Rune felt Traub's eyes on her. The feeling reminded her of the time her first boyfriend, age ten, had put a big snail down the back of her blouse. Traub said, “There's something, I dunno, refreshing about you, you know. I see all these women all day long — beautiful blondes and redheads to die for. Stunning, tall...”

Oooo, watch the tall, mister.

“... big tits. But, hey, you're different.”

She sighed.

“I mean that sincerely. You want to come down to Atlantic City with me? Meet some wild people?”

“I don't think so.”

“One thing I am is talented. In the sack, you know.”

“I'm sure.”

“Plenty of recreational pharmaceuticals.”

“Thanks anyway.”

He looked at his watch. “Okay, tell you what, Uncle Danny'll help you out. You want to shoot me, so to speak, go ahead. But let's hurry. I got a busy day.”

In ten minutes Rune had the equipment set up. She slipped a new tape into the camera. Traub sat back, popped his knuckles and grinned. He looked completely at ease.

“What do you want me to say?”

“Anything that comes to mind. Tell me about Shelly.”

He glanced sideways, then looked into the camera and smiled sadly. “The first thing I have to say, and I mean this sincerely, is that I was wholly devastated by Shelly Lowe's death.” The smile faded and his eyes went dull. “When she died, I lost more than my star actress. I lost one of my very dearest friends.”

From somewhere, Rune had no idea where, Danny Traub produced what might pass for a tear.

Death of a Blue Movie Star

CHAPTER NINE

The gruff man, in his sixties, with abundant white hair and cool eyes, looked down at Rune.

“So you think you can act?” he asked sternly.

Before she could say anything he turned and walked back into his office, leaving the door half-open. It was an old-fashioned office door, with a large window of mottled glass in it. The sign, in gold lettering, read: ARTHUR TUCKER, ACTING AND VOICE INSTRUCTION.

Rune stepped into the doorway, but stopped. She didn't know whether she'd been dismissed or invited in. When Tucker sat down at his desk she continued inside and closed the door behind her.

He wore dark slacks and a white shirt and tie. His dress shoes were well worn. Tucker was slightly built, which made him seem younger. His legs were thin and his face chiseled and handsome. Bushy white eyebrows. And those piercing green eyes... It was hard to hold his gaze. If Tucker were a character actor he would've played a president or king. Or maybe God.

“I don't know whether I can act or not,” Rune said, walking up to the desk he sat behind. “That's why I'm here.”