“Mr. Stalkey doesn’t take me into his confidence,” Peggy replied with a smile, “but I don’t think so.”
Tom didn’t say a word, but hunched into a seat beside Peggy. In his lap he held a copy of the script of Innocent Laughter. Down in front Peggy saw Peter Grey leaning over Oscar Stalkey and Craig Claiborne. The three of them seemed deep in conversation. Suddenly Oscar Stalkey gave a little jerk of his head and came up the aisle with the quick steps Peggy remembered so well from her interview in his office. Tom Agate straightened in his seat, uncertain of what to do.
Oscar Stalkey settled the problem by gripping the old man’s hand warmly. “Hello, Tom,” he said, and Peggy heard genuine affection and respect in his tone. “How have you been keeping yourself?”
Tom struggled to his feet, a flush of pleasure creeping over his face. “Fine, Oscar,” he answered. “Just fine. Congratulations on a fine play.”
“Thanks,” Oscar Stalkey said. “What about the part of the grandfather? Think you’d like to play it?”
“Don’t know if I can, Oscar.”
The producer laughed. “That’s not what I heard. Peter Grey said you were great.”
“It’s nice of him to say so,” Tom murmured.
“How about going over a scene or two for us now?” Oscar Stalkey took him by the arm and led him toward the stage. “But first I’d like you to meet Craig Claiborne, our director.”
Tom seemed reluctant to follow Oscar Stalkey. “There’s one favor....” he said tentatively.