Page 55 of The Actor: Harrison

“This article says they broke up after the release ofHumans. Isn’t that an award-winning movie?” He frowns.

I nod, still trying to put together the pieces. “Yes. It’s actually what launched him into stardom and the only really great movie he’s directed.”

Leonard clicks on a few more links and reads through pages. I can’t make myself read anything after this news.

“She was in that movie too. She was credited as a production assistant,” he says, comparing two pages, one with Sienna’s works and another one with Glen’s.

“What? Are you sure about that?”

He nods, clicking a few more things and his software shrinks, leaving only one column on the two pages.

“They actually worked on quite a few projects together. They basically did everything together up until they split up. Everything except Sienna’s first two movies.” He keeps comparing the two careers.

“How is she credited in those two movies?” Something starts to click.

“Director,” he answers slowly like he is putting the pieces together too.

“And the others?”

“Production assistant. Glen is the director.”

“Piece of shit,” I whisper.

“What are you thinking?” Leonard asks me, but I think he just wants confirmation.

“I think Glen used Sienna because she has a terrific eye for outstanding movies. I don’t know if he dated her to get those projects, but he sure as hell convinced her to put his name as the director, probably because it’s easier to sell in Hollywood if you’re a man,” I explain through gritted teeth.

“Do you think she directed those movies?”

“I can’t say for sure, but did you notice that before he dumped her all the movies are great, and after they split up they’re just blockbusters with a lot of explosions, tits, naked men, and very little plot? I don’t think that’s a coincidence. In fact, she kept doing great movies.”

He takes a deep breath and crosses his hands behind his neck. “Now I get why she doesn’t want your money, no matter how different your situation is. She won’t let another man screw up her career like he did.”

I feel all my hopes die, one by one. I know it’s true and nothing could possibly change her mind about that.

***

When I get in my car to leave Leonard’s house, I glance at my phone, almost hoping there’s a call or message from Sienna. The only thing I find is a new text from my agent, asking me if I had a chance to look at the new script. The dread I feel is so intense I don’t even think twice and call my lawyer.

“Hi. I know it’s late, sorry about that, but I need to ask you a huge favor,” I say as soon as he answers the phone.

“Yeah, no problem. What can I do for you?” He sounds almost happy to hear from me at ten in the night. I should definitely give him a huge gift next Christmas and maybe something for his birthday too.

“Can you look and see if there’s anything that prevents me from firing my agent? I don’t want him to sue me for breach of contract. I don’t remember anything major, but I want to be sure,” I say before I change my mind.

“Thank God you’re taking this step. I don’t remember any funny clause, but I’ll look at it right away,” he answers, sounding relieved.

“You don’t need to do it right now. Don’t stress.” I start to wonder if I should have waited until tomorrow to call him.

“No. I’m doing it before you have time to chicken out,” he rushes to answer.

I chuckle. “Why are you all so eager for me to fire him?”

It seems everyone is invested in my career.

“Because you’re too patient and a good man, Harrison. That shark needed to go a long time ago,” he points out, and I start to see a pattern in the suggestions, making me think I’m the only one who didn’t see him for the shark he is.

“Thank you. I’ll wait for your call.”

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