Page 41 of Beyond the Darkness
Before rage threatened to consume him, Hudson took a deep breath in and counted to five, then exhaled once more on five.“I have nothing more to say other than that I’m disgusted that you see Julian’s murder as an opportunity to exploit.”
“C’mon, that’s not what I said.”
Hudson grabbed his coffee and stood.“Just keep that pair of assholes away from me.And while you’re at it, do me another favour and stay the fuck away from me yourself.”
* * * *
Sal Morte, Julian’s hastily arranged replacement, arrived just before ten, accompanied by Manuella, who clung to his arm like he was her personal property.Hudson held back a few minutes as Andie and Rav made a fuss of the newcomer, greeting him like a saviour.
Hudson knew he had to cut the guy some slack.He’d been plunged into a situation beyond his control.None of this was his fault.
When things settled down, he went over to introduce himself.
“Hi, Sal, it’s nice to meet you.”
The Spanish actor shook his hand with great enthusiasm.He was around the same age as Hudson, dark-skinned and handsome with remarkable blue eyes.His salt-and-pepper hair was enviously thick.“It’s an honour to be here, despite the tragic circumstances.I only want to do my best to serve your show and the man who went before me.”
There was a beautifully soft lilt to his accent.Though his demeanour was confident, Hudson detected the notes of uncertainty in his expression.It would be impossible to hold a grudge against Sal, even if he wanted to.
“You’ll be terrific.I’m sure of it.”
“I already know Julian’s role by heart.And I’ve been working all weekend on learning the understudy lines.I won’t let you down.”
“Don’t put any pressure on yourself about that.”Hudson held back from telling him that he had never missed a show in his life.Who wanted to tempt fate anyway?Given the troubled state of the production already, it would be Hudson’s bad luck to break his leg and miss the whole damn run.
For the benefit of Sal, and the morale of all concerned, Andie decided they would spend the morning going over Act One.It was a great idea.After a few days off, it gave Hudson and his co-stars a chance to settle back into the rhythm of the script.Sal nailed his lines, bringing nuance and humour to the small part.Hudson’s chest tightened with sadness as he realised just how easily the producers had replaced poor Julian.
Corman and Amber watched from the side, their eyes sharp and intent.He did his best to ignore them and was glad to see that Luke kept out of their way, making his own notes and observations from a subtle distance.Incredible to think that this time last week, Luke had been his antagonist, and now his presence was a comfort.
Though everything went well, it was a relief to break for lunch and to get some time with Luke.They found a table at the back of the coffee shop downstairs.Luke leaned straight in for a kiss, which Hudson accepted willingly, without a care for who might be watching.
“It’s good to see you,” Hudson said.
Luke’s hand lingered on Hudson’s waist until they sat.“I missed you yesterday.”
His heart brightened at the news.“Really?I thought you had lots of work to do.”
He shrugged.“I can still miss you, even when I’m busy.”
Hudson flushed.If he was honest with himself, he’d missed Luke too.He’d gained absolutely nothing by spending his Sunday alone, other than becoming moody and melancholy.The answer to his troubles had been one call away.He’d been too stubborn to realise it.
No more pig-headedness.
He put his hand on top of Luke’s.“What are you doing later?”
Chapter Sixteen
The Past Catches Up
By the end of the day, Hudson was exhausted, but not in the way he’d imagined.After his initial reservations about the podcasters and the argument with Rav, he’d put all the bullshit aside and focused on nothing but the story they were trying to tell.The rest of the cast also seemed to share his newly found dedication to getting it right.They were now working in honour of Julian, and they would continue the play in his memory.Even Steve had been less cocky and had shown a degree of respect.
Luke had to go back to his office for a couple of hours and they made arrangements to meet up around eight-thirty for a late dinner at nine.The whole world seemed off kilter, but for today at least, most things had gone right.
Hudson had trouble arranging a car via the app and decided to head outside to see if he could get a lift from the taxi rank along the road.As he exited the stage door, he was glad to see there were no reporters about.Things had also seemed to settle down on that front.No doubt it would ramp up again when they got closer to opening night.
He walked towards the front of the building.
“Hudson, hey.Wait up.”
