Helena Goes to Hollywood: A Helena Morris Mystery Read Online Free PDF Page B

didn’t like the direction of this talk.
    “Why’d you drop him?” Jordan focused on reworking my hair.
    “She’s stupid,” Sonia said. “Todd is nice, smart, and hardworking. Boring clothes, but good looking and always getting promoted. We never knew where they’d move next.”
    “Exactly. He kept changing jobs. I got tired of moving around. I told him for years I wanted to settle down so we could start a family but he didn’t listen. I needed the divorce before I really resented him. Men!” I looked up at Jordan. “No offense.”
    He grinned. “None taken—men are a pain in my ass too. How long since you divorced him?”
    “About eight years. I have a degree in teaching I never used in a real school because I would’ve had to move districts every other year, thanks to Todd. That means starting at the bottom in every new district.”
    “You teach martial arts,” Sonia said.
    “True. I still had to start over, gain respect and trust. It never stopped. He moved up and I started over at the bottom.” As much as I loved Todd I couldn’t live my whole life like that.
    “You could’ve had kids and stayed at home,” Sonia shrugged.
    “Now you sound like Mom,” I replied. That’d shut her up. “I didn’t want my kids moving around not having the same friends or school system. Kids need stability. We had that growing up. Look how well we turned out. You’re a big star and still need my help. That’s family. I’ll do anything to keep you safe.”
    Jordan sighed. “Thank the good Lord for that. Sonia’s been a wreck the past week worrying about the stalker, the ex, and the show. Now let me at that makeup.”
    “I’m wearing makeup.” Okay, so my hair was average. A little gel, the right brush, and a blow dryer and I had no issues. I wore the basics of makeup daily.
    “Please, you need actress makeup and hair, not rest of America makeup and hair or you’ll fade into the background. Maybe we’ll find you a sexy stuntman.” Jordan steered me to the vanity and sat me down.
    “Don’t overdo it.” I gave in to the force of Jordan. I was outnumbered.
    “Let him fix your eyes at least. You need some lashes,” Sonia said.
    “Fine, do you have a black bag that’s big enough to fit my gun?” I asked.
    They had their priorities.
    I had mine.

Chapter Five
    O ur limo stopped in front of a massive Bel Air mansion. The pounding bass of music coming from the home could be heard the second the driver opened the door.
    “Are you sure?” I asked Sonia.
    “I have to go, Hel. Everyone will be here. It’s prime time on a big network. We’ve got to create as much buzz as possible for the show.” She stepped out, all smiles as the cameras flashed.
    For a moment I contemplated going out the other door but I’d have to go in the front door by the reporters anyway. The closer I stayed to my sister, the better. I gave her a few feet and then stepped out. Jordan came out behind me and offered his arm, taking us both in.
    Sonia seemed more at ease with a man on her arm even if he was gay. She had always wanted male attention. The flash of cameras and shouting of reporters would help her ego at least.
    “How long will this last?” I asked Jordan as we got inside.
    “All night for the rock stars. Don’t worry, she only has to make an appearance and listen to the band play their song for everyone. A few pictures, give some quick interviews, and she’s done. Nothing major but it helps the show. Sonia has an early call tomorrow so they won’t let her party all night. Let’s get some drinks. You need to learn to enjoy the perks of being a hanger-on.” He steered me through the crowd to the bar.
    “I don’t like being away from Sonia.” I got a Diet Coke with cherries and surveyed the mega-mansion. All the exterior doors were open and the crowd spilled out onto the surrounding grounds. An epic staircase led to a second floor of what I could only assume was more of the same.
    I didn’t need any Hollywood