Crown Jewel Read Online Free

why?”
    Donald Sandusky put his arm around Ricky’s shoulder. “He came by the lot. I think he wanted to talk to you. He was standing there watching and the car careened out of control. I think Philip thought it was part of the stunt. He didn’t move, Ricky. Hell, maybe he froze. Everyone is crazy right now, so until we can piece together what happened from rational eyewitnesses, let’s just call it a tragic accident. I told Philip he might as well leave because you weren’t here, but he said time is money and insisted on staying. You know me, I had to relate to that and the budget. Jesus, Ricky, did your brother ever think about anything except money? I’m sorry, this is no time to be talking about money. My point was, we were prepared to wait another hour, figuring neither you nor Ted got the message we left for you last night, but then with the clock ticking I decided to go ahead with the stunt. I’m sorry, Ricky, I wish there was something I could say, but there isn’t.”
    â€œI gotta go with…”
    â€œNo, you don’t have to do that. Besides, the cops want to talk to you. There’s nothing you can do now. When did you get the message?”
    â€œI never did get it. Ted called and picked me up. What the hell are they blasting the siren for now? Did anyone call Roxy?”
    â€œNo. We thought you would want to take care of that, being family and all. I wasn’t sure if Roxy came with Philly this trip or not. As soon as you finish with the cops, you better tell her before she hears it on the news.”
    â€œShe came with him. She never lets…let Philly out of her sight. At least that’s the way it usually is. She’s either at the house or the hotel. When they come for just a day or so, they stay at the Beverly Wilshire instead of opening up the house.”
    Ricky walked away. He needed to sit down. He needed to think. He needed to puke. What he really needed was a drink . He knew he’d never, ever touch alcohol again. Tears rolled down his cheeks. He made no move to wipe them away.
    It seemed like a long time later when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and looked up to seeTed Lymen towering over him.
    â€œThis is all my fault, Ricky. It’s not something I can make right either. I don’t know what to do, what to say.”
    â€œIt’s no one’s fault, Ted, so don’t blame yourself. Where is it written that we have to check our messages at night? They could have given us a wake-up call. It’s not like they haven’t done that before when a shoot was canceled, then rescheduled. It’s Philly’s fault. Don’t you understand, it’s his own fault? Why do you think he always managed to show up for the action scenes? He wanted to be part of it. He loved the action stuff.
    â€œListen, drop me off at Philly’s hotel. I don’t want Roxy hearing this on the radio or television. She might need me to…I don’t know…just drop me off, okay?”
    â€œSure. Christ, Ricky, I’m sorry.”
    â€œI know, Ted, I know.”
    Â 
    He was always awestruck at the hotel where the rich and famous gathered to pay a thousand bucks a night, sometimes more, for a room. Philly loved staying in one of the cottages at the Beverly Wilshire. Usually he booked in advance to make sure he got the same one. Philly had always been a creature of habit.
    Ricky walked slowly down the path that led to the little villa and knocked on the door. He wished he’d brought his sunglasses. When there was no answer, he knocked louder, then took two steps back to wait.
    She was wearing one of the hotel’s fleecy white robes, her hair wrapped in a thick white towel. “Philip went to the studio,” Roxy said coolly.
    â€œDo you mind if I come in? I have to…we need to talk, Roxy. Don’t worry, I’m not going to attack you.”
    â€œI mind very much if you come in. Tell me