I’m a music fan. Whether it’s classic rock, blues, jazz,
swing or big bands, I enjoy a variety of genres. And that variety often comes into play with
my writing. I’ve been known to dial up a certain type of music to help set the
mood for a scene. Something slow and
romantic like Sinatra, Van Morrison or Diana Krall can fit the bill when
passion is in the works. For action, it’s more likely something with a driving
rhythm will be blasting from the speakers.
Hey, whatever works.
There’s a scene in the upcoming “Your Turn to Die” that’s a
perfect example. Chene and Simone are having a quiet moment, where he’s telling
a story from his past. During the
conversation, Chene makes the comment ‘I am so going to hell’ in reference to
his behavior at the time.
When I was writing that segment, a heavy metal classic by
AC/DC was on the air. Some people are surprised to learn that I’m still a big
fan of rock music. I merely shrug and
respond in the voice of Pappy Cantrell: ‘age ain’t nuthin but a number’.
Usually I remind them that The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen and
many other rock and roll giants who are all qualified for their AARP cards are
still performing today.
To prove that point, here’s a little video that crossed my
radar today. Just remember, you can’t
tell a book by the cover.
With that in mind, here’s an excerpt from “Fleeing Beauty”. In this scene, Jamie, -her mother Vera and
her step-father Bert, are at the studio when one of the art experts arrives to
appraise the collection of her late father’s sculptures.
“This
is Nicholas Cullen.”
I remembered the background on Cullen. He
seemed too young to be an art expert. Actually he looked more like a surfer. He
was tall and lanky, with bleached out hair that swept over the collar of his
suit. There was several days’ stubble on his cheeks and chin. Or maybe he only
shaved once a month, whether he needed to or not. According to the biography,
Cullen was from California. He currently represented two museums and a number
of galleries along the Pacific Coast. What surprised me was when he saw Vera.
“Vee,
darling, it has been ages!”
“Nicky,
is that you? I had no idea you were going to be here.”
Bert
appeared beside me. Together we watched Vera and Cullen give faux hugs and
kisses and chatter away about socialites they had in common. Eventually he took
a portfolio and clutching Vera’s elbow, went to view the collection.
“How
could she not realize this guy was going to be here?” I muttered to Bert.
“You
don’t think she really read any of that background do you? Vera trusts Banning
to do the dirty work. She also knew that you and I were going to be here. There
was no reason for her to do any heavy lifting.”
“I’m
glad we did. And I’m also glad you’re here, Bert. Even if this feels
uncomfortable for you. Your opinion means a lot to me.”
He
winked at me. “Actually, Vera asked me to be here too. I don’t know what her
reasons were, but I let her believe I was doing it as a favor.”
“You
didn’t mention that I asked you too?”
“What,
and pass up having Vera owe me?”
I looked at him closely. “You rat. She came in
yesterday. You had another booty call.”
Bert
looked away and adjusted his tie. “I refuse to comment. And what your mother
and I did or didn’t do in the privacy of her hotel suite is none of your
business.”
“I
don’t believe you for a minute,” I said, biting back a laugh.
“Just
don’t ask me to explain the location of certain rug burns.”
“Are
those on you, or on Vera?”
He
winked at me again. “Yes.”
“Whatever.
I just hope she doesn’t have to pay for the damages.”
Here's a shot of what Bert and Vera might look like.
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