Ororo's ghost story, part 2

[Firebird]

Morgan's mansion

Climbing into the backseat of Morgan’s luxury car, Blaze reached across for her seat belt while the atmosphere around them seemed stagnant. Peering outside as the scenery, Blaze remained quiet too deep in thought to be overly chatty. Yet, Morgan broke the silence. “Oh come on Morgan, you KNOW you had a blast!” Sarcasm dripped off the young brunette’s tongue while Ava also chimed in. Shaking her head, Blaze couldn’t help but erupt in laughter. “You both are too much!” If anything it helped lighten the morose mood of the day’s events.

Glancing over the right side of the driver’s side between Morgan and Ava to peer up at the sky. “That’s odd, why do I feel like we’re in an episode of the twilight zone?” Leaning back in her seat, her mind drifted to little Kyle and Sharon. She didn’t like the idea of leaving him alone with another babysitter who wasn’t her, especially after what happened.

I wonder if Mike is going to appear out of no where again and pull me over.

“I bet he’d love to search you for a concealed weapon.”

Bursting out laughing at her own jest, knowing Morgan couldn’t stand Mike. Anything to torment her sister she would, especially with Mike.

It's enough to make me want to call NICOLAS...

“Nicolas? Girl please, you know that boy just wants to hit it and quit it!”

Blaze wasn’t too keen on Nicolas at all, in her eyes he seemed like a player to her who just wanted a fine piece of filet mignon. She’d be damned if he was gonna order her sister for an entry. No sir!

Stopping at Ava’s house, Blaze climbed out of the backseat to walk around towards the trunk. Peering inside she looked closer to run her hands through the dust, watching it slip through her fingers. “That’s impossible! There was no place for it to go!”

Come on, let's get out of here.

Glancing around quickly as the eerie echo of wolves and other animals howling. “Well, Ava guess your ass is gonna stay with us! Amen Morg let’s get the HELL out of here!”

Walking around to the passenger side door she climbed inside just in time for Morgan to teleport them all back to the mansion. Once inside, Blaze leaned up against the side of the nearby island.

“Its just too bizarre if you ask me.”

Does anyone else want anything?

Shaking her head, “No thanks I had one earlier.” A sheepish grin was given from her, knowing most baby sitters weren’t supposed to drink! But it wasn’t like she was intoxicated or even tipsy. Walking over to the fridge to pull out a leafy green salad with grilled chicken. Taking out the lemon she squeezed some on over her salad, not bothering with dressing. Reaching for a fork and a knife she walked around to slink down at the table.

“But seriously, DON’T bother with Nicolas! Arghh! You don’t need him thinking your some helpless little damsel in distress.”

It was safe to say that Blaze detested Nicolas. A nice change of conversation and topic would do the trio good, especially Morgan. Stabbing her fork into her salad, “ANYONE but him! The day you bring that baller back here is the day I’ll throw your ass out...even if this is your house.” Smirking, Blaze was only looking out for Morgan’s best benefit.

“Why don’t you do the world a favor and give him to Ava. She can feed him as a nice little snack for one of her adorable little pets!”

A sinister grin melted into a chess shire smirk as she winked over to both ladies.

 

[Silver Swan]

Sharon's ocean loft

[ As Nicolas kept her away from the kitchen island and lifted up the log with his mental powers, Sharon's silver eyes looked on with intensity as the flaming piece of wood turned into ash.]

[ Nicolas had always been kind to Sharon since she was widowed, He watched out for her and Kyle as much as she would allow him. Alot of the men in the town underestimated her because she was blonde and beautifull, but the woman was savvy, and stronger than most men in the entire town, present company excluded. RARELY did she except Nicolas' offers of hospitality, but she did allow him to spend time with Kyle, showing him the ropes on the dock, how to play sports and most importantly, how to understand his emerging psychic ability which seemed to involve astral projection and dreamscapes.]


[ tonight though, she was shaken up...and so she felt it would be best to go further inland with her son, away from the ocean, and not so far away from the rest of the town's nucleus. ]

Alright...we'll stay ..in the pool house for the night. But please, don't wake Kyle. He's been very excitable today and I had to lull him to sleep with not one...but TWO of his favorite fairytale songs. and Thank you...

[ and with that...without saying much about what she'd heard from her departed husband, Robert, she packed a few things for herself and her son and went to get Kyle from his bed, covering him with a blanket as she carried him in her arms. Nicolas offered to take him and Sharon gave him that "look". He meant no harm, but Sharon was fiercely independant.]

[ She waited for Nicolas to take them where they were going. She was unaware that he had someone else to pick up along the way, the newly arrived Haleigh.]

 

[Rampage]

Alright...we'll stay ..in the pool house for the night. But please, don't wake Kyle. He's been very excitable today and I had to lull him to sleep with not one...but TWO of his favorite fairytale songs. and Thank you...

Nicolas smiled at her a bit, attempting to reassure her as he waited for her to pack and get the boy ready. As she finished, Nicolas offered to carry the boy outside, but she made clear with her eyes that she would be taking him. Smirking he nodded and took the bags she packed outside, where his truck was waiting, having been teleported by Nicolas out of the alleyway by the ME and over to Sharon's driveway.

As he led her and the boy outside, he mentally called out to Haleigh to give her a heads up.

Hales, I had to make a pick-up. I will be back at the hospital in @ 7 minutes. I didn't forget you.

He turned to Sharon after she was seated in the truck.

I will be going by the hospital first for a second to pick someone up...

 

[Persephone]

:: Finally arriving at her house, all three woman got out of the car and headed for the trunk. Ava's eyes widdened in shock as she saw some dust in place of where the snake had been. ::

"What the hell...."

:: Things just didn't seem to add up. Looking toward the horizon, she noticed the thick fog was coming back. Morgan suggested they get the hell out of there. ::

"Agreed."

:: In the blink of an eye, Morgan transported the woman back to her mansion. Rubbing the back of her neck, Thunder Bay seemed to be turning into one of those cliche horror movies in the buy one get one free bin at Blockbuster. It wasn't fun, and was starting to stress the goddess out. Taking Morgan up on her offer, Ava sat down. ::

"Double Brandy. [scoffing] If I get wrinkles because of this bullshit i'm going to be pissed."

 

[Arsenal]

Delilah: Come on, Karen...let me take you home...there's nothing more YOU can do here...

<< Karen looks at Delilah in distress.>>: maybe i never did ENOUGH!

<< clearly this was getting to her, and it wasnt just ebcause of these men, it was because of memories of Christopher on one of these tables, it was because Alison was probably RIGHT after all!>>

Delilah: Allright kids...I'm taking her home.

Mike followed the pair out silently, nodding as he took his leave. He did not ask if he could drive them home. He was not in the mood to argue with EITHER of them. He took Karen's other side, speaking to her in a voice that was for her.

Karen, you have always done your best. That's all you can do. We'll get through this. I'll take you home and you can get some rest.

Mike smoothly walked the pair out the side entrance and to the mayor's car, which he had already started with the key he had made. He opened the door for both women, helping Karen into her seat gently. He seated himself, checked his mirrors and the surroundings, and headed out to Delilah's to drop her off...

 

[Black Widow]

well, since you seem to be more than just another pretty face, I can tell you that this happened before.

Haleigh half laughed, half scoffed.

"What, does Mr. King often drop off corpses and parade a lot of pretty faces through here?"

She said lightly... but the mood quickly turned back to grim as the Doctor explained a similar occurance with Christopher Victory's body. The ME called in staff to restrain and store the bodies and lead Haleigh out towards her office. Haleigh walks slightly behind the ME, periodically checking over her shoulder for any repeats of the last incident. GET A GRIP, Haleigh. You're being PARANOID and irrational. Dominique wouldn't see Haleigh's involuntary eye twitch at the mention of New York doctors.... nor the rest of her reaction to discussion of the G virus.... in fact, Dominique didn't even look back at Haleigh until they'd reached her office. Haleigh managed a pleasantly neutral expression by that time.

Nicolas was in my office, talking to Sharon Kelly. You can wait for him here.

Haleigh offered a smile and a pair of raised eyebrows.

"Mmm, yes, excellent... thank you--" Dominique pivoted on her heel and disappeared around a corner. "yeah.... nice to meet you too. [to herself] Everyone's so friendly here."

Nicolas chimed in..... letting her know he'd be back for her. Haleigh's steely composure hid a tumultuous, calculating mind.... one that only Nicolas would see.

Nicolas...... we HAVE TO TALK.

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas...... we HAVE TO TALK.

As Nicolas drove along, he sighed a bit. What could have gone so wrong so fast? He continued to drive to the hospital, deciding that it couldn't wait if Haleigh's mind was in the state he sensed.

Okay Hales, shoot. What's going on? Or did you want to wait until later?

 

[Spellbinder]

at Morgan's Mansion

<< Inside of the posh mansion that belonged to the young sorceress, Morgan whipped up drinks for herself and Ava and herself and joined Blaze at the table. Morgan handed Ava her first round.>>

Ditto. We spent the day at the spa, and now THIS!

<< she looks at Blaze as her younger sister spoke about Nicolas. she waves her hand dismissively>>

Bah. He doesnt have me sprung like THAT. I enjoy him when I want, and leave the DETAILS to him. He knows how to lay it down in the bedroom...and before he's taking too much of my air, he's out after breakfast....<< noticing Ava and Blaze looking at her.>>

what? just cause i dont want to be the man's "wife" doesnt mean I can't show him a little kindness outside the bedroom. I don't give him what HE wants as often as HE thinks I should, so I distract him the way any man can be distracted...with food.

<< looking at Ava.>>

Although Im sure there's a reason LATELY that he's been NOT so "pressed" to come over. He needs something a little EASY to get into to make himself feel better.

<< the two women often competed over or even SHARED men. the MEN didnt always know it, but some did...either way, it didnt matter to these two as no man would come between their friendship. they were just doing what they do best.>>


<< looking back at Blaze.>>

Besides, why are you worried about ME all of a sudden? when ARE you going to have a man? or are the rumours at the spa about you TRUE my dear?

<< Morgan and Ava point and laugh at Blaze but its all in jest. Morgan nudges her.>>

No WONDER you dont bar hop with us...too much MEAT for your "tastes"?

<< her drinks were definately helping her to feel a bit more relaxed.>>

you know speaking of men...maybe we should call some over and just make a house party of it? after all, our adoring public was hoping that we'd make a Cameo at the Lipstick Lounge tonight.

<< Morgan and Ava were known for throwing wild romping parties, Blaze would often be there if for no other reason than to keep an eye on the two debutantes to make sure they werent taken advantage of, even though she knew both women were capable. Morgan was rather dominant in the bedroom and Ava enjoyed being worshiped by the men she entranced with her pheromones.>>


<< the idea was out there, but truthfully, none of them felt like making an effort to be BOTHERED with outsiders tonight. the fog, the situation at Sharon's...it was a definate downer, and even as they enjoyed their drinks and banter, the night's fog would definately make itself felt by them in OTHER ways than its mere visual presence.>>

 

[Seer]

the fog comes in

<< Nicolas arrives at the hospital even as he is in communication with Haleigh. Clearly between the TWO incidents of corpses attacking Haleigh and Dominique's unintentional "eye twitch" inducing information, the young woman might have felt her time in Thunder Bay was coming to an end. Nicolas could tell something was amiss. He'd have his night full and if he wanted to see Morgan, if she decided to call, he could not.>>

<< the fog was firmly on land now, swirling and streaming through the town, from the village, out into the residential neighborhoods and up through the hills of the north...>>

<< Mike drove Karen and Delilah home...the car was mostly quiet, with only a few words exchanged between Delilah and Karen. As Mike reached Delilah's, he got out to open her door and offered a hand, which she cooly refused Delilah was many things, but charmed by Mike was NOT one of them. The young woman was independant, sharp and witty, but possessed a warm, caring spirit and good heart. She'd been good to Karen and Karen to her, times like this were when their bond prooved to be more than professional, it was FRIENDSHIP.>>

<< and so as Karen bid Delilah goodnight and admonished her to be safe, Mike reminded her of his personal direct line and to call him ANYTIME if she needed help. She may not have needed a "knight in shinning armour" but he still saw himself as a gentleman to the women in this town's inner circle. Delilah's own powers seemed IDEAL to combat the fog but even HER light couldnt dispell it last night...tonight would be no different.>>

<< Delilah went inside and Mike drove Karen back to her mansion.>>

<< Karen didnt mind Mike doting over her a bit and so she accepted his help out of the car and into the house.>>

<< everyone was getting inside their homes as they should, and to the north, Alison was once again in the gothic estate of the church, drinking and watching the fog roll in. but that wouldnt stop the night from progressing the way it was meant to.>>

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah walked past Mike and up the walk to her front door. As she retrieved her keys from her briefcase, her mind was distracted by the events of the day. She couldn't believe things had gotten so bad between Alison and Karen - so bad that Alison would PHYSICALLY throw her from her house. It wasn't as if Karen was to blame for what happened to Alison's brother - but still her actions afterward made Karen a target of Alison's anger.

On the other hand, she saw some logic to what Alison had said about the celebration. Were they celebrating murder as she had said? The new information Alison's grandfather's journal revealed was very important to the town's history, but Karen hadn't wanted to hear it.

So much planning and preparation had gone into this anniversary - no matter it's origins - that it seemed a shame to cancel it. But with this fog and the mysterious shipboard deaths, Delilah was starting to think someone or something else didn't want the festival to go on either.

Delilah flipped on the light and made her way to her bedroom. It had been a long day, and she wasn't in the mood for much more than a good night's rest. But as she laid down, she had a sneaking suspicion that she wasn't going to get one.

 

[Firebird]

Morg's place

Bah. He doesn’t have me sprung like THAT. I enjoy him when I want, and leave the DETAILS to him. He knows how to lay it down in the bedroom...and before he's taking too much of my air, he's out after breakfast....

"You feed him BREAKFAST?! Oh Morgan..."

Her tone holding contempt for her sister, shaking her head as she stood up to walk over to the fridge to grab an Arizona green tea. Returning to sit down with the dynamic duo.

What? just cause I don’t want to be the man's "wife" doesn’t mean I can't show him a little kindness outside the bedroom. I don't give him what HE wants as often as HE thinks I should, so I distract him the way any man can be distracted...with food.

"You know DAMN well what Morgan! Well don't you think offering him breakfast is the first step for domestication? But the point is you still give him WHAT he wants when he wants it! Now, when you say food are we talking real food or peaches and cream?"

Cracking another devious smile, Blaze's cackled laugh erupted from her chest.

Besides, why are you worried about ME all of a sudden? when ARE you going to have a man? or are the rumors at the spa about you TRUE my dear?

"Well darling sister it depends on what you’ve heard."

Winking her way while watching the two carefully.

No WONDER you don’t bar hop with us...too much MEAT for your "tastes"?

"If you're going to put it like that I guess my tastes vary with my moods. But if you must know I like to think of myself as an omnivore." :hehe2:

You know speaking of men...maybe we should call some over and just make a house party of it? after all, our adoring public was hoping that we'd make a Cameo at the Lipstick Lounge tonight.

"That's fine but at least spare one for me this time!"

Twisting the cap off her green tea she shook her head, "Although I guess someone should babysit the two of you. Especially when there's alcohol involved."

Sobering up, Blaze smirked, "One of the personal trainers in town, Dwayne seems to have a thing for the both of you. Seems he thinks he can have his way with both of you at the same time. Like that would ever happen."

 

[Black Widow]

Okay Hales, shoot. What's going on? Or did you want to wait until later?

She didn't want to wait. She didn't like what she'd heard and she wanted solid ANSWERS... and she didn't much care to hang around the morgue in this wierd, Twilight Zone town.

What's going on? I'll TELL you what's going on. I'm a REASONABLE woman, Nicolas. Logical, rational.... I live in the real world. But today, last night, ever since I got here in this freaky little town, I've been living in some kind of surreal NIGHTMARE. a DEAD BODY just tried to ATTACK me in the morgue. One of the Valiant crew members. He got up, he got a SCAPEL and he LUNGED at me but when I turned around and disarmed him, he fell to the floor. I THOUGHT I'd overreacted earlier on the tug but that body hadn't FALLEN on me-- Dick Baxter WRAPPED his arms AROUND me in the bowels of that ship. and the ME.... she was talking about the G virus... and some disaster 100 years ago...

Haleigh paused, her mind racing at computer-like speeds.

The Mayor.... she mentioned something about a woman who has maintained that there was MORE to the accident on your wife's yacht. Do you know who she meant? I have to find her.... I have to talk to her. She may have information that can help us figure out what's going on.... and with the fog coming in again... we may not have time to wait.

She kept slowing down her mind to 'speak' with him. As fast as THE REST of her thoughts were processed, Nicolas would not be able to keep up without studious practice. But he might pick up on something.... Doctor Devareaux's mention of the G Virus and its designer successor version, the T Virus, had certainly gotten Haleigh's attention. HOW had she ended up here, of all places? 3000 miles and she still couldn't escape it. It must have been destiny that brought her here.... and now, it was getting to the point where whether or NOT Haleigh wanted to talk about it.... she may HAVE to... and whether or not Nicolas wanted to respect her privacy... it may be time for him to ask WHY the ME's words had stricken such a nerve in Haleigh.

Nicolas... are you almost here? I'm quite done with my 28 Days Later experience.

 

[Rampage]

What's going on? I'll TELL you what's going on. I'm a REASONABLE woman, Nicolas. Logical, rational.... I live in the real world. But today, last night, ever since I got here in this freaky little town, I've been living in some kind of surreal NIGHTMARE. a DEAD BODY just tried to ATTACK me in the morgue. One of the Valiant crew members. He got up, he got a SCAPEL and he LUNGED at me but when I turned around and disarmed him, he fell to the floor. I THOUGHT I'd overreacted earlier on the tug but that body hadn't FALLEN on me-- Dick Baxter WRAPPED his arms AROUND me in the bowels of that ship. and the ME.... she was talking about the G virus... and some disaster 100 years ago...

Slow down, slow DOWN!! You are going a bit fast, kind of like a runaway Cray supercomputer...hold on, what virus?

Haleigh continued a mile a minute, he was getting SOME of the hang of it, but not enough right NOW to help...much. But that virus thing was DEFINITELY making a difference to her. Luckily for them both, she slowed to practically SCREECH at him.

The Mayor.... she mentioned something about a woman who has maintained that there was MORE to the accident on your wife's yacht. Do you know who she meant? I have to find her.... I have to talk to her. She may have information that can help us figure out what's going on.... and with the fog coming in again... we may not have time to wait.

She fast-talked again (agin the virus? what is THAT), then asked about where he was. He was pulling up to the hospital and got out quickly, motioning for Sharon to wait ONE minute as he...

..showed up before Haleigh, not thinking of how that might that might affect her just yet. he just wanted to let her know that it would be al right.

I am here. Let's go home, then sort it out, OK?

 

[Persephone]

:: Taking a sip of her brandy, Blaze nearly had a meltdown at Morgan mentioning Nicolas staying long enough for him to eat breakfast. Casually, Ava pointed her finger at Blaze and nodded her head. ::

"Gotta agree with Blaze there, blondie. When i'm done with a man he's out the door before he has his pants pulled up."

:: Chuckling to herself, Morgan shot back with the rumors that circulated about Blaze possibly swinging the other way. Cocking a brow, Ava smirked at the fire manipulator's response. ::

"As long as your taco's don't mosey on over to me sweetheart, dive to your hearts content."

:: Finishing off her brandy, she stood from her seat and headed over to the bar for a refill. Blaze stated that one of the personal trainers thought he was ballsy enough to get both Morgan AND Ava in bed. Coughing out a hardy laugh, the goddess turned to look at Blaze. ::

"Please, he wouldn't know what to do with one of us, let alone the both of us. [walking back over to her seat] And because he even thought that, let alone MENTIONED that to people, he'll be lucky if he even gets a glance from me. [smiling to herself] Maybe i'll have a little fun with his brother just to piss him off."

 

[Black Widow]

He APPEARED in front of her, just as she was suspiciously glancing around to make sure no one... alive OR dead surprised her... but his sudden materialization DID surprise her, and she visibly jumped, her arms going up... but she didn't make a sound, and instantly her expression changed to one of relief. Something about him calmed her nerves a little... She felt better now that she wasn't alone. but as quickly as she felt relieved she was annoyed, and she popped him on the shoulder, chastising him, feeling sheepish that she'd jumped.

"Don't DO that! I'm a little on edge, alright?"

He 'told' her that they needed to get home and then sort it out, and she nodded, taking a deep breath and going back to her own thoughts. She was capable of running several thought processes at once, considering all the pieces of the puzzle and how they fit together, taking them back apart again....

They went back to his truck. Haleigh paused as she spotted a blonde woman and subsequently, a boy.

I guess they were what you meant by a 'pick-up'?

 

[Silver Swan]

in Nicolas' truck

[ Sharon nodded as Nicolas stopped off to pick up whomever he had to get from the ME's office. The fact that he had been there because of the lost crew of t he Valiant hadnt even come up between himself and Sharon just now with everything that had happened with that mysterious piece of drift wood.]

[ the metahuman continued to hold her slumbering son. Her strength made it more than easy to craddle and carry the young boy, and she kept him covered to lessen his chance of being disturbed by any lights or changes in the environment around him.]

[ the fog was all around, swirling and churning. Sharon was not comfortable at all. She heard Nicolas and the voice of a young woman, who seemed rather uneasy herself. Soon, Sharon SAW the woman as she drew near to the truck. Since she was with Nicolas, there was no need to be immediately suspicious of her and Sharon was confident in her abilities to protect her son if necessary.]


[ she couldnt hear their telepathic conversation, but the woman's heart beat was irregular and not just because she was uneasy. her vital functions, breathing, heartbeat...even her pulse, ALL sounded unusual to Sharon's perfect hearing. And who WAS this woman anyway? not anyone Sharon hads seen before in this town.]


[as the woman climbed aboard, Sharon gently motioned for her to speak quietly since Kyle was still fast asleep.]

Well, it appears Nicolas is rounding up all the blondes in town...or from out of town?

[ a light hearted statement, but it indicated that Sharon knew Haleigh wasnt from around here. ]

I'm Sharon Kelly...[ deciding not to announce her dj name of "Silver Swan" because by now, it just didnt seem that it would matter]. This is my son, Kyle. I'm a friend of Nicolas' .

 

[Spellbinder]

Morgan's mansion

<< Morgan tossed her hair as Ava chimed in about Morgan "slipping" when it came to letting Nicolas stay long enough for breakfast.>>

Yeah, we know you keep it moving, how ELSE can you boast "the fastest DRIVE THRU bedroom service" in town?

<< Blaze was amused by Morgan and Ava's trademark banter, and for a little while at least, the trio seemed not to be focused on the fog outside, indeed, aside from the animals that were making noises here and there, everything was going peacefully enough.>>

<< as Blaze coyly addressed the rumours about her swinging both ways, Morgan didnt seem to mind much.>>



<< Ava refreshed her drink and as Blaze talkd about Dwayne, Morgan too rolled her eyes.>>

Are you kiddng me?? Dwayne? << raises her PINKY finger and then curls it to indicate an obvious SHORTCOMING of the man>> he may be big in the chest, but he AINT blessed below the waist. He's not even worth a good make out session. You wouldnt be able to tell if it was "UP" or not.

Nicolas on the other hand wants to do the same thing. He doesnt have to tell me...i already know it. He's ALWAYS asking about Ava and one night i said "would you like me to TURN INTO HER? or maybe...I can just teleport her here RIGHT NOW without her clothes on." He mumbled something as i pushed his head DOWN there, but i could tell he wasnt expecting THAT response. Men are all the same....they are excited beyond restraint at the thought of two or more women, but can any of them even truly SATISFY ONE woman completely?


<< the women drank and laughed together...but soon...the time spent would come to a halt...as they ALL heard a loud, strong, hard, methodical KNOCK at Morgan's front door. >>

 

[Shadow Weaver]

the Mayor's mansion

<< inside the mayor's mansion, Karen tried to decompress. she sat on the edge of her bed, having showered, refreshed her body, brushed her hair and pulled it back into a pony tail and was now in one of her beautifull, silk nightgowns which revealed perky cleavage and a teasing view of her leg from the side split of the hemline. >>

<< she buried her face in her hands and outside of her home, in the neighborhood...the fog drifted along.>>

ugghhhh...

<< she vocalized.>>

My head....

<< alison's words, the bodies at the morgue, what the ME said...the reminders of the tragic past...it was all bearing down on her as tears began to fall from her eyes.>>

Christopher...all of them... maybe alison was right...

<< she hadnt told mike or anyone else what happened between herself and Alison earlier today. Delilah was home safe and Morgan had called her cellphone leaving a message telling her that SHE was in for the night too. everyone she was close to was in..but she felt like SHE was lost in the fog outside.>>

<< the next few moments would make it seem worse, even though Mike would try his best to console her, they'd BOTH find that the fog had other plans for them as well.>>

<< a loud, slow, methodical KNOCKING could be heard at one of the doors on the first floor. the first set of wraps came...then another...Karen looked up , and turned toward her gaze toward t he doorway to her bedroom....knowing Mike would go to investigate.>>

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas chuckled in spite of himself as Haleigh jumped, then took an annoyed jab at him.

"Don't DO that! I'm a little on edge, alright?"

Obviously...

Nicolas led her to the truck, where introductions were begun even as Sharon urged some quiet in deference to Kyle.

Well, it appears Nicolas is rounding up all the blondes in town...or from out of town?

As many as I can get, lady.

Nicolas chuckled lightly, without his usual vigor so as to be more quiet for Kyle's sake.

Sharon...this is Haleigh, a friend who is helping with the Valiant investigation. She helped me find it and the crew. Haleigh, Sharon and Kyle will stay in my pool house tonight...as a precaution. Now, let's get moving...

Nicolas climbed into the seat after Haleigh seated herself and pulled off to his home...

 

[Arsenal]

Mike ushered Karen in and focused on trying to make her as comfortable as possible. Despite her insistence on their meetings being secret, they were still quiet close, and he was worried about her state of mind right now.

He showered in the other bathroom quickly, changing into a pair of silk boxers and showing off his physique; that USUALLY managed to cheer her up.:hehe2:

He re-entered the room, whistling slightly as he saw her.

Well don't you look good enough to EAT, I may have to-

ugghhhh...

<< she vocalized.>>

My head....

<< alison's words, the bodies at the morgue, what the ME said...the reminders of the tragic past...it was all bearing down on her as tears began to fall from her eyes.>>

Christopher...all of them... maybe alison was right...

Right about what, dear? Look, you can't beat yourself up. You always did what you thought best. Alison simply hasn't dealt with her loss well. Nothing you could have done would have saved ANY of them.

Mike sat beside Karen and held her, kissing her cheek as he comforted her.

C'mon, baby, let's just relax.Tomorrow is a new day and we can work on all of this the-

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Mike tensed as he heard the knock. It was a heavy one; one not easily executed, unless they were pretty strong.

Stay HERE honey.

Mike reached under Karen's king sized bed to retrieve what he had hidden there long ago: a double barrel shotgun filled with buckshot on one side, slugs on the other. He walked down to investigate the knocking that had become louder even as it became more methodical.

BOOOM!! BOOOM!! BOOOM!!