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Page 12
about to meet her contact for the day. The letter inside directed her to leave immediately for Pittsburgh to scout locations for the screenplay enclosed.
It was like Angela to send Mariah an order first and explain later. Though Mariah was an independent contractor, she had an excellent relationship with Lemoncake, and when Angela made demands, Mariah always responded. But even so, for Angela to direct her from one location to another so abruptly, and without giving her time to set up local contacts first . . . Mariah had called her from her hotel room.
''Yes, I know it's unusual." Angela sounded impatient. "But it's an unusual situation. The guy overnighted the script, pitched it over the phone before I read it and said it was vital that I respond right away or he'd shop it around. It's an important historical story, set in Pittsburgh after the French and Indian War. From what he says, it has adventure, romance, psychological suspense, Iust . . . . "
Mariah had clutched the phone to her ear. "But"
"No deal yet, but I want you to read the script, then look for suitable locations. Then we'll see."
Mariah was puzzled. No, flabbergasted! Lemoncake had built its excellent reputation on lighthearted contemporary comedy. Why was Angela so interested in a heavy period piece?
And why spend the time and money on scouting locations before anyone had even read the script? The story could be a real lemon, one no amount of sweetening would help.
Something here seemed very strange. Out of character for conservative Angela. Though she was impulsive, her offbeat orders always seemed to make business sense. Until now.
"Oh, and one more thing," Angela had said. Her tone had turned cajoling, and Mariah expected that the other shoe was about to drop.
It was.
"Pierce, the author, will meet you at the airport and show you around town. That was one of his conditions. He'll tell you all about the screenplay, too. Interesting man. Sounds as ancient as the story. Talks almost as though he was there."
Great. Mariah liked to spend a day or so getting a feel for

 
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