NOVEL NEXT Artistic License, Baby!
All of the extras in the mock courtroom's audience began to file in. Many of them looked like they had been pulled off the street or possibly kidnapped against their will and forced to sit on the set of a cheesy law movie.
Mina watched in amazement as the old actress playing Judge Divine Justice waddled her way up to the podium with what she assumed was a pillowcase stuffed in her robe and her hair up to the ceiling. "I can tell by that 'uhhhh' sound you're making, Mina," Blind said, nudging her, "That Raven isn't the only eyesore on this set."
"Let's just say," Mina remarked politely but coyly. "Your grandmother would retire early from her career if they saw who they got to portray her."
Ashley smirked. "I shudder who they got to play me. Maybe an actual lion?"
"I think they should cast you, Ashley," Blind said with a smirk. "You're certainly dramatic enough!"
Ashley nearly hissed so loudly that Mina had to calm her down by hugging her. "What's some good natured ribbing and roasting between partners."
Ashley chuckled with her hand to her mouth. "At least I can audition since I can see the script."
Mina signed. Unfortunately, for her, she was often the moderator between her snide boyfriend and her catty girlfriend's sass battles. She didn't mind though. They were worth it.
Legal Suit Larry's actor walked on set and Mina gasped. "Hold the E-Phone!.That can't be Larry? He's actually hot!"
Indeed, the weed, shrimpy and balding prosecutor who once rivaled Mina in her very first law battle was played by a guy who was seven feet tall, had a full, lush pompadour of hair, and his leisure suit showcased both elegant, muscular pecs that moved like tight bongo drums and an eight pack set of abdominal muscles. He grinned and flashed a pair of finger guns at the audience causing most women (and men of a certain persuasion) to faint.
This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
Artie smirked from the director's seat and flashed a pair of matching finger guns at a dumbfounded Mina. "This is called artistic license, baby. And plus, that Larry guy paid me a lot of cash for his portrayal! Even more than the funding for this movie!"
Mina bit her tongue over calling this film a 'propaganda film' so Larry wouldn't be alone on Sunday.
Raven dressed as Mina pranced up to the defense podium and sang "tra-la-la!" in his obnoxious falsetto voice. Trudy sat beside him. Apparently, she was a good enough actress to play herself.
It seemed that everyone was ready for lights, camera, action until the director shouted loudly from his megaphone. "Waitaminute! Where's my fabulous Bunting Dupree!"
A towering figure approached the stage. Once again, Mina was shocked at their choice of actor, but more because of how imposing they were.
The actor they chose to play the effeminate but sinister French manager Bunting Dupree, was massive and lanky. His face was painted bright white with black markings like a clown, or more appropriately, a mime. He had an enormous stitched up scar that stretched from ear to ear. Part of his ear was chipped and he wore a striped shirt and a beret. He was as silent as a mime buried in the graveyard who had risen up through some sinister French magic. He clutched three knives between his fingers as he stalked his way over to the prosecution podium.
"Umm...Mr. Decor," Mina said. "And a big emphasis on the 'ummm.' Why does Bunting Dupree look so scary? The actual criminal at the trial was a lot less...creepy. This guy looks like he's the French version of that scary clown from Steven Prince's Twit."
Artie held up his hand and twinkled it annoyingly in Mina's face. "I said, it once and I'll say it again. Artistic license, baby. No one found the original Bunting Dupree scary so I hired a famous knife throwing Cirque De' O Slay carnie named Le Savage. He's a master of throwing kitchen cutlery and his knife throwing will add a bit of action to an otherwise bland and stationary court scene.
A bead of sweat dripped down Mina's face. Suddenly, she was very concerned for Raven and Blind up on stage. Not only would they have to do their own stunts, but they'd have to do them with a knife throwing "expert".
She reached into her pocket, getting ready to call a lawyer when suddenly, she realized with a giggle...she was one!