Ororo's Ghost Story III, part 1

[Recall]

:: From the confines of her dressing room at the studio where Project Runway was being filmed, Vivica sat at the posh vanity, with her shoes off and a glass of champagne in her hand. It had been an amazing day and the job was one she had dreamed about. Before signing with KMA, she had tried to be one of the models on the show, and now here she was JUDGING the competition. She would be saying her thank you's tonight. But the blessings she had came at a cost, one she was more than willing to pay, but also one that required a large amount of her time and energy. And she was about to dive right into it. ::

"Hair check?"

Assistant: "We're good."

"Take this champagne, it will look gauche. And make sure you get the entire dress in the frame."

:: Vivica handed her assistant one of her three phones as she sat back down in her canvas chair. The assistant held the phone as Vivica took a moment before nodding, letting her know they were good to go. The assistant pressed record. ::

"Hey ya'll! It's your girl, Vivica!"

:: She smirked and smuldered with beauty and humor. It was clear that even through a phone screen that Vivica looked FLAWLESS. ::


"Today I had the pleasure of being on Project Runway! And no, I wasn't pounding the runway like I usually do! I was a guest judge! Can you believe? You're home girl was sitting right next to Nina Garcia! And she liked my outfit! Which...by the way, we HAVE to talk about. I found this little gem in Brooklyn the other day. All my fashionista girls I'm sure have peeped the stitching, but for those of you NOT so in the know, it's a vintage Spectra tuxedo dress. I'm OBSSESSED. And they let me walk out of with that dress for fifty bucks?! I feel so bad about robbing them so blindly, I promised I'd pimp their page out, so make sure you click below and follow Renewal Clothing and Hosiery. They've got some MUST have pieces."

:: She winked playfully and gave a cheeky grin. ::

"Speaking of MUST haves, this Kelly Girl wants to know what YOUR must have pieces are this year! What trends have got you flustered and ready for some fashion? Do you slay in chokers? Combat boots? Or are you in the store for some couture?! Send me a photo of you in your favorite trends and I'll share the girls and boys who vogue the house down!? Not to mention a nice little prize for the best photo..that's right? One lucky follower is going to get a one on one meeting with Sharon Kelly herself! And you know that's something you don't wanna miss! Now get out there and share the good word! Follow me on instagram, like me on facebook, and download my app if you want to see a TRUE behind the scenes look at my life and the things I'm obsessed with! Later dolls! And remember, don't get cute..get drop dead gorgeous! Muah!"

:: With a wink and a smile Vivica pressed a button to end the recording, handing one of her phones back over to her assistant while she looked at her personal phone, texting and returning e-mails and liking pictures and multitasking like the beast that she was. Vivica was never not connected, she couldn't be disconnected. It was what made her career and she loved her career more than she loved any person. ::

"When we cross post this, we need to have the right kind of tags. Run with the standard beauty tags but make sure we link to not just the vintage store but also to Sharon, House of Spectra and the Agency's pages..and let's do a few of the bigger models. Ava and Ashley of course...and what's her name? Jackie Devereaux? I think Sharon is interested in her. In fact...I'll go through her pages and repost some hot pics. I've got twelve million followers, if they see her on my page, she'll get a nice boon and it will make Sharon's job easier."

:: She sat her phone down on the vanity table as the screen immediately began to light up with notifications as Vivica exhaled loudly. ::

"I also want to prep some pictures for you to post this weekend. I've been working overtime and I promised I would actually live my life instead of taking pictures of it. We'll do some setups at cafes, maybe one in the park, a night time look. It'll just take a few hours. Then post one on Friday, one or two on Saturday and one on Sunday. Have Andre pull some looks for me - I need to up my fashion game so let's have fun. I want feathers, faux fur, chunky jewelry, big ass hoops, the whole shebang..."

:: Vivica's stomach grumbled loudly as she grabbed it for a moment. ::

"Ugh..I also want..food. LOTS of food."

Assstant: "I thought models didn't eat?"

"You thought wrong, girl. Is the driver here yet?"

Assistant: "He's about two minutes out."

"Perfect! We're going to Harlem. I need me some Sylvia's."

Assistant: "You want to take your driver and your assistant to Harlem?! Isn't that a little flashy for--"

"Harlem ain't Fallujah. And I been around white people all day, they're starting to bug me. I just need to go and get my stereotype on."

:: Vivica looked back at her phone and once again began to respond to messages and texts as she got up from the vanity of her dressing room, put her heels back on and grabbed her Birkin, to which she smiled for a moment, taking a minute to appreciate it's beauty. ::

"I do it all for you, babe."

:: With a lilt in her step, once she left the door of the dressing room, she was once again in full on model mode, every step she took could have been a picture. She made nice with the crew of the show, signed a few autographs, took a few pictures and was out the door and into her car as flash bulbs decorated the tinted windows. Her stomach groaned again. The driver looked up with a smile. ::

Driver: "Sylvia's?"

:: Vivica nodded. He had been her driver for five years. He knew her patterns and habits well. ::

"Sylvia's."

:: Her phone buzzed again, and as much as she wanted to ignore it, she clicked into business mode once again as she saw that he had a message from KMA. She let out a long sigh and grabbed her stomach. ::

"Actually Tom, change of plans. Head to KMA..Sharon's requested my presence. Plus they gave me some dailies footage I can show Sharon and see if there's anything she needs from me on my end with regards to the contest."

:: Vivica lifted her phone, pouted her lips and snapped a selfie that she quickly posted. ::

#BossBitch

Assistant: "You never stop, do you?"

:: Vivica laughed and rolled her eyes for a moment. ::

"Honey, if you looked this good would YOU?"

:: Before long she was at KMA where she received a warm welcome from all that were there, heading down the hall and towards the conference room where her presence was requested. As she glanced at the photos for a moment, her eyes went to Ava's face, promptly flipping the picture off as she walked past. Vivica and Ava were always competitive with each other and had a rather "Death Becomes Her" relationship. What was funny is that Vivica had forgotten why Ava and herself had beef in the first place, it had just become second nature for the two of them to trade bitchy barbs and the occassional martini or three (when none of her other friends were available). ::

:: Vivica entered the room and sat down, once again, eyes glued to her phone where she saw some rather scandalous shots of Ava on her Instagram. Smirking to herself, she began to type a comment underneath one of the pictures. ::

"You're so brave."

:: She shook her head and laughed for a few moments. Vivica was hoping this wouldn't take long - she had soul food and then a dick appointment to get to. As she waited she updated her snapchat with a video of the KMA logo and then her face with the caption that read "Bigs things happening at KMA!" ::

 

[Silver Swan]

Underground Fashion Studio- Dressing Room

[ Zach knew how to flatter Sharon, and his complimenting her beauty, her style, and ambition, it was sincere. She appreciated it. There's was a special kind of friendship, and not even the other models knew the exact DEPTH or history of their relationship.]

“What if we just let Marissa opt out of this one, eh? You know you don’t wanna be worried about her moods while we’re trying to take care of business, and I don’t wanna be worried that she’ll roofie me at the after party.”

He reasoned as they made their way down to see Marissa. If he could just convince her to not even bother...

“We can sub in another model, a more dependable girl, Sally will be just as happy.”

[ Marissa was a handful, but she delivered consistently. She had earned her place as a Top Model in Sharon's agency, but some people did not know how...or simply SHOULD NOT mix business and pleasure.]

[ As she walked with a purpose in those high heels, and Zach kept up. She heard him....but there was something Marissa needed to understand, and explain, and Zach was going to have to "take one for the team"...and apologize for his part, however inadvertent, in all of it.]

You're a smart guy, Zach. I hope you'll be as creative with your apology, as you are with your solutions around Marissa.

The sooner we calm her down, the sooner we can move on.

Don't worry, I'll make sure she's kept QUITE busy while we're there.

[ She and Zach round the corner, and make their way down the hall into the large, posh dressing room. By now, everyone had left there but Marissa, who was now sitting at her station, looking....staring...rather BLANKLY...at her reflection.]

[ Sharon walks right over to her, now standing behind her, while Zach takes a seat at an empty station, one seat removed from Marissa's]

Now Marissa, darling.

[ Sharon stands with her hands on her hips for a moment]

What's all this about you refusing to do Sally Spectra's show, HMM??

[ She taps her foot, shifting her weight a bit as she still stands behind Marissa, with her hands on her hips]

You've worked here long enough to know that no one refuses a job unless they're DYING.

[ Sharon rolled her silver eyes as she said "DYING" with such BITE in her tone that Zach couldn't help but smirk.]

[ But still no response or even the slightest reaction from Marissa]

Marissa?

[ Sharon leans in a bit closer]

MARISSA.

I want an ANSWER!?

[ She nudges Marissa, and the young woman simply SLUMPS over, her head hits the counter with a chilling THUD]

[ Sharon gasps, putting her hand to her mouth as her eyes widen.]

[ Even Zach was surprised by this, and STILL Marissa just sits there, now slumped over, motionless.]

Zach??

[ He quickly stands up, calling her name once, twice, but no response. He sits her back up, and begins to check her pulse.]

 

[Orion]

Kelly Modeling Agency — Zach’s Office

Sharon: You're a smart guy, Zach. I hope you'll be as creative with your apology, as you are with your solutions around Marissa.

“What am I even going to apologize for? Ash toys with me like a cat with a snake. She doesn’t WANT me, she just likes to make me squirm, everybody knows that, but Marissa refuses to accept it! And everybody knows how I am, why would Marissa even think we were exclusive, after a single drunken one night stand?! Why do I have to apologize because she got all super possessive?”

He argued, not because he was trying to be combative with her, but because he really didn’t want to do what she was asking, and also, he didn’t want her to think it was his fault.

Sharon: The sooner we calm her down, the sooner we can move on.

“Except she’s made it abundantly clear she doesn’t WANT to move on, and if I apologize it’s like giving into her demands and she’ll think we’re back together — NOT that we ever WERE together!”

Sharon: Don't worry, I'll make sure she's kept QUITE busy while we're there.

“Yeah Yeah. I’m only doing this because you’re asking me to. You’d better help me figure out a way to let her down easy. I’ve tried every play in the book to get rid of this girl, short of murder.”

He said, as they rounded the corner and went down the hall, with Zach preparing himself for what they were about to have to deal with, and planning what he’d need to say. Sharon walked up behind Marissa where she sat, staring creepily at herself into the mirror. Zach lowered himself into the seat next to her, bringing his left ankle up onto his knee and setting his camera in his lap as he watched Sharon try to talk to Marissa.

Sharon deadpanned a joke about nobody refusing a job unless they were dying, and Zach couldn’t stop himself from smirking. Marissa, however, did not even blink. Sharon said her name a couple of times, then her tone got a little stern and she leaned in closer, demanding an answer. Then when Sharon nudged Marissa to snap her out of her apparent catatonic state, the girl slumped over, smacking her face on the counter. Zach felt a surge of some disturbed emotion, as Sharon said his name.

He stood up quickly, setting his camera on the counter, calling Marissa’s name in the most soothing baritone he could manage. He knelt next to her, saying her name again, then glancing at Sharon uneasily before he reached for Marissa. Gently, he pulled her back into an upright position. He patted her cheek a couple of times, but she still didn’t even flinch. Her eyes were wide open, staring accusations at him. He tried to check her pulse. His was racing.

“She’s not breathing. She’s so cold, Shar. She’s... dead.”

He said, withdrawing his hands quickly, as his stomach did a flip-flop. Zach looked around for a moment, then grabbed his camera and started taking pictures of the whole sordid scene. Marissa fell over and away from him, right into Sharon’s arms. Sharon looked up at him.

Sharon: What are you doing?

“This is incredible, the vanity lighting, the make-up and hair-dressing props... it’s like art-horror. Too bad she wasn’t in a better pose when we found her....”

He said, capturing it all through his lens. He was about to suggest Sharon set Marissa back up staring at herself in the mirror when he realized how Sharon was staring at HIM.

“What?”

Sharon: What the hell is WRONG with you, she DIED, Zachary!

He recoiled when she rebuked him, and had the sense to be ashamed. His scratched his beard, then rubbed the back of his neck, lowering his camera sheepishly.

“Sorry, I..... I guess I’m in shock. It doesn’t seem real, you know? It’s terrible. I’m sorry, I’ll stop. What should we do?”

 

[Persephone]

Sitting in the back of a black sedan, the driver pulled around to the front of KMA and slowed to a stop. Lowering the privacy window a crack, Ava looked up from her phone to see him peaking back at her.

Driver: "Would you like me to wait, Ms Cassadine?"

She gave him a small smile as she locked her phone.

"No thank you, Charles. You never know how long these meetings end up being when you get a bunch of hungry bitches in one room."

He nodded with a laugh as Ava gave him a cute wink. Charles closed the privacy divider as Ava sighed out, opening her Spectra Couture clutch and pulling out a small baggie of coke. Using her perfectly manicured nude pinkie nail, she scooped a good amount up and took a hit, sniffing and wincing just a bit as she immediately felt the effects. Sealing the baggie shut she tossed it into her purse and took out her compact to take a look at herself. Makeup flawless. Hair flawless. The perfect Kelly Model.

Charles opened the door for Ava and it was an immediate frenzy. Flashbulbs began to go off like fireworks with paparazzi screaming for her to pose, smile for them, asking who she's dating, who she's wearing, and more questions that got lost in the chaos of voices. Putting on her Chanel sunglasses to shield her eyes from the lights, Ava walked through the crowd with Charles' help, finally reaching the main lobby of the KMA building.

Upon entering, Ava began to walk with a purpose through the grand lobby, heading straight to the elevator. Even though she was the face of KMA people would still stop and stare. It was so common Ava didn't notice anymore. Looking down at the text message Sharon sent her, she wanted Ava to go to the main conference room for the meeting. So with that she headed up to the 24th floor and made her way to the desired location. Of course Vivica had to be the first to arrive. Nothing like having to play nice until the rest of the models showed up.

Great.

"Viv!"

Ava smiled, going over to Vivica and giving her an air kiss from cheek to cheek.

"Looking as gorgeous as ever. Is that a new lip color? It makes you look so young."

Ava grinned as she brushed passed Vivica and placed her purse on the table in front of a chair, claiming her seat. Ava turned around and leaned her hip against the table, eying the woman. Vivica and Ava had a heated relationship to say the least, but they always played nice for Sharon's benefit. Still, knocking the bitch down a peg or two was like a pass time for Ava.

"So...did you hear Morgaine might be coming back?"

 

[Silver Swan]

Kelly Modeling Agency- Underground Fashion Studio

He stood up quickly, setting his camera on the counter, calling Marissa’s name in the most soothing baritone he could manage. He knelt next to her, saying her name again, then glancing at Sharon uneasily before he reached for Marissa. Gently, he pulled her back into an upright position. He patted her cheek a couple of times, but she still didn’t even flinch. Her eyes were wide open, staring accusations at him. He tried to check her pulse. His was racing.

“She’s not breathing. She’s so cold, Shar. She’s... dead.”

Oh my god!?

He said, withdrawing his hands quickly, as his stomach did a flip-flop. Zach looked around for a moment, then grabbed his camera and started taking pictures of the whole sordid scene. Marissa fell over and away from him

[....and right into Sharon's arms. Sharon catches her, holding her and looking down at her with shock on her face]

Oh my god, Marissa...

[ Zach was taking PICTURES!? Sharon looked at HIM in utter disbelief]

WHAT are you doing!?

“This is incredible, the vanity lighting, the make-up and hair-dressing props... it’s like art-horror. Too bad she wasn’t in a better pose when we found her....”

He said, capturing it all through his lens. He was about to suggest Sharon set Marissa back up staring at herself in the mirror when he realized how Sharon was staring at HIM.

[Sharon's mouth was open, as she continued to gawk at Zach in disbelief]

“What?”

What the HELL is wrong with you, She DIED, Zachary!

[ Sharon said with a tone she RARELY used toward him. He wasn't the ONLY one reeling just now.]

He recoiled when she rebuked him, and had the sense to be ashamed. His scratched his beard, then rubbed the back of his neck, lowering his camera sheepishly.

“Sorry, I..... I guess I’m in shock. It doesn’t seem real, you know? It’s terrible. I’m sorry, I’ll stop. What should we do?”

[ Sharon exhaled, and her eyes, her facial expression returned to a silghtly calmer state. This wasn't his fault. They were BOTH in shock, but Sharon HAD to take control of the situation for their sake, for the sake of the AGENCY and everyone within it!]


We....

... We need to call the police.

Jack Hightower, he's a high ranking detective in the NYPD that I have a direct line to.

[ She could see Zach looked quite shaken]

GO upstairs, Zach, and tell Lorna to call him, right now! Tell her to tell him to GET OVER HERE right away! I'll have security to close off the Studio down here. NOT A WORD to anyone, is that clear?

[ She nods at him with reassurance, and then quickly points for him to go, while she does her best to reposition Marissa's body so that she's at least leaning back in her chair, propped up that way and SHE doesn't have to hold her up. She quickly finds a sheet and covers Marisa, and goes about cutting off ALL the lights in the dressing room, and along the lighted mirrors at each models station.]

[Soon, she is SEATED at the now CLOSED double doors outside the dressing room, with a magazine in hand, looking as calm as possible, and making sure no one enters, while security has now closed off all entry to the underground studio, citing some generic "situation that is being addressed."]

 

[Seer]

Kelly Modeling Agency

<< Ava and Vivica sat in the large, posh conference room. They, along with everyone else in the building, save Sharon, Zach, and now Lorna were unaware of the grisly discovery that had been made in the dressing room in the underground fashion studio. Marissa's body had been discreetly removed. That was ONE hurdle cleared.>>

<< Now, Detective Jack Hightower was there, interviewing Sharon, Zach, Katie, and Lorna in one of the offices of the building. Jack was not only a high ranking, respected officer in the NYPD, but he was also well connected in the community, and he was a good friend of Sharon's. He'd been connected to her ever since her husband died. >>


Detective Hightower: This is the lipstick that came in the mail?

Katie: Yes, Detective. There was a box filled with various make up items

Detective Hightower: And this company is your usual supplier?

Sharon: Yes, they have been for the last 15 years. What's wrong with the lipstick!?

Detective Hightower: Oh nothing....except that it contains enough CYANIDE to take out the Bears backfield!

Katie: WHAT!?

Sharon << exhaling with disbelief, she buries her face in her hands for a moment>> WELL. THIS is enough to make me go back to smoking!

Zach: Sharon, you've never smoked!

Sharon: Well, I might just START NOW, Darling!

Sharon: HOW could CYANIDE get into that tube of lipstick!?

Detective Hightower: We're investigating that. What about any grudges? Did anyone have a grudge against your agency?

Sharon: Well, there's ALWAYS disappointed clients?

Detective Hightower: Maybe a disgruntled model who didn't make it? Silent partners that might want to sabotage you?

Sharon: No...and no. I own and operate this agency solo. My models and staff are family, that's not just a PR sound byte, that's reality.

<< Lorna and Katie nodded in silent but firm affirmation, supporting Sharon in that>>

Detective Hightower: Well, because it was shipped through the mail, its possible a lunatic somewhere along the supply chain tampered with it...we'll check it out. In the meantime, I strongly suggest you not use anymore cosmetics from this company, and avoid any suspicious packages that you or anyone in this agency receives. And...leave word, where you can be reached.

Sharon: of course. Thank you for coming so quickly, Jack. And for keeping this QUIET.

<< Sharon and Jack shake hands, and he takes his leave. The officers and team accompanying him have collected what they needed in evidence, and scrubbed the scene for Sharon.>>

<< But there's one other thing, Lorna quietly informs Sharon that she needs to share something with her.>>

--------------------------------------

<< 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.

<< Lorna nods, but doesn't seem as convinced as Sharon is.>>

Lorna: Should I call the detective back?

Sharon: NO, no...just save that message. Don't say a word to anyone. I don't want to start any kind of PANIC with the models. Tell security to be sure and SCREEN all visitors who arrive to the building and all packages are to be left at the front desk. Anyone who arrives asking for someone by name is to be sent away if they don't have an appointment scheduled with you.

Lorna: Yes, Ms. Kelly.

Sharon: And keep trying to reach Morgaine for me, will you? I'll follow up on that in just a little while.

<< standing up>>

Sharon: right now....i need to stop by my office.

Lorna: And both Ava, and Vivica are here waiting in the conference room floor.

Sharon: Good. That's my next stop after my office. Have a full spread of refreshments sent up. << pausing>>... and tell ZACH to meet me in my office right away. Thank you, Lorna.

<< Sharon leaves Lorna's office, and outside, she stops for a moment. There's a look of worry on her face as she stands there, before finally making her way to the elevator.>>

Lorna: << calls Zach into her office>> Go up to Sharon's office. She wants to talk to you, privately- She told me to tell you that she got another phone call. << she played the message for Zach>> She thinks its just another weirdo. But I'M not so sure.

Lorna: << calling after him before he leaves>> ZACH? Marissa's death, and now THIS? Sharon is worried, I can tell. I've seen her like this before. Every year....around this time. Her husband...he died in a fire...on Devil's night (the night before Halloween).

 

[Orion]

Kelly Modeling Agency

Sharon: We.... ... We need to call the police. Jack Hightower, he's a high ranking detective in the NYPD that I have a direct line to.

It hit him then, the reality of it, like a sucker punch out of nowhere. Dead. Marissa was dead. Had she done it herself? There didn't seem to be any obvious signs of foul play, other than the dead body. Gods. There was a dead body right here in front of them. He'd touched a dead body.

HIS FINGERPRINTS WERE ON A DEAD BODY! EVERYBODY HAD SEEN MARISSA HARASSING HIM EARLIER! HE WAS TOO PRETTY TO GO TO PRISON!

Sharon: GO upstairs, Zach, and tell Lorna to call him, right now! Tell her to tell him to GET OVER HERE right away! I'll have security to close off the Studio down here. NOT A WORD to anyone, is that clear?

Her voice snapped him out of his nightmarish thoughts. He nodded blankly, still processing her directions.

"Uh, yeah. Are you.... are you gonna be okay... alone.... with her?"

He asked, and she nodded. He raced upstairs, his hands shaking, as he tried to piece together his alibi so he wouldn't stammer like the guiltiest mofo on the planet when the police got here. All the color left Lorna's face as he told her, but she kept her cool like a champ and made the call while Zach paced and rolled a mint around in his mouth.

The police were actually surprisingly nice, and didn't haul Zach straight off to the clink like he'd feared. Zach managed to settle himself down and stuck to Sharon like a shadow while everything was going on. Once the police left and Lorna pulled Sharon away for a private chat, Zach made a beeline for his office.

He opened up his safe and reached in the back for the pistol. He stuck it, along with a box of ammo, into his camera bag, and immediately felt better for having done something. If there was a maniac out there killing models, cyanide might just be the warmup. Not to mention he was one of the very few men in this house. He felt protective of his girls, they were like his family, and he wasn't going to let ANYBODY hurt them.

Lorna's voice called him on the intercom, asking him to come up to her office. When he got there, she looked spooked, drawing his concern. Maybe he shouldn't have left the gun in his bag. Maybe he should have strapped it to his hip.

"What is it NOW?"

Lorna: Go up to Sharon's office. She wants to talk to you, privately- She told me to tell you that she got another phone call.

"ANOTHER ONE?!"

He exclaimed, starting to really get ticked off. He KNEW he should've done more about that man Sharon was talking to earlier. He listened to the message, the Frenchman threatening Sharon.

Not if I can help it, asshole. You just wait til I get my hands on you!

Lorna: She thinks its just another weirdo. But I'M not so sure.

"Lorna, if anybody weird shows up or calls again, you come get me RIGHT away, you here? I'm not playing with this shit ANYMORE."

He said firmly, and turned to leave for Sharon's office.

Lorna: ZACH? Marissa's death, and now THIS? Sharon is worried, I can tell. I've seen her like this before. Every year....around this time. Her husband...he died in a fire...on Devil's night (the night before Halloween).

He nodded grimly as he left. As soon as he was in Sharon's office, he was pulling her into a hug.

"Hey, you okay? I'm here, right here."

 

[Silver Swan]

Kelly Modeling Agency- Sharon's office

[ Sharon was pacing back and forth around her large, posh office. She may not smoke, but she DRANK on occasion, and now was certainly one of those occasions.]

[ She was…talking to herself as well, as she paced around the office, back and forth.]


[ Marissa. The phone calls. The other girls. Sally Spectra’s show. The VOICE on that phone call…]


[ So many things were racing through her mind right now. Normally she always seemed to have it together, but every year around this time…]

As soon as he was in Sharon's office, he was pulling her into a hug.


"Hey, you okay? I'm here, right here."

[ Sharon accepted Zach’s embrace, and held on to him for a moment, shuddering. She couldn’t express the range of things she was feeling in a word, or even a sentence, but some how, Zach seemed to just know. It was a gift he had, something that allowed him to develop a rapport with Sharon as he helped her through the dark period following divorce and her husband’s death.]


[ as the two close friends held on to each other for a few minutes in her dimly lit office, there was silence for a time. But soon, Sharon slowly pulled away from Zach, looking at him with her silver eyes.]

I’ve asked Lorna to do all she can to keep Marissa out of the papers, and the news for now. At least until her family has been notified and can claim the body.

[ She slowly turns away and walks to her desk, picking up her glass and downing her drink and then immediately pouring herself another]

Do you want a drink?

[ She turned back to face him]

I’m…going to have to find a replacement for Marissa.


[ She said in a low tone, an indication to Zach that she was going to carry on the preparations for Sally Spectra’s big show.]


With Sally I….


[ There’s a knock at the doors to Sharon’s office suite]


Come in.


[ It’s Jackie Deveraux.]


Come in, Jackie.


What’s is it? We’re….rather busy at the moment.

 

[Artemis]

Kelly Modeling Agency- Sharon's office

:: Earlier...::

::FLASH::

ZACH: “She’s not breathing. She’s so cold, Shar. She’s... dead.”


He said, withdrawing his hands quickly, as his stomach did a flip-flop. Zach looked around for a moment, then grabbed his camera and started taking pictures of the whole sordid scene. Marissa fell over and away from him, right into Sharon’s arms. Sharon looked up at him.


Sharon: What are you doing?


ZACH: “This is incredible, the vanity lighting, the make-up and hair-dressing props... it’s like art-horror. Too bad she wasn’t in a better pose when we found her....”


He said, capturing it all through his lens. He was about to suggest Sharon set Marissa back up staring at herself in the mirror when he realized how Sharon was staring at HIM.


ZACH: “What?”


Sharon: What the hell is WRONG with you, she DIED, Zachary!


He recoiled when she rebuked him, and had the sense to be ashamed. His scratched his beard, then rubbed the back of his neck, lowering his camera sheepishly.


ZACH: “Sorry, I..... I guess I’m in shock. It doesn’t seem real, you know? It’s terrible. I’m sorry, I’ll stop. What should we do?”

Sharon: We....


Sharon: ... We need to call the police. Jack Hightower, he's a high ranking detective in the NYPD that I have a direct line to.


[ She could see Zach looked quite shaken]


Sharon: GO upstairs, Zach, and tell Lorna to call him, right now! Tell her to tell him to GET OVER HERE right away! I'll have security to close off the Studio down here. NOT A WORD to anyone, is that clear?


[ She nods at him with reassurance, and then quickly points for him to go,]

:: Jackie’s hand was over her mouth by this point. She’d heard everything. She’d JUST come from a sesson for her portfolio, and was mere steps behind Sharon and Zach, who had just entered the dressing room. Jackie didn’t know why, but something told her HIDE out of sight rather than reveal herself, and so she hid behind the opened doors to the dressing room, remaining still and quiet. THEN, when Zach left to go find Lorna, she slipped away, ducking into an alcove.::

:: MARISSA WAS DEAD!?::


:: Jackie was not green by any means, nor did she scare easily, but THIS was a HELL of a way to begin her modeling career.::

:: Should she err on the side of caution and self preservation and LEAVE? Jackie’s mind raced, but she took time to calm herself and think.::


:: A short while later, we see Jackie approaching the double doors of Sharon’s office on the top floor. She could hear Sharon and Zach now...::

I’m…going to have to find a replacement for Marissa.



[ She said in a low tone, an indication to Zach that she was going to carry on the preparations for Sally Spectra’s big show.]



With Sally I….

[ There’s a knock at the doors to Sharon’s office suite]


Sharon: Come in. Come in, Jackie What’s is it? We’re….rather busy at the moment.


[ Jackie could see, FEEL the uneasiness from Sharon and Zach, she understood why…something terrible had just happened, and only a HANDFULL of people in the building knew, Jackie being one of them. ]

Sharon…I know about Marissa.


[ Sharon looked rather PALE when she heard this]


Sharon: Shut the doors, Jackie, and come further in.


[ Jackie closed the doors and came over to where Sharon and Zach was.]


Sharon: Jackie…I don’t want you think that you’re in any danger because of what happened to Marissa. You must understand, that right now, it’s VITAL that we keep this QUIET.


Jackie: I understand, Sharon, and I’m not here to cause any trouble. I….


[ She was losing her nerve, but after a few seconds, she straightened her back and looked Sharon in the eye]


I’m here because I wanted you to know that if you need a replacement for Marissa in Sally Spectra’s show, I’d like the job.


[ Jackie’s ambition was strong, and in a moment like this, it could come off as COLD. But Sharon did not seem offended or put off by it. Instead, she seemed to be sizing Jackie up.]


[ After a few moments of silence among them…]


Sharon: Ever done high fashion before before?

Jackie: Not really….not YET.


[ Sharon slowly circled Jackie. She and Zach BOTH noted how she looked now, post-trasnformation. Her hair and make up were gorgeous, she was glamorous, and she was wearing a black dress and high heels that flattered her tall, toned figure.]


Sharon: Sally Spectra INSISTS on working with top models who’ve worked with her in the past…


Jackie: I know I can deliver for you, and Sally Spectra!


::FLASH!::

“We can sub in another model, a more dependable girl, Sally will be just as happy.”

:: Sharon looked over at Zach. He knew she was silently asking her “what do you think?”::


:: Jackie looked at him too. He had a full view of her pretty face once again, and he knew what she had to offer.::

 

[Silver Swan]

Kelly Modeling Agency- Sharon's office

[ Sharon looked Jackie over. Jackie pleaded her case, and Sharon seemed like she was considering it. She looked over to Zach.]


Zach: I think you should give her a shot, Shar. Sally appreciates girls with spunk, and Jackie’s got plenty of it


:: Zach frames his fingers out in front of him, as if he’s looking at Jackie through the lens of a camera::


Zach: And look at her, she’s picture perfect!


[ Sharon nodded, and looked back at Jackie, smiling in agreement and approval]


Sharon: Yes. Yes she is.


[ She places her hands on Jackie’s shoulders]


Sharon: Alright, Jackie Deveraux. You’re in!


Jackie: :: Smiling widely back at Sharon:: Oh THANK YOU, Sharon!


Sharon: Now there isn’t much time! We’re going to be leaving for Sally’s mountain top mansion tomorrow morning. I want you to go down stairs to the conference room, and wait for me there. I’m going to be having a meeting with all the models that are participating in this show.


[ looking to Zach]


Sharon: Zach, would you take Jackie down to the conference room?


[ Back at Jackie]

Sharon: Zach will show you the way. I’ll be down shortly. Welcome aboard, darling!


[ the two women hug, as Zach looks on, smiling and nodding at Sharon. Soon, he’s escorting her out of Sharon’s office, and as he opens the doors, they bump into ASHLEY OLDENBURG!]

<< Another one of Sharon’s top models, Ashley Oldenburg is definitely one the more unusual models in the KMA family, as evidenced by the fact that she’s carrying a live baby LEOPARD in her arms just now.>>

<< Zach greets Ashley, and steadies Jackie, who is understandably started by the unexpected arrival of both Ashley and the leopard.>>

<< Ashley greets Zach, and offers a devious smile and a wink to Jackie. She makes SURE to get a good look at Jackie as she exits, before coming all the way in to Sharon’s office.>>

Ashley: And who is THAT little angel?

Sharon: Her name is Jackie Deveraux, and YOU just leave her alone.


[ Sharon said in a tone that indicated she was well aware of the look Ashley gave Jackie. Sharon eyed Ashley, as the woman feigned a "WHAT?" expression, with a SLIGHT smirk.]


Sharon: Where have you been?


[ taking notice of the leopard in Ashley’s arms, as it mouths her hand, and vocalizes a bit]


Sharon: And what is that….thing?

 

[Orion]

Kelly Modeling Agency — Zach’s Office

For a while he just held her, and she let him, like old times. It was the most comforting thing to come out of this whole Marissa mess. It was habit for Zach and Sharon to bond in times of darkness, and this was no different.

Sharon: I’ve asked Lorna to do all she can to keep Marissa out of the papers, and the news for now. At least until her family has been notified and can claim the body.

"I can't imagine who'd want to hurt Marissa, I mean I know she was kinda crazy, but she wasn't so bad really."

Sharon: Do you want a drink?

"GODS YES."

He replied gratefully, and poured himself a glass of whiskey. No ice, no mixer, just a straight burn to get rid of the chill he felt.

Sharon: I’m…going to have to find a replacement for Marissa.

He nodded wordlessly, bringing the glass to his lips and sucking down about half of it.

Sharon: With Sally I….

"She'll understand, she'll HAVE to."

He said, and then there was a knock. It was Jackie, and she looked stunning. Also, she already knew about Marissa somehow. News always spread like greased lightning through this place. It wasn't a surprise anymore. People always seemed to know when Zach hooked up with someone before he'd even finished doing the deed.

Jackie offered to take the newly vacated slot in the line-up of Sally's show. There was a brief exchange between her and Sharon. Jackie was pretty assertive. Sharon cast a glance at Zach, asking him, without words, what he thought of that. He'd been the only one so far to work directly WITH Jackie, so he gave it some thought. Could she fall in line with the other girls and do what needed to be done? She was certainly a go-getter.

"I think you should give her a shot, Shar. Sally appreciates girls with spunk, and Jackie’s got plenty of it ."

He held up his hands, thumbs and forefingers framing a shot, with Jackie right in the center. A smile played with the corners of his lips.

"And look at her, she’s picture perfect! "

He said, locking eyes with Jackie. Sharon nodded and agreed, then told Jackie she was in.

Sharon: Zach, would you take Jackie down to the conference room?

"It'd be my pleasure."

He said warmly, and he rested his hand on the small of Jackie's back as he escorted her out of Sharon's office. The elevator dinged open then, and who should be standing there, but none other than Ashley, fresh off her safari, with an adorable little leopard cub nestled gloriously against her bosom. Lucky little fucker. That was closer than Zach had ever gotten. Ashley slinked toward him, with a look on her face like she wanted to devour him. But then, Ash looked at everybody like that. Case in point, the way her gaze drank in Jackie's entire presentation. Zach chuckled, rubbing Jackie's back reassuringly.

"Easy Ashley. You'll frighten her away. It's only her FIRST DAY."

Ashley purposely brushed by him as she passed, leaning into his ear to whisper. It was all he could do to keep his eyes out of her cleavage. He managed to be a gentleman, even when she pressed so close he could feel that little cub's purr against his chest.

Ash: Bring her to my place and I'll let you watch.

Zach swallowed HARD, his heart skipping a beat. Ashley pulled back tauntingly, her eyes locking with his, just daring him to say something. He wanted to beg her to let him take pictures too, but instead he just cleared his throat, and reached out with one hand to scratch the little fuzzy leopard cub on the chin. It made the most precious little noise.

"Aww. I wanna buy this little one an anaconda to play with. Then the two of you can bond over how much you enjoy teasing up snakes."

He deadpanned, and then guided Jackie into the elevator Ash had just vacated. Ashley and her new little pet disappeared into Sharon's office, and the elevator doors closed on Zach and Jackie.

"So that's Ashley. She's really harmless, I promise. You might have to explain to her that you're not into girls, she always thinks I'm trying to stake my claim when I tell her stuff like that."

He told her, although secretly he was kind of hoping she'd admit to being bi, because if that was the case he was going to try to ride the fuck out of that tricycle. Respectfully, of course. He wasn't a pig.

"Congrats on getting invited to Sally's. I hope you're down to party. She throws the best soirees."

 

[Valkyrie]

Sharon's Office

Lorna tried to get cute with her, screaming at her over the phone. So she hung up on her.

Then she called back and told her in a quieter voice that Sharon wanted to see her at the agency. And then she hung up on her again. There was still one stop she needed to make before she and Morgaine hit New York, but maybe she would go straight from there right to Sharon's office. She made sure to cook something special up with Morgaine, before arriving at the KMA and getting into the elevator carrying her new prize.

She cuddled the cub to her chest, and felt it purring. When the elevator doors opened she stepped out to see none other than Zachary Armani emerging from Sharon's office, with a cute little piece of (obviously) new model ass next to him. She slinked towards him, giving him a look guaranteed to bring him to attention. He really was her favorite plaything: no matter what she did, he always came back for more. When she reached Zach, her gaze slid to his companion.

"Nice lines indeed."

"Easy Ashley. You'll frighten her away. It's only her FIRST DAY."

"Maybe she wants to start at the top. Speaking of top."

She edged between the two of them, making sure her hips made contact with his pelvis as she did so, and also that he could see down her shirt as she leaned in to whisper in his ear in her most seductive voice.

"Bring her to my place and I'll let you watch."

She stood straight again, her eyes locking with his in a way that she was pretty sure he was about to come in his pants. He swallowed hard, and a devious smile spread over Ashley's lips. Zach reached out and scratched the cub's fur.

"Oh, do you like my pussy?"

"Aww. I wanna buy this little one an anaconda to play with. Then the two of you can bond over how much you enjoy teasing up snakes."

She moved all the way past him to Sharon's door, then turned back to look at him as he was ushering the stranger into the elevator.

"Just make sure it's a BIG one."

She smirked, turning back around and heading into Sharon's office. She licked her lips.

"And who is THAT little angel?"

Her name is Jackie Deveraux, and YOU just leave her alone.

Ashley touched her chest and opened her eyes wide in an innocent expression and mouthed "Moi?"

Where have you been?

"Big game hunting, darling. I needed to relax."

And what is that….thing?

Ashley looked at the animal in her arms and scratched behind its ears.

"It's a leopard. I killed it's mother, so I brought it home with me."

 

[Silver Swan]

Kelly Modeling Agency- Sharon's office

[ Lorna was good at her job, she managed to get ahold of Ashley and get her to come back here, but her arrival so soon, from the YUCATAN of all places, WAS a bit surprising, and Sharon herself was still reeling from the unexpected loss of Marissa]


Ashley: It’s a leopard.


Sharon: OH [ nodding with a look on her face that said – “because it’s QUITE TYPICAL for a model to bring a WILD ANIMAL into my agency!” ], a LEOPARD!


Ashley: Yes! I killed it’s mother, so I brought it home with me.


Sharon: [ looking at the leopard cub, and then at Ashley] How can you kill animals!?


Ashley: [ in a tone that suggested she was quite pleased with her new little pet] I enjoy it!


[ The tall, athletic model moves further into Sharon’s office, and Sharon walks around slowly, turning away from Ashley for a moment.]

[ She takes another long drink]


Sharon: I just think it’s so barbaric, killing helpless animals!

[ Ashley was one of the FEW people that could leave Sharon a bit flustered at times. But personal habits aside, the girl was a bonafied top model. She was WILDLY popular in the male 18-34 demographic, helping to draw much of the male audience during various sports seasons, and other related campaigns. She also participated in the cross promotional, network sponsored “Supermodels vs Jocks” representing supermodels! Her take down of her jock opponent in the gauntlet competition was…as Vivica described…”EPIC”, and earned the agency a whole new legion of fans and admirers. She delivered on the runway, and in print, and so, Sharon was willing to look the other way, or at least PRETEND she understood the girl’s rather ODD behavior off the runway. ]

[ Sharon turns to look back at Ashley. The leopard cub was purring contentedly in her arms, and Sharon stared at them both. She almost FORGOT what she wanted to tell Ashley about just now.]

 

[Valkyrie]

Sharon's Office

Ashley followed Sharon deeper into her office, stroking the leopard.

How can you kill animals!?

She looked down at the cat in her arms.

"I enjoy it."

I just think it’s so barbaric, killing helpless animals!

"Oh, Sharon."

Ashley's eyes raised to Sharon's, and she scoffed.

"Those shoes you're wearing? Dead helpless animals. Your handbag? Dead helpless animal. Your lunch? Dead helpless animals. At least when I do it, the animals have a fighting chance."

She kissed the top of the cat's head.

"So, Lorna made it sound like someone was dying around here and I had to get back right away - what was it you wanted to see me about?"

 

[Recall]

Ava: "Viv!"

"Like nails on a chalkboard."

"Ayves!"

Ava: "Looking as gorgeous as ever. Is that a new lip color? It makes you look so young."

:: Vivica smirked as the two exchanged an air kiss. ::

"Well it better, what with all the money they are paying me for their campaign! You remember the thrill of being booked, right?"'

:: Ava brushed past Vivica as the two eyed each other up and down. She watched as Ava sat her purse down on the table, and she eyed it approvingly. The bitch had good taste. She stared at Ava knowingly as she leaned against the table in the conference room, taking a minute to check out the signature model's pupils, again smirking. ::

"Ooh, she's a bit coked up today, now isn't she? This should be fun."

Ava: "So...did you hear Morgaine might be coming back?"

:: Vivica nodded and relaxed her stance a bit. The only time Vivica and Ava truly got along was when they were talking shit about the other models at KMA. It was how they bonded. ::

"Oh I heard alright. Which is fine, but we should all probably start flying private if she does."

:: Vivica smirked. ::

"And come on, Morgaine was a lot more fun at parties than say...Marissa, am I right? Speaking of the brown noser herself? I'm suprised she hasn't showed up yet. She never misses an opportunity to squack around and flex her honches."

:: Thinking for a moment. ::

"Did Sharon tell you what this is all about? Seems a bit odd to call all of us here. And hearing that she's been searching for Morgaine..it's a little fishy. You think she might be coming loose...what with what happened to her.... ALLEGEDLY...so close to this time?"

 

[Persephone]

Vivica: "Ayves!"

Ava resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she air kissed Vivica and complimented her on her lipstick. It did wonder for her ever aging face.

Vivica: "Well it better, what with all the money they are paying me for their campaign! You remember the thrill of being booked, right?"'

Ava sneered her way into a laugh while brushing past Vivica.

"Of course! Oh! Didn't Sharon tell you? I'm the new face of Yve Saint Laurent. I'll make sure to send you some sample packs of the anti aging cream."

Smiling sweetly as she leaned her hip against the table.

"You know how fickle this business is."

Ava and Vivica could go on for hours just shit talking about each other in the most subtle way possible that any other person would assume they were just close friends who were brutally honest. But no. They hated each other. But what they hated even more were the models in KMA who didn't put the work in to get where they were. That was ONE quality Ava respected about Vivica. The bitch knew how to work HARD. So Ava switched the topic to Morgaine and how supposedly she was being brought back.

Vivica: "Oh I heard alright. Which is fine, but we should all probably start flying private if she does."

Ava let out a laugh of disbelief. Vivica didn't mince words, that was for certain. Morgaine's deceased family clearly not off limits.

"Brutal."

Vivica: "And come on, Morgaine was a lot more fun at parties than say...Marissa, am I right? Speaking of the brown noser herself? I'm suprised she hasn't showed up yet. She never misses an opportunity to squack around and flex her honches."

Rolling her eyes, Ava scoffed out.

"Oh I had a nice chat with her this morning when she was blowing up my phone hysterical about Zach taking photos of a new model. I've never met someone so insecure and dramatic in my entire life. Bitch needs some downers and ass BAD."

Laughing with Vivica as she slid onto the table and crossed her legs at the knee. Ava's eyes scanned down Vivica's body and to her legs, tilting her head and looking at them appreciatively. Bards aside, the bitch had a nice body.

Vivica: "Did Sharon tell you what this is all about? Seems a bit odd to call all of us here. And hearing that she's been searching for Morgaine..it's a little fishy. You think she might be coming loose...what with what happened to her.... ALLEGEDLY...so close to this time?"

Ava shrugged casually.

"Word through the grapevine is Sally's new collection is done and she wants to do a private show. Apparently she specifically asked for Morg."

Ava dared not say anything about Sharon and the...alleged accident. Hell, that was her boss, and you never know who was one of her little birds that fed her information. Ava may have been high, but not stupid.

"I'm guessing Sharon wants to go over all the details of the show with us? Sign privacy agreements...blah, blah, blah."

Picking up her phone, Ava sighed as she looked at the time.

"Sharon's never late. What time did she tell you to be here? She told me three o'clock, it's already three twenty...."

 

[Silver Swan]

Kelly Modeling Agency- Sharon's Office

"Oh, Sharon."

Ashley's eyes raised to Sharon's, and she scoffed.

[Sharon leaned on her desk a bit]

"Those shoes you're wearing?

[ Sharon's silver eyes briefly dart down at her high heels]

Dead helpless animals.

[ She looks back at Ashley]

Your handbag? Dead helpless animal. Your lunch? Dead helpless animals. At least when I do it, the animals have a fighting chance."

She kissed the top of the cat's head.

[ by now, Sharon was standing back up again, and pacing. She stopped for a moment to take another drink, and quickly pour herself another]

Gimme a break, will ya, Ashley?

[ She said in a rather exasperated tone as she stared at Ashley and the leopard once more in disbelief]

"So, Lorna made it sound like someone was dying around here and I had to get back right away - what was it you wanted to see me about?"

[ It was almost as if SHE TOO knew what happened to Marissa, but that was impossible. LORNA wouldn't have told her something like that over the phone. Sharon faltered for a moment, but then she snapped out of it, and got back to business]

Sally Spectra is unveiling a new collection. Shes having a private show, and she wants ALL her favorite models, you were named. Can you make it?

Ashley: I wouldn't miss it!

Sharon: Good. We'll all...

[ Gesturing with her hands]

....fly up there tomorrow morining in that infamous cable car, it'll be a weekend long engagement. Be here at 8 o'clock sharp!

[ She stops and looks at the leopard again]

And DON'T bring your little orphan.

[ Giving Ashley that "I'm not kidding" glare, since she knew how mischievious Ashley could be at times]

Now, I want you to go down to the conference room. We're going to have a meeting. Ava and Vivica are already there, and now Zach, and Jackie Deveraux.

 

[Recall]

Ava: "Word through the grapevine is Sally's new collection is done and she wants to do a private show. Apparently, she specifically asked for Morg."

:: Vivica's eyes flashed with a bit of dazzle. Personal relationships aside, she was a businesswoman. Walking in a private fashion show for one of the world's most colorful fashion mavens was not only an honor, it was one hell of an increase in salary. ::

"Fuck Evangalista..I'm worth $15,000."

:: For a moment, Vivica's mind went to Morgaine. She had not seen the woman in quite some time, but her online presence was intriguing. Though it was not in an official capacity, with the changing landscape of the modeling world, Vivica had been one of the first to crack the code on modeling in the new millenium. You couldn't just be a pretty face, you had to keep that face out there and you needed to enthrall audiences that no longer looked to the glossy pages of magazines to tell them what was fashion and who was in. While there was people like Cameron King who could still make an break a career with his words, things were different now, and Vivica took it upon herself to help the other girls at KMA figure out what their "brand" was at models. Vivica was the urban fashionista. She had spent years doing editorial and swim wear, but when she went online, she found a new and untapped market - and she made a killing. Ava's pages were flooded with gothic glamour. She was the high fashion femme fatale. Ashley was the bad girl. The hot blonde you could take to a gala and then big game hunting. She appealed to everybody. Morgaine was something different all together. Her posting was infrequent. She didn't use tags, she showed up in the most bizarre and beautiful locations and her pictures still received upwards of hundreds of thousands of likes. You couldn't buy the kind of enigmatic mystery that Morgaine had. So Sally trying to get her to show up was a smart move. ::

"A Spectra Fashion Show starring Morgaine..well, if that doesn't get me a little wet and bring me back to 1998 I don't what would!"

:: Vivica noticed Ava's glossing over of what happened to Sharon, and that was probably for the best. ::

Ava: "I'm guesing Sharon wants to go over all the details of the show with us? Sign privacy agreements...blah, blah, blah."

:: And that was about enough small talk for one day. Vivica grabbed her phone and tapped away at the screen. ::

Ava: "Sharon's never late. What time did she tell you to be here? She told me three o'clock, it's already three twenty.."

"She said three. It is a bit strange. And where is everybody else? I mean not that we couldn't pull it off, but people line up for a Spectra party. Where are the other girls?"

:: Grabbing her phone she looked at Ava and gave her a knowing smile. ::

"Speaking of a two woman show. You know what I need to do."

:: She watched Ava roll her eyes. ::

Ava: "Oh god no."

"Come on, Ayves. Do it for the gram."[/i]

:: Eventually Ava acquiesed and the two women stood next to each other, shoulder to shoulder as Vivica lifted her phone. The two did several poses, pouted their lips and gave full on face as Vivica pulled down her phone and posted the picture to social media. ::

#SistersinFashion #KellyGirls

:: The like notifications FLOODED Vivica's phone screen as she looked back up at Ava. ::

"Should we go looking for them? Or at least find Lorna? Maybe we got something wrong?"

 

[Artemis]

Kelly Modeling Agency- To the conference room

"It'd be my pleasure."

He said warmly, and he rested his hand on the small of Jackie's back as he escorted her out of Sharon's office. The elevator dinged open then, and who should be standing there, but none other than Ashley, fresh off her safari, with an adorable little leopard cub nestled gloriously against her bosom. Lucky little fucker. That was closer than Zach had ever gotten. Ashley slinked toward him, with a look on her face like she wanted to devour him. But then, Ash looked at everybody like that. Case in point, the way her gaze drank in Jackie's entire presentation. Zach chuckled, rubbing Jackie's back reassuringly.

"Easy Ashley. You'll frighten her away. It's only her FIRST DAY."

:: Jackie was suitably started by the appearance of a tall, woman, and a..::

LEOPARD!?

:: Her hazel eyes widen for a moment but Zach reassures her and holds her steady. The woman was gorgeous, and she eyed Jackie very intensely::

"Nice lines indeed."

:: Jackie didn't mind the attention. The lines in the world of fashion and entertainment often blurred, and as Madonna said: "Beauty's where you find it!"::

:: The woman slid between them, and Jackie felt her confidence, and took in her pleasant scent as well. She clearly enjoyed a game of "cat and mouse" with Zach, and so, the newest Kelly Girl stood back and watched, keeping it cool as Zach and Ashley bantered back and forth, with Ashley even implying that Jackie should start the top, with HER.:"

So THIS is the one who likes girls. Shes magnificent! She ALSO put Zach into overdrive.

Zach swallowed HARD, his heart skipping a beat. Ashley pulled back tauntingly, her eyes locking with his, just daring him to say something. He wanted to beg her to let him take pictures too, but instead he just cleared his throat, and reached out with one hand to scratch the little fuzzy leopard cub on the chin. It made the most precious little noise.

"Aww. I wanna buy this little one an anaconda to play with. Then the two of you can bond over how much you enjoy teasing up snakes."

He deadpanned, and then guided Jackie into the elevator Ash had just vacated. Ashley and her new little pet disappeared into Sharon's office, and the elevator doors closed on Zach and Jackie.

WOW!

:: Jackie says with a bit of a laugh, and a big smile on her face::

"So that's Ashley. She's really harmless, I promise. You might have to explain to her that you're not into girls, she always thinks I'm trying to stake my claim when I tell her stuff like that."

I never explain anything.

:: She said with a smirk.::

The world is too big, and life is too short.

I know what I like...but you never know when the opportunity to at least TRY something DIFFERENT will be too good to pass up!


:: Apparently there was a sort of "menu" around here, and Jackie had no reason to pretend like she wouldnt sample ALL the delights that were available. Of course, one of the main courses was RIGHT in front of her, and it was more than a little intriguing to watch Zach and Ashley in that little "dance" they did.::

"Congrats on getting invited to Sally's. I hope you're down to party. She throws the best soirees."

:: Jackie was DEFINITELY thrilled. Being included in the cast for a Spectra Fashion Show!? This was proof that ambition and assertiveness in a woman was NOT a bad thing, despite what some would say.::

Thank you!

Though I would be wrong not to admit that I had a nice...

:: Moving closer to him::

...helping hand in getting here.

:: Looking at him with her hypnotic hazel eyes again::

Allow me to express MY gratitude!

:: And with that, she leans in, and kisses him, and WHAT a kiss!::

:: and just as she enveloped him...::

:ING!::

:: The elevator reaches the floor of the conference room::

:: Jackie would be sure to enjoy the MAIN COURSE, but for now...::

Shall we go?

 

[Ruby]

Casa de Spectra – Study



:: Cassandra was working on some paperwork at a desk in Sally’s study…while at the same time throwing daggers at Alek Hallbjörn with her ice-blue eyes. ::

Like THAT is even a real name. He probably saw it as the name of a store somewhere in Norway or Finland and thought that that would make a cool last name.

:: Rolling her eyes for the millionth time, she turned back to her paperwork. Alek was one of Sally’s ‘strays’ – and if Cassandra had had HER way, a stray was all he would’ve BEEN. But Sally apparently couldn’t pass on ANYBODY with a dick. ::

:: But then, CASSANDRA could be considered a ‘stray’ herself. At sixteen, Cass found herself alone and on the streets after both her parents were killed in a car crash. Though her parents were both wealthy, she couldn’t touch her inheritance until she turned twenty one. But she was nothing if not a survivor, and though she had plenty of offers from friends of her parents for her to stay with them, it wouldn’t have felt like a HOME and so she decided to go her own way. However, it wasn’t long until she had a sleazy boyfriend and ended up living with him. He introduced her to drugs and other unsavoury vices. He also had a HUGE temper and ended up beating Cass, blaming HER for ALL of HIS shortcomings. ::

:: They had a VERY unhealthy relationship, and the turning point for Cass was when she ended up pregnant at seventeen. Knowing that she was with child changed Cass, and so she quit the drugs cold turkey and tried to distance herself from Johnny’s activities. That angered Johnny and so Cass found herself waking up in a hospital room one day with a police officer by her bedside. She bravely told him what happened and he was kind enough to take her to a women’s shelter where she was safer than safe from Johnny while the NYPD built a case around him [apparently he had more than several horrible secrets he had kept from her]. ::

:: And so, at eighteen, Cass found herself living at the shelter of which SALLY SPECTRA herself was patron of. While there, she encountered the larger than life fashion maven herself who, after hearing Cass’ story, took her under her wing and became a surrogate mother as well as mentor, after seeing the pieces of exquisite sewing that Cass did in her spare time while working at the shelter. Sally ‘adopted’ Cass, now going by her full name of “Cassandra”, and brought her to live at her grand mansion, Casa de Spectra. Because Cassandra was still traumatized by all that Johnny had exposed her to – she was wary of strangers and would have near nervous breakdowns over the lavish parties Sally would throw – Sally got her an elderly emotional support cat, Simba, who calmed her down and made her feel safe with his purrs and loving kisses and fluffy fur. Simba also gave her back her confidence and soon, with both Simba and Sally by her side, Cassandra got back to where she was supposed to be. ::

:: Her beloved Simba had died a few months ago, and so she now had a new kitten to provide her with emotional support and personal safety. Maxie and Cassandra bonded right away and it seemed as if Maxie understood Cassandra’s slight disability and anticipated her mama’s every move. Though Cassandra was doing exceptionally well, she was still prone to PTSD-like episodes therefore she still needed an emotional support animal. ::

:: Cassandra was now reading something while stroking Maxie who was curled up in a tiny ball on her lap, purring away gently. She felt eyes on her so she looked up to find that ALEK was staring at her with eyes wide open. Cassandra huffed and made sure that Sally was busy talking to Sharon before she stuck her tongue out at the guy. Juvenile gesture to be sure, but what else could she do? ::

Sally: “NOW, darling, what i want....are ALL of my favorites: Ava, Ashley, Vivica, Marissa, MORGAINE! Now the show will be PRIVATE; just a few of the TOP buyers, the most weighted editors, and of course, Cameron King.”

:: Cassandra looked up at the ceiling and audibly GROANED. She didn’t know who she disliked more: Alek or CAMERON. At least Alek However-You-Pronounce-His-Last-Name never hit on her. Cameron seemed to hit on her every chance he got, as if THAT would help him gain favour with Sally. Apparently he never received the memo that all he needed was a dick to win Sally over. ::

His good looks are WASTED on him.

:: Cassandra made a face as that smug meathead WINKED at her. Ugh!! The only that was keeping her from going over there and wiping that smug look off his face was the thought of the surprise she had left in his bed. It was completely disengaged, meaning that it wouldn’t harm him AT ALL, but the thought still made her chuckle. ::

Alek: “Will any of them be, spending the night?”

:: Her shoulders shook with silent laughter. She hoped that one of them would be familiar with BEAR traps. One never knew what surprises might be found at Casa de Spectra. ::

Sally: “Alek, dear, start the preparations. We'll be receiving a dozen guests in just a couple of days. It'll be a reception, the show itself, and an afterparty.”

:: Though it meant more work for her, Cassandra couldn’t help but feel excited at the prospect of it all. Groaning inwardly, she knew that she would have to talk to Alek about beefing up security at some point but she would just have to suck it up. Sighing, she grabbed her phone and her bag, provoking Maxie to mewl upon the sudden shift of her legs, and stood up, Maxie jumping down and following her mama to the door. Once out of the study, Cassandra sat down in a nearby chair and proceeded to check her emails and calendar on her phone. Even though she wasn’t included in EVERY meeting that Sally had, she still liked to be close by in case Sally needed her for something. She was so reading emails on her phone that she automatically looked up when she heard her name. ::

Sally: “Work with Cassandra to get three of our designs ready for tomorrow's show, i want them to be in keeping with the theme of my collection. And I want YOU to be picture perfect.”

:: Cassandra brightened. She knew how hard Drew worked and she also knew that he wanted to break out on his own. She had been talking him up to Sally without him knowing; she just wanted Sally to give him credit that he deserved because he truly deserved it. Hopefully her last statement meant that she would finally acknowledge the excellent work that he has done – and will do. Sally came out and, nodding at the fashion maven, Cassandra headed back inside to find a joyous Drew beaming at her. Cassandra grinned back excitedly. Apparently Drew would finally get the credit that he deserved. Cassandra patted his back as she moved past him to finish the paperwork that was still on the desk. The next couple of days would be busy, busy, BUSY. ::