Notorious Read Free Page B

the tape still played out its beautiful, erotic exhibitionism in his mind.
    Mallory’s gaze searched Carey’s lean, freckled face. “Why me, Mr. Litzke?”
    “Your face,” Carey said simply. “We know you’re a competent actress but that’s not what Global is buying. You have a very memorable look and that’s what we need for this role. Peter Handel, the director, saw you on television two nights ago and said he had to have that face.”
    “I see.” Mallory stood up and wandered to thewindow and stood looking blindly down at the street. Litzke’s proposal sounded logical and she liked the man. At first glance his curly red hair, bright brown eyes and freckled face gave an impression of Huckleberry Finn charisma, but he hadn’t been in her apartment for more than ten minutes before she realized that his charm was accompanied by a forthright manner and shrewd intelligence. “‘That face’ carries a considerable amount of notoriety with it. Global’s taking a chance.”
    “We’re banking on your bad press dying down by the time the picture’s in distribution.”
    She looked back over her shoulder. “It’s only my face? No nudity?”
    He looked surprised. “The film doesn’t call for it.”
    She smiled ruefully. “The only offers I’ve gotten lately are for less than respectable films. I don’t do porn, Mr. Litzke.”
    “Carey.” Carey’s face lit with amusement. “No porn, I promise. Though after meeting you, the idea is certainly titillating. Let me tell you a little about the script.
Breakaway
takes place during World War II in North Africa. You play ReneeSalanoir, a café singer and member of the resistance movement. The film’s targeted at being a sort of cross between
Top Gun
and
Casablanca.”
    “Sounds like a winning combination.”
    Carey’s smile faded. “You don’t seem too eager to accept our offer. Isn’t the money good enough?”
    “The money’s a
lifesaver.”
She turned to face him. “The job’s a lifesaver. I just want to be fair to Global.”
    Carey’s lips tightened as his gaze slid away from her own. “That’s admirably ethical but Global can take care of itself. Is it a deal?”
    She hesitated. “Will the role be physically taxing?”
    Carey’s gaze shifted back to her face. “You’re not well?”
    “I just need rest. I haven’t been sleeping much lately.”
    “Or eating either, I’d bet.” Carey’s gaze went over her slim figure. “Have you been to a doctor?”
    “I’m fine.” She moistened her lips with her tongue. “I’m not up to rough location shooting, and I don’t want to get sick and force you to have to stop production.”
    “Stop worrying about Global.” Carey’s voice held a strange note of suppressed anger. “Worry about yourself.” He looked away from her again. “The role doesn’t call for any rigorous desert treks.”
    “Good, then it’s a deal.” She crossed the room, picked up the pen, and quickly signed the contract on the coffee table. She put down the pen and held out her hand. “I’m going to enjoy working with you, Carey.”
    He rose to his feet, took her slim hand and shook it gravely. “I hope you’ll still feel that way once you reach Marasef.”
    She smiled. “I will. I’m usually a good judge of character and I think you’re a man who’s definitely true-blue.”
    “What an old-fashioned term.” He dropped her hand and turned away. “I’ll meet your plane and drive you to the location. I’m leaving tonight for Sedikhan. If you have any problem with arrangements, contact Global.”
    “I can handle everything. I’ve been on my own for a long time. It breeds a certain independence.”
    He nodded absently as he moved toward thedoor. “I heard you were orphaned when you were fifteen.”
    “Was that in the papers too?” She made a face. “I thought they’d concentrated on my marriage.”
    “I must have read it somewhere.” Carey opened the door and turned to face her. “You’re sure you want this