PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S AT HOLM IN A BMW!

This rare photo features Joan sitting in a BMW she had just been given as she promoted the new model in Germany.. Joan was married to the infamous Peter Holm at the time, you can see him smiling next to Joan....

PHOTO OF THE DAY : DARLING! SAY CHEESE..THAT'S MY BOY..

This rare photo features Joan and Percy in 2002 a few months after their wedding, enjoying the Riviera sun...

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S THE ONE FOR BBC..

This photo features Joan on the BBC evening chat show 'The One Show' last November in advance of her appearance in the Birmingham Panto.. 'Dick Whittington'.. I am featuring this photo as I had a request to feature it...

PHOTO OF THE DAY EXTRA : JOAN SEE'S NIKKI ON HER WAY..

Here is Joan saying goodbye to old friend Nikki Haskell at lunch in St Tropez.. Nikki now back in NY spent some time in the Riviera sun.. She also caught up with friend music mogul Clive Davis..Thank to Nikki for sharing this shot!

PHOTO OF THE DAY : DARLING! WHEN I SAID I NEEDED NATURAL LIGHT!

This elegant photo features Joan looking stunning, not sure of exact date probably late 50s, early 60's..

EVENT ALERT : JOAN'S A DIVA FOR ANDY!




JOAN'S ICONIC PORTRAIT..



SNAPSHOT ANDY WORKED FROM FOR PORTRAIT

An new exhibition has just opened at The Lowry Galleries in Salford Manchester, showcasing the iconic portraits of the legendary Andy Warhol.. Featuring portraits and snapshots on loan from various collections, including The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.. As well as Joan's legendary image, other 'Diva's' include Debbie Harry, Jane Fonda, Grace Jones, Marilyn Monroe and Liza!

JOAN WITH aNDY DURING THE SESSION

 The exhibition runs from June 25th until September 25th.. See link on side bar for more details! Look forward to visiting The Lowry on December 5th for The Royal Varity Prformance!!

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN IS SET UP FOR A QUEST!

This rare photo features Joan with co-star Tom Bell on set of the 1971 sci-fi romantic drama 'Quest For Love', which recently came out on dvd from Scorpion Releasing..

80'S FOCUS .. THE MAKING OF A MALE MODEL .. 1983 ..

 ABC PRESENTS
AN AARON SPELLING PRODUCTION

 THE MAKING OF A MALE MODEL

Starring

JOAN COLLINS as Kay Dillon

JON ERIK HEXUM as Tyler Burnett

KEVIN MCCARTHY as Ward Hawley

ROXIE ROKER as Mdge Davis

ARTE JOHNSON as Marty Sampson

TED MCGINLEY as Gary Angelo

JEFF CONAWAY as Chuck Lanyard

HARRY LANGDON as Miles

ROSEMARIE STACK as Lila Chandler

PATRICIA SMITH as Mrs Rockwell

TAMARA STAFFORD as Linda

ROBERT WALKER JR as Joseph

BARRY PEARL as Clarence

HEATHER MCNAIR as Denise

HUNTER VON LEER as Director

MICHAEL ANDERSON JR as Sven

DINO GIGANTE as Stylist

 Director of Photography - Richard Rawlings SR A.S.C
  Art Director - Tom Trimble
    Music By Artie Butler
     Teleplay by A.J.Carothers
       Edited by Dick Darling
         Costumes by Nolan Miller
          Produced by Aaron Spelling - Lynn Loring - Elaine Rich
            Directed by Irving J Moore

 Tyler Burnett is a country boy at heart, who finds himself catapulted to the top, in the ruthless world of modelling, when a glamorous model agency boss picks him as her latest protege. But can Tyler stay at the top.. while still coping with the fame, plus the scrutiny involved? After a whirlwind romance with his lady boss, Kay Dillon... he soon learns the high price of fame.. where it is only a matter of time, when a more fresher face will come along! Follow the road to success, as we witness The Look of the moment, during The Making Of A Male Model!
(c) 1983  ABC 98 MINS  Colour ....

 This popular tv movie, was another Aaron Spelling production, made during Joan's hiatus from 'Dynasty', she co-stars with the very handsome, much missed actor Jon Erik Hexum. Joan apparently handpicked Jon after looking at hundreds of photo's of various potential faces. Joan instantly took to Jon Erik's striking good looks, plus he was a popular face, as he had just finished the popular sci-fi series 'Voyagers'.

 Jon Erik was delighted to get the role and enjoyed driving around Beverly Hills, buying $9,000 worth of clothes for the tv movie. Joan was so fond of Jon Erik, that she advised him to go up for the role of her love interest in the next season of 'Dynasty'. However he said he did not want to be tied down to a three year contract.

Joan tried to get away from the Alexis look for this movie and she collaborated with friend and costume designer, Nolan Miller in creating a different look. She began by losing twelve pounds, had her hair style created short, while swapping the low cut outfits for business attire.

Here character of Kay Dillon ran her own modelling agency, but in retrospect she still was not too far from her Alexis persona..
Nolan Miller recalled....
"It's was a new look.. No boobs Joan Collins! Sleek.. Strait laced.. But sexy.. She is the Lady Boss in this movie. Most of the time we are hiding her famous chest! It's terrible trying to disguise her boobs, especially when I usually spend most of the time trying to show them off! But Joan does get a glamorous outfit for a costume party scene, as she is dresses as Cleopatra in a slinky, shimmering costume!"

Joan looks stylish as ever, with Aaron Spelling at the helm, it's pure 80's escapism, with enough drama to keep it in reality. Even though Jon Erik turned down a role on 'Dynasty', he did accept a series a year later, the glossy  'Cover Up' co-starring Jennifer O'Neill, also set in the modelling world. However he may have been wiser to accept Joan's offer, as tragically whilst playing around with a prop gun on set, he shot himself in the head and died a few weeks later.

Such a tragic end for such a promising star, who no doubt had a bright showbiz career ahead of him. 'Male Model' also stars Jeff Conaway, who plays an ageing model who turns to drugs and overdoses, sadly a similar fate awaiting Jeff who died recently. Another actor who passed recently, veteran Kevin McCarthy appears as a tough agent, with 'Love Boat' and 'Dynasty' star Ted McGinley as one of the other models.. Well worth seeking out for fans of 'Dynasty' and 80's high drama..

(c) 2011 Mark McMorrow....

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN BELIVES SHE CAN FLY!

This rather glamorous photo of Joan was from the same shoot that was featured in last Saturdays 'The Times' magazine..This photo was not used, but I got a request to feature it again, as I previously posted some time ago...

DYNASTY REVISITED : EPISODE 21 .. REVELATIONS.

                     REVISITED ....
            The story so far ......
                                    Alexis catches up with an old friend, Victor Bonaducci, whose son Max is terrorising Amanda..Krystle has been getting mysterious phonecalls.. Amanda discovers her friend Connie is missing....

Amanda sat on the bed, she did not know what to do, where to go! She feared for Connie's safety, there was no predicting what Max would do to her. Amanda sat thinking, her thoughts disturbed by a sound from the living area. Her heart began to race, had Max returned to snatch her away, as he had Connie? Grabbing her mobile phone from her purse, she speed dialed her mother's number, it went to voicemail. Amanda's hands were shaking, she managed to get up off the bed and make her way to the bedroom door. The door was partially opened, she slowly opened it fully, relief flooded her being when she discovered her mother and Victor Benaducci there!
"Mummy! Thank heavens it's you! I thought it was Max!"
Amanda ran to her mothers arms, she felt almost childlike, she needed the protection of her parent.
"Darling! What happened? Where is your friend?"
Alexis gave her daughter a hug, then she released her, to try and find out what exactly was going on.
"I got a text message from Connie. She asked me to hurry over here..She needed to talk! When I got here she was gone..There was a note on the bed from Max.."
Victor sighed, he felt despair at the depths his son was prepared to sink to, in order to seek his pointless revenge. While Alexis comforted Amanda, he went into the bedroom to read the note. Victor stuffed the note into his jacket pocket, then returned to the sitting area to join Alexis and Amanda.
"I could kill that son of mine! I may have not aways been the perfect gentleman.. but I draw the line at abusing women. I am deeply ashamed!"
Alexis put her hand on his shoulder, by way of comfort.
"Victor Darling! We can't be totally responsible for the actions of ones children. Even though we might feel the burden."
Victor nodded, even though he agreed with her, he still could not help but feel responsible.
"I cannot help my feelings, Alexis. We must try and put an end to his reign.. Tough measures must be administered."
Alexis could not argue with that course of action.
"I totally agree. All we can do this evening is have a stiff drink. I do believe Amanda could do with a large brandy."
With everyone in agreement, they left the hotel suite, in search of the bar.

It took Amanda two days to recover from the shock, she was shaken, worried about her friend, where she was, what condition she was in , if alive! Amanda was so relieved to have the support of her mother, not to mention the safe haven of the penthouse.
Alexis worried for her daughters safety, if not her sanity, with Max Benaducci at large.. But she had so much on her mind at this moment.. What with the Jeremy Van Dorn trial beginning tomorrow, she was expected at the courthouse in the morning. She had happier events the evening after, with the gala opening of 'The Morrell Plaza'. Everything so far was going to plan, she was thrilled that all the guests she had invited had accepted her invitation, all but a few..Steven had rung to say he would fly in with Bart, the morning of the gala.. She must book him into one of the luxury suites. Alexis ticked the remaining boxes on her to do sheet and sat back a smile on her face at her achievement. She was delighted to welcome a new arrival in the form of her son Adam Carrington, who had informed her in advance, that he had some news regarding Frank Mulligan's mystery friend at The Fallbacker Clinic.
"Mother! I can't stay very long.. I just wanted you to see these photographs while they are fresh from the lab."
Alexis sat upwright on the sofa, alerted to the impending revelation. Adam handed her a brown, hardbacked envelope, she eagerly removed the batch of b/w photo's from within.
"Darling! Will I be shocked?"
Adam poured himself a scotch, awaiting her reaction.
"Mother! I do not honestly know!"
Alexis scanned the images, they obviously featured Frank, but in all their clarity, she found it difficult to identify the wheelchaired patient, his hat and sunglasses, almost a disguise, his unshaven beard hiding a multitude.
"It is hard to tell if it is Dex. I guess there is a possibility. He has bound to have lost weight and I imagine he is in pain."
Alexis studied the photo's again, she longed for a sign of recognition, that would confirm that he was in fact here beloved Dex.
"Alexis! I did not realise you were into photography!"
Both Adam and Alexis had been so engrossed in the images that they failed to hear Frank Mulligan enter the penthouse.
"Frank! I totally forgot you were calling to take me to the hotel. I gather it is no use pretending now. Who is that man you regularly visit at the clinic?"
Alexis felt embarassed at been caught in the act, as where, she would hate him to think she was somehow checking up on him.
"I had presumed that I was entitled to a private life! What exactly are you trying to find out about me?"
Frank took the photo's from her and quickly viewed them.
"Frank! Adam was just been doubly careful.. When he discovered you made regular visits to the Clinic, I became intrigued. I got a wild idea that this mystery man might just be Dex!"
Frank threw the photo's on the coffee table and sighed.
"I do realise Adam is only looking after your best interests. I respect that. I respect you Alexis! That man is not Dex Dexter. He is my very best friend, wounded by a stray bullett, while on an undercover mission."
Frank was not too upset at the interference in his private life, he learned to accept situations and the people who orchestrated them.
"Thank you Frank for disclosing your personal business. I guess I am relived it is not Dex. It makes things alot less complicated."
Alexis touched his arm, she knew in her heart that he was a good man, who could be a true friend.

Meanwhile at the Carrington mansion, Krystle could not get the revelations regarding Amanda's friend Connie Out of her mind. She wondered if Alexis had any knowledge of Connie's profession. Although they both never did see eye to eye on anything, Krystle was tempted to ring her and ask her out straight. Krystle pondered the idea for a few minutes, she then decided to go ahead, what was there to lose? She was just about to lift the receiver when the phone rang.

"Hello! Who is this? Could you have the decency to say something?"

Krystle was becoming more and more frustrated at the persistence of the phone calls. She finally told Blake about the frequency of them, he seemed concerned, but promised to step up security.

"It is all in your head!"

With those whispered words, the caller hung up. Krystle stood in a state of confusion, was somebody trying to drive her insane? She sat down for a few minutes to somehow focus. She then returned to her original plan, she would phone Alexis.

"Alexis! I need to ask you a question regarding Amanda's friend, Connie.."

Krystle was not at all keen on asking Alexis anything, as most often than not she was given a short, sharp answer.

"Krystle! So nice to hear from you! Looking forward to the event of the season? I am so glad you both accepted my invitation. Why on earth would you be interested in Miss Connie Rich?"

Alexis was more than curious.

"Alexis I am a little worried about Amanda. I got some information from a very good source, who claims that Connie is a call girl! I can't quite understand what they have in common!"

Alexis pondered for a moment, should she tell her everything? Knowing full well she would tell Blake. However Blake was Amanda's father, she may as well reveal the secret to him.

"Krystle! I do know what Miss Rich used to do for a living. I can assure you Amanda is not involved in that paticular profession. She got involved with a man who turned out to be far from what he pretended to be. She thought he was a legit Hollywood producer, turned out he made porn films, his actresses moonlighted as escorts offset! After his studio was shut down, he turned to drugs and drink, he began to abuse her. Connie helped her escape from his clutches, they arrived in Denver, but this man has followed them here."

Krystle was shocked, she was relieved that Amanda was not involved in anything seedy, but she felt concern that this man was still at large.

"I don't know what to say, I never imagined there was so much intrigue in all this. What are you going to do about this guy?"

Alexis sighed and lit herself a cigarette.

"Krystle! I honestly do not know. But one thing is for certain, no man will harm a hair on any of my childrens heads and live to tell the tale!"

To be continued....

(c) 2011 Mark Mc Morrow..

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN IS READY FOR HER NIGHTCAP..

This photo was one of a series of shots to promote Joan's collection of Lingerie from 1987.. many more to come in future posts..

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN DISCLOSES HER SECRETS TO ALAN ..

This rare photo features Joan on the set of the BBC lunchtime show .. Pebble Mill At One from 1994.. This edition was devoted to Joan, who was promoting her best selling book 'My Secrets.'

DVD ALERT : THE DEVIL WITHIN HER ...

Here is a reminder that Joan's 1975 shocker 'I Don't Want To Be Born', gets a USA dvd release on September 20th from Scorpion Releasing, under it's USA title 'The Devil Within Her.'  This British shocker stars Ralph Bates, Donald Plesence, Eileen Atkins, John Steiner, Hilary Mason and Caroline Munro.. You can pre-order this release now!

PHOTO OF THE DAY EXTRA : JOAN'S A STRIKING POSER..

For those who follow the blog by email, here is a new photo of Joan which I have as my header..This photo is associated with the upcoming publication of Joan's new best seller  'The World According To Joan'..see link on the blog side bar to pre-order!

PHOTO OF THE DAY : DARLING! THEY DO CALL ME THE GREEN GODDESS BECAUSE OF THIS FINGER!

Here is Joan as Katrina Petrovna in the 1986 mini series 'Monte Carlo' .. out now on dvd...

PHOTO OF THE DAY EXTRA : IVAN'S COMING FOR DINNER!

Joan caught up with her good friend Ivan Massow at Club 55 for lunch..Ivan directed Joan in the film release 'Banksys Coming For Dinner..' .

PHOTO OF THE DAY : TIME FOR ANOTHER CINZANO DARLING?

This rare candid photo shows at her London home in 1979, just prior to the release if 'The Bitch'....

PHOTO OF THE DAY : DARLING! DOES THE MERMAID IN A SHELL LOOK SUIT ME?

This photo featured in Saturday's The Times Magazine, Joan is wearing the gown that got much attention at this years Vanity Fair Oscar party, where she almost fainted as the gown as too tight for her.. Joan seems swept off her feet in this photo!

PHOTO OF THE DAY : DARLING! IS THAT A WRAP?

As a follow up to yesterday's On The Cover feature. Here is the main portrait from Saturday's The Times magazine. Will feature one more photo tomorrow..the other photo's in the magazine were archive photo's.

80'S FOCUS : THE WILD WOMEN OF CHASTITY GULCH .. 1982

ABC PRODUCTIONS
Presents
An AARON SPELLING Production
THE WILD WOMEN OF CHASTITY GULCH

Starring

JOAN COLLINS as Annie Mc Culloch

PRISCILLA BARNES as Maggie Mc Culloch

HOWARD DUFF as Colonel Isaacs

PAMELA BELLWOOD as Sarah

PHYLLIS DAVIS as Sugar Harris

JEANETTE NOLAN as Gertrude

MORGAN BRITTANY as Lannie

DONNY OSMOND as Frank Isaacs

LEE HORSLEY as Captain John Cain

LISA WHELCHEL as Amy Cole

Director of Photography - Richard L Rawlings A.S.C

 Teleplay by Earl W Wallace

  Art Director - Paul Sylos

   Edited by Patrick Kennedy

    Costumes by Nolan Miller

      Music by Frank DeVol and Tom Worrall

         Executive Producer -Aaron Spelling

           Produced by Shelley Hull

             Directed by Philip Leacock ...

                          ~~~~~~~~~~

JOAN WITH MORGAN BRITTANY. PHYLLIS DAVIS . PRISCILLA BARNES  LISA WHELCHEL
A group of gutsy ladies must band together to protect their town during the civil war, when all the men go off to fight. Things hot up, when a female doctor Maggie McCulloch arrives in town to visit her Aunt Annie. She soon discovers that Annie runs the local brothel! But Annie has not got long to live and vows to protect her girls, with the aid of her no nonsense niece.. The scene is set for a battle.. Who's sole winners will be The Wild Women Of Chastity Gulch!!
(c) 1982 ABC  100 MINS COLOUR ...

During her annual hiatus from filming 'Dynasty', Joan made a series of tv movies, appearing here in a guest role.This 1982 effort, produced by Aaron Spelling features a veritable who's who of 80's television. Joan plays the local madame in a small town during the civil war and brings a touch of glamour to the wild west! But then again most of the star cast are hardly wallflowers!

'Three's Company' star Priscilla Barnes stars as the new arrival in town, who ruffles more than a few feathers. Other familar faces include 'Dallas' star Morgan Brittany, famous as the evil Katherine Wentworth on the classic night time drama. Phyllis Davis who appeared in the classic Aaron Spelling crime drama 'Vegas' plays a typical goodtime girl called Sugar! With few moments of drama, including Joan's death scene, the film has a few moments of comedy, not sure if this was intended! Joan's 'Dynasty' co-star Pamela Bellwood and 'Matt Houston' star Lee Horsley also appear..

JOAN WITH HOWARD DUFF
There is little background info regarding the film, as it was a tv movie, largely forgotten about now, is still worth a look for it's always entertaining cast. Donny Osmond turns up as a wounded soldier who grabs the attention of the ladies.. Joan would team up with Donny many years later in the video version of the hit musical 'Joesph'.. Maybe someday we can catch those 'Wild Women' on dvd?

(c) 2011 Mark McMorrow .

ON THE COVER : THE TIMES JUNE 18TH 2011

This fabulous cover is the current issue of The Times newspaper saturday magazine available today as part of the newspaper.. Featuring a 6 page interview and more fab portraits.. The cover has featured in an Asian issue of Harpers, the inside portraits from the same shoot, I had not seen.will feature in future posts.

PHOTO OF THE DAY : A SECRET? JOAN'S FRIENDS REVEAL ALL!

This lovely photo features Joan at a book signing for her 1999 best seller 'My Friends Secrets'....

DYNASTY REVISITED : EPISODE 20 .. CATCHING UP!

                                                                 REVISITED :
The story so far...
                                  Krystle decides to stop meeting Dylan, Amanda coninues to recieve threats from Max, while Connie tells Alexis the truth ......

Alexis had so much on her mind, what with the upcoming trial,the gala opening of her hotel, the chance that she might see Dex again and now the worry of Amanda's choice of unsuitable suitor. Alexis sat at her vanity mirror applying her makeup, then she teased her hair, finally enveloping herself in a mist of Shalimar from her Waterford Crystal atomiser. She now felt glamorous and ever so ready to greet her lunch guest, whom she had not seen for almost three years. She recalled her last meeting with Victor Bonaducci, who she has known for over thirty years. He had invited her to cut the ribbon on his new club just off Hollywood Blvd. Victor had the good sense to rise above his less than legal beginnings, when he was involved in fencing stolen goods and protection rackets.. She had fallen for his Italian charms, always well dressed, suit, silk shirts, the best of style, how she found it hard to resist a well turned out male! She relived the passion, the excitement of their affair, it only lasted six months, but what a time it was. She knew it would have been impossible to keep up that momentum, she couldn't live with an anti-climax. Alexis took one last look in the mirror, smiled at her most presentable reflection and went downstairs to check the table arrangement!
She had organised a catered lunch, Wolfang Puck would be catering the gala, so she had a full lunch sent over from Spago at the Beaver Creek Resort nearby..She needed a glass of champagne to get her in the entertaining mood, a quick cigarette to calm her. But she had no sooner lit up the cigarette and took a few sips of her cool beverage, when her visitor entered the penthouse.
"Victor! So good to see you! You never change!"
Alexis stubbed out the cigarette and gave her guest a big hug.
"Alexis! Ravishing as ever. What is your secret?"
They both laughed, she poured him a glass of champagne and they both sat down at the dinner table.
"Thank you Darling! Maybe I should write a book, revealing some of My Secrets. It seems every alley cat is putting pen to paper these days!"
Alexis put the flute to her lips, her eyes staring at her handsome guest as she sipped.
"Yes! I saw your cousin Sable on tv last week! You two still at each other's most kissable throats? Alexis I am sorry for the way that idiot son has treated your daughter."
Victor took a cigar from his breast pocket and lit up, he remembered how she used to love the smell of his cigars..
"Yes Victor darling! That son of yours is sure drifting in the wrong circles. I won't stand by and see any of my children abused..You will have to reign him in..Place your strong fatherly hands on his weak little shoulders!"
Alexis stared at Victor, he was still a most handsome man, the jet black hair he once had, now a refined shade of silver, his tan had not faded over the years, he could sure give George Hamilton a run in the sun, for his money!
"I am truly embarassed Alexis! I tried so hard with that boy. I blame myself for the way he has turned out. I found out about his movie career, his call girl ring, I had to put a stop to it all. I believe the abusive outburts occured after his business ventures started to unravel. I was the cause of the aids rumour, in the porn business any hint of an aids outbreak and everyone dries up! With no output and no girls to do overtime..his sleazy empire fell apart."
Victor had been involved in undercover crime, but anything to do with prostitution and drugs did not appeal to him.. Besides his own sister had become an addict, selling herself to feed her habit, then she overdosed. How he spent months trying to find the bastard who supplied her. Turned out it was a bitch, who got her comuppance, when a rival threw battery acid in her face and destroyed her questionable good looks. It was not long after, that she herself took an overdose and died. Victor got out of the crime business and went straight, got a job in a club as a host, soon promoted to manager. With enough money saved, picked up tips from clients on stocks and shares, in the early 80's invested, made a mint and decided to open his own night club.'Victors'.. Now he owned three top clubs and Casino's, in New York, San Francisco and Hollywood.
"Darling! I don't blame you for your son's actions.. What I want to know how can we stop him for terrorising her.. He knows she is here in Denver and he has started to send messages to her via the hotels her friend is staying at."
Victor only wished he knew what to do with his son.. if only he had turned out like his younger sister, Ariana. She had made a good life for herself as a top model now an actress..By time he divorced his wife Lizette, an ex Vegas showgirl, the kids had grown up, they hardly needed his guidance, or so he thought.
"Alexis we will have to set a trap for him, let him find Amanda. I have been told he is a hopless drunk now, would not surprise me if he has started using, he had a cocaine habit many years ago. I paid for him to attend rehab, it did him good for a few years. Old habits die hard!"
Alexis had to agree, the only way to put an end to this was to let it run it's course. She certainly did not want to put Amanda's life in danger, but with backup, they could capture Max Benaducci and put an end to his stalkings.
"We will have to devise a plan!.He has to be stopped!"
They bought raised their glasses, it was time to eat, she summomed the waiter, who waiting in the wings.. Max's days were certainly numbered!

Krystle Carrington sat back drinking a cup of black coffee, whilst looking through her diary, the fire warming her as she relaxed in the study. She felt so safe and secure, she was relieved that he headaches had subsided, she felt healthy and whole again. She thought about Dylan, she could smile now at how girlish she had been, allowing herself to fall for a much younger man. Maybe her brain had become affected by those headaches, she had almost felt a compulsion to go along with him, the danger was exciting! Krystle smiled to herself, sipping her coffee, a voice brought her to her senses.

"Krystle! Can I join you?"

Sable Colby had returned from her book tour, she was exhausted, but she had enjoyed visiting all the major cities and meeting the many interviewers and the public. Another round of book events would commence in a few months, when the paperback edition was published.

"Sable! Of course! Tell me all about your travels.. I had a chance to read your book.. Certainly no shortage of drama!"

Sable sat down in the armchair facing Krystle by the fire.

"You know I feel as if my whole life has been one long drama! But what is that old saying..'Truth is stranger than fiction.' I had to come back, that ghastly Van Dorn trial starts next week. Would you believe I got an invitation to Alexis's opening!"

Sable took a golden envelope from her purse, removing the invitation concealed within.

"Blake and I got one! I was not keen on going..But he said we should make an appearance.. I am curious to see what she had done with the place!"

Sable raised her eyes to the ceiling.

"I can just imagine. She only invited me so she can gloat. She will probably have some acid comment to make, knowing her as I unfortuanetly do!"

Krystle had to agree, they both could only laugh, the sound of the phone ringing disturbed their moment of mirth.

"Hello! Hello! Who is this?"

Krystle waited a few seconds more, before she hung up the phone.

"Krystle! No one there?"

Krystle sat back down, facing Sable.

"No! I could hear breathing! It's probably a wrong number.. I doubt if it's an obsence caller!"

They both laughed, but Krystle did wonder, she was not afraid, but she hated the unknown and this was the fourth similar call in two days. She had not told Blake, it was pointless worrying him..

"Krystle! On the subject of Alexis..What kind of a girl would you say Amanda is?"

Sable put the invitation back in her purse, waiting for Krystle to answer her..

"Amanda? To be honest I don't know her as well as maybe I should. She is Blake's daughter, but we never really got to know one another. Sure we have dined together, had lunches and chats, but I honestly can't say I know her too well. Why do you ask?"

Krystle was intrigued, Sable must have something on her mind.

"Now Krystle I am not one to gossip, however I have been told some information concerning Amanda's friend, that girl that came to Denver with her!"

Sable took her lip balm from her purse and moistened her lip, the Denver winter chills playing havoc with her pout.

"Information? Anything you would like to share with me. Is Amanda in trouble?"

Krystle was curious, she hoped the girl was not in trouble as if she was, Blake would take it upon himself to carry the burden.

"I could not truly say if she is in trouble.. However Monica informs me that Miss Connie Rich is a call girl. So one can only imagine why Amanda would be involved with her.. "

Krystle did not know what to say, or indeed what to think.. She only hoped there was some innocent explanation, as how would Blake take it if it was true that Amanda had becoming involved in the oldest profession!

Amanda was relieved to have finally revealed her secret to her mother, she only hoped she was able to help. She should not have been surprised to discover how close, Alexis had been to Max's father. She did wonder what could he possibly do to control his son, to stop him persuing her, other than have him executed! No matter how she feared, even hated Max, she certainly did not want him dead. Amanda recalled the first time she set eyes on Max Benaducci, it was at a party in St Tropez. An old friend of hers had just gotten engaged to a greek millionaire, with a yacht in every port! As she sat sipping champagne on a banquette at Le Byblos, she could not help noticing the attention she was getting from one of the most exciting looking man she had ever seen. It was not long before they were dancing the night away, dinner at Club 55 the next evening, she was hooked. It only took a month, before she was sharing his Hollywood Hills home. She had fallen in love with him, there was no going back now. That first few months was bliss, he showered her with gifts, although material things never meant that much to her. A trinket from Max, usually meant the most exclusive bauble from Cartier! A token of love usually turned out to be a one on a kind piece from Vuitton.. If he had to cancel a dinner date, he presented an exclusive bag from Hermes.. Max was certainly generous, but then his empire was reaping in the rewards, the appetite for porn, rarely satisfied, the output from his studio limitless. Amanda had been content in believing all the lies he told her, how naive she had been not to see the signs. She had spent so many years in Europe, how she possibly distinguish a Hollywood starlet from a heavyweight harlot! Amanda sighed, everyone had to learn by their mistakes, she had certainly reached a learning curve. Amanda brushed her hair, she was due to meet Connie at her hotel for dinner, time to catch up. She had hoped Connie would have accepted Alexis's offer for her stay at the Penthouse, even though it was only a spare box room, at least it was a safe haven. Amanda applied some lip gloss and was just about to spray a little scent, when she was alerted by an incoming text message.

" Mandy! Come over quick! I need to see you!"

Amanda was puzzled as she read the text message from Connie.Why did she need to see her so urgently? After all they had already made plans to meet.. Amanda sensed danger, but she would have to go and see her.. Amanda pressed the call back to see if she would answer, but it eventually went into voice mail. Amanda decided to take the chance and go, grabbing her coat and her purse she ran downstairs. She had to tell someone where she was going, alert them to the possible danger. The penthouse was deserted, her mother had gone out, she had taken Victor Bonaducci to see her new venture, Alexis also wanted to oversee the final preparations for her gala opening. She decided she would leave a message with the lobby security guard, he could inform her mother when she returned.

Twenty minutes later Amanda stood outside the door of Connie Rich's suite at the Ritz Carlton.. Amanda held her breath, she felt nervous as she rang the suite doorbell. After three rings, there was still no reply, Amanda decided to try thr door, she managed to push the door open without any effort. She slowly entered the room, not knowing who or what she would find. One quick scan of the sitting area, no sign of Connie, she felt uneasy.. She checked out the bathroom, then the bedroom, all were empty, except for a carefully placed envelope sitting on the centre of the king size bed. Amanda quickly grabbed the envelope,tore it open and proceeded to read it's contents..

" Mandy! Don't worry about Connie..She will get her just desserts! You and I ... Our time is now!"

Amanda threw the note back on the bed, she found it hard to breath, she felt like running away.. Was there any escape?

To Be Continued....

(c) 2011 ... Mark McMorrow ....