Chapter 47

47

The applause started even before the final shot of the film cut to black and continued through the entire credit roll. By the end, everyone was on their feet, whooping and cheering in genuine appreciation.

Billy leaned forward and whispered in Peter’s ear, “You were right. The tweaks you made were just what that scene needed.”

“I don’t know. I think maybe—”

“Stop right there,” Ben said. “You’re not touching another frame.”

When the applause showed no signs of stopping, Tessa, Hattie, Adriene, and Billy stood and waved their thanks, then they turned as one to Peter and began clapping, too.

Peter rose to his feet, no longer able to keep the smile from his face. He waved and bowed his head, over and over.

When the adoration finally began to ebb, Constance Mueller stepped to the front of the theater, mic in hand.

“I don’t know about you, but I don’t think we could have found a better film to kick things off!”

The cheers and claps resumed for several seconds.

“I’ve been reliably told the champagne has been chilled and the hors d’oeuvres prepared, so I hope you will all join me as we celebrate this momentous night!”

The party was set up outside in a grassy area that had been transformed into a magical space of sparkling lights and live music worthy of a scene from a movie.

Waiters moved through the crowd carrying trays of appetizers and drinks, while members of a world-renowned circus troupe performed acts of aerobatics on small stages spaced throughout.

Billy had just enough time for a glass of sparkling water before one of the event staff approached him and said, “Mr. Barnett, may I escort you to the meet and greet?”

“Thank you.” Billy caught Stacy’s attention and motioned for her to join him.

The escort led them to a small events room in the Haus der Kulturen der Welt building. At least two dozen people were already inside, among them Stone and Vesna, and Braun and his female companion.

A waiter approached Billy and Stacy and offered them champagne. Billy took one for appearance’s sake only.

Stacy helped herself to one as well but was more than happy to take a sip.

Ben arrived in the company of Constance Mueller. Upon seeing Billy, they walked over.

“I can’t thank you both enough for doing this,” Mueller said. “It’s the kind of thing I want to turn into an essential component of future festivals.”

“Our pleasure,” Ben said. “And who knows? Maybe we’ll discover some production partners.”

Mueller did a head count, then said, “I believe everyone is here. Shall we start?”

“Let’s,” Ben said.

Braun kept his gaze on Barnett as the festival director introduced him and Ben Bacchetti to the room. The two men then spoke for several minutes about the industry and the good and bad of investing in motion pictures.

When they were through, Mueller said, “We’d like to keep this informal, so feel free to approach Ben or Billy with any questions you may have.”

Within moments both Barnett and Bacchetti were surrounded by those wanting to learn more.

Braun, Jillian, and a man and woman nearby seemed to be the only ones to hang back.

When the man caught Braun’s gaze, Braun realized he was the director’s father. Stan? Stewart? He hadn’t been paying close enough attention to remember.

“Don’t have any questions?” the older Barrington asked.

“I have plenty,” Braun said. “But I’d rather ask them of someone who can give me his full attention.”

“If you’d like, you can try asking me. I might not know everything, but I should be able to give you some answers.”

“You work in the film industry?”

Jillian hadn’t mentioned that, but it wasn’t implausible. From the little he knew, the movie business was full of nepotism.

“In a way,” Barrington said. “I’m on the board of directors for Centurion Pictures.”

“Is that so?”

The man held out a hand. “Stone Barrington. You just watched my son’s film.”

They shook. “Felix Braun. So, you’re Peter’s father.”

“I am.”

“Then you already know Mr. Barnett and Mr. Bacchetti.”

“I’ve known Ben since he was born, and Billy since around the time he started working with Ben and Peter. We’re here as moral support.” He glanced at his date. “May I introduce Rita Dane?”

“A pleasure,” Braun said to her. “Are you also in movies?”

She smiled and said in an American accent, “I’m just a friend of the family. I try not to work at all if I can help it. Are you interested in becoming an investor?”

“It’s something I’m considering.”

“If you’d like,” Barrington said, “I can personally introduce you to Ben and Billy.”

“I’d like that very much, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“Not at all.”

Once the other attendees started heading back to the celebration, Stone led Braun over to the two producers.

“Ben, Billy, I’d like you to meet Felix Braun.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Braun,” Bacchetti said.

“Please, call me Felix.”

They shook hands and then Braun did the same with Barnett.

“How can we help you?” Barnett asked.

They spent the next several minutes discussing the ins and outs of the industry, stopping only when Constance Mueller announced it was time to rejoin the party.

“If you’d like to talk more about this, please give me a call,” Barnett said and handed his business card to Braun.

They walked out of the building together. As they neared the festivities, Braun asked Barnett, “I’m curious how one becomes a producer. Did you start off as one?”

Barnett laughed. “Hardly. It was through guns.”

“I’m sorry?”

“I started as a part-time gunsmith, refurbishing prop weapons.”

“I see. You have a lot of experience in this area?”

“Enough to know which end to avoid.” Barnett waved to someone on the other side of the dance area. “Felix, it’s been a pleasure meeting you. I hope we can talk again soon.”

“I’m sure we will.”

As he watched Barnett head into the crowd, Dieter joined him.

“Well?” Dieter asked.

“He didn’t come out and say it, but he’s Fay all right. I’m sure of it.”