Read Online Scott Free by John Gilstrap - Free Book Online Page B

people.”
    â€œAbsolutely not,” Larry said.
    The response startled Sherry. “Why not?”
    â€œThey go live at seven, eastern time. That’s three hours from now. You’ll look like last night’s hors d’oeuvres.”
    â€œIt’s not a beauty contest, Larry,” Audrey protested. “It’s not even a book tour, though God knows the sales of the Mirror series have been slipping. She’s a worried mother, for Christ’s sake. She’s supposed to look like she hasn’t had any sleep. Honestly, Sherry, Molly Bartholomew is a sweetheart. She’s the producer I was telling you about. She won’t let you go on the air if you’re hideous.”
    Oh, now, that was reassuring. “Okay,” Sherry said. “Do it.”
    â€œExcellent,” Audrey said. “Now, I want to talk to you about a book idea I had.”
    â€œJesus, Audrey.” This time, Sherry and Larry said it together.
    â€œWhat? Is it so wrong to pursue unique opportunities while they’re hot? I think Baker Publishing would jump on the chance to publish this story. Rich Czabo recently moved there, and I thought, if I could lock him in early, it would probably be good for a solid six figures.”
    â€œNo,” Sherry said.
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œWe’re talking about my son, Audrey.”
    â€œWe are not. We’re talking about you. It’s just so high-concept. ‘The counselor needs assistance.’”
    Sherry could hear the finger-quotes as she uttered that last phrase. “It’s unseemly.”
    â€œIt’s horrifying,” Larry said.
    â€œHow is it horrifying? Jesus, everybody wants to know how celebrities deal with stress. It’s a natural.”
    â€œNo, Audrey,” Sherry repeated. “And I’ll say it again, in case you didn’t get it the first time. No. Good God, I’d look like a ghoul.”
    â€œNo one would have to know,” Audrey pressed. “We could put a complete embargo on the story.”
    â€œI’m hanging up, Audrey. Call this Bartholomew lady and tell her we’re a go in the morning.”
    â€œOkay,” Audrey said. Sherry envisioned her as wired on thirty cups of coffee. “And I’ll let you know what Rich Czabo says about the book.”
    â€œAudrey!” The line was dead.
    â€œShe’s Satan incarnate,” Larry said as he wandered back in from the kitchen.
    â€œShe’s made me a fortune, Larry.”
    He stopped in his tracks, placed a hand on his hip. “I’m sorry, have you not read Faust?”
    She flipped him off.
    â€œThis television thing is a mistake,” Larry warned.
    â€œOh, for heaven’s sake.”
    â€œRoll your eyes all you want. People are going to see you on television within a few hours of Scott’s disappearance, and they’re going to draw all the wrong conclusions.”
    â€œWhat wrong conclusions?”
    â€œExactly the same conclusions they would have drawn about a book: that you’re exploiting this whole thing for publicity. With all due respect, my dear, you don’t do ‘caring nurturer’ very well. Your strong suit has always been ‘in-your-face preacher.’”
    Sherry recoiled. “I’m insulted.”
    â€œWell, forgive me, then.” Larry headed for the foyer. “You pay me for my opinions, and I give them to you.”
    â€œIs that what I pay you for?”
    Larry opened the door and paused before leaving. “I don’t know what the hell you pay me for. But in deference to the generous check, just please take my advice and be careful.”
    Sherry glanced at the clock and panic gripped her. “Oh, my God, look at the time. I’ve got to get a couple of hours’ sleep.”
    â€œI’ll give you a wake-up call at five-thirty,” Larry said.
    â€œAnd then another one ten minutes later, in case I fall back to sleep!” Before she could