Page 130 of Stuart Woods' Golden Hour

Within moments both Barnett and Bacchetti were surrounded by those wanting to learn more.

Braun, Jillian, and a man and woman nearby seemed to be the only ones to hang back.

When the man caught Braun’s gaze, Braun realized he was the director’s father. Stan? Stewart? He hadn’t been paying close enough attention to remember.

“Don’t have any questions?” the older Barrington asked.

“I have plenty,” Braun said. “But I’d rather ask them of someone who can give me his full attention.”

“If you’d like, you can try asking me. I might not know everything, but I should be able to give you some answers.”

“You work in the film industry?”

Jillian hadn’t mentioned that, but it wasn’t implausible. From the little he knew, the movie business was full of nepotism.

“In a way,” Barrington said. “I’m on the board of directors for Centurion Pictures.”

“Is that so?”

The man held out a hand. “Stone Barrington. You just watched my son’s film.”

They shook. “Felix Braun. So, you’re Peter’s father.”

“I am.”

“Then you already know Mr. Barnett and Mr. Bacchetti.”

“I’ve known Ben since he was born, and Billy since around the time he started working with Ben and Peter. We’re here as moral support.” He glanced at his date. “May I introduce Rita Dane?”

“A pleasure,” Braun said to her. “Are you also in movies?”

She smiled and said in an American accent, “I’m just a friend of the family. I try not to work at all if I can help it. Are you interested in becoming an investor?”

“It’s something I’m considering.”

“If you’d like,” Barrington said, “I can personally introduce you to Ben and Billy.”

“I’d like that very much, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“Not at all.”

Once the other attendees started heading back to the celebration, Stone led Braun over to the two producers.

“Ben, Billy, I’d like you to meet Felix Braun.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Braun,” Bacchetti said.

“Please, call me Felix.”

They shook hands and then Braun did the same with Barnett.

“How can we help you?” Barnett asked.

They spent the next several minutes discussing the ins and outs of the industry, stopping only when Constance Mueller announced it was time to rejoin the party.

“If you’d like to talk more about this, please give me a call,” Barnett said and handed his business card to Braun.

They walked out of the building together. As they neared the festivities, Braun asked Barnett, “I’m curious how one becomes a producer. Did you start off as one?”

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