The Oscar Winners

Jude stopped on the carpet, keeping his hands in his pockets.

The mezzanine foyer was 40 feet wide, built to handle dozens of arriving guests at once. There was plenty of room to walk past, but Jude had no interest in getting into an argument in front of the press pen.

He took a step to the side. "Go ahead. Finish your photos."

Damon Vance and Camilla Frost traded a quick look, annoyed that their attempt to draw a reaction hadn't worked.

As Damon turned back toward the entry arch, Jude glanced at him.

"You're Damon Vance and Camilla Frost, right?"

The question stopped them cold. For 20 years, their faces had been on posters, magazine covers, and studio billboards. Having an unfamiliar face ask who they were as if trying to place two extras stung immediately.

"Obviously," Damon said, his smile tightening.