Page 79 of Emi's Hero

Though he’d been excited and curious about the mechanics of making a movie, Ace’s attention had shifted the moment Jasmine entered the museum.

His gaze followed her as she moved among the Jordanian film crew, standing between Americans and Jordanians, interpreting instructions when needed.

As the camera crew set up, Jasmine left them to wander around the museum, looking at ancient artifacts on display. At one point, she disappeared into a side room and remained gone for several minutes.

Ace started to follow when Hank approached him. “It’s amazing, isn’t it?”

Ace nodded. “Yes, sir.”

Hank grinned. “I never imagined the amount of people it takes to produce a film until I accompanied Sadie on set for the first time.”

Though Ace would rather focus his attention on Jasmine’s movements, he gave his new boss all his attention. “I never realized there was so much involved.”

“Right? It takes an incredible amount of coordination to set up a gig like this, from securing a location to getting permission, in this case, from the government to film here, to transporting all the equipment. Not to mention hiring people to do all aspects, including lighting, sound, video, makeup and costumes.”

Ace’s gaze remained on the door through which Jasmine had disappeared. “And that’s just the filming,” he commented, mentally counting the seconds Jasmine was out of his sight.

Then, she emerged from the room and rejoined her camera crew.

Ace let go of the breath he’d been holding.

Hank continued the conversation Ace had lost track of. “After the filming, there’s the editing, music, marketing and more.” The former Navy SEAL shook his head, his lips forming a wry smile. “I have so much more respect for all those names that scroll across the screen in the movie theater when they show the credits.” He chuckled. “I always wondered, and now I know, what a key grip is.”

Jasmine worked with the cameramen once more, then stepped back into the shadows.

Once the cameramen were in place, the lighting guy gave a thumbs-up. The director nodded, spoke with Sadie and then stepped back.

“They’re about to start filming,” Hank said.

When the director raised a hand, everyone grew quiet.

The director looked around at the placement of the cameras, Sadie and the lighting, then nodded.

Ace felt as though everyone took a collective breath, waiting for it...

“Action!” the director called out.

Ace’s attention was divided between Jasmine, the actors, the cameramen and the supporting staff.

The beautiful, blond actress, Sadie McClain, did not command his attention like Jasmine.

Sure, Sadie was gorgeous, dressed in khaki slacks that hugged her hips, boots up to her knees and a flowing white blouse tucked into the narrow waistband of her trousers.

Her mane of golden hair had been styled into a natural wind-swept look with loose waves falling to her shoulders. She worked her way through the museum corridor, pretending to be a patron until she arrived at a golden statue encased in a glass box.

As Sadie studied the statue, her character assessing her chances of stealing it, Jasmine slipped out of the main museum corridor into the side room again.

What was she doing in there?

Ace wanted to follow her, but to do so, he’d have to pick his way through the camera crews and lighting people. He didn’t want to get in the way while the cameras were rolling. God forbid he should trip over a cable, make a noise or cast a shadow and make them have to start all over again.

So, he stood as still as a rock, all his attention on that room, counting the seconds until Jasmine came out or the director called, “Cut!”

Finally, Jasmine emerged from the room.

At the same time, the director yelled, “Cut!”

The crossbody satchel she’d worn pushed behind her now rested against the front of her hip; her hand balanced on it. Her head turned toward the museum entrance and back to the organized chaos of camera crews shifting positions and responding to the director’s suggestions. An Americancameraman approached the Jordanian crew and spoke in English.

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