Chapter 72: Terror
Murphy fell silent, seemingly pondering Ross's words.
Seeing Murphy's silence, Ross cleared his throat and continued, "I have a considerable amount of idle funds."
"I see."
Upon hearing this, Murphy understood Ross's intention and smiled, politely declining, "I'm not in need of money at the moment. If I ever find myself short of funds, I'll be sure to give you a call."
Inwardly sighing, Murphy felt a chill run down his spine at the moment he spoke, realizing how certain situations could be so inevitable. Had the environment changed, altering the dynamics between individuals?
Whether Ross's idea was spontaneous or premeditated, Murphy couldn't tell. Regardless, he had to refuse, even if it meant their relationship might not be as it was in prison.
Glancing at Murphy once more, Ross nodded, refraining from further discussion and instead focusing on the barbecue on the table.
Murphy remained silent, his calm demeanor masking any internal turmoil, as he focused on enjoying the dinner.
Such matters couldn't even be entertained; once they started, it would lead to a never-ending cycle.
Ross finished his meal quickly, stood up, and said, "I have some other matters to attend to. I'll take my leave."
After bidding farewell to the others at the neighboring table, Murphy didn't insist on keeping Ross and escorted him out of the restaurant.
Watching Ross's car disappear into the distance, Murphy settled the bill and headed in the opposite direction, deep in thought. Since the day he chose his profession upon leaving prison, he and Ross had embarked on distinctly different paths.
Ross had helped him on numerous occasions, and Murphy felt he should reciprocate. If it were any other matter, Murphy would have readily agreed. However, the consequences of this particular request were severe, especially considering Ross's potential surveillance by the Los Angeles police. Any discovery could lead to Murphy returning to prison.
Truth be told, Murphy hadn't expected Ross to make such a request. Money laundering transcended the boundaries of simple friendship.
Turning his gaze in the direction Ross had left, Murphy sighed and squared his shoulders, resolutely moving forward.
Over the next few days, Murphy settled into his rented house, and Stanton Studios finally had an official office space. However, after the disbandment of the "Hard Candy" crew, Murphy found himself once again the sole employee.
Fortunately, Paul Wilson would graduate in the summer and would primarily focus on internships in the coming months. Upon hearing of Murphy's plans for a new project, he expressed his willingness to continue working for Stanton Studios.
Recruitment could wait; Murphy wasn't in a hurry. After organizing the house, he retreated to the study, preparing for his new film project.
One of his tasks involved watching videos. He rented a large number of horror films from a nearby video rental store, intending to watch at least three each day. Drawing from his memories of the main plotlines, he planned to craft suitable scripts.
Similar to "Hard Candy" his new work would also involve explicit scenes.
With nearly a million dollars in Stanton Studios' account, Murphy knew it was a significant sum, even in a city like Los Angeles. However, for filmmaking, it was merely a drop in the bucket.
Low-budget films were his only option.
February 2001 saw the start of the new academic semester in North America, prompting some familiar faces to return.
"I'm back!"
Hearing the doorbell, Murphy descended the stairs and opened the door to find a blonde girl standing outside. "You don't seem too happy to see me!"
Rubbing his stiff face, Murphy stepped aside to let Kerry Mulligan in, explaining, "I've been feeling tired these past few days, not in the best spirits."
"Still watching horror movies?" Kerry Mulligan asked with concern.
Murphy led the way, exiting the foyer and entering the living room. "I've watched too many. Makes me feel nauseous."
Watching gore-filled American splatter films was not a pleasant experience.
"I've told you..." Kerry Mulligan glanced around the cluttered living room, filled with partitioned office desks, and casually placed her bag on one of them. "Don't overdo it. You might trigger your headaches again."
"It's too messy here," Murphy said, heading towards the stairs. "Let's go upstairs."
Following Murphy, Kerry Mulligan entered the study on the second floor. Upon entering, she turned off the TV and VCR, then opened the window facing south, allowing a refreshing breeze to blow in, dispersing some of the stuffiness in the room.
"Feel free to sit anywhere," Murphy gestured to the chair in front of the desk, taking his seat behind it. "Tea?"
"No, thank you," Kerry Mulligan replied, her gaze wandering around the room. "I'm not thirsty."
"You..." Murphy poured himself a cup of tea, observing Kerry Mulligan across the desk. "You seem different."
Despite her still innocent and cute doll-like face, neatly styled golden hair, Kerry Mulligan appeared unchanged from before. Yet, Murphy sensed something had shifted.
Kerry Mulligan pursed her lips. "Because I've endured a month of torment in hell!"
Her eyes glinted with resentment as she sarcastically continued, "The illustrious Mr. and Mrs. Mulligan hired a British etiquette teacher for me!"
Murphy sympathetically nodded, understanding the horror of such an experience.
"She tortured me for a whole month!" Kerry Mulligan raised a finger, her frustration evident. "I miraculously survived without succumbing. It was a nightmare."
Glancing at Murphy, her frustrated expression dissipated, and she shook her head. "If not for being able to talk to you on the phone, I wouldn't have made it."
Taking a sip of tea, Murphy felt a slight lift in his spirits and reassured her, "It's all over now."
"Yeah..." Kerry nodded softly, removing the hair clip from her hair and tossing it onto the table. "I never want to go back to London again."
Thinking of the rigid and stubborn Mulligans back in London, Murphy shook his head inwardly. They were completely incapable of understanding their daughter and failed to communicate with her.
Kerry noticed Murphy's silence and raised her voice slightly. "I'm serious, not joking. I want to drop out of school once I turn sixteen in May."
"Drop out?" Murphy looked at her curiously.
"Yes, drop out," Kerry Morgan said firmly. "School, parents, homework... they're all holding me back. I've had enough. I must drop out and pursue my dream of becoming a real actress."
She blinked her bright eyes, looking at Murphy with a pleading gaze. "You'll support me, won't you, Murphy?"
Murphy smiled and replied casually, yet with sincerity, "I'll always support you."
"Great!" Kerry jumped up from her chair, pulling Murphy's hand. "Let's go, we're going out."
Unsure of her intentions, Murphy stood up slowly.
Kerry dragged him downstairs, chattering excitedly, "Let's go watch a movie together. I've been looking forward to this day for so long, finally seeing myself on the big screen!"
Her words reminded Murphy that amidst his isolation, he had forgotten that "Hard Candy" had been released in theaters after a brief promotion by Miramax.