The Case of the Black Pearl Read Free Page B

recognizable film star.
    Patrick was neither.
    However, he did know one of the guards on duty, who had once hired him to sort out a personal problem. Bruno had a long memory and a generous heart. Not only did he wave Patrick through, he handed him a journalist’s badge to avoid any problems once inside.
    The large reception area of the Majestic was thronging with movie people and journalists, on mobiles or standing talking in noisy groups. As he threaded his way through, a door opened on a large press conference and Patrick caught a glimpse of a platform of movie stars and their director taking questions amid the popping flashbulbs.
    He located a lift and, stepping into the sudden and welcome silence, pressed the third-floor button.
    When Camille had supplied him with Sergio Gramesci’s contact details, she’d indicated that as far as she was aware, Angele hadn’t revealed to her film colleagues that she had a sister. Nor would Angele like the idea of her interfering.
    ‘I just want to make sure she’s all right,’ Camille had said quietly.
    With that instruction in mind, Patrick had put a call through to Gramesci. The director had been distinctly unhelpful on the phone, until Patrick mentioned the possibility of financing his next movie, whereupon Sergio had swiftly changed his tune.
    Patrick stood outside room 301 for a moment, listening. Despite the solid door, he could hear sounds of an argument: a woman’s high-pitched voice and the more guttural sound of a man. Patrick waited until they paused for breath, then knocked. A few seconds later the door was opened.
    Sergio Gramesci was tall, sleek and handsome. Whatever anger had been present behind the closed door had disappeared from his perfectly tanned face. Patrick offered his hand and introduced himself in Italian as Gerard Dubois, a French investment banker.
    ‘I should warn you I have very little time,’ Gramesci apologized. He raised his hands in mock horror. ‘Cannes at the festival.’ He stood aside indicating that Patrick should enter.
    The woman whose voice he’d heard stood beside a table on which sat an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne and two glasses. She was dark-haired and dark-eyed, and she was angry, but covering it less well than Gramesci.
    Patrick met her frosty look and held out his hand, which she grudgingly took.
    ‘Madame?’ he enquired.
    ‘Celeste Colbert.’
    At his ‘
enchanté
’ her expression softened, but only a little. Patrick realized that worry as much as anger lurked in those eyes.
    He turned his attention to Gramesci. ‘As I indicated on the phone, I’m interested in financing your next film.’ He paused. ‘On the understanding that it would again star Angele Valette.’
    The woman concentrated on a champagne glass, her expression studiously blank.
    Gramesci, on the other hand, eyed him with interest.
    ‘You have seen
The Black Pearl
?’
    ‘No, but I have heard very good reports from reliable sources in the industry, which is why I’m here.’
    The smile that curved Gramesci’s lips showed he wasn’t immune to flattery. Behind him the woman had adopted a scowl, which grew deeper. Patrick got the impression she had moved from studied indifference to biting her tongue.
    ‘I’d like to discuss this opportunity with your leading lady,’ Patrick said.
    A cloud swept over Gramesci, killing his sunshine smile.
    ‘I’m terribly sorry, but Angele is unavailable at the moment.’
    Patrick feigned disappointment. ‘When will she be available?’
    ‘She’s a very busy lady,’ Gramesci said.
    ‘I have to be in the Cayman Islands three days from now,’ Patrick interrupted his excuse. ‘I’m keen to place the funds before that.’
    A mixture of avarice and worry crossed Gramesci’s features. The woman attempted to catch his eye, but was ignored.
    ‘I’ll discuss it with Angele and see what we can arrange,’ he said smoothly.
    As he was obviously buying time, Patrick decided to put him on the spot. ‘What