Lex stepped onto the uneven gravel of the old shipping yard, where Benny Caldwell's crew had set up shop. The crew spread out across the lot—scattered lights, a few half-built sets, and actors in worn-down costumes rehearsing lines near a cluster of trailers.
Lex adjusted his coat, taking it all in. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
Benny's voice rang out from across the yard, barking instructions at a cameraman trying to rig a handheld stabilizer.
"Don't tilt it like that, Mikey! —keep it smooth."
Lex smirked as he approached, hands in his pockets. Benny finally caught sight of him, lowering the cigarette dangling between his lips.
"Well, if it isn't Mr. Latham," Benny said, spreading his arms like he was greeting royalty. "Didn't think I'd see you down here slumming it with us."
Lex glanced around at the half-built set. "I was curious. Figured I'd see how you're spending my money."
Benny grinned. "Careful, Lex. You might like it."
Lex followed Benny toward one of the trailers.
Inside the cramped space, Benny pulled out two cokes, shoving aside a stack of messy papers and script drafts.
Benny said, handing Lex a coke. "What's up?"
"It's coming together," Lex admitted, taking a sip.
Benny smirked. "Mikey's script is good. The teaser was out last week. Just in time for festivals. We're aiming low-key for now."
"Forget low-key," Lex said. "I want to make an offer."
Benny raised an eyebrow, setting his drink down. "An offer? We already have your money, Lex."
Lex smiled faintly. "I'm talking about doubling down. Not just this whole film—I want the sequel rights, too."
Benny stared at him like Lex was joking.
"Sequel rights?" Benny echoed, frowning. "We haven't even finished the first one."
"You will," Lex said confidently. "And when you do, I want first position to greenlight the next project. Double contract—one film now, one after."
Benny crossed his arms, pacing the length of the trailer in slow, deliberate steps.
"That's a hell of a bet, Lex," Benny said finally, his eyes narrowing. "Are you sure about this? A sequel deal before we've even wrapped the first?"
Lex leaned forward, resting his hands on the edge of the cluttered desk. The old wood creaked slightly beneath his weight.
"I wouldn't be standing here if I wasn't," Lex replied calmly.
Benny let out a low breath, shaking his head as he glanced toward the door.
"You Lathams," he muttered. "Always playing a bigger game than the rest of us."
Lex's smirk faded, replaced by something quieter—something closer to the truth.
"It's not about the game," Lex said, his voice dropping lower. His eyes didn't waver from Benny's. "It's about having the pieces when it matters. My father used to say you can't win if you only think about the next move. You have to think three ahead—even if it looks reckless to everyone else."
Benny's gaze lingered on Lex for a long moment, as if weighing those words against the kid he thought he knew.
Lex broke the silence first.
"I want the leads."
Benny's brow furrowed. "What?"
Lex straightened, sliding his hands into his coat pockets. "I'm not just buying the film. I want contracts on the two leads—exclusivity options for the next three years. If they break out, I want them tied to my projects. Lock them in before anyone else does."
Benny laughed under his breath. "You're already calling the breakout before the film's even done?"
Lex's gaze sharpened. "I know talent when I see it. This isn't just about actors, Benny. It's about influence—and influence starts with loyalty. If this movie puts them on the map, I want their next project under me."
Benny scratched his chin, pacing again, the cigarette dangling from his lips. Finally, he snuffed it out in the overflowing ashtray and gave Lex a long, measured look.
"You're playing for keeps," Benny said quietly.
Lex nodded. "I don't do placeholders."
Benny let out a rough chuckle, shaking his head as he reached for the half-empty whiskey bottle on the desk.
"Fine, it'll cost 250Kesh." Benny said, pouring another drink. "I'll get the contracts drawn up. But if you're wrong about this—" he pointed the glass at Lex, "—you'll be funding our drinks for the next decade, not just five years."
Lex picked up his glass, tapping it lightly against Benny's.
"Deal."
As Lex stepped out of the trailer, the cool air hit his face, but the weight in his chest felt lighter.
Barnie controlled the boardroom.
Lex was building his empire somewhere else—one piece at a time.