A Script for Danger (Nancy Drew Diaries #10)(15)

Meanwhile, Kendall stayed as close to Brian as possible, as if he were the only person there worth speaking to. I sidled up next to her while she watched her client, full of pride.

“Brian really is an amazing actor,” I remarked. “You must love working with him.”

Kendall’s eyes lit up. “You have no idea, Noreen. He makes me love my job, you know?”

I didn’t bother correcting her about my name; there were more important things to discuss.

“So, that Blue Ranger movie. You encouraged Brian to audition for the role, right? I don’t mean to pry, but I’m such a huge fan,” I added for effect.

She took a breath before responding, and for a moment, I noticed a crack in Kendall’s well-groomed demeanor. “I mean, yeah, of course. It was a great opportunity for him. Plus, the studio is hoping it will be a franchise, meaning that Brian could have been in three or four or however many Blue Ranger films they decide to make.”

For all of Kendall’s less appealing characteristics, she did seem to sincerely care about Brian. The question was: How far she would push him along the career path she deemed appropriate?

“But he turned down the Blue Ranger movie because of The Hamilton Inn,” I continued.

“He told you that?” She cocked her head to the side.

“Was it supposed to be a secret?” I asked, surprised.

“No, no. I just didn’t realize he . . . whatever. It’s over now. And who knows, maybe people will want to watch this little movie. Excuse me.” She stepped away and checked her phone, which clearly wasn’t ringing.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.

“She’s not as bad as you think.” Cora and her camera seemed to magically appear beside me. She nodded toward the retreating Kendall, who was still fiddling with her phone.

“Oh yeah?” I was used to Cora’s complaints, but this was the first time I’d heard her utter anything resembling a compliment. “How do you know?”

“She spoke to one of my film classes in Los Angeles,” Cora said. “She’s pretty smart—once you get past that whole phony act.”

“What’s the best way to do that?” I asked, confounded.

Cora ignored my question and pressed record on her camera, indicating that our brief discussion was over.

Meanwhile, Alex grew more perturbed. “Where is Zo??” he demanded. “I thought she was on her way to the set like, ten minutes ago.”

Brian, steady as ever, replied, “She’s coming—look.”

I heard rapid footsteps crunching through the leaves behind me. When Zo? appeared, her eyes were red and puffy. Shea followed her, scrambling to keep up.

“I am so sorry for holding you up!” Zo? wailed.

Alex seemed taken aback by her overwhelming show of emotion. “It’s fine,” he assured her. “Are you . . . okay?”

She clearly wasn’t. Shea stepped in to explain, his voice shaking. “If anyone sees a turquoise pendant—”

“I’ll pay a reward!” Zo? interrupted. “It was my grandmother’s, and it’s my lucky charm. She gave it to me before she died. I’ve looked everywhere. The box is still there, but the pendant is just . . . gone. Someone must have taken it from my trailer while I was in hair and makeup.” She choked back a sob.

“What did it look like?” I asked.

“A turquoise heart, about an inch wide all around,” she replied with a sniffle.

Brian draped his arm around Zo?’s shoulders. “I’m sure we’ll find it. Are you okay? Do you need a minute before we get started?”

Zo? shook her head. “I’m fine. Thanks, Brian. Let’s just begin. But everyone who can, please keep looking for it!” A makeup artist jumped in to wipe streaks of mascara from Zo?’s cheeks.

I wanted to stay on the set, so I texted Bess: ARE YOU STILL NEAR THE TRAILERS? ZO?’S NECKLACE WAS STOLEN!

OH NO! came Bess’s response. I’LL STAY HERE AND LOOK FOR CLUES.

As soon as Zo? was ready, Alex walked through the scene with both actors while Spencer made some final adjustments to the lights.

“Rehearsal’s up. Quiet on set!” Nysa announced.

Alex threw his hands up in exasperation. “Hey, Cora, want to move back a bit?” he shouted. “You’re in the way of the real camera.”

Cora repositioned herself, but I could see her lips forming angry words under her breath.

“And action on rehearsal!” Nysa cried out.

I used the mandatory silence to think over the case against Cora. I had seen her filming Zo? in the hair and makeup trailer; it was possible that she had been shooting Zo? in her own trailer as well, giving her time to nick the necklace. Cora was also the only person I’d seen enter the production office right before the threatening note appeared. Plus, as a film student she would know how to identify which costume to sabotage. And maybe she had recruited someone else to engineer the fake blood and the fireworks while she filmed the reception.

But as I watched Cora behind the camera, gazing at Brian eagerly, I started to question that theory. Even though Cora had issues with her brother, she sure loved Brian. Why would she want to shut down his film?

My mind was spinning, so I tried to concentrate on Zo?’s remarkable performance.

Right after Alex yelled, “CUT!” however, Bess and George jogged up to me.