| Subject: Chapter 232 - Part 2 (end of chapter 232) |
Author:
KatherineG.
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Date Posted: Thursday, March 30, 06:45:12am
In reply to:
Katherine Gilbert
's message, "Dreams in the Dark (chapters 221--?)" on Monday, February 13, 07:24:07am
He made an attempt, fearful of how his words would sound but knowing it needed to be discussed. "I know I'm here temporarily." His gaze moved into the man. "They'll want you back, once your time fighting is over." He refused, mostly for the expectant woman's sake, to acknowledge any other, possible future for Michael--and Premier would undoubtedly find another new face, at a cheaper price, even if that weren't true; his look dropped, wondering how to put it. "I just want to be certain I can take care of myself after that."
The words struck the other actor wrong, his expression glowering, as he answered. "You want money?"
Andrew found his eyes again, through Kitty's surprised and defensive, "Michael!" He smiled at her briefly for her support. She, at least, was giving him the benefit of the doubt.
He didn't entirely blame the man for his caution, however; had Kitty been his wife, he might well have done the same. His look caressed her unknowingly, undermined by his growing admiration. She was just too damn beautiful to allow to wander unprotected for long.
The implications of this thought passed unnoticed by the newcomer, if not by his male observer; still, Andrew went on, his gaze even, when it met the actor's again. "I'm not asking for a bribe or hush money. I don't want anything from you." His head shook, trying to reassure the man. "But you've made enough money or investments to keep yourself comfortably. I have my mother I need to take care of." His eyes were so honest. "I just want to know what you do so that I have something to fall back on, when this is over."
It took Michael a second, but he did nod at last--winning Nikita's unheard sigh. He had long watched actors, knew their tricks. This one, at least, was telling the truth.
He gave the newcomer what he needed to know, therefore--or a start on it, anyway. His own, modest, fortune was mostly the result of saving the majority of his income over a period of 15 long years of service to the studio--but he couldn't promise the man a similar bounty. Perhaps, if Shears made enough of an impression at Premiere, they could find him a place at another studio, when this job was over--but it was better not to make such deals. "I'll introduce you to Helmut Volker. He should be able to help."
This was more than the man had bargained for, his blink alone telling. "Volker? The banker?" The millionaire? Two more blinks followed, as he tried to process the information. Once he began, he amended his earlier statement. "I don't want to try the stock market." Some of his mother's funds had been eaten away in the Crash. She now--probably sensibly--kept most of her earnings, and Mrs. Worth's donations, in jars in the walls of her apartment, banks not always being trustworthy; his head shook in amazement. How Volker and his bank had managed to weather these last ten, lean years was a mystery he might be far better off not knowing the answer to.
"Don't worry," the older actor reassured him--even if his mind did turn. With the world as it was these days, there was probably at least one safe investment to make. Weapons manufacturers always did quite well, whenever people started to die.
Andrew didn't see this thought, was surprised enough at this couple's knowledge of the banker--was even more astounded when Kitty smiled, working through whatever nausea she might currently feel. "He's a good man." Her obvious trust of him shone through in her look. "I'm sure he'll help you."
That this couple both seemed to know the man left him a little dumbfounded; he wasn't the sort to read enough of the columnists to have heard of any connection between them before. The surprise spun through him. Maybe these Hollywood types *did* all know each other.
He had to shake his head to ward off the surprise, but he did nod eventually. "Thank you." Maybe this would be enough; he sighed, his gaze descending. He just wanted to be certain that both he and his mother had something to live on, in the years to come.
This ended much of the conversation, especially as the actress was beginning to look a little green once more. But enough--in its very brief passage--had been conveyed. Shears would help them. And the couple themselves would always make it through.
Extra note (Argh! I'm in teacher mode again--Sorry! Feel free to ignore this): As you probably know, the stock market crash of 1929 led not only to the Great Depression but also to the permanent closing of many banks, along with the permanent loss of funds for all those who had money in them. This was before the days when the government insured each account or the money in banks, so when people started to go to the banks to get their money out after the Crash (since banks never have all the money from their investors stored there), the banks simply closed their doors. It was what so many banks were worried about around the start of 2000, with fears that the Y2K Virus would force people to make a run on them. This is why some people who were around during these days will still store money in their yards, walls of their homes, mattresses, etc., rather than trust it to banks.
[End of Part 232]
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