Chapter 36: Shooting

Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Shooting

After Vera Cecil left the office, Irene picked up the form and read it carefully.

She had to admit the work was thorough. The analysis of each character was accurate. For each actor, Vera listed recent roles and salary expectations. It was clear and direct.

She called Vera back in.

"Who do you think fits Regina George?"

Irene knew this film’s potential better than anyone, which made casting harder.

The two key roles were the lead, Katie Helen—already set for Reese Witherspoon. Her work in Legally Blonde proved her acting, she had audience appeal and a suitable look, so the role was secure.

That was also why Irene hadn’t rejected CAA. If they’d pushed an actor who didn’t fit the lead, she wouldn’t have risked the film.

The other key role was the "queen bee," Regina George.

Regina was as important as the lead. Casting wrong could cost tens of millions.

In her past life, Rachel McAdams played the part. Her age now fit, but she had no name recognition.

Without other film experience, Irene couldn’t give such a crucial role to a complete unknown. Even if she agreed, CAA and Fox wouldn’t. So she needed alternatives.

Current actresses auditioning for Regina included Sarah Michelle Gellar, lead of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with strong popularity and influence among the target audience, and a cool, positive image.

Christina Ricci, from The Addams Family, Casper, and The Ice Storm, was transitioning and known for acting ability.

Brittany Murphy, known from Clueless and recently acting with Angelina Jolie, had skill, though her look was softer than the others.

The final choice would depend on tomorrow’s auditions, but Irene wanted Vera’s outsider view now.

"Boss... it’s hard to say," Vera hesitated.

"It’s fine, just us here. Say what you think."

"Based on feeling, none of these actresses quite fit the queen bee in your script."

Irene blinked, surprised but agreeing.

Perhaps it was bias. She approved of Rachel McAdams’ version of the queen bee, and wrote the script with that impression.

So other actors felt off.

"You’re right, I feel that too. Tell Shelly I need more options—prettier girls—for my queen bee."

"Alright, Boss." Vera left. Irene didn’t dwell on it. Hollywood had many beautiful actresses; she’d find the right one.

Night fell. Irene took a taxi back to her Burbank apartment. She’d rented it while filming Britney’s MV, and it became her base between there and Napa Valley.

The bathtub was full, and as she picked up the bath sponge, shouting erupted outside, followed by a heavy thud against the wall.

Her hand jerked, and the sponge hit the bathroom floor with a "plop," rolling to the toilet.

"What the..." she muttered, bending to pick it up. Before she touched it, "Bang! Bang—!" gunfire sounded outside.

Her body reacted. She dropped low, rolled, and curled under the window.

Screams came from outside. She clearly heard a bullet hit the outer wall, plaster falling. It sounded close.

Realizing this wasn’t a routine dispute and could be life-threatening, she crouched to the living room, got her phone from her bag, and called the police.

After hanging up, she checked the door lock, then followed instructions to return upstairs and wait quietly.

In the dark, her mind was blank. She felt relief at surviving and a strange adrenaline, like current through her nerves.

She knew public safety here wasn’t perfect, but her apartment was in a decent area. She hadn’t expected a shooting scene next door, and didn’t know what happened.

Curiosity overcame caution. She got up, stood by the window, and pulled the curtain slightly to look.

The gunfire had stopped. She didn’t know if anyone was hurt, but saw someone stumble out of the house next door.

She hadn’t stayed here much lately. She recalled students lived next door; two universities were nearby. She didn’t know which student was involved.

She watched from the second floor. No armed figures appeared, and the area quieted. Some neighbors came out to look.

Sirens broke the night. An officer spoke briefly at her door:

"Suspects are in custody. Preliminary view is several young people caused trouble with firearms while intoxicated and emotional. Stray bullets hit your residence. We’ll investigate further, but the threat is over."

Irene thanked him and watched police put several handcuffed, swearing individuals into a patrol car.

The chaos was packed up quickly, but left a bullet hole in her wall. She hoped the landlord wouldn’t complain tomorrow.

Things calmed. She went to the door for air.

By the police car, a slender figure stood with her back to Irene, giving a statement.

Jeans and a T-shirt couldn’t hide good posture and an elegant neckline. She must be attractive.

Seeing a good-looking back made one curious about the front. So Irene waited at the door for her to turn.

The officer left. The person exhaled and turned.

The streetlight hit her like a spotlight, highlighting her face.

It was a young face, fresh, no makeup, with clear eyes, showing the newness of someone recently out of school, and the tension of the incident.

It was the person Irene had been considering all day: Rachel McAdams.