“We would do this…why? And what are you going to do, oh fearless leader?” Mandy said, a murderous expression on her face.

“I’m going to sit here and watch my ever-faithful servants to make sure they don’t screw up. Where did you hide the signs and fencing, Anthony?”

“I pitched them into the pond along with the weeds. Vandals do things like that. It’s all about getting into the part and mind of a vandal. You know, method acting.”

“Yes, they do,” Lola said smartly. “And the machetes?”

“In the boot under the spare tire.”

“You two are such treasures. You are the wind beneath my wings,” Lola gurgled.

“Shut up, Lola.” Mandy clenched her teeth in pretended anger. What she really wanted to do was laugh out loud and smack Lola on the back.

Mac Ward and Pete Danson arrived at the same time, tires screeching, the siren on the chief’s patrol car blasting and flashing. The two professionals exited their respective cars and stood at the top of the embankment talking to the police officer. The trio at the bottom, lounging in the aluminum chairs, watched them curiously. The trio at the top of the embankment eyed the trio at the bottom as they made their way down to join them.

“Miss Jor Dan, I’m Mac Ward, the new police chief. I believe you know Pete Danson since he just informed me he’s your attorney. This is Officer Conroy. I’m sure we can set matters straight without resorting to drastic measures. This property has been posted with no trespassing signs. The pond was fenced off as late as yesterday. The weeds were as high as my waist as of yesterday. Was it like this when you got here?”

“It’s all right to answer, Miss Jor Dan,” Pete said.

“Call me Lola, Peter. I’m Lola to all my fans. I do hope you’re a fan, Chief. This…this officer,” she said, pointing to the patrol cop, “said he didn’t care if I was Daisy Duck. I took offense at that, Chief. Daisy Duck is a cartoon character. I think he should apologize. But to answer your question, it looks the same to me.”

“Uh-huh.”

Lola watched both men carefully, the outrageous false eyelashes and fishing cap shielding her eyes. Their expressions were wary as they tried to figure out what was going on.

“Your officer as much as said he thought we took down your signs and cut this grass. Now I ask you, Chief, do you think we could do that? As the young people say today, get real. We’re just sitting here having a little picnic discussing how we’re going to put the movie together. Anthony used to be my director. He’s retired now, but I rely on his input. This part of the movie is going to be vital since it will basically be the conclusion. We didn’t touch anything. We didn’t go near the water. What is your problem with us being here?”

“Come on, Mac,” Pete said. “It would take some intense effort to cut all the brush and weeds and rip up that fencing. Those signs were posted pretty deep, too. Surely you can’t think my client had anything to do with that. My guess would be a bunch of high school kids out for a romp last night with maybe a couple of six-packs.”