Ororo's Ghost Story III, Part 5

[Sally Spectra]

Spectra Mansion- Morgaine's suite

[ Sally was the next inside the suite, passing Ava, Jackie and nodding in approval for Cassandra to stay with them when she reached the bathroom....the color drained from her face.]

[ All the jovial nature she was known for seemed to disappear, and she had a rather grim expression on her face as she clutched her chest.]

[ Words failed her...even as Sharon screamed and Zach did his best to assist her, and himself. ]


[She slowly backed away...against the wall. Unable to avert her eyes, she slowly ran her hand along the wall, which was wet from condensation, and found a small panel with some buttons on. she began MASHING a button on the panel, which sent a SIGNAL to Alek's phone. It was the PANIC button.]

[ She KEPT mashing the button. A channel of communication was opened, and as Alek responded, he could hear Sharon in the backgound. He asked Sally what was wrong. But she couldn't respond in a coherent manner. She was in a state of shock]

Alek.


ALEK.


[ still pressing it]

ALEK!

[ her contralto voice boomed as she LOUDLY called for him]

Oh GOD, ALEK!

[ She EXCLAIMED as a look of horror washed over her face]

[ As Alek registered the panic alert, noting where it was coming from, he decided to tell Ashley and Vivica as well. ]

[ Sharon, Zach and Sally stood in the bathroom, transfixed by the blood scene of horror. Cameron is in the doorway leading to the bathroom.]

<< Alek, Ashley and Vivica arrive. Alek finds a visibly shaken Sally...and as she begins to try to speak just then...a massive flash of lightning, and a crash of thunder SHAKES the walls of even THIS sturdy mansion....and after that? The POWER goes out.>>

<< There are screams, emotions, PANIC. >>

<< Dina, Zizi and Andrew, thankfully are NOT at the epicenter of it, and are not quite sure what's happening, but Andrew manages to keep calm, quickly adding more wood to the fire to make it stronger, and then lighting some candles to provide further light for them.

 

[Valkyrie]

Outside the Game Room

Ash had stopped in the hallway outside the game room to check her makeup. She didn't usually wear much when she wasn't working, so she was going to need to touch herself up before meeting Zach for photos. She had just turned to go back to her room when Alek came rushing out of the game room, looking a mixture of worry and murder. He looked so serious she didn't even bother to make a joke about it.

"What is it? What's going on?"

She looked from him to Vivica, who had come out of the room behind him. Alek was already moving down the hall, so Ash followed him, walking quickly.

Alek: "Something's wrong. Sally hit her panic button, but she couldn't tell me what was happening. She's in Morgaine's room."

He broke into a run and Ashley followed suit. Had Sally fallen? Had something happened with the storm? Was something wrong with Morgaine? They soon pulled up at Morgaine's door. Alek pushed inside the room, shoving Cameron King aside to get into the bathroom where Sally was. He was asking her what was wrong, but she could see behind him why everyone was so upset.

Ashley was no stranger to dead carcasses, and cut up like that Morgaine's body looked more like an animal than a human. She backed up, out of the doorway, the look of shock still on her face. and turned towards Ava, who was sitting on the bed. She started to move towards her, but the lights cut out, throwing them into blackness. Lightning flashed, momentarily illuminating the room, then plunging it once more into darkness.

Alek was suddenly next to the bed, his iphone flashlight in hand, pulling candles and matches out of the bedside table. After he had lit a couple, he handed one to Cassandra and told her to go to the chest in the hall for more candles.

In the low candle light, Ash sat down next to Ava, and took her hand, stunned.

"I can't believe this is happening."

 

[Orion]

Casa de Spectra — Living Room

His phone buzzed in his pocket, and never in his life had he drawn it out so fast. It was her.

From Ash >> You're asking the wrong question. It not WHEN I want you it's in what POSITION. I'm on my way.

He caught himself grinning like a fool, and reigned in his excitement. And right when he was about to type something naughty, Jackie screamed for help. It sounded more serious than a spider in her room, too. Something about her tone chilled Zach to the bone.

Sharon: JACKIE!?

Sally: She sounds TERRIFIED!

Zach didn’t say a word, he just set his glass on the nearest flat surface and tore off out of the room. He took the stairs two at a time, with Sharon in his shadow. When he got to the residence hall, Jackie and Ava were there.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

Sharon was also trying to get them to talk, but it seemed they couldn’t. Jackie was catatonic. Ava’s face was frozen in a look of horror, and she pointed to Morgaine’s suite. Sharon tried to calm them. Zach trudged toward Morgaine’s bathroom, a surreal sense of abject terror washing over him as he disappeared into the steamy chamber. When he saw her, a noise escaped his throat, a strangled shout. He was by her side in an instant.

“Morgaine? Morg—”

He tried, gathering her in his arms and setting her back into the tub, pushing her hair back and peering into her face, but anyone could see it was too late. Her eyes were vacant, and though her body was still warm, Zach knew the heat was from the shower, which he was half under himself. Kneeling by the edge of the tub, he reached to turn the water off.

It was then that he realized Sharon was in here too, and Sally, being comforted by the groundskeeper, for some bizarre reason. Even Cameron fucking King was standing in the bathroom, gawking. Zach ripped the rest of the shower curtain down with one hand and covered Morgaine’s naked and mutilated body with it. She wouldn’t want everybody to see her like this. Reality began to set in. Somebody had killed her, brutally. First Marissa, and now Morgaine.

And Ashley was all alone, waiting for him in the Brandy Lounge. Zach sprang to his feet, nearly bowling Cameron over as he rushed out of the bathroom. Thunder crashed and the power went out. In the pitch black, Zach struck his shins on something hard, then careened into someone, who screamed and started to hit him wildly. It was Jackie.

“Ah, it’s ME Jackie!”

He wrapped his arms around her to stifle the onslaught.

“Be cool lady, damn....”

He said, releasing Jackie, as Alek stumbled by using the light of his cell to navigate. Soon there were candles, and in the flickering glow, Zach spotted Ashley on the other side of the bed, trying to comfort Ava, who looked even more distraught than that time she got dirty coke. Zach breathed an audible sigh of relief.

“Ash, thank the Gods you’re okay.”

He thought aloud.

 

[Prophet]

Zach: "Oh come now, Cameron, why would he need a fire to warm up? I'm SURE he'd prefer to snuggle up next to you instead."

Cameron laughed.

"Zachy...I don't snuggle. I fuck."

"And so does Zach."

The small mousy girl was being small and mousy and nice and her mother Dina was being a bitch, as per usual, and the cute young strapping clean cut boy was trying to flirt with the small and mousy girl. Everyone was sticking to their respective scripts, and for a moment, Cameron was getting a little bit...bored. Then came the screaming. Jackie was screaming like she had just come face to face with her own reflection and a pulsing energy shot through the room as Cameron jolted in his seat, shaking his martini in his hand, spilling it a bit in his lap.

Sharon: JACKIE?!

Sally: "She sounds TERRIFIED!"

"Finally some action!"

He followed the women to see Ava and Jackie in hysterics as Zach played hero and the women essentially fell apart. Cameron stared at the dead body of Morgaine, her body slumped over in the tub, the water still running, bloodied..but beautiful. It would have been a very good fashion shoot. But this was real life. And for a second, and only a second, Cameron felt a tinge of regret for his war path to bury her. Ashley knocked him out of the way and jolted him back into reality. The scene was just chaotic.

"She's really dead."

Cameron wished he could be one of those people who felt sympathy for others, but he wasn't. All of the crying and consoling and comforting, it made him uncomfortable, especially since Cameron knew who the last person to see Morgaine alive was now trying to console Ashley.

"We need to clear this room, and not touch anything. This is a spectacle, but it's also a crime scene."

He shut the door of the bathroom.

"Zach, you look freshly showered. Tell me...was Morgaine still alive when you left her room this evening?"

 

[Sally Spectra]

<<FLASH!>>

<< Alek doese his best to try and control the situation. Backing Cameron King's observation that this is now CRIME scene. He gently but definitely leads Sally out of the room, escorting her with a comforting arm. Cassandra is on Sally's otherside, she gathered the wet and scared siamese kitten in her arms, making sure not to leave it behind in Morgaine's suite. Nicolas walks along side Cass. >>

<< He instructs the others to follow.>>

<< Sharon walks between Ava and Jackie, with her arms around both of them. Ashley is on Ava's side, and Vivica is on Jackie's, Zach brings up the rear. With one last look around Mogaine's suite. He closes the doors behind them.>>

<< Everyone is back down stairs. Candles have been lit, and the fire place is roaring. >>

<< Everyone that was upstairs is in various states of shock and grief. Leaving Alek to inform Andre, Dina and Zizi that Morgaine has died, but he does not go into any explicit details about the state of her body.>>

<< The KMA models are sitting together on one of the large couches, as Sharon does her best to comfort Jackie and Ava, even as her own silver eyes show tears falling. Ashley does her best to keep a brave face, but even SHE has been pushed to the edge but what she's seen.>>

<< There's no screaming now. No one seems to be able to say ANYTHING really. but there's ANOTHER storm of sorts brewing as Cameron begins...>>

"Zach, you look freshly showered. Tell me...was Morgaine still alive when you left her room this evening?"

<< Sally, who is seated on her chaise lounge, with Nicolas behind her, and Cassandra sitting beside her, and Alek standing to her right is the first to react.>>

Cameron...what are you saying!?

<< Alek has already handed her a drink. Something STRONGER this time, and she does not hesitate to take it from him.>>

 

[Oracle]

The Living Room

She tried to make smalltalk, asking everyone what they were going to be doing on this stormy evening. Andre looked down, and was planning on drinking, which made Zizi a little sad for him. But then again, she didn't have anything much going on either, she thought with a glance at Zach, who looked very distracted.

"Well, I'd love to do the same, but I DID agree to take some updated photos for Ash. You know, since we're here at the infamous Casa de Spectra.

Well, of course. Zach was a photographer. And she was very beautiful. It wasn't like she thought he would only take her picture. And she was sure he wasn't chomping at the bit to show her how he developed pictures.

Before she could think of anything to say, screams could be heard coming from upstairs in the mansion. Sharon identified the voice as Jackie's, that nice girl who was the newest KMA model. Zach was immediately out the door running to help, and Sharon was right behind him. Zizi started to follow, but was met with Sally's firm but gentle command that she was to stay put.

Sally: Andre, darling...stay HERE with Dina and Zizi. Make sure they remain comfortable and secure.

Zizi went to the couch and sat down, not sure what to say or do. Was Jackie hurt? What was going on? She hated being made to stay here like a child while everyone else went to give their assistance.

Andre: "I'm sure everything's fine. Probably a mouse got inside or something. Don't you ladies fret."

Zizi gave him a warm smile - he was trying to be kind, after all, but the screams that she had heard didn't sound like someone afraid of a mouse. Before she could say anything a crash of thunder and flash of lightning and all the electric lights went out in the room. In the aftermath of Jackie's cries, the darkness made the mansion eerie and foreboding. But Andre wasted no time, putting more logs on the fire and lighting some candles as if this was an everyday occurrence. Maybe living all the way out here, it was.

"Thank you, Andre."

She gave him another smile as he set down a candelabra on the coffee table in front of her, casting a pool of light in the immediately vicinity of where she was sitting.

Andre: "Alek may be...different...but if there's one thing he knows it's machines. He'll have the power back up and running in no time."

She nodded, and they waited, mostly in silence. Finally the others returned, with Jackie, all looking somber. Zizi stood up as they came in, looking from face to face for answers.

"What is it? What's happened?"

Alek came slowly towards her and her mother, who had been fretting terribly since the whole thing had begun. Andre walked over to meet him, eager to hear the news as well.

Alek: "I'm sorry to say that, Morgaine has passed away in her room."

Zizi's hand went to her mouth in horror.

"Oh, that's awful."

She looked around the room at all of Morgaine friends.

"I'm so sorry, all of you, for your loss."

Dina: "Now this is too much. Really too much."

Zizi internally rolled her eyes.

"Mother, please...."

Dina: "We were invited here for a weekend gathering - not a funeral! My nerves just cannot take this. Not one bit. I'm retiring to my room, to try and collect my frayed nerves!"

With that, her mother - with her drink, Zizi noticed - marched haughtily from the room.

Zizi sighed, and looked around the room, not knowing what to say.

But then, Cameron King spoke up.

"Zach, you look freshly showered. Tell me...was Morgaine still alive when you left her room this evening?"

She of course knew the rumors that they had been an item. But hearing that they had been together, today...Zizi was momentarily taken aback. But as Sally asked what he meant by that, Zizi found her voice.

"Of course she was, you ghastly man!"

 

[Persephone]

Morgaine was dead. No. She had been MURDERED. Morgaine had been murdered and whoever killed her was still in the house. First Marissa now Morgaine? This wasn't some fluke or strange coincidence...it couldn't have been. How? How was this happening?! WHY was this happening. Ava's mind raced a million miles a minute, but on the outside she was in a complete state of shock. Her face blank but eyes filled with horror. She barely noticed Zach, Sharon, and Sally bolt into the room, not until Sharon gently escorted her and Jackie to the bed and sat them down. Ava stared forward, tears falling from her wide eyes onto her cheeks as she heard Sharon's blood curdling screams coming from the bathroom at the sight of Morgaine's mutilated body.

The time passed slowly for Ava and everyone around her moved like a high speed movie montage where she was the singular motionless being amongst chaos. It wasn't until she felt Ashley's hand on hers that snapped her out of her thoughts, Ava remaining motionless but her hand gripping her friend's tightly.

Ashley: "I can't believe this is happening."

Then a massive bolt of thunder crashed and the lights went out. In that moment Ava's awareness was heightened and she looked up terrified, like someone was about to kill HER. But she was met with a bright light from a phone, spotting Alek quickly lighting some candles to cut the darkness in the room. Sharon came over to both Ava and Jackie, helping them to their feet and wrapping her arms around them both. Ashley came to Ava's side and Ava immediately grabbed her friends hand tightly, not wanting to let go.

"Don't leave me, Ashley..."

She whispered, her voice filled with terror and shock. The thought of losing Ashley? Her best friend? It was unbearable. They all made their way to where Andre, Zizi, and Dina were which Ava frankly didn't even notice or care about. Sitting down on the couch, Ava exhaled, feeling like it was the first time she had breathed since entering Morgaine's room.

Cameron: "Zach, you look freshly showered. Tell me...was Morgaine still alive when you left her room this evening?"

Ava's eyes widened and head snapped up to look at Cameron. Anger replaced horror.

Sally: Cameron...what are you saying!?

Zizi: "Of course she was, you ghastly man!"

Both woman immediately speaking up to Zach's defense. Ava's tear filled eyes narrowed with utter fury.

"You're a despicable and DISGUSTING excuse for a human being, Cameron King! How DARE YOU blame, Zach! He was Morgaine's FRIEND! He would NEVER hurt her!...Kill.....oh my God..."

Ava's hand went to her mouth after saying the words out loud; after hearing the reality of the situation. Ava felt like she was going to vomit, gasping in a shaky breath as she stood from the sofa.

"I need some air..."

Quickly crossing the large room, she went to one of the windows and quickly cranked it open, the gusting wind immediately billowing through the crack and into Ava's face making her exhale out as if she had been holding her breath. The rain hit her face and she shut her eyes, the image of Morgaine's mutilated body cemented in her mind. She needed to get out of this damn house....she needed to get out of this house before the killer decided Morgaine wasn't enough.

 

[Valkyrie]

Morgaine's Bedroom

She sat there, no idea what to say. Ava was visibly upset, but Ashley was in little state to offer much comfort. Besides, what could she say? I'm sorry your mentor and our friend just got murdered? Want to go do a line? Actually, that might make Ava feel better, but it wasn't exactly something she'd say in a room full of people. Zach came rushing out of the bathroom, and she raised her face to say something to him but there was a loud crash of thunder and the power went out, throwing them all into blackness.

As Alek lit candles and they could all see again, she found Zach's face again and recognition and something that looked surprisingly like relief came over it.

“Ash, thank the Gods you’re okay.”

She gave him a little smile.

"I was going to stop by my room for some makeup...and then Alek said...and I followed him...and we saw..."

She gestured towards the bathroom, determined not to get upset.

"We need to clear this room, and not touch anything. This is a spectacle, but it's also a crime scene."

Ashley swallowed, hard. Someone had murdered her friend. She couldn't imagine who would honestly want Morgaine dead. It wasn't as if she was the top KMA model anymore. Her fiance had died, so there was no one to be jealous of any extra curricular activities. Shit, she would have tried to get Morgaine into bed yesterday if she'd know she'd never get a chance again.

They all started to file out of the room. Sharon was trying to soothe Ava and Jackie, so Ashley just walked beside Ava, holding her hand. She glanced behind her to see Zach walking there, wondering how he was taking all of this.

"Don't leave me, Ashley..."

She looked over at her friend, trying to seem confident.

"I won't, babe, don't you worry. I'm right here."

She gave Ava's hand a squeeze as they made their way to the living room downstairs, and Ashley took a seat on the arm of one of the sofas, next to Ava, crossing her legs at the knee and resting an elbow on her leg so she could rest her head on her hand. Everyone was quiet. Stunned. Alek was telling the outsiders what had happened. And then Cameron King had to open his big mouth.

"Zach, you look freshly showered. Tell me...was Morgaine still alive when you left her room this evening?"

Ashley picked her head up, her eyes going to Zach.

"You were with Morgaine?"

Rebecca from Sunnybrook Farm made a pitiful attempt at what could only be called scolding Cameron, but luckily Ava chimed in, doing a much better job of bitching him out.

"You're a despicable and DISGUSTING excuse for a human being, Cameron King! How DARE YOU blame, Zach! He was Morgaine's FRIEND! He would NEVER hurt her!...Kill.....oh my God..."

Ashley tried to keep hold of her hand but Ava was up and going to the window. Ashley stood and went to the bar, pouring herself a drink and throwing it back before pouring another. Then she turned on Cameron.

"Zach was setting up for my photoshoot. Then he was with you people. I know what a fresh kill looks like: Morgaine had not been dead long."

Her face was blank as she said it, the only betrayal of emotion the way she downed her refill in one gulp.

 

[Berserker]

The Game Room

He was about to suggest strip pool when the alarm on his phone started going off and his demeanor immediately became serious. He pressed the button to open the line between him and Sally.

"Sally?! Sally, what's wrong?"

He could hear screaming in the background, but it wasn't Sally's cries.

Alek.


ALEK.


ALEK!

Oh GOD, ALEK!

"I'm coming Sally!"

He flung open the door, only to be suprised by Ashley out in the hallway.

"What is it? What's going on?"

"Something's wrong. Sally hit her panic button, but she couldn't tell me what was happening. She's in Morgaine's room."

He started to run for the bedroom suite, the screams he heard reverberating through his head. Alek may have been a womanizer. He might have been a dick. But he cared about Sally, and he would kill anyone who tried to hurt her. Upon entering Morgaine's room, there were people everywhere. Cameron King was standing in the doorway to the bathroom, where the panic alarm had gone off. He did not have time for that little worm. Pushing him aside, he saw Sally. She didn't look like she was injured but-

"Sally are you alright?! What's wrong?"

As he came closer, he could see behind her what the problem was. It was Morgaine Carole, and she looked like someone had shoved a large knife into her about twenty times. He tried to get Sally to come out of the bathroom.

"Sally, dear, come away now."

But a flash of lightning took the power out, and panic started to set in with all the people in the suite. He hit the flashlight button on his phone and made his way out into the main bedroom, where he knew there were candles.

"Everyone stay where they are."

He lit a candle, then the other two that were in the drawer. He saw Cassandra trying to console Jackie. He handed her a candle.

"Cassandra, go out and get more candles from the chest in the hallway. You know where they are."

It was then that he saw Ava, her face stricken. And Ashley, sitting next to her, holding her hand. Then Cameron King spoke up.

"We need to clear this room, and not touch anything. This is a spectacle, but it's also a crime scene."

He nodded and backed up, heading back to Sally. Crime scene be damned, he needed to get her out of that bathroom.

"Come on Sally, here, take my arm. Let's get you out of here."

He led her carefully downstairs to the living room, where he helped her to a seat. The young rich girl - Zizi - was asking what had happened. He knew Sally was in no state to give details, so he crossed the room to where she and her mother sat.

"What is it? What's happened?"

"I'm sorry to say that, Morgaine has passed away in her room."

He moved to the bar, where he fixed Sally a glass of brandy, and brought it over to her, standing nearby. His eyes slid to Ava, who looked distraught. It was her friend, he knew. And he'd heard that she'd seen the body. He wanted to comfort her, but there were so many people around her, all doing just that.

Then Cameron, who looked like he needed someone to punch him in the face, pretty much accused Zach of murdering Morgaine. Well, everyone had one redeeming quality. He could easily see that nasty fucker, rejected and humiliated, not taking no for an answer. Hell, he'd take him to jail himself.

The rich girl stood up for him, and then Ava became very upset with Cameron as well.

"You're a despicable and DISGUSTING excuse for a human being, Cameron King! How DARE YOU blame, Zach! He was Morgaine's FRIEND! He would NEVER hurt her!...Kill.....oh my God..."

She went to the window, and with a momentary glance at Sally he went back to the bar and poured another drink, carrying it over to where Ava was standing. He held the glass out to her.

"It's going to be okay."

 

[Ruby]

Casa de Spectra – Morgaine’s Suite



“I’d better go grab –“

:: Before Cassandra could finish saying that she’d better find her kitten, she heard a piercing SCREAM. ::

Sharon: “JACKIE!?”

Sally: “She sounds TERRIFIED!”

:: Without warning, Zach and Sharon both jumped to their feet and ran out the door and up the stairs in a matter of SECONDS. Cassandra stood up when Sally did and followed after the fashion maven as she advised Drew to stay behind and keep the Yorks safe and comfortable. ::

What happened? What could possibly make somebody scream like that?

:: If it was a hair out of place or the girl had broken a nail, Cassandra would PUNCH the bitch in the face for making everybody worry for nothing. Once she reached Morgaine’s suite, she spotted Maxie right next to her friend, the Siamese kitten, as if she was comforting her. As soon as she spotted her mama, Maxie ran to her and yowled at her. Cassandra bent down and patted the kitten on the head. ::

*softly*: “Sssh. It’s okay.”

:: Sharon asked her to keep an eye on both Jackie and Ava. Cassandra fought the urge to roll her eyes. She followed the three into Morgaine’s bedroom and watched as both Jackie and Ava sat on the bed. They both looked utterly distraught and Cassandra bit back the urge to ask Ava if the reason she looked upset was because she lost her drugs. Sighing inwardly, she heard Sally calling for Alek from the bathroom over and over, her voice rising in panic. ::

“Sally? What happened? What’s going on?”

:: Nobody answered and soon Alek, Ashley, and Vivica appeared in Morgaine’s suite. ::

“Alek, Sally is –“

:: But he was already throwing Cameron aside in his haste to get to Sally. All Cassandra could see from her vantage point was some blood…and she knew then that nothing would ever be the same. Just then, the lights went out plunging them all into darkness. Jackie, who was closest to Cassandra, shrieked and grabbed her by the arm. Cassandra almost toppled onto the bed by the model’s strength. ::

Damn, where do YOU work out?

:: Lightning flashed, illuminating the room, before they found themselves in complete darkness once again. Alek appeared by the bed and got out some candles and matches. He lit a couple, and handed one to her, asking her to go find some more candles in the hallway chest. Jackie finally let go of her arm. ::

“Will do.”

:: Cassandra hurried into the hall, making sure that she didn’t trip over the kittens and headed for the chest. She got out a bunch of candles and matches, as well as some candle holders, and handed some to a servant telling him to go and bring some candles down to the living room, where Drew was with the Yorks. She grabbed a bunch for herself and headed back in Morgaine’s suite. Both Cameron and Alek were in agreement that this was for reals a crime scene. Alek escorts Sally out of the suite. Cassandra knelt down to pick up the Siamese kitty who was huddling underneath the bed with Maxie. She held the still trembling kitten in her arms and softly yet firmly told her own kitty to come with her. Cassandra appeared on Sally’s other side, with Maxie sticking close to her feet, and they all went back downstairs to the living room. Cassandra settled into a comfortable chair and Maxie jumped up beside her, sitting on the chair’s arm whereas the Siamese was now curled in her lap. ::

“Sssh. It’s okay.”

:: She softly said to the little animal in her lap. Cameron wasted no time in insinuating that Zach could possibly have hurt Morgaine. She glared at King. ::

 

[Silver Swan]

Spectra Mansion- main living room


[ Alek and Cassandra helped get candles lit, and guided everyone back down to the living room. After the initial shock and horror, came the disbelief, and grief. The mansion was blacked out, but there were plenty of candles, the large fire in the fire place]

[ Andrew, Dina and Zizi....they still didn't know...]

"What is it? What's happened?"

Alek came slowly towards her and her mother, who had been fretting terribly since the whole thing had begun. Andre walked over to meet him, eager to hear the news as well.

Alek: "I'm sorry to say that, Morgaine has passed away in her room."

Zizi's hand went to her mouth in horror.

"Oh, that's awful."

She looked around the room at all of Morgaine friends.

"I'm so sorry, all of you, for your loss."

[ Sharon looked at Zizi, trying to keep a collected facial expression, but the grief was heavy, and apparent.]

Dina: "Now this is too much. Really too much."

Zizi internally rolled her eyes.

"Mother, please...."

Dina: "We were invited here for a weekend gathering - not a funeral! My nerves just cannot take this. Not one bit. I'm retiring to my room, to try and collect my frayed nerves!"

With that, her mother - with her drink, Zizi noticed - marched haughtily from the room.

[ Dina was....well she was DINA. The woman was about as likeable as a COBRA, but she had the kind of money that could BUY her just about whatever she wanted, INCLUDING a place in a setting like this. But money couldn't buy CLASS, TACT, OR SYMPATHY. She routinely discounted her daughter on all fronts, but the irony is that Zizi had more going for her than Dina EVER would, and it came NATURALLY. ]

[ Noticeably, no one bothered to stop Dina when she left. But Zizi stayed. Her gesture of sympathy and moral support meant something to Sharon and Zach.]


[ Sharon was doing what she always did in a crisis, go into crisis mode- people like Zach knew how good she was at controlling the situation. Protect her brand and her girls. Only...she didn't protect Morgaine. She couldn't have. She didn't know what was happening, until it was TOO LATE, and now...Morgaine, who'd only JUST found her way back to them after all she'd been through, was LOST to them FOREVER. ]


[ SOMEBODY in this mansion had killed her, brutally. But WHO? and WHY!?]

[ Sharon couldn't afford to "wait" to think of things like this. Like Marissa's unfortunate death, things like this came with LAYERS of complications, and beyond that, this was deeply, PAINFULLY personal for Sharon. She loved ALL of her girls, and they knew it. She would NEVER knowingly expose any of them to danger. ]

[ She did her best to calm and stabilized Jackie and Ava, who'd been traumatized by what they'd seen. The image of Morgaine's brutalized body was seered into her mind's eye too. She TRIED desperately to BLOCK IT OUT...but she couldn't. ]

[ She placed a blanket over Ava's shoulders. may look like she was functioning well on the outside, but inside, she was "THIS CLOSE" to letting her silver eyes roll up in the back of her head, and PASS OUT. As it was...tears were falling from her eyes and she didn't try to stop them. ]

Cassandra settled into a comfortable chair and Maxie jumped up beside her, sitting on the chair’s arm whereas the Siamese was now curled in her lap. ::

“Sssh. It’s okay.”

:: She softly said to the little animal in her lap.

[ The siamese kitten that Sally had given to Morgaine! She was wet and had blood on her little paws. That made Sharon's heart SINK. She handed Cassandra a towel to wipe the kitten's paws with, and as Cassandra tried to comfort the feline, Sharon knew that ultimately, NOTHING would EVER be okay again. ]


First Marissa....now Morgaine!? What in the goddess' name is HAPPENING!?



[ Thankfully, ASHLEY was helping with Ava, and Cassandra with Jackie. As Sharon covered Jackie's shoulders with a blanket. She passed by Ashley, taking her free hand and squeezing it. ]

[ She looked at Zach for a moment, she'd have to have a conversation with him, like she had when Marissa died. Morgaine had no family for Sharon to notify, they all died in the plane crash several years ago. ]

[ She knew Zach was in shock, at a loss over this...she knew they'd NEED to depend each other, as they had many times before, starting when she first met him, while she was grieving over loss of her marraige, and the subsequent death of her husband.]

Zach....

"Zach, you look freshly showered. Tell me...was Morgaine still alive when you left her room this evening?"

[ Sharon turned as she stood straight up, exhaling/exclaiming in a NOTICEABLE tone of shock and DISGUST]

Cameron...what are you saying!?

<< Alek has already handed her a drink. Something STRONGER this time, and she does not hesitate to take it from him.>>

But as Sally asked what he meant by that, Zizi found her voice.

"Of course she was, you ghastly man!"

"You're a despicable and DISGUSTING excuse for a human being, Cameron King! How DARE YOU blame, Zach! He was Morgaine's FRIEND! He would NEVER hurt her!...Kill.....oh my God..."

Ava's hand went to her mouth after saying the words out loud; after hearing the reality of the situation. Ava felt like she was going to vomit, gasping in a shaky breath as she stood from the sofa.

"I need some air..."

Quickly crossing the large room, she went to one of the windows

:: Alek, after making sure that Sally was safely situated, went to see about Ava. Sharon should've been the one to go, but as good as she is at what she does, she CAN'T be everywhere at once....and that lack was PAINFULLY apparent to her. Still, there was one thing she COULD address, here and now]


Cameron...

[ She said with a low tone as she stared him down and the fire from the fire place illuminated her tear streaked face]

... don't you DARE come for ANYONE in the KMA family, do you HEAR ME!?

You MALIGNED Morgaine's name for YEARS!

We play the game with you, because this is OUR industry, this is what we do. But THIS IS ENOUGH!

[ She said with a clenched fist, resisting the urge to reach over and grab the fire poker and level it at his THROAT as she launched into FULL mama bear mode]

If you say ONE MORE slanderous word about Zach, Morgaine or ANY OTHER member of the KMA family, I'll DRAG you into court and BURY YOU in so much litigation your GRAND CHILDREN will be wiping their asses with subpoenas!

[ at that moment, Ashley got up and went to the bar]

"Zach was setting up for my photoshoot. Then he was with you people. I know what a fresh kill looks like: Morgaine had not been dead long."

Her face was blank as she said it, the only betrayal of emotion the way she downed her refill in one gulp.

[ Sharon kept her eyes glued on Cameron, unwilling to let him escape her withering glare. She wasn't playing with him tonight, or anytime AFTER from this point on. Ashley offered a grim but critical observation about Morgaine's death...given the state she was found in. Beyond that, there was no way Zach would have done this to Morgaine. NONE. and whatever Cameron thought, it didn't matter. Sharon would protect Zach just as she would any other member of the KMA family. ]

 

[Recall]

Alek: "I have to agree that you are looking incredibly good in that dress. What sort of wager did you have in mind? Something involving that dress perhaps?"

Vivica eyed him up and down for a moment, satisfied. She let out a laugh for a moment. She was stoned, he was a bit cuter than she would give him credit for, and again, she was stoned.

"Darling, I don't take of this dress for less than $10,000 a day."

Alek: "I'll rack. You can break."

"I do love breaking balls."

She lined up her shot.

"So...if I win...I get $10,000 and if you win..you win me out of this dress."

Well..if Ashley wasn't gonna fuck him, he might as well not go to waste.

Suddenly the stifled cries of Sally Spectra came through Alek's phone. Damn, she was on fire tonight and everybody kept ruining it! But then she realized, something was very wrong. Alek darted out of the room with no explanation and Vivica followed behind him. Ashley was one step ahead of him.

Ashley: "What is it? What's going on?"

Alek: "Something's wrong. Sally hit her panic button, but she couldn't tell me what was happening. She's in Morgaine's room."

Vivica felt anxious. What could have possibly happened in a place like this? But then she saw it. The dead body of Morgaine. Alek sprung into action, everybody seemed to figure out something to do, Vivica felt paralyzed. She had just had such a nice moment earlier in the weekend. It felt like maybe she was going to start coming around a little more. They weren't the best of friends, but Vivica and Morgaine had gone through the world together, always in each other's orbit. To see her gutted in a bath tub, it was mortifying. It was paralyzing. So as everybody shuffled about yelled at each other, Vivica didn't even realize that they had switched venues and left the scene. It was like waking up from a dream, only it wasn't a dream.

Cameron: "Zach, you look freshly showered. Tell me...was Morgaine still alive when you left her room this evening?"

Vivica felt a surge of adrenaline rush through her body. Not about any of the sex stuff, but at the thought of somebody like Zach, somebody she shared a very private, disciplinary sexual relationship, was actually a killer. Her mind replayed their encounters, times that he had gone too far? She couldn't find any. Zach was a kinky, very satisfying sex partner, but he was not a killer.

Ashley: "You were with Morgaine?"

"Ah shit."

So there was friction with Zach too? Ashley was certainly on one this weekend. It was fascinating. Ava proceeded to explode.

Ava: "You're a despicable and DISGUSTING excuse for a human being, Cameron King! How DARE YOU blame, Zach! He was Morgaine's FRIEND! He would NEVER hurt her! Kill...oh my God.."

Zizi: "...you ghastly man!"

Vivica watched partly sympathetic but mostly with no regard. VIvica had lost a lot of people in her life growing up where she did, so it was almost interesting to see how these "pretty white people" reacted when straight up MURDER came to their door. This wasn't the time to stand together and get to the bottom of things like a team.

"Yeah Right."

Vivica Lennox realized she needed to get the fuck up OUT OF HERE as soon as possible. First Marissa. Now Morgaine?! Somebody was killing KMA models, but they certainly weren't going to kill THIS one.

Ashley: "Zach was setting up m y photoshoot. Then he was with you people. I know what a fresh kill looks like. Morgaine had not been dead long."

She was just about to chime in about that cable car getting it's ass in gear, Sharon ERUPTED!

Cameron...

[ She said with a low tone as she stared him down and the fire from the fire place illuminated her tear streaked face]

... don't you DARE come for ANYONE in the KMA family, do you HEAR ME!?

You MALIGNED Morgaine's name for YEARS!

We play the game with you, because this is OUR industry, this is what we do. But THIS IS ENOUGH!

[ She said with a clenched fist, resisting the urge to reach over and grab the fire poker and level it at his THROAT as she launched into FULL mama bear mode]

If you say ONE MORE slanderous word about Zach, Morgaine or ANY OTHER member of the KMA family, I'll DRAG you into court and BURY YOU in so much litigation your GRAND CHILDREN will be wiping their asses with subpoenas!

Well Cameron needed to get assaulted in more ways than one so Vivica stood there approvingly for a moment, before snapping back into reality.

"This is ridiculous! STOP! What are we trying to do here?! We are not the SCOOBY gang! We need to call the police and get the fuck up out of here, since I'm pretty sure another murder is just around the corner, and these types of scenarios don't tend to favor such melanin blessed beauties as myself."

"Call the police and get out! I mean what are we waiting for?"

In that moment, she realized that every single one of them could have been the killer, in one way or another, and she couldn't trust them. If things got really bad and some crazy psycho start butchering models left and right, Vivica was going to rely on HERSELF and nobody else.

"This is crazy. And I am not sticking around! I'll repel down the damn mountain or something, but I'm out!"

Vivica began to make her way out of the living room, frantic and pissed.

 

[Orion]

Casa de Spectra — Living Room

Ash’s small smile was like a beacon of hope. At least she was okay. Everybody else was here already when they found Morgaine. Zach couldn’t bear the thought of Ash being alone in the mansion, waiting for him with a killer on the loose.

Ash: I was going to stop by my room for some makeup...and then Alek said...and I followed him...and we saw...

He grimaced at the thought. He instinctively wanted to hug her, tell it was going to be okay, and that he wouldn’t let anything happen to her. And then Cameron interrupted.

Cameron: We need to clear this room, and not touch anything. This is a spectacle, but it's also a crime scene.

“A spectacle?! You’re a fucking piece of work!”

Zach said, as he went from stunned and saddened to just plain furious at how callous Cameron was being. Morgaine was DEAD, murdered, and this asshole wasn’t even bothered. Zach wanted to hit him. Hard. Luckily for Cameron, Alek passed between them with Sally on his arm. Then everyone was filing out of Morgaine’s suite, and Zach followed behind Ash.

There wasn’t a whole lot of talking on the way back to the living room. Zach was trapped in his thoughts. Gods, she had just come back to them. And now she was lost, truly lost, and he felt guilty. He should’ve been there to stop it. The killer probably watched and waited for Zach to leave Morgaine alone. The realization sent his rage soaring to new heights. Whoever was doing this was going to pay.

Zizi: What is it? What's happened?

They’d reached the living room. Nobody knew how to answer. Zach went to stand by the fire to expedite the drying of his shirt, still wet from the shower and sticking to his skin.

Alek: I'm sorry to say that, Morgaine has passed away in her room.

Passed away, like Morgaine was an old lady and it was some natural cause that had taken her from them. Zach could still see her vacant gaze, her body slashed to ribbons. What kind of monster could have done that to such a beautiful woman?

Zizi: Oh, that's awful. I'm so sorry, all of you, for your loss.

Zach was going to do the polite thing, and thank her for sincere condolences, but Cameron apparently had a more pressing topic of discussion.

Cameron: Zach, you look freshly showered. Tell me...was Morgaine still alive when you left her room this evening?

Zach’s expression was one of indignant shock. Ash reacted to the news that Zach had been with Morgaine. Zach didn’t have time to explain, because the others were reacting to the whole murder implication.

Sally: Cameron...what are you saying!?

Zizi, then Ava spoke up for him. Well, at least no one would believe the outlandish suggestion that Zach might have anything to do with what happened to Morgaine. There was a small consolation in the fact that they all defended him. And then Sharon exploded on Cameron, and it was glorious. Behind her, Zach seethed. He was a split second away from punching Cameron when Ash got up and got herself a drink.

Ash: Zach was setting up for my photoshoot. Then he was with you people. I know what a fresh kill looks like: Morgaine had not been dead long.

“When I left Morgaine, after talking with her this afternoon. She was fine when I left, obviously, because I would NEVER hurt a woman. What REALLY ought to be explained is why YOU are so familiar who was visiting Morgaine.”

When the words came out, it was like a tether snapped inside Zach. The next thing he knew, he had Cameron jammed up against the wall, with fistfuls of the creep’s dinner jacket.

“Come to think of it, YOU’RE the only one here with a motive, Cameron. Is that what happened? Did you wait for me to leave her so you could get revenge for getting slapped last night? If you THINK I’m going to let you hurt anyone else, you’re out of your MIND.”

He growled, pulling Cameron away from the wall by his lapels and slamming him up against the wall again for good measure. It was cathartic to see his empty head bounce off the Sheetrock.

Viv: This is ridiculous! STOP! What are we trying to do here?! We are not the SCOOBY gang! We need to call the police and get the fuck up out of here, since I'm pretty sure another murder is just around the corner—

“Pretty sure you’re RIGHT about that—“

Viv: And these types of scenarios don’t tend to favor such melanin blessed beauties such as myself. Call the police and get the hell out! I mean what are we waiting for?!

“The power’s out Viv, we’re all stuck here with this bastard, unless we do something about it.”

Viv exclaimed that this was crazy, and then she said something about repelling down the mountain, which gave Zach the excellent idea of tossing Cameron off the side of the mountain.

 

[Persephone]

Ava trembled by the window, partly from the cold but mostly because of what she had just witness. She was quite literally about to become apart of a Lifetime crime movie and that was NOT okay with her. Fuck, at least let it be Netflix or something. Ava shut her eyes hearing Sharon explode at Cameron. Good, the little snake deserved to get pounced on by all the women. If HE wasn't the killer, she hoped the mother fucker was next on the list. At least no one would miss his sorry ass.

Zach defended himself in regards to what he was doing with Morgaine and how she was alive when he left. Honestly, it was ludicrous to even have to listen to him say such words. But he promptly hopped on the Cameron is a giant fucking asshole train as well, but at that point Ava began to tune it all out.

Alek: "It's going to be okay."

Ava jumped, her eyes opening to see a glass of scotch being presented to her. Looking over to see Alek, she hesitated a moment before slowly lifting her trembling hand to take the glass from him.

"I highly doubt it."

She responded evenly before downing the entire glass in one gulp. The alcohol burned her throat and warmed her stomach instantly.

"Thanks..."

Handing him back the glass, Ava's midnight eyes met with his, and for a moment, she wondered if maybe he killed Morgaine. It was a fleeting thought though because Alek showed no interest in Morgaine aside from thinking she had a hot body, so why would he have motive to kill her? Regardless, there was a killer in the house...and it could have been someone in the damn room.

Vivica: "This is ridiculous! STOP!"

That pulled Ava from her thoughts and made her look toward Vivica who was losing her shit.

Vivica: "What are we trying to do here?! We are not the SCOOBY gang! We need to call the police and get the fuck up out of here, since I'm pretty sure another murder is just around the corner, and these types of scenarios don't tend to favor such melanin blessed beauties as myself. Call the police and get out! I mean what are we waiting for?"

In a weird way, the overall panic and fear that have overtaken Ava since seeing Morgaine stabbed, bloodied, and dead in the bathroom tub slowly began to fade away to a cool and eerie calm. Shock had definitely set in for her, but it honestly made for a more level headed approach.

"I tried calling the police, Vivica. The phone lines are a dead."

Vivica began to make her way toward the exit.

Vivica: "This is crazy. And I am not sticking around! I'll repel down the damn mountain or something, but I'm out!"

Letting out an exasperated sigh.

"VIVICA! Do you really think it's smart to go off on your own right now? I might hate your obnoxious ass but I don't want to see you dead! We need to stay together. There's a killer somewhere in this house and they'll have a harder time picking us off if we stick together. And if the killer is HERE--"

Ava paused, letting THAT one sink in for everyone.

"Then ten against one mother fucker."

 

[Sally Spectra]

Spectra Mansion- Main living room

"Sally are you alright?! What's wrong?"

As he came closer, he could see behind her what the problem was. It was Morgaine Carole, and she looked like someone had shoved a large knife into her about twenty times. He tried to get Sally to come out of the bathroom.

"Sally, dear, come away now."

Alek....darling....I....feel a bit faint...

"Come on Sally, here, take my arm. Let's get you out of here."

He led her carefully downstairs to the living room, where he helped her to a seat.

<< right next to Sally>>

Cassandra settled into a comfortable chair and Maxie jumped up beside her, sitting on the chair’s arm whereas the Siamese was now curled in her lap. ::

“Sssh. It’s okay.”

:: She softly said to the little animal in her lap. Cameron wasted no time in insinuating that Zach could possibly have hurt Morgaine. She glared at King. ::

My precious...Morgaine....I've been dressing her since she was 19 years old...

<< She said in a pained tone, as Andre came and sat down on her other side, and held one of her hands, he could feel her TREMBLING. by now, Nicolas was FANNING Sally. She was clearly upset. She gestured for Alek to get her another drink, and he did, quickly.>>

<<The KMA models were Sally's FAVORITES, she loved them too, and they loved her. They were her extended family. Her home was always a home away from home for them...and now Morgaine had DIED here. That meant there was a KILLER among them...in HER house! >>

<< She gulped down her drink. >>

If my star is fading that's ONE thing...but i really DON'T fancy being MURDERED in my show place.

<< She thought grimly to herself as she looked out among her guests, most of whom she'd known for YEARS. Could one of these people be responsible for Morgaine's horrific death!? Dina DEPARTED them. But no one, not even Sally herself, attempted to stop her. Telling indeed. Zizi remained, being the sweet, well meaning girl that she is.>>

"Zach, you look freshly showered. Tell me...was Morgaine still alive when you left her room this evening?"

Cameron...what are you saying!?


<< Alek has already handed her a drink. Something STRONGER this time, and she does not hesitate to take it from him.>>

Cameron wasted no time in insinuating that Zach could possibly have hurt Morgaine. She glared at King. ::

But as Sally asked what he meant by that, Zizi found her voice.

"Of course she was, you ghastly man!"

Both woman immediately speaking up to Zach's defense. Ava's tear filled eyes narrowed with utter fury.

"You're a despicable and DISGUSTING excuse for a human being, Cameron King! How DARE YOU blame, Zach! He was Morgaine's FRIEND! He would NEVER hurt her!...Kill.....oh my God..."

Ava's hand went to her mouth after saying the words out loud; after hearing the reality of the situation. Ava felt like she was going to vomit, gasping in a shaky breath as she stood from the sofa.

"I need some air..."

She went to the window, and with a momentary glance at Sally

<< Sally nodded to him, knowing he wanted to go see to Ava. She had Andre, Nicolas and Cassandra around her.>>

<< Sharon Kelly went into full mama bear mode, and gave Cameron a dressing down, and a threat that he'd do well not to underestimate. He lived dangerous, and he knew exactly what he was doing. In his business he didn't get where he was now be being meek or afraid to say things. She admired his moxy....MOST of the time. But in this moment? She found his behavior to be most distasteful. She'd taken care of Zach in her home for years. NEVER had she sensed the slightest threat from him. She'd seen him with Sharon, Morgaine, Vivica, Ava...ALL of them, at different times over the years...he was a ladies man, not just in a sexual way. He knew how to be a lover, and a FRIEND. He would never harm Morgaine.>>

Ashley stood and went to the bar, pouring herself a drink and throwing it back before pouring another. Then she turned on Cameron.

"Zach was setting up for my photoshoot. Then he was with you people. I know what a fresh kill looks like: Morgaine had not been dead long."

Her face was blank as she said it, the only betrayal of emotion the way she downed her refill in one gulp.

<< when Zach confronted Cameron directly, Sally NOTICEABLY didn't call for him to stop OR summon Alek to break them up. She COULD have exerted her influence on Zach, calmed him and called him away from Cameron, but she didn't. Zach DID have some key points regarding Cameron and possible motive, and as Sharon had mentioned, he'd spent YEARS maligning Morgaine in the public eye. And how DID he know what was going on in Morgaine's suite to such detail?>>

Alek, I want all the suites checked for "BUGS."

<< She commanded. He knew what she meant by "bugs". >>

This is MY showplace, and my GUESTS have the RIGHT to expect privacy.

<< She said in a no nonsense tone as she addressed Cameron, and everyone else.>>

<< But beyond THAT...>>

"This is ridiculous! STOP! What are we trying to do here?! We are not the SCOOBY gang! We need to call the police and get the fuck up out of here, since I'm pretty sure another murder is just around the corner, and these types of scenarios don't tend to favor such melanin blessed beauties as myself."

"Call the police and get out! I mean what are we waiting for?"

“The power’s out Viv, were all stuck here with this bastard, unless we do something about it.”

"I tried calling the police, Vivica. The phone lines are a dead."

Vivica began to make her way toward the exit.

VIVICA!

<< Sally called out in that contralto voice of her's>>

My dear girl, there is a MASSIVE storm raging outside. You can't go out there!

"This is crazy. And I am not sticking around! I'll repel down the damn mountain or something, but I'm out!"

Cassandra, bring me the phone, the emergency line.

<< Cassandra brings the phone from a nearby table over to Sally.>>

I'll try to phone the sheriff now.

This is my emergency line. It's supposed to be insulated against weather events.

<< She attempts to dial out to call the police.>>

Hello!?

<< she presses down a few times...>>

DAMMIT!

<< a rare moment, for anyone to hear Sally swear, as she slams the phone down>>

Even my emergency LINE is done.

Alek: Lightning struck us dead on....the generators are down too, as is the cable car.


Sally: Can you get them going again, Alek? At least enough power for me to phone sheriff?

Alek: Not likely, while the storm as at this level of power

<< Sally knew Alek wasn't afraid of the elements. if he knew it was an exercise in futility, she trusted his judgement.>>

<< Still, she sighed with disappointment.>>

<< Vivica then talked about repelling down the mountain.>>

Sally: Viv, darling, don't be ridiculous....you'd KILL yourself.


Ashley: But I wouldn't.

<< Sally and the others turned to look at her.>>

Ashley: Didn't you say there was a mountain path?

Sally: There WAS, but it's long since been eroded...there's no way to traverse it by foot!

Ashley: I'm an experienced climber. I'm pretty sure I can make it down. I can go down to the village and get the sheriff.

Sharon: Ashley NO, in this storm!? You'll be KILLED!

Ashley: I'll go first thing in the morning, the storm should've blown itself out by then.

Sally: And Alek can get to work on the generators too...but in the MEANTIME. I think Ava has a point. We're all here...TOGETHER, and I think it BEST that we STAY together, IN PAIRS in order to be SAFE and make it through the night. Cassandra and Alek will pass out candles and flashlights. EVERY room has a panel on it, with a panic button, if you run into trouble, PRESS IT. Once you're in your rooms, LOCK your doors.

 

[Prophet]

Sally: "Cameron...what are you saying?"

"I thought it was pretty clear."

Zizi: "Of course she was, you ghastly man!"

"No the ghastly man is the one that just gutted Morgaine in the shower ala Psycho. I'm just trying to get to the bottom of this."

Ava: "You're a despicable and DISGUSTING excuse for a human being, Cameron King! How DARE YOU blame Zach! He was Morgaine's FRIEND! He would NEVER hurt her! ...Kill...oh my God.."

Cameron's face remained stone cold in the face of Ava's fury. When he said he lacked sympathy, he was telling the truth. He was never not in career mode, and in his career he had prided himself on getting out of sticky situations, staying ahead of the pack, and doing whatever was required to maintain the power that he had. Logically, it would look like he had a strong motive for murdering Morgaine after what he had done on the business side of things as well as Morgan punching him in the face, so whoever the killer was, Cameron was going to make damn sure he would figure it out.

"Yes, and people so OFTEN get killed by absolute strangers! Open your eyes, Snowflake! Morgaine is dead and it's very likely that somebody in this room DID it, so let's cut the shit and figure this thing out, because I have a REP to protect, and I'm not letting any of you people drag me down with you!"

Alek, after making sure that Sally was safely situated, went to see about Ava. Sharon should've been the one to go, but as good as she is at what she does, she CAN'T be everywhere at once....and that lack was PAINFULLY apparent to her. Still, there was one thing she COULD address, here and now]


Cameron...

[ She said with a low tone as she stared him down and the fire from the fire place illuminated her tear streaked face]

... don't you DARE come for ANYONE in the KMA family, do you HEAR ME!?

You MALIGNED Morgaine's name for YEARS!

We play the game with you, because this is OUR industry, this is what we do. But THIS IS ENOUGH!

[ She said with a clenched fist, resisting the urge to reach over and grab the fire poker and level it at his THROAT as she launched into FULL mama bear mode]

"Honey, I don't HAVE to come for the KMA family, because it looks like somebody is BUTCHERING them up FOR me left and right."

[flatly]

"And don't act like you all HAVEN'T benefitted from the scandals and press I've given you over the years. I'm as much responsible for your careers as YOU are..but you're right...this IS enough."

Silver Swan: "If you say ONE MORE slanderous word about Zach, Morgaine or ANY OTHER member of the KMA family, I'll DRAG you into court and BURY YOU in so much litigation your GRAND CHILDREN will be wiping their asses with subpoenas!"

"Big talk for a woman with a DEATH warrant on her foreheard! Morgaine is MURDERED! And you all want to detonate because I asked a goddamn question! No wonder people think models are stupid! There's no POWER, there's no outside communication. This is a goddamn set up! And I for one don't feel like waiting around to get GUTTED, okay?! So if I can figure out who the hell it is now it would certainly save us all a good bit of trouble, which seems to be FOLLOWING the KMA girls around lately!"

Zach: "When I left Morgaine, after talking with her this afternoon. She was fine when I left, obviously, because I would NEVER hurt a woman. What REALLY ought to be explained is why YOU are so familiar who was visiting Morgan."

"Because I'm good at what I do, jackass."

Zach: "Come to think of it, YOU'RE the only one here with a motive, Cameron. Is that what happened? Did you wait for me to leave her so you could get revenge for getting slapped last night? If you THINK I'm gonna let you hurt anyone else you are out of you're mind!"

Zach SHOVED him against the wall with a thud and it hurt, but Cameron smiled and bit his lip.

"Oh Zach, I didn't know you liked it so rough."

Cameron HEADBUTTED Zach and wrestled loose, kicking him in the stomach as he went back.

"Don't let my incredible sense of fashion fool you. I may seem like a fairy, but I can fight like a MAN!"

Suddenly Vivica lost her shit and made a whole lotta sense about getting out of this place and quickly. It was clear these people would rather eat each other alive than think for a moment that any of them were capable of murder. Sally called out and tried to bring order to the situation. Ashley and Sally began to go over things and it became quite clear that somebody VERY capable of murdering somebody and getting away with it was Ashley. Her stats were like the predator! They talked about getting the lights back on and communication lines restored.

Sally: And Alek can get to work on the generators too...but in the MEANTIME. I think Ava has a point. We're all here...TOGETHER, and I think it BEST that we STAY together, IN PAIRS in order to be SAFE and make it through the night. Cassandra and Alek will pass out candles and flashlights. EVERY room has a panel on it, with a panic button, if you run into trouble, PRESS IT. Once you're in your rooms, LOCK your doors.

"In pairs? Sally you've gotta be kidding me."

Cameron looked around. He didn't have the best odds in this situation right now.

"Well don't everybody offer to be my partner at once."

"I can tell you one thing though...whoever gets me should feel safe, because my ass isn't the killer."

 

[Silver Swan]

[ Cameron faces them all down. he was truly a one-man army. Unafraid, balls of steel, and the tact of Donald Trump In many ways, he and Sharon were similar when it came to business savvy, but Sharon had something on Cameron when it came to interpersonal skills and personal relationships. He viewed that as a weakness in her, SHE vivewed that as a DEFICIENCY in him.]

[ He DEFIED her threat, and then Zach was on him in a flash!]

“When I left Morgaine, after talking with her this afternoon. She was fine when I left, obviously, because I would NEVER hurt a woman. What REALLY ought to be explained is why YOU are so familiar who was visiting Morgaine.”

When the words came out, it was like a tether snapped inside Zach. The next thing he knew, he had Cameron jammed up against the wall, with fistfuls of the creep’s dinner jacket.

[ Even Sharon was caught off guard by Zach's sudden reaction, as he confronted Cameron physically. It happened right in front of her!]

“Come to think of it, YOU’RE the only one here with a motive, Cameron. Is that what happened?

Did you wait for me to leave her so you could get revenge for getting slapped last night? If you THINK I’m going to let you hurt anyone else, you’re out of you’re MIND.”

[ Sharon's hand flew to her mouth as she gasped. What if this was TRUE!? Had he been laying in wait for poor Morgaine, and then when Zach left her, he ATTACKED ...and MURDERED HER!?]

[ Jackie buried her face in her hands, muffling a cry of distress. Sally and Cassandra did their to console her as Sharon stood right there in the eye of THIS "storm." ]

He growled, pulling Cameron away from the wall by his lapels and slamming him up against the wall again for good measure. It was cathartic to see his empty head bounce off the Sheetrock.

[ Cameron did not relent. Even when Zach took hold of him, he remained defiant, and unapologetic. The fact that they ALL didn't mob and gang beat him, was a miracle itself Cameron HEADBUTTS Zach, and this jolts Sharon back into the moment. If Sharon doeesn't step in, they're going to start BRAWLING in the living room, and they'll TEAR UP everything they come into contact with!]

NO!

This is ridiculous! STOP! What are we trying to do here?! We are not the SCOOBY gang!

Zach...

[ Sharon moved herself into position to block Zach's second approach to Cameron

...that's enough.

[ She said softly, as she looked at him with grief in her silver eyes]

Let him go. You don't have anything to prove here. If you fight with him now, you could damage Sally's home. She wouldn't want that, and neither would Morgaine.

[ He resisted, but she persisted, and she knew how to relate to him on both a verbal AND unspoken level]

He can't get out of here right now even if he wanted to.

If it IS him...I'll make SURE he pays for it, the RIGHT way.

[ She felt Zach calming, no longer pushing toward Cameron, and she pressed her advantage]

Let him go, Zach. I need you....the rest of the FAMILY needs you.

We have to take care of each other, [ tears began to fall from her silver eyes as she blinked a few times]

and get through this tonight.

TOGETHER.

[ Vivica wanted to get the police, and get out of there, and rightly so. But the storm had them trapped, without power. Even Sally's emergency landline was was out of commission. ]

Alek: Lightning struck us dead on....the generators are down too, as is the cable car.


Sally: Can you get them going again, Alek? At least enough power for me to phone sheriff?

Alek: Not likely, while the storm as at this level of power

<< Sally knew Alek wasn't afraid of the elements. if he knew it was an exercise in futility, she trusted his judgement.>>

<< Still, she sighed with disappointment.>>

<< Vivica then talked about repelling down the mountain.>>

Sally: Viv, darling, don't be ridiculous....you'd KILL yourself.

Ashley: But I wouldn't.

<< Sally and the others turned to look at her.>>

Ashley: Sally, Didn't you say there was a mountain path?

Sally: There WAS, but it's long since been eroded...there's no way to traverse it by foot!

Ashley: I'm an experienced climber. I'm pretty sure I can make it down. I can go down to the village and get the sheriff.


Sharon: Ashley NO, in this storm!? You'll be KILLED!

Ashley: I'll go first thing in the morning, the storm should've blown itself out by then.


Sally: And Alek can get to work on the generators too...but in the MEANTIME. I think Ava has a point. We're all here...TOGETHER, and I think it BEST that we STAY together, IN PAIRS in order to be SAFE and make it through the night. Cassandra and Alek will pass out candles and flashlights. EVERY room has a panel on it, with a panic button, if you run into trouble, PRESS IT. Once you're in your rooms, LOCK your doors.

"In pairs? Sally you've gotta be kidding me."

Cameron looked around. He didn't have the best odds in this situation right now.

"Well don't everybody offer to be my partner at once."

"I can tell you one thing though...whoever gets me should feel safe, because my ass isn't the killer."

Well, perhaps this is a lesson for you to learn . When you delight in alienating everyone, when you most need someone, you'll find yourself WANTING.

[ Sharon said bitterly]

I'm sure your BRAWNY PAPER TOWEL MAN would be willing to accommodate you.

[ Sharon replied with sarcasm. She was going to make sure that her KMA family were safely tucked away in their suites.]

Jackie, you go with Ava.

Ashley and Vivica, you're together.

[ She did this mainly because Vivica and Ava were like OIL AND WATER, and now was NOT the time for any quarreling or tension. Their lives might DEPEND on each other, and it was far more sensible to make pairings were the chemistry was stronger. ]

All on the same floor.

Zach, you can have the second room in my suite.

Sally: We'll make sure Zizi gets escorted safely to her room as well.

 

[Persephone]

Well, they were pretty much dead in the water. Bad pun...but literally, the power was out, the phone lines were dead, the cable car was out of service, and they were all stuck in a house with a killer. Vivica wanted to leave but Ava tried to talk some sense into her telling her it was better to stick together as a group. It's not like Ava wanted to stay in the house with a fucking killer, but you would think after all the cliche 90's slasher movies Vivica would know not to go off ALONE. The bitch even talked about repelling down the mountain like her ass was Spider Guy or something.

Sally: Viv, darling, don't be ridiculous....you'd KILL yourself.

Ashley: But I wouldn't.

Ava's eyes widened.

"Ashley are you crazy?!"

Ashley: I'm an experienced climber. I'm pretty sure I can make it down. I can go down to the village and get the sheriff.

Sharon: Ashley NO, in this storm!? You'll be KILLED!

Ashley: I'll go first thing in the morning, the storm should've blown itself out by then.

Ava's mouth was agape with shock, her eyes searching for anyone else who thought this was an absolutely ridiculous idea. But nope, everyone was all for Ashley rock climbing down a fucking cliff. Perfect. Her mentor was dead now her best friend was about to play Swiss Mountain Woman and probably die. No...Ava was going to speak with Ashley ALONE and talk some sense into her. Or knock her out, whichever worked best.

Sally thankfully agreed with her that at least for now everyone needed to stick together.

Sally: And Alek can get to work on the generators too...but in the MEANTIME. I think Ava has a point. We're all here...TOGETHER, and I think it BEST that we STAY together, IN PAIRS in order to be SAFE and make it through the night. Cassandra and Alek will pass out candles and flashlights. EVERY room has a panel on it, with a panic button, if you run into trouble, PRESS IT. Once you're in your rooms, LOCK your doors.

Ava was about to suggest that she and Ashley pair together when Sharon paired her with Jackie. Considering the situation she didn't want to be a problem like SOME people - her eyes glancing over at Cameron King - so she simple nodded. As she began to head over to Jackie, Ava stopped by Ashley and took her firmly by her arm pulling her close. Her voice was low and dark eyes unwaveringly serious.

"Don't you do anything in the morning until you see me first, do you hear me? Promise me, Ashley.....because I swear to God I will kill you myself if you do."

Pulling Ashley into a tight hug, Ava shut her eyes.

"Be safe."

She whispered before pulling back and giving her one last look. Ava then proceeded to walk over to Jackie, taking her hand in a tight grasp ready.

"I feel like we're about to be fish in barrel separating like this...."

She softly murmured to Jackie, an unsettling feeling flooding over Ava.

 

[Artemis]

On the way to their suite

:: earlier, as the shock and panic washed over her, the power had gone out. She screamed as she free falled in the panic. At that moment, she felt something...SOMEONE on her...and she INSTINCTIVELY lashed out with her physical fighting skills::

Ah, it’s ME Jackie!”

He wrapped his arms around her to stifle the onslaught.

“Be cool lady, damn....”

He said, releasing Jackie, as Alek stumbled by using the light of his cell to navigate

:: She "calmed" for Sharon to guide her and Ava, along with the others down to the living room::

:: Once there she was seated on a couch. Sharon wrapped a blanket around her, and tried her best to soothe her. Jackie withdrew for a few minutes as everyone around her spoke. But she was drawn back when Cameron spoke::

:: Sally was the first person to give voice to the shock of what Cameron was implying. Zizi got the ball rolling, then Ava, and then SHARON.::

:: When Zach finally turned on Cameron, he turned the suspicion back on him, and just the thought of someone stalking poor Morgaine, and then murdering her, it made Jackie's emotions well up again.::

:: Cameron and Zach are about to fight, but Sharon stops them and calms Zach down.::

:: Vivica....her words RESONATE with Jackie.::

"This is ridiculous! STOP! What are we trying to do here?! We are not the SCOOBY gang! We need to call the police and get the fuck up out of here, since I'm pretty sure another murder is just around the corner, and these types of scenarios don't tend to favor such melanin blessed beauties as myself."

"Call the police and get out! I mean what are we waiting for?"

In that moment, she realized that every single one of them could have been the killer, in one way or another, and she couldn't trust them. If things got really bad and some crazy psycho start butchering models left and right, Vivica was going to rely on HERSELF and nobody else.

"This is crazy. And I am not sticking around! I'll repel down the damn mountain or something, but I'm out!"

:: Part of her REALLY wanted to follow Vivica, and ESCAPE this place. But what about Sharon, Ava, Ashley, Zach, Sally, and all the others? Morgaine had come back to them, and welcomed Jackie with such warmth and support. No one knew she was in danger, until it was beyond too late. They HAD to stick together, and protect each other if they were going to have a chance. ::

:: Jackie had one major skill that only Sharon and Zach knew about, she was a third degree black belt martial artist. Her mama had INSISTED she learn how to fight and defend herself, and from childhood, she did just that, training for years, and gaining a wide range of fighting skills. She didn't FLAUNT her ability, no true fighter would do that. But NOW, more than ever, she'd NEED those physical skills to protect herself and the others if she could.::


:: She began to calm herself, using breathing techniques she learned. With no one really paying attention to her, she slowly sat upright, straightening her posture, and wiping the tears from her eyes with a tissue Cassandra handed her. ::

:: Sally and Ava talked Vivica out of trying to rush out of the mansion, and Sally did her best to bring some order to the situation, encouraging everyone to stick together, and try to get through the night safely, together.::

:: ASHLEY, who was well known for her many talents and skills outside of modeling, including mountain climbing, announced that she would try to get down the mountain to the village first thing in the morning to get the sheriff. Sharon and Ava objected, but from what Jackie understood of Ashley, the woman would rather take her life and destiny in her own hands rather than sit and wait. She had the skill, and the ability, she meant to use them to try and do something. Jackie respected that, even though the thought of her going down that dangerous mountain didn't sit well with her.::

:: Sharon paired Jackie with Ava , and Ashley with Vivica.::

:: Cassandra handed Jackie a flashlight and some candles as Ava made her way toward her.::

Ava then proceeded to walk over to Jackie, taking her hand in a tight grasp ready.

"I feel like we're about to be fish in barrel separating like this...."

She softly murmured to Jackie, an unsettling feeling flooding over Ava.

:: Jackie handed Ava the flashlight, and took her other hand in her own as they began to make their way. They quietly agreed to go a suite on Sharon's floor, since Jackie's was on the same floor as...Morgaine's.::

:: Jackie looked at Ava::

Whatever sick psycho freak is lurking in this place...he won't get us without a FIGHT.

:: Something in Jackie's tone indicated to Ava this was no idle threat. There was still much that was unknown about Jackie to the other KMA models, but Jackie had clearly demonstrated she was KMA material, and had good chemistry with everyone in the "family." ::

Keep your eyes and ears open.

:: She said as they made their way up the stairs, and then another set of stairs, and then down a hall::

If someone tries to get you...you do WHATEVER you have to do to stop them.

:: Whoever had attacked Morgaine must have caught her completely unaware. She had no time to defend herself or do anything. Now Jackie had STRONG resolve to make sure that didn't happen to her, Ava or anyone ELSE if she could help it.::

:: If anyone attacked them, Jackie would be READY.::

<< And soon, Jackie and Ava made it to their suite. Once inside they set up candles and lit them.>>

<< The storm was still going outside, but the rain was louder than the thunder now. The "white noise" could help calm them...a bit.>>

<< This suite had two queen beds inside of it. Each of them set on a bed, and looked at each other.>>

I can't believe this is happening.


:: Jackie bowed her head and place her hand over her face for a moment::

But I'm doing to do whatever I can to make sure we get out of this ALIVE.

 

[Valkyrie]

The Living Room

She watched Alek, plying Ava with scotch, "comforting" her. She almost snorted. She could hear him using the "we could be dead tomorrow" line on her. Please. If anyone could be voted most likely to be a murdered, it was him. If he thought he was getting anywhere near Ava tonight, he was sadly mistaken. Her attention was brought back to the group when she felt a hand squeeze hers. She smiled up at Sharon, with the best brave face she could muster.

She got up and went to the bar, fixing herself a drink, and then another. Her mind was already working. There was no way she was just going to sit here with her friends and wait for them all to be murdered. They had to get help, and fast. Vivica might have been panicking, but she had a point about getting the hell out of here. Morgaine had been there at the mansion because Ashley had encouraged her; it was her responsibility to get the rest of her sisters out of here in one piece.

Zach had Cameron up against the wall, and Ash made no move to stop him. He had a very good point about how Cameron seemed to know so much, and everyone knew what a sniveling little piece of shit he was, so she gave zero fucks if he got the crap kicked out of him. Especially if it was Zach doing the kicking.

They had no phone, no cable car. But something had to be done.

Vivica was about to run out into the storm, which Sharon put a quick end to.

Viv, darling, don't be ridiculous....you'd KILL yourself.

"But I wouldn't."

She turned to look at Sally directly.

"Didn't you say there was a mountain path?"

There WAS, but it's long since been eroded...there's no way to traverse it by foot!

She was carefully considering things, her face clearly in thought.

"Ashley are you crazy?!"

"I'm an experienced climber. I'm pretty sure I can make it down. I can go down to the village and get the sheriff."

Ashley NO, in this storm!? You'll be KILLED!

She gave Sharon a look.

"I'm not a moron. No one would stand a chance in the dark, in this storm. I'll go first thing in the morning, the storm should've blown itself out by then."

That seemed to be accepted - not that Ashley was going to let anyone tell her what she could and couldn't do. She had the most experience with climbing, and somebody had to go for help. Sharon paired them off, putting her with Viv, and Ava with Jackie. Ava came over to her, taking her by the arm and pulling her towards her.

"Don't you do anything in the morning until you see me first, do you hear me? Promise me, Ashley.....because I swear to God I will kill you myself if you do."

The corner of Ashley's mouth turned up into a half smile.

"I always knew you were a murderous bitch. I promise."

Ava pulled her into a hug, and she gripped her tightly back. She planted a kiss on the side of her head, trying to comfort her.

"Everything will be okay. I'll get help."

"Be safe."

"Anything happen, you scream your head off, and I'll come running."

With one last look exchanged between them, Ava went over to join Jackie, and Ashley went to stand next to Vivica.

"FYI, we're barricading the door. I'm not making it easy for some lunatic to murder you."

At Vivica's look:

"Well, while he's murdering you, I'm gonna run."