Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Arch had been riding since he was a boy and was as comfortable in the saddle as he was driving his sports car, or riding the waves on his surfboard. But Jesse was still pushing for a stunt double, even though they needed to get this shot in the can. Arch figured a lot was riding on this movie and maybe Jesse was cracking under the pressure.
Jesse crossed the set, shielding his eyes from the harsh sun. He was short, with a weatherbeaten brow, but his wide shoulders and bold stance gave him a cocky air that he wore like a second skin.
“Are we ready to roll?” Arch understood that time was money, especially in the movie business.
“Frankly, I think this stunt is too difficult for you,” Jesse said bluntly, the desert reflected in his Ray-Bans. He shook his head as if anticipating Arch’s response. “I know you’re going to argue with me, but I’ve got a stunt rider ready to go.”
It was all Arch could do to stop his jaw from falling open. Too difficult? He’d been doing his own stunts for years. He had all the necessary experience.
He hitched up his jeans, hooking his thumbs through the belt loops and drawing himself up to his full height, easily channeling the devil-may-care attitude of his cowboy character. It was hot, hard work in full Western garb.
The tone of Jesse’s voice had hit a nerve deep inside him, and he remembered being a young boy, held back by his mom while his older brothers went off together on big-kid expeditions. It’s too hard for you seemed to echo in his head.
But he wasn’t little Archie anymore. He was Archer Davenport. And anyone saying something was too difficult for him made him doubly determined to prove them wrong.
“I know my limits,” he told Jesse, “and this stunt isn’t anywhere close.” He raised his stubbled jaw and set his lips in a firm line. “I’ve never had a problem with a horse before.”
Jesse inched forward, asserting himself. “There’s a first time for everything,” he said. “I’m in the business of calculated risks, and I’m telling you this one isn’t worth it. That leap across the river is too much.”
Arch searched for his longtime friend and co-lead, Smith Sullivan. Smith knew Arch better than anyone else here. He might be older, but the two of them had a natural friendship that ran much deeper than most of the other Hollywood relationships Arch had formed during his years in the limelight. Smith would back him up.
As if sensing the need for support, Smith Sullivan made his way over to the two men, the heavy thunk of his boots audible on the dusty ground. Smith’s dark eyes turned to Arch, silently asking what was going on. His strong jaw was covered with the stubble the director wanted for them.
But to Arch’s dismay, Smith didn’t look fully sold on the idea as Arch explained his decision to go ahead with the stunt.
“Are you sure about this?” he asked. Beads of sweat gathered at Smith’s temples, and he wiped them away with the back of his hand.
Arch was disappointed that Smith also thought this stunt might be beyond him. But then, Smith had written, starred in, directed, and produced his last film. No doubt that was making him hesitate. If anything, the doubt coming from all corners made Arch all the more determined. In the movie, his character was the doer; Smith’s was the thinker. It was time to live up to his character.
“Hell, yeah, I can do it. Just watch me.”
Jesse looked to Smith for his reaction, and the older actor gave a brief nod. Arch knew Smith respected his abilities, and he was determined not to let him or the movie down.
Arch tipped his hat and made for his horse, a beautiful brown stallion named Bracing Bill with impressive muscles that rippled as he galloped. Though the horse was known to be highly strung, Arch and Bracing Bill had bonded during filming. He was pretty sure they respected each other. Apart from a couple of minor mishaps, they’d worked well together—a fact that made Arch more than a little proud.
He stroked his faithful companion. “You love to run, don’t you, my friend?”
Bracing Bill leaned into his touch, and Arch murmured encouraging words, preparing them both for the task ahead. He’d always been good with animals. And it gave him a well-founded confidence the others didn’t seem to share. He whispered to the horse for a few minutes, until everything was ready.
After the makeup artist did a final touch-up, he felt the familiar surge of excitement as he contemplated the challenge of the scene ahead. The rest of the cast and crew swung into action around him.
Last-minute costume and sound checks over, he placed one boot in the stirrup and mounted, comfortable in the saddle’s smooth, worn leather. The stunt involved riding his horse hard across the desert and jumping a river, pursued by lawmen. Arch bent low to whisper again into the horse’s ear. “This is it, buddy. Let’s show them everything we’ve got.”