Page 99 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
She looked over to see Finn hovering near the door. “I can go back downstairs if you want?”
Jess waved him in the direction of the other sofa. “Sit. You’re grand.”
Zoe reached over and slipped her hand into Jess’s. “You want to know what I think?”
Jess smiled warmly at her. “Always.”
“If you were able to pull that stupid celebrity wedding out of the fire last year, you can get this movie back on track. Why don’t you ask Adam for help?”
Jess shook her head. “Not Adam.”
“You can trust him, Jess.”
“Maybe, but I don’t want to involve him.”
“If Afric Brooks has pissed off somewhere and nobody can find her, it means she doesn’t want to be found.” Zoe frowned. “Maybe she’s gone to visit her family for a few days?”
“Not very likely,” Jess said. “I think her parents live in Kerry. But it doesn’t look like she’s been officially reported as missing.”
Zoe flashed her a sceptical look. “Will she be?”
“I doubt it.”
Jess was already thinking. She needed to talk to Mel and Lisa to see if they had a plan. But instinct told her they wouldn’t want to give the media any more ammunition.
Meanwhile, there were lots of people she could depend upon. Including Robert.
CHAPTER 48
With just one week to go before filming ofAn Irish Inheritancewraps up at Mayo’s Linford Castle, speculation about the whereabouts of its lead actress Afric Brooks continues to grow.
The cast and crew of the movie – which is being made by Blue Star Studios – spent Thursday and Friday filming on Achill Island off the coast of Mayo. It now appears that Afric didn’t return with the group to Linford on Friday evening.
When contacted by theGazette, a spokesperson for Blue Star Studios declined to comment.
Jess got back to Linford by mid-morning that Tuesday and went straight to Anthony’s office.
“Ah, Jess, sit down.” He came around his desk and waved her into a chair, then perched at the far end of his desk. “I was verysorry to hear about your grandmother. Adam said that it was a lovely funeral.”
“Yes, it was.” Jess waited for him to get to the point.
“I presume you’re caught up on everything that’s happening?”
Jess nodded. “No word from Afric?”
“Apparently not. At this stage, we really have to hope that this film finishes on time.”
“I agree.” Jess frowned. “Who’s looking after Diva, by the way?”
“Emily, I believe.” Anthony raised an eyebrow. “Anyway, I’m not sure what their thinking is, but about twenty minutes ago they released a press statement to say that Afric just took a half day off and is now back on set.”
Jess almost laughed. “What happens when shedoesshow up? The media are camped all around Linford.”
He shrugged. “Technically that’s none of our concern.”
It was a heads-up, she thought.In case the whole plan suddenly goes tits-up and they pull you into the middle of the drama!Which was almost certain to happen, given that nobody knew where Afric was. Unless the studio didn’t care that they were about to be caught out in a lie?
She was heading towards the orangery to find Lisa when her phone rang, and she hesitated as she checked the Caller ID. Then she swiped.
