Page 7

Chapter 2 - The Audition - Part 1

(Los Angeles—August 2012)

This was the first time he’d seen the young woman, in the flesh, and she was every bit as attractive as her pictures. He’d put a great deal of planning into reaching this stage. She’d no idea of course, but soon that would all pay off.

Rachel was her name. Rachel Starr.

The burger bar was busy. He glanced around, absorbing the details. Did all such establishments use the same store outfitters? Regimented rows of cream-coloured tables with easy-wipe surfaces, nestling in predominantly red stalls, although, in this place, there were also a few bar-style stools along the customer side of the serving counter. And beyond that, a hatchway through to the kitchen area from which orders could be taken and served.

He was tucked away at the table in a corner stall. It wasn’t Rachel who served him but another waitress. That was good; she hadn’t seen his face—not that it really mattered but better to wait. By the end of the week, the effort should all be worth it.

He’d grab her, get her into the automobile, and then he could concentrate on the rest.

* * *

“Wish me luck, Sam.” Rachel picked up her purse and props bag and then checked in the mirror yet again. She flicked a stray strand of her dark brown curls into place. “I’ll be back by four thirty”

“Yeah, yeah,” Sam, the owner of the burger bar, drawled. How many times had he heard her wild estimates on when she’d return? “Or five thirty or six.”

The young woman gave an infectious chuckle and planted a playful kiss on his cheek. “You’re very good to me, Sam. I really appreciate it.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he drawled again. “See you later—and don’t be late, gal.” By then, she had swept out of the door and down the sidewalk.