“Yeah, right again,” he said, biting into a thin slice of toast. “Y’know, I’m one of the few directors who actually likes actors. I worked with a producer once who came up to me after I’d had lunch with the talent, and said in a pissed-off voice, ‘You gonna eat with the actors?’ as if they were some form of repellent underlife.”
“I like actors, too,” Lucky said. “In fact, I married one. Thing is—I see them as slightly damaged and incredibly needy.”
“You see everybody as damaged,” he remarked. “You should’ve been a psychoanalyst.”
“I would have been good,” she said, stealing a piece of his toast.
“So,” he said. “Are you going to tell me what happened with the French hooker?”
“Well…she assured me she never slept with Lennie.”
“Oh.”
“I believe her. She had no reason to lie. She thought she was getting paid to set Lennie up for a magazine. Actually, she was surprised he didn’t succumb to her charms, and let me tell you—her charms are plenty. She’s gorgeous.”
He regarded her curiously. “How did you find this out?”
“I flew her in as a birthday present for Johnny Romano.”
Lucky never failed to amaze him. “You did what?”
“Johnny owed me a favor, so he went along with it.”
“Is she a luscious blond?”
“That’s right.”
“He brought her with him to the reading. Didn’t you see her?”
“No, Johnny was gone by the time I got there.”
“She was definitely with him.”
Lucky grinned. “They must’ve clicked. Trust Johnny to fall for a hooker. Daniella was supposed to fly back to Paris the next morning.”
“Guess she didn’t.”
“How’s your mother?” Lucky asked, pouring more coffee.
“Haven’t spoken to her lately.”
“Why not?”
“When you and I talked the other day, you made me see things more clearly: You’re right—if I don’t choose to see her, it shouldn’t make me feel guilty.”
“Now you’re getting it.”
“Dominique wasn’t exactly the greatest mother in the world,” he added, thinking about his fucked-up childhood.
“Understanding people’s weaknesses is the key to a healthy relationship,” Lucky said wisely. “Accept her for what she is, and she’ll cease bothering you.”
“Her latest ploy was to push Tin Lee on me. The result was that she pushed her right out of my life.”
“Tin Lee seemed sweet,” Lucky said, helping herself to more toast. “And she obviously adores you.”
“Yes, she’s very sweet and patient. However, according to my shrink—whom I haven’t seen in six months—there was a reason I only went out with Asian women.”
“Oh, yes. What reason was that?”
“It doesn’t matter, because you came into my life and made me realize there’s nothing wrong with a good old American.”
She threw him a quizzical look. “Old?”
He laughed. “You know what I mean.”
“In that case, I’m flattered.”
They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes. “What about you, Lucky—how are you feeling?”
She picked up her sunglasses and put them back on, hiding behind the dark lenses. “Pretty lousy about us. I slept with you to get even with Lennie—now I find out I had nothing to get even about.”
He was getting fed up with her excuses—it didn’t make him feel good. “You weren’t planning on becoming a nun, were you?” he asked, a touch sharply.
She refused to get mad. “It was too soon, Alex,” she said quietly.
He stood up, changing the subject. “What are you doing today?”
She shrugged vaguely. “No plans—how about you?”
“I’ll work on my script, maybe go down to the gym, do a little kick boxing. I used to be into that on a regular basis.”
“I’d love to try it.”
“Come with me.”
“I wouldn’t mind.”
“I’ll pick you up in an hour.”
She jumped up. “I’ve got a better idea—drive me home and wait. I don’t feel like jogging all the way back.”
He shook his head disapprovingly. “Low stamina.”
“You can say that again.”
They looked at each other and burst out laughing.
Venus woke up, reached out, and was ridiculously pleased to discover Cooper asleep beside her. She rolled over, snuggling cozily against his broad back. “Y’know,” she murmured. “You’re a great lover…did anybody ever tell you you’re a great cuddle, too?”
“Can you believe this?” he said sleepily, turning around and holding her warm body close.
“What?” she asked, delightfully comfortable.
“You’ve got me off other women. I’m cured! It’s like getting a drunk off booze!”
“One drink and I’ll shoot your balls off,” she threatened jokingly.
He struggled to sit up. “You’ve been spending too much time with Lucky,” he said disapprovingly. “You’re beginning to sound just like her.”
“Wouldn’t mind that, I think Lucky’s great.”
“So do I. Only her language is out of control.”
“Coop! For a world-famous womanizer—there are times you can be such a prude!”
“Women should be seen and not swear.”
“Veree funny.” She threw her leg over him, cuddling even closer. “You know what I’d like?” she murmured.
“What, baby?” he said, stroking her platinum hair.
“That’s it,” she said triumphantly. “I’d like to have a baby—our baby.”
“You were the one who always said—”
“I know,” she interrupted. “I said I didn’t want to. But I’ve been thinking—after I’ve finished Gangsters, let’s get pregnant.”
“It might be nice,” he said unsurely.
“Nice!” she exclaimed, sitting up. “Cooper, get with it. You and I will have the cutest little babies in the world!”
“Are we talking baby or babies?” he asked wryly.
“I was thinking one or two might do it.”
“Oh, one or two, huh?” he said, playfully grabbing her breasts. “And when the baby is feasting on these, what am I supposed to do?”
“You’ll take turns.”
“I want my turn now,” he said, putting a nipple in his mouth and sucking vigorously.
The intercom buzzed. “You get it, Coop,” she said, extracting herself.
“It’s your house.”
“Our house,” she corrected, reaching for a robe. “From where I sit, you’ve definitely moved back in.”
“Wise woman,” he said, picking up the phone. “Yeah?”
“Oh…uh, Mr. Turner…Miss Venus’s brother is here. He says it’s urgent he sees her.”
“It’s your brother,” Cooper said, covering the mouthpiece. “When did Emilio creep back into town?”
“What does he want?” she asked, frowning.
“The guard said it’s urgent.”
“Will you see him with me?”
“Prepare yourself. I’m likely to throw his fat ass out.”
“That’s exactly what Emilio needs—somebody to boot him out of my life forever.”
Santo awoke with a nagging toothache. He informed his mother, expecting her to be sympathetic. She was not.
“I’m in agony,” he whined, rubbing his cheek.
She called the dentist and made an emergency appointment.
“Drive me there, Mom?”
“No,” she answered brusquely. “It’s time you learned what punishment is. When you treat me with respect, I’ll treat you the same way.”
Stupid old hag. How could he respect her when she was married to a loser jerk like George?
“So you won’t take me?” he said accusingly.
“No, Santo,” she replied, not even look
ing at him.
Screw her. At least it gave him an opportunity to get out of the house.
He ran upstairs, grabbed his jacket and a printout of the letter he’d composed to Venus last night. He’d spent three hours hunched over the computer, trying to decide exactly what to say. In the end, it was short and to the point.
His mother buzzed on the house intercom, telling him he had to leave immediately as the dentist was coming into his office especially to see him.
He checked his closet to make sure it was locked, then hurried back downstairs.
“’Bye,” he yelled, passing the open door to the breakfast room.
Nobody answered.
Fuck ’em. One of these days he’d force them to pay attention.
George removed his spectacles, peered through the window, and watched Santo drive off. “What does he do all day?” he said.
“Works on his computer,” Donna replied.
“At what?”
“I’ve never asked him,” she said, sipping her coffee.
“It’s obvious he needs help.”
“I know.”
George nodded to himself. “I’ll find out the name of a capable psychiatrist.”
Donna wasn’t sure if she liked that idea—Santo talking to a stranger, revealing family business. For now she decided to agree with George. When she came back from Sicily, she’d make her own decision.
“Oh, yes,” she said. “I almost forgot to tell you. One of my brothers called. My father is sick, I have to make a trip to Sicily. I thought I’d leave Monday. It’s his heart.”
“Should I come with you?”
“No, you stay here and watch the business.”
“If you’re sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure.” A pause. “By the way,” she added casually, “did you happen to take something from my safe?”
“I wouldn’t dream of going to your safe, Donna. Why? Is something missing?”
“Not missing…misplaced. I’m sure I’ll find it.”
George picked up the newspaper and started reading.
“I’ll be upstairs,” Donna said.
If George hadn’t invaded her safe, who had? Could it be Santo? Could he have taken the photos and the tape?
No. He didn’t even know she had a safe.
Still…it wouldn’t hurt to check out his room.
As soon as Santo left the dentist’s office, he drove over to Venus Maria’s house, cruising past a couple of times before parking across the street. He sat in his car, watching the house for a few minutes.
The guard’s station was close to the entrance of the property. He could see a middle-aged man sitting inside the small wooden structure, reading a magazine and eating an apple.
Very alert. Venus should get herself better security. This jerk was useless.
He knew a place around the back of the property where he could sneak onto the grounds without anyone spotting him. It was risky during the day, but so what? He’d do it anyway because it was about time the whore knew who she was dealing with. Once she read his letter, she’d realize he’d busted her cheating ass.
Venus deserved to be punished just as he’d been punished.
And who better to do it than him?
Santo’s room was Certainly tidier than the other night. For a teenage boy, he was really quite neat—there were no horrible posters of half-naked women on the walls, no dirty clothes lying around the floor, no drugs—thank God!
Donna sat on the edge of his bed, thinking about her other three children, all of whom had left home. She didn’t want Santo leaving, too. Deep down, he was still her baby, her sweet little boy. The truth was, he was all she had, and she loved him.
She wondered if George was forcing her to be too hard on him. He said they had to be tough, but not if it was going to drive Santo away. The last thing she wanted was to lose her son.
She noticed he’d left his computer on. She crossed the room to switch it off.
There was a message printed on the screen. She bent to look.
Whore.
Cunt.
You lick euerybody’s cock.
I fucking hate you.
Oh, my God! Who was this message for?
Was it meant for her?
A cold chill swept over her.
Santo—her own flesh and blood—had finally turned against her.
66
“WHY DO YOU KEEP ON BOTHERING ME?” VENUS demanded.
Emilio glared at her accusingly. “You could be nicer to me,” he said defensively. “I am your brother.”
Didn’t he ever get it? “No, Emilio, you’re not,” she said, her temper heating up. “When you sold me out to the media, you ceased being my brother.”
“I’m gonna havta write a book,” he said, his expression turning crafty because he knew she’d hate that more than anything.
“Go ahead and write it—there’s nothing else you can say about me that will hurt me any more than the things you’ve already told the press.”
“How about leaving your sister alone?” Cooper suggested, joining in.
“How about butting out?” Emilio replied nastily.
“Get smart with me, Emilio, and you’re heading for a broken leg.”
“You threatening me, Cooper?” Emilio said disdainfully. “’Cause that’ll make really good copy.”
“I gave you a thousand bucks last time—what do you want now?” Venus wailed.
“I blew it.”
“On what?”
“Had a bad night…got mugged.”
“Mugged, my ass.”
“It happens to people in L.A. all the time.”
“I wish I hadn’t given you the money,” Venus said. “I felt sorry for you, now I realize nothing helps. This time I’m leaving instructions that you do not get in here again.”
“Listen to your sister,” Cooper said. “Do yourself a favor and stay away.”
“You rich bastards make me puke,” Emilio sneered. “You got no fuckin’ clue what it’s like bein’ me.”
“Deal with him, Cooper, I’ve had it,” Venus said, completely exasperated.
Cooper grabbed Emilio’s arm.
Emilio pulled roughly away. “Don’t fuckin’ touch me, man,” he snarled. “I’m leavin’.” He marched out, slamming the door behind him.
“Jesus!” Cooper said. “Are you sure you have the same parents?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“He’s a dumb prick.”
“The worst kind.”
“Well, let’s not spoil our day.”
“Whatever you say…husband.”
Cooper smiled, lazily pulling her toward him. “Come here, wife.”
She smiled back. “You don’t have to ask twice.”
Emilio stood outside the front door, burning up. Why should he leave—simply to please them? They treated him like a piece of shit. As her brother, surely he deserved more?
He glared at his beat-up old rental car parked in the driveway. She had three frigging cars sitting in her garage, a Mercedes, a Corvette, and a Jeep. Would it kill her to give one to him?
He made his way around the side of the house, contemplating climbing up to her bedroom and relieving her of some of her jewelry. She had plenty, she wouldn’t miss a diamond bracelet or two.
Just as he was edging around the back of the house, he noticed a fat boy lurking in the bushes, acting suspiciously.
“Hey—” Emilio called out. “Whatcha think you’re doin’?”
Santo took one look at Emilio and started to run.
Emilio saw his chance to be a hero. Without thinking of the consequences, he raced off in pursuit, tackling Santo to the ground when they were only a few yards from the surrounding wall.
Santo struggled ferociously, but even though Emilio was not as fit as he should be, he was able to keep him pinned down. He sat on top of the fat boy, yelling for assistance.
A neighbor’s dog started to bark. A maid darted out of the kitchen door, saw
what was going on, and scurried back into the house to summon help. A few seconds later Cooper emerged, followed by Venus.
“What’s happening?” Venus shrieked.
“Caught this asshole sneakin’ around,” Emilio puffed, out of breath. “I’m lookin’ out for you, little sis.”
Cooper grabbed his cell phone and called for the guard. “What are you doing here?” he said, walking over to Santo.
“Got lost,” Santo mumbled. “Didn’t know this was private property.”
“Lost? You had to have climbed the wall to have gotten in,” Venus said angrily. Then she noticed the envelope clutched in his hand. She took a closer look, immediately recognizing the scrawly writing on the front. “Oh, God!” she exclaimed. “It’s you, isn’t it? You’re the sick little fuck who’s been writing me all those filthy letters.”
“What letters?” Cooper said.
“Porno letters,” she said, snatching the envelope out of Santo’s hand.
The guard ran up, gun drawn.
“You’re too late,” Emilio said, shooting an I saved your butt look at his sister. “Good thing I was around.”
Venus began scanning the letter. “Read this!” she said, handing it to Cooper.
He studied the letter, then took another look at Santo, sprawled on the ground. “Wait a minute—” he said. “Aren’t you the Landsmans’ son? Weren’t you at the Stollis’ house? What the fuck are you doing here?”
Lucky and Alex were in the gym, practicing kick boxing. “Where did you learn to do this?” Lucky asked, her eyes shining, face flushed.
“Is this great, or what?” Alex said enthusiastically. “Learned it in Vietnam—one of the few good things I got out of that place.”
“Wow!” she exclaimed. “It sure beats the treadmill.”
“That’s why I do it.”
“I’m sweating.”
“Let’s go home and take a shower.”
“Alex,” she said, frowning. “Please, remember what I said—just friends.”
“Hey—I didn’t mean together.” He shook his finger at her. “You and your dirty mind, Miz Santangelo.”