Cloud of Light (Beatles Fanfiction)

Chapter 4

“So Audrey...Robert tells me there hasn’t been much progress with Lennon.” Frank said as he paced back and forth in the hotel room.

“I didn’t realize spying on me was now part of the business, Frank.”  Audrey said coldly.

“I need to make sure you’re keeping your end of the deal, now don’t I?”

“I’ve always delivered…why would it be any different this time?”

Frank chuckled and walked over to Audrey who was sitting on the bed and took her face in his hand. “I just want you to remember what’s at stake here…or more like who is at stake.”

Audrey pushed his hand away. “I know how to do the job, Frank.  And you can call off your goons! You don’t think having this bloody bastard push me into a cab is going to attract more attention?”

“I admit, he could have had a little more discretion in getting you here.” Frank said as he looked over at Robert. “…but he reports to me….he does what I tell him…I asked him to bring you here and he did. He gets the job done and that is what I am interested in.” he finished looking back at Audrey.

“Well he’s a liar, Frank.  You better be careful with this one…giving you misinformation will inevitably lead to your failure. ”

 “You know fuckin’ well John has absolutely no interest in you!” Robert yelled across the room.

“How would you know that?  Just because you think you’re playing detective doesn’t mean you know what the fuck is going on!”

“Oh come off it!  It’s Ringo who’s doting over you…and don’t pretend you’re not enjoying his attention.”

Without letting her explain, Frank grabbed Audrey by the wrist and dragged her off the bed. Audrey struggled to get out of his grasp.

“Stop…you’re hurting me!” Audrey said.

Frank finally let her go, which caught her off balance and she went tumbling against the desk and finally hit the floor.  Frank knelt next to her and glared at her with piercing eyes.

“This isn’t a game, you hear me? You’re working for me.  I gave you an assignment.  It was to have John Lennon eating out of the palm of your hand…I need you to have complete control over him.  Now if you can’t get the job done, I’ll make other arrangements.”

Audrey felt nauseated.  She knew Frank well enough to know that when it came to business, he expected results.  She knew Robert was right.  She hadn’t gotten anywhere with John, but there was no way in Hell she was going to admit to that.  So she used what she had learned from years in the business to her benefit…and hoped Frank would not see through her.

“I know what I’m doing, Frank!” Audrey responded trying to sound offended by what Frank had implied.  “You men don’t know a damn thing about seduction!  This isn’t just any one we’re talking about here.  This is John fucking Lennon!  Do you know how many women are simply throwing themselves at him?  You want me to explain my strategy to you with apples and oranges? Fine!  It’s called jealousy!  I’m just using Ringo to make John jealous!” Audrey said looking directly at Frank.

Frank didn’t say a word for a few seconds. Audrey held her breath hoping her explanation had been enough to convince Frank that she was following through with their deal. 

“You have this under control, then?” Frank finally said, his voice having taken a softer tone.

“Of course I do.  You know me, Frank…I could do this with my eyes closed…I just need a different approach because of who he is.” Audrey said apprehensively, yet still managed to give a smile.