Japanese investors, Italian bankers. I mention those
three countries because they’re big moviegoers. The
studio then says they want him to use one of their directors—maybe Chips Madigan—and one of their
stars—Ben Carmody, perhaps—plus a cinematographer, a writer, an editor, some other actors already
under contract to the studio. They’ll share the profits
with Bruno and they’ll handle distribution. Thus,
they’re ready to roll.”
“
Joe remarked. “Isn’t that kind of high? And didn’t
Chips Madigan mention going over budget?”
“Did he?” Bill frowned. “Yes, you’re right. I think I
read something about that while the picture was being
made. Did Chips give a reason?”
Joe scratched his head. “I didn’t catch all of what
Chips said. He was toward the other end of the room,
by the bookcases. Dade, who always assumes his
stance by the French doors, was even harder to hear.
But I think—in essence—Chips put the blame on
Bruno for shooting some of the scenes over again.”
“That’s possible,” Bill allowed. “If that’s the case,
Bruno would have had to scrounge up more money to
make the revised budget. The next thing I have in my
notes is that Winifred broke in saying that Bruno had
so much clout in the industry that he would have been
green-lighted for any project. A number of people
would back him because of his track record. Naturally,
Eugenia Fleming agreed.”
“How did Ellie react to all this?” Judith queried.
“She kept her mouth shut,” Joe said. “In fact, she
sort of simpered.”
Judith gave her husband a skeptical look. “You
could hear simpering through the parlor door?”
“It was open a crack,” Joe replied. “Besides, she
was standing next to it, fiddling with the CDs by the
stereo.”
Judith sighed. “This isn’t very helpful.”
“We did our best,” Joe said with a touch of sarcasm.
Renie also seemed disappointed. “That’s it?”
Bill carefully went through his notes. “There were
undertones, of course.”
Joe gave a little shake of his head. “Maybe so.
That’s your department, Bill. We cops tend to stick to
the facts. But since it’s you, go ahead. At least it’ll
please my wife.”
Judith shot her husband a dirty look. “You’ve certainly never been one to credit my intuition.”
“Intuition doesn’t hold up in court,” Joe pointed out.
Judith sniffed, then turned to Bill. “I’ll take all the
