Screenscam

Attorney Rep Pennyworth faces the client from hell: Charlotte Buchanan, author ofAnd Done to Others Harm, a mystery of no particular merit. Charlotte contends that her 1997 novel is the basis for the 1999 filmContemplation of Deathand shewants to sue. Rep would blow her off, but Charlotte is the daughter of the CEO of the firms major corporate client, Tavistock Limited. Charlotte is resolute in demanding recognition, so Rep digs in, aided by his literature-addicted wife Melissa, and files suit. By return mail comes a grisly death threat. Research shows the films director was Aaron Eastman, a Hollywood legend whoseRed Guardshould have been a box office and critical smash but oddly fell short. Eastman claims the Oscar balloting was sabotaged. Now hes on the comeback trail and anxious not to derail. He and Rep talk and bit by bit, the outline of a bizarre scheme to destroy the credibility of Eastman andRed Guardemerges. Hoosiers Rep and Melissa arent prepared for the larger licenses granted to political powerhouses, but theyre quick on the uptake and soon armed.