Page 64 of The Director's Daughter

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

THE NEXT FEW HOURSwere filled with the usual mix of endless phone calls, short meetings, and reviewing documents. When it was almost three-o’clock, Martha tapped on the door and poked in her head.

“Zach, it’s time to address the troops in the conference room.”

“Already? Damn, this day has fallen into a black hole,” he declared. “Okay, I’m coming.”

Pushing back from his desk, he slipped on his jacket and ran his fingers through his hair. With Martha at his side, he headed to the conference room, entering to find six anxious faces waiting for him. Same day meetings requiring everyone’s presence were rare.

“Thanks for making yourselves available,” he began, sitting at the head of the long, oval table. “I’ll start off with some great news. This morning Jerry green-lighted a project called Moonbeams and Fairy Dust. Some of you know it, but for those of you who don’t, I’ll make sure you get scripts today. But that’s not the reason for this meeting. I’m bringing in a new team member, and it will probably happen in the next couple of days.”

Though no-one spoke, he saw their confusion and concern. The team was complete, and it worked. Except for the occasional debate, it was an efficient, pleasant and productive group. Throwing a new personality into the mix could cause problems.

“I know this is unexpected, and I want to assure you this person is not here to take a job away from any one of you. I respect each of you individually, and together we’re dynamite.”

“Have you created a new position?”

The query came from Daniel Patterson. Zach had expected Daniel would be the first to question or comment. He wasn’t just the most outspoken, he was also the most passionate about his work, and remarkably creative.

“Not specifically,” Zach replied, trying to maintain a positive demeanor. “You would have heard of her, and some of you may actually know her. She’s Justin Hartman’s daughter, Emma.”

No-one could hide their shock, and Zach waited a minute before continuing. “I don’t live under a rock, and I’m fully aware of the not so complimentary video that surfaced last week, but it’s no secret what opportunistic bastards the paparazzi can be. We’ve all had less than spectacular moments in our lives, but most of us haven’t fallen victim to a cellphone video while it was happening, so no throwing bricks.”

“What will she be doing?” Daniel asked. “Is she going to be working with one of us, or just with you?”

“Emma has just graduated from Cinema Studies, the same place you hail from. I’d like her to spend a couple of weeks with each of you, like an intern. I’ll take her the first two weeks to help her acclimatize, and during that time I’ll let you all decide who will take her and when. I expect you to welcome her and make her feel comfortable. She’ll be nervous, as each of you were when you first started. Now that I think about it, Daniel, why don’t you take her after me. You both attended Cinema Studies. You can compare notes.”

“I’ll be happy to,” Daniel agreed, “but isn’t this a bit, well, weird?”

“Unusual, yes, but not weird,” Zach said firmly. “If you run into any issues make sure you let me or Martha know. Anymore questions?”

“I think I’m speaking for all of us when I ask this,” Daniel continued, “but what exactly are we supposed to do with her?”

“Mostly let her watch and learn, and answer her questions. Use her as a gopher, or to help your assistants when they’re overwhelmed. Just bear in mind she’s been in the business since the day she was born, and from what I’ve seen, she bright, very bright. Anything else?”

The room was quiet.

“Good. Now I have a meeting outside the office. Thanks everyone.”

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