The Extra Read Online Free PDF Page B

help but think of the girl.  More than anything, it was Bridget who drew him back.  He knew he had no chance with her, not in his present condition, but that didn’t matter.   He wanted to see her again.  When Warren reached the studio’s front gate, a line of cars was waiting as a security guard checked the drivers’ identification and then waved them through.  The guard scowled when he saw Warren approaching on foot.
    “I’m here for the movie,” said Warren.
    “Sure you are,” said the guard, having none of it.
    “I was supposed to come back,” Warren continued, plaintively.
    “Said who?” asked the guard, obviously annoyed.
    “I don’t know.  Some guy yesterday told me to come back.”
    “You better move along.”
    Warren stood where he was, looking around in frustration.  He watched as the guard continued to wave cars through. 
    “Look, move it or I’ll call the police.  This is private property,” the guard said.
    “I know I look a little worn out, but… this is just my costume.  I mean my wardrobe.  It’s my wardrobe,” said Warren.
    “Right.  What’s the movie?”
    “I don’t know.”
    “Who’s the director?”
    “I’m not sure.  Some guy with glasses.”
    The guard scoffed in disbelief.  “I’ll bet they told you not to bathe for a week, too.  Is that right?”
    “Kevin!  His name was Kevin.  The guy who told me to come back.  Can’t you call someone?” Warren asked.  He stuck his hands deep in his pockets, determined to stand his ground.  He felt the folded piece of paper he’d shoved in the same pocket the day before.  He pulled out his voucher, took one quick look and handed it over.  “Here, see!?  This is the movie!”
    The guard took the voucher with a skeptical air.  He looked it over, noting the production number and the signature at the bottom.  As much as he hated to admit it, the document was legit.  “Why didn’t you say so earlier?!” said the guard accusingly.  “Stage fifteen.”
    “I know where to go,” Warren replied, snatching the voucher from the guard’s hand.  He folded it up and placed it in his pocket once again.  The guard begrudgingly took one step back and Warren walked on past, doffing his fedora as he went. 
    As he strolled across the lot, Warren passed stages bustling with activity.  He saw a group of dwarves in green Martian suits scuttle through a door to his left.  On his right two crewmen wheeled a giant spotlight across the tarmac.  Ahead of him was a truck with a steel cage strapped to the back.  Inside, a Siberian tiger rested with his chin on his crossed front paws.  Warren came to a halt as he and the cat watched each other.  He considered putting a hand through the bars to give the animal a pat, but then decided against it.  “How much they payin’ you ?” he asked before continuing on his way.
    As he approached Stage 15, Warren’s heart picked up a beat.  Amongst the group of extras he spotted Bridget standing with Charles near a table of donuts, bagels and coffee.  At the far end of the table, a crew member sat handing out daily vouchers to each new arrival.
    “Warren, my man!  You made it!” said Charles, once again in his policeman’s uniform.
    “Hello,” said Warren.  Any anxiety he’d felt faded away when he saw their smiles and a sense of ease passed over him. 
    “I told him you’d be here,” said Bridget flatly.  “He didn’t believe me.”
    “Well, I’m happy to see that I was wrong,” said Charles.  “Grab a new voucher and then get yourself a bagel and some coffee.  It’ll warm you up.”
    When he’d picked up his voucher, Warren wasted no time helping himself to some food.  He took a cup and filled it with steaming black coffee.  “What’s this movie about, anyway?” he asked.
    “Gangland Chicago in the 30’s,” Charles replied.
    “You mean like Al Capone?” said Warren.  “ The Untouchables ?  That sort of thing?”
    “Something like that,”