knock themselves out? And even if they did, wouldn’t
falling in a sink filled with water snap them back into
consciousness? Why do you think the studio has insisted we stay in this stupid town? Because they’re
doing their own investigating, that’s why.”
“I don’t agree with you,” Winifred huffed. “If
they’re investigating, why haven’t we seen any detectives around here?”
“We haven’t been here all the time,” Eugenia said in
a reasonable voice, which still carried as if she were
speaking into a bullhorn. “The investigators may be
working with the local police. Or maybe they’re arriving tomorrow.”
“Vito said we could leave tomorrow,” Winifred said,
sounding sullen.
“Vito said maybe,” Eugenia responded. “Let’s stop
wrangling. I’d like to retire for the night in peace.”
“Until you got here,” Winifred complained, “
retire in peace. Now I have to share my room with that
little twit Ellie.”
“Ellie’s simply immature. And spoiled, but she has
talent,” Eugenia pointed out. “She’s limited, of
course.”
“You mean because of her race?” There was steel in
Winifred’s voice.
“No,” Eugenia replied, “I’m referring to her acting
range. And her looks, which have nothing to do with
the fact that she’s half Chinese.”
“You meant race,” Winifred accused. “It always
comes down to race, doesn’t it?”
“For you, apparently,” Eugenia snapped. “I often
find that different-colored skin is also very thin.”
Judith and Renie exchanged pained expressions.
“That’s not true!” Winifred cried. “But can you argue
that Hollywood has always been fair to minorities?”
“Certainly not,” Eugenia said in a self-righteous
tone. “But look at you. You’ve managed to claw your
way up to the top. Of course some would say you used
more than your brains to get there. I wouldn’t use
“Ethics? What have ethics got to do with this business?” Winifred demanded.
“You know perfectly well what I mean,” Eugenia
asserted. “A certain lack of ethics is one thing, but
criminal means are—”
“Ladies!” a masculine voice cut in. “Please! I can’t
stand any more of this quarreling. I’m trying to rest.”
Renie mouthed “Morris?” at Judith, who nodded.
“He’s in Room Five,” she whispered. “He’s sharing
with Chips. The bathroom connects between Five and
