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head wrangler will teach you a lot of stuff you don't know yet, including roping cattle, and you'll spend some time on the firing range, working with guns.
    "You'll need some dental work to make you look good in the closeups, and we'll send you to the studio's dentist for that. You'll be rehearsing with other members of the cast, with an acting coach, learning your lines, and you'll spend a couple of hours every day in the gym; we want to strengthen your upper body a bit and put a little more muscle on you for the part. After this film, you can decide how much working out you want to do, but it's important to your career that you be fit. Any questions?"
    "When do I start all this?"
    "Be in the gym at nine tomorrow morning. My secretary will give you a map of our lot, so you can find your way around." Rick reached into a pocket and tossed him a set of keys. "There's the key to your dressing room and a '38 Ford convertible outside in my parking spot; you can use it until the film is over, and after that I'll sell it to you if you like it."
    "Thank you, Rick."
    "Your dressing room will be half a duplex cottage at number 4A G Street. You'll see it on the map. You can sleep there, if you like, and save some money on rent. You'll have a pass for your car that will get you through the gate, but the guards will know you almost immediately. If you need clothes for a special occasion, see Marge in wardrobe, and she'll loan you what you need. Get fitted for a tuxedo today; you're invited to dinner at Eddie Harris's house tomorrow evening at seven. Don't bring a girl; Eddie's wife, Suzanne, will pair you with somebody. Is there anything else you need?"
    "I'm probably going to need a lawyer," Vance said.
    "Hy will recommend somebody, I'm sure. Anything else?"
    "I can't think of anything."
    "Don't hesitate to call me if you do. In the meantime, don't get into any traffic accidents, don't get anybody pregnant and, generally speaking, keep your nose clean. You'll get into the columns soon, but we want it to be at a time of our choosing. One of the publicity people will interview you for a studio bio, and we'll have a lot of still pictures taken. If you need a date for an event, publicity will fix you up with a contract player. Be nice to her."
    "Of course."
    "Your screen test is put up in my screening room next door." Rick handed him an envelope. "Here's your script. Good luck." He stood up, shook the actor's hand and showed him and his agent to the screening room, leaving them there.
    Rick called Eddie Harris and sketched out the deal for him.
    "Fine with me," Eddie said. "Good job, and you keep that kid happy."
    "Don't worry; he's happy, and he's going to stay that way."
    "He's going to be our Clark Gable and our Clete Barrow, all wrapped up in one."
    "He just might be. He'll be at your house for dinner tomorrow night."
    "Good. Did you give him Glenna's car?"
    "Yes."
    "Don't bother to pick out a new one; it's already in the parking lot next to your spot, by way of thanks for her spotting Calder."
    "Thanks Eddie."
    "You heard from Manny, the location maven, yet?"
    "He's probably still in the air. Don't worry; he'll come up with something."
    "I expect so. See you later, kid."
    Rick hung up and turned his attention to the pile of mail on his desk. He went through a few things, then he came to an internal mail envelope, sealed with wax.
    "Now what?" Rick said aloud. He broke the seal and shook out the single sheet of paper onto his desk. It was another photostat of a Communist Party of America card.
    The name on it was that of one Louise Brecht, of a Milwaukee address. Rick sat, frozen, staring at the card. He didn't burn this one.

8

    Rick left his office a little after six and found a brand-new, cream-colored, 1947 Cadillac convertible, waiting for him, or rather for Glenna. That was very generous of Eddie, he thought as he walked around it, admiring its lines. It was a lot bigger than the old '38 Ford, but Glenna would get used to it.
    Rick