Read Online Beauties and the Beast by Eric Scott - Free Book Online

Angela’s voice? But what edge, annoyance? No, it was something else, humour? Billy felt he was being tested. She couldn’t be one of those aggrieved feminists. Not her. He held his stare. “I paid my dues sweetheart . I did the pub gigs, played with rotten bands of no talent musicians. I sweated and I starved. I’ve worked for what I got. I took nothing from nobody.”
    Angela held his stare, amusement in her eye. Billy turned away. He’d past his test.
    The little exchange of views had passed unnoticed by Diana. Her brow was furrowed, a small sacrilege Mickey thought. She was beautiful enough to sway him from blondes. The furrow melted and she smiled.
    â€œWhat about you Mr Thornton, any skeletons in your career closet? You did achieve spectacular fame,” she said. Thornton gave a condescending nod of the head. “And was that too achieved by hard work?”
    â€œAll great artists dedicate themselves to their work. They must.”
    â€œAnd that is it?”
    â€œIndeed - that and a certain determination to succeed.”
    â€œWhich is a necessary attitude in your business?”
    â€œIf you want to survive,” concurred Thornton.
    â€œAnd you certainly wanted that didn’t you?”
    There it was again, the all-knowing undertones. What did she know?
    Then the strange conversational tones of Angela took him off guard. How did she do it?
    â€œAnd was the way strewn with bodies?” Her eyes feigned innocence.
    â€œWhat on earth does that mean?” Panic had edged into Thornton’s voice.
    Billy sensed it, and sensed that the lionesses were ready to pounce. He decided to help them. “She means who did you knock off on the way? Who did you kill?” Mickey joined in Billy’s laughter when he saw the discomfiture of Thornton, whose face began to redden. His anger was mounting. He shot to his feet and strode to the women at the card table. “How can you expect me to work with those creatures?”
    â€œIt’s a fine role.” Diana’s reply was flat, a simple statement of fact.
    â€œBut of course.” Honey tones from Angela. “You’ve played many fine roles haven’t you?”
    Thornton gave a sigh of resignation. “I only play fine roles. I can’t afford not to, not if I am to maintain my box office appeal and my personal popularity.”
    â€œOh!” There was genuine surprise in Angela’s voice this time. “You are popular?”
    Mickey and Billy edged forwards on their seats, fascinated by this exchange of words. They were both happy that the inquisition was aimed at the bellicose and opinionated actor rather than them. But both carried a sinking feeling in the pit of their stomachs. They knew that, inevitably, their turn would come.
    Thornton pulled himself to his full, impressive height. “I am Belvedere Thornton. People seek me out.”
    Diana frowned again and studied the file. “According to our information you live a friendless existence.”
    â€œI could believe that,” cut in Mickey, grinning.
    â€œNonsense,” Thornton’s lips tightened into a thin line, “my home is always filled with people. There’s seldom an empty day. People call from all walks of life. I’ve been lionised, patronised, idolised ...”
    â€œSodomised!” Billy’s cry was a triumphant bray. He burst into laughter. Thornton lifted his head and glared at the rafters. Fluttering, bats? He dragged his mind back. “Of course I have friends.” Then he turned and fixed the baleful glare at Billy. “And you will pay for that remark, sonny.”
    Billy laughed. “You don’t scare me you fat old fraud.” The eyeballed each other, neither willing to let go but Angela broke the tension.
    â€œCould a man like you, with so many friends , play an entirely friendless person, Mr Thornton?”
    â€œMy dear did you not see my Ebenezer Scrooge?”
    â€œOh