A Shooting in Missouri

By Jane D. Dreyfus

Andy Hansens blossoming career is on the rise. Hes only fifteen, yet hes landed a part in a big Hollywood movie, set to film in historic Arrow Rock, Missouri. But while the shoot is in progress, criminal activity shocks the set. First, Andy discovers a car submerged in a water-filled rock quarry. The police later identify the car as having been used in a robbery.

Then, while out late one night searching for his cell phone, Andy stumbles upon hit men burying a corpse in a movie set grave! And finally, Andy happens upon a drug lab hidden deep inside a cave. The police rely upon Andy to identify members of that odious drug ring.

Now, he must testify in front of a grand jury to identify a murdererbut thatll only happen if he can avoid being kidnapped. In the midst of peril, Andy finds some respite in a romantic relationship with starlet Emma Flannery, but truth be told, hes just hoping to get out of Missouri with his life, back to his friends and family at home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Dec 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781491783863

Jane D. Dreyfus

Jane Dreyfus grew up on a ranch in Texas. After attending Bryn Mawr College, she married “Pete” Conrad, the third man to walk on the moon. They had four sons and traveled the world on several diplomatic tours for the US State Department. She now lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her current husband, Seymour.

Book preview

Copyright © 2015 Jane D. Dreyfus.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

iUniverse

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.iuniverse.com

1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4917-8387-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4917-8386-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015920294

iUniverse rev. date: 12/04/2015

CONTENTS

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV

Chapter XVI

Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII

Chapter XIX

Chapter XX

Chapter XXI

Chapter XXII

Chapter XXIII

Chapter XXIV

Chapter XXV

Chapter XXVI

Chapter XXVII

Chapter XXVIII

Chapter XXIX

CHAPTER I

Amy Johnson, a part- time drama teacher, often went out to Hollywood to see her cousin, Giles. It was always fun staying with him and his wife because, as a casting director for MGM Studios, Giles had access to movie sets while films were in progress. On her most recent visit he had some interesting news.

"They're going to do a remake of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The producer believes there's been a whole saw generation of kids who haven't seen a movie of that great classic, Giles said. Wonder how long it's been since that old version was made? I must've been a teen ager when I saw it,

Amy immediately thought of her favorite student, Andy Hansen. Oh my gosh, Giles, she said, I have a boy in my class who absolutely IS Tom Sawyer! He's the right age, and really talented. You have to meet him.

Hold on, Amy- I have a whole list of boys out here whose acting backgrounds are well established. Some of them are child stars.

But he's SO right for the part! He's fifteen, but fairly small for his age. He could easily pass for ten or twelve, if that's the age you're looking for. He has red hair and a sprinkling of freckles across his nose and a smile that lights up the whole world... His name is Andy Hansen. At least give him a chance to try out, Amy begged. He's taken my class for three years, he learns his lines quickly, and is never late. I'll send you his picture on my phone when I get back.

Giles was used to stage door mothers pursuing him, but Amy was his cousin and he respected her judgment. He hesitated a moment, tapping his pen on the table and then said, Well, okay, but only because he's your student. The next casting session is in about three weeks. Are you sure his parents would be on board for this?

I'm almost certain they would. I know they don't have much money, yet they sacrifice to send him to my class. Anything Andy could make would be a blessing.

Hmmm ... we'll see. Let me know if and when he's coming.

Back at home in Houston Amy couldn't wait to break the news to her children's drama class. She drove over to Clear Creek Country Theater, a building that had once been an abandoned movie house. Lately it had been lovingly restored as a community theater by a group of would-be actors. New seats had been installed and it even had a new revolving stage.

Amy held drama classes for teen agers there and on Saturday they would be trying out for their summer play, The Sound of Music. When all of her group arrived Amy said, "Welcome everyone, how many of you have read the book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer?"

She was surprised to see how few hands were raised. Only Andy Hansen showed a spark of interest. I bet I've read it three times, he said, It's my all- time favorite book!

"Well, I have some news for you, Andy. My cousin, who's a casting director in Hollywood, told me that MGM Studios is going to film a remake of the movie. The main character, Tom, as you know, meets your general description, so when I told him about you, he agreed to interview you for the part. Her announcement was met with a loud chorus of Wow! ... Cool! ... No WAY! ... Sweet!.. Bitchin'!"

Then a few dissenters tuned in. Why'd you pick Andy?

I've read the book, one boy said. I've been in more plays than he has, another boy protested, amid a few more similar complaints.

Now don't get your hopes up, Amy said, There'll be a lot of boys trying out for the part. Andy, what do you say?

Andy ducked his head and let out the breath he'd been holding.

I don't know how I'd get out to Hollywood, was all he could manage to say. He knew it was beyond his parent's means to pay for a plane ticket.

Don't worry about that. I imagine the movie company will pay your way, Amy said. She was so determined that Andy would at least have a chance to try out that she planned to buy his plane ticket herself. His parents wouldn't have to know who paid for it.

After this exciting turn of events, the students couldn't seem to settle down to reading their lines for the play-- least of all Andy. His thoughts were racing. Could he possibly be in a real movie? It was difficult to even absorb what Mrs. Johnson had said. I bet I can act as well as those movie star kids and I've read the book so many times, I can just about quote the dialogue by heart.

When Andy's mother came to pick him up at the theater, he breathlessly told her the news. Mom, I'm going to be a movie star!

What are you talking about, honey?

Just kidding, Mom, but Mrs. Johnson told her cousin who's a casting director about me and he wants me go to Hollywood and try out for the part of Tom Sawyer in a new movie. Please Mom, can I go?

We'll have to ask your Dad. I doubt if we can spare the money for a ticket. And who would take care of you?. ... And where would you stay? As much as I'd be thrilled for you to go, I just don't see how we could swing it.."

Andy was crestfallen. If I don't get to go my friends won't understand. Mom, don't you realize how important this is? If I get the part, I could pay you back for my ticket! ... C'mon, please work on Dad for me!

During dinner that evening Tom broached the subject with his father. Dad, I've been invited to try out for the part of Tom Sawyer in a movie. Mom says it's OK.

You mean a real movie, like in Hollywood?

Yes, sir.

I don't think we could send you, son. Besides, I don't care much for those actor types. They're always taking drugs. Andy felt tears prickle the back of his eyes.

But, Dad, this is a children's movie, not one of those dumb porno things. I'd be fine! Don't you trust me? he persisted.

Of course I do, but let's just drop the subject. Andy's hopes cratered.

The next day Amy crossed her fingers so the white lie wouldn't count and called Andy's mother to tell her that the movie company would pay his way out.

I talked to my cousin, Giles Matthews, last night and he offered to have Tom stay with them. You wouldn't have to worry about him for one minute. And I'd be glad to take him to the airport.

Oh that's wonderful, Amy, you are just too kind. Andy's so excited, it would've been awfully hard to deny him the chance. I was sort of afraid my husband wouldn't agree to let him go. How can I ever thank you? Mrs. Hansen said and ran to tell her son.

Andy, Andy! Guess what!, Mrs. Johnson just called. She says the movie company will send you a ticket and you can stay with her cousin.

Andy was ecstatic. Now Dad will just have to let me go!

Armed with this news, Mrs. Hansen finally persuaded her husband that his son would be safe and he grudgingly agreed to let him go.

At play practice the next day Andy flubbed his lines and couldn't concentrate