“You go ahead, Stone,” Betty interrupted. “I have some work to do back at the office.” She leaned closer. “I’ll see you at Vance’s house tonight.” She vanished.
Stone took a seat facing the two men, with his back to the room.
“Would you like something to drink?” Regenstein asked.
“Some ice tea would be good,” Stone replied.
Regenstein waved a hand and the ice tea and a menu appeared. When Stone had ordered, Regenstein turned to Ciano. “You see what I mean?” he asked, nodding at Stone.
“You’re right, Lou,” Ciano replied. “He’s perfect.” Ciano turned to Stone. “Have you ever done any acting?”
“Not since high school,” Stone said.
“Except in front of juries,” Regenstein chuckled. “That’s what he told me.”
“You’re actually a lawyer?” Ciano asked.
“Yes.”
“A trial lawyer?”
“From time to time.”
“What was your most recent trial?”
“I defended an American woman on a Caribbean island against a murder charge,” Stone replied.
“And what was the outcome?”
“She was hanged.”
Ciano burst out laughing. “He’s typecasting, Lou; our guy loses the case, too.”
“May I ask what you gentlemen are talking about??
?? Stone said.
“The voice is good,” Ciano said, ignoring him, talking about him as if he weren’t there.
“Good for what?” Stone asked.
“He wouldn’t have to join the Screen Actors Guild, would he?” Regenstein asked.
“Nah, he gets one freebie, then he has to join.” Regenstein turned to Stone. “You’re planning to be out here for a few days, aren’t you?”
“Yes, but Vance…”
“How would you like to appear in this picture with him?”
“With Vance?”
“Of course, with Vance; Mario is the director.”
“Oh.”
“Well?”
“Are you perfectly serious, Lou?”