Page 87 of The Director's Daughter

EPILOGUE

JERRY WASTED NO TIMEpromoting Zach to fill John Stanley’s seat. As Jerry’s heir apparent, with greater responsibilities and power, Zach was determined to use his position to mentor new talent. It had been so difficult for him to break into the business, he wanted to make life a bit easier for talented outsiders trying to get a leg up.

Before John’s demise, Continental Pictures had been housed at a major motion picture studio, but with the completion of the building in Venice, Zach’s new quarters offered sweeping views of Venice Beach and the ocean. Martha was thrilled, and set about decorating the space with renewed energy and excitement.

Jerry hired a woman named Amelia Anderson to fill Zach’s position. Amanda was experienced and bright, and Jerry understood her need to handpick her team. While she kept most of Zach’s people, she brought in a couple of her own, and was happy to interview Emma. Amanda quickly saw herself in the sharp, ambitious young woman, and hired her on the spot. Emma was ecstatic. With Zach in a different area of the building, and not working directly with her, Jerry gave them his blessing to go public.

Kurt did not fare well.

The charges stemming from the horrendous collision on Pacific Coast Highway were numerous. Not only was cocaine found in his vehicle, his toxicology report confirmed the drug in his system, as well as elevated levels of alcohol.

Angelo had made sure no-one touched the knife Kurt had used when he burst into Jerry’s office, and Kurt’s fingerprints were the only ones found on the weapon. With all three witnesses giving the same report, the evidence against him was overwhelming. Kurt Fielding was remanded in custody without bail, and faced a long prison sentence.

When Martha’s new coffee maker was brought into the office she was overjoyed, but when she opened a note she found in her coffee mug, the tough, down-to-earth woman was brought to tears. Along with a $1000 gift card from Saks Fifth Avenue, and a voucher for a day at the Four Seasons Spa in Westlake Village, was a hand-written note.

Dear Martha:

To say you’re indispensable is an understatement. How can I express my thanks? You are the mother to my team, the steady hand that keeps my boat moving through storms and sunshine, and my rock.

I sign off with love, because it is love I feel for you.

Zach.

Twelve Months Later

Cheering fans and paparazzi crowded behind the thick, red, velvet rope lining the path from the curb to the front of the movie theater. It was the premiere of the much hailed,Moonbeams and Fairy Dust.Shiny black limousines dropped off celebrities, and as Anna Lee Pickford and Angelo Frattiano stepped from their car, the onlookers roared, and photographers jostled for position.

Looking regal and poised, but seductive and sexy in a glittering black gown, Anna Lee had her arm looped through Angelo’s elbow as she made her way slowly up the red carpet. Handsome as ever, dressed in a black tuxedo with a red bow tie and a matching cummerbund, Angelo flashed his winning smile at the fans.

“Soak it in Anna,” he whispered as they neared the doors of the theatre. “You’ve earned it.”

“This is the most amazing night of my life,” she breathed looking up at him, “but I don’t know how I’ll be able to sit still for the next two hours.”

Underneath her sparkling dress Anna Lee had a very red backside. On the drive to the Premiere, Angelo had closed the privacy screen, pulled her across his lap, and spanked her with gusto. It had calmed her frazzled nerves, and would also remind her not to be overly flirtatious, a habit she had recently developed. Pausing for a final wave to the crowd and posing for the paparazzi, they walked into the lobby, immediately greeted by Emma and her father.

“Anna, you look like the star you are,” Emma declared, kissing her on the cheek. “The two of you make a stunning couple. How are you, Angelo?”

“Terrific, and very excited about this film.”

“It’s going to throw you both into the stratosphere,” Justin declared. “I hope you’re ready for it.”

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