“That’s good, Ellen. I’m really happy to hear that. Because I’m going to need you to tough it out for me a little longer.”

Ellen’s face froze, and she tugged the sheet up to her chin. “I thought you said this was the last week.”

“Plans change. It’s the nature of the job.”

Ellen’s face reddened, and she sat all the way up, the sheet falling to her waist. If she thought I’d be impressed with the view, she was mistaken. “I can’t do this another week!”

On the best of days, patience was not my strong suit, and this was no longer the best of days. “You have a better acting gig on the books?” I snapped. “You have any other producers breaking down your door?”

Ellen glared at me from behind her puffy thatch of blonde hair. “It’s not exactly empowering to be acting like his mistress all the time.”

I bit my tongue. Loose tempers weren’t what I needed; what I needed was a compliant Ellen, still on my side. I sat down on the bed. I didn’t touch her, but I let my hand get close so she knew I was making the effort to respect her space. The mark on her cheek would fade soon, I thought, but those slaps would’ve cracked like gunshots in the bedside mic. Goddamn.

“Ellen,” I said—a person’s name is usually their most comforting sound, which is also true for dogs—“Ellen, I’m really sorry. An emergency must’ve kept Jackal today, but I promise you, we won’t miss it again. I need you to do this one little favor for me, and then it’ll all be over. You’ll have your money and you’ll never have to see him again. And guess what? I bet he’ll never smack another girl again in his life. He’ll be too scared of what you could do to him.”

I wasn’t sure that was true, but I was certain he wouldn’t guide another extra to the casting couch without thinking twice, that was for damn sure. And Ellen would know that she’d done that, she’d been the one to change him. I could see her turn it over. She furrowed her brow and stared into her lap, hard. Not a yes, not a no.

A week earlier, that little speech would have been enough. But now, she hesitated, which meant she doubted me. Which meant she was more dangerous than she’d been thirty minutes ago. Jackal, you have fucked me now.

“Please, Ellen.” I hated myself. I hated her for making me beg. “One more time, for me.”

“That’s all? You promise?” Ellen sniffled and wiped her nose.

I hid my smile. “That’s it.”