The Ghost
Roy. [Getting wanded and frisked]] Who're you expecting to bomb you, Random House?
We're publishing Lang's memoirs. That's enough to make us a target, apparently.
The Ghost
Thank you. [In elevator] How many have you seen?
Five. You're the last. I must be honest. I don't think you're the right man for this assignment.
The Ghost
Then it's a good job it's not your decision, Roy.
John Maddox, chief executive of Rhinehart, New York.
The Ghost
Sir.
Sidney Kroll, Mr. Lang's Washington attorney.
The Ghost
Mr. Kroll.
And Nick Ricardelli I believe you know.
The Ghost
All right, Rick.
John Maddox
All right, I gather from Rick you're aware of the situation? Perhaps you can enlighten us and tell us what exactly you're gonna bring to this project.
The Ghost
Nothing. No, I'm not gonna pretend to be someone I'm not. You have my CV.
His last effort was the autobiography of a magician, I Came, I Sawed, I Conquered.
Rick Ricardelli
Yeah, and it went straight to number one, so...
The Ghost
After you turned it down, Roy. Look, I don't read political memoirs. Who does? And I gather you've spent $10 million on this book. How much of that are you gonna see back? Two? Three? It's bad news for your shareholders. And it's worse news for your client, Mr. Kroll. Adam Lang, he wants a place in history, not in the remainder tables.
Oh, please!
The Ghost
It's because I know nothing about politics that I'll ask the questions that get right to the heart of who Adam Lang is. And that is what sells autobiographies. Heart.
Rick Ricardelli
Wow! That's nicely done.
What utter balls!
John Maddox
You think so?
John, of course. Adam Lang's a world historical figure. His autobiography is gonna be a world-publishing event.
John Maddox
Yeah, well, I got warehouses filled with world-publishing events waiting to be pulped.
Sid?
Adam is obviously still very upset by what happened to Mike McAra. He was irreplaceable. Irreplaceable, and yet he has to be replaced. Adam can certainly appreciate the benefits of trying someone different. In the end, it's about chemistry. Do you work out, maybe?
The Ghost
Not really.
That's a pity. Adam likes to work out.
Actually, I know a good writer on the Guardian who uses a gym.
Rick Ricardelli
Okay, maybe we could just run over the publishing schedule, yeah?
John Maddox
We need to wrap this up in a month.
The Ghost
A month?
John Maddox
Yes.
The Ghost
You want the book in a month?
We already have a first draft.
John Maddox
Yeah, well, it needs a lot of work. That's why I like your résumé here. You're fast, and you deliver.
Rick Ricardelli
You name it, he ghosts it.
John Maddox
And you're a Brit. The ghost should be a Brit. [Mimics English accent] To get the jolly old tone right, right? [Rick chuckles]
Do you have any family commitments?
The Ghost
No, I have no family. Why?
Adam is locked into a US lecture tour, also a fundraising program for the Adam Lang Foundation.
Rick Ricardelli
It's a month in the States. That's okay.
The Ghost
Couldn't I bring the manuscript back here to work on?
I'm afraid not. It's in a secure environment in Marty Rhinehart's own house. Only a few people are allowed to handle it.
Sounds more like a bomb than a book. I will need to see it myself at some point. I am supposed to be editing it. Yeah, in theory.
John Maddox
Actually, we need to talk about that. How soon can you get over there?
The Ghost
As soon as you want.
Rick Ricardelli
He'll fly tonight.
The Ghost
Rick.
Rick Ricardelli
It's okay.
John Maddox
Okay, you're in.
The Ghost
Oh!
John Maddox
Congratulations.
The Ghost
Thank you. Thanks.
John Maddox
Rick.
The Ghost
Thank you.
Actually, I have something here you might want to look at.
The Ghost
Is that... Is that...
No, no, no, this isn't Adam's book. No, it's another client of mine. Yeah, perhaps you can let me know what you think.
The Ghost
Sure.
Okay, if you're gonna get that evening flight, we'd better talk contracts with Rick here. [To dazed Roy] Wanna show our friend to the door? [Raises voice] Would you?! Roy?! [Roy comes to]
Rick Ricardelli
Call you in an hour, buddy.
John Maddox
Hey! Remember... [Pats chest saying in English accent] Heart.
