Dishonorable Intentions Read Free Page A

lovely,” Gala said, looking around the house. “And it looks as if it has always been here.”
    â€œThat was my instruction to the builder and the interior designer.”
    They settled into the library and were brought refreshments by a butler.
    â€œTell me how this Arrington group came into existence,” Gala said. “Ed told me something about it, but I’m hazy on the details.”
    â€œMy late wife, Arrington, was previously married to Vance Calder.”
    â€œI knew that part. She’s Peter’s mother?”
    â€œYes. When Vance died, Arrington and Peter’s trust inherited his property, which included eighteen acres of Bel-Air. I and a group of investors formed the group, and Arrington sold us the land, with the provision that we would build her a permanent residence on the property.”
    â€œWhat happened to Calder’s old house? I was there once, and it was beautiful.”
    â€œIt was expanded and became what is now the reception center and the executive offices. When Arrington died, I inherited her house, still uncompleted, from her estate. Any further questions?”
    â€œSo Peter is Vance’s son?”
    â€œNo, Arrington and I were an item before she met Vance, and on our last night together she became pregnant, although she didn’t know it until a bit later. She met Calder, was infatuated with him, and they ran off and got married. Peter was the result of that pregnancy. He and I didn’t really become acquainted until after Vance’s death. Fortunately, the relationship took, and we’ve been close since that time.”
    â€œThank you, I think I’ve got it all now.”
    â€œYou’re welcome.”
    There was a bustling in the front hall, and Dino and Viv Bacchetti entered the room. “I heard booze was being served in here,” Dino said.
    Stone introduced the Bacchettis to Gala, and booze was served.
    â€œWhat are we doing for dinner?” Dino asked.
    â€œThe chef is preparing some of his delicacies for us,” Stone replied.
    â€œThat works for me,” Dino said.
    â€œGala, would you like to see the rest of the house? Perhaps Viv would show you around.”
    â€œLove to,” Gala said, and the two women left, carrying their drinks.
    â€œHow was your flight?” Stone asked.
    â€œNot as good as yours was,” Dino replied. “Even first class doesn’t cut it, compared to Stone Airlines.”
    â€œIt warms the cockles of my heart to hear you say so. I’ll be happy to give you a lift home.”
    â€œApart from the party for Ben, have you got business out here?”
    â€œI’m being seated on the board of Centurion Studios tomorrow morning at ten AM , followed by a luncheon in the studio canteen.”
    â€œWhat time is the party tomorrow night?”
    â€œPeople are invited for drinks at six, followed by dinner. L.A. is an early town.”
    â€œSuits me, I’ve got three hours of jet lag to deal with.” Dino peered closely at Stone. “You don’t seem to be thrilled by this board appointment.”
    â€œI am appropriately thrilled,” Stone said, “but on the agendafor my first board meeting is the approval of a production deal between Gala’s ex-husband, one Boris Tirov, and Centurion. She’s uneasy about having him on the same lot—she just signed to write three scripts for the studio. I’m uneasy about it, too, and I’ve been trying to figure out how I can torpedo Tirov’s deal without appearing to.”
    â€œAh, I see you’re acquiring the habits of the denizens here, already plotting against somebody.”
    â€œI’m not plotting against him, this is just business.”
    â€œThat’s what they always say just before they pull the trigger.”
    â€œI haven’t shared my concerns with any other board members, though I spoke briefly with Leo Goldman after I saw the announcement of the deal in