Lovers and Gamblers Read Online Free PDF Page B

press agents. If you wanted action, call for Bernie. It would cost you, but it would be worth it. Right now he was setting up the public relations side of the Al King tour. And setting it up right. Every city had to roll past like clockwork. No riots. No trouble with the local police. No drugs. No bad publicity.
    He didn’t worry about Al too much. The only thing you had to watch out with him was the women and gambling. But the others on the tour could cause trouble, and by doing so give the whole caboodle a bad name.
    For a start Bernie was doubtful about the three black girls who were to be Al’s backing singers. The Promises. Three beautiful girls – if you liked spades and frankly that wasn’t Bernie’s particular scene. So they sung up a storm, but what about their private lives? One of them married to a drummer who just drew three for dealing. One of them making out with a certain minor mafioso. And the third young enough to be definite jailbait. Three ding-a-lings. Bernie wasn’t happy about having
them
along.
    Then he had also heard talk that Al was planning to bring his son. Well, what was
that
all about? A sex symbol superstar dragging along his teenage son. Bad image. Very bad image. If he did come, he would have to be pushed very much into the background. Like completely out of sight.
    Bernie had big plans for Al in Hollywood. As far as he was concerned, it would be the publicity pinnacle of the whole trip. The stars would be brought out in force to meet the great Al King. There would be parties, receptions, interviews. There was so much to get together before the start of the tour. Everything had to be planned down to the last detail. Nothing could go wrong. Bernie was staking a lot on this tour – he had been offered an incredible deal that would take him out of the publicity business forever and into the heady world of production. If all went off without a hitch Bernie had no doubt the job would be his.
    ‘Hey,’ he yelled into the phone, ‘I want the best. Everywhere we go – the best.’

Chapter Four
    Edna King sat in the kitchen with eyes downcast, trying to shut out the slightly hysterical voice of her sister-in-law.
    ‘It’s bloody disgusting!’ shrieked Melanie. ‘Honestly, Edna, I just don’t know why you stand for it.
I
wouldn’t, I’ll tell you straight.’
    ‘It’s all lies,’ muttered Edna, going over to the fridge, opening it, and staring vacantly inside.
    ‘
You
know that, I know that. But don’t think that everyone who reads it is going to think that. They’ll eat it up. The public loves a bit of juicy gossip. What
are
you looking for?’
    ‘Nothing.’ Edna shut the fridge and came and sat back at the table.
    ‘Anyway,’ continued Melanie, ‘what about Evan? It can’t be much fun for
him
reading all this junk about his father.’
    ‘I’ll hide it from Evan.’
    ‘The boys at school will show him.’
    ‘Oh, Melanie!’ Edna’s eyes filled with despairing tears. ‘What can I do?’
    Melanie smiled triumphantly. ‘You
know
what you can do, I’ve told you enough times. If you
really
want to put a stop to all the gossip and lies, you can go on the tour with Al.’
    ‘But…’
    ‘No buts. I know what you’re going to say. Al likes to travel alone. He worries when you’re along. He likes you in the background. Well, shit, Edna. If you want to put a stop to the gossip you
must
be seen by his side.’
    ‘Maybe you’re right…’
    ‘Of
course
I’m right. And I’ll come too, you won’t be alone. Will you tell Al? Or do you want me to?’
    ‘No.’ Edna jumped up nervously. ‘I’ll mention it.’
    ‘Don’t mention it – tell him.’ Melanie stood up. ‘I’ve got to be off, hairdressing appointment. Now don’t forget, when he gets home tomorrow
tell
him.’
    Edna nodded unsurely.
    Outside the house Melanie climbed into her new white Simca sports car. Edna wouldn’t tell him. Edna was scared shitless of him. If only
she
was married to Al. Oh boy, but