"Kim Newman - The Serial Murders" - читать интересную книгу автора (Newman Kim)

"The rest of the pack are frothing," continued Barbara. "It's Hallowe'en come early. With his producer's hat on,
Marcus Squiers wants to retain you as technical advisor."
"That means they'll make up what they want anyway but pay you to put your name in the end credits," said
Fred.
"My understanding is that they want to give me more than a name-check. Barbara, did Squiers mention the
ghost-hunters who're showing up on the programme?"
"There's a buzz about them, though the pack got secretive when the subject came up. They suddenly
remembered I was in the circle."
"The character names have been decided," Richard told them. "I've seen their racks in Wardrobe. Masterman
and Dr. Laurinz. Roget Masterman and Dr. Canberra Laurinz."
"Canberra!" blurted Barbara, appalled. "I must say, this crosses the line. I'm supposed to engage critically
with the subject, not be swallowed by it."
Richard had a pang about involving an outside party in the investigation. It did not do to get civilians turned
into frogs.
"Who's playing you, guv?"
"I assume someone called Peter Wyngarde has been approached," said Richard. "The supposed
resemblance keeps being mentioned."
Vanessa looked at him, thought about it, then ventured, "I wonder how Peter Cushing would look in a
multi-coloured Nehru jacket and moon boots?"
"It'll be someone from provincial rep or Fr├╝t adverts," said Fred. "No one you've ever heard of gets on the
Barstows. No offence, 'Ness."
"None taken. It's true. The Moo is Reigning Star and doesn't like pretenders to the throne. 'Victoria Plant'
found that out in about two minutes."
"In some instances, they cast for physical likeness, not talent," said Richard. "They'll be poring over Spotlight
for lookalikes. A wig and a 'tache will do for me, but I imagine Barbara will be harder to match."
"Don't you believe it," said Professor Corri, trying not to be frightened. "I'm always being mistaken for some
woman who wears fangs in Hammer Films."
"Will you get script approval?" asked Fred. "They could make you look a proper nana if they wanted. Like
they did Jamie Hepplethwaites. We work in the shadows, guv. If you get famous for being lampooned on telly,
the Ruling Cabal will Not Be Best Pleased."
"That had occurred to me."
Richard reached across the sofa and held Barbara's hand. She returned his grip firmly.
"Something occurs to me," said Vanessa. "You should be careful about giving away old clothes to War on
Want."
"A little late for that," Richard admitted.
They all looked at him.
"Today, while we were out, our rooms here were broken into. Not so you'd notice, but I take precautions and I
can tell."
"Don't tell me, your closets are empty?"
"No, Fred, they're full. Exactly as they were this morning."
"I don't get it."
"Barbara and I have brand new clothes. The same styles as the old ones, but different. I'm not sure,
technically, what crime has been committed."
"They can't think you wouldn't notice," said Fred.
"The new outfits have been aged to match the old. By Tara, the wardrobe assistant, if the faint trace of Coty's
Imprevu I whiffed around the counterfeit of my Emelio Pucci shirt is a significant clue. I understand Tara's
specialty is scrounging up dupes for established costumes. Mama-Lou will not be pleased by the girl's
involvement."
"They're after you, guv. You and the prof."
"Yes, Fred. They are."