Chapter 37: Peanut Gallery

Rodie sat on the top of the baby grand absolutely fascinated at Ian’s fingers dancing along the keyboard. Actually, to his chagrin, the cat was fascinated by Ian in general. Since he had arrived home, he was rarely out of her sight.

Ian tried to take it in stride. He still drew the line at his bedroom, although she constantly tried to move that line in her favor. She knew better. All Ian had to do was lock eyes with her and she’d drop her tail and slink out.

The cat didn’t think it was fair that the dog got to be in Ian’s bedroom and she didn’t. Ralphie on the other hand didn’t seemed to know he had special privileges. Whenever Ralphie was in there with Ian, Rodie would sit as close to the threshold as she could without getting the door slammed in her face and just seethe.

Ralphie and the cat got along just fine. They played together and kept each other entertained when Ian or Ronnie were too busy to pay attention to them. Of course, Rodie preferred having the house all to herself without the dog around. It was her domain and Ralphie seemed to accept that.

Tonight, Ralphie was not around; so Rodie was pleased the place was all hers. She had searched the house thoroughly. There were so many people to keep her entertained. She loved it, but it was Ian’s fingers on those black and white keys that enraptured her at this moment. The vibrations the piano made when his fingers struck the keys made her purr.

At first it was his face. It was a look of sheer delight that made her jump up on top to get a better look. It was a look of contentment and happiness, true contentment and happiness. He didn’t have that often. There wasn’t much Ian could hide from her.

She had perched back far enough so that Ian couldn’t swat her for getting too close. There were too many humans around. He wouldn’t let her get too close, but when it was just the two of them; well that was a different story.

Ian would talk to her. He’d say things to her in ways he would never speak to the humans. Rodie would wait until Ronnie fell asleep before she’d gently wonder from the pillow next to him and go find Ian. They’d have their little time together.

Usually he’d be in the study or the living room and she’d jumped up on the arm of whatever he was sitting on and wrap her tail around herself until he was finished. He’d always sigh and rub his eyes, then smile and rub under her chin with one little finger. Then they’d have a chat.

Ian would tell her things and she would listen. Rodie loved the sound of Ian’s voice, even when he was growling at her. Sometimes, he’d lean back on the couch or the chair and sigh. That was always her cue that it was fine for her to curl up in his lap. As long as it was quiet and no one was around, they’d stay that way until Ian was ready for bed.

He’d reach for his cane and pick her up. Rodie just loved that. Ian would carry her to Ronnie’s room and gently lay her on the pillow next to the boy’s sleeping head. Ian would lean over and kiss his little boy, then smile and chuck Rodie under the chin one last time before disappearing up the stairs. She always listened for the tap of the cane to make sure he got there safely.

Of course, she’d nap awhile, then get up and make her rounds. Someone had to watch the humans. It had been her experience that they weren’t capable of doing it themselves. It was a nightly routine for her, several times nightly as a matter of fact.

First she’d check on the big guy, the new one they called Ripley. At first, he scared her but as soon as she heard him talk, she knew the big guy was going to work out just fine. He slept in the room by itself off the kitchen.

Of course, after checking on him, she’d check out the kitchen. One by one each room on the first floor would be inspected. Ian and Ronnie were very clean, darn it, but it had become her task and joy to check around just to make sure nothing that could spoil had been dropped and missed. That was something she needed to take care of. A spotless floor made her humans happy.

Finally she’d creep up the steps and into Ian’s room. She’d pace the perimeter and make sure he was safe. That was a big concern for her. She had to save the dumb human’s butt she loved one time too many.

Of course, now the big guy was here. If anything were out of place she’d run and wake him up. She’d practiced it several times, running down the steps of Ian’s room, dashing into Ripley’s room and pouncing on his face. Rodie thought he found it annoying but it always worked.

She’d jump on his face, careful not to scratch him, although she would if she had to. He’d always react the same, he’d mumble a few words Ian told Ronnie never to say, cradle her in one arm, grab that metal thing that seemed to break glass when you pulled that lever and walk around the house checking everything out. She had him trained well.

Most of the time, Rodie would just jump lightly on Ian’s bed and sit on the pillow next to him. She'd slowly slink over to feel his breath on her face. Once she was sure he was resting soundly, she’d quietly retreat back downstairs to her spot next to Ronnie. Some night’s when she was lucky, Ronnie would end up with Ian and she could sleep soundly between the two of them, her two favorite humans.

Tonight Ian was smiling and entertaining her by dancing his fingers across that keyboard. She couldn’t help but purr she loved it so much. She forgotten how much she enjoyed it and Ian had never let her get this close while he did it before.

She looked up from his dancing fingers and looked in his face. Their eyes connected and Rodie got ready to make herself scarce, but Ian smiled and winked at her. Rodie purred in contentment, wrapping her tail around her body and resting on the piano. They were both happy.

Now if they would only buy some fish…



“That’s beautiful.” She sighed as she came and sat down on the bench beside Ian. “I missed hearing you play.”

“I missed being able to play.” Ian said as he flexed his fingers. “But I think it’s time to stop for the night.”

Saxon took his hands. “Do they hurt?”

“Naaa…I’m just not used to it anymore, but when the doctor took the cast off this morning he said playing would be good therapy.” Ian closed the keyboard.

“And you always follow doctor’s orders to the letter.” She smiled.

Ian smiled back. “My letter anyway…”

“What’s this?” Saxon touched a bruise on the hairline of Ian’s temple.

“Nothing.” He winced. “Don’t…”

“How did you get that bruise?” Saxon gave him a look.

“Tell her, Baby Doll.” She heard Tippy giggle behind her.

“It’s just a bruise.” Ian shot a look Tippy’s way. “I’ve got a little boo boo.”

“Boo Boo?” Saxon bit her lip. “Is that more than an owie but less than a whoopsie?”

Ian thought a second. “I think its whoopsie, boo boo, owie…I’m not sure. When I was growing up it was breathe, wham, the lights went out.”

“Well you’re the adult now, you’ll have to figure that out.” Saxon rubbed Ian’s arm.

“I think Ronnie’s a little past boo boos and owies.” Ian smiled. “He is, but I’m not. I’m very immature for my age.”

“From your mouth to God’s ear.” She heard Tippy snort and then disappear with “I know, I know, no comments from the peanut gallery.”

“So you’re not going to tell me how you got the bruise.” Saxon sighed.

“You know me well.” Ian smiled and stood up from the bench.

Someone yelled “Cane!” from somewhere behind them.

Ian started to take a step and the word was shouted again. “The doctor said…oh never mind.” Ian rolled his eyes and grabbed the cane. He pouted and trotted to the couch, Saxon and Rodie following patiently behind.

“So…” Saxon made herself comfortable beside him as the cat made herself comfortable on the back of the couch. “What did the doctor say?”

Ian looked at her. “Checking to see if I deviate any from the detailed fax you received?”

“I didn’t get a fax.” Saxon turned her head and yelled toward the kitchen. “Tippy, why didn’t I get the fax?”

“Email then.” Ian looked at her knowingly. “And don’t try to convince me that wasn’t what Tippy was doing with her blackberry while Ripley was trying to distract me with conversation.”

“Fine.” Saxon smiled, and touched the bruise on his temple. “Maybe we should change the subject. You seem a little touchy.” She tapped the bruise and made him wince.

“You’re mean.” Ian pulled away from her.

“You’re a big baby.” She teased.

“Hey!” They heard Ronnie say. “Don’t make me separate you two!”

After a few giggles, they calmed down and tried to act like adults. “So David Turner is joining us for dinner?”

Ian nodded his head. “That’s why everyone is here. He wants to discuss our little project.”

“You think he’s interested in directing?” Saxon suddenly got very serious.

“I’m not sure. He offered before he read the script. I had a copy faxed to him and he’s been silent ever since.” Ian tried to read her. “Is this a good thing or a bad thing?”

Saxon leaned back on the couch. “Definitely both. Having a legend like David Turner direct is a dream come true, but on the other hand is the subject matter something that he can connect with?”

“That’s why I gave him the option to bow out once he got a look. If nothing else, maybe he can help us connect with a director.”

“And a third lead.” Saxon moaned. “Everything else has fallen right into place, but that other role is crucial and there aren’t many actors in the business who can nail the role and be willing to go as far as we’re asking them to go.”

“John Barrowman turned us down.” Ian said. “I knew it was a long shot. His manager called with a very flat no. I’m not even sure he ever read the script. He’d be perfect, but I have the feeling the subject matter got it tossed before he even got a chance to look at it.”

“I don’t know him personally, so I can’t do any coaxing on my part.” Saxon sighed. “I’ve gone through everyone I know of. Do you think we should start looking at unknowns, maybe have a casting call?”

“That runs the risk of setting off blips on the radar.” Ian patted her hand. “Let’s keep trying to keep this quiet. Our best bet is the surprise attack when it comes to release. We’ll just keep looking under every celluloid rock. The perfect person is out there, we just haven’t found him yet.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a hyperactive blonde four year old in pigtails scooting to a stop in front of them. “I know you!” She said, hands on hips staring at Saxon.

“Well, I don’t know you.” Saxon smiled.

“Saxon this is Billy’s daughter Vonnie.” Ian made a formal introduction. “Vonnie this is my friend Saxon.”

“I am very pleased to meet you.” Saxon put her hand under the child’s chin. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Yeah, I heard about you, too.” Vonnie giggled. “You’re much prettier than you are in the TV.”

“Why thank you. You’re very pretty, too.”

“I’m gonna be Miss America like my Granny.” Vonnie informed her. “Course, I’m gonna marry Ronnie, too, so he’ll hafta wait until after I win. Ya cain’t be Miss America and be married.”

“That’s what I heard.” Saxon smiled.

“Vonnie, honey, did you have something you needed to tell us or did you just come scooting in here for no reason?” Ian asked her.

“Oh, yeah. I forgotted.” Vonnie put her finger to her dimple. “Poppy and Mister Jude wanna know when to put the steaks on and Uncle Jesse wants your help in the kitchen.”

“Okay, tell your Poppy to wait until the Tyson’s arrive. Mr. Turner said not to wait for him, he probably won’t be here until time for dessert.”

Vonnie’s eyes lit up. “We’re having dessert?”

“Of course, we’re having dessert.” Ian reached out and pulled her close to him.

“What kin’na dessert?” She giggled as he tickled her.

“I’m not sure.” Ian hugged her and kissed the top of her head. “You’ll have to ask your Uncle Jesse. He’s in charge, but I’m sure it will be something wonderful.”

“Ice cream?” She asked.

“I don’t know, but if you eat a good dinner and are a good little girl, I’m sure I can find some ice cream somewhere.”

“Oh, I’m always a good little girl.”

“I’m sure.” Ian patted her bottom. “Now run go tell your Poppy and Jude to wait a while longer on the steaks and Saxon and I will wander toward the kitchen.”

“Okay!” Vonnie darted away and then darted right back. “It was nice meeting you Miss Saxon Allen.”

“Nice meeting you, too.” Saxon smiled. Vonnie flashed out of the living room. “Oh my, is that a ball of energy?”

“Sometimes a ball of energy, sometimes a nuclear explosion.” Ian pushed himself off the couch. “I’m surprised we don’t have to nail her down to get her to sleep. Shockingly Tippy seems to balance her out.”

Saxon stood as the doorbell rang. “That must be Jeremy and Susan. I assume they are bringing the boys, too?”

“Of course.” Ian leaned over and whispered to Rodie. “The Tyson boys are here. Run for your life.”

Rodie turned from her perch on the back of the couch as Ripley opened the front door. As soon as the squeals from the Tyson boys were audible, Rodie was gone.



Colton flipped a steak over to a searing sizzle on the open flame. He took a deep breath and smiled. “There is nothing better than the smell of beef steak on the grill on a warm June night.”

“What’d ja say?” Jude turned back to Colton.

“Just remarking about the smell of grilled meat.” Colton smiled as he flipped over another steak. “You seem to be somewhere else tonight.”

“Sorry, Colton.” Jude smiled. “I got to lookin’ at something and fergot what I was a doin’.”

“You feeling alright, Jude?”

“Fine, jes fine.” Jude nodded his head, picking up a small knife and cutting into one of the steaks. “The well done’s is jest about well done.”

“I thought so. Let’s put them up here on this rack. That’ll keep ‘em hot without cooking them too much more.”

“Well, ain’t that just fancy.” Jude grinned.

“What’s on your mind, Jude?”

“Nothin’. Just noticin’ things.” He said. “Ya ever do that, just cetch a glimpse of somethin’ and keep lettin’ it roll over an over in yer head?”

Colton nodded. “Like?”

“Well…” Jude hesitated a moment and dropped his voice, making it clear this was just between them. “You ever notice how much yer boys and Ian look alike? They’s built almost like brothers.”

Colton leaned up straight and looked across the patio at his sons and Ian chatting with Billy. “You know, you’re right. I never really noticed.”

“’Specially from the back. They all got those broad shoulders and tiny little waists, course they all work out ever day.”

“They say if you hang around with a person long enough you start to look alike.” Colton turned his attention back to the flames. “So, my friend, how are you holding up?”

“Holdin’ up?” Jude asked with a wry grin.

“How are you feeling?” Colton smiled back, waving the flames back with a greasy spatula. “I know you don’t like to talk about your treatment, but you know you can always talk to Tippy and I.”

Jude nodded his head. “Thank ye kindly. I’m doin’ good. I wear out sa damn quick, but that could be old age as much as all the new drugs an’ such.”

“You and Ian are so much alike.”

“I take that as a compliment.” Jude forked the last well done to its spot on the rack.

“Jude, in most cases it would be, but in this case…” Colton sighed. “I am not complaining, mind you but it’s so frustrating to those of us who have come to care about the two of you that you never complain.”

“Well, Colton, complainin’ don’t do much but heat up the air, an it’s hot enough hear in California.”

Colton chuckled. “But it makes it difficult to know how we can help you if you don’t tell is what you need.”

Jude smiled. “I got ever thing I need Colt, fer once in m’life ever thing I need.”

Colton followed Jude’s eyes watching Ian kissing Ronnie on the forehead, both of them smiling ear to ear. Ian patted the boy on the behind as he ran off with three other squealing children into the house.

He reached for his cane and wandered out to the lip of the pool. Unaware there were eyes watching him, Ian stood and stared. Mesmerized by what was pounding in his head he allowed himself to pull into it and forget the world existed.


“So how did he get that bruise?” Saxon did her best not to ruin the head of lettuce she volunteered to chop.

Tippy giggled. “I wondered if he’d tell you. Don’t kill it honey, slice it.”

“I noticed it, too, but I was afraid to ask.” Susan Andrews slid a cutting board of diced tomatoes into the wooden bowl between them.

“You didn’t hear this from me.” Tippy tossed a handful of mushrooms in the bowl. “After the doctor took the cast off he told Ian to stay seated another half hour after he left, but you know Ian.”

“As soon as the doctor was out the door?” Saxon held the lettuce up for inspection.

“That’s good.” Tippy nodded and helped her slide it in the bowl. “As soon as he was sure the doctor was busy with the next patient, Ian was up and headed out the door.”

“And?” Susan ran a stream of warm water and began peeling onions.

“Of course he passed right out before his hand was on the doorknob.” Tippy smiled. “He hit the floor before you could say whoopsie.”

“He got the bruise from slamming his head on the floor?” Saxon’s eyes got big.

“Did they x-ray him for a concussion?” Susan stopped peeling.

Tippy waved her hands. “Yes, Ian was mad as all get out but it was his own fault and he knew it. Fortunately, the boys had enough broken bones and casts growing up, I was ready and managed to get a pillow tossed in the floor before he splattered his brains out.”

“But how did he get the bruise?”

She put her hand to her mouth. “Ripley heard the crash and came bursting in, smacked poor Ian upside the head with the door.”

The woman all giggled. Tippy shushed and warned them. “Don’t say anything. Ripley almost had to be sedated, too.”

“I wondered why he was so quiet tonight.” Saxon said. “Poor man. He must feel awful.”

“Ian laughed it off, well as soon as he came to.” Tippy. “Carrots, we need carrots.” She opened the fridge. “Girls, I’ll have to run next door a sec.”

“We’re good.” Susan was back peeling onions.

“And I promise not to touch anything unless Susan or Jesse says I can.” Saxon assured Tippy.

“Where is the master organizer, anyway?” Susan asked.

His mother smiled. “He and the boys are playing Twister with the kids. I hope it wears them out before dinner is ready.”

Susan laughed. “I’m sure the children will be well behaved, they always are when they get together.”

“Children?” Tippy said as she grasped the doorknob. “I’m talking about Jesse, Reese and Billy.” She disappeared next door.

“So, I guess other than the bonk on the floor, Ian’s doctor visit was good news?” Susan dropped a handful of onions on a paper towel and blotted them.

Saxon nodded her head. “He’s mum, but Tippy says they are letting him go back to work five days a week at half days.”

“That should make him a little less stir crazy.” Susan smiled as she shook the towel to let the onions drop in the salad bowl. She wiped her hands and leaned against the counter. “Saxon, I’m hoping you can help me with something.”

“I’ll try.” She said, looking perplexed at the salad tongs she was holding and wondering exactly how you used them to toss the salad.

“You know I’m exec producing a variety show for HRT.”

“Yes.” She smiled as she attempted to look like she knew what she was doing. “Ian’s so excited.”

“Well…here I’ll get that. You pick up the greens from the floor.” Susan took over tossing the salad.

“Sure.” Saxon quickly picked up the salad in the floor and looked for a trash can.

“One of the things we are doing is exclusive video.”

“What do you mean by that?” She opened a door and saw a white plastic basket; she started to put the lettuce in it.

“That’s the potato bin, honey. Just drop them in the sink and turn on the disposal.” Susan finally held Saxon’s hands over the sink, shook her wrists until she released the greens and flipped the switch.

Saxon blinked at the noise and watched the lettuce disappear as Susan ran a stream of water. “That is so cool!” She turned back to Susan. “Now you were saying?”

“Uhm, we’re getting people to do music videos for us, one’s that will only run once or twice on the series and for download exclusively on the website, 100% of the proceeds going to charity. Everything is volunteer.”

“Oh that’s wonderful. How can I help?” Saxon was still trying not to be fascinated by the garbage disposal.

“It’s been harder than I thought to get stars to volunteer to do videos. They don’t mind the proceeds going to charity but they want to be paid, too. I was hoping you might be willing to do a couple for us.”

“Me?” Saxon was surprised.

“I know you sing and dance, and you are the top box office draw. It would be a feather in our cap.” She finished tossing the salad and turned to Saxon. “I was thinking that maybe you could talk Ian into a duet or something.”

Saxon’s eyes flashed. “Umm…Ian and I haven’t sang and danced together since “The Boy Friend” in college. He was Bobby and I was Maisie. That was so much fun.”

“I bet you could talk him into it.”

“Hmmm…” Saxon smiled. “I won’t promise, but I’ll see what I can do.”

“That’s all I ask.”

Saxon picked up the salad bowl. “Now…shall I put this in the oven?”


“There you are.” She said quietly and sweetly, hoping not to scare him. “What’cha doin’, Baby Doll?”

“Watching the sun set.” He said just as quietly.

Tippy pulled a chaise close to him. “The sun set’s behind your back.”

Ian looked up at her and smiled. “But the reflection in the pool is so fascinating.”

She took his hand. “I’d give anything right now if you’d tell me what’s going on in your head.”

“Just getting lost in all that splendor. It’s…so…easy to do.” He focused his eyes on her. “I assume everything is under control.”

“Of course.” Tippy leaned back in the chase and looked up at the sky never letting go of his hand. “Saxon’s in the kitchen making Monkey Bread with the kids.”

“Please tell me she’s not trying to use real monkeys.”

She giggled. “Ronnie and Vonnie are showing her how. She’s having a blast. She’ll be a great mother some day.”

Ian nodded in agreement. “Yes. Despite being a disaster in the kitchen, I think she will be. All she has to do is stop falling in love with gay men.”

“Baby Doll…”

Ian out up his hand and cut her off. “Don’t go there…not tonight.”

Tippy smiled and gave his hand a squeeze. “How are you? Head still a little sore?”

He chuckled and rubbed his bruise lightly. “Doing fine. Pride’s almost better.”

“Dinner will be ready soon. We’re just waiting on Dave.”

“Mr. Turner isn’t coming until dessert.”

“No, he called about a half hour ago and asked if there was enough room for him at the dinner table.” Tippy smiled.

“Oh, good. He needs to get out and be with people more.” Ian sighed. “I know this house has to bring back some not so good memories for him.”

“Honey, there’s not really much left of the house he remembers, but yes it probably does bring back a few things but I get the feeling he’s ready to face those demons head on.” She turned to Ian. “How about you?”

“No demon wrestling here.” Ian said.

“Look me in the eye when you say that, Baby Doll and maybe I’ll get a start on believing it.”

Ian dropped his chin and looked back in the water. Tippy pulled his hand a little bit. “I’d worry less if you talk to someone about it, even if it’s not me.”

He smiled and sighed. “I’m okay, Tippy, honestly. A lot has happened, I’m still processing it all.”

She nodded. “Me, too. Sometimes when I close my eyes, just for an instant I get this flash of you laying on…” Tippy stopped herself. She cocked her head and reached out and took his chin, gently forcing Ian to look in her eyes. This time Ian squeezed her hand.

“Me, too.” He drew her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Me, too. You know, I’ve been thinking.” He sighed.

Tippy put her feet on the ground. “Uh oh, sometimes that’s a good thing, sometimes it’s not so good.”

Ian laughed. “Let me tell you what I’m thinking and then you can decide.” He put his feet on the ground and faced her. “Now that Billy’s here, maybe it’s time to renovate a little.”

“Renovate?”

“You know, I moved in here and did pretty much nothing. I love this house, but everything in it was Miss Elizabeth, Miss Elizabeth and Herman. Maybe you and I should put our heads together and see if Billy can help make this place a little more mine, mine and Ronnie’s.”

“I like the sound of that.” Tippy grinned. “If nothing else, that stone wall needs to go.”

“First thing on my list.” Ian stood, not letting go of her hand and pulled her to her feet. “And I want to make the first floor a little more handicap accessible.”

“For Miss Gloria?” Tippy put her head and his shoulder as he placed his arm around her shoulders.

“For Miss Gloria…” They headed toward the kitchen door.



The cake plates were gathered as Tippy offered brandy and coffee, she asked the children to come inside and watch a DVD with her. They gleefully scampered inside, deciding amongst themselves whether it was and Indiana Jones night or a cartoon festival.

“Well, thank you all for consenting to meet with me tonight.” David put his coffee cup down. “And, of course, to our hosts for such a wonderful meal.”

Ripley stood. “Well, I’ll take my leave then ladies and gentlemen. I believe it’s time for business and I think there’s a game on I’d like to watch.” I turned to Ian. “I’ll be inside if you need anything.”

“Thank you Ripley. I think I’ll be fine.”

Colton, too, stood to make an exit. “Well, I’ll see how the children are handling my wife and son. They are quite a handful. The grandbabies are all fine, but my wife and children can be quite rowdy.”

“I’ll join you, Colton. Maybe you and I can watch that game with Ripley.” Jude pushed back his chair and followed his buddy inside leaving behind all the diners who had business to be discussed.

Tuner took one more sip from his cup and placed it in the saucer, ready to get down to business. “Ian I’d like to congratulate you on your instincts. I’ve said it before, but you’ve spotted a real talent in Jenson Michael and had the good sense to nail him down.”

He pulled out a script, the word “Quarters” clearly emblazoned on the cover. “This is quite an…” he looked for just the right word, “…intimate script. You are very courageous to even consider this. You all know that once this hits the screens, hell once the word leaks out you are even considering making something like this you’ll be pipe bombed from every direction.” Turner warned.

“Yes, sir…we want to make it as quickly and quietly as possible, without damaging the piece.” Ian noted.

“And everyone is prepared?” He looked at each person in the group. “Jeremy, you will probably end up taking the biggest hits.”

“I know…” he said. “Susan and I have discussed it and we think it’s something I have to be involved in.”

“And if it ruins your career?”

“Then I went out with a bang that I’m proud of.” Jeremy leaned back in his chair and smiled. “That’s not something I can say about most of my work...”

Turner turned to Saxon. “And you young lady, this is a jaw dropping departure from anything you’ve ever been associated with.”

“I know, but like Jeremy, this is something I have to do, and I will do at whatever cost.” Saxon was firm.

“My only concern at this point is how I can fit in…” Turner said.

“Excuse me…?” Ian said.

“It’s obvious that the three of you are of one mind…I’m hoping you’ll consider an old man adding his fourth the mix.”

Ian looked at Jeremy. “We’re honored sir….”

Turner held up his hand. “Let me finish, son.” He chuckled to himself. “Did you know that Douglas Fairbanks once refused to work on a picture I was directing because he didn’t want his image tainted by a pornographer?”

Ian’s eyes got big. “No I didn’t.”

“We were considered quite racy in our time. A lot of houses wouldn’t even play an HRT film because they feared repercussions.”

Jeremy was amazed, “I’ve seen most of your work. I’m shocked.”

“Back then, it only took a kiss with all feet on the ground or a bedroom furnished with a double bed to raise the ire of the public. That’s one of the reasons why the three of us formed the company; we were tired of having what we considered our art being tainted by people who mistook money for morals.”

Turner looked off in the distance for a moment. “I haven’t directed in 32 years. This may very well be the last chance I have to do it. I’ve thought that someday I’d find just the right piece for my swan song, and this my fellow artists…” He reached over and took a quiet Susan’s hand. “I’m including you in this as well, my dear Susan. This is it. I want to go out the way I came in, shocking the public with the best piece of art I can make and making them question everything about the fabric that makes them up.”

“Mr. Turner…” Ian stepped in. “We have some very definite things in mind for Quarters, are you sure you’d be comfortable with some…hell, all of the content?”

“Ian, let just tell you how I see it, and then I’ll leave you be to make your decision…and I assure you that whether a yes or a no follows my offer, I am already guaranteeing that HRT will distribute this film.”

“We have nothing to loose then…” Saxon urged Turner to continue.

“I want to shoot this like the old days, just some lights, a sound guy and a camera or two, very intimate. I think the script calls for the details of the sex sequences to be filmed almost exactly as they were originally done, we’ll use a hand held video camera and then transfer to film to give it a stark reality to contrast with the starkness of the life sequences….”

“That’s kind of what we had in mind…” Ian said softly.

“And I don’t think we should try and simulate anything. I think that will be too phony. We’ll just make sure that all the actors involved are aware and willing to…well…take one for the team. It will make it hard to cast and a bitch to edit, but I believe we can do it.”

The old man seemed to percolate with energy as he began talking about his visions. “I’ve even thought that we might release two versions on DVD, the released version and then the version we really wanted to print but knew none of these mall complexes would dare show. We can market the second one at a hefty price and donate the proceeds to charities…AIDS foundations, suicide hotline, drug rehab centers.”

Jeremy agreed. “I was thinking that. I knew good and well what we thought were the best shots might not be able to be used, and there would be an interest in it, so we could justify releasing the original version to raise money for the causes it speaks out about.”

“Now how about casting?” Turner asked. “Any one besides Mr. Tyson as Ms. Allen here on board?”

“Not yet.” Ian admitted. “We’ve been very cautious only to talk to people we really wanted and thought would be interested, to kind of keep the buzz nil. We wanted John Barryman for the best friend, but he turned us down.”

“Hmmm…” Turner nodded his head. “I was thinking that for most of the smaller roles we could maybe use some people who actually do this sort of thing…”

Ian’s eyes brightened. “Jenson could probably set us up with some people from the industry. He’s not involved anymore, but still might have some friends.”

“I was going to ask about that.” Saxon said. “I think we should do some research beyond just downloading stuff on the computer…see how it’s made, at least talk to a few people.”

Susan final spoke. “I have an idea. How about Ian play Will?”

Jeremy smiled. “Saxon and I have been thinking about that, too…”

“Absolutely not…” Ian refused.

“Oh come on, don’t you wanna get some footage to show our grandchildren?” Jeremy teased making the groups laugh.

David Turner interrupted the laughter. “Well now, I have two more ideas, or maybe I should say that I took liberties with…and then let you gentlemen make your decisions. Does any one know who Andreas Lasse is?”

“The Swedish cinematographer?”

“That’s him. Best there is, easy to work with, creative in what he calls guerilla film making and got his start shooting American porn…he’s interested, just waiting for a call. Will work cheap, if I give him a deal to direct his own masterpiece.”

Jeremy was practically in the floor. “Holy shit! This is going to happen; it’s really going to happen.”

“One more thing. Ian, you know I adore you and everyday your abilities astonish me, you remind me a lot of myself at your age, but I agree with you. You are not right for the best friend but I have talked with the perfect candidate. I gave him the script, told him who was involved…and I think he’s interested.”

“Who?” Jeremy asked.

“Would you like to meet him?”

“Sure” Ian piped in, “Set something up.”

To their surprised David Turner reached in his pocket and flipped open his cell phone. “You there…good...still pretty pissed off…well come on back…” Turner closed his phone and stood. “This may get ugly, so I’ll leave you to fight it out. I’m going to kiss Mr. Shores lovely wife and those precious children goodnight and wait patiently fro your phone call telling me whether or not I get the job…”

Turner left the four of them staring blankly at each other, suddenly a copy of the script came barreling through the shrubs and landed in the patio. The trees rustled and suddenly an angry voice boomed, “Who the fuck decided not to count me in? You mother fuckers!”

They turned to see Trampus Scott standing before them, nostrils flaring…and the part was cast.