally, so Iâm here to apologize on her behalf.â
âTsk, Iâve got to admit, your practicality is impressive.â The director smiled and gestured for everyone else to leave. âWhy donât you all head out first? I need to have a quick word with Selmaâs agent.â
As soon as the director signaled, everyone else left the room. Fannie felt an uncomfortable pressure building in her chest. With a quick, stealthy motion, she activated the emergency mode on her phone, keeping her actions hidden.
Soon, it was just her and the director left in the room. He opened a bottle of wine and filled two glasses.
âFannie, I must confess, Iâve admired you for quite a while,â he admitted, his voice smooth as he lumbered closer with his imposing frame.
Fannie edged back subtly. âYou must be flattering me.â
galnovels .com hosts great stories âHave a drink with me, and we can leave all else behind,â he suggested, offering her a glass.
Fannie eyed the glass now at her lips, the wineâs deep hue hinting at hidden depths and dangers. Haunted by memories of her past abduction, Fannie was wary of accepting drinks from anyone.
âPerhaps we should focus on the business at hand first.â
âThis is part of our business,â he remarked, his words dripping with subtle menace. âYouâre here to make amends, so letâs see some real sincerity.â
âAlcohol doesnât sit well with me, and it might lead me to act out of turn. Iâd hate to tarnish your esteemed reputation in any way.â
âDonât worry,â he whispered, moving closer until his leg pressed against hers. âItâll be our secret. What happens here stays here, as long as we both keep silent. Whoâs to know?â
Taking a deep breath, Fannie mentally prepared for any needed defensive action. But just then, there was a loud bang at the door that echoed through the room, followed by another bang. The door was violently kicked open.
Bobby stood at the entrance, with Judie a few steps behind him.
âFannie! Everything all right with you?â
Fannie furrowed her brow, puzzled. âYes, Iâm perfectly fine. But what brings you here?â
âItâs been a long time since you left. I started to worry something mightâve happened, so I came with Bobby to make sure everything was alright!â
The director seemed visibly nervous. âMr. Kelly? To what do I owe the unexpected pleasure?â
Bobby brushed past him without a word, his eyes immediately locking onto the wine bottle and the two glasses that the director was holding.
Just as Fannieâs heart began to race, anticipating Bobbyâs anger, he broke into a disarming smile. âI came to join you for a drink.â
âDrink?â The director glanced at Fannie, a flicker of understanding dawning in his eyes.
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