"What?" Danny gasped, going still. Joe released Danny's wrists and waited for him to get off of him. Getting back to his feet, Joe continued. "Jeff's body was found," he repeated. "The police think it's the work of a serial killer."
"How do you know?" Paul asked suspiciously.
"I was at the police station last night," confessed Joe. "My fighting, remember?" Danny and Paul gave hesitant nods. "I overheard them talking. They said he had been hurt really bad before he was killed."
"What about Troy?" Paul asked, his face pale.
"I don't know," Joe said. "But, well, if it is a serial killer, then one of you might be next."
"Or you," Danny said.
Joe shook his head. "Not if the killer is only going after the models," he said. "I'm not one anymore."
"Is that why you got into a fight? Because you were afraid you might be next?" Danny asked.
"No," Paul replied for Joe. "Joe said he heard about it at the police station after he was fighting." He looked back to Joe. "Thanks for telling us. It's a sure bet no one else here would mention a word about us being possible targets."
"That's not true," said Frank, coming up behind them. "Mr. Demar sent me over to warn you."
"He did?" Paul asked in surprise. "I guess, maybe, he isn't as bad as I heard he was."
"Come on, let's get over to make-up," Danny said, taking Paul's arm and leading him away.
"You get the feeling they don't like Demar?" Joe asked softly, watching the two walk away.
Frank nodded. "I better get back to make up," Frank said. "See ya," he added. Joe wondered why Frank had left so suddenly but the reason presented itself when a hand clamped down on his shoulder.
"That was a quick trip to developing," Artie said.
"About that," Joe began, giving Artie his most charming smile. "I kind of got side tracked. I'll run it over now."
"Do that," Artie said. "Then head over to make up and tell Paul and Danny that I want them back here at four in the morning."
"Four?" Joe asked. "Isn't that a bit early?"
"Your quitting caused some changes," Artie said. "We have to change settings. We'll meet here at four and be at the beach by dawn."
"Okay," Joe said, taking off to do as instructed.
"Joe, could I have a word with you?" asked Sebastian Demar from the door of his office as Joe passed it on the way to drop off the film.
Joe went inside and Demar closed the door behind him. "Have you seen Frank recently?" he asked Joe.
"Briefly," Joe replied. "But we didn't get to talk. Why?"
"He mentioned something about Beverly being responsible for the sabotage around here," Demar said. "At the time, I assured him that it couldn't be her but the more I thought about it, the more unsure I became." He sat down and put his hands on his desk, frowning. "I think she may have told me she was related to Raven Gilbert so I wouldn't suspect her."
"That is a possibility," Joe agreed. "I am on my way there now to drop off some film," he continued. "Maybe I can find out something while I am there. But I had better run by make up first," he added, remembering what Artie had said. "Artie wants everyone here at four in the morning and I have to let Danny and Paul know before they get gone."
"Your jaw doesn't look too bad," Demar said, looking at Joe speculatively.
"No," agreed Joe. "And my side is feeling better too. It's the rope burn I got last night that would ruin the pictures," he said with a small laugh, holding out his wrists for inspection.
Joe left and headed to make-up. He arrived just as Paul was getting ready to leave. "Oh, good. I'm glad I caught you. Artie wants everyone here by four in the morning. We shoot at the beach at dawn."
"Peachy," grumbled Danny.
"See you then," Paul said, leaving as Danny sat down in the chair to have his make up removed.
Joe left the room, giving Frank a sly grin because he knew from experience that Danny would be complaining until he left for the day, and made his way to Beverly's office. He knocked on the door. No answer. Knowing she couldn't have left already, Joe tried the knob. It turned easily. He went inside, reaching to the side of the wall to find the light. Just as his fingers brushed the switch a wet cloth made its way over his mouth and nose.
Joe reached up and tried to pull the cloth away but the hand holding it in place was too strong. He started for where the body of his attacker would be but he was pulled into the room and an arm clamped around his neck. Seconds later, Joe's head lolled forward onto his attacker's arm as he lost consciousness.