A Script for Danger (Nancy Drew Diaries #10)(27)

“We haven’t been in contact since he tried to sue me over this screenplay.” Alex sniffed.

“He told me to tell you he was sorry.” I relayed the bulk of our conversation to Alex. “I don’t think he wanted you to know that he is back in town; apparently he’s working on some big project.”

Alex twisted his face in confusion. “That is totally bizarre, Nancy,” he said. His expression darkened. “But Ronan is not to be trusted.”

“I got the impression that he wasn’t being exactly truthful,” I admitted solemnly.

“Wait, don’t move,” Alex commanded. “I’ll be right back.” He hurried over to Lali, who was standing on a chair near the catering tent’s entrance, ready to make her announcement.

“Attention, everyone!” Lali said. “This morning Alex and I thought we were going to have to cut the graveyard scene, which as you know is an integral part of the movie. This prankster has delayed our shoot and forced us to burn through our budget. But—thanks to some creative thinking and teamwork—that won’t be the case.” She pointed to Roberta Ely, who I now noticed was waiting at the back of the catering tent, smiling.

“We will be teaming up with the River Heights Carnival Committees,” he continued. “They’ve agreed to start setting up their annual Fourth of July Carnival a few days early and we decided to use the carnival for our big final scene. That way they can uphold their tradition and the film can have a great dramatic ending, even if it takes place at a carnival instead of a graveyard.”

The only person who was visibly angry about the change was Brian. He shook his head and grumbled to Omar under his breath.

“What do you think of that?” I whispered to Bess, tilting my head in Brian’s direction.

“He probably just doesn’t like the idea,” she replied. “Not everything is a clue, Nancy!”

“I liked the graveyard scene too,” George said, “but hopefully this will show the saboteur that it’s not quite so easy to shut down The Hamilton Inn.”

“Or,” I speculated, “he or she will try even harder.”

“Maybe Roberta was guilty all along,” Bess pointed out. “In which case we no longer have a case!”

“That still means a bully got her way,” I mused, “which doesn’t feel right at all.”

Despite the news, Lali kept her new “closed set” policy intact. They finished all the scheduled scenes ahead of time and without any unexpected incidents, which was a big relief to Lali and her overstretched budget, as I overheard her telling someone on the phone. By the end of the day, I began to entertain the possibility that Bess was right. With the conflict over the Fourth of July Carnival over, perhaps The Hamilton Inn could continue shooting peacefully.

I texted Lali to ask her for a private meeting. I wanted to discuss this Roberta Ely theory with her and put it to bed once and for all.

A few minutes later, when George saw the call sheets for the next day, she let out a yelp.

“It’s a night shoot!” she exclaimed. “That means we don’t have to be at the fairgrounds until seven p.m.!”

Bess nodded. “So awesome. I love carnivals!”

Meanwhile, Lali had texted back asking me to meet her at her trailer after wrap.

When I arrived, she had the same contented expression she had worn earlier.

“So things worked out with Roberta Ely,” I observed.

Lali gave me a tired nod. “What a relief. That woman was not about to give up.”

“Was she desperate enough to resort to sabotage?” I asked.

“No,” Lali responded. “I even confronted her about it. She seemed horrified that I would ask. The last thing she wants is for River Heights to look bad. Plus, Roberta is all about rules—making them and following them.”

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Yes, Nancy.” Lali stiffened. “You’re not the only one around here who has experience sniffing out deceitful characters. I have to deal with Hollywood studio executives on a daily basis.”

With Roberta crossed off the list, I refocused all my energy on Ronan Beale. I finally caught up with Alex in the parking lot as George, Bess, and I were about to leave.

“I’m sorry we couldn’t talk more today, Nancy.” Alex sighed as he dumped his bag and folders into his car. “Oh! Maybe you girls can come watch some dailies with me tomorrow afternoon. I’m going to meet my editor at the postproduction facility.”

“What are dailies?” Bess asked.

“Just the footage from the movie at the end of any given day,” Alex explained. “The actual film that was shot.”

“We would love to! Thanks, Alex,” I responded. Bess and George nodded enthusiastically.

“We can talk more about Ronan then,” Alex whispered. “But right now I have to figure out how to change the entire ending of my screenplay to take place at a carnival instead of a graveyard.” He sighed again. “It’s going to be a late night!”

“Good luck, Alex,” I said as he climbed into his car and drove away. I was impatient to move the investigation forward, but I could understand how anxious Alex felt about the sudden change in his story. The mystery would have to take a backseat for now; I just hoped the saboteur felt the same way.