42 The Usual Nigh (2/2)

”How are you doing lately, Miss Berry?”

I begin the conversation. She is as happy as she can be. Everything is provided for her while she trains to become the best actress she could be.

Halle is a very diligent and hard working person.

”This is Sharon Stone. She will be your training partner along with one or two more people. You might learn something from Sharon since her acting is quite top notch. Her personality is less than desirable. Maybe you can teach her how to behave around me, huh?”

Halle understands what I mean after have one quick look at Sharon's unsettling behaviour. She feels sorry for the woman as the images of her friends and families being slaughtered still haunt her at night.

Halle does have trouble of falling to sleep regularly. She will get over it eventually, but the fear of what could happen to her friends and family have already etched itself into her being.

After the introduction, Halle and Sharon have a private conversation while I try to teach Antigone to walk.

In just a few more months, Antigone will be able to wander off on her own. Her chubby legs are kicking up the dirt and pebbles as I hold both her hands up for support.

”The filming for Speed will begin soon. I hope that you are ready, Miss Berry. There is a schedule that we have to follow. I don't want to drag out the production of the movie longer than necessary.”

I tell Halle when Antigone becomes tired and sleepy. I put my daughter back into her stroller and tug her in. She haven't fallen asleep yet, but she is yawning repeatedly.

A four wheel vehicle pulls up along side the road.

Two huge men exit the car and approach me.

”As for you Miss Stone. These men here will take you home and give you a good night rest. An personal agent will be assigned to you when you show up to work tomorrow. You will be participating as one of the supporting cast for Sleepless in Seattle. A new director will be employed as the one you know have unfortunately fallen out of the sky. You will hear all about it on the news tomorrow morning.”

I pause for a moment to let the message sink into her mind. She probably figures that I am not really a hypnotist. I am something much, much worst.

”I expect many great things from you, Miss Stone. If you don't give your best, we will have another long talk. Maybe you get to swim in the boundless ocean called space.”

Sharon couldn't stop her shivering when I cast her a casual glance. She is on verge of tears again. She knows that she won't be able to get away from me.

Even going to the police will not do her any good. They might throw her into the looney bin if she blabs about what I have done.

”It will be okay, Sharon. Max. I mean Mr. Maxwell is like that to everyone all the time. Just don't get onto his bad side and nothing will happens to you. I learn this the hard way.”

Halle assures the woman. She has changed quite a bit in the last couple of weeks. She is more sure of herself.

She is even sincerely humble in some her speech instead of those trash talks she is all too familiar with.

Perhaps it is because I have kept in touch with her through regular visits and meals.

Speaking of meals, Halle is joining me for dinner. Antigone has already eaten, so she will enjoy her little nap.

I would also have Sharon join us for dinner, but the woman needs a lot of time to calm her nerves. She left hastily with her newly appointed security details when she is allowed to leave.

It is fun seeing her go.

The men drives off with her in the backseat, heading directly to her home. They will watch over her for the rest of the night, ensuring that she won't kill herself.

I can't have that happening.

Jennifer could have also joined me for dinner, but she is busy calling her father and giving the man some hopes. I will have dinner with her some other time then.

”I think we have a restaurant reservation at 7pm, Miss Berry. It is almost time, so we should go. I hate it to lose our regular table if we don't show up.”

I point out with a calming smile.

”I don't think anyone will dare, Mr. Maxwell.”

Halle responses and accompanies me towards the restaurant.

She pushes the stroller with Antigone inside as she has done so a few times before.

It appears that she is gotten use to me. She still fears me, but she understands my personality and core principle well. I won't harm her physically unless she did something to piss me off.

I suppose I will figure out another way to keep her on edge.

But before that I will have a wonderful dinner. I need energy to start plotting pointless stuffs.

I was just kidding. I don't do pointless stuffs.

As if I have the time to waste.

Ironic, isn't it?