for the sake of the case and for your own benefit. But we have reason to believe Corinne Weatherly’s murderer had a connection to the film Petals and Petulance. Now here’s the part where I go out on a limb with you, Paul. Are you ready?”
“I’m all atwitter with anticipation,” he said drily, still leaning through Trembley’s window.
Jessie ignored his tone, instead focusing on the playful twinkle in his eye. Something in her gut told her she could trust this man. She knew it was a gamble but decided to change her tactic and go for it.
“In order to confirm our suspicions, we need to review the production documents from when the film was made. Unfortunately your studio chief, Remy Haughton, has slow-walked us on that, requiring a warrant. We’re pursuing one but our concern is that we don’t have time for that. There’s a very real chance that whoever did this isn’t done. You know that Miller Boatwright’s name was written on that trailer mirror. He could be in danger. So could others affiliated with the film that we’re not even aware of. But if we could look at those files, it would go a long way toward answering those questions.”
Paul stared at both of them for several seconds. Then he stood up and stretched his back.
“Go park in the usual lot,” he said. “I’ll meet you.”
Trembley found a spot. They got out and waited as Paul approached.
“You think he’ll go for it?” Trembley whispered.
“I think he’d like to,” Jessie replied. “But it’s a big risk. He’d be putting his livelihood at stake without much upside for him.”
Paul arrived at their car and stopped. His brow was furrowed.
“I can’t authorize what you requested,” he said heavily.
“Listen,” Trembley jumped in. “We’ll take the heat. If we get caught or someone raises a stink, we’ll keep you out of it. But if this pays off, we’ll make sure to note how invaluable you were to the investigation.”
Jessie remained silent, not sure if Trembley’s comments had helped or hurt. Paul shook his head slowly.
“I’m sorry. I can’t authorize your request to review production files in the Colbert Building, Annex D. And you most certainly are not allowed to use the unlocked side entrance to get into the Colbert Building or use the administrative all-access entry key card in the desk outside Annex D to gain entry to the storage area. I would hope that you would make wise choices. If not, you might face the wrath of Kenny, the security guard who checks that area every night at nine ten, twenty-five minutes from now. I will tell you that Mr. Boatwright is currently working with the director of his current film in the edit facility near the back of the lot if you wanted to try to interview him. If you choose to do that, please do not stop at the Colbert Building, which is along the way, as I’ve already indicated that would be inappropriate. Here are visitor badges to go see Mr. Boatwright. I will note in the log that visiting him in the edit facility is your stated purpose for being here. Do we understand each other?”
“We do,” Jessie said, taking the visitor badge and quickly giving Paul a peck on the cheek. “You have a lovely evening, sir.”
“You as well,” Paul said, giving them a ridiculous, elaborate bow.
They hurried off silently in the direction of what could be either the Colbert Building or the edit facility. When they got to the Colbert side door, they found it unlocked, just as Paul had promised. They located the desk, found the entry key in the top drawer, and unlocked the door to Annex D.
By the time they found the file box for Petals and Petulance, it was 8:55, only fifteen minutes until Kenny the security guard was supposed to do his rounds. In the dim light of the row, they pored over papers, using their phones for clearer views, occasionally taking photos of documents that neither found hugely compelling.
At 9:05, as Jessie was pulling out a file marked “Casting,” they heard a loud click, indicating a door being opened.
“Kenny’s early,” Jessie whispered.
Without a word, Trembley stood up. He looked around briefly before responding.
“I’ll find a way to distract him. Keep looking.”
Before she could say anything, he was hurrying down the row and turning out of sight. Unsure how much time she had, Jessie decided she had no choice but to trust her partner and dive into the material before her.