Exit Hollywood

By Chris James

Chapter Twelve

Forest Lawn Cemetery was a vast tract of land where so many of the Hollywood famous found a final resting place. It was only fitting that Betty Compton should be interred there since she had been one of Hollywood's most beloved stars.

It would become evident in the weeks following her death that Betty was fully aware that her time had come. She had prepared the way with careful attention. The funeral arrangements that were visible to the public included a long line of black limousines and a hearse parading through the streets, everything else was private. Her adoring fans were mostly elderly, but they stood quietly outside the cemetery gates and waited for the procession to arrive.

Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens was located in southern Glendale, east of Bel Air and the Hollywood hills, but Betty would not be buried there. To the north, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, was the other Forest Lawn Cemetery. The memorials there overlooked Universal Studios, Warner Brothers and the Disney Studio lots. That seemed more appropriate.

Although smaller and more private, the names of those buried there stood out like the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Betty would be laid to rest among old friends, her contemporaries, stars like Bette Davis and Lucille Ball. The crowds lined Forest Lawn Avenue to wait for a glimpse of her casket and perhaps get a look at her closest friends as they mourned. Betty Compton was one of a kind, and now her era was past.

Dennis and Steve had thrown everything back in their overnight bags, and Dennis' father had rushed them back to Executive Airport. The shock of the announcement had stunned everyone in Dennis' family. They knew who Betty was, but none of them understood Dennis' attachment to the actress. Only Steve could read the thoughts flowing through Dennis' mind.

Mike Stone had not arrived, so they sat in the small airport lounge and waited. Steve could see the emotions Dennis displayed and figured he needed to talk.

"She seemed like such a sweet lady," Steve said. "But I only met her that one time at Ted's birthday party."

"Betty is...she was like a grandmother to me. She had a special relationship with Ted," Dennis said. "He's going to be so upset..." And then Mike walked in.

The flight back to Los Angeles seemed to take forever, and yet they were on the ground at Bob Hope by early afternoon. Steve had called Tim who was waiting for them at the airport. There was little to say, so Mike shook Steve's hand and then hugged Dennis.

"She had a lot of friends," Mike said. "We'll get through this together."

Tim drove them over to Mark's house. He had spoken to Brian and learned that the boys had been sequestered in the basement all night long, and were still there. Neither of them knew of Betty's passing and no one was going to tell them until Dennis arrived.

Telling Ted wasn't going to be easy, but Dennis knew it was something he had to do no matter the consequences. Brian, Tim and Steve remained upstairs as Dennis quietly walked down the steps.

"It doesn't have to be a fist fight," He heard Mark say. "Danny and Michael need to have this conflict, it shows..."

"Dennis, what are you doing here?" Ted asked.

The guys were seated at the worktable and Ted got up to give Dennis a hug. It was the moment that Dennis couldn't hold back anymore. He squeezed Ted so tightly the boy gasped at the pressure.

"What's wrong?"

"Baby...Betty died in her sleep this morning."

Ted's composure crumbled and they clung together as Mark ran upstairs to catch the news. With Ted sobbing in his arms Dennis regained some of his strength and moved them over to the couch. Once seated, Ted held Dennis back at arms length and searched his face for answers.

"What happened? How did you find out?"

"Mike found out first and called me. We rushed back here as soon as we could. All I could think about was that you probably didn't know and I had to be the one to tell you."

"Oh God, we'll never see her again," Ted said, wiping the tears from his face. "Poor Jim..."

"Poor all of us. She had a great life and this is going to turn things upside down for a while," Dennis said.

"You're right. Jim is going to go off the deep end. He had that Partial Payment screening set for this week. I know that will be cancelled. What can we do?" Ted asked.

"It's Sunday, nothing is going to happen today."

"Mark and I made some great progress...but I can't think about that now. I want to see what the news is saying. Let's go upstairs," Ted said.

They gathered in the living room and turned on the news. Although Dennis and Ted had been so close to Betty, the others knew her and even Rosie had tears in her eyes. They didn't have to wait long for the report.

"In Santa Barbara today, the news of Betty Compton's passing brought the city to a standstill. The elderly star of stage and screen was one of the most beloved women this city has ever known."

The images of dozens of people standing outside the gates of Betty's home quickly followed. Many of them had brought flowers which they laid along the wall of the compound.

"The Compton Foundation has supported thousands of needy families over the years. Although the city is known as the American Rivera there is a large population of low income families living in Santa Barbara County. The Foundation provided free medical care through a series of local clinics and will continue these programs despite the star's death.

"Ms. Compton lived a quiet life in the hills overlooking the ocean, and passed away in her sleep last night at the age of ninety-three..."

"Oh My God, I had no idea she was that old," Ted said.

"She sure didn't show it. I bet few people knew her real age," Dennis said.

"The actress and dancer performed in dozens of films and several Broadway productions. Born at the end of World War One, Ms. Compton was a child star in films at the end of the silent picture era. She achieved fame in the early years of Hollywood, acting and dancing her way into the hearts of millions.

"Her last film as a dancer was in 1958, when at the age of forty she starred with Lionel Dennison in The Queen's Red Shoes. Her career continued in New York on Broadway where she played parts opposite such greats as Ethel Merman and Howard Keel.

"Ms. Compton was married three times and yet had no children. She is survived by several nieces and nephews."

The man reporting this news paused from reading the script and looked into the lens of the camera.

"It's probably accurate to say that with Betty's Compton's passing we have seen the end of an era in Hollywood. They don't make stars like that anymore, and Ms. Compton influenced the studios during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

"This past decade has seen the end of so many greats. In the opinion of this reporter, and so many moviegoers in the past fifty years, Betty Compton was the greatest. She will be missed."

They could see the man was moved by that statement, and yet he held his composure.

"Ms. Compton's funeral arrangements have yet to be announced, but we'll let you know as soon as we find out. Here in Hollywood, this is Lance..."

Mark turned off the television and looked around the room. "What is Jim Curry going to do?" He asked.

"I imagine he'll stop production for a few days, at least until the funeral," Dennis said.

"He can't stop for long," Todd said. "He has too many people under contract, and there are deadlines."

Ted turned to Dennis. "How are we going to find out?"

"We'll go into work tomorrow and ask," Dennis replied. "If that doesn't work then I'll call Nina, she'll know."

"Right, Jim's assistant...and everything else," Ted said.

He looked over at Mark and sighed. Mark knew what he was going to say.

"Look, we had a good all-night session on Redemption. I'll write up what we have so far and we can review that before we continue. You look worn out, and emotionally we aren't going anywhere, probably for the rest of the week. Go home, get some sleep, and then we'll talk."

"Thanks, Mark," Ted said.

The condo was quiet and Ted threw himself down on the couch.

"Are you hungry...thirsty?" Dennis asked.

"I could do with some coffee. I can't sleep, I'm too wound up," Ted said.

"I'll go make a pot."

Dennis returned to find Ted on his knees searching in Jim's vast library of DVD's.

"What are you looking for?" Dennis asked.

"Jim has hundred's of old films on disk. I was just wondering if he has The Queen's Red Shoes...and he does, amazing."

"I imagine he has every film Betty ever did, including the one he was in...uh, I don't remember the name," Dennis said.

"Final Glory, 1967," Ted said.

"Damn, how do you do that?" Dennis asked.

Ted shrugged. "I just have an interest, that's all."

"So you want to watch this film with Betty?"

"I think I'd like to," Ted said. "It's not like we'll ever forget her. I have a picture of her in my head, but I'd like to see her dance, that's something I've never seen."

"I imagine one of the cable movie channels will run a lot of her films now," Dennis said.

Ted smiled and laid a hand on the shelf in front of him. "We don't need to wait for that. Jim has them all right here."

Dennis brought the coffee and a plate of small sandwiches. Ted had placed the movie in the disk player and they sat back on the couch. The film had just run through the opening credits when the door to the condo opened, and there stood Jim.

His eyes were red and swollen, and the look on his face said everything. Ted jumped up from the couch and ran to embrace him while Dennis put the film on pause. They stood for some minutes until Jim let out a sigh.

"I'm sorry," Jim said.

"No...don't be sorry," Ted said. "It hurts, and we both feel that pain."

Jim looked at the television screen, and then nodded. "I came by to do exactly what you're doing. I needed to see her again."

"Sit with me," Ted said. "Let's watch Betty in her glory days."

Dennis brought another coffee and Jim sat on the couch. Ted snuggled up beside Dennis, but he held Jim's hand as the film ran. The Queen's Red Shoes was a farcical tale. The queen of Moldavia adrift in New York meets a handsome young man who pursues her throughout the city. He wines and dines her and they dance. Betty wore fabulous dresses and gowns, but always the same pair of little red shoes.

The paramour doesn't win her in the end, for she must go home to assume the throne of her tiny nation. They dance in the streets of the city one last time with a huge cast of characters, and then she boards the ship to sail home. The young man stands forlorn on the dock as she waves at him, and then she pulls off her red shoes and tosses them down to him.

The dancing was well choreographed and Betty was simply amazing in her role, but it was obvious that Lionel Dennison was outclassed. The film had not done well at the box office. By 1958 the big dance films weren't being made anymore, this was like the last gasp.

Dennis turned off the film and Jim sat quietly. He had eaten half the sandwiches on the plate which only proved he didn't have any breakfast or lunch.

"We won't be working this week," Jim said. "I can't face it even though this won't affect Mickey. Betty's lawyer called me a few hours ago and he's making all the arrangements, or at least carrying them out. It seems Betty left him a list of things to do in case of her death.

"She picked the mortuary, the burial plot at Forest Lawn, the flowers she wanted and even the location of the grave...everything, right down to the people she wants at the gravesite."

Jim smiled. "She was like that, you know. I bet that's a side of her you never saw. But she knew everyone and how to reach out to them for the things she wanted. Thanks for your friendship, Ted...Dennis. I have to go now, Susan is due in town this evening and I have to tell her the preview is off for the moment. She won't be happy, but at least I'll get to see my daughters."

Jim got up and headed for the door, but then he turned back. He stood before Ted and hugged him, and then it was Dennis' turn.

"Life goes on. I will probably dedicate the next film to her in the credits. Don't you guys worry, we'll get past this. Oh, and next Friday, you'll have an appointment at Barker, Talbot and Prinne over in Bel Air."

"Who is that?" Ted asked.

"Betty's lawyers, she was their oldest client. They have her will and we have to be there when they read it. You both have to be there...you're in it."

With that Jim turned away and opened the door. "I'll call you when we have the funeral arrangements completed." And then he was gone.

Ted turned to Dennis with shock on his face. "Did...did he say we're in Betty's will?"

Dennis nodded. "He did. Just remember, she was quite the trickster...I wonder what she's done to us now."

The funeral was on Thursday morning. It had been cloudy all week with light rain showers, but by the end of the week the sun came out. The mourners for the funeral had met quietly in the parking lot at Universal Studios and boarded the long line of limousines. Forest Lawn had organizers there with lists of who was to ride in which car.

Jim, his ex-wife and their daughters rode in the third car, right behind Macy and her family. Ted had forgotten that Betty had Macy at her side as a constant companion these past few years. Macy was one of the last remnants of Betty's family so he would have to make a special effort to speak with her. Ted and Dennis rode in a car further down the line with Mike Stone, and of all people, Hank Dobbs. It just proved that Hollywood was a small town.

Several acres of the studio's parking lot had been set aside for the procession and they sat in the cars until the hearse pulled in at the head of the line. Dennis thought that every black limo for miles around must have been hired for the occasion since he couldn't begin to count them all.

And then they were slowly moving out the main entrance to Universal and turning. It was here that the crowds became apparent.

"Will you look at that," Mike said.

It was only two miles to the gates of the cemetery, but there were people lining the streets the entire way. The hearse set the pace at a slow crawl and people threw flowers when they saw Betty's casket through the glass windows. Looking through the back window of the limo Ted could see that the streets were paved with flowers.

"What a kind offering," He said.

"I hope someone gets some good pictures of this," Mike said.

"Look closely, they all have cameras," Dennis said.

"I don't think the Emperors of Rome were greeted any better," Hank said. He gave a grim smile and sighed. "Perhaps I can tell the truth now that she's gone. Betty gave me my start, or perhaps I should say a huge shove in the right direction. I'm still not supposed to say what she did."

Mike patted Hank's knee. "She did her best for all of us, my friend. Today a legend will be born, but many of us will know the truth about her. Just don't get drunk at the party tonight and spill your guts, the press will be there."

"Oh no, she made me swear," Hank said.

"Jim told me you boys are in the will...any ideas?" Mike asked.

"No...and I'm a little worried," Dennis said.

"Don't be. Whatever it is will be grand."

It took the funeral procession forty minutes to reach the gates of Forest Lawn and the largest gathering of people by far. The hearse stopped for just a few moments and the air was filled with flowers as the crowd threw bouquets, all but covering it with blossoms. And then they were through the gates and onto the quiet lanes of the cemetery.

In the distance Dennis could see a tall white canopy over the gravesite. The hearse pulled into a side road and stopped while the limos proceeded past it before they pulled over to the side. They exited the car and followed the line of people back down the road towards the hearse.

Mike had been fairly somber even before the procession began, but Hank was more animated.

"That's the head of Warner...and there are the Disney people."

"Shush, Hank...they're not important," Mike said. "At least not today."

Dennis could tell they were surrounded by the high and mighty from Hollywood who had come to pay their respects. A few aging actresses, some elderly men, old friends come to say good-bye.

"Ted, we're the youngest ones here," Dennis whispered.

"True, but I bet they aren't in the will," Ted replied.

The gravesite was under that huge tent, which in turn was surrounded with roses of every color under the sun. The thousands of flowers gave off a tremendous scent that filled the air around them. Jim and his family stood with Betty's family amidst a sea of faces, many of them crying silent tears as the casket was lowered into the grave.

Betty had been an old fashioned girl, or so she always liked to say. That meant she wanted these friends to celebrate her life after she died. Ted understood that sentiment, but it was going to be hard. He had shed enough tears to rid himself of the emotions, but she would be in his thoughts forever.

Dennis and Ted spent a short time with Macy to offer their condolences. In that brief conversation they learned that Betty had gone to bed with a smile. She had not been ill and had spent the day in her beloved garden overlooking the sea. Betty had gone to sleep as usual and Macy said she just never woke up.

Jim introduced them to his ex-wife and his daughters, the first time Ted and Dennis had ever met Susan. But slowly the crowd departed, returning to the limousines for the trip back to the Universal lot. Jim had invited them back to the house but Dennis begged off, he thought Ted had experienced enough for one day.

The offices of Barker, Talbot and Prinne were frugal, in a royal sort of way. They enjoyed a second floor suite in an old office building, and yet the furnishings were clean and modern. One of the oldest law firms in the state, they had represented Betty Compton since her career began.

Arthur Talbot headed the meeting that included Macy, several cousins, Jim Curry and several suits that neither Ted nor Dennis knew. Those three men turned out to be the leading members of Betty's foundation and Ted thought they might be concerned about their future.

Arthur sat them all down with offers of coffee or tea, which everyone declined.

"So, then let's get down to business," Arthur said. His demeanor and appearance spoke of many years in the law profession, and Dennis guessed he had known Betty for decades.

"The last will and testament of Betty Compton is an unusual document in that she had not changed a word of it in years until last month. She wanted to make sure the Foundation would be perpetuated, and with the trust it certainly will for decades to come."

The three suits looked relieved and nodded. "The oversight of the fund has been left in my hands," Arthur said. "Nothing in that regard will change."

Arthur looked at Macy and her two brothers. "The house and the property in Santa Barbara have been left to Macy Tremont. I have here a list of the particulars in that bequest. Macy and her brothers are each granted a sum of money which is disclosed in these envelopes. For privacy I will not read out the amounts, you may tell one another if you wish."

Now Arthur smiled. "To Jim Curry, my 'Darling Jimmy' Betty calls him. To Mr. Curry she has left her memorabilia collection which is listed in this ten page document. I warn you, Mr. Curry, there are thousands of items here. It seems Betty was an avid collector going back eighty years, you may need a large truck to move them."

Jim grinned. The perfect bequest, Ted thought. Jim sure didn't need money but he may have to build another addition to his house. And then Arthur turned his attention to Ted and Dennis.

"You young gentlemen are the reason Betty made those changes last month, and I heartily approve of what she has done." Arthur waved and his assistant carried a large box over to the conference table. The top was folded back and Arthur placed a golden box on the table in front of Ted. A second box was produced, only this one was of dark polished wood. It was placed in front of Dennis.

Arthur sat back down with a smile. "I don't think Betty just reached in her closet and grabbed the first thing she encountered, these are thoughtful bequests, and the documentation proves that. You will each find an envelope inside your box that explains everything."

"Perhaps you would like to open them in private, it's your choice. It is now my duty to have each of you sign a receipt and then this proceeding will be at an end. May the Lord bless and keep an eye on Betty Compton up there in heaven. He better, otherwise she might just take over."

Everyone chuckled and the meeting broke up. Ted carried his box which seemed light as a feather, while Dennis thought his had some weight. They stood before the elevator doors and Jim put a hand on Ted's shoulder.

"I know what you have there," Jim said. "I would advise getting yourselves a safety deposit box, but that will be your choice. I'll see you guys on Monday, we have a film to make."

Now Ted was totally intrigued because in so many words Jim had said the contents were extremely valuable. He couldn't wait to get home to open it. Dennis held his wooden box cradled in his arms.

"Is that thing heavy?" Ted asked.

"Yeah, but it rattles a bit so I don't want to shake it," Dennis said.

They drove back to the condo and set the boxes on the kitchen table.

"Who goes first?" Dennis asked.

Ted fingered the latch on his golden box and lifted the lid. "Sorry, I just have to know right now."

The envelope lay on top of a velvet bag, but Ted put it aside and pulled open the drawstrings to look inside.

"Oh My God...look at this," He said. "I know what these are."

He pulled the bag away to reveal a pair of red shoes which he gingerly set down on the table.

"The shoes, from the movie," Dennis said. "They must be really valuable."

Ted sat quietly staring down at the shoes and slowly he smiled. "This is a sign from Betty, my first bit of Hollywood memorabilia. This is my encouragement to go on. What a dear, dear lady."

The letter and the certificate inside the envelope revealed just what Ted suspected. The certificate stated the provenance of the shoes. It was signed by Betty and notarized by Arthur Talbot. The letter said a lot more:

"Dear Ted...sweetheart. I know you will miss me, but try to think of me as just off playing another role for the grandest audience of them all. I have watched you from near and far, and found joy in your success, that's why I think these shoes will mean a lot to you.

"Besides being quite valuable, they were appraised two years ago for close to half a million, I hope they serve to inspire your creative talents. I have spent most of my life encouraging the young and talented professionals in our industry. You are certainly one of them.

"Perhaps one day you will write, or produce, or direct a grand film for the silver screen. Think of me, for perhaps I shall be watching over your shoulder, if such a thing can be done. I valued your friendship and your love, and so does someone else. Together you will change the way this town makes films and I hope you do it soon.

"I send you my love, and know you will always remember me as your dear friend." And it was signed "Betty."

Ted was crying as he finished reading, but they were happy tears. Betty had given him her shoes and her love; there was nothing else he would rather have. Dennis sat across the table and took the letter from Ted's hand to read.

"Now open yours," Ted said.

Dennis smiled. "I'm almost afraid to know what she left me."

Dennis slid open the latch and saw his box was filled with little gray velvet bags, and the envelope was on top. He handed Ted the envelope and opened one of the bags. Two silver rings slid out into his hand, both of them encrusted with diamonds.

He was puzzled, what had Betty given him? Ted was reading the letter as Dennis opened other bags revealing a diamond necklace, pearls and even more rings.

"This has to be costume jewelry that she wore in the movies," Dennis said, and then he looked up at the shock on Ted's face. "Ted?"

"Uh...Oh My God, this is all real," Ted said.

"What! It can't be...this is like a fortune."

Ted handed over the letter and picked up one of the rings. Dennis looked down at Betty's handwriting:

"Dear Dennis...sweet and caring Dennis. I knew from the moment we first met all those years ago in Lake Tahoe that you would understand me so very well. Remember, I said you may get to be a star but you will never own the glitter. Well now you do own it.

"Over the many years, from one husband to the next, I accumulated so many wonderful things. My favorites were the people like you, and not the trinkets you will find in this box. If you recall I never wore jewels except in the films, and so everything given to me was placed in this box and set aside.

"I want you to have these things made of precious metal and very real diamonds, pearls and other precious stones. I would guess they are my trappings of royalty within the Hollywood set, but I had no use for them, and perhaps you will.

"I did have them appraised, and you will find that list on file with Arthur Talbot. All of these baubles are worth in the neighborhood of four million dollars. If you decide to cash them in I would recommend an auction with my name on it. That could possibly bring you much more.

"I know this is a shock, but here's my reasoning. One day I expect you will finish school and perhaps wish to open your own production facility just like Jim has done. This will get you on the road to success and provide the seed with which your business may grow.

"I am so very happy we met, and that you have such wonderful love in your heart, for Ted and this old lady. We have had wonderful times together, enjoyed a prank or two and spent hours in fruitful conversation, what more could I ask of our friendship?

"So think of me from time to time, perhaps as the snow falls in Tahoe. I will always be there in spirit to hold your hand or kiss your cheek. My good-byes to you both and I wish you a wonderful and productive life together. Much love...Betty"

Dennis looked up with tears in his eyes and saw Ted with a dozen rings on his fingers and a silver tiara on his head. It was funny and he had to laugh through the tears as Ted grinned.

"Now I have a rich husband," Ted said.

"This isn't mine, it's ours," Dennis said. "This is crazy, no one will believe it."

"Are you going to tell your parents?" Ted asked.

"Oh hell no, well, at least not right away. We need a safety deposit box and I need to talk to Arthur. Wealthy people have to pay taxes, and I sure don't know what to do about that."

Monday morning and Barry sat down with the production team to iron out the shooting schedule. Mickey didn't even bother to attend these things anymore, he sent Jillian instead. Barry had become the trusted assistant, the schedule was his headache and by virtue of the job he held, Ted's as well.

The week off had produced a damming effect, or damning effect as Barry thought of it. Things had been tight before taking the time off, now they seemed impossible. Today they would begin filming with Jim and a classroom full of kids.

The meeting broke up quickly and the shuttle left for the school building. Ted counted heads and informed Barry that everyone was there. Mickey said it was a go and the assistants herded everyone onto the set.

Jim sat on the front of the teacher's desk and chatted with the kids in the classroom as Mickey had a final discussion with Bob and the camera crew. Steve, Beverly and the other three boys had taken their places and the scene was ready to roll.

"Marker," One of the sound assistants said, and snapped the slate shut.

"Rolling," Bob said.

"Okay...action," Mickey called out.

Arthur Doyle paced up and down in front of the blank whiteboard. Ted could see Jim was already deep into his character when he suddenly turned and glared at the class.

"Science gives us detailed lessons about the past and only a tiny glimpse of the future. We can study life all the way back to the dinosaurs and learn a great deal about how they lived and died. Can anyone tell me how studying the past will help us predict the future?"

A girl in the third row raised her hand. "History repeats itself, does that hold true for science?"

Doyle looked intrigued. "Perhaps. We still have vestiges of dinosaur DNA in creatures that are alive today. The alligator is a perfect example. But will they revert to the huge lumbering beasts of yesteryear? I seriously doubt it. Those creatures are gone for a reason. Their ancestors changed to survive, they adapted and they're still changing...we're all changing."

Doyle turned his back on the class and ran a hand across his face. He turned back with a different expression. His eyes were narrow slits, his mouth turned down in a scowl.

"We're told it isn't in the plans...you know...the plans that created the universe." Doyle slid a hand up his flank and held a fist up next to his face, one finger pointed upwards. "It's something we're not allowed to speak about..."

Doyle whipped back around and placed a hand on the board, leaning forward as if he was going to be sick. His head came up and a tremble went through his body.

The cameras picked up the concerned looks of the students. Steve sat with his mouth open, what he had seen was disturbing. But before anyone could react the bell rang ending the class. Doyle whipped back around as the students began to rise.

"Chapter Six...read it, learn it...and come prepared for a quiz tomorrow."

There were groans around the room and the students filed out into the hallway. Doyle slunk after the last student and slammed the door shut, throwing himself against the wall, arms splayed out. His eyes drifted to the ceiling.

"Oh, please...It's what they believe and it's killing science." He growled and bared his teeth at the camera.

"Cut," Mickey yelled.

Jim straightened up and loosened his tie. Mickey walked over with a smile.

"You do crazy very well," He said.

Jim shrugged. "I have lots of practice."

"Scene three up next, people. Props, the lab setup if you please." Barry wandered out of the classroom set and could be heard yelling in the hallway. "Fifteen minutes, people...don't wander far."

They were stuck here and committed to a four hour filming session before the afternoon break. Ted wasn't buried in paper anymore; he now had the entire script in a personal iPad. A few flicks of the pen and he had the full schedule up on the screen. After the lab was the cafeteria scene, followed by the meeting of the Chips Club in the computer room.

He could skip the lab scene since there was little dialogue in that scene. Jim had given them an inkling of his Arty D character, and the lab was more of the same with Jim lurking in and out of the room. Ted wandered down the hall to the cafeteria.

The place smelled of food being prepared by the prop crew and the caterer. Ted had eaten little breakfast. Jillian was sitting in the corner with a cup of herbal tea and a bag of microwave popcorn. Ted looked around and saw the caterer had set up a snack table in the corner for the crew so he walked over to help himself.

The ceiling of the room had been removed and replaced with a grid that supported the needs of the gaffers who had suspended their lighting instruments all over the place. Two-thirds of the room was blocked off with a long curving green backdrop.

Jillian smiled as he sat down at the table. "Good Morning," She said. "Did you enjoy your week off?"

Did he enjoy the funeral and the events that followed? No, but Ted knew Jillian wouldn't understand.

"I went to the funeral. Betty was a friend of mine," Ted said.

Jillian frowned. "Oh, I didn't mean that to sound...no, I'm sorry you lost a friend. I know she was very close to Jim. I just hope he can get past this."

Ted nodded. "You should have seen the classroom scene they just did. Jim is back one hundred percent. They'll be shooting in here within the hour."

Even as he said that the camera crew was moving equipment through the door. They were about to do the 'I want cake' scene. This would be a moment when Beverly confronts Doyle about his attitude towards the geeks in school. It was also going to be the first opportunity to use some of the CG effects that would be needed throughout the film.

Doyle and the five students would be shot throughout the scene in an empty cafeteria surrounded with the green screen and the special effects people would fill in the background. It had to be done this way for Mickey to get the effect of isolating the main characters. Ted understood what Mickey had decided to do, but he had never seen it done before.

Dennis had spent the morning with Mark Coglin, the designer. The construction crews were putting the final touches on the computer lab to be used in the filming later that day. Three rows of computer stations had been set up and the final wiring was in place. Much of the cabling ran in exact, well dressed rows down the wall to the master station where a teacher was able to monitor what the students were doing.

All twenty-four units in the room were connected to this main server administered by the school, which was an important point. There was room left for the cameras and especially a good objective view of the cables. The scene they were going to shoot would involve close-up views of the students sitting at the desks interspersed with views of the cables along the wall and then the master station. The raw film would be given to the special effects guys to add their magic.

Coglin was pointing at the cables and speaking to Ed, one of Bob's assistant cameramen. To Dennis it was moments like these that he found so boring. He spent a lot of time standing in corners watching, and yet he understood how the support crews were working to feed Mickey the setups he needed to complete a shot. Directors needed to know how to ask for these things.

Perhaps it would be easier to pay attention if Betty had not given him four million dollars worth of jewelry. Ted had driven them to California National this morning on the way to work, and they were the first customers through the door. A large safety deposit box would cost a tiny fraction of the wealth that lay within. But the sense of security Dennis felt as they placed both boxes in the drawer was overwhelming.

Four million, what an outrageous sum. Dennis would find it hard to pretend that it didn't exist and yet he had to until the time came to use it. He needed advice and would have to call Arthur during the lunch break. If Betty trusted the man's advice he would as well. But his checking account only had eight hundred dollars in it. Would that be enough to pay a lawyer's fees?

Betty had been right, that was enough money to go into the business if they were careful. She had paved the way for his future...and Ted's. But no one would take them seriously until they had the education. Following Mark Coglin around, or Jim, or Bob, was certainly a learning experience, but it wasn't much of an education.

No, the plan had been UCLA from the beginning. Dennis didn't worry about the academic requirements; it was only a matter of time. He was beginning to see time as the enemy and standing here now seemed like a great waste of it.

"I'm here, you lucky people." Jim Curry's voice echoed around the room and the crews smiled. Goodness, what a change, Dennis thought. Jim had looked radiant this morning when he arrived. That emotional state seemed to have magnified itself. Jim stood in the doorway of the computer lab with his arms stretched over his head, his face going through all sorts of contortions. The funny man was back.

"Uh...Jim," Barry said. "You're not in this scene."

"I'm not in this scene," Jim repeated, and then he laughed. "So much for stardom." He turned on his heel and made a grand exit. Dennis could hear him laughing at something out in the hallway. Barry gave Dennis a glance and a shrug. They both knew something was up. Dennis was the only one with nothing to do, so he followed Jim out the door.

He was only down the hall playing with the water fountain. One of his silly character moments from the past had been played out with just such a setup. It seems Jim was intent on reliving the moment, and then he spied Dennis.

"Dennis, how's it going?"

"Just fine...you seem happy."

Jim looked up and down the hall. They were alone for the moment. "Keep a secret?" Jim asked.

Uh oh, here we go again, Dennis thought. "Sure...I seem to be doing a lot of that lately."

"If the tabloids get hold of this...no, you won't tell. Susan and I are getting married again," Jim said.

Dennis smiled. "Congratulations, I know your kids will be happy to see that."

"They certainly will. Okay, I showed them the print of Partial Payment on Saturday night. I couldn't hold it back any longer because the girls were begging to see it. Susan loved it, I kid you not. I was expecting to get all sorts of negative vibes from her but she liked the changes we made.

"I was honest and told her the teenage love angle just didn't pan out. She agreed that changing the focus to Libby was the right thing to do. It won't go into general release...I think we both realize it just isn't good enough. I've offered it to Disney and they're going straight to DVD with it. We'll make our money back...eventually, but that's a load off my mind and then Susan said our family needs to get back together."

Dennis laughed. "Good, I was about to ask you for some of those happy pills, but this explains your mood."

"Something got you down?" Jim asked.

"Do you know what that crazy old lady did for me...and Ted?"

"The shoes...no, your box, but I have no idea what was in that one."

"My turn to reveal secrets," Dennis said. "She left me all her jewelry, millions of dollars worth. Said it will put me in business one day, after I finish school."

Jim smiled. "Yeah, that sounds like her. So you would be the competition."

"Oh no, don't start thinking like that," Dennis said. "That's years away..."

"I have a better idea," Jim said. "In five years you will have ten times the experience you have now, and that will be worth something. We could be partners...think about it."

Dennis was too stunned to answer. His mind was already overloaded with issues, and now Jim had dropped this bomb. Yeah, he was a funny guy...sometimes.