****************************

The city- that’s how big it seemed- stood silently in the morning sun, the blinding white buildings reflecting the light. The main building was directly in front of a huge marble courtyard, bordered with water fountains spraying high into the air. Beyond the courtyard were gardens stretching as far as the eyes could see, dotted with gazebos and immaculately kept flowerbeds. The villa was in a large U shape, hugging the garden in front and backed by the ocean at the back. They even haven’t seen the inside yet, and it already felt like a palace.
“Impressive, isn’t it?” Julian noted, coming down the giant three flight of stairs to meet them.
“It’s…awesome, dude,” Brain said, his eyes wide as he looked up at the arches and columns soaring high into the sky.
Julian smiled faintly. “You’ll get time to look around the estate,” he said. “Right now the director wants to meet you. Mike told you that Andre couldn’t make it?”
Kevin nodded. ‘Yeah. Is he coming out at all?”
“It’s hard to say. All things considered, maybe it won’t be so bad after all.” Julian led them up the stairs. “I think you’ll like the arrangements. Apart from the army base near the coast, this area is entirely deserted. All you’ll see for the rest of the two weeks are seagulls.”
“That’s depressing, man. What about Kangaroos?” AJ asked.
“As if he’ll really want to take a picture with you, boner,” Howie joked.
“There are some wild ones about,” Julian pushed the door open. “But I suggest you stay inside the compounds. This is probably the first time you guys didn’t attract any attention or be recognised since you started. I don’t want anything to go wrong.” he cast a meaningful glance at Nick, then turned and went inside. “This way.”

***********************

All around them there were people setting up equipment and sets. Some stared at them as they passed, but most were working frantically to make everything ready to notice.
They were guided into a wide corridor that led to a double door with heavy iron bars that served as handles. It looked similar to the ones they’ve seen at recording studios. Julian pushed the doors and went inside. They followed.
It was some kind of a conference room, with a huge, oval table surrounded by comfortable chairs. The room was very richly furnished with plush blue carpet covering the floor from one end to another. Bright sunlight flooded into the room through the large windows, making it feel very warm.
Seated around the table were tow women and one man. One woman was distinctively older then the other. The man, dressed in an ill-fitting suit, was bald and perhaps in his late thirties. He looked uncomfortable in the presence of the two women, and relived to see the large group entering. He stood up, beaming. “Well, that was easy,” he said, his thick voice like gravel. “I thought you’d never make it.”
“Trouble with the weather,” Julian replied, a little curtly. “Guys, this is Mark Conway, director of Finelight Inc. Mark, you know them.”
“Quite well,” the fat man said eagerly, pumping their hands enthusiastically.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. A pleasure.”
Of course, Rachael thought ironically as she watched silently from the side. They’re your moneymakers. They’re so transparent.
“Thank you, Mr. Conway.” The guys replied politely.
The two women had also stood up and watching the introduction. Rachael surveyed them carefully. The older woman was in her late forties, with a straight stance, and somewhat haughty look about her. She watched with expressionless eyes. Her and Whitestone would make a great pair, Rachael thought.
The younger was a complete contrast, with shimmering blond hair and tanned complexion. She watched them with a girlish eagerness and curiosity shining on her pretty face. She must be about nineteen, Rachael mused. Young, enthusiastic and eager; in one word, Trouble.
“And guys,” Mike said, “This is your new director of photography for this project, Miss Helen Moore and her assistant Ashley Wilburn.”
Helen Moore had a pleasant voice despite the less hopeful features. “I’m glad to meet you. I was hoping I could work with you guys for some time.” She smiled, banishing some of the haughty look. “I hope we can work well together for the next few days.”
“Likewise,” Kevin nodded.
Ashley Wilburn was less rigid and polite. She smiled brightly and said in a breathy voice, “Oh my God, this is unbelievable. I’m a huge fan of your music. I’m so happy to meet you. I’ve seen you on TV and stuff, but the real thing is…wow.” She gushed.
Rachael fought the urge to roll her eyes.
They smiled. “Thank you, Miss Wilburn.” Howie said. “We really need the assurance.”
Ashley laughed a tinkling little laugh. “Oh no, we shouldn’t be all formal around here,” she said. “Call me Ashley. Or Ash. Would you mind if I called you guys like Kevin and Nick?”
“Of course not. That’s what we’re used to, Ashley.”
“Well,” Helen cut in crisply, “now that the introduction’s over, I think Julian said that you needed some rest. Your rooms are al ready for you.”
“Right. So we start tomorrow?”
Helen nodded. “Tomorrow morning. I’m sure you’ll be settled by then.”
“Alright then,” they stood up. “See you tomorrow.”