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Rider was deep in conversation with a woman wearing a lanyard that identified her as press, his hands moving in animated gestures as he tried to explain something.When he spotted Sheila and Finn, relief washed over his face.
"Linda," he said to the journalist, "I really can't provide any further comment than that.Now, please, would you mind giving us some space?"
"Of course," the woman said with a plastic smile.She turned to Sheila and Finn."But first, would either of you care to comment on—"
"We're pursuing all avenues of investigation," Finn said."How's that?"
"Not very original."
"Well, I'm afraid that's the best we've got right now."
The journalist opened her mouth to answer, but Rider cut her off."Please, Linda.If you'd be so kind—"
"Alright, alright," she said, raising her hands."Can't blame me for trying."
Once the journalist had departed, Rider's professional smile faded."Apparently, word got quickly to the press that we might be shutting the festival down."
"Might be?"Sheila asked.
Rider waved his hand dismissively as if it were a minor point."I'm handling it.Anyway, what brings you here?Please tell me you have good news."
"Actually, we need information about one of your previous films," Sheila said."'The Winter Palace.'It was shot here last spring?"
Rider's posture changed subtly—a tightening around the eyes, a slight stiffening of his shoulders."Yes, Bradley Greenwald's historical drama.Beautiful film, though it never found distribution."He glanced around the crowded room."Perhaps we should step outside?"
The alley behind the storefront was quieter, though music from the street stage still carried over the buildings.A group of smokers huddled near a service entrance, sharing opinions about aspect ratios and digital color grading.
"What do you want to know about 'The Winter Palace'?"Rider asked, his voice lower.
"The casting process," Finn said."Specifically regarding Jessica Gregory."
Rider pulled out his handkerchief, dabbing his forehead despite the cool air."That was...complicated.Jessica was wonderful in the auditions.Raw talent, real vulnerability.Bradley was quite taken with her."
"Taken enough to imply she'd get the lead role?"Sheila asked.
Rider's hand stilled."Who told you that?"
"Did he tell her that?"
"It's not that simple."Rider stuffed the handkerchief back in his pocket."In this business, things are said during the creative process.Enthusiasm is expressed.Sometimes performers hear what they want to hear."
"What exactly did Jessica hear?"
Rider sighed, suddenly looking older in the harsh daylight."Bradley has a reputation for being...encouragingwith young actresses.He likes to mentor them and says he's nurturing new talent.But sometimes..."He shook his head."Sometimes lines get crossed."
A door opened behind them, and a production assistant stuck her head out."Mr.Rider?The Associated Press is asking about tonight's premiere.They want to know if Mr.Greenwald will still be attending the Q&A."
"Tell them it's proceeding as scheduled," Rider said sharply.
"What are you talking about?"Sheila asked as the door closed."Proceeding as scheduled?The whole festival should be shut down by then."
"I know, I know," Rider said, drumming his fingers on his desk."But you have to understand—we've got twenty-seven filmmakers who spent their life savings to get here.Actors who took out loans just to afford festival passes.Brad Greenwald's people are expecting over two hundred industry guests for his premiere tonight."He leaned forward."If we shut down now, in the middle of the day, we'll have panic in the streets."
"That doesn't change the fact that people are dying," Sheila said.
"What I'm proposing," Rider continued, "is we quietly cancel tomorrow's events, then make the official announcement at tonight's closing ceremony.Let people finish their scheduled screenings and give them time to make travel arrangements.Most of our high-profile guests are flying out tonight anyway."
"And in the meantime, someone else could die."