Rosita’s palm had been cut deep, requiring more than a dozen stitches. Her hand was now swaddled in thick bandages.
When the director heard about the accident, he looked genuinely distressed.
Rosita had prepared extensively for this film. She’d even trained for several close–up restoration shots that were crucial to the story. Now, with her injury, finding a replacement on such short notice was going to be tough.
Lying in her hospital bed, Rosita decided to call the director herself.
She had a suggestion: “Briony is a highly skilled conservator. Plus, her mentor, Professor Winslow, went to college with our camera supervisor, Anstice. I actually heard Anstice mention just a few days ago that Professor Winslow is in Silveridge at the moment. Director, maybe you could ask Anstice to reach out and see if Professor Winslow can help us out.”
The director seemed interested. “A student of Professor Winslow? That’s impressive. But do you know this Ms. Kensington personally?”
“We’ve met a few times, but to be honest, Ms. Kensington doesn’t care for me. So, if Anstice asks Professor Winslow for help, it’s probably best not to mention me at all. Just say we need someone for a few detailed restoration shots. That should be enough.”
“Alright, I’ll check with Anstice right away.”
As soon as she hung up, Rosita handed her phone to Daisy. “Can you go back to the hotel and grab me something more low–key to wear? I need to step out for a bit.”
Daisy’s brow creased with concern. “Rosita, you’re hurt. You really should be resting!”
“I’ll be fine. I just have some personal business to take care of,” Rosita replied with a reassuring smile. “Just hurry back, okay?”
“Alright,” Daisy said softly, reluctantly turning to leave.
Meanwhile, Briony had just finished her prenatal checkup–everything was normal. One baby was about three pounds, the other a little more, both perfectly healthy.
On the way back, her teacher, Carney, called.
“An old friend of mine from a film crew just reached out,” Carney explained. “Their lead actress got hurt, and they need someone for a key shot. Normally, I’d have James do it, but he’s out of the country with Professor Thornton for the next few days.”
“I understand,” Briony said. “When do they want to shoot?”
“They said you could come over right away. They’ll film at The Antiquarian Society, just a close–up of the restoration work, using a camera gimbal. It shouldn’t take more than half an hour if all goes well.”
“I’m out with my godmother, but we’re just leaving the hospital. We’ll head over now.”
“Good. And make sure your driver takes it slow–there’s no rush.”
“Of course.”
The car’s soundproofing was excellent, but even so, Gwendolyn White, seated beside Briony, caught every word. “That Anstice, honestly–having to ask Carney for something like this?” Gwendolyn grumbled. “Carney just can’t say no to anyone! Now you’re running around doing favors when you should be taking it easy.”
1/2
19.02
་
Chapter 265
“It’s just one shot. Really, it’s fine.”
“No, I’m giving Carney a piece of my mind when we get there,” Gwendolyn muttered.
Briony just smiled and patted her stomach, saying nothing more
When they arrived at The Antiquarian Society, Anstice was already there with the crew.
After Carney made the introductions, they all headed into the restoration lab.
Shooting with a gimbal was relatively simple and perfect for the close–ups they needed.
Briony changed into her work clothes, put on gloves, and began working from the angles the director indicated. In less than twenty minutes, they were done.
The cameraman shook Briony’s hand. “Ms. Kensington, thank you for your help.”
“It was nothing,” Briony replied, offering a polite smile.
They left the lab and headed for the lounge.
Briony excused herself to use the restroom. She came here often, so the staff knew her well, and Gwendolyn didn’t worry.
Five minutes later, Briony stepped out of the stall and walked to the sink, turning on the faucet.
That’s when a woman in casual clothes and a baseball cap entered. Before she came in, she placed a “Maintenance in Progress” sign at the restroom door.
The sound of running water filled the room.
Briony’s hand paused mid–wash.
Through the mirror, she watched as the woman approached. Even with the cap pulled low and a mask obscuring her face, Briony immediately sensed trouble.
She turned, one hand instinctively resting on her belly, and eyed the woman warily. “Who are you?”
The woman lifted a hand and pulled off her mask.
Briony’s expression darkened. “It’s you. What do you want?”
“Been a few months, hasn’t it? Looks like your belly’s a lot bigger now, Ms. Kensington,” Rosita said with a cold smile. “Silveridge must agree with you–you’re looking much healthier these days!”
Her sneering tone put Briony on edge.
“Rosita, I’ve left Northborough. I’ve given Stewart and Irwin back to you. There’s no reason for you to keep harassing me.”
Rosita snorted. “Should I be grateful? You’ve left, sure, but do you really think Stewart doesn’t know you’re pregnant?”
