Playing a Little Read Free Page A

from the producer about the new film he was making, one that promised not only a nice chunk of money, but the fame associated with working through Crenshaw Corporations. He had known Arthur for over twenty years and owed the old man big time. Not just for his career, but because Arthur had become the only family he had.
    As a foster child, Erik had never known his natural parents, and had lost track of the number of foster homes he had been shipped off to before he landed on Arthur’s doorstep. He had just turned ten when he was sent to live with a new foster family near Universal Studios. They had their hands full with younger children, so Erik took frequent advantage of the opportunity of not being noticed to sneak onto a sound stage and nose about. He was fascinated by the lights, noise, and activity. The giant cameras, magnificent sets, hordes of people in costumes and yelling orders beckoned to him, urging him closer. Finally, the growing child discovered tables laden with food and he hungrily helped himself when he thought no one was watching. One week after he began to sneak upon the sound stage to watch the shoots, he crashed into a largely built, brick building of a man. Being mistaken as an extra, Erik found himself being shoved into the set, his Danish still in his mouth. The man sat in his chair, snapped his fingers, and ordered him to swallow his food and to stop holding up the shoot. In an effort not to be caught trespassing, Erik scurried to obey, joining five other boys around his same age, listening carefully to the directions given. Action was called, and Erik released his inner thespian.
    His reaction to the scene caught Arthur’s attention through the camera lens. After an inquiry to the casting director about the child’s identity, Erik was promptly exposed as an imposter. Instead of cowering when Arthur cornered and confronted him about the danger of a movie set and the sins of trespassing, Erik did his best to meet the man in the eye and express his desire to be there. Impressed with his tenacity, Arthur softened his reprimand by sharing that young Erik had the makings of a true performer and that he was not too young to be involved in the business. When asked to speak with his parents, Erik reluctantly admitted that he had ‘temporarily departed the residence’ of his foster family and that they were too busy with the young children to miss him. He also informed Arthur that, if he made him leave, he would find a way to come back.
    Arthur had hit the ceiling, throwing words such as pugnacious, obstinate, foolish, and intransigent in his direction. Erik simply stood with his arms crossed, staring boldly at the dramatic unfolding of the irate director. Arthur’s voice rocked the set as he exploded with phrases unfit for the ears of children and ladies. When he had finished his raging, Erik asked simply if he was done, and then found himself being dragged out to the car by the scruff of his neck.
    It was the one and only time he had ever been afraid of Arthur Crenshaw. The boy stood defiantly on the porch of his foster home as Arthur pounded on the door. Arthur introduced himself to the foster parents, his powerful voice rocking the house as he spoke of the unfortunate situation that had occurred. Erik watched in amazement as angry expressions turned star struck, clinging to every word that exited the big man’s mouth. Awe turned to respect as Arthur plotted and manipulated compliance with the frustrated couple, offering to take responsibility for the boy’s education and activities if they allowed him to put the child to work as a gopher and teach him the ‘ropes’ of the business. Thrilled to be spared the extra energy required to watch over a precocious ten-year-old, the couple rapidly agreed. Within six months, Arthur became Erik’s legal guardian and had the boy permanently placed in his home.
    He owed everything he was to Arthur, who saw to giving the boy an education in both books and in