Island of Lost Girls - Jennifer McMahon [21]
So you didnt notice if it was missing? Rhonda asked.
Sweetie, I was here with my Lifetime movies. All the fans were blasting. I had a few goddamn glasses of sangriaI think Ive earned that much, dont you? I wouldnt have noticed if the devil himself came prancing up from Hades and took my car. I cant see the driveway through the living room windows, and the shades were drawn anyway to keep the heat out. I didnt hear a goddamn thing. I got this telephone call around ten after three. Some lady from my credit card company wanting to offer insurance at a reduced rate because Imsuch a good customer or some such bull crapola. Ha! The police tracked her down and that proved to them that I was home. As if I were really going to dress up like the goddamn Easter Bunny from hell and steal a little girl! Absurd! Dont they know who I am?
Rhonda gave Laura Lee a weak smile and glanced over at Warren to see how he was taking all this. He seemed to be eating it up. He was smiling away at the crazy woman, and before Rhonda could keep the conversation on track, he went and blew it.
Youre an actress, arent you, Miss Clark? he asked.
Why, yes I am! Have you seen my work?
Warrens a film student, Rhonda said. He makes documentaries.
This news produced a warm glow in Laura Lee.
You sure do look familiar, Warren told her. What have you been in?
Oh, far too many pictures to name, young man. Hundreds. Why, I bet if we were to turn on the TV right now, one of my pictures would be showingand before they could talk her out of it, Laura Lee was headed into the living room and reaching for the remote.
Sit, sit. She gestured toward a faded love seat covered in a crocheted afghan. Dont mind the African, she said. Warren gave Rhonda a startled look. I put it there to hide a hole in the sofa. Goddamn cigarettes!
Its lovely, Rhonda said, touching the gaudy afghan and biting her lip to keep from laughing. Did you make it yourself?
Hell no! Yard sale, Laura Lee said, then turned her attention back to the television. Here we go:Earthquake . I do a great scream in this film. God, I hope we havent missed my part! Chuck Heston was just adream to work with. And I dont care what kind of goddamn right-wing gun-nut wacko he is, either! She held up a hand to silence any argument from Rhonda or Warren. Ava Gardner, on the other hand, was a total bitch.
You must have had quite a career, Warren said. Rhonda reached over and pinched him, her hand well hidden by the bunched up African.
Theres nothing like a career in the cinema. Rhonda, honey, I have to say I was always a little disappointed that you didnt choose a life in the footlights.
Me? Rhonda asked.
I mean, I know you were only children when you put on those plays in the woods, but you had goddamntalent . I know it when I see it. You hada gift . She turned to Warren. You should have seen her. She was magnificent. In her last role, she was Wendy fromPeter Pan . She had mein tears . And what were you, dear, ten, eleven years old?
Rhonda nodded.
I never understood why you kids tore down that stage. You got yourselves all banged up. Probably could have been killed. And what for?
Rhonda shrugged. It was a long time ago. I cant remember. She reached up and brushed back her bangs, feeling for the thin scar above her left eyebrow.
Goddamnedest thing! Laura Lee told Warren. She and Peter were both cut in the same place when the back wall came down. They both needed stitches. They have theexact same scar . Show him, honey. Show the young man your scar!
Rhonda pulled her bangs back down protectively, shook her head.
You ask Peter to show you his, Laura Lee said. Its the craziest thing. The scars couldnt be more alike.
Warren looked at