Chapter 72: Horror

These past few days have been exhausting, work has been so stressful. Is there ever enough time for writing when you have a job? I'm feeling drained, and in need of some recommendation votes for comfort.

Murphy remained silent, seemingly pondering the meaning behind Ross's words.

Seeing Murphy's lack of response, Ross coughed lightly and added, "I have a substantial amount of idle funds."

"I see."

Understanding Ross's intention, Murphy smiled and politely declined, "I don't need money at the moment. If I find myself short on funds, you'll be the first to know."

He sighed inwardly, his hands and feet growing cold at the thought. The world had a way of forcing these tough decisions upon people. Had their environment changed so much that even personal relationships could not remain unaffected?

Whether Ross's suggestion was spontaneous or premeditated, Murphy couldn't tell, but he had no choice but to refuse. Even if it meant their relationship could never be the same as it had been in prison.

Ross glanced at Murphy once more, nodded, and said nothing further. He turned his attention back to the barbecue on his plate.

Murphy stayed silent too, his calm demeanor giving no hint of his inner turmoil as he focused on his meal.

This was the kind of situation that couldn't be allowed to start. Once it began, it would become a never-ending cycle.

Ross soon finished eating, stood up, and said, "I have some business to attend to. I'll be going now."

After waving to the others at another table, he left the restaurant without Murphy trying to stop him.

Watching Ross's car drive away, Murphy paid the bill and walked in the opposite direction, his brows furrowed. Since leaving prison and choosing this career path, he and Ross had been on completely different trajectories.

Ross had helped him a lot, and Murphy felt he should return the favor. But if it were anything else, he would agree without hesitation. This, however, was too risky—especially since he might already be under the scrutiny of the LAPD. Getting caught could mean another stint in prison.

He hadn't expected Ross to propose such a thing; money laundering was beyond the bounds of friendly assistance.

Looking back in the direction Ross had gone, Murphy sighed, shoved his hands in his pockets, and resolutely moved forward.

In the following days, Murphy finished setting up his rented house, giving Stanton Studio an official office space. After the "Hard Candy" crew disbanded, he once again became the studio's sole employee.

Fortunately, Paul Wilson would graduate in the summer, and his next few months were primarily an internship. Upon hearing Murphy had new projects in the works, Paul expressed his intent to continue working for Stanton Studio.

Hiring more staff could wait. Murphy wasn't in a rush. Once the house was organized, he holed up in the study, preparing for his new film project.

Part of his preparation involved watching tapes. He rented a large number of horror films from a nearby video rental chain, planning to watch at least three per day and then write an appropriate script based on his memories of the main plotline.

The new project, like "Hard Candy," would be another R-rated cut film.

Even with nearly a million dollars in Stanton Studio's account—a significant sum even in Los Angeles—it was still a drop in the bucket for filmmaking.

Small-budget films remained his only viable option.

As February 2001 rolled in, schools across North America resumed classes, and someone came looking for him.

"I'm back!"

Hearing the doorbell, Murphy went downstairs and opened the door to find a blonde girl standing outside. "You're not happy to see me?"

Murphy rubbed his stiff face and quickly stepped aside to let Carey Mulligan in, saying, "These days have been exhausting. I'm not in great spirits."

"Still watching horror movies?" Carey Mulligan asked with concern.

Murphy had mentioned this during phone calls over the past few days.

Leading the way out of the entrance hall and into the living room, Murphy replied, "I've watched so many I feel like throwing up."

Too many American gore films were taking their toll.

"I told you..." Carey Mulligan looked around the living room, tossing her bag onto one of the partitioned office desks. "Don't overdo it, or you'll get another headache."

"This place is a mess," Murphy said, heading towards the stairs. "Let's go upstairs."

Carey Mulligan followed him to the study on the second floor. Once inside, she turned off the TV and VCR and opened the south-facing window. A fresh breeze blew in, dispelling the stuffiness in the room.

"Make yourself at home," Murphy said, pointing to the chair in front of the desk as he sat behind it. "Would you like some tea?"

"No, thanks," Carey Mulligan replied, curiously looking around. "I'm not thirsty."

"You..." Murphy said, pouring himself a cup of tea and looking at Carey Mulligan. "You seem different."

Her doll-like face was still as innocent and cute as ever, her short blonde hair neatly combed. She looked the same, but something seemed to have changed.

Carey Mulligan pursed her lips. "Because I've been in hell for a month!"

Her eyes filled with resentment as she sarcastically said, "The great Mr. and Mrs. Mulligan hired an English etiquette teacher for me!"

Murphy nodded sympathetically. The thought of it sounded terrifying.

"I was tortured for a whole month!" Carey Mulligan held up one finger, her expression turning a bit crazed. "Surviving without dying was a miracle."

Looking at Murphy, her crazed expression quickly softened, and she said, "If I hadn't been able to call you, I wouldn't have made it."

Murphy took a sip of tea, feeling somewhat better, and offered comfort. "It's all over now."

"Yeah..." Carey Mulligan nodded lightly, removing her hair clip and tossing it onto the desk. "I never want to go back to London again."

Thinking of the rigid and stubborn Mulligan couple in London, Murphy shook his head inwardly. They had no idea how to communicate with their daughter.

Carey Mulligan, seeing Murphy's silence, raised her voice slightly. "I'm serious. I'm not joking with you."

She leaned over the desk, resting her chin on her hands. "I'll be sixteen in May. I can drop out of school then."

"Drop out?" Murphy looked at her curiously.

"Yes, drop out." Carey Mulligan straightened up and said earnestly, "School, parents, homework... they're all tying me down. I've had enough. I need to drop out and become a real actress."

She blinked her lively big eyes, looking pitiful. "You'll support me, right, Murphy?"

Murphy smiled and replied, seemingly serious but in a casual tone, "I'll always support you."

"Great!" Carey Mulligan jumped up from her chair, shouting, "I'll make it in Hollywood with you! I'll be the best actress, and you'll be the greatest director!"

She grabbed Murphy's hand. "Come on, let's go out."

Murphy, unsure of her intentions, slowly stood up.

Carey Mulligan pulled him towards the stairs, talking as she went, "Let's go to the movies. I've been waiting for this day for so long. I finally get to see myself on the big screen!"

Her words reminded Murphy that he had isolated himself these past few days, forgetting that "Hard Candy" had already been pushed into theaters by Miramax after a brief promotion.