For the Love of His Life Read Free

the kind of actor who is very good at looking good in his movies, and he’s always shirtless at some point. But he’s kind of limited to playing the same kinds of men over and over again…not much range, and even less talent.”
    Jared burst in excitedly. “Ah, but that’s where you’re so wrong, Ronnie! I only agreed to let him read for the part as a favor to his agent. But he blew me away! He’s so right for it he’s the only actor I seriously considered for starring in my epic film about the Boundary Waters area! You know…the one I always promised Grampa I’d make about his great grandfather, Hank Maynard?”
    “If he’s that good, why do you need to send him up here early?”
    Marie nodded at Veronica’s question, asked as she was busy putting the pies into the oven. Jared cleared his throat again.
    “Well, you see, there’s the little problem of his drinking…and his drugs…and his whoring. He’s a real party-animal and right now the only reason he’s not in jail is that I went to court with him and basically told the judge I’d answer for his behavior until his probation is over.”
    “Probation for what?”
    Marie’s voice was steely. Everyone knew her father was a Canadian Mountie, and she was gung-ho on supporting law enforcement officials.
    “He…uh…can’t be allowed to drive for six months. They took his license away after he ran into a parked squad car because he thought he hit the brake pedal, but it was the gas pedal. Then, when they got him out of the car, he was so blasted he didn’t remember his real name. All he told them was he was the famous actor Raul Roderick . He promised them supporting roles in his next picture if they would give him a ride to the meeting with me he was already two hours late for.”
    “Obviously the officers weren’t impressed, eh?” Marie sounded smug.
    “No. They took him down to the station and booked him. I was the person he called for his one call…not his lawyer. So I got him released to my custody, but I’ve been having a hell of a time keeping him out from behind the wheel of a car, or out of bars and nightclubs. I’m afraid he’s going to kill himself before I can get the performance of a lifetime out of him I’m convinced he has in him. So I really need your help…”
    There was silence while Marie and Veronica communicated with each other non-verbally.
    “Well?” Jared sounded anxious.
    Marie nodded at Veronica, who spoke.
    “We can’t give you an answer now. We have to talk this over with the rest of the family. All of us have to agree to this, since we are all going to have to deal with this spoiled brat you want us to baby-sit for you.”
    “Agreed,” Jared spoke quickly.
    Marie leaned forward in her chair, “Have you given any thought as to how he is going to get around up here, if he can’t drive? None of us have the time to be his chauffer.”
    “I’ve already spoken to Aunt Joan’s son, Jake. He’s more than willing to earn big money by ferrying a famous movie star around to the few bars in Grand Marais. I’ve told him he can’t take Raul further than that, or he won’t get paid. I think I can keep his wings clipped enough so he won’t be able to get into much trouble up there.”
    “Fine. We’ll talk to everyone and let you know.”
    “When? I’ve got to get him isolated as soon as possible!”
    “Call back tomorrow. We’ll have an answer for you by then.”
    “Please, Gram-Marie, be convincing for me, okay? And Ronnie, please put in a good word for me! I have to have him star as Hank Maynard…it’s the role he was born to play, in the story I have been itching to film for years! And not just because I want to come up there for a nice, long stay. If you want me to, I’ll beg.”
    Marie clucked her tongue. “Tsk, tsk, boy. You are already begging and it’s unseemly. Be a man. Hang up and wait for our decision.”
    “Yes, Gram-Marie. I love you. And you too, Ronnie. And everyone else. Remember that,