I leaned over and pulling my purse over from the nightstand dug out Malcolm's card. He'd written his cell number on the back and I dialed it only half expecting him to answer. After all it was a Friday night and he had a reputation as still being a party hound and enjoying the ladies. It went to voicemail.

“Malcolm, its Mary, listen you need to give me a call, it's important. Call anytime."

It had bothered me to give him my real name. That was why I'd stayed exclusively with Dan since my return. I didn't need anyone else knowing my real identity. I had them pay Dan rather than me directly, but the law required my real name be on record in case there were ever any legal questions about age or anything else about the movies being filmed. Not that it could be divulged other than in an investigation.

I put the card away, shut the lamp off and slid down under the covers. I closed my eyes and tried to let my mind slowdown in hopes maybe I could find some relief in the oblivion of sleep. That is if today's drama didn't spawn a whole new series of nightmares. I jumped when my cell rang and picking it up, I saw it was Malcolm

“Hey, that was quick."

“Molly, what can I do for you?" He sounded out of breath and before I could answer I heard a high pitched giggle in the background followed by the sound a light slap, a yelp, and Malcolm speaking away from the phone, “This is important, go wait for me in the bedroom."

“That was an awfully young sounding giggle for someone with a mom complex." I told him.

"I'm forty eight. Mom's to me would be seventy." He explained.

"Still my number one fantasy, but in reality? Guess I've gone the other way and am finding girls with daddy fixations." He laughed, “Still keeping it in the family."

"I've come to expect no less."

“What can I do for you, Mary? And before you worry, my little playmate has left the room. She can't hear me use your real name."

“Appreciate that, Listen, Malcolm, I won't be making the shoot, Tuesday." “Oh, you need me to reschedule? I should be able to. I can switch it for Charlie and the young man she was shooting with on Wednesday. The kid who requested you is local. He'll be fine for whenever you're available." “That's the thing. I'm not going to be available. I'm calling it quits." "I'm sorry to hear that Mary, you're a real talent. The industry will be a lesser place without you."

“Thank you, I..."

“However," He kept speaking, "Your retirement will be after the next Real Mom shoot.

“Excuse me?" He hadn't said it in a nasty tone, but there was no indication he was joking either.

"You signed a contract to film the next installment for an agreed upon amount of money. You will honor that."

“And if I don't?"

“I sue for breach of contract."

"You didn't pay me anything for it yet."

“A Love letter to mom made Real Mom and Stone Cold Productions over forty thousand dollars in advertising and new memberships. On the membership form there is a poll asking why you are joining."

"Your movie was listed as the reason by hundreds of new members. Meaning your sudden backing out on a movie that I have already started advertising is costing me at least that and I can prove it. You want to walk away you can, but you'll be in court and paying me a large sum of money."

He was speaking calmly and I was reminded that although Malcolm was personable and had a reputation as being great to work for, he was one of the top money makers in the business and hadn't gotten there by being soft.

“Stone Cold is a great choice of name." I replied.

"I don't like to be this way, Mary. I like you, I mean that, but money talks. Had you mentioned this a week ago things might be different, but as I said I am already advertising "Man of the House

“What's that?"