Curtain Call

     He smiled and kissed her cheek. He sauntered across the lobby and stepped outside, scanning the pool area for the actor. He spotted him sitting alone at a corner table. He  saw Shane signing an autograph for an adoring female fan in a bikini. Sam waited for the woman to leave, then approached the actor. "Mr. Elliott?"

     Shane looked up from his gin and tonic and rose. "Ah, Mr. Bates. Glad you got my message," he greeted. "Please ... sit down."

     Sam sat down across from him. "What can I do for you?" He reached for a handful of macadamia nuts and popped them into his mouth.

     Shane shifted his weight uncomfortably and swirled his drink. Just from the man''s actions, Sam knew there was something on the actor''s mind. There could be only one answer — an answer he expected would come momentarily.

     The actor sighed and took another drink. "I realize this is last minute, Mr. Bates," he

began, "but I really need your help!"

     Sam ordered a Budweiser from the waitress, Shane a refill. Then Sam nodded. "I see." He reached for more nuts. "What''s the problem?"

     Shane threw down the last of his drink, letting the alcohol slide down his throat, burning his insides. He met Sam''s curious gaze with steely eyes. Slowly, he replied, "Mr. Bates ...I think someone is trying to kill me!"