NOVEL NEXT Chapter 416: A Flurry Of Calls
The moment Deborah stepped out of Mega Studios, she darted across the street with the jittery haste of a hunted animal and slipped into a video store.
Her trembling fingers fumbled with her phone as she dialled a number she knew by heart.
The line connected on the first ring and a man's deep voice crackled through the receiver.
"Hey, baby. Tell me, did you snatch the lead role?"
"Not yet," Deborah spat, her words laced with venom as she stalked between aisles of movie cases, feigning interest in the shelves. "That insufferable little brat is still on my neck. She has refused to take a bow despite all my efforts. And now, the judges are dazzled by her performance like fools. If nothing is done, I might lose everything at tomorrow's final audition."
A low growl rumbled from the other end. "I thought you said you could handle her."
"I tried," she hissed, biting down on her lip until she tasted blood. "I locked her in the changing room before her performance, but somehow she escaped. Now the studio is investigating the incident, and I fear they'll trace it back to me." Her voice quivered with a mixture of rage and dread.
"Locking her in a room?" The man's snarl was razor-sharp. "What is this, an elementary school prank? Are you retarded?"
Deborah's face twisted with fury at her secret boyfriend's insult, but she said nothing to further upset him, knowing his temper.
"Listen to me Debbie, this is your career we are talking about. It is your life and your only way to fame and lots of money. We cannot risk sabotaging your dream for one filthy rat. I warned you earlier about the b*tch, when you first mentioned her to me. I even offered to help, but you promised me you could handle her. Now look at this pathetic mess you've gotten yourself into."
Deborah's stomach clenched in more anxiety and rage. She reached for a DVD case, pretending to admire the glossy cover, only to notice a man at the far end watching her too intently.
She turned her back quickly, whispering, "I need your help, Gary. I can't let her face those judges tomorrow. I'm afraid I'll lose to her."
"Where are you?"
"In the video store, right across from the studio."
"And the little b*tch? Has she left yet?"
"No," Deborah murmured, shifting into another aisle where the wide glass windows gave her a clear view of the studio entrance. "She's still inside. I've been watching."
Gary's voice dropped into something cold and merciless. "You're lucky I'm close by. Stay where you are and keep watch. Also, send me a picture of the b*tch and leave everything to me. I'll make sure she never auditions again."
The line went dead, and Deborah let out a long, shaky breath. She slid the DVD back into place, her lips curling into a vicious smile.
"Let's see how you wriggle out of this one, darling," she whispered under her breath, her eyes glittering with envy and a hunger as dark as midnight.
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Back at the studio, Henry had already uncovered the culprit behind the changing-room sabotage.
He revealed nothing to anyone, choosing instead to make a flurry of discreet calls.
Within minutes, a silent motion rippled through the building and outside the vicinity.
Meanwhile, Sarah, – still blissfully unaware of the shadows gathering outside – had just finished changing.
She smoothed the wrinkles from her blouse and winced slightly at the dull ache in her wrist.
"Are you almost done?" Annabelle called out from outside the changing room. She wasn't about to take any chances this time as she stayed close to her friend like glue to paper.
"Yep." Sarah opened the door, smiling. "Let's go."
"Sure...I'll help you carry that." Annabelle collected Sarah's backpack from her and together they made their way toward the studio exit, chatting and laughing heartily.
Just as Sarah reached the lobby area, her phone buzzed and Henry's name lit up the screen.
"Guess who's calling?" She nudged Anabelle on the arm.
"I don't need to guess." Anabelle rolled her eyes playfully. "I can already tell it's Henry from the way you're blushing."
"You're such a killjoy." Sarah poked her on the side, making her giggle, before swiping the receive button.
"Hey, baby." Her heart warmed instantly, as Henry's voice rapped softly in her ears.
"Hi, sweetie. Where are you currently?"
"In the lobby area, heading for the door."
"Can you pick up something from the receptionist I left for you?"
"Something like what?" Sarah raised a brow?
"A sweet package from your secret admirer."
"Hmm...what are you up to Mr admirer?"
"You will see... By the way, how are you holding up"
"I'm good, baby..." Sarah let out a sigh, as she made her way to the reception desk. "... I've seen worse days."
"Yeah... About today, I'm really sorry," Henry said with quiet regret. "You shouldn't have gone through such a mess. I should've done more to protect you."
Don't say that, baby" she replied softly. "You've been looking out for me since we became a couple. I don't know what I'd do without you. Moreover, this wasn't your fault."
"I know but I still feel guilty." His voice carried that gentle lilt she had come to lean on. "I should have done more to protect you. I can't imagine the look on your mother's or brother's face when they see that bruise on your knuckles."
"Don't worry, my love... They won't have to see anything because I've already called mom and told her that I'm still working on a project with Annabelle." Sarah beamed, rolling her eyes at Annabelle's animated gestures.
"So you'll spend the night with yours truly." Henry's voice broke up in a boyish thrill.
"Yeah... I'll be needing more rehearsals."
"Yeah right." Annabelle coughed out and Sarah giggled.
"Awesome! I can't wait to give you all the coaching you need, plus the little extras."
Sarah felt like squealing in excitement but she held herself, pausing a few meters away from the reception counter.
"I can't wait."
"How about your wrist? Does it still hurt?"
She glanced at the faint bruise and flexed her fingers. "It's sore, but not too bad. But my knuckles still hurt. It looks like I picked a fight with the door." she whispered, chuckling softly at her own joke.
"I'm so sorry about that."
"It's fine, and you have to stop saying sorry."
There was a slight pause, as though Henry was swallowing words he didn't want her to hear. Finally, he said.
"My love, I was thinking… maybe you shouldn't go to campus today. You don't have any serious lectures, right?"
"Yeah..." Sarah drawled, picking up a hint of worry in his tone. "But why?"
"Because I want you to rest. Tomorrow is your big day and I want you to be at your best. Take the day off. Do something that makes you smile and put your heart at ease. I remember how you said you missed baby Noel." Henry's tone brightened deliberately, lifting her heart and causing her eyes to sparkle with excitement.
"Yeah. I was just telling Anabelle how much I miss that little angel."
"Then why don't you visit Amelia and baby Noel? I'm sure there will be super thrilled to have you around."
"Oh Henry, you're right. And I do need some time to clear my head. I think I'll skip campus today and visit my cousin."
"That's perfect," Henry said, the relief in his voice carefully tucked behind his affection. "I'll pick you up from there at the end of the day. Promise me you'll wait for me?"
"I promise," Sarah said sweetly.
"All right I'll see you later. Love you."
Sarah cupped her voice as she whispered. "I love you more."