The 16mm Caper

Chapter 27

"This has gone just far enough, Peter." Mary stood in the middle of Peter's living room, arms tight across her chest, face dark and angry.

"Look, Mare—"

"Look nothing! My best friend's family was attacked. I've been humiliated and- and tortured," Peter pulled a face. "Don't you look like that at me! You didn't spend a night with that crazy woman."

"Mare look, please. I'm sorry okay? What else can I say?"

"That you'll call the police and tell them everything."

He held up his hands. "What's everything? We don't know who they are. We don't know where they are. And don't forget, we already lied to the police about the ruckus at the Brewer's. It's not just us, Mary. There's Harv and Cheryl too."

"We never saw the police. We lied to the ambulance men."

"Don't split hairs, Mary. The police would have been notified by the hospital. Eventually they'll get around to interviewing Dylan and Catlin and probably us." He sighed and covered his eyes. "Which means you'll get your way in the end."

The phone rang and Peter dragged himself out to the kitchen to answer.

"I think our trouble is still brewing." Harv was speaking softly and Peter had to listen carefully.

"What's wrong?"

I spotted the limo outside my building; our two friends are not going away."

"Have you seen them? Did they do anything?" Mary pulled at his arm, demanding information and he waved her off. "What do you think?"

"I think that they're going to have another run at my place for your movie."

"Shit, Harv, I'm sorry. What can I do?" Mary tugged again, and he covered the mouthpiece, scolding her for interrupting.

"What if I meet them and suggest a sit down? Is the film for sale or not, Peter?"

"Uh, yeah. We all decided that copies were good enough for us. Right?"

"Okay. Leave it with me, I'll see what I can do."

"Jesus, be careful Harv."

"Call you soon."

"What did he want? What's happening now?" Mary blocked the kitchen door.

"That was Harv." He told her everything that was said and then pushed past her into the living room where he could sit comfortably while she took off on another rant.

******

Harry stood by the door while Douglas paraded around in his gangster mode, threatening Harv with his gun, an effort that seemed to have pitifully little effect.

"How long do I have to watch this skit?" Harv asked Harry.

Douglas jerked to a halt and aimed the gun at his face. "Whatta you, wise guy? How about I blow your head off then you won't have to watch anything any more?"

"Cool it," Harry said, coming to where Harv sat. "You want me to believe your friend Rabb wants to sit down now and negotiate a deal?"

"Sure. He never wanted anything like all this to happen. He's just a guy for Pete's sake. Guns and fights are not a regular part of his day."

"But yours is."

"I've seen my share, but this isn't about me. I was doing business with Rabb. I helped because it was affecting that business and besides, I like the guy."

"How sweet." Douglas sneered.

"Look, you want the film. Rabb is willing to sell for a reasonable price - and before you say anything, we've researched this thing every which way and the price will be steep so if whomever you represent isn't willing to be practical, then our business is complete. I don't have it. I don't know where it is and I've got a business to run."

Douglas swaggered up to Harv, still pointing the gun. "Who says we represent anybody?"

Harv started to reply, but Harry held up a hand. "Don't. I know it's tempting but don't." Harv smiled and shrugged.

"What's that about? What's tempting?"

"Forget it. We'll be in touch shortly. You gonna be here?" Harry was actually becoming friendly.

"All day. Like I said, I got a business to run." Harv watched as the two men left, the younger one waving his arms angrily, the older one shaking his head.

******

Peter listened carefully and nodded as he listened to the proposal Harv received from the two men. A meeting was being arranged between Peter and the interested party at a neutral site still to be agreed upon. Harv said he recommended the bar at the new restaurant in the Town center Mall and was waiting for confirmation.

"This interested party," Peter asked. "Is it Ralston Hughes? Because he never takes meetings of this kind personally."

"I don't think so, but I don't know. Guess you'll have to wait and see."

"Why this particular bar, Harv?"

"'Cause I know the hostess there. She'll put me close enough in case there's trouble but not seen."

Peter sighed audibly. "Thanks pal, I thought I was doing this alone."

"We're partners remember?"

"Right... along with Cheryl, Catlin and Dylan."

"Not Mary?"

Peter turned to look at her and found she was watching his every nuance. "I hope so."

"Aah, well good luck there, Peter. I'll call soon I hope."

Mary stared expectantly, silently waiting to be brought up to date and Peter obliged, seeing a softening in her demeanour since her original suggestion was finally being accepted. She went to the kitchen and picked up the phone, dialling and turning to look at Peter.

"Catlin? Mary. We have a meeting to negotiate a sale." Peter's mouth dropped and he walked toward her, befuddled. "Not yet but Harv's going to call as soon as he knows. Right. I'll get him to call you too. Okay. Bye." She hung up and gave Peter an innocent stare. "What?"

"What's that about? Why are you calling Catlin? And why would Harv call her?"

"Peter, since we all became partners in this you didn't think we'd just fold our tents because of a little danger did you?" He was flabbergasted and just gaped at her as she tossed her hair and went back to the living room. "Did Harv say how long we might have to wait?" She called back to him.

"Mary you- you have been against this- you- I thought . . ." He stopped and just stood dumbfounded.

"Do we have time to have some lunch?"

He leaned on the door frame and studied his shoes.