Ororo's Ghost Story III, Part 5

[Persephone]

Ava knew in that moment she couldn't talk sense into Ashley, so she decided to threaten her with bodily harm if she left in the morning without having seen her first.

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

"You know what they say about the pretty ones."

Ava tried to joke, but the situation was too damn heavy to keep up the facade. She gripped Ashley in a tight hug, telling her to be safe. The thought of losing her best friend after losing her mentor was unbearable. They may have been competitive and talked shit about one another, but they loved each other. They grew up together in the modeling world. They were sisters and Ava would be damned if she lost Ashley too.

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

Ava smirked.

"Bitch, i'll put Jamie Lee Curtis to shame."

Giving Ashley's hand one last squeeze, Ava headed over to Jackie. She handed Ava a flashlight and Ava turned it on before grasping Jackie's free hand. They both headed to Sharon's floor of the house, deciding that being on the same floor as Morgaine's mutilated body was both terrifying and creepy at the same time. Ava was on full alert as they both quietly made their way upstairs.

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

"If that asshole tries to attack he's in for a rude awakening. I may be tiny but i've fended off enough disgusting men in this industry to know a good swift cock shot will knock anyone's ass down."

Ava may not have been a skilled martial artist like Jackie [a fact she was still unaware of], but she was scrappy as fuck and wouldn't go down without a fight. She spent way too many years fighting off predators within the modeling industry not to have picked up a few defense techniques along the way.

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

They finally reached the hallway where their respective suite for the night was.

"You don't have to tell me twice."

Both woman entered the room and Ava immediately locked the door. As Jackie began to light some candles, Ava decided to push the dresser that was positioned next to the door partly in front of it to block it, just in case. Walking over to the bed, she took a seat next to Jackie and exhaled heavily, the weight of everything suffocating.

Jackie: I can't believe this is happening. But I'm doing to do whatever I can to make sure we get out of this ALIVE.

Ava nodded, placing her hand on Jackie's back and gently began rubbing it.

"We're not dying tonight. We're too hot and too talented."

Ava cracked a smile trying to lighten the mood the best she could. But in reality, it was hard to even joke considering Morgaine was a couple floors down laying dead in a bath tub and there was a murderer on the loose. Her face became more serious as she looked at Jackie.

"No one is coming in or out of that door tonight no matter WHAT we hear on the other side... We stay here until the storm passes in the morning, then we regroup and get the fuck off this mountain..."

 

[Sally Spectra]

Spectra Mansion- Into the night

<< A noticeably subdued Sally, along with Cassandra, and Alek walk carefully, making their way to Sally's master suite. Alek escorted Sally on his arm, while Cassandra walked beside her. Sally was definitely shaken by the events of the evening. There's a smaller second bedroom within the suite, where Cassandra, her pet Maxie, & the tragically "orphaned" Siamese kitten will stay tonight.>>

<< Once inside, Alek checks the closets, and other areas where someone MIGHT be able to hide, but all is clear. >>

Thank you, darling.

<< she replies to Alek, then turning to Cassandra.>>

We should be safe in here tonight. We'll lock the doors tight, and if anything happens, we'll call for Alek.

Tomorrow, when the storm's gone...we'll get the police up here, and Alek can get those generators fixed.

<< She nodded, trying to reassure herself, AND the others.>>

Alek, before you go, bring me a tranquilizer.

Cassandra: Ms. Spectra...<< cautiously voicing her concern over that, since Sally had been drinking>> suppose something happens....and we have to flee in the night?

<< Sally looks at Cassandra for a moment. She appreciated her surrogate daughter for many reasons, and after a brief pause, she smiles and nods>>

Eh, on second thought...nevermind the tranquilizer. I'll just have a proper NIGHT CAP.

Now, Alek, you be careful going back to your room.

<< She said that with genuine concern in her voice, as she places a hand on his shoulder>>

And I'll see you tomorrow morning. Bright and early.

Come along Cassandra. let's batten down the hatches, as it were.

<< Alek bids them farewell, and Sally and Cassandra began to secure themselves for the remainder of the night. >>

AND SO

<< Sharon abruptly left, retreating to her suite without an escort, Zach would find her there when he returns, but for now, Zach offers to escort Zizi to her room. While they walk, they have a chance to talk. For Zizi, the glamorous, dream world of a model must now seem like a dark and violent nightmare. Not even in her wildest dreams could she have expected her trip to Casa de Spectra to turn out like this. The unfortunate thing for her and all the rest of them was, it wasn't over. Not by a longshot.>>

<< As Zach escorts her to her suite, she finds that her mother Dina has already locked herself in her adjoining room. The color point shorthair she befriended earlier is also in her room, sleeping peacefully on the bed, blissfully unaware of the darkness that has fallen over the mansion.>>

<< Ashley and Vivica secure themselves in their suite. A selfie that Vivica had taken of herself and Morgaine just yesterday when they arrived at the mansion could be seen on the screen of her laptop by both women. The device had a little bit of power left in it's battery, but after they stared at it, the screen went black as the battery died.>>

<< Andre was gracious enough to offer Cameron to share his suite. since it had an extra queen bed. Never one to miss an opportunity, Cameron would take him up on his offer. He'd wanted to get a closer LOOK at Sally's protégé, pump him for insight and information, and perhaps, plant a "seed" or two. Was there any friction between Andre and Sally? As far as Sally was concerned, no, but how could she be handling the news that Andre out performed her in sales? Cameron wanted to find out this, and so much more! >>

<< Meanwhile, Alek encounters Sharon in a dark hallway. The normally strong, confident, and assertive woman seems to almost be wandering, with far less energy in her step.>>

Alek: Can I help you to your room, Ms. Kelly?

Sharon: Oh.... << she struggles to keep herself composed. She doesn't want to break in front of him.>> ....I suppose its better to be safe than sorry.

<< And so, Alek escorts Sharon to her room, and in a rare display, after she thanks him, he offers his condolences regarding Morgaine. While he and Morgaine did not have the kind of relationship he enjoyed with Ava, she was as much a fixture in this place as he was, she was ALSO Ava's mentor. He knew how much she meant to Sally, and how proud Sharon was of her. The utter shock and horror of tonights events was enough to even get to him on a certain level.>>

Sharon: Thank you...Alek.

<< She says in a shaky tone as she tries to blink back tears from her silver eyes.>>

<< She closes the doors behind her, and sets her candle down on the nightstand. She doesn't bother to light anymore. She simply makes her way to the bathroom, and turns the water faucet in the sink on, now, leaning over the sink, she begins to HEAVE and sob, alone, in the dark. >>

 

[Recall]

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

Ava: "VIVICA! Do you really think it's smart to go off on your own right now?"

"Uh..yeah! At least I know I can trust MYSELF!"

Ava: "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--"

"I'm gonna be really fucking pissed that I stayed.

Ava: "Then ten against one monther fucker."

"That too."

"Or nine against one...because the second my ass sees a psycho killer...I'm BOUNCING."

The lights were out, there was a storm outside, and nothing seemed as if it would be solved any time soon. What had started out as a very relaxing and nice evening had now turned...very bad. And though she trusted a few among her, there were others, she wouldn't put past them to be a knife wielding psycho maniac.

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

Ashley: But I wouldn't. Did you say there was a mountain path?

"Oh yes! That sounds promising!"

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."

"And I'm a fast learner!" Vivica interjected.

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

"The VILLAGE? The SHERIFF? Oh Jesus...what kind of white nonsense have I gotten myself into..."

"Would it be odd to drink right now?"

She looked around for a moment.

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

Ashley: "I'll go first thing in the morning. The storm should have drowned 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."

Cameron: "In pairs? Sally you've gotta be kidding me. Well don't everybody offer to be my partner at once."

"We're all in agreement that whoever gets paired with Cameron can kill him openly and freely with no judgment right?"

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

Sharon: "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: "Ashley and Vivica, you're together."

"Thank God."

Vivica had gotten the least annoying, most effective teammate. If anybody had hidden weapons or secret ways out of the mansion, it was Ashley. Perhaps she wouldn't wait until morning to get down the mountain and Vivica had EVERY intention of following her if she did. This place and these people were NOT to be trusted.

Ava and Ashley shared a moment, which was surprisingly tender. Maybe Ava wasn't a giant thundercunt, but more than likely Vivica's joint hadn't worn off yet. Either way, it was odd to see Ava so...not on cocaine at the moment.

"Oh Jackie is gonna have one HELL of a time once Ava dries out...that's for sure."

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

"My hero!"

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

Vivica laughed.

"Same."

The two decided to go back to Vivica's suite, because she had tons of technology that still had power, lots of weed and liquor and plenty places to escape from. As they got in, Ashley began to barricade the doors and fortify the windows as Vivica kind of looked around, wondering what the hell she should be doing. For a moment, Vivica's screensaver popped up on her laptop, before the power flickered out and the picture went away. Vivica exhaled deeply.

"Jesus, Ash. Morgaine got MURDERED. She finally resurfaces...and her flame is extniguished. Do you think it really is some psycho out there? Or was this personal? Maybe they were just after Morgan?"

 

[Prophet]

Sharon: "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."

"Or in your case...DEAD."

He would have said it out loud, but he figured it would get everybody's panties in a bunch and they were already annoying ENOUGH as it is.

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

"Is that a nostalgic and bitter feeling feeling, Sharon? A man willing to accommodate you?"

Finally the bitches separated into their bitch packs and Andre oftered Cameron safe ward in his suite, which Cameron was more than willing to accept. Sure, Andre may have been the maniacal killer behind Morgaine's death, but he was kind of hot, a bit enigmatic, and seemed to be competition of sorts for Sally. All this talk of blood and murder was turning Cameron on a bit, and if he was going to be locked into a room, he would rather it not be with somebody who's number he already had (everybody else's).

As they made their way into the suite, Cameron made sure there were already drinks prepared as he sipped on his martini, and sat in the chair at the desk by the beds, with his drink in his hand, stirring the olives in his glass as he looked at Andre.

"So...you OFFERED to be stuck in a room with me tonight? You're either...very kind...or very stupid. Or you're the killer. So which is it?"

[thinking]

"I mean...starting a massacre at a Spectra event is definitely one way to get a bit of notoriety..Or who knows...maybe Sally did it herself? I mean..the aging chanteuse, clinging to her glory years...so much so that she even brings in her signature model Morgaine, only to have her murdered on the mountains hours after a smashing launch. I mean...the article writes itself, doesn't it? I can see it now!"

[gesturing with his hands]

"House of Horrors - Murder on Mount Spectra!"

She eyed him up and down for a moment.

"Actually..this probably isn't very good for you...this..."event". I mean..you were finally edging out Sally in terms of sales. There's no hard feelings there is there? Sally seems fine?"

 

[Berserker]

The Living Room

Sally wanted him to sweep the mansion for bugs - but that wasn't happening tonight, so he stayed put. There were too many other considerations in this room - mainly Sally and Ava - and listening devices were at the bottom of the list. At the top was the fact that with the lightning strike, the generator was out AND the cable car, which made getting off this mountain a problem. He wasn't terribly concerned about some psycho coming for him - as unlikely as it was that he was a target, he could handle himself, and almost wished the killer tried to attack him next. This whole thing could be over in time for a model four or fivesome in the pool.

Make that a foursome, because Ashley apparently was going to try to climb down the mountain. Hell, more power to her. If she was successful, it was a win for the rest of them, and if not...well, he didn't know he that well. But better than he had before yesterday.

Sally told everyone to pair off and lock their doors. He wasn't sure about splitting everyone up, but he didn't question Sally. Instead, he returned to her side since Ava was saying a tearful goodbye to Ashley when she should have been pairing up with him.

"Come on Sally, we need to get you back to your room."

He offered Sally his arm. Cassandra walked with them, as he expected - there was no way Sally was going to be left alone and SHE would never leave Cassandra alone. He stopped outside her suite, and motioned for the others to stop as well. He took a flashlight, and quickly opened the door, shining the light inside but seeing nothing out of the ordinary. He checked the closets, under the bed, the bathroom, the shower - anywhere that someone could hide. But he came up empty.

"All clear."

We should be safe in here tonight. We'll lock the doors tight, and if anything happens, we'll call for Alek. Tomorrow, when the storm's gone...we'll get the police up here, and Alek can get those generators fixed.

"You bet. No heroics now, you stay locked in here no matter what you hear. You call for me if you need help, alright?"

Alek, before you go, bring me a tranquilizer.

Cassandra suggested that maybe that wasn't the best thing to have right now, and for once, he agreed with the girl.

Eh, on second thought...nevermind the tranquilizer. I'll just have a proper NIGHT CAP.

Alek dutifully went to the tray of decanters in the room, and fixed her drink just the way she liked it, then brought it to her.

Now, Alek, you be careful going back to your room. And I'll see you tomorrow morning. Bright and early.

She squeezed his shoulder, and he smiled - genuinely. Sally was one of the few people who cared what happened to him, and he was not about to let her down now.

"I'll see you then."

He left, waiting until her heard the door lock behind him before he left. He moved down the hallway, stepping into one of the empty rooms and pulling a blanket off the bed. He draped it over his arm and as he continued down the hallway, he saw a figure.

"Stop right there."

He shone his light into the blackness, and saw that it was Sharon Kelly. He lowered the light out of her eyes.

"Can I help you to your room, Ms. Kelly?"

She more than a little reluctantly agreed, which made him suspicious. Why was she out wandering the halls alone, when she knew there was a murderer around? He walked with her in silence, until they reached the room she was staying in. He opened the door for her, and checked inside like he had for Sally. When he came back towards the door to give the all clear and take his leave, he stopped and turned towards her.

"I'm sorry about Morgaine. No one deserves that."

He nodded to her, and left the room. Picking back up on his journey from where it had been interrupted by Sharon, he made his way to the room Jackie had been given. With a fleeting glance at the door, and a thought of knocking, he spread the blanket out across the doorway and laid down to sleep.

 

[Titan]

The Living Room

Andrew had heard very little after finding out that Morgaine was dead. And that apparently, someone had killed her. He couldn't imagine anyone wanting to kill her - she always seemed nice, even for someone as glamourous as she was. So clearly this was someone who was insane, and despite his strong dislike of all things Cameron King, he honestly didn't think anyone in their group was a psycho. So that meant that someone had gotten into the house, which, on a weekend with so many guests, wouldn't have been too hard. It was tragic, and terrible, but he wasn't panicking - yet. He was more sickened. By the way Alek was hanging all over Ava. And she hadn't even sent a glance Andrew's way since she entered the room. He was all ready to be dashing and strong and her protector. And then Alek. That dick. What could she see in him?

Suddenly it was announced that everyone was pairing off for the night. Sharon put all the girls together. House full of models...but no dice for Andrew. He noticed Sharon made sure Zach was in her room. Must be good being the one handing out the assignments. He looked from Alek to Cameron and back again, then turned towards Cameron.

"Hey, Cam, you're welcome to sleep in my spare - it's a queen."

Andrew cleared his throat quickly. Cameron might be a slime, but even he didn't deserve to share a room with Alek. Who, let's face it, if you had to pick a murdered? Pretty much fit the bill. Cameron accepted, saving him from having to make Alek the same offer. When they got to the room, Cameron made himself a stockpile of martinis, while Andrew stuck to the whiskey. There really wasn't anything else to do but talk or sleep, and Andrew wasn't much in the mood for either. They couldn't have paired the men with the women for protection? Why hadn't he suggested that?

"So...you OFFERED to be stuck in a room with me tonight? You're either...very kind...or very stupid. Or you're the killer. So which is it?"

"Alek's a cunt. You were the better alternative. Besides-"

He took a long drink of whiskey.

"No matter how you treat people you don't deserve to be hacked up in a bathtub."

"I mean...starting a massacre at a Spectra event is definitely one way to get a bit of notoriety..Or who knows...maybe Sally did it herself? I mean..the aging chanteuse, clinging to her glory years...so much so that she even brings in her signature model Morgaine, only to have her murdered on the mountains hours after a smashing launch. I mean...the article writes itself, doesn't it? I can see it now! House of Horrors - Murder on Mount Spectra!"

"Coming soon to a theater near you. Cause no one would ever believe that load of nonsense. Sally couldn't kill a fly, and this is certainly not the notoriety she - or I - needs. Sally loved Morgaine, and you know that."

"Actually..this probably isn't very good for you...this..."event". I mean..you were finally edging out Sally in terms of sales. There's no hard feelings there is there? Sally seems fine?"

Andrew shrugged.

"As far as I know. It was just a fluke. Besides, some buyers just like to think about it a day or two. I'm sure when we get back to the city, the new orders will have pushed Sally far ahead."

He finished his drink, looking Cameron dead in the eye.

"Mr. King, I owe everything to Sally Spectra. You aren't going to drive a wedge between her and I."

 

[Silver Swan]

Spectra Mansion- Sharon's suite

[ Alone, in near darkness, the normally beautiful, strong, self assured Sharon Kelly leans/hangs over the large sink in the bathroom of her suite]

[ The water runs from the faucet, and rumbles of thunder, with flashes of lightning briefly illuminate this distressed woman, who weeps.]

[A flash of lightning....]

<< 20 years ago, in the KMA office, Sharon Kelly presents a young Morgaine Carole with a contract to join the Kelly Modeling Agency. Morgaine smiles, as her mother, Dr. Karen Victory, sits beside her, looking on with pride in her young, beautiful daughter.>>

Sharon: Welcome to the Kelly Modeling Agency family, darling. You're going to have a wonderful journey with us, and I'll be here with you every step of the way!

[ Another closer view of Sharon leaning over the sink, crying as the water continues to run from the faucet.]

[ Another flicker of lightning]

<< Sharon Kelly introduces Morgaine to Sally Spectra. The chemistry is almost immediate, and the plans for Morgaine to become KMA's Signature Super Model are in full swing.>>

[ More memories flash in Sharon's mind, some good...others not so good....]

[FLASH]

<< A crestfallen Sharon holds a distraught and weeping Morgaine as the young woman cries out over the news of the death of her mother, sister, and fiancée in a plane crash. Ava, Vivica, Ashley, Marissa, and Zach all stand around them, looking equally devastated for their sister.>>

[ A veritable life time of a truly equitable professional relationship, mentorship, and ultimately a friendship , and mother/daughter dynamic, as Sharon assumed the role of a surrogate to Morgaine as much as Morgaine would receive it, before she disappeared. And then...like MAGICK...]

[Flash!]

"Don't send a peon to do a supermodel's work."

She set the phone down on the table and gave Sharon a ravishing smile.

"You can thank me later. Jewels are preferred."

She turned her head towards the door.

<< A curious "chime" sounds off as she steps through the door, and for the first time in years, lays eyes on her friends: Ava, Vivica, Zach, Lorna, Sharon.>>

<< They all see HER as that chime sounds off in the air.>>

Sharon: Oh my STARS, MORGAINE!

<< The den mother of them all made her way from the head of the table right over to Morgaine with her arms outstretched, and Morgaine stepped forward to met her, they hugged each other tightly>>

Sharon: Oh, Morgaine, welcome HOME, darling!

Morgaine: I've missed you.... << a few tears fall from morgaine's closed eyes>> ...all of you..

Sharon: Lorna, darling...get that girl [ Ashley] ANYTHING she wants from Tiffany's, and put it on my account! This is WONDERFUL! << Sharon hugs Morgaine once more, and Morgaine reciprocates>>

[FLASH!]

Sharon: And now, ladies and gentlement, to conclude this show, I present to you, Sally's Spectra's SHOW STOPPER, worn by our very own Morgaine Carole.

<< Alek changes the music to the final song on the track list, an abbreviated version of Madonna's Ray of Light, specifically the "sasha ultra violet" remix. "Ray of light" was the song that had become associated with Morgaine throughout her career, and this remix offered a futuristic, yet respectful take on it. the lighting, and the background screen also shifted.>>

<< The show stopper that Morgaine wore was a reinvention of one of Sally's signature dresses- a design that appeared in nearly every collection. It would never be something found on a rack in a store, this dress was always a "one of a kind", not meant to be mass produced. The same thing held for the woman wearing it. The color of the dress was created for Morgaine, and the genuine crystals on the dress added the perfect touch.>>

<< She'd earned her name and her legend in this business, and this was her moment. She'd listened to Ashley, Vivica, and Ava, and embraced her KMA family again, and everyone, especially Sally, couldn't be happier to have her home.>>

<< Morgaine's icy violet eyes sparkle as turns/spins...like a beautiful figurine in a music box...once, twice....three times. She stands posed.>>

Dina to Cameron: That "Morgan" girl's still got it!

<< The audience seemed to agree.>>

<< And after Zach captured her image perfectly at various angels, Morgaine did one last turn, and returned to the stage, taking her place alongside the rest of her fellow models.>>

[ Just as the memories become more than she can BARE, one LAST thing blazes across her mind's eye...]

<< Moments later, in Lorna's office, she plays a voice mail for Sharon.>>

Lorna

: Normally I would've just dismissed it as a wrong number, or maybe a crank call, but in view of Marissa...

Sharon: Just play it for me, darling.

<< Sharon sits on the side of Lorna's desk, and listens, as Lorna pulls up the voice mail and puts it on speaker.>>

<< a man's voice, with a slick french accent>>>

'Ello "dahling", before I am finished, NOBODY in the WORLD will work with you again! You are DEAD. Just...DEAD.

<< Sharon looks a bit dismayed, but she also looks like she's had a moment of ....RECOGNITION? There was something about the tone...the inflection of the voice! The ACCENT was wrong...but that TONE...>>

Lorna: Ms. Kelly....are you alright?

Sharon: << leaning forward, looking as if she were trying to recall something...or someone>> For a MOMENT I thought... << she pauses for a moment, before shaking her head>>

Lorna: Any idea who that could be?

Sharon: Oh.... I'm not sure, darling. Probably just some weirdo. It IS close to Halloween after all and there are LOTS of weirdos in THIS town.

[Sharon COUGHS and HEAVES over the sink, losing strength to even remain standing as she crumbles to the floor in the bathroom]

Oh god....

[ The threat...it wasn't a crank after all. It was REAL. what else could explain what happened to Marissa and now Morgaine!? But WHO was it? For a MOMENT, she thought she recognized the inflection in the voice...but now...it couldn't be....not HIM.]

[ She continued to grieve.]

 

[Valkyrie]

The Living Room

After a final goodbye hug from Ava, they both went to find their assigned roommates. Ashley made sure Vivica knew if it came down to be murdered or leave her ass, Viv was getting her ass left. Which didn't seem to upset Viv in the slightest, because she intended to do the same. Couldn't fault her for that.

"Fair enough."

They walked together back to Vivica's room by flashlight. There was a bit of the Stanley Hotel in the mansion at night with no electricity, but luckily the only menace in the building was something they could most definitely kill. She just wished she'd brought one of her guns with her. When they got to their room, Ashley was as good as her word and slid the massive chest of drawers in front of the door, checked the windows and slid heavy pieces of furniture in front of them. When she finished, she brushed her hands together and turned, just in time to see Vivica's laptop with a picture of Morgaine on the screensaver, and then as if to punctuate recent events, it went black.

"Jesus, Ash. Morgaine got MURDERED. She finally resurfaces...and her flame is extinguished. Do you think it really is some psycho out there? Or was this personal? Maybe they were just after Morgan?"

Ashley shrugged. She had gone to pour herself a drink, and now sunk down into one of the chairs, hooking her leg over the arm.

"She's had crazed fans before. It could be something like that. Or, you know, Cameron. He's the only one here who hates Morgaine."

Ashley's eyes looked away.

"Hated."

She took a long drink, the idea that Morgaine would never have been here this weekend if not for her not lost on her.

"I mean, we know it's not one of us, or Ava, or Sharon, or Sally, or Zach. I couldn't imagine it being Andre, but he could be some psycho 'she'll always be my muse' crackpot. But we've known him long enough you'd think he would have shown signs by now. Cassandra too, but it could be some jealousy thing? Same with that Jackie. How much do we really know about her other than the fact that she sounds like a chipmunk when she gets really excited."

Ash smirked over at Viv, holding up her glass in salute.

"Alek could kill someone, definitely. He'd be more likely to try and get her into bed, though. Dina and Zizi? Next. Though with a mother like that, she certainly would have reason to pull a Psycho. My money is it's one of the servants, or one of eye candies Sally keeps around to fill her glass. Someone out there could easily have a grudge for some imagined slight."

 

[Orion]

Casa de Spectra — Living Room

Cameron made some cute quip, and then managed to headbutt Zach right in the mouth. As he recoiled and let go of Cameron, he felt a little push against his abs. Oh, that was supposed to be a kick or something.

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

Zach huffed a laugh, already lunging forward again for the fight, but Sharon was putting herself in the way.

“This, coming from a wimp who kicks like the kid that gets picked LAST for the soccer team.”

Sharon: Zach... that’s enough.

“The HELL it is!”

He said vehemently, but as she pushed back he burst into a rant in his native language.

Sharon: 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.

“Quel coglione ha sempre tagliato Morgaine nelle sue recensioni, e l'ho lasciata combattere le sue battaglie — ma lo è—”

(That asshole always cut Morgaine in his reviews, and I let her fight her battles — but she is —)

He stopped as suddenly as if he’d been punched in the gut. After a beat, he spoke again, his voice hoarse and still angry.

“He deserves to get his ass kicked. He deserves WORSE if he’s the one who did THAT to her.”

Sharon: 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.

“Shar....”

He said quietly, but her gaze was pleading. Gods, why could he never withstand that look?

Sharon: Let him go, Zach. I need you....the rest of the FAMILY needs you. We have to take care of each other, and get through this tonight. TOGETHER.

With that last appeal, she managed to talk him out of it, for now. There was some talk of fixing generators, and landlines, and Ashley offered to climb down the mountain, after the storm of course, and though Zach knew very little of climbing, aside from that one wall at his gym, he found himself speaking up.

“Well, you’ll not go alone. I’ll walk down with you, you know, to distract the bears and mountain lions.”

He offered, trying to sound casual, and not at all like he didn’t want to let her out of his sight. And then there was discussion of splitting up, which gave Zach a very bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. Shouldn’t they all stay together? He and Alek could carry in a couple of extra beds, they could take turns sleeping and keeping watch, and like Ava said, ten to one against a motherfucker if it came to that.

But this business with splitting into pairs.... no matter who he got paired with, he’d feel like he was leaving all the others unprotected. Of course, like everything, these women decided what to do with little input from him. Once all the decisions were made, Zach got a candle from Cassandra. A flashlight would’ve been better, but he didn’t mind letting the girls get those. They might need to use them as a bludgeon in self defense, after all.

“Zizi, I’ll escort you back to your room.”

He said, leaving no room for debate, though he offered a small smile to soften the delivery. They had to go further than many of the others. No doubt Dina demanded a large private suite, where there’d be less traffic than there was near the models. For a while they walked in uncomfortable silence, as Zach tried miserably to think of anything suitable to talk about, and he couldn’t get his mind to release Morgaine’s death.

Now that there wasn’t a huge group around, with all their shock and worry, and the murderer seemed remote, grief pressed down on him like a weight. He trudged through the hall, feeling like any second he might burst into sobs of grief, or that it was equally like he would simply wake up from this nightmare. If he was lucky he’d wake up in Ash’s bed, and tell her about the crazy dream, and they’d laugh and have champagne and waffles for breakfast. His mind, seeking refuge, went racing in that direction, and then he remembered where he was. He cleared his throat.

“I’m afraid I may not be able to do your photo shoot this weekend, Zizi. I do apologize, but I might also need a rain check on showing you the development process as well. What with the..... storm knocking out the power..... and all.”

 

[Prophet]

Andre: "Alek's a cunt. You were the better alternative. Besides-"

He watched Andre take a long gulp of whiskey, an interesting beverage choice for a fashion designer. Cameron was intrigued and noticeably perked up.

Andre: "No matter how you treat people you don't deserve to be hacked up in a bathtub."

"Somebody should have shared that inspirational saying on Morgaine's killer's facebook page."

Cameron did what came naturally to him, dig for dirt and look for an angle. So he began to weave a story, sensationalize the events and see what stuck, see what he could get out of the rather stoic and matter of fact Andre. If Andre was going to be a mover and shaker in this world, he was going to have to be on Cameron's radar, and should Cameron survive tonight, it would be good to have had such an up close and personal encounter with the man. Every bit of information could lead to something in Cameron's experience, and besides, he really had nothing better to do. Andre didn't budge.

Andre: "Coming soon to a theater near you. Cause no one would ever believe that load of nonsense. Sally couldn't kill a fly, and this is certainly not the notoriety she - or I - needs. Sally loved Morgaine, and you know that."

"Nobody is saying crimes of passion make sense, Andre. Nobody expects a mother to kill her child, and yet it happens. Quite frequently actually. Susan Smith, Andrea Yates much? You never know what is going to drive a person to the edge."

He knew that he wouldn't get anywhere with his normal tactics when it came to Andre, which intrigued him even more. Everybody had an in.

Cameron: "Actually..this probably isn't very good for you...this "event". I mean...you were finally edging out Sally in terms of sales. There's no hard feelings there is there? Sally seems fine?"

Andrew shrugged.

Andrew: "As far as I know. It was just a fluke. Besides, some buyers just like to think about it a day or two. I'm sure when we get back to the city, the new orders will have pushed Sally far ahead."

Andrew finished his whiskey and Cameron followed suit with his martini, looking far more relaxed in his seat.

Andrew: "Mr. King, I owe everything to Sally Spectra. You aren't going to drive a wedge between her and I."

Cameron laughed.

"My God...Sally truly is a master, I'll give her that. I'm not trying to drive a wedge in between the two of you Andrew, well outside of the one that exists between Sally and ALL of her "strays". Sally is a hell of a good time. She's fun. She's sassy...but she's a businesswoman. In every aspect of her life. She takes care of people as a benefit to HERSELF, not because she's as generous as she'd have anyone believe. I've been in this business a long time, and I know a LOT of shit...and let me tell you something, for as many stories as there are about Sally's big heart and kind nature, there are JUST as many from those who have been BURNED by her all encompassing "generosity" and the price at which that comes."

He had refreshed his martini at this point, pouring the contents of the shaker into his glass.

"I'm just doing what I do. Research. And you don't owe everything to Sally, Andrew. There's something to be said of your talent. You're very good. And you're younger. I don't say that as a sleight to Sally's age..I just mean that your youth gives you a natural pulse on what is current, what is coming next...and how to make it not look desperate."

Cameron took a sip of his drink.

"But you're right. It's probably not Sally..and I'd say it's probably not you..but I figure if there IS a killer out there, I'm probably on the short list of being the next to get gutted because I'm likely to figure out who's behind this before the others. Which is tragic, because I always expected so much more...eleganza to my death. I can only prey they find my body hanging from a beautiful crystal chandelier, bloodied and fashionable, like the pages of French Vogue."

Tired of sitting, Cameron began to pace back and forthe out of boredom.

"I think this is a vendetta. It's right around the anniversary of the death of Sharon's husband, the plane crash that claimed Morgaine's family..not to mention the mysterious absence of Marissa, a model who would NOT have missed this show even if she were diagnosed with leprosy. And now Morgan..I know a LOT of things that have gone on behind the doors of KMA..but it appears this time...they must have done something they are about to pay for...GREATLY."

He looked over to Andrew.

"Or maybe I'm just a conspiracy theorist."

Cameron looked around the walls of the room, before looking back at Andrew.

"Got anything fun to do in this room besides drink? A board game perhaps..magazine? Anything?"

 

[Recall]

"Do you really think it's some psycho out there? Or was this personal? Maybe they were just after Morgan?"

Vivica sipped on her hennessey.

Ashley: "She's had crazed fans before. It could be something like that. Or, you know, Cameron. He's the only one here who hates Morgaine."

"Well-"

Ashley: "Hated."

The past tense was painful to hear. Vivica couldn't help but think that she could have maybe done something. Perhaps Morgaine's return was a cry for help? She was always such a recluse after the accident. Maybe something bigger was going on? Maybe she had come back into the fold because she needed protection? And what did Vivica do? She monetized it...turned Morgaine's return into likes on Instagram. She felt like a garbage person, but more over, she just couldn't shake the pleasant encounter they had just had the day before. It felt like old times, and suddenly she realized, there would be no NEW times. It wasn't easy to swallow.

Ashley: "I mean, we know it's not one of us, or Ava, or Sharon, or Sally, or Zach. I couldn't imagine it being Andre, but he could be some psycho 'she'll always be my muse' crackpot. But we've known him long enough you'd think he would have shown signs by now. Cassandra too, but it could be some jealousy thing? Same that that Jackie. How much do we really know about her other than the fact that she sounds like a chipmunk when she gets really excited."

"Jackie...!"

Vivica took another sip of her drink.

Ashley: "Alek could kill someone, definitely. He'd be more likely to try and get her into bed, though. Dina and Zizi? Next. Though with a mother like that, she certainly would have reason to pull a Psycho. My money is it's one of the servants, or one of the eye candies Sally keeps around to fill her glass. Someone out there could easily have a grudge for some imagined slight."

"You're forgetting that Marissa is dead too, though."

Vivica shuddered.

"Shit..it could be somebody targetting KMA models. And remember Sharonn saying we weren't to use those samples that came in? What the hell was that about? I mean..damn, how were we so easily able to get over the death of one of our own and trapse off to a mansion for the weekend."

[thinking]

"I don't think it's Cameron..I just know that man has probably been responsible for somebody's death before. If he ever killed anybody..I know he'd get away with it. My mind keeps going back to Jackie. The fresh new ingenue signed to be a model seconds after a signature model dies so she can take her place? And then the top dog gets butchered in the shower, and SHE is the one that found her?!"

Vivica GULPED the rest of her drink down.

"Now that I'm saying it out loud, it's starting to make a lot of sense."

She refilled her glass and took another long sip.

"Tell me I'm crazy. We're also on the anniversary of Sharon's husband's death...AND Morgaine's family's accident. I mean..maybe this whole thing goes WAY back?"

 

[Oracle]

Zach and Cameron actually started to fight, but no one heard Zizi's protests for them to stop. Luckily Sharon stepped in and broke things up. It was decided that everyone would pair up, which she thought was very sensible. Of course, she already had a partner, her mother, as usual. She thanked Cassandra as she handed her a candle.

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

"Oh, I'll be fine, really. I don't want to put anyone out."

“Zizi, I’ll escort you back to your room.”

"Well-"

There was a murderer on the loose. Though it was very unlikely they even knew who she was, let alone wanted to kill her. But when he smiled, she nodded.

"Alright."

She didn't know what to say as they walked down the empty hallways. Finally she defaulted to politeness.

"I'm...sorry about Morgaine."

Obviously they were close. Close.

“I’m afraid I may not be able to do your photo shoot this weekend, Zizi. I do apologize, but I might also need a rain check on showing you the development process as well. What with the...storm knocking out the power...and all.”

She scoffed, waving a hand in the air.

"Don't even think about doing either of those things. There are more important things right now."

She gave him a small smile.

"But I appreciate that you offered to do them in the first place."

Most people wouldn't even think about apologizing for something like that, even if there wasn't a murderer about. They walked on, until they reached the hallway where Dina and Zizi's rooms were. She gave Zach a somewhat sheepish look.

"I should check on mother, let her know what's happening."

But when she tried the door, it was already locked.

"Well, that's good at least."

She stepped over to open her door, and saw that the cat from before was inside, which made her smile. She turned back hesitantly to Zach.

"You will be careful, Zach, won't you?"

She lowered her lashes.

"I mean, now you have to go back to your room by yourself. I guess that was poor planning on our part."

She let out a nervous chuckle.

"It's only I'd- hate it if anything happened to you."

 

[Ruby]

Casa de Spectra – The Living Room/Sally’s Suite



“Thank you.”

:: Cassandra told Sharon as the woman offered her a towel to clean off the Siamese. ::

*murmuring*: “You poor thing! Too bad you can’t speak, or else you could’ve told us who did this.”

:: Cassandra gently cleaned the kitten’s paws of Morgaine’s blood before wrapping her still-wet body in the towel and cuddling her. Zach and Cameron King almost came to blows and now VIVICA LENNOX was saying that she was going to leave RIGHT NOW even if she had to rappel down the mountain. In this weather. Cassandra would pay good money to see THAT happen. ::

Sally: “Cassandra, bring me the phone; the emergency line.”

:: Cassandra got up and got the phone that led directly to the sheriff, though she doubted that it would work. It was usually okay in bad weather but this was REALLY bad weather. The fact that the Siamese was watching her every move was not lost on her. Looks like she and Maxie will have a guest tonight. She handed the phone to Sally then sat back down and immediately snuggled the poor kitten. As she suspected, the line was dead. What she didn’t expect was Sally’s outburst, and a glimpse into how scared the larger than life woman was. Cassandra felt bad. Morgaine was one of Sally’s favourite people. She had been dressing her from a young age. Sally told Vivica to stop acting ridiculous in her Sally way, of course. Then Ashley got in. While Cassandra head no doubt whatsoever about Ashley’s ability to find her way in a raging thunder storm on a mountain, she didn’t think it was a good idea for the girl to go off in this weather. Sally and Sharon ganged up on Ashley and Ashley decided to go in the morning…IF the storm had passed. Sally suggested a buddy system for all and she nodded at both her [Cassandra] and Alek to distribute flashlights and candles. Cassandra handed some off to Cameron, Zach, Sharon, and Jackie whereas Alek took care of the rest. ::

This is going to be a LONG night…

:: Cassandra was kind of freaked out. Sally was subdued, and that wasn’t like her AT ALL, Morgaine was dead, she, herself, had taken on the role of the Siamese’s foster parent, and there was most definitely a killer among them. She and Alek escorted Sally to her suite. Sally had told her earlier that she and the felines were to stay with her tonight. Once inside, Alek made a quick sweep of the entire suite and came up with nothing. That was good, but it didn’t put Cassandra’s mind at ease. Sally told her that they should both be safe in the suite and that tomorrow would be a better day. Before Alek left, though, Sally asked for a tranq. THAT was so not a good idea! ::

“Ms. Spectra, I’d never begrudge you anything, but suppose something DID happen…and we’d need to flee into the night?”

:: Sally took that into consideration and settled with her usual night cap instead. She bid Alek good night and told him to be careful. Now, it was true that Cassandra did not like Alek, AT ALL, but she struggled to not beg him to stay. While it was true that she didn’t like Alek AT ALL, she knew that Alek did a great job of protecting Sally and the rest of the house. Though she looked down on him often and called him the ‘gardener’, Cassandra was actually grateful that he was there. Not that she would tell anyone of course. ::

Sally: “Come along Cassandra. Let's batten down the hatches, as it were.”

:: Cassandra gave one last look of regret at the closed door and went into Sally’s spare bedroom where somebody had brought a change of clothes as well as pyjamas for her. They’d also brought in plenty of water and a litter box for the kittens too. The two kittens perked up when she walked in and the Siamese mewled and jumped to the floor where she followed Cassandra EVERYWHERE. ::

“Awww, poor girl.”

:: After she had changed into her pyjamas, she came out of the bathroom carrying the little Siamese. ::

“Let’s go, Maxie.”

:: Maxie jumped down from where she was bouncing on the bed and escorted her into the main part of Sally’s suite. ::

*calls*: “Sally? You okay?”

 

[Orion]

Casa de Spectra — Guest Residence Hall

Zizi: I'm...sorry about Morgaine.

She offered, but he was actively avoiding the address of that topic, so instead he apologized for not being able to keep his commitments this weekend.

Zizi: Don't even think about doing either of those things. There are more important things right now. But I appreciate that you offered to do them in the first place.

He gave her a wan smile.

“Well, I appreciate your understanding and patience. I promise I’ll call you, when things.... settle down.”

He said, as they neared her mother’s adjoining suite.

Zizi: I should check on mother, let her know what's happening.

“Sure, sure. And I insist on taking a look around your quarters, to ensure there’s..... no one.... laying in wait.”

He replied, trying and failing to find a non-alarming way to he wanted to double check her suite for a potential murderer. There was nothing amiss, no one here but the cat. He even checked the closet. When he was satisfied that it was safe, he gave her a smile, and a shrug.

“I guess I’m just feeling paranoid. At least now we know for sure.”

Zizi: You will be careful, Zach, won't you?

She said, and he turned to give her a puzzled look. Careful?

Zizi: I mean, now you have to go back to your room by yourself. I guess that was poor planning on our part.

He smiled, he couldn’t help it, even if he tried to hide it by stroking his beard. His natural instinct kicked in, and the charm come out.

“Miss York, are you trying to get me to stay here with you? Because I would, but Sharon would definitely come looking for me if I went ‘missing’. And then we’d be Caught with a capital C.”

His joked suggestively. He was warmed by the blush that crept into her cheeks. She was absolutely adorable.

Zizi: It's only I'd- hate it if anything happened to you.

No more time for joking to ease the discomfort. His expression grew more serious.

“You don’t need to worry about me, Ziz. If I get my hands on the monster that hurt Morgaine.... I’ll be able to put an end to this nightmare.”

He said, then he stopped under the threshold and searched for her gaze with his.

“Look, I don’t want anything to happen to you, either, so lock this door behind me, and don’t forget what Sally said about the panic button. And if you start to feel creeped out, shoot me a text. I don’t care if it’s three am, I’ll come by and check on things, if you want.”

He told her, and he didn’t leave the doorway until she agreed, then bid her goodnight. The walk back to Sharon’s suite was surreal. It almost felt like he’d teleported, because he found himself at her door and didn’t remember walking the whole way. He moved through her suite like a shadow, illuminated only when lightning flashed through the windows.

The sound of running sinkwater gave him the most chillingly unavoidable flashbacks. When he saw the shape of Sharon sitting on the floor, for a split second, his heart stopped. Then he heard her draw a ragged breath. He lowered himself to the floor beside her, and put his arms around her shoulders, drawing her into his chest.

“I know, I know.”

He said, his voice rough. What else could he offer, but his understanding of the pain? He desperately wished he could take that from her, and ease her suffering. All he could do was hold her tight, until the wave of grief passed.

 

[Silver Swan]

Spectra Mansion- Sharon's suite

[ She practically lost her sense of self as she crumbled to the floor. ]

[ There she was, this strong, proud, self assured, successful woman, now crumbled on the floor in a fallen heap of grief and emotion, her normally strong, organized mind was a "storm" of chaos. She hadn't been like this since....well since her marriage fell apart, and then her husband died in a fire.]

[ At that time, she came to the Spectra Mansion to recouperate, she stayed here for months, hiding from the world, and it was during that time that she met Zach Armani.]

[ Then...as now...]

He lowered himself to the floor beside her, and put his arms around her shoulders, drawing her into his chest.

“I know, I know.”

He said, his voice rough. What else could he offer, but his understanding of the pain? He desperately wished he could take that from her, and ease her suffering. All he could do was hold her tight, until the wave of grief passed.

[ She jumped a bit at first, only because there was a spirit of fear that flowed around this place, but she quickly recognized his touch, as he drew close, and she drew into his chest.]

[ She tried to talk...but words failed her. Still, he knew what she would be saying. He knew how she felt. He'd been here with her before...but this time...it was definitely worse for BOTH of them. Tears fell from Zach's eyes as Sharon shuddered and weeped.]

[ There was no banter, no underlying sexual tension. This was plaintive grief, and a primal need for comfort.]



[ The darkness surrounded them, Morgaine's painful loss tore at them both, and all they had for certainty was each other. ]

<< As the storm rages outside, a different kind of storm - one equal parts fear, loss, and mortal danger, has taken shape inside Spectra mansion.>>

<< We slow pull back from Zach, who holds Sharon in the dark, on the floor of the bathroom. The hold on to each other, hoping, on an unspoken level, to find some kind of stability and comfort, desperately hoping that this is the bottom, and that no more can happen.>>

<< They hope in vain. >>

<< As we move further and further from the two grieving members of the KMA family, with each roll of thunder and flash of lightning, we have one last look at the faces of Ava, Jackie, Ashley, Sally, Alek, Cameron, Andre, Cassandra, and Zizi.>>

<< If they survive this night, how can they carry on? They have no choice, because the only other question beside WHO killed Morgaine is, WHO is next!>>

<< And so we watch... just as THEY are being watched, even now!>>

 

[Oracle]

Zizi's Room

They had walked in silence, but as they reached her room, he apologized for not taking her photos that weekend, or showing her the developing process. She was shocked that he even thought to apologize for something like that, and she told him not to worry about it - that the fact that he thought to apologize was more than enough.

“Well, I appreciate your understanding and patience. I promise I’ll call you, when things.... settle down.”

Despite everything that was going on, her heart let in her chest at the prospect of a call from Zach when they were all back in the city and this mess was all over. With no small bit of disappointment, she said she ought to check on Dina, but her door was locked. Zach insisted on checking her room for intruders, which she thought incredibly sweet of him. When he was finished, she found herself gripped by a panic, like giant hands were squeezing her chest, that he might be hurt going back to his room, when he had put himself a risk to get her here safe. She did the only thing she could, which was to confirm that he would be careful. He smiled that charming smile he had.

“Miss York, are you trying to get me to stay here with you? Because I would, but Sharon would definitely come looking for me if I went ‘missing’. And then we’d be Caught with a capital C.”

She felt her cheeks grow hot, and she glanced down at the ground, away from his face. That wasn't what she'd meant, but she had been thinking it, after all. He would probably offer to sleep on the floor, gentleman that he was. And she would say, No, that would be silly, there's plenty of room... But, there was Sharon.

She quickly backtracked, trying, badly, to explain, that she just didn't want anything to happen to him. Especially because he'd been nice, and had worried about her.

“You don’t need to worry about me, Ziz. If I get my hands on the monster that hurt Morgaine.... I’ll be able to put an end to this nightmare.”

Here eyes went a bit wide at that suggestion, that he would take a murderer on one on one.

"Oh- Zach- you can't put yourself in danger like that."

He was looking into her eyes, and for just a moment, she forgot everything else that was happening.

“Look, I don’t want anything to happen to you, either, so lock this door behind me, and don’t forget what Sally said about the panic button. And if you start to feel creeped out, shoot me a text. I don’t care if it’s three am, I’ll come by and check on things, if you want.”

Her mind started to wander again...until she remembered that there was no cell service and the power was out. Which meant...no texting. But she still smiled, and nodded.

"Thank you, for everything - it's means so much, really."

She smiled again, and then he made her close the door and lock it. And then he was gone.

She went into the bedroom and sank down onto the bed next to the cat. She laid down on her back, and turned her head.

"Just me and you again."

She reached out and scratched the cat behind her ears. The cat just stared at her, but in a way that seemed reproachful. Zizi sighed and turned her head back center to look up at the ceiling.

"I know, I know, I'm an idiot."

 

[Valkyrie]

Vivica's Room

"You're forgetting that Marissa is dead too, though."

"Well Marissa was a lunatic, it's not all that surprising that someone wanted to kill her."

She looked at Viv.

"Just saying."

"Shit..it could be somebody targeting KMA models. And remember Sharon saying we weren't to use those samples that came in? What the hell was that about? I mean..damn, how were we so easily able to get over the death of one of our own and traipse off to a mansion for the weekend."

"Why would someone want to kill KMA models? And what were we supposed to do? Stay home and cry? Even Marissa wouldn't have wanted us to miss this. We owed it to Sally. How could we know someone was going to kill Morgaine?"

She said it with a little more conviction that was necessary. The truth was, someone did kill Morgaine, and it was Ashley who had convinced her to come along.

"I don't think it's Cameron..I just know that man has probably been responsible for somebody's death before. If he ever killed anybody..I know he'd get away with it. My mind keeps going back to Jackie. The fresh new ingenue signed to be a model seconds after a signature model dies so she can take her place? And then the top dog gets butchered in the shower, and SHE is the one that found her?!"

Ashley's eyes narrowed.

"You make a good point. It wouldn't be the craziest thing I ever heard that someone killed someone they thought stood in their way..."

And it had been Jackie who found Morgaine.

"And she was a little to keen for a straight girl, if you know what I mean."

Ashley took a good long pull on her whiskey.

"Now that I'm saying it out loud, it's starting to make a lot of sense."

"Either I'm drunk or you're on to something, because it's starting to make sense to me too."

"Tell me I'm crazy. We're also on the anniversary of Sharon's husband's death...AND Morgaine's family's accident. I mean..maybe this whole thing goes WAY back?"

Ashley shook her head.

"You may be crazy, but all I know is, I'm glad I didn't get the new girl as my roommate."

 

[Titan]

Andrew's Room

"Somebody should have shared that inspirational saying on Morgaine's killer's facebook page."

Andrew just stared at Cameron. He wasn't really sure that a person could be that crass. But here they were. Cameron went on to suggest that maybe Sally or he murdered Morgaine for publicity, a notion that Andrew quickly shot down.

"Nobody is saying crimes of passion make sense, Andre. Nobody expects a mother to kill her child, and yet it happens. Quite frequently actually. Susan Smith, Andrea Yates much? You never know what is going to drive a person to the edge."

"But if someone is going to be driven to the edge and then hide it so perfectly as it would have to be if it were one of us? That takes a special brand of crazy. One I can't believe any of us - even you - possess."

Except, maybe, Alek. Just because he was such a dick.

Then Cameron tried to make something out of the days sales, which he wasn't having. If he really had outsold Sally - which he highly doubted - it wasn't because of anything other than dumb luck. Sally made him, and he would have sold nothing if she hadn't been the main attraction.

"My God...Sally truly is a master, I'll give her that. I'm not trying to drive a wedge in between the two of you Andrew, well outside of the one that exists between Sally and ALL of her "strays". Sally is a hell of a good time. She's fun. She's sassy...but she's a businesswoman. In every aspect of her life. She takes care of people as a benefit to HERSELF, not because she's as generous as she'd have anyone believe. I've been in this business a long time, and I know a LOT of shit...and let me tell you something, for as many stories as there are about Sally's big heart and kind nature, there are JUST as many from those who have been BURNED by her all encompassing "generosity" and the price at which that comes."

"You'll forgive me if I think I know her better than you do."

He'd lived with her for years, been mentored by her. What did this guy know? This bully, this scaremonger? He made his living off of people's misery. Andrew got up and filled his glass, not bothering with two fingers at a time.

"I'm just doing what I do. Research. And you don't owe everything to Sally, Andrew. There's something to be said of your talent. You're very good. And you're younger. I don't say that as a sleight to Sally's age..I just mean that your youth gives you a natural pulse on what is current, what is coming next...and how to make it not look desperate."

"Sally doesn't look desperate."

But in spite of himself, he was flattered by Cameron's praise, moreso because he knew how difficult it was to earn.

"But you're right. It's probably not Sally..and I'd say it's probably not you..but I figure if there IS a killer out there, I'm probably on the short list of being the next to get gutted because I'm likely to figure out who's behind this before the others. Which is tragic, because I always expected so much more...eleganza to my death. I can only prey they find my body hanging from a beautiful crystal chandelier, bloodied and fashionable, like the pages of French Vogue."

"There's no limit to the esteem you hold yourself in, is there?"

He normally wouldn't have said that out loud, but the whiskey was doing its job.

"I think this is a vendetta. It's right around the anniversary of the death of Sharon's husband, the plane crash that claimed Morgaine's family..not to mention the mysterious absence of Marissa, a model who would NOT have missed this show even if she were diagnosed with leprosy. And now Morgan..I know a LOT of things that have gone on behind the doors of KMA..but it appears this time...they must have done something they are about to pay for...GREATLY. Or maybe I'm just a conspiracy theorist."

"Or maybe you always assume people are worse than they are."

Assuming that a bunch of models had "I Know What You Did Last Summer"d someone and were now getting theirs was a leap, to say the least.

"Got anything fun to do in this room besides drink? A board game perhaps..magazine? Anything?"

He shrugged, and nodded his head towards the back of the door.

"Darts."

 

[Seer]

<< The next day>>

<< The storm has largely blown itself out, and now, the promise of resolution and safety comes with the dawn and emerging daylight.>>

<< there's an uncertain silence in the space around the mountain. Still, it reminds a bit windy.>>

<< Each pair wakes up to find they've lived to see another day.>>

<< Zach awakens...beside Sharon. The idea of sleeping alone was more than either could bare, and so they sought comfort and warmth in each other's arms. Theirs was a feeling, a bond, that transcended a label, and no matter where either of them went, when the need was most primal, they found their way to each other. >>

<< Everyone eventually emerges from their suites, relieved that they'd survived the night, but uncertain about what lay ahead. The staff prepared breakfast, and served it in one of the dining rooms.>>

<< A short time later, Outside the main entrance of the Spectra Mansion, Sharon, Zach, Zizi, and Zizi's feline friend were standing close to the cliff's edge. ASHLEY, who was now in climbing gear, was preparing her rope to tie firmly to the railing. She was true to her word, as she was getting ready to repel down the mountain to the village of sleepy hollow. Sharon, Zach and Zizi looked on, with Zizi being quite nervous, and Zach and Sharon expressing their concern over Ashley's undertaking.>>

<< Back near the entrance, Sally stands with Cassandra and Andre on either side of her. She expresses her worry as well, hoping that Alek an get the geneators and the cable car restored. >>

<< Alek was working on the generators, but he had his work cut out for him. This would not be a quick or simple fix. A shadow soon cast over him, that of Ava.>>

<< Jackie was in the garden, doing meditation exercises with splendid form. She was being watched...by Vivica, and from another view (rear) by Cameron. Vivica had decided to keep an eye on Jackie after talking with Ashley last night, but so far, Jackie's interactions with everyone seemed to be normal and genuine, AND she and Ava had kept each other safe last night. Still, the "new girl" had plenty of reasons to look suspicious to some of the others. As Vivica watched, Cameron slowly made his way toward Jackie from behind.>>

 

[Prophet]

Well Andrew had turned out to be very boringly sane and level headed. He had drank the Sally koolaid and that was that. So the two played a few games of darts before falling asleep in a drunken haze. The next morning Cameron woke up, blinked a few times and thanked the stars that he was alive. But he couldn't help but wonder if the others had been so lucky. He sprung out of bed like a horse chasing a carrot. When he went down to breakfast, he seemed dissappointed that the others had survived the night as well. After eating breakfast, he decided to do a little snooping. In his sleep and in his dreams, he was running scenarios, going over the list of suspects in his head. And his mind kept going back to Ashley. She was the only one of the KMA girls that seemed to have the 'killer' instinct. She was a lothario, but one that was prone to jealousy. She was highly skilled and proficient with weapons and feats of athleticism. She was an in control woman, but her jealousies could cause her to snap.

The other was Jackie. The newest model at KMA who seemed to appear out of thin air. Five seconds after signing her contract she was replacing Marissa in the Spectra Fashion Show. His people still hadn't been able to contact Marissa, which was suspicious. Not to mention, the woman was the one that FOUND Morgaine dead. Outside of all of that, Cameron needed to let Jackie know as soon as possible that if she planned on getting anywhere in this business, she was going to have to go through HIM.

He found her outside, doing yoga in the way that just begs for somebody to slaughter them. Rolling his eyes, he approaches her from behind and cracked a smile, mimosa in hand.

"Tell me...do you know 'downward dog'? It's one of my favorites."

He crossed his arms and smirked.

"You know if there is a killer on the loose...allegedly. Perhaps wearing a sports bra and showing how flexible you are isn't the best thing to dissuade a psycho from butchering you...unless, you ARE a psycho, and you aren't worried about a killer because you ARE the killer."

[watching her reaction]

"Oh calm down, I'm only joking. Unless you really are the killer, then I knew all along."

He looked out at the landscape of the mountain for a few moments before returning his gaze to Jackie.

"Ashley's already heading down the mountain. That's rather convenient don't you think? Morgaine's body isn't even cold yet. I thought she'd at least want to grab her by the antlers and take a trophy kill picture."

smirking again.

"I hear she was jealous about Zach and Morgaine. Poor dear, so hot..so firey..yet so insecure. She needs everybody to want her..."

Cameron moved closer.

"Tell me...has she tried to sink her fangs into you yet?"