Macdonald Hall #6: Lights, Camera, Disaster!

Body Double

A sheet was jammed under the door to keep the light from room 306 from spilling out into the hall, and a dark blanket hung over the window as a blackout curtain. A deck of cards sat in the middle of the floor, the center of a circle consisting of Wilbur, Larry, Sidney, Pete, and Mark, his video camera at his side.

"How does poker night count as part of your dumb documentary?" demanded Pete.

"It's vitally important," Mark explained. "The star at play. I can intercut it with scenes of Jordie Jones hard at work."

"I don't get it," grumbled big Wilbur, applying a generous dollop of peanut butter to a stack of Ritz crackers. "Yesterday we spent two hours rigging the guy's trailer to go off with him in it, because he's Public Enemy Number One, and tonight we're having a poker game in his honor."

"Sometimes I think Bruno's crazy," nodded Larry.

"Sometimes, I think he's not crazy," amended Wilbur. "The rest of the time, I know he is. I mean, he put Sidney in charge of the birthday cake!"

"I resent that," said Sidney haughtily. "The cake is safe and sound and hidden in the bathroom. It's better than having you to look after the cake. That's like hiring a fox to guard your chicken coop."

At that moment, the blackout curtain was nudged aside, and in climbed Bruno, followed by Jordie Jones. Mark filmed furiously.

Pete stared. "Hey, that's Jordie Jones. I thought you said we were waiting for Cutesy Somebody."

"Guys," began Bruno, "say hello to our newest pigeon."

Handshakes were exchanged all around, and the circle was expanded to include Bruno and the newcomer.

"I can't believe it's you!" exclaimed Mark. "I mean, you're so famous! What are you doing here?"

"This is the deal," said Bruno. "When he's with us, he's not a big star. He's just one of the guys. Right, Cutesy?"

"Right," agreed the actor. "Only please call me Jordie."

"How's Boots doing at the trailer?" asked Larry.

"Actually, he seemed kind of nervous," Jordie began. "like when he begged us not to leave — "

"He's got it made in there!" scoffed Bruno. "How many of us get to sleep on a king-size waterbed?"

"Will you guys shut up and start taking this seriously?" demanded Wilbur. "Food is about to change hands here! Now — I brought peanut butter and crackers and potato chips. What have you guys got?'

Money was not accepted at poker nights — all bets had to be edible. Mark produced an unopened package of chocolate chip cookies; Larry had cheese and half a loaf of French bread; Sidney had two bags of marshmallows (smushed, of course); and Pete had a watermelon and three packs of Tic Tacs. From under his bed, Bruno brought out a jumbo order of nacho cheese popcorn. And then it was Jordie's turn.

The star looked uncomfortable. "Gee, I don't have any great stuff like that. I just brought the leftovers from dinner." From a plastic bag he pulled out two Maine lobsters, three pounds of sliced prime rib, filet mignon, and one half duck a l'orange.

Wilbur's eyes bulged. "Hurry up!" he croaked, grabbing the cards and dealing wildly. "If one bite of that spoils, I'll kill myself!"

"Hold on, " said Bruno. "First comes the cake. Sidney?"

Stepping in Wilbur's crackers, Sidney hopped off to the bathroom and returned with a large chocolate cake. Instinctively, all the Macdonald Hall boys ducked, but Jordie flushed with pleasure as Sidney carefully placed the plate in front of him.