“Consider yourself on probation,” she says.
“That sounds fair,” says Candy.
I nod.
“Thanks.”
Julie says, “Remember that I went out on a limb for you two. All I’m asking is that you consider your actions in the future.”
She’s right. She saved Candy. Okay, now I feel bad.
“I’ll clear things with you in the future.”
“Thank you.”
“What are we going to do about Evermore Creatives?” says Candy.
“We do need to check it out. But I should do some research before we approach them directly. Find out who they are.”
“They peddle B actors and dancing girls to the movies,” I say. “What else do we need to know?”
“Thank you for that succinct description, but I prefer to go in with facts,” says Julie.
“Stark could keep an eye on the place while we go into the background. See who goes in and out,” says Candy.
“That’s something we could do, or you could go with Stark. He keeps an eye on the agency and you keep an eye on him.”
“I’d really rather do computer stuff with you.”
“This is the way it has to be. Stark needs a babysitter and it’s not going to be me.”
“Okay,” says Candy, and gives me a look I don’t want to see again.
“I promise to be good,” I say.
“See that you are. Now both of you get out of here. I have a lot of work to do. I have to give my lawyer a call just to let him know what might be coming.”
Julie turns to her computer in such a way that I know it’s time to leave. I start down the stairs and Candy follows.
Outside, she walks fast, heading away from me. It takes a few steps for me to catch up.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “I didn’t mean for you to get caught up in my shit.”
She stops, looks at me, and puts on her black sunglasses.
“But you did. I’m not ready to sit in a car with you all day. I need to walk for a little while. Follow me in the car. Drive around the block. I don’t care, but don’t talk to me for a while.”
She walks away. I light a cigarette and watch her. I thought today might go something like this, but I didn’t want Candy to end up as collateral damage. I don’t think even finding her brass knuckles right now would get me back in good with her. And she’d punch me if I bought her flowers or something stupid like that. Better just to keep my head down and my mouth shut. I get in the Crown Vic and follow her down Sunset.
She crosses over to my side of the street at Fountain Avenue and gets into the backseat. I look at her through the rearview mirror. If she’s less ang
ry, I can’t see it.
“Don’t talk,” she says. “Just drive.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Shut up.”