Read Online A Stranger in the Mirror by Sidney Sheldon - Free Book Online

came on the line, Sam forced himself to sound relaxed and casual. "Morning, Bill." "This is a pleasant surprise," Hunt said. "It's been a long time, Sam." "Much too long. That's the trouble with this business, Bill. You never have time for the people you like." "Too true." Sam made his voice sound offhand. "By the wsy, did you happen to sw, that silly article in Peek?" "You know I did." Hunt sa'd quietly. "That's why we're canceling the show, Sam." The words had a finality to them. "Bill," Sam said, "what would you say if I told you that Jack Nolan was framed?" There was a laugh from the other end of the line. "I'd say you should think about becoming a writer." "I'm serious," Sam said, earnestly. "I know Jack Nolan. He's as straight as we are. That photograph was taken at a costume party. It was his girlfriend's birthday; and he put the dress on as a gag." Sam could feel his palms sweating. "I can't--" "I'll tell you how much confidence I have in Jack," Sam said into the phone. "I've just set him for the lead in Laredo, our big Western feature for next year." There was a pause. "Are you serious, Sam?" "You're damn right I am. It's a three-million-dollar picture. If Jack Nolan turned out to be a fag, he'd be laughed off the screen. The exhibitors wouldn't touch it. Would I take that kind of gamble if I didn't know what I was talking about?" "Well..." There was hesitation in Bill Hunt's voice. "Come on, Bill, you're not going to let a lousy gossip sheet like Peek destroy a good man's career. You like the show, don't you?" "Very much. It's a damned good show. But the sponsors -- " "It's your network. You've got more sponsors than you have air time. We've given you a hit show. Let's not fool around with a success." "Well..." "Has Mel Foss talked to you yet about the studio's plans for 'The Raiders' for next season?" "No..." "I guess he was planning to surprise you," Sam said. "Wait until you hear what he has in mind' Guest stars, bigname Western writers, shooting on location--the works! If "The Raiders' doesn't skyrocket to number one. I'm in the wrong business." There was a brief hesitation. Then Bill Hunt said, "Have Me! phone me. Maybe we all got a little panicked here." "He'll call you," Sam promised. "And, Sam � you understand my position. I wasn't trying to hurt anybody." "Of course you weren't," Sam said, generously. "I know you too well to think that, Bill. That's why I felt I owed it to you to let you hear the truth." "I appreciate that." "What about lunch next week?" "Love it. I'll call you Monday." They exchanged good-byes and hung up. Sam sat there, drained. Jack Nolan was as queer as an Indian dime. Someone should have taken him away in a net long ago. And Sam's 'whole future depended on maniacs like that. Running a studio was like walking a high wire over Niagara Falls in a blizzard. Anyone's crazy to do this job, Sam thought. He picked up his private phone and dialed. A few moments later, he was talking to Mel Foss. " 'The Raiders' stays on the air," Sam said. "What?" There was stunned disbelief in Foss's voice. "That's right. I want yon rn have a fast talk with Jack Nolan. Tell him if he ever steps out of line again, I'll personally ran him out of this town and back to Fire Island! I mean it. If he gets the urge to suck something, tell him to try a banana! " Sam slammed the phone down. He leaned back in his chair, thinking. He had forgotten to tell Foss about the format changes he had ad-libbed to Bill Hunt. He would have to find a writer who could come up with a Western script called Laredo. The door burst open and Lucille stood there, her face white. "Can you get right down to Stage Ten? Someone set it on fire." Mrs. Tanner, people talk about your school and the wonderful plays you put on here. I'll bet you have no idea of the reputation this place has." She studied him a moment. "I do have an idea. That's why I have to be careful to keep out phonies." Toby felt his face begin to redden, but he smiled boyishly