Title: Hollywood Underworld: A Hollywood Series
Author: Lindy S. Hudis
Publication Date: August 4, 2021
Pages: 203
Genre: Crime Thriller
First Chapter:
Dani Foxx sat at her computer in her small yet meticulous office on Ventura Boulevard diligently checking her day-planner. It was still early on this late-spring Friday morning, but the humid San Fernando Valley was already sticky and blistering-hot, a preview of the triple-digit summer sure to come. The air conditioner in her ship-shape Studio City office was running full blast, and the stack of papers, pictures and letters on her cluttered desk seemed to never get smaller. The temptation to procrastinate on Facebook and Twitter was overbearing, and she quickly closed them out.
“Gotta work today!” She murmured to herself as she began to get her space in order, taking advantage of some time alone. Dani was thirty-seven years old, and lived just a few miles to the north, off Coldwater Canyon near Magnolia, with her seventeen-year-old daughter, Dale, who attended Grant High School. She had started her talent management company from the ground up without any help from anybody, not unlike her life. She raised her daughter by herself, as well as running a household and business. She was smart, independent and subtly beautiful, with waist-length blonde hair and a figure as sexy and voluptuous as any starlet or supermodel.
Her ex-husband, a part-time actor and stand-up comedian, had abandoned the family when Dale was two. Dani knew instinctively how to take care of herself and her child, and Dale’s father was long forgotten. Neither Dale nor Dani missed him, and they had made a wonderful and loving life for themselves.
Sighing, she checked her to-do list of meetings that day. She was to see several actors that morning, had phone calls and breakdowns in the afternoon, and she was running late due to an early-morning argument with her loving, yet typically rebellious teenage daughter. Barbara Thomas, one of the most powerful and respected casting directors in Hollywood, was currently casting a new feature film, and Dani was going to submit her best talent for the various roles. She was also seeking new clients, thus the many interviews she had scheduled for herself. Needless to say, this was going to be a busy day, and she was glad it was Friday, as a much needed and relaxing weekend was definitely in order.
Her office landline phone rang for the first time that morning, and Dani was swift to jump and answer it.
“Foxx Management.” She spoke professionally into the phone, while continuing to scan her computer screen. Her cell phone vibrated at that very moment, and she let her personal voice mail answer. Her life was a never-ending array of telephone rings, actor drop-ins and pulsating cell phones. However, the ambitious and hard-working Dani would not have it any other way.
“Hi Ms. Foxx, it’s Nick Savage. We met at the Actors Space Theater.” The cheery yet deep male voice said.
“Oh, hello Nick, of course I remember you. How could I forget your incredible performance in The Glass Menagerie?”
“I certainly appreciate that, Ms. Foxx. I just wanted to confirm our appointment for this morning.”
“Lemme check….” Dani clicked on the calendar icon at the top of her screen and skimmed the page when the document opened. “I see you have a ten-thirty with me.”
“Yes, I do, and I am looking forward to meeting you again, Ms. Foxx.”
“Likewise, Nick, and please call me Dani. Ms. Foxx is my mom.” Dani said with a friendly laugh.
“Okay Ms.…err, Dani. See you at ten-thirty. Is there anything you need me to bring? My demo reel? My new headshots? A Frappuccino from Starbucks?”
“No thank you, Nick. Just bring yourself and we’ll work out the details of what you need later.”
“Thank you, Dani. See you later.”
“Great, see you then.” Dani smiled as the placed the phone back on the multi-line console. She remembered her acting and modeling days. She knew all too well the treachery and frustration of the entertainment business. The many pitfalls, vulnerabilities and precarious situations made life for the aspiring entertainer difficult, so Dani made it a point to be friendly, approachable and super protective of her clients.
She gingerly thumbed through the stack of actors' headshots and sorted them according to the order in which she was going to meet with them. Slurping her caramel latte, she eyed the pictures, one after the other. All of them beautiful, all of them with hopes and dreams in their flawless, white-toothed smiles. Nick Savage, the young man to whom she had briefly spoken on the phone less than a minute ago, was performing in a play that one of her clients was in. The Actors’ Space Theater Company in Burbank was bursting with phenomenal new talent, and she frequented there often with her faithful assistant, Doug. However, this particular morning, Doug was running late, which was not unusual. The traffic in Los Angeles was becoming a joke, and one would have to leave home nearly two hours early to get to work on time. Friday mornings especially, it seemed, the freeways were like parking lots and everybody was always running late– which was why Dani, in her impeccably efficient manner, always made sure to live within a few miles of her office.
Shuffling through the stack, Nick’s headshot fell to the floor. She glanced down as she bent to pick it up. As she met so many actors and actresses, it was difficult for her to remember the names and faces, but she did recall meeting him. Dani studied his picture for a moment. His eyes shined with confidence, sex appeal and masculinity. She remembered his performance very well and thought he was talented and good-looking enough. Plus, he came highly recommended by her client, Jennifer Connors, who was also in the theater company. As with all actors’ headshots, his face seemed to speak to her, and they all seemed to have the same message. Hire me! Meet me! Love me!
Her thoughts were interrupted as Doug, her exuberant assistant, burst into the room with a flourish.
“Oh my GOD, Dani! You will not believe the traffic on the 101 this morning!” Doug cried dramatically as he tossed his canvas tote bag onto his swivel chair in front of his chaotic desk.
“I know this, that’s why I live in Studio City and not West Hollywood, like you.” She grinned at her flamboyant, high-energy friend.
“Well, we all have to live somewhere, right? But don’t you worry, you’ll always be my favorite valley girl!!” Dani giggled as he winked at her, approached the tiny kitchenette and washed out the coffee maker. “I need some high octane today, honey. I got zero sleep last night!”
“Hot date?” Dani raised an eyebrow at him as he started to make coffee.
“Let me put it this way, Danielle, you know what they say about redheads.”
“No, what do they say?”
“That there is a fire down below. Trust me honey, whoever said that was NOT kidding.” Doug winked again as he filled the coffee maker with water and scooped the brown mixture inside. He felt comfortable with sharing intimate details of his life with her, as they were very close friends. Doug hoped to become a partner in her management firm one day, and Dani was encouraging Doug to find his own clients to gain some practical experience.
“Well, I’m glad somebody’s sex life is full of excitement around here.” Dani scanned her e-mails and the various casting notices for the day: a new television pilot, a few independent films, and several commercials.
“Sweetheart, you just work too hard, that’s all.” Doug grinned at her knowingly as he poured the dark brown liquid into a mug with DIRECTOR printed across in gold ink. Dani couldn’t help but smile slightly and shake her head. Everybody wants to direct!
“You’re right, as usual. I have no time for myself.” Dani took a sip of her caffeinated beverage as the constant, jarring ring of the office landline phone interrupted them.
“You just have to make time, girl!” Doug nodded as he was quick to answer the never-ending ringing phone. “Foxx Management.” He abruptly switched his tone from chiding to professional as he quickly sat down in the swivel chair and speedily thumbed through a stack of papers and scanned his computer monitor. Another day at the office! thought Dani.
Her cell phone pulsated again, and she noticed Dale’s number on the screen.
“Well, if it isn’t the fruit of my loins! What’s up, kid?”
“Mom? Are you busy?” Dale’s voice was barely audible. She had the whiney, nonchalant tone of a typical teenager on a Friday morning who wanted to be anywhere else but in school.
“I always am. What’s up?”
“Can you come get me? I’m bored.”
“Yes, I’m sorry about this morning too, sweetheart…” Doug gasped in mock horror at the thick sarcasm in Dani’s voice. Dani waved him off as Doug answered the incessant phone without missing a beat.
“Oh, right…. Yeah…. Sorry Mom, I….”
“Are you at school?”
“Yeah, but it’s a dumb class.” Dale sighed.
“What class is it?”
“Phys. Ed.”
“Are you skipping class now?”
“Yeah, the coach wants us to run laps around the gym. So stupid.”
“Dale, just give it a try, okay?”
“I did Mom! You don’t get it.”
“I get plenty, now get your butt to class.”
“Excuse me Dani, but Barbara Thomas is on line three for you.” Doug interrupted politely but urgently – Barbara Thomas was not one you kept waiting.
“Shit!” Dani was starting to lose her cool. “Okay, tell her I’ll be right there.”
“Please Mom! What’s the big deal? It’s only gym.”
“Dale, you’re going to get expelled if you keep this up!”
“But Mom…”
“Dale, you have to go, it’s part of the curriculum.”
“A.J. is on line two.” Doug was growing more impatient.
“Please tell him I’ll call him back.” Dani nodded over to Doug who went back on the line, but not without a playfully nasty look at her.
“But Mom, it’s not fair that I…”
“Fair?! What’re you, KIDDING me?! If life was fair, we wouldn’t need a Department of Justice, would we?”
“What…?”
“Exactly…Suck it up, buttercup, get back to the gym and sweat a little, it’ll do you good!”
“But…”
“I don’t have time for this.” Dani clicked off her cell phone and hastily picked up line three.
“This is Dani.” She announced professionally.
“Dani, darling. How have you been?” The throaty voice of the Hollywood legend herself was unmistakable.
“Great, Barbara. How are you?” Dani knew Barbara from her own acting and modeling days, and she was indeed a Los Angeles fixture. Barbara was a feisty, well-respected woman in her eighties and still going strong. She knew everybody and everything in town and had quite a reputation for being difficult and terse. She herself was a former starlet when the old Hollywood studio system was functioning and had been under contract with MGM and Warner Brothers. Rumor had it that she was a former lover of many a studio head. However, that rumor was never confirmed as nobody was brave - or stupid enough - to ask her.
“Oh, darling…. everything seems to happen at once. You know how it goes?”
“When it rains, it pours, right Barbara?”
“Absolutely, darling. I’m currently casting fifteen projects at the same time. It never stops.”
“Everybody in town knows that you have an eye for talent.”
“That’s why I’ve been a casting director for over fifty years!” Barbara was never one to be modest.
“Not a casting director, Barbara. The casting director!” Dani knew how to play the Hollywood game. Everybody’s egos were so fragile, so you heap on the praise. It was simply how it was done.
“I love you, darling. You know exactly what to say.”
“So, I’ve read the casting breakdown for The Love House.”
“And what did you think?”
“I think I have several clients who fit the bill. You know most of them. Solid, reliable.”
“Any newbies?”
“Could be, yes…I’m actually meeting a few prospective clients later today.”
“Good. I’m sure you’ll find someone suitable; you’ve always had a good eye for fresh talent.”
“Thanks, Barbara…” Dani laughed to herself - the old broad can dish out the schmooze too, well-played!
“This town loves a good virgin once in a while, right…? About time for one now, maybe…” Barbara let the hint hover for a while.
“Could be, you never know…And who knows that better than you and I, right…?”
The two women laughed reflectively and paused for a moment. They both had been fortunate enough to have a taste of ‘The Life’, emerging relatively unscathed and still on top of their game. But they also knew how quickly naive dreams and small-town hopes can be dashed by the vultures and thieves constantly circling over the land of glitter and make-believe.
“Right.” Barbara laughed briefly and politely, and then moved on quickly to the matter at hand. “I want to speak with you about the role of Linda.” Barbara became serious for a moment.
“Yes, sexy, beautiful and intelligent, with a wicked smile and sarcastic sense of humor.” Dani read the breakdown of the character.
“A role you could easily play, darling.”
“Not anymore, I quite prefer this side of things.” Dani laughed, taking the friendly compliment in stride.
“I wanted to know if your client Jennifer Connors was available. Is she still shooting that television series in Hawaii?”
“No, she had a recurring role, but they killed her character off. She’s working on an indie film with Ross Mardsen now.”
“Ross Mardsen? Ugh.”
“It’s a difficult set, but Jenn’s a pro.” Dani glanced up to see a uniformed delivery man at the door holding a large, pale-blue cardboard box. Doug grinned and leaped out of his seat to retrieve it.
“Glad to hear it, darling. I’d like to see her for the role of Linda.”
“I’m sure Jennifer would be glad to meet with you.” Dani checked her calendar. “She wraps next week; I’ll call her, and we’ll set something up.” Dani looked on as Doug opened the box. The aroma of pastries, donuts and muffins wafted through the air, causing Dani’s stomach to growl. Suddenly all her focus was on a maple bar.
“I’d prefer to see her today, this afternoon, if that’s possible.” Barbara continued. Her tone was demanding yet endearing. You couldn’t help but like Barbara.
“Today? Uh…Sure, Uhmm…” Dani snapped her fingers, getting Doug’s attention. He checked his daybook and looked back at Dani with a thumbs up as he devoured one of the donuts seductively. “Actually, I think she’s on hold today, so no problem, what time is good for you?” Dani kept one eye on the box containing the delectable goodies, half listening to Barbara.
“Three o’clock at my Beverly Hills office. I’ll have my assistant drop off the sides at your office.”
“Still not using e-mail, huh?!”
“Oh God no, I hate those damn computers. Won’t have one in my office. I like doing things the old-fashioned way, it’s better for the soul.”
“I guess you should know, Barbara.” Dani laughed and shook her head. She had always playfully teased her old friend who didn’t even have a cell phone. “Jennifer will be there. You want to see anyone else?”
“Sure. Have some headshots and resumes ready and he’ll be over in about an hour.”
“I’ll have them ready, Barbara.” Dani’s mouth watered as Doug placed a blueberry muffin, a chocolate frosted croissant and a delicious looking maple bar on a paper towel and placed them on her desk. She mouthed a ‘thank you’ as he returned to his desk and the incessantly ringing phone.
“Then we’ll set up some more auditions.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“Thank you, Dani.”
“Thank YOU, Barbara. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything else.” Dani stuffed a piece of muffin in her mouth as Doug handed her a message from A.J. Tarentella. He wanted her to call him back as soon as possible.
“You bet. Ciao for now!” Barbara hung up, leaving Dani with her treats. She attacked them as the phone continued to ring.
“Foxx Management.” Doug answered on the first ring, gulping down coffee. “Hi A.J., please hold.” Doug turned his attention to the munching Dani. “It’s A.J. again. Should I tell him you’ll call him back?”
“No, put him through.” Dani swallowed her food and took the phone. “This is Dani.”
“So, how do you like them?” A.J. spoke in low tones, his booming voice was intimidating and cold. However, Dani was not the least bit daunted by him. She knew his games and how to play them.
“Pardon me?”
“The muffins. I had them delivered from Café Delicieux here in Beverly Hills.” A.J. sounded proud and amused.
“Oh A.J., they’re amazing. Thank you so much. Doug and I are chowing down on them now. We really appreciate it.”
“I like doing nice things for you, babe.” His deep, male voice was harsh yet sweet, and Dani considered him one of her few close friends. A.J. Tarentella was dashing and charismatic. He was raised in a ruthless crime family. Being the son of a mob boss, he fought his way to the top with honor, loyalty and pride. He was now the proud owner of the Tarantella Agency, an immensely respected Private Investigation Company located in the heart of Beverly Hills. He used his father’s work ethic, connections and family ties to build his powerful business empire, and now he was always there to help those in need. He ingeniously cultivated and maintained a fragile balancing act between family loyalty and working with law enforcement. In his game, it paid to have powerful friends on both sides of the societal fence. A.J. could have easily taken his fortune and been frivolous with fancy vacations, cars and homes. Instead, he put all his money and energy into his trade. He sincerely cared about helping people, and that was a trait that Dani admired.
“You know how much I love maple bars.” Dani exclaimed, chewing on the last bit of hers. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Doug gulp down a chocolate glazed donut in one swallow.
“You are too kind.” A.J.’s smooth, velvety voice crooned through the phone line, giving Dani a bit of a shiver. The two of them were very close friends, but there was a sexual energy between them that could not be denied. Dani decided that she didn’t want to take the relationship any further, as she cherished her wonderful friendship with him.
“A.J., I have one-hundred and ten things to do this morning, and it’s not even nine o’clock.” Dani told him, as she noticed a sexy and curvaceous redhead peering through the window, looking lost. Dani checked the list of appointments for the day.
“How about lunch?”
“Sounds good Hun, I’ll call you at eleven.” Dani hung up before A.J. could answer as Doug was greeting the nervous looking, but beautiful young woman. They shook hands cordially as she grinned the typical, I’m-an-actress smile that Dani knew all too well. She herself used to get that look on her face when going to meetings and auditions. Dani smiled warmly at her, as Doug approached her untidy desk.
“Dani, I’d like you to meet Duckie Buckly. She has a nine-thirty appointment with you this morning.” Doug amiably introduced them, as the young woman excitedly extended her hand to her.
“Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Foxx.” She said a little too eagerly.
“Please sit down, Duckie, and call me Dani.” She nodded professionally as she sat down in the swivel chair opposite her.
“Thank you, Dani.” Duckie continued to smile her ear-to-ear grin. “I didn’t mean to be this early, but I left myself plenty of time to get through all the traffic.”
“That’s perfectly fine, better early than late. Interesting name you have there, Duckie.”
“Yes, I changed it to make it sound more theatrical. My legal name is Mildred Schneller.”
Dani paused, considered both names and shrugged slightly. “Well, you know, potato, potah-to…”
“Excuse me, Miss…. Dani…?”
“Oh nothing, just showing my age!” Duckie giggled nervously, unsure how to react and a little embarrassed. Dani picked up on this and switched gears to put the girl at ease.
“I like Duckie Buckly, it’s very…catchy.”
“Thanks, I like it too.” Duckie anxiously twisted back and forth in the swivel chair as Doug brought over the coffee pot, refilling Dani’s cup.
“Would you like some coffee?”
“No, thank you. Caffeine makes me nervous, more nervous than usual.” Duckie said with a laugh. She crossed her long legs and exhaled deeply.
“I completely understand. However, if I don’t get my high octane, I’ll fall asleep at my desk, and I don’t think Dani would appreciate that.” Doug returned to his desk with a smile and a wink.
“Relax, it’s okay,” said Dani, reassuringly. “Would you like something else to drink? Some pastry? We just had a lovely box sent over.”
“No, thank you, I’m fine….”
“You sure?”
“Well, maybe some water…?”
“Of course.” Dani turned towards Doug who was already bringing over a bottle of water.
“So, you’re signed with the Robby Round Agency commercially?” Dani scanned her resume. She had done plenty of live theater and commercials. She was referred to Dani by a client of hers who worked with her on a commercial shoot. Dani had seen Duckie in a national commercial for a diet soda and knew she could take this beauty to the next level. Duckie was certainly something, very beautiful and sexy, but also had a sweet and innocent quality about her.
“Yes, I am, but not theatrically. I’m seeking representation for film and television.” Duckie took a deep breath and seemed to relax a little.
“That’s fine. I could help you with that. You’ve got a fresh, natural quality about you, and I’m pretty sure once I put the word out, they’ll come running.”
“Sounds great to me.” Duckie smiled, running a perfectly manicured hand through her long, luxurious auburn hair
“Jeffrey Donaldson wants you to call him as soon as possible. It’s about his live action project.” Doug approached and placed the pink message paper on Dani’s desk.
“So, Jeffrey Donaldson called?” Duckie asked wide-eyed and impressed.
“Yes, he’s actually a very new contact that I’m nurturing. I want to get my clients in to see him when he starts casting for his new feature.” Dani told her. Jeffrey Donaldson was the President and CEO of Lioness Studios, an old Hollywood institution that was founded in the 1950’s by a fading – yet visionary and daring – movie star from the “Golden Era of Hollywood”, Sasha McDonald. Over the years, the studio had become a powerful force in the industry but had fallen on hard times a few years back. Jeffrey had made his mark, and earned the respect of the Hollywood elite, by taking the washed-up studio and turning it into a powerhouse conglomerate with their enormously successful action franchise, Fire!
“Wow!” Duckie grinned, crossing her legs again.
“Would you like to meet him?” Dani asked.
“Yes, of course. Are they in production for the new sequel?”
“They’re always doing something.”
“Great.”
“Duckie, this is what I do for my clients. I can offer you a two-year contract with a six-month escape clause. If we both mutually feel this won’t work out, after six months we can terminate, and you’ll be free to explore other options.” Dani printed out a standard management contract and handed it to Duckie, who studied it.
“Okay, I see no problem with that.” Duckie looked closely at the printed paper.
“What I will do is work on getting you auditions and meetings. In the meantime, are you taking any classes?”
“I take a scene study class with Brian Hodges twice a week.” Duckie answered.
“Yes, I know Brian. He’s a great teacher. Do you work out with a personal trainer? I want you to stay fit and keep your figure.”
“Of course, I work out every day at The Body Beautiful in Santa Monica.”
“Oh, yes. I know that place. Ocean Avenue?”
“Yes, that’s the one.”
“Also, as your manager, I will be here to give you council and advice.” Dani told her knowingly. Managers usually became mentors, mother figures, and a shoulder to cry on. That is why Dani kept her client list small, so she could be there for all of them.
“I appreciate that, Dani.” Duckie crossed her legs a third time and leaned back in her chair. Dani made a mental note to speak with her about that, if she and Duckie did decide to work together. Perhaps an image consultant could help Duckie with her self-esteem and her nervy habits. They would not look professional at meetings and auditions.
“First word of advice for you, stop being so fidgety. I want to build up your confidence. You’re a beautiful young woman and there’s no need for you to be insecure.” Dani explained.
“I understand.” Ducky looked at her intently, taking in every word. Dani could tell that she was ready to work hard, and not give her any attitude. Just the kind of client that Dani liked.
“Dani, John Gregory is on line two for you. Says it’s urgent.” Doug called over to her.
“Thanks, Doug. Everything is urgent to John. Please tell him I’ll be with him in a minute.” Dani said, and then turned her attention back to Duckie. “Let me know what you think of my management contract, and if it’s to your liking we will have lunch next week and discuss the next step.” Dani smiled and offered Duckie her hand, which she shook with enthusiasm.
“Thank you, Dani. I think this will work out great.” Duckie got up and gathered her things.
“Sorry, but I have to take this call.” Dani nodded and picked up the phone.
“Welcome aboard.” Doug grinned as he shook Duckie’s hand. “Dani’s great, and so are all of her clients. You’re gonna fit right in.”
“Thanks, Doug. She’s really busy, that’s a good sign.”
“Busy isn’t the word for this office, my dear! Crazy is more like it.” Doug gave her a knowing look as three phone lines rang at the same time. Doug rushed to answer them as Duckie strode self-assuredly out the door.
“John, let me tell you, this girl is absolutely gorgeous, and nice too. She’s like a big, sweet kid.” Dani was already selling Duckie to one of the top agents in town. John Gregory was a theatrical agent at the powerful and respected Independent Artists Agency, or as it was known the world over, I.A.A.
“Has she signed with you?” John asked impatiently, always on the lookout for new talent and fresh faces, especially the attractive female kind.
“I offered her the contract literally ten minutes ago. She just walked out of our office. We’re going to be having lunch next week.”
“May I join you?” John asked, interested in meeting the actress and seeing his friend, Dani, again.
“Of course, you may, John. We’re going to meet at Le Dome.”
“Oh, no. I know a much better place. Everybody meets there. La Petit Four on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. It’s an outdoor sidewalk café. Much better and way trendier than stuffy old Le Dome.”
“I’ve heard of that place.”
“Trust me, Dani, it is the place for lunch these days. Le Dome is way too ‘90’s.”
“Well, you would know…” Dani gave a friendly laugh as she glanced over at the clock. She was surprised to see that it was already after ten. The day flew by when the office was hectic and that was one of the many reasons that she like being busy. Fifteen minutes seemed like fifteen seconds in this office. It was just like Dani wanted it to be.
“Who else are you seeing today?” John asked.
“I have a ten-thirty with a wonderful actor who I saw in a play. His name is Nick Savage. Do you know him?”
“Nick Savage, hmmmm. Yes, the name rings a bell. I do believe I remember seeing him on an episode of Crimes in the Hills.”
“Yes, that’s him. He has lots of television credits. Handsome and talented. I’ve gotta say Dani, you have some of the most professional and marketable talent in town.”
“I do appreciate that, John. As a matter of fact, Nick should be walking in any minute. I have a meeting with him shortly. I’ll let you know how it goes, John.”
“Great, call me later.” John clicked off as Doug answered the relentlessly ringing phone. Dani sighed, glanced at her watch and shrugged. It was ten-thirty already and her appointment was nowhere to be found.
“Is Nick Savage running late?” She asked over to Doug, who held up his palms.
“I guess so, traffic is getting worse and worse around here.” Doug scribbled a message on a pink notepad and gulped more coffee. “But it is weird, Nick seemed like such a professional when we met him at the theater. He really wanted to meet you, too. I’m sure he’ll be walking through the door any minute with the latest L.A. freeway saga.”
“Of course.” Dani turned her attention back to her computer screen to double check the time her meeting with Nick Savage was. He even called to confirm. It was rare for an actor to behave unprofessionally and be late to appointments. Exhaling loudly, she glanced down at her watch again. Twenty minutes seem to have flown by. She picked up her phone to give Nick a call. Perhaps he was stuck in traffic or just running late. When she got his voice mail, she left a brief message then leaned back in her chair, a puzzled expression on her pretty face. Where was he?
***
The man sat stoically in the dim room; eyes glued to the eerie, blue glow of the computer screen. He had been using his special browser, Invisible Web or IW as it was known in various circles, in order to access the forbidden and illicit websites that littered the ‘Dark Web’. The dark web contained a specific type of Internet content that was unknown and not accessible by traditional web search engines and regular folk. They wouldn’t want to view the torrid and despicable innards of that part of the World Wide Web anyway. It was a revolting creation that existed only on darknet, an overlay of networks which required precise software, configurations and authorization to access. One didn’t want to tread there lightly, as it was a dizzying array of illegal products ranging from cocaine, weapons and child pornography. The police and law enforcement were always hot on their trails but seemed to be a few steps behind the internet hackers. Many attempts have been made to monitor this unlawful activity, and a few people have gotten caught and gone to prison for their crimes.
The man was his employer’s ‘offspring’, basically the second-in-command of the whole criminal operation. Being that the man was incredible technically savvy, he created his own server, hosted the website on his own, and even created a legitimate business front to throw the police off their trial. The man used his talents as a ‘Doxxer’, and that is exactly who he was, a ‘Dark Web’ master.
The man’s employer ran one of these illegitimate websites, and the Doxxer was in charge of running it, selling products, and hiding from law enforcement. ‘Black Panties’ was the type of dark net marketplace one needed a cast iron stomach to even view. The products and services promoted on the various crypto markets were purchased with a secret type of currency, and the whole transactions were surreptitious and hush-hush.
The main product that the man’s employer sold were people. Beautiful, sexy people, and they were all for sale to the highest bidder. There were many people in Los Angeles with money, lots of money, and money can buy anything. The man discovered one very harsh truth about the City Of Angels: There are a lot of sick and disturbed individuals with lots of cash and wealth. After the years of sex and debauchery go by, the sadistic acts they need to get their thrills only escalate. That is exactly where the dark web came in.
People were bought and sold like pieces of prime steak. Some were aware of their situations, some were not. Many of these attractive young people simply disappeared, and many just slipped into the deep well of drugs and prostitution. There was certainly no shortage of young, pretty, naive and lonely people in Los Angeles. It was almost as easy as simply posting a ‘casting notice’ in one of the trade papers or on practically any actor’s website. There were quite literally way too many to count, and they all kept coming, all with stars in their eyes. All desperate and hungry. Some went willingly, some had to be forced, and some were even injected with heroin to get them to comply. It didn’t matter to the customer; they just wanted the fresh pussy or dick. Some clients just wanted straight or kinky sex, others wanted to tie up the young man or woman and beat them to a bloody pulp. If the client was heavily into sadomasochism, as many of them were, then the poor, unfortunate soul could quite literally have anything cruel, humiliating and torturous happen to them. Some were never heard from again. None of it was any concern to the man’s boss, as it was all about acquiring money, no matter how twisted and bizarre the means.
Right now, the man had a job to do. The demand far outweighed the supply, and it was his duty to provide the high-class clientele with what they wanted. What the rich men wanted were virgins, fresh and pure teenage girls. The human trafficking industry was a powerful and sordid one, run by underground crime figures and the wealthy underworld. One wouldn’t think that such a repugnant and harrowing business could exist, but it did. The customers were quite discriminating in their tastes as well, and the owner of these said industries were quick to supply them with product.
At this time, they were running out of product, and the man was burdened with the business of acquiring more. Lots more.
About the Author
Lindy
S. Hudis is an award winning filmmaker, author and actress. Lindy is a
graduate of New York University, where she studied drama at Tisch School
of the Arts. She also performed in a number of Off-Off Broadway theater
productions while living in New York City.
She is the author of several titles, including her romance suspense novel, Weekends, her “Hollywood” story City of Toys, and her crime novel, Crashers. Her latest release, “Hollywood Underworld – A Hollywood Series” is the first installment of a crime, mystery series.
In addition, she has written several erotic short stories, including “The S&M Club”, “The Backstage Pass”, “Guitar God”, “The Guitarist”, and “The Mile High Club”.
Her short film “The Lesson”, which she wrote, produced and directed, has won numerous awards, including ‘Best Short Film’ at the Paris International Film Festival, The Beverly Hills Arthouse Film Festival and the San Fransisco International Film Festival.
She is also an actress, having appeared in the indie film Expressionism, the television daytime drama “Sunset Beach”, also “Married with Children” , “Beverly Hills 90210” and the feature film “Indecent Proposal” . She and her husband, Hollywood stuntman Stephen Hudis, have formed their own production company called Impact Motion Pictures, and have several projects and screenplays in development. She lives in California with her husband and two children.
Website & Social Media:
Website/Blog ➜ https://lindyinparadise.wordpress.com/
Twitter ➜ https://twitter.com/Lindyscribe
Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/LindyScribe/
Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/lindys.hudis
Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6470478.Lindy_S_Hudis
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