Prince of the Playhouse (29 page)

Gray couldn’t take his eyes off Ru. Finally Ru looked up at him. “You did well. Maybe a little sadder tonight than the other performances.”

“I’m sad to be ending. I really enjoyed doing the play and—everything.”

His lips curved a little. “Yes, well, you have your whole other life to go back to now.”

A voice behind Gray said, “Well, isn’t this a unique group.”

Gray glanced over his shoulder. “Hi, Merle. Come meet my parents.”

Merle stepped into their circle, but kept glancing at Bernardo.

Gray said, “Mom, Dad, this is my friend, Merle Justice.”

He shook hands with that bright, boyish smile, but it didn’t quite erase the crease between his eyebrows. “Glad to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Anson.”

His mother grinned. “It’s Ansonfield, dear, but just call us Pamela and Charles. We love your television show.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

Gray said, “Merle, you’ve met Penelope Tisane, but I don’t think you know Bernardo Peña. He’s a longtime friend of Ru’s.”

“No. We haven’t met.” He looked at Bernardo’s offered hand kind of like Bernardo had gazed at Gray’s when they first met. “How good a friend are you?”

Ru put a hand on Merle’s arm. “Bernardo’s the one keeping me out of jail.”

“Well, I guess we have to be grateful for that.”

Bernardo slipped his fingers through Ru’s—conspicuously. “This man has literally turned thread into gold. He’s performed miracles with every small gift he’s been given. I figure he deserves the best.”

Merle crossed his arms. “And you figure you’re it?” He glowered at Bernardo, who might be dressed as a respectable businessman but still radiated an air of menace.

Bernardo frowned back. “Living in this nice, lily-white community, he seems to get in a lot of trouble. Maybe he needs somebody brown to take care of him.”

Ru spread his arms in front of both men. “Enough. Flattering as it is, I don’t need anyone to take care of me.” He glanced at Gray. “I know it doesn’t seem that way lately, but I’m going to be more cautious and give up my stupid dreams in favor of living in the real world.” He looked up at Bernardo. “Would you take me home, please? I have a lot of seams to sew.” He turned to Gray’s dad. “So glad I got to meet you. I understand how Gray got to be such a great man.” He smiled as he hugged Gray’s mom. “Enjoy the rest of your stay and your new clothes. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to have such wonderful parents.”

She got tears in her eyes. “I’d be proud to have a son like you.”

Ru smiled and wiped his eyes, then walked hurriedly away from the gathering—and away from Gray.

INTERESTING CEILING.
Gray lay on his back on the bed. After more champagne, hugs to every member of the cast, escaping reporters at the bar and the hotel, and an awkward moment where he was afraid Penelope was going to follow him into his bedroom, he’d finally gotten rid of everyone and got to lie here feeling like warmed-over crap.

The gentle tap didn’t come from the bedroom door. Must be the hall.
Who the hell now?
Probably Benson, and he just didn’t want to talk to him. It was late. Maybe he could pretend to be asleep.

The tap came again.
Hell.
He got up and walked barefooted into the sitting room, then peered through the spy hole.
Mom.
He swung open the door. She wore her pink chenille robe.
Wonder what Ru would think of it?
“Hey.” He smiled.

“Good. You weren’t sleeping.”

“No. Just thinking.”

“Can I come in and think with you?”

“Sure.” He stepped back and let her walk across the room to the couch. “Want something to drink?”

“A glass of mineral water would be nice.”

He added ice to two glasses and carried the bottles of mineral water to the coffee table. “So what would you like to do in LA for your next few days? La Brea Tar Pits?”

“I just enjoy being with you.” She poured the water in her glass. “I was wondering how you’re feeling about tonight.”

“Tonight? Oh, the play? I’m actually sad it’s over. It complicated my schedule a lot, but it was a great experience. And I really enjoyed working with Artie. He gets me. I hope we can do a film together sometime.” He sipped his water. “I like Merle Justice too. I’m going to try to stay in touch with him. He’s a good guy.”

“Does he like Ru Maitland?”

“Like?”

“Is he interested in him—romantically?” She looked in her glass with great interest. “He seemed very jealous of Bernardo.”

“Uh, yes. I think Merle had a thing for Ru, but Ru wasn’t into it, so he gave up. Still, Merle might resent Bernardo, since Ru seems to be interested in him.”

“Such a handsome man, Bernardo. Hard to believe he was part of a badass gang.”

Gray snorted mineral water through his nose, which burned like hell. “I can’t believe you said that.”

“Still, I got the impression that Ru is more interested in you than in Bernardo.” His eyes flashed to his mom. Slowly her gaze rose. “And I get the impression that you return his affection.”

He swallowed. “So you’re saying that—”

“You’re gay, of course. And unless I’m sadly mistaken, you’re in love with Ru Maitland.”

He could barely breathe. “Jesus, Mom.”

“I’m very sorry we’ve never talked about this before. I simply wasn’t sure.”

“S-sure about what?”

“Sure if you’re gay. I was so certain in high school, but then you moved away and started making movies, and I kept seeing all these stories about you and women. I thought maybe you’d just been a slow starter.” She laughed. “But of course, I was right all along, wasn’t I?” She smiled at him.

He nodded.
Unbelievable.
“You don’t mind?”

“Mind? Dear God, what would I have to say about it? Of course I don’t mind.”

“Your church—”

“Darling, I believe churches are wonderful for teaching good values like not killing and not stealing and creating pleasing communities that have your back. That certainly doesn’t mean I accept all their bullshit as gospel.”

“Mom!”

“I’m truly sorry I led you to believe otherwise.” She slid her hand over his.
So warm.

Gray shrugged. “I guess I kind of assumed it. I was always a jock, and jocks don’t come out, so I just accepted that everyone believed the same thing.” He wiped a hand over the back of his neck. “I’m really a coward.”

“Hardly, darling. But I do think your friend Ru has a lot to teach you.”

“He’s one of the bravest people I’ve ever met.”

“I’m glad you see that. It would be easy to dismiss him as a pansy or a queen, without seeing the power beneath.”

“Jesus, how did you get so smart?”

“Intelligence is genetic.” She smiled. “But I didn’t know until I got here how difficult it is for a movie star who makes action films to be gay. So what are we going to do about it?”

“Do?” Sweet Jesus, was this conversation happening?

“Yes. I assume you must like making these films, or you would have walked away long ago and led your own life.”

“Uh, yes, I like making movies.”

“And you can’t make movies if you’re gay? Isn’t that lovely young actor I met, Merle, isn’t he gay?”

“He’s a good actor, but he isn’t offered a lot of roles because he’s out.”

“Yes, I suppose that’s true. But how many films do you need to make?”

He stared at her pretty face—like some fucking oracle feeding him the truth of the universe. “I, uh, I’m a really big star, Mom.”

“Oh, I know that, dear. Good heavens, there aren’t any bigger, are there? I’m so proud of you. But if being rich and famous makes you miserable, what possible good is it?”

He stared at his hands. “I’m not miserable.”

“Dear God, Gray, that’s a colossal lie. I’ve watched you running from the press, pretending interest in a woman who, while charming, has nothing in common with you, hiding your love for Ru so completely you’re letting another man have him. If that’s not cause for misery, what is?”

“Mom.” Not sure how it happened, but he slid over the distance between them and had his head buried in her shoulder before the tears hit his cheeks. “There are so many people who count on me.”

“Yes, dear, and if you’re not there, they’ll count on someone else.”

“MR. MAITLAND,
please accept my apologies for the accusations.” Chief of Police Kincaid frowned. “We were seriously misinformed.” She glanced around like she was looking for someone.

Ru nodded. “Yes, there seems to have been someone who really wanted me out of the way. If it wasn’t for Bernardo and Fred, I could be spending some time in prison.” He squeezed Bernardo’s hand and nodded at Fred.

She pursed her lips. “I trust we would have learned the truth one way or another. I hope we didn’t cause you any undue embarrassment.”

“I wasn’t exactly longing to reveal my gang connections to the fashion world, but I suppose truth is always best.”

Bernardo honked a laugh. “It doesn’t seem to be hurting your rep any, corazón. I think every rich lady in the US is gonna want a dress by the gangster designer.”

Ru laughed.
Maybe true.
Still, his past felt like it was sitting on his head, wiping out the future.

Kincaid said, “I’ll go out and speak to the press in a few minutes. Do you want to join me?”

Ru glanced at Fred. He shook his head. “No, I think the announcement has more impact if it simply comes from the police department. Besides, most of the reporters got the story yesterday.” He raised an eyebrow at Bernardo.

“Hey, I’m not gonna keep my mouth shut when my man is falsely accused.”

Fred said, “Where’s Officer Johns? Is he joining you for the statement to the press?”

Kincaid full-on frowned and shook her head. “No. He’s on patrol—I guess.”

Ru followed Fred and Bernardo to the front doors of the station. The cute officer named Cantrell came out from behind the desk with her hand extended. “I’m really happy this got worked out, Mr. Maitland.”

“Me too.” He grinned. “Thanks for your help.”

She glanced around. “Don’t stop being careful, okay?” Then she returned behind the desk.

Fred stepped out the doors and held up a hand to distract the press while Bernardo hustled Ru to his Mercedes and got him inside before too many reporters blocked his way. They left the door open for Fred.

They could hear Fred saying, “Chief Kincaid will be out to make a statement in a few minutes. We’re satisfied with the outcome, although distressed at the level of misinformation that was made public with no corroboration.”

“Hey, Fred, everyone’s talking about the gangbanger fashionista. Is Ru going to do a special Compton collection?” The guy laughed.

“Mr. Arthur, what does Gray Anson have to say about Mr. Maitland’s release?”

Fred stared at the woman. “Mr. Maitland was never charged or held. Therefore he couldn’t be released. As to Gray Anson, you’ll have to ask him.” He hurried to the car with the press after him, slid in the back, and slammed the door. Bernardo took off, and a couple of reporters had to step out of the way.

Bernardo put a hand on Ru’s knee. “Want to go home and get some rest? This has been one helluva few days.”

Ru sighed. “Thanks, darling, but no. In fact, I’d love it if you’d let me out up here on the corner. I want to walk to Shazam and clear my head on the way. I don’t know if I still have any career to protect, but regardless, I’ve neglected my collection. I need to get finishing touches done so it can be shipped to New York.”

Fred leaned forward. “I don’t think you should be walking, Ru. The reporters are relentless right now.”

“I’m not letting this situation keep me from living my life. Besides, the reporters are more likely to follow the car than to follow me. Fred, you’ve been amazing. I promise to call you for all my criminal cases.” He laughed. “Really, I’ll recommend you to everyone I know who needs a litigator.”

Bernardo laughed. “Me too, esé, and that’s some serious business.”

Ru leaned over and kissed Bernardo’s cheek. “I’ll talk to you later, darling.” He looked behind them. No obvious tails. Bernardo pulled over, and Ru threw open the side door and hopped out. Bernardo started up again instantly, and Ru trotted down the side street toward Forest.

A half block later, he slowed and pulled out his phone.
Don’t do it.

What the hell—why not?

He pulled up his browser and searched Gray Anson news. His feet slowed. There they were, sitting at lunch, smiling like a perfect family portrait—Mr. and Mrs. Ansonfield, Gray—and, of course, little Penelope. Man, it had taken him like fifteen minutes to go back to her the minute Ru got in trouble. She was no pretend girlfriend. No way. But compared to the Russian bitch, he liked Penelope, so it was better if Gray ended up with her. Mrs. Ansonfield seemed to like her too. He’d watched her chatting with Penelope.
Okay, I’ll wish you well.
He wiped a hand across his eyes.

“Excuse me, Mr. Maitland.”

Glaciers melted down his back. Slowly he looked up at Officer Johns in his police car. Ru glanced ahead. Lots of people on Forest. None here. “Good day, Officer.” He started walking toward the shoppers ahead. The car crawled along with him.

“Please get in the car, Mr. Maitland. We have some additional questions.”

“I’ve answered all the questions I intend to, Officer Johns. You have no more business with me.”

“I’m afraid I do. If you take another step, you’re dead.”

Ru paused in midstep and looked at the police vehicle—and the police revolver pointed directly at him. In the corner of his eye, he caught movement in the backseat of the car. The door behind the driver’s seat started to open. Johns’s eyes flicked back, and Ru took off like some hellhound wanted a new dress. He zigzagged—even the best marksmen were unreliable with a handgun—then raced between two houses that had been converted into businesses.

Still holding the phone, he glanced down. Favorites.
Click.
He held it to his mouth. “Help. Help.”

He rounded the white-and-yellow clapboard structure.
Damn.
Behind the buildings was a mass of fences leading to other houses and apartments. Ru leaped for the first fence, pulled himself up, and was just throwing his legs over when the pop of a silenced shot hit the wood next to him. Jesus, the bastards were shooting in the middle of Laguna Beach. He hit the ground behind some kind of low-rise office building. Nobody working. He tried the back door. Locked.