10 A Script for Danger by Carolyn Keene Page B

juice, I turned to my friends. “Whatever Lali is going to announce probably has something to do with Roberta Ely,” I whispered.
    We kept a close eye on the door to the production trailer until Roberta Ely walked out about twenty minutes later. I almost didn’t recognize her, because for the first time  . . . she looked happy.

CHAPTER TEN

Deep Cuts
    BY THE TIME LUNCH ROLLED around, rumors were flying. As the cast and crew filed into the catering tent and lined up at the buffet, I heard all kinds of predictions about Lali’s announcement.
    â€œI think they’re going to shut the whole thing down.” Nysa was panicked.
    Omar had managed to ease his own anxieties, though. “That’s just not possible. Brian would never let it happen,” he insisted.
    â€œHe’s an actor , Omar!” Nysa cried. “It’s not up to him!”
    I knew better than to listen to gossip, but even Icouldn’t fathom what Lali could have said to make Roberta so pleased. However, regardless of what had transpired in that trailer, I still had to continue my investigation.
    Over the past few days, I had learned that the only way to grab a moment with Alex was to hover until he was alone and pounce before anyone else had a chance. I patiently stood aside and waited for him to finish speaking with the cinematographer. As soon as he was free, I ran up to him.
    â€œNancy! What a day, eh? I can’t believe that the light almost . . .” Alex shook his head.
    I got right to the point. “Did you know that Ronan Beale is in River Heights now?”
    Alex looked at me like I was insane. “Are you serious? Did he move back here permanently? And how do you even know about him, anyway?”
    â€œLali told me he could be a potential suspect,” I replied. “I found his forwarding address in the RHU alumni records. I actually met him for coffee . . . and he says you refuse to speak to him.”
    â€œWe haven’t been in contact since he tried to sue me over this screenplay.” Alex sniffed.
    â€œHe told me to tell you he was sorry.” I relayed the bulk of our conversation to Alex. “I don’t think he wanted you to know that he is back in town; apparently he’s working on some big project.”
    Alex twisted his face in confusion. “That is totally bizarre, Nancy,” he said. His expression darkened. “But Ronan is not to be trusted.”
    â€œI got the impression that he wasn’t being exactly truthful,” I admitted solemnly.
    â€œWait, don’t move,” Alex commanded. “I’ll be right back.” He hurried over to Lali, who was standing on a chair near the catering tent’s entrance, ready to make her announcement.
    â€œAttention, everyone!” Lali said. “This morning Alex and I thought we were going to have to cut the graveyard scene, which as you know is an integral part of the movie. This prankster has delayed our shoot and forced us to burn through our budget. But—thanks to some creative thinking and teamwork—that won’t bethe case.” She pointed to Roberta Ely, who I now noticed was waiting at the back of the catering tent, smiling.
    â€œWe will be teaming up with the River Heights Carnival Committees,” he continued. “They’ve agreed to start setting up their annual Fourth of July Carnival a few days early and we decided to use the carnival for our big final scene. That way they can uphold their tradition and the film can have a great dramatic ending, even if it takes place at a carnival instead of a graveyard.”
    The only person who was visibly angry about the change was Brian. He shook his head and grumbled to Omar under his breath.
    â€œWhat do you think of that?” I whispered to Bess, tilting my head in Brian’s direction.
    â€œHe probably just doesn’t like the idea,” she replied. “Not everything is a clue,