Heartland by Davis Bunn

Author:Davis Bunn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2010-10-09T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 28

The Centurion boardroom was separated from Martin Allerby’s office by a pair of double doors. The doors, along with all the room’s other fittings, had been stripped from the set of The Cotton Club, a poor film but a great set. In Martin’s opinion, the twenties-era chamber fit this gathering entirely, as the Centurion board members were totally out of touch with the America of today.

There was one African-American, a pastor. Two accountants, one retired, the other within coughing distance of his third coronary. A retired U.S. congresswoman from Dawes’ district. A pair of former studio executives who between them could not have found an original opinion with a map. And Leo Gish, attorney extraordinaire.

Milo Keplar and Glenn Pritchard, Centurion’s chief auditor, and Martin’s assistant, Gloria, made up the eleven. All but Milo were confirmed Dawes mouthpieces. As usual, the only voice that really mattered was silent, as Carter Dawes was a no-show. Today, however, the empty chair did not concern Martin Allerby one iota. Carter Dawes had already given his approval. This was window dressing. But important nonetheless. They would all report their findings back to the little man on his Ojai Valley ranch. The man who needed to be convinced this was real. And then be forced to accept that his ridiculous excuse for a program was generating one of the most spectacular cinematic failures in the history of Hollywood. So he would finally sell out.

Then Martin Allerby would finally own his dream. A throne in the world of film.

Martin said, “Everybody have a fresh coffee? Fine. Then I’ll call this meeting to order.”

Leo cleared his throat and said what he did every quarter. “Mr. Dawes regrets that other commitments keep him from joining us. I represent him and hold full powers of attorney.”

“So noted.” Martin pretended to study the room. As though any of these clones would matter four weeks from today.

Ever cautious, Martin had covered the financial bases before moving. Only when Harry Solish’s funds and those from the porn king were deposited in his accounts did he set the machine in motion. Carter Dawes was not the only one who kept a stable of tame former studio execs. Two retired directors with impeccable résumés had fronted a deal to buy Centurion. Lock, stock, and barrel.

The previous day, Leo Gish, Allerby’s compliant lawyer, had called with the news. Carter Dawes had tentatively accepted his offer.

Today’s meeting was to ensure the old man stayed hooked.

Allerby waited until all accounting formalities were concluded. When Gloria called for new business and no one else spoke, he rose from his chair. “I have something to discuss.”

He took a step back so that his face was emblazoned by the same silvery light that bathed the framed poster behind his chair. Allerby had placed Heartland’s opening-season placard where he would not need to see it. Now it only added to the moment.

“We are in the business of visual fast food. I don’t mean Centurion. I mean the entire studio industry. We supply what people want.

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