17 -24 May 1966

	Run For Your Life Starring Ben Gazzara Homepage Paul Bryan's Journal 17 -24 May 1966
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17 - 24 May 1966 ("The Rediscovery of Charlotte Hyde")

While Paul is participating in the Monaco Grand Prix, his friend Ramon de Vega is arrested for stealing a valuable bracelet he'd been given to repair by Charlotte Hyde (Gena Rowlands), a woman Ramon had been “courting.” But Paul believes Charlotte set Ramon up because he is a gigolo.

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Chronology of Events				Journal Entry
The Rediscovery of Charlotte Hyde Paul arrives in France, and flies to Nice for the Monaco Grand Prix, first outing of Pete Gaffney Racing, the team Paul co-owns, but he is overwhelmed by the Formula 1 car. Paul sees his gigolo friend, Ramon de Vega with a “sparrow” during the evening.				Paris - Monte Carlo, Monday -Tuesday, May 16 - 17 If I had a bittersweet sense of accomplishment, having stood up to evil, and exposed the extent organized crime would go to prevent the amendment, the pain left by Dwight's death started to become more real, once my mission was completed. I thought that nothing would bring me out of the depression when I arrived in Paris - the city of light blazing in all its glory, but the crowd that was there to meet me just surrounded me with love and warmth. Kate, Pete, and All the Bradleys were on hand with a cheer, and I was shuttled off to the edifice that is their Paris mansion. We're now flying to Nice in the family jet, and I am, despite myself, starting to get in a festive mood. Later Everything - the whole fairy tale that this Formula 1 thing has been up to now - became real and tangible when we met up with Clive and THE CAR. Pete's been testing her in Malaga since he's been well enough to, but the machine is changing on a daily basis, and was already something different than the one he'd driven on Saturday. He didn't seem happy. Though I'm supposed to be test driver, I was frightened enough just to sit in the car, much less drive, and when Pete took a break, I did, and couldn't handle her at all. Later With this little break while Katie's getting ready for dinner, must not let this incredible day pass without writing something down about the thrill, terror and frustration it was to drive the Mastin. Spent a good while in our alternate machine, but there is so little road to do anything, I know that I will be out of my depth this whole week. Am so close to resigning, and insisting that Pete get a proper test driver. Outside the car, the day was full of people. Mark Shepard wheedled his way into the secure area without as much as a pass, and seeing the look on my face as I got out of the Formula 1 machine, suggested I might prefer our joint-owned red sports car.
Paul meets Ramon for coffee as he struggles test driving the Formula 1 car, and agrees to meet the gigolo again at midnight. Before they get together, Ramon secures a “loan” from his sparrow, and accepts her request to get her bracelet repaired.				Monte Carlo, Wednesday, May 18 The Mastin was vibrating all over the place, and Pete said that he couldn't control it, walking away from the scene, leaving me to drive bits as the mechanics kept trying to settle her down more with each run. The glory that Monaco was supposed to be is quickly turning into a nightmare, and we are depending on Clive and his team to get us out of this mess. Had just left the car to them when I saw Ramon. Last night, after Kate had called it a day, and I was left in charge of Mark's girlfriend Gigi while he made a quick trek back to Port d'Or for some mission, I saw Ramon - already courting a lady, and counted how few hours it had been since he'd said goodbye in Mexico. Over coffee this morning Ramon explained that he had met the woman when changing planes at Mexico City, and they'd quickly struck up a friendship - though he said she was more of a hawk than a sparrow. The break I took brought a further improvement in the car, and after another hour, it seemed good enough for Pete to try again. Observed his disgruntled countenance as he got in, and I felt genuinely hurt that the massive investment of money, time and heart had resulted in something so negative …. But when he came back, Pete had a more neutral look, and told me I'd done a good job. I knew he was wrong, and that a proper driver would have given far more useful feedback to the technical team, but as I looked around the pits, it was clear that almost no one from any team - even the big ones - looked happy, and the extreme degree of sensitivity of these prima donna vehicles is what makes Formula 1 what it is. We kept working all afternoon with the alternate car until I was dizzy, and really needed to lie down. Katie's going to go and watch the filming they're doing for a Hollywood movie, and when I finish these notes, will go back to the car. Later Things were definitely better at the garage, but Pete looked very perturbed, in deep discussion with Clive and Rudy. We took the cars out for a few more runs, finally breaking for dinner, and leaving the mechanics to the cars. I'd thought that getting back into Formula 1 was going to be Pete's dream come true, but instead of expanding into something even brighter, the carefree playboy I'd been accustomed to in our year of driving together has become transformed into a dark, brooding man of exacting sharpness. Now waiting for Kate to finish dressing for the dinner at the Bradley villa outside Monte Carlo, after which the family are throwing a party at the Hotel de Paris. This week has really turned out to be the opposite of what I'd been dreaming of for months.
Ramon gets the bracelet repaired.				Monte Carlo, Thursday, May 19 Things started to improve today on all fronts. Rudy and Clive had the car performing better. Rachel's palatial yacht was in the harbor when I looked out the window this morning, and she was bubbling all over the pits, as if she'd been attached to Formula 1 all her life, but I guess she's been part of the inner circle for many a Monaco Grand Prix. Still, as one of the partners, she was full of positive energy and encouragement, and we ended the day feeling a lot better. Someone else who's been in the pits for every moment is June's “cattle baron” brother Eric, who's invited me out to his ranch in Wyoming. Strangely, no sign of Ramon who promised to stop by the pits. Last night, Kate and I were chatting with some other people who'd just left one of the parties, and Ramon passed by. I introduced everyone, and confirmed our meeting at midnight. Couldn't help noting the way he'd looked at Kate's jewelry, and I could see that he was about to put her on his sparrow list. When I joined him in the bar, he was in ebullient mood, already confident that he'd accomplished his mission, and saying that pretty brunette in my group seemed like a good target for his next campaign. I decided not to tell him that she was my fiancée. Later All things considered, we did OK in preliminary qualifying - that is to say, we didn't crash out before it ended. Pete's best time puts us fourth from the end of the grid.
After returning it to the woman, Ramon is arrested for having stolen it.				Monte Carlo, Friday, May 20 In the afternoon, before even getting out of the hotel, I saw Armand, parting from his wife at the elevator, just as I walked out of it. I greeted her respectfully, and then found myself caught in his presence. He said he hadn't missed a Monaco Grand Prix since the end of the War, and was very excited to have the added interest in our car this year. I felt so small and nothing next to this man of the world who made my own wanderings seem like a vagrant's. He was warm and kind, and my only other thought was that he had everything, but not the thing he wanted most. He walked out the door with me, and was greeted by Jackie Stewart with an embrace, as Jackie entered against us, not knowing me, though we'd met in Brazil. The two got into a conversation, and I excused myself. More trauma later when I saw the unmistakable outline of Robert Thurston speaking with Nick Cooper. Not having greeted Nick - and thanked him again - I took the opportunity to join the pair. Nick was putting out his hand, and about to introduce his companion when I heard Leslie's voice behind me. It touched every nerve in my body. Each and every one. I turned, and embraced her quickly, then tried to move out of reach, fearful of what might happen. There was longing in her eyes, and I made a brief gesture, embracing the three of them, and moved back to the Mastin, hoping Leslie wouldn't follow. Kate and Violet approached from another direction, and the eye contact I made with Katie made it clear that she knew something had happened - and not with the car.
Before final qualifying, Paul responds to Ramon's request to attend a court hearing where bail is denied. Later, the jailer's daughter informs Paul that the owner of the bracelet is in the area, and Paul becomes acquainted with the woman, and invites her to dinner. In the evening, he probes the woman to see why she's made the charge against Ramon, but she quickly devises that Paul is speaking to her on Ramon's behalf, and throws him out.				Monte Carlo, Saturday, May 21 Ran into Armand again last night, and tried to study him in a neutral way, not as Kate's lover, but a man I'd otherwise admire - using his influence for good, devoted and forgiving to his wife, a talented businessman, according to Katie, honest and ethical to a fault without ever hurting anyone's feelings. Those thoughts were still in my mind as we finished breakfast, and I got a call from a lawyer, telling me that Ramon had been arrested for grand larceny, and needed me to come to Court. My first thought was that I'd always expected this to happen. Not really a gigolo in the proper sense of the word, the way Ramon treats his women lavishly out of his own pocket, he is rather a con artist, and has just been getting away with it. However, it wasn't about one of his unrepaid “loans,” but rather the theft of a valuable bracelet - 20 fine three-carat diamonds - with which Ramon was charged, one which he had repaired for his sparrow, and returned to her. However, she reported it stolen to the police. One of the first things I asked the Inspector in charge was whether the owner requested documentation for her insurance - and she hadn't. That gave me a little something to back up my belief in Ramon's word, and I offered to meet up with the woman, and try and find out why she's made the false accusation that could put Ramon on ice for a decade. When I got back to the car, the look Pete gave me put ME on ice, and I was ready to not just beg forgiveness, but tell him that he really deserved a proper test driver. Everyone from Rhona and Clive through Kate and June to the mechanics seemed to be on edge, and I was grateful that Rachel too wasn't around to witness my tardy arrival. But Pete was more concerned about the car than me, and one hard look was all he allotted in my direction before going out for a final run before qualifying. The women took leave for the VIP stand, and Clive gave me an understanding glance. I hung around the pits, feeling useless, and was approached by the jail keeper's daughter with a message from Ramon that the accuser - Charlotte Hyde - was milling around the race area. Spotted her when final qualifying had just started, and after a chat, invited her to dinner. It was at that point that Pete spun out, putting us 18th on the grid ahead of two other non-qualifiers who had worse times. Didn't know whether it was better to disappear or be seen as diligently standing by when Pete returned, opted for the latter, but he didn't. I don't know where he went, but felt grateful not to cross his path. Clive, surprisingly, didn't seem too unhappy with the result. When Kate got back to the suite, I explained what happened with Ramon, and she said that she wasn't surprised, having taken one look at him the other night, and classified him as a typical oily Riviera fortune hunter. I could see the look hovering behind her eyes, wanting to ask me how I could possibly hang around with someone like that, and told her that the man had saved my life when I'd accidentally blown up his boat. Then I had to explain that it would be necessary to take this Charlotte woman out to dinner to find out what she was up to, and Katie just came over, hugged me and laughed. Promised to join her before the evening had progressed too far. Later My little date with Charlotte Hyde wasn't too productive. She saw through me pretty quickly, but it's definite that she's set Ramon up because of his “profession,” though she wouldn't admit it. Now down to my patient Katie, and if I'm lucky, not my racing partner.
After visiting the gigolo in jail, Paul puts a number clues together, and threatens Ramon's accuser with false testimony in that it appears that the bracelet clasp was purposely broken; she didn't report the theft to her insurers, and the last woman Ramon romanced and got money from was HER SISTER.				Monte Carlo, Sunday, May 22 Morning practice was exhilarating. The car was the best it had been the whole weekend, and Pete was in a slightly better mood, though all nerves. He was also much friendlier than he'd been since we arrived here, hugging me, and saying how much this day meant to him. By the end of the morning session, the Mastin was singing, and excitement around the pit lane was at a fever pitch, all the more so with the movie crew seemingly everywhere. Before our four lady benefactors took off for the stand, all the partners embraced, and it got very emotional. The noise was deafening compared to any other race I'd been at! The Monaco Grand Prix was thrilling to follow. A lump raised in my throat each time Pete passed. All in all, we didn't do too badly, Pete having gotten up to tenth when he had to retire, and only four cars finishing. Pete disappeared before the race was over, so when it was, I went for a walk with Katie to bring myself down. Was surprised to see that many stores were open, and thought it would be nice to buy her something as a memento of this special day. We went into the shop where Ramon got Charlotte's bracelet repaired, and I bought Kate a pair of sapphire earrings. When I asked the jeweller about the missing bracelet, he recalled two things he'd found unusual. It didn't look like the clasp had failed accidentally, but that it had been forced back and forth until the bracelet came apart. He said it was also odd that the safety chain had broken too. When we came back out in the street, the atmosphere was tremendous. Being away from it for a few minutes made it like entering the Monte Carlo world anew. We slowly made our way back to the hotel, loving every minute. Kate talked about the Charlotte situation, and told me about a number of men like Ramon who'd tried to get money out of Molly, a constant prey of such men's for nearly a decade now, Alex Ryder being only the latest in a long line. She said that she felt like dunking the lot in the sea, and gave me an idea. Before dressing for dinner, made a quick visit to Ramon in jail where he was eating a sumptuous meal. It was a kick! Told him that I was certain that Charlotte planned the whole thing, and asked him who he'd sluiced before he met me in Mexico. When I got his answer, asked Katie if she knew anyone in Baltimore who might give us some low down on Charlotte, and while I was showering, she made a couple calls. When I got her news I could hear the tumblers of the safe clicking. Ramon's last sparrow in Majorca was Charlotte's sister. Instead of changing for dinner I phoned his lawyer, then confronted Charlotte. She refused to admit anything, even though I said that she could be arrested for her false testimony, but that was all I could do.
Ramon is released from jail, and Paul sees to it that he leaves town. But the accuser is on Ramon's trail, and tries to run his car off the road. Instead, she goes off the road herself, and is saved from an inferno when Ramon extracts her from the vehicle. Then he spends day and night by her bedside in the hospital talking with her.				Monte Carlo, Monday, May 23 The evening ranged from super casual parties built around team bands to the ultra swank gatherings of the “steamship” set whose yachts sparkled in the harbor. Pete and June cut out fairly early in the evening. We had a bit of a Moment, talking about his future, but with the tension off, he was closer to his usual self. Kate and I went to as many of the parties as possible, and it was getting light when we returned to the suite where there was a message from Ramon's lawyer saying that he was being released at 10 am. After a quick nap I went to Ramon's hotel, and packed all his things, then drove his car to the jail house to bid him farewell, and made sure he got out of Monaco before Charlotte put some Plan B into action. Knowing he was safe on his way to Spain, I went back to bed. Later Little did I know that the most exciting moment of the weekend was yet to come. With Spa three weeks away, Rhona and Clive were allowing themselves a short vacation, and invited us to their yacht before they sailed. Afternoon tea as only the British can do, and as we were getting up to leave, Clive dropped his bombshell. He's decided to enter Mastin in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race, and has asked me to drive. Here I was all weekend, feeling so superfluous and inept, and then this! Katie and I are certainly going to celebrate tonight.
Ramon reports what happened to Paul, then leaves for Spain.				Monte Carlo, Tuesday, May 24 When we got back from a glorious evening in a more subdued Monte Carlo (if that isn't a contradiction in terms), there was a message from RAMON, asking me to meet him in our hotel bar the next day. He wasn't at his hotel - though he'd checked back in - and left me in a state of puzzlement - and not a little disturbed. When we met, I got the whole story. Apparently, Charlotte pursued him out of town, and tried to run Ramon off the road - down into a gully. But instead, she caused her own vehicle to go over the embankment, and then became trapped inside. According to Ramon, he pulled her out just before the car burst into flames, then spent the afternoon and all night by her bedside. Considering what could have become of him, he was enormously forgiving and understanding, but promised me that he was definitely heading off for Spain. Katie and I spent the day at the Bradleys, having the whole place to ourselves, the clan dispersed to various parts of the world. Feeling too lazy to do more than talk about the trip to Tahiti and Japan, we've ended up staying the night here. So quiet, with just the sound of the sea below us.

25 - 28 May 1966 ("Strangers at the Door")