Disclaimer: Harry Potter and his world belong to J. K. Rowling. In this story, Harry Potter is very old, and is known as 'The Great Wizard.' His name is Bellamy.

Chapter 27:

"I'm honoured," said Valencio, as he was introduced to Hermann Schuster, who would direct the movie.

Schuster almost sneered at the unknown. Of course he was honoured. He should be honoured.

Laurie introduced Valencio to Sylvie then, and he remarked, "You were present when I did the last commercial."

Sylvie replied, "That's right, Vince. I came to see you when Laurie suggested you for the part." There was the slightest emphasis on Vince, and Valencio knew, not only that she knew, but that she had not shared her knowledge, which was a relief.

Laurie Klein crossed his fingers. Schuster had a reputation for being impatient, sometimes rude and arrogant. The scenes were to be filmed, so there were cameramen as well, and the manager of the studio, falling over himself in pleasure at having Hermann Schuster visiting his studio.

Sylvie asked, "You've read the script?"

Valencio nodded.

"And you know the scenes I've asked for?"

Valencio nodded again, and said, "I'd like to do an extra one as well. Mary and Gary are here to help, just say the lines of the others involved."

Schuster said abruptly, "We're short of time."

Valencio said, "This could be a great movie. Not an ordinary movie. But it needs the right actors, and the right director. It's up to you, but offhand I can't think of another actor with the looks to do the part."

Schuster nodded gruffly, and ordered, "Get on with it then."

Valencio had the script in his hand, but didn't need it. He only specified the scene, paused a moment, and started. From the first sentence, Schuster took notice. This was no amateur. The second scene was completely different, and Valencio conveyed the initial surprise, and beginning realisation, as he looked at death. He finished, saying briefly, "Then he dies."

He looked up at Mary and Gary, and they rose, scripts in hand. There was no need for them to memorise. The audition was just for himself. Schuster watched closely, as did Sylvie. Her part would be finished once the movie was cast.

Valencio slipped off his shirt, and stated, "The first death, and he's nude, or nearly nude. The script was not clear on that part."

He nodded at Mary, who said, "Poor young man. No-one knows who he is, or where he's from..."

Gary cast a bare glance at the blindingly good-looking man who stared into space, his face vacant. He said the line, "Just some escapee from an institution. I don't know why you bother being nice to him. He doesn't know the difference."

Mary said softly, "He knows. Just because he doesn't appear to acknowledge us... He knows."

Gary said, "You're a fool." His voice was stilted. He took a step forward. "A tempting fool, but a fool," and he reached out to fondle, awkwardly.

Valencio just stood, unmoving, apparently unfeeling. Mary objected, vehemently, and Gary gave a very artificial laugh, and read, "No-one's here, and no-one will believe you. The idiot is scarcely about to testify!" He laughed again. "I'm the manager here, my father owns the place. You do what I want, or you lose your job."

He pulled her close, and started to fondle. Mary looked away, and stood still. The audience's eyes were drawn back to Valencio. Muscles were beginning to stand out on his body, and he slowly turned his head towards Gary, even beginning to tremble. The vacant expression was replaced by an expression of utmost malevolence, and he radiated tension, his eyes narrowed, focused on Gary.

Mary said, "Now, Gary."

Gary fell gently to the floor, taking care of his lame leg, put himself in a comfortable position, and lay still.

Mary stared at him, and then switched her gaze to Valencio, who stood relaxed, his face vacant again. She knelt, and lifted Gary's wrist. "Dead," she said, and stared back at the unmoving and mindless man.

Valencio said quietly, "Scene ends."

He looked at Schuster. "Well?"

"There is a lot of nudity. Do you have any objection to nude scenes?"

Valencio shook his head, but added, "I'm a bit sensitive about men wanting to fondle. Any doing that are likely to end up unconscious on the floor."

Schuster laughed. The warning was very clear. He asked the set manager, "Can we close down the area. I need to see him nude."

Valencio started to take off shoes and socks, and when instructed, slipped off jeans and underwear. Mary and Gary were still present, Mary unmoved, Gary staring everywhere but at the naked man, his face bright red.

Schuster walked around Valencio, his eyes half closed, assessing. "Little hair, luckily, no need to wax."

"Wax?" asked Valencio, puzzled.

"I expected that the actor doing this would need to be hairless, but what you have is fine."

"That's good," said Valencio, still wondering what on earth waxing was.

"What you will need to do is tan below the waist, or reduce the tan on torso. Even it up a bit. You must not have lines where socks have been, or noticeably pale buttocks."

"So I get the part?"

"Of course. You knew you would."

Valencio asked, "Who's the hero?"

"Jean-Pierre Dequienne, but he's not available until after Christmas."

"Tan marks are scarcely likely to be a problem by Christmas."

Schuster put out a hand, shook Valencio's hand, and said, "Welcome back."

Valencio opened his mouth, and shut it again. Surely Schuster hadn't recognised him as well. He looked at Sylvie, but she shook her head. She hadn't said anything.

Schuster said casually, "Sylvie will fix it all with your agent. Get the tan marks fixed up, study the script, and we'll be in touch closer to the date."

Valencio nodded, and Schuster said, a little abruptly, "Will you accept direction, Vince?"

Valencio replied, "I will accept direction, but would appreciate the chance to make suggestions when appropriate."

Schuster smiled, "The way you played that last scene was effective, and would be more effective with skilled camera work that put you into very clear focus." And he said, conveying his own excitement, "We'll get awards for this film, see if we don't."

Valencio agreed. With Schuster, with Dequienne, with himself, he reckoned that they'd get awards. He reached for his clothes. A cameraman quickly turned away. He didn't want to end up unconscious on the floor.

In the car going home, Valencio asked, "What's waxing?"

Gary looked at Mary, who shrugged. She didn't know. Gary explained, "Hair removal. Women do it, sometimes men, bodybuilders, for instance. As I understand it, a layer of hot wax is smeared onto the skin, allowed to firm up, and then yanked off, probably to the accompaniment of screams of pain."

"Well, I'm very glad I don't have to do that!"

Mary said, "You're going to do it then?"

Valencio smiled, "I can't wait!"

Mary said casually, "Laurie said I acted very well, and he wants to put me on the books."

"Not me," Gary said, laughing. "He said he'd never seen such a gentle dropping dead."

Valencio asked, "What do you think, Mary? It's terrific money, even just the commercials, as I've been doing."

Mary said uncertainly, "It would be a challenge."

Gary said forcefully, "As long as you don't flaunt your body to the world."

Valencio asked, "Is that what I was doing?"

Gary said tersely, "I wasn't talking about you, Vince. But Mary's my wife."

Gary was driving, Valencio in the back seat. After a moment, he said, "It may not come to fruition of course. Best if the visitors don't know."

xdividerx

The next report to Narzu-Han, in October, mentioned that John Bellamy had been there, stayed a few hours, and left. It's the custom of Vince to join the visitors for breakfast, and mention expected activities, from feeding stock, to going to a nearby sheep show with his neighbour, or taking in a car for repair. Almost always, he winds up with a few visitors who like to do what he does, mostly men, occasionally women. He's very popular, and appears happy in his work.

Narzu-Han smiled. He was glad his boy was happy. Farm work, and he could be as dirty as he wanted. Narzu-Han stared into the distance, remembering him dreaming one day as Yiko stroked. It was the day he'd been upset because Yiko said that he had to have the Hinda-Dreay spell done every day. He'd thought that he wanted to be hairy. Narzu-Han smiled fondly, very, very hairy. He had a poster now, that someone had found in a medj shop, Valencio posed with a real cutlass, sitting casually on a big black horse. There were a few hairs on his chest, but he certainly wasn't very, very hairy. He was still beautiful. What was he now? In his thirties? If things had been different, Narzu-Han thought he would still have been using him.

Would he have still needed the Brieke-tei? He supposed he should have known. If Valencio had truly been willing, he would never have needed the Brieke-tei. Yet he'd always become so excited. Narzu-Han left early that day, in company with Feena. He hadn't had a boy, or a man, since Valencio. It was not that Valencio was male. Just that he was special.

As Narzu-Han joined Feena in bed, Valencio lay prone, and wished it was easier to read in this position. He was carefully covered with towels, except for naked bottom, exposed to a sun lamp. Tasha grinned at him, and said, "Everything costs."

Valencio grumbled, "It's even difficult to see the TV, not that there's anything worth watching!"

"Mary's ad..."

"We've seen it three times already!"

Tasha said, "Another ten minutes, but maybe we won't need to do it again."

"I hope not. From now on, I'll be covered, top to toe, whenever I step outside!"

Tasha sat beside her restless husband, and stroked his hair. She said, "The Mongol hordes looked good at Duich show."

"Six of them. I was surprised so many wanted to be in it!"

"Another cup for Gloria and Madigan."

"Madigan still jumped the fence and galloped straight to John when he came."

"He's still the real boss, in Madigan's eyes."

There was a knock at the door, and Shona sat up expectantly. Tasha opened it, turned and said to Valencio, "It's Gloria. Let her in?"

"If she promises not to laugh!"

Tasha grinned and opened the door. Gloria looked at Valencio, and laughed.

Valencio laughed as well, and said, "Well, you've seen me in worse circumstances."

Gloria shook her head, "Not recently!"

"Last week, when I broke an ankle."

"The healer was discreet."

"Better than plaster!"

Valencio asked Tasha, "How much longer?"

"Still three minutes, and just four minutes on your back."

Valencio sighed, and lay down his head. Gloria sat beside him, stroked his head, and said, "Young Kane's coming back, Carol told me. He wants to know if Vince wants him to help with shearing or anything."

"I daresay there'll be something. There always is."

Gloria's eyes roamed, and she said, "I've rarely seen you look so ridiculous."

"I wonder how the visitors will react after I'm in that movie."

"They'll love it, probably." Curiously, she asked, "Why do you have to be on your back?"

"Full frontal nudity, and a white penis looks just a touch silly."

Gloria laughed, "I've always thought a man looks slightly ridiculous nude, in any case."

Valencio was casual, "They'll probably soft focus or something. Schuster won't want an adults only rating, and full frontal in America still rates that."

Tasha finally switched off the lamp and instructed him to turn over, rearranged towels, and switched on the lamp again. Valencio said to Gloria, "Aren't you supposed to be engaged? You don't have to be quite so interested!"

"Pete and I are not engaged, just very good friends."

Tasha asked, "Are you planning on ever marrying?"

Gloria shook her head, "I like it too much here. I love what I'm doing, and the men who've proposed all seem to think I should move to their place."

"There's your pets, too," commented Tasha. "Mary and Gary have promised to look after ours."

"You don't mind Honey being used by visitors?"

"No, she's better ridden regularly."

Gloria asked, "It's all still on track then?"

"Filming starts 14th November, earlier than expected, a two week break for Christmas, and we'll come back here, then resume in January. The contract's signed now, and we're right to go."

"Wasn't there a hitch with the contract?"

Valencio said, "I crossed out all the bit about being available for publicity. They conceded in the end, and they're going to say I'm just a mystery man."

"Frightened of interviews?"

"That's right. I prefer to follow John's simple rule - no interviews, no autographs."

Tasha said, "I was worried you'd lose the job when you refused their demands."

"They wouldn't be able to find a satisfactory replacement, and they know it. They had no choice."

Tasha switched off the lamp, and said, "Can't risk sunburn."

Valencio sat up, and swung his legs over the side of the narrow table he'd been lying on. Gloria said, "You're still beautiful."

"It's why I'm the son of Satan. The idea is that Satan couldn't sire a man who looks just ordinary." Being 'beautiful' had shaped his life. There was no point denying it.

xdividerx

November's report to Narzu-Han stated that Vince McDonald was away on a job, and that Galina had not been able to discover what the job was without arousing suspicion. Feena told him, "They close through the winter months, so we can't book anyone in until March."

"Any alternative?"

"We could get someone in to the nearby town. He's well known there."

Narzu-Han nodded. "I'd appreciate that."

Schuster liked to film, as much as possible, in chronological order of the story, unlike most directors who filmed to reduce costs. Schuster had the theory that it made it easier for the actors to build up intensity when the story unfolded in logical order, even if overall costs were increased. So just days after Tasha and Valencio set up in their small apartment in Hollywood, where most of the filming would take place, they travelled together to a small Western town, and were housed in a hotel, now fully occupied with actors and film crew. They were both enjoying themselves, making friends easily, finding the local pub, and the actors and crew settling into work.

It was not always pleasant. The 'birth' from the egg, was preceded by Valencio's naked body being thoroughly smeared with a shiny, clear grease, and then it was difficult not to get dirt all over him. He then had to walk, still naked, along the highway and through the town, as people peeped from behind curtains, and hurried to get out of his way.

One scene had to be retaken, to Schuster's fury, when one of the local preachers tried to grab Valencio by the shoulder, telling him he was sinful. Valencio thought it could easily be incorporated, and just walked on, face blank. But then he was tripped, and swore. Yet another shower, and yet another coating of that ghastly grease.

Schuster thought that the reactions of ordinary people to the unexpected sight could never be duplicated, and the cost of possible fines for indecent exposure was budgeted for. So the cameras kept rolling, as people averted their eyes, and turned away, as others peeped, fascinated, children gaped, and were hurried away by their mothers.

Even when a few local lads egged each other on, and surrounded him, Valencio just walked on, as if unseeing. Only when one blocked his way and tried to grab genitals, did he suddenly lash out, fell the man, and walk on, face still blank. Schuster thought it was brilliant. Valencio was pleased. Knocking down the young lout demonstrated to a few of the crew that he could be formidable, and was not to be touched.

There was talk of a charge of assault, but Schuster simply offered both the local sheriff, and the young men, paid parts, which turned them instant allies. Who didn't want to be in a Hollywood movie?

The female lead arrived then, as her part would commence shortly, followed by Dequienne, the hero. They were to persuade the strange man to accompany them to their institution, and the woman, character name Katherine, was to become his fierce defender.

After two weeks on location, they returned to Hollywood, and work became routine. Jean-Pierre looked at Valencio with speculation, but didn't come close to guessing at his history. Valencio was working hard. He was in nearly every scene, and was involved every day. Tasha, on the other hand, was beginning to feel lonely and disillusioned. She amused herself shopping, sometimes watched, but was not involved, and while those directly involved in the film were friendly enough, others were not.

They returned home just before Christmas, finding that several of those who'd left, were also there for Christmas. Bridget and Nikola, almost the first to leave home, were both married, and seemed like different people, their home now in Paris. Like other married ones, they visited for a few days, and then returned to their husbands.

Valencio felt wealthy, and made a gift to Loch Lomand - heavy drapes for the whole of the South Wing Gallery. It was not only a matter of appearance, but the curtained windows would reduce the heating bill when visitors were there. While there were no visitors, the whole wing was left unheated.

Narzu-Han's December report reassured him that his boy was fine. The Loch Lomand refugees had organised a New Year's ball, inviting the locals, as a thank you for the welcome and help they'd received. Galina quoted one of the workers at the hotel where she was staying, "One called Vince McDonald. Divinely good-looking, and he just radiates life. I'd have him in a moment, no matter what he was once. But his wife's beautiful as well. None of us would have a chance."

Galina, herself, had seen him at the pub, looking happy, and laughing at a couple of the locals, who complained of the cold. "You live in the best place in the world," he'd claimed. "Just a little cold and wet maybe, sometimes."

Feena suggested to Narzu-Han that they could do without January and February reports, as Galina had been too conspicuous in the tiny town for no observable reason. Instead they would book someone into Loch Lomand for a few days early in March. There was an unexpected difficulty. Even though there were places for forty visitors at a time now, they were booked out until June. Loch Lomand holidays had become very popular. Narzu-Han was surprised, and asked why.

Feena said, "Well, the cooking's only adequate, but there are things to do, and the residents convey a little of their own contentment, I think. Vince is not the only one who's fun to be with."

"What did you do when you were there?"

"I went out one day with one called Emma, to a place where there were chairs, tables, and easels under a roof near a waterfall. There were six of us, and we painted." She smiled, "I had a nice time, though I'd never painted in my life before. There were two small ponies she used as packhorses, and most of us walked, but one woman rode a horse called Dragon Breath.'

"What else?"

"I bought some medj outfits at the Bogridge Frock Shop, that's getting a name. Designs by Amreeta, they had, and one of the other guests told me that's a top brand. Amreeta is one of them, though I don't think I ever saw her. Then they had what they termed picnic races. The one in charge of horses said that two of the guests were good enough riders, and could take part, and she gave them both good horses, one a black horse called Sirius, that was very fast indeed. I had to be careful, as Vince was there, riding a big brown horse, so I kept well out of his way. One called Farfalla has a camera, and people are given photographs, afterwards, of anything like that. So both those riders wound up with photographs as they crossed the finishing line."

Narzu-Han said, "You'd best book early from now on, so I can still hear regularly."

Feena wondered again why he was so interested in the young medj. Could Vince be an illegitimate son or something, that missed out on the magic?

Meantime, Tasha and Valencio were back in the Hollywood apartment, Valencio in the routine of acting, and Tasha wandering around, sometimes shopping, occasionally watching, and beginning to be very bored. Valencio was concerned at her discontent, but even if she regretted encouraging him back to Hollywood, he couldn't abandon the film halfway through. He finally suggested that she go home, and he'd just have to put up with her absence. Tasha agreed, "For a couple of weeks, and I'll come back. I'd miss you too much, otherwise."

Valencio said, "I miss home, miss the animals, miss the people, but it's different for me. I love what I'm doing," and he started to talk enthusiastically about Jean-Pierre Dequienne's work. "He's a true professional. He does it differently than I do. I just imagine it, and become it. But he doesn't get as involved, I think, yet conveys exactly what he wants to convey."

"Well, I'll come and see Dean tomorrow with you, then go home, but not for very long."

The film studio complex was large and sprawling. The actors and other workers knew the sitting areas, the bars, the different sets. Valencio had been familiar with it a long time ago, though there were a few changes since then. When there was a break in his work, as others did their parts, he became a regular user of the large indoor swimming pool, heated, as it was still winter. There was a gymnasium, as well, but he complained to Jean-Pierre that he was always having to fend off unwanted advances there.

"Men or women?"

"I don't mind women. They can take a hint. But the bloody men! Ben Bgorn. He thinks he's irresistible, obviously, and seems to think I can't wait to jump into bed with him!"

"Have you told him you're married?"

"He said he was, too. He said it was best if the fans don't know what his true tastes are."

"Probably why he changes wives every few years."

"Well, he's in the middle of a movie as well. If he won't take a hint, we'll both wind up with black eyes, and both Schuster and his director will be livid."

Jean-Pierre laughed, and said, "I know Ben. I'll mention it to him."

Valencio said, relieved, "Would you? I don't really want to have to fight."

Jean-Pierre changed the subject. "Worried about the sex scene?"

"It's a pivotal point of the movie, especially as Schuster's re-slanted it. It has to go right, but I think I can do it."

"Nikole's worried. She says she's seldom even done any nude scenes, let alone full sex."

"I'll promise I won't even connect, and anyway, she gets to wear shorts under the blankets, someone said, and I don't wear anything."

"Do you like her?"

"Of course. She's a nice girl."

"Not tempted?"

Valencio said irritably, "That's the trouble with Hollywood. Everyone seems to be jumping into bed with everyone else. I have my own wife, and don't need anyone else!"

They walked together back to the set, where Jean-Pierre would be working again shortly, though Valencio would not be needed for a little while longer. A closely shepherded group of tourists turned to stare. Jean-Pierre Dequienne, the famous film star, though no-one knew his companion. The tour guide said, "Jean-Pierre Dequienne and Vince McDonald, working on a movie called Son of Satan, director Hermann Schuster. It's expected to be one of the major films of the year."

"Who's the female lead?" asked one of the group.

"Nikole Kristos. She plays a character called Katherine Brownlow"

"The plot?" asked one.

But the tour guide laughingly shook her head, "You'll have to wait for the premiere, I'm afraid."

Meantime, Valencio sat and watched as Nikole and Jean-Pierre played their roles. Jean-Pierre was the psychologist, and beginning to be very concerned that while Pandragon had learned to speak, and often seemed almost normal, people were mysteriously dying around him. The nurse, Katherine, was fiercely defending him, until the psychologist looked at her in suspicion. Was she emotionally involved?

There was another strange death, when a cleaning lady rebuked Pandragon for leaving his clothes on the floor. Again Katherine insisted that it had to be just unfortunate coincidence, and the psychologist started working out just exactly where Pandragon was at the time of each death, and whether there had been anything that the victim had done to disturb him.

The sex scene was a few days later, and Schuster gave careful instructions. He understood how differently his two male stars worked. With most actors, there would be numerous short takes, but to get the most from Vince's intensity, he liked to continue filming. He never seemed to have the slightest difficulty remembering lines. "So Nikole, there's no stop for you to put on shorts and get back under the sheets. But you can wear flesh coloured bikini briefs, if you want."

Nikole nodded nervously, and Schuster emphasized again that it was a very important scene. "Don't stop, Vince. Just continue, no matter what."

Valencio nodded. He wasn't going to embarrass himself by having an erection. Jean-Pierre had given him a hint, and he'd taken the tablet offered. 'Guaranteed,' Jean-Pierre had said. 'No other effects, but no externally observable excitement.'

The pill was totally innocuous, but usually worked as long as the actor believed it would work. Jean-Pierre thought it would work. He knew Vince had brains, yet he seemed sometimes surprisingly naive, even ignorant.

Valencio, from the age of twelve, knew of potions that could create all sorts of strange effects. He didn't question that there might be a pill with the properties stated.

Nikole asked, "How will I know when to die?"

"I'll judge that. You watch me, not Vince, and I'll indicate."

Nikole swallowed, and said, "Alright."

Schuster raised his eyebrows at the head cameraman, who nodded. There were more cameras from more angles than usual. Vince gave him unexpected aces sometimes.

Nikole said, "Can I have a few minutes? I really do want pants."

Schuster nodded, and asked, "Are you ready, Vince?"

Valencio was looking abstracted, going through the scene in his mind, 'Getting ready,' as someone had told him, long ago. He took a moment to answer, and then said, "Ready."

He was wearing the plain clothing of the imaginary institution, and Nikole (or Katherine) would be in ordinary casual clothing. They were in what was supposed to be his room, like a little bedsit, the bed carelessly half-made. The continuity girl was making careful notes, especially on arrangement of sheets and blankets. He went to lean against the wall, and quickly stopped himself. That one wasn't solid enough to be leaned on. Jean-Pierre was present, very interested to watch the vital scene. The set was limited to those directly involved.

Nikole returned, and the scene began, just a normal conversation to begin with, but Valencio's face was taking on a different look, and Katherine was beginning to falter and stammer, and then fell silent, staring hypnotised at Pandragon, who was looking, wanting, wanting desperately.

Katherine whispered, "Essan..."

Pandragon reached out to her, his hand trembling.

Katherine didn't take her eyes off his face as she started to unbutton her blouse, and while he stood stock still, trembling, she stripped to pale beige undies. On film, the outlines could be erased with computer technology.

She started to undress Pandragon then, scarcely taking her eyes from his face. He still showed his intense desire. She removed his shirt, then long pants, faltering as she saw his erection.

Schuster crossed his fingers, hoping she wouldn't stop now. She didn't stop, just peeled down underpants, and touched, just a bare contact, jumping as he quivered.

Valencio cursed to himself, but Schuster had said to continue, no matter what. Watchers scarcely breathed, the woman beautiful, and the man also beautiful, now nude, and fully erect.

Nikole had almost forgotten she was acting. She whispered, her voice shaking, "Come to bed, Essan."

She took a step back, towards the bed. Pandragon was still frozen.

Katherine repeated, "Come to bed, Essan," and Pandragon moved, shakily.

Katherine slipped under the sheet, and held it up for him, inviting.

Pandragon cast a look around, a look of sudden lost confusion, and then the wanting returned, and he joined Katherine. From the movements of the covers, he appeared to penetrate, and Katherine cried out in sudden pain, and then threshed around, it seemed in an attempt to escape, sobbing as he rhythmically thrust.

It appeared to be pain, but could have been passion. Pandragon had her pinned and was oblivious to her pain.

Katherine moved her head still, side to side, eyes slitted, but was watching Schuster, and when Pandragon apparently reached a climax, she took the cue from Schuster, screamed in agony, and subsided, eyes open, mouth still wide, dead.

Pandragon shuddered, and his movements stilled. He breathed deeply, and bent his head over hers. "Katherine," he breathed, "Katherine." He tenderly touched her face, and then stroked a cheek, as if wiping away her tears of pain, and frowned. Slowly, slowly, he raised his body from hers, suddenly looking away, pulling himself out of bed, and casting his eyes around in terror of something...

He looked back at the dead woman, reached out a hand again, and gently, so gently, touched her face. He whispered again, questioning, "Katherine?" The dawning realisation on his face, and he raised his face to the ceiling, and gave a loud cry of uttermost grief and despair.

Essan Pandragon staggered to his feet, bowed his head, went to the wall, and stopped, back to the camera. He was trembling, and had one hand on the wall as if to support himself. He waited for Schuster to say Cut. Quietly, Schuster said, "Still in character, return to Katherine, and do as you think."

Pandragon made no movement for a moment, then took a long shuddering breath, and returned to the body of the girl who had cared for the Son of Satan. He sat on the edge of the bed, and stroked her face again, gently, so gently. His face was ravaged, and ran with tears.

After a long time, he went falteringly to the corner of the room, sat on the floor, knees drawn up, arms around them, and laid down his head on his knees.

Katherine was wishing she hadn't died with her mouth so wide open. Her jaw was aching! At last, Schuster said "Cut."

In a deliberately calm voice, he said, "Nikole, you can change expression, but please stay exactly as you are. Vince, that was good. You will not be needed again today."

Valencio was wrung out. He accepted the dressing gown handed to him.

Jean-Pierre said calmly, "Get dressed now, and we'll go have a swim if you like, Vince. Give us a chance to relax."

Valencio nodded slightly. He was still trembling, and was pale.

There was a silence as the two male actors left. Finally, the head cameraman said, "Bloody Hell!"

Schuster nodded. "I've seldom seen such intensity from an actor."

He walked over to Nikole. "Are you alright? It looked like actual intercourse."

Nikole said, "As promised, he didn't even touch, just a tiny bit once, by accident." She hadn't moved her body to disarrange sheets and blankets. They had to stay exactly as they were for a bit, as more filming was done of the 'corpse.'

The cameraman remarked, "It'll be a shame to edit out the erection. It was an intrinsic part of the beauty of the scene."

Schuster said, "Sorry, Nikole, we can't have a coffee break now. You stay there, and we'll go straight onto the discovery scenes, and the beginning investigation scenes."

"Don't we need Vince?"

"We'll do the ones he's involved in separately. He'll need to settle down." He was hoping that the man would not become upset. He was not experienced, after all, and the pill trick hadn't worked, though he supposed it might have reduced nerves beforehand.

Valencio allowed himself to be guided by Jean-Pierre, who took him to the swimming pool, and sent for some drinks, as Valencio changed to the swimmers he kept in a locker, dived in, and started his rhythmical swim, lapping the pool, unhurried, methodical. Jean-Pierre wished that Vince was inclined to men. He'd been so incredibly beautiful. Like Ben Bgorn, Jean-Pierre liked men. But Vince. His reaction to the sex scene, even more than his marriage, indicated pretty firmly that it was women he was attracted to.

After half an hour, Valencio pulled himself out, sat beside Jean-Pierre, and asked, "Do you try the pill trick with every male actor in that situation?"

"A lot of it is psychological. It usually works."

"How much of a disgrace is it?"

"You don't seem to realise. That was an incredible bit of acting. Even if you climaxed, it's not important. Sometimes happens."

Valencio shook his head. "I didn't climax, but it was close. Had to fix my mind on Katherine being about to die. That helped!"

He accepted the drink he was handed, and said, "Did Schuster say I was finished for the day?"

"He knew you needed time to recover. He's a good director."

Valencio agreed. Schuster was very good.

Jean-Pierre said, "I don't suppose you get a percentage of the profits, being an unknown."

Valencio shook his head, "Good royalties, though. And I don't have to do any publicity at all, and that's good."

"You got away with that?"

Valencio nodded, and said, "Satan's Son. Supposed to be beautiful, like men hardly ever are. I got away with it."

"I doubt if Schuster knew what he was getting."

Valencio looked at him doubtfully. What did that mean? He said, "Will I get us a couple more drinks?"

A messenger came for Jean-Pierre, who was needed. Valencio sat alone at a table near one of the bars, again with a drink. He might have been able to present a reasonably normal face to Jean-Pierre, but he felt emotionally raw, bruised. And he was very much missing Tasha. She'd already been gone nearly a week, and she'd said probably two weeks.

At the set, Jean-Pierre had a quick word with Schuster. Vince should not be left alone. Schuster nodded. He'd seen actors like Vince before, brilliant, but overly sensitive, often temperamental, sometimes frankly unstable. Vince had shown no signs of any of those traits, and yet, if he was Valencio Durano... He called a few names, and ordered, "Keep an eye on Vince. We don't want him upset by having to fend off the Cossack, for instance."

Jean-Pierre said, "Ben, more likely. Pete likes the young ones, as long as they're at least eighteen."

Joe mentioned, "Peter was asking about him the other day..."

"Pete wouldn't hurt him. He's never taken an unwilling man in his life."

"The last one committed suicide, didn't he?"

Jean-Pierre defended, "All he had to do, if he didn't want it, was to say no!"

Valencio bought himself a fifth drink, and sat again. He wore a look of settled gloom. When a plumpish man in his late thirties sat himself close, leaned forward and put a hand on his knee, he swiped it off irritably and snapped, "Get away from me!"

The man withdrew slightly, and said, "Vince McDonald, I assume. My name is Phil Henderson."

He waited for the novice to sit up respectfully. Henderson could make or break careers.

Valencio ignored him, drained his drink, and went back to the bar. Henderson followed him, and put a hand on his bottom, kneading. Valencio turned to him, snarling his fury, and knocked him down, just as the three actors sent by Schuster entered the room.

"Shit!" said one.

Henderson was getting to his feet, and looking vindictive. "That's your career at an end, McDonald. You'll never be in another movie!"

Valencio shrugged indifferently, and turned away.

Henderson wasn't satisfied, and repeated, slowly, "My name is Phil Henderson, and I will ruin you."

Valencio didn't even look at him, "You could only ruin my acting career, and I'm sick of that in any case."

Henderson looked around. There was an audience, and the upstart was making him lose face. Without warning, he grabbed Valencio by the shoulder, spun him around, and punched. Valencio dodged, and the fist just grazed his face. There was an excuse, and he felt like hitting. He punched into the man's ribs, but not hard, and again. Henderson tried to back up, to dodge, but was too slow for the stinging blows.

Valencio started talking, as he continued to hit into the man's soft body. "I am sick of idiot men trying to grope. I am sick of being a target. And I am sick of this whole idiot town. And I am sick of men who like to bully, just because they can!" Henderson fell to the floor, and Valencio turned his back and strode out, only staggering once. He'd had a lot to drink in a short time.

The bar tender respectfully helped Henderson to his feet, as the three minor actors retreated, hoping that Henderson would not ruin their careers as well. Joe said, "Pam, go and tell Schuster. Mark and I'll follow Vince."

Jean-Pierre, other actors, and Nikole were working again when Pam returned. Nikole again wishing that she hadn't 'died' with her mouth so wide open. Schuster had congratulated her warmly for her acting in the sex and death scene, which helped, but her jaw was aching!

The moment the scene ended, and Pam could enter the studio again, she said, "Vince thrashed Phil Henderson."

Schuster swore. He called, "Shooting finished for the day. Continuity, careful notes. Jean-Pierre, Damage control. You and I will go straight to Ernie Schoen, and tell him that without McDonald, the film's a write-off."

Pam grinned at one of her fellow female actors. With her, it had never been more than a pat on the bottom, but she loathed the greasy bully.

Chloe asked, interested, "How badly did he thrash him?"

"Not very. But I heard that Henderson fancies himself as a boxer, probably because no-one's dared to hit back. Vince did, first knocked him down, declared he didn't care if his career was ruined, and when grease-bot grabbed him again, started a series of punches into his gut, but not very hard, I think. Enough to have grease-bot nearly crying!"

Wonderful! thought young Dave, nearby, who would never admit how far he'd gone for a start in his career.

"Is Vince marked?" This was the make-up girl, who might have to try and conceal bruises.

"I don't think he was touched."

There were grins. Phil Henderson had no idea how he was loathed.

Meantime, Valencio was swimming again, soothing himself with the sustained exercise. Joe and Mark sat by the pool, wondering just how much Vince had had to drink. It hadn't been long enough to drink very much, but he'd been staggering. They didn't think that Vince had even noticed their presence.

They talked quietly, and were soon joined by Nikole and Jean-Pierre, who said, "I don't think Henderson's going to have much effect on Vince's career. Schuster said he was brilliant, that this movie will make a fortune, and he wants him in every movie from now on, that has a suitable part." He grinned. "I guess I just have to hope that maybe I'll get an award as Best Supporting Actor."

Nikole said, "I wanted that!"

Jean-Pierre said, "You were brilliant today, as well. You deserve it!"

Nikole pinkened with pleasure. Praise from Jean-Pierre Dequienne! She asked, "What actually upset him to begin with?"

Jean-Pierre said, "Actors like Vince. They live the part. Not like ordinary actors who only act the part. It's why they come across so strong. He was probably not upset so much, just drained."

"Do you think he really wants me?"

"How would I know? All I know is that he absolutely doesn't want a man!"

No-one equalled Jean-Pierre in status, and no-one was game to ask if he'd tried, and how his regular partner would feel if he was replaced. The fans didn't know. It was like a conspiracy, barely ever reported - that many of the male movie stars, the 'heart-throbs,' actually preferred men.

Three more of the actors joined the group, including Dave. Vince had been quite popular before, now he was a hero.

Schuster wasn't there, with Ernie Schoen, the producer, showing him some of the filming done that day. Schoen was silent as the scene unrolled, not yet edited, three cameras showing different views, one above the other. Schoen was accustomed to seeing preliminary film like this. His eyes flicked from one image to the other.

Finally, he turned to Schuster, beaming. "This movie will be the talk of the decade, not just the year."

"I want to make two versions. The version I very much want to make, might not be able to be publicly shown, maybe not ever. But to edit the sex scene too much will reduce the impact enormously."

"Even just editing out the erection will leave us with adult only."

"Could we be satisfied with that?"

"I generally prefer 15+ rating, as you know, but too much would have to be watered down. So yes, one adults only version, and one for private viewing."

Schuster said, "Jean-Pierre promises to look after him tonight, make sure he's not further upset, and can work tomorrow."

"Jean-Pierre?"

"He won't touch him. He says he'll stick around until he's safe in his bed, either by himself, or at least with a woman, not a man."

"Isn't he married?"

"His wife went home for a couple of weeks, I believe. She didn't like Hollywood."

"Maybe you should make sure she likes Hollywood. Give her a part, keep her occupied."

"I'll give it some thought."

Schoen said casually, "There's a quiet rumour going around that he's the missing child actor, Valencio Durano."

Schuster replied, "I checked, but his identity documents are solid. He's Vincent McDonald, of a Greek mother, and Scottish father. British citizen."

"I didn't think it could be true. An unwilling catamite is not likely to turn up twenty years later, happily married."

Schuster was totally convinced that it was Valencio, but hoped that it would not become public knowledge.

Nikole met with a very polite refusal when she made her offer, Valencio explaining that he only wanted his Tasha, no-one else. Nikole smiled at him, liking him more for his refusal that she would if he'd accepted. Valencio added, offhand, "Besides, when someone has sex with you, you die! I find that very off-putting in a woman!"

Nikole grinned. "It's going to be the big mystery of the film - just exactly why the girls die. Pity they have to edit out that you're just a normal man, don't have a stinger or something!"

Valencio laughed, but said, "The post mortem's show no injury, just that a perfectly normal sex act has taken place."

"You don't have to do any more in detail?"

"No, thank goodness. I don't think I could stand it! From now on, all I have to do is put on an expression of desire, the girl gets all woozy and starts stripping. Then straight to the post mortem."

Nikole said, reddening, "Schuster told me that lots of male actors become obviously excited, that they're perfectly accustomed to editing out... bits..."

Valencio was red, as well, and said, "Jean-Pierre gave me a little white pill he said would ensure it didn't happen. I believed him!"

Nikole laughed, "Naive!"

Valencio nodded. "Naive."

"You were very gentlemanly..."

"I tried to be."

Jean-Pierre was keeping an eye on him. He seemed fine now, but he and Dave still walked with him to his flat, saying that he needed chaperoning. Valencio didn't try and stop them. He thought maybe he needed chaperoning, as well.

He had his fingers crossed the following day when he reported for work. Most scenes were routinely performed several times, and the best selected, but there were a few now when Schuster had been satisfied with just one take.

Schuster was matter-of-fact, said that the scene was fine, didn't need repeating, and that there would be a few weeks now when his part would be less demanding. "More so afterwards, when the psychologist decides you have to be put down, and it gets a bit intense when he does so, of course."

Valencio remarked, "If I were really Essan Pandragon, I'd do it myself. It's not possible for him to live, the psychologist makes that clear to him, and he thinks about it a while, lies down and dies."

Schuster grunted. He didn't appreciate suggestions, but Valencio hadn't been pushy, just made a comment. Maybe it was worth thinking about.

Hesitantly, Valencio asked, "Am I in trouble for hitting the fat man?"

Schuster was amused. It was apparent that Vince didn't know who 'the fat man' was. He didn't enlighten him, just said that from what he'd heard over the years, the fat man had had it coming for a long time.

"I'll try not to do it again."

xdividerx

It was the middle of the afternoon, Take 4. Schuster had his fingers crossed. There were nuances here that he wanted to see, and he wasn't certain that Joe had the ability to convey what was needed. Pandragon was sitting on the floor again, in the corner, uncommunicative, back to the cameras, as Joe and Pam had a conversation around him. Cameras were rolling. Valencio suddenly looked around at the closed door, rose and went straight to it. Tasha was there, waiting, as he'd somehow known. He pulled her very close, embracing.

Schuster snapped, "Vince! What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Valencio turned to him, beaming, "Tasha's back!" Then he went bright red, looked at the cameras, and apologised. Schuster shook his head.

Joe asked, "Vince, how did you know she was there, waiting?"

Valencio said again, "Sorry, I forgot for a moment we were working." If you didn't answer a question, it was often not repeated.

Joe shrugged and didn't repeat his question.

Schuster said, "Start again. There'll be a tea-break shortly. No more interruptions!"

Valencio kissed Tasha, who took a seat at the back with a few other watchers, including Jean-Pierre.

Valencio said, "Sorry, Joe, Sorry, Pam," and sat himself back in position, laying down his head, and slumping his shoulders in fatigue and despair, as he smiled to himself. Tasha was back. It was alright, now. He couldn't manage without his Tasha.

As Schuster had promised, Valencio's scenes were not demanding for the next two weeks, and then there were a few weeks when they travelled, as Pandragon tried to elude the police and avoid permanent committal. Tasha was enjoying herself far more, befriended by the crew and actors, feeling honoured when Jean-Pierre sat next to her and engaged her in conversation, and loving it when they travelled. There were even a few days at a beach, still too chilly to swim, though fifty or so actors had to appear in beachwear, regardless.

Pandragon was invited to bed again, hesitated a long time, until the female character taunted, "Are you queer or something?" and reached to touch. It was the first female death after 'Katherine.'

Valencio was looked after. He seldom found himself alone, and no man made unwanted advances. Tasha was happier, and Vince still loved the acting. All the same, he had not rescinded a statement he'd made to Schuster - that he wasn't doing any more movies in Hollywood. He didn't like the environment. Schuster remarked privately to the producer that they'd have to find a fun movie for him next time, give him a few months off, and lure him back with a script he couldn't resist.

And then Schuster looked closely at his shooting schedule, made a few changes, and told Valencio he could have some time off, that he had to be back on the twenty-third March, and reminded sternly, "No tan marks."

Valencio beamed. That was nearly three weeks! Schuster wanted him back, refreshed. There were some demanding scenes as the story came to a climax.

Neither Tasha nor Valencio even considered any other destination than home, even though March tended to be a windy, cold month in Scotland.

They had money now, and instead of arranging to be met at the small airport in Duich, they bought themselves a brand new, bright red car, and drove home in style.

xchapter endsx