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Greenwald gave an apologetic smile."Unfortunately, I have back-to-back interviews before the premiere.My schedule is quite full."
"This is a matter of some urgency, Mr.Greenwald."
"I understand, but surely tomorrow would—"
"The thing is," Sheila said, aware that others were listening, "I've been learning some interesting things about 'The Winter Palace' production.Things that might raise questions at tonight's premiere.The kind of questions that could overshadow your new documentary."
Greenwald's expression tightened.The moderator was already calling on someone else, but Greenwald held up a hand."One moment," he said into the microphone.To Sheila, he added quietly, "Twenty minutes.The green room behind the stage."
Sheila nodded and sat back down.As the Q&A continued, she noticed Greenwald checking his phone, his thumbs moving rapidly over the screen.
"Think he's warning someone?"Finn whispered.
"Or getting legal help," Sheila murmured back."And based on what we know so far, he's gonna need it."
***
The green room was a cramped space that had probably been elegant during the theater's vaudeville days.Now, mismatched furniture crowded around a makeup mirror, and promotional posters from past festivals peeled at the corners.Greenwald stood by a small window, his phone in his hand, while his lawyer—a sharp-featured woman in her fifties—occupied one of two armchairs.
"Rebecca Morton," she said, introducing herself."I represent Mr.Greenwald."
"That was fast," Finn said, choosing to stay near the door.
Sheila took the remaining armchair, noting how Greenwald kept glancing at his reflection in the makeup mirror.His carefully maintained composure showed signs of strain.
"Let's be clear," Morton said."Any allegations about impropriety during 'The Winter Palace' production—"
"Actually," Sheila interrupted, "I'm more interested in what happenedafterthe production."She focused on Greenwald."You continued meeting with Jessica.Privately.Why?"
Greenwald exchanged looks with his lawyer, who nodded slightly.
"We were discussing another project," he said.
"These meetings often happened late at night," Finn said."Sometimes in the editing bay."
"Is it illegal to work late?"Morton asked.
"No," Sheila said."But it's interesting that Jessica was preparing to speak to the festival board about ethical violations during your production."
"There were no ethical violations," Greenwald snapped.Morton shot him a warning look.
"Then why did she need a lawyer?"Sheila asked.
Greenwald frowned, looking surprised.
"You didn't know, did you?"she asked.
He ran a hand through his silver hair, disturbing its careful styling."No, but I guess it makes sense.Jessica...she was troubled.Talented, but troubled."
"Troubled how?"
He paced the small room."She became fixated on 'The Winter Palace.'On the role she didn't get.She convinced herself I had promised it to her."
"Hadn't you?"
"No!I mean..."He sank onto the room's small sofa."I encouraged her.Maybe too much.But the investors wanted Claire Montgomery.I had no choice."
"So why keep meeting with her?"