Ororo's Ghost Story III, Part 5

[Artemis]

In the garden

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

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

He crossed his arms and smirked.

:: Jackie exhales with slight annoyance, but does not open her eyes, or stop her routine as she stretches and changes positions.::

Maybe if I ignore him, he'll go away.

:: But he didn't...::

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

[watching her reaction]

:: Jackie, who was now standing up, finally opened her hazel eyes, and glared at him.::

You're sick. You have a nasty, suspicious mind.

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

I have no reason to hurt or kill anybody. Sharon, Zach, Morgaine, ALL of them have been very kind and welcoming to me. They know the meaning of the word SUPPORT, which is more than can be said for YOU!

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

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

smirking again.

:: Jackie looked at him in disbelief::

You're so disrespectful. Ashley wouldn't hurt Morgaine, they were very close!

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

:: That didn't make any sense. She saw Morgaine and Ashley on the cable car. They were close and comfortable with each other. Why would Ashley be jealous of Morgaine and Zach? She didn't seem to be the type to worry about anybody like that, and she had a strong(er) preference for WOMEN anyway. But Then there was that moment last night, when Cameron revealed that Zach was the last person to see Morgaine alive, that he'd been with her. Ashley seemed to be..."taken aback" by that. Still, that was HARDLY a reason for her to brutally murder someone she called a sister!::

::Jackie was at a disadvantage. She DIDN'T know these people, not as well as even someone like CAMERON did. She WAS the new girl, and while she'd got on well with Zach, Morgaine, Ashley and the others, how much did she really know? She'd kept her own "hand" close to her chest, as it were. Revealing what she felt she should, but holding back the rest. It was a tactic that had served her well many times in many situations, but just as the momentum was building in her favor, and she'd scored her first professional achievement as a model, last night changed EVERYTHING, and suddenly she found herself wondering what was all this for!?::

:: This WAS a family, one that she'd only just been RECENTLY welcomed into . ALL families have secrets and dysfunction, sometimes those combine to create something FATAL. What if that's what this was? Her mama WARNED her about letting her guard down around certain kinds of people, and she'd be held to different standards than others when push came to shove.::

::ultimately, she began to wonder if she was just being USED, treated as a novelty, and ultimately dismissed by the "in crowd" when she no longer interested them.::

:: the wind whistled a bit, as Jackie's hair blew slightly to the side::

:: She suddenly became all to aware of the disadvantage she was operating with, and Cameron must have sensed that he'd struck a nerve, as he saw a look wash over her face.::

Cameron moved closer.

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

How could he possibly....

:: Had one of them TOLD him? Her mind was ablaze with thoughts, and feelings, one being agitation, the other being ANGER, and before she could even THINK about what she was doing, she SLAPPED Cameron right across the face. ::

You stay away from me, you slimy little WORM!

Morgaine told me ALL about you, and I'm not here for your fuckery!

 

[Prophet]

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

<< SLAP! >>

Cameron's face was jolted back for a moment as the sting of the slap settled in on his face. He rubbed it for a moment, with a half look of surprise on his face as well as condescension. He smiled and sniffled his nose for a moment.

Jackie: "You stay away from me, you slimy little WORM! Morgaine told me ALL about you, and I'm not here for your fuckery!"

She began to turn around to walk away as Cameron GRABBED her by the arm and pulled her back into his direction. He gritted his teeth for a moment, his eyes full of rage and intensity, his grip VERY tight.

"Listen here you little BITCH. You may be new around here, but allow me to spell a few things out for you. YOU?! Are nothing special. A white washed Vivica who's not pretty enough to be an Ava. Your modeling days are LIMITED. And watching you trot around like some stray dog that's just happy to have been adopted let's me know that if there is one thing you want, honey, it's FAME."

He gripped her tightly AGAIN. His tone becoming more venomous.

"You want longevity in this business? You want FAME?! *I* can make it happen for you. When the calls stop coming, I can say "she's focusing more on her empire!" or "She's becoming very involved with the business side of modeling and fashion." I can craft a narrative that will take you into the next thirty years the second I hit the SEND button!"

A devilish grinned crawled up on his face, causing Jackie to become very unsettled.

"So I don't care WHAT Morgaine has told you. As smart and insightful as you think her to be, she still couldn't avoid the quick thrashing of a steel blade in her stomach. If you want to walk out of this mansion with any SEMBLANCE of a career, you'll do well to keep your goddamn hands to yourself and INDULGE my inquisitive nature!"

Cameron squeezed her arm. AGAIN.

"Perhaps I shouldn't have BOTHERED. You'll probably be DEAD before we ever get out of this place!"

 

[Artemis]

In the garden

She began to turn around to walk away as Cameron GRABBED her by the arm and pulled her back into his direction. He gritted his teeth for a moment, his eyes full of rage and intensity, his grip VERY tight.

:: she felt herself no longer in control of her movement or direction, and a flash of pain!::

AH!

:: She wasn't expecting him to recover and move so quickly, AND he was stronger than he looked!::

:: Now he had her in his grasp, TIGHTLY gripping her arm, which he had managed to twist behind her back.::

"Listen here you little BITCH. You may be new around here, but allow me to spell a few things out for you. YOU?! Are nothing special. A white washed Vivica who's not pretty enough to be an Ava. Your modeling days are LIMITED. And watching you trot around like some stray dog that's just happy to have been adopted let's me know that if there is one thing you want, honey, it's FAME."

You...get your hands OFF me!

:: her first attempt to pull away was might with his tightening grip, he was like a python!::

He gripped her tightly AGAIN. His tone becoming more venomous.

"You want longevity in this business? You want FAME?! *I* can make it happen for you. When the calls stop coming, I can say "she's focusing more on her empire!" or "She's becoming very involved with the business side of modeling and fashion." I can craft a narrative that will take you into the next thirty years the second I hit the SEND button!"

A devilish grinned crawled up on his face, causing Jackie to become very unsettled.

:: Jackie looked suitably startled in this moment, but she began to regulate her breathing, even as Cameron continued to gloat, and threaten her.::

"So I don't care WHAT Morgaine has told you. As smart and insightful as you think her to be, she still couldn't avoid the quick thrashing of a steel blade in her stomach. If you want to walk out of this mansion with any SEMBLANCE of a career, you'll do well to keep your goddamn hands to yourself and INDULGE my inquisitive nature!"

:: She remembered Morgaine's words to her on the cable car::


I had a life BEFORE I came to the Kelly Modeling Agency, and I STILL have one, I live my life MY way and no one, ESPECIALLY you, is going to tell me what to do!

Now I am WARNING you....if you don't let me go right now, you're going to REGRET IT!

Cameron squeezed her arm. AGAIN.

"Perhaps I shouldn't have BOTHERED. You'll probably be DEAD before we ever get out of this place!"

:: She shut her eyes as he spoke about Morgaine, and then threatened HER, dismissing her as if she were incapable of looking out for herself and surviving this...NIGHTMARE that they were all facing. He insulted her on MULTIPLE levels, including that colorist remark regarding herself and Vivica. The look on her face, the FLASH in her hazel eyes side it all...she was moving away from shock to RAGE. His mocking her, writing her as just another waiting victim was what proved to be the last straw.::

That's IT

You... FIRST!

:: she SLAMS her foot down on his, then delivers an elbow to his stomach. Using that moment with him suitably startled and winded, she expands, and twists loose from his grip, taking his hand and arm, and executing a judo shoulder throw, she shows that SHE is stronger than she looks as she throws him over her shoulder and sends him down to the ground::

Don't you EVER touch me again!

:: She bellows as she stands over him::

I don't know HOW you've lasted this long, why someone hasn't punched YOUR ticket after all the terrible things you've said and done...but whatever went on before? It WON'T be happening TODAY or EVER with me, I can PROMISE you that.

:: he looked up at her, with a look in his eye that said he wasn't finished with her yet....she backed up, and got into a fighting stance.::

Come at me.

:: She said coldly. If he wanted to try and assert dominance over her...try to "BREAK HER" in some odd, misguided notion of initiation, he was going to get a lesson in HUMILITY he more than richly deserved.::

:: Vivica, who was watching from the patio, was no doubt truly surprised to see that Jackie apparently had STRONG skill as a martial artist, something that until this moment, only Sharon and Zach were aware of. ::

 

[Recall]

She had gotten drunk and spent the night spooning Ashley, allowing herself to sleep. When she awoke in the morning, relieved she was alive, she quickly ate breakfast and made herself scarce. Vivica hadn't forgotten what she had told Ashley the night before. She was very suspicious of Jackie and she planned on getting to the bottom of her feelings.

Vivica was the always the one to call when you wanted to stalk your ex-boyfriend or break into his phone to read his text messages and she was applying these skills in tracking Jackie. From a safe distance she watched Jackie do some sort of meditation and yoga routine, an unsettling thing to be doing in such a chaotic situation. Sure, they could all use a bit of peace, but to be peacocking around the courtyard like that was a bit unusual. But everything about Jackie was unusual. She had inserted herself into the KMA Inner Circle so quickly, with such support from Zach and Sharon. Normally, it would have taken a girl YEARS to get there, but it seemed like Jackie had learned how to win friends and influence people, but Vivica couldn't help but wonder if there was something beneath the surface of Jackie. And it became clear that she was correct when she saw Cameron King approach her.

"Oh this should be good..."

Cameron looked exactly as he did a few days before. Like none of this was even effecting him in the slightest. It was scary, but the fact that he was approaching Jackie led Vivica to believe that perhaps Cameron had the same questions about Jackie that SHE did, and so she did her best to try and hear the exchange between the two of them.

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

Vivica gritted her teeth in anger. Cameron King was such a pompous and infuriating man. Did he care at ALL what had happened to Morgaine, or was he just going around planting seeds to get SOMETHING to erupt so he could point it out? Ashley wasn't a murderer. Especially not to Morgaine. She was one of the few that could find Morgaine when she dissappeared. There was no way she had a hand in ending the woman's life. Still...Jackie defended Morgaine and the others, and if there was anybody she wouldn't have had to do that with, it would have been Cameron. Everyone knew he was trouble. She could have confessed to him and nobody would believe him at this point. So to see this, it made her think perhaps Jackie was innocent.

"What the..."

It appeared the altercation got a little more heated as she watched Jackie smack Cameron for all of mankind and attempted to leave. Cameron GRABBED her by the arm like the spineless PIG that he was and began to speak in a low and VENOMOUS tone, one that she couldn't make out what he was saying. Jackie looked scared and intimidated and it made Vivica's cheeks flush with anger. She made a fist with her hands and was about to run in and save the day when all of a sudden...

You... FIRST!

:: she SLAMS her foot down on his, then delivers an elbow to his stomach. Using that moment with him suitably startled and winded, she expands, and twists loose from his grip, taking his hand and arm, and executing a judo shoulder throw, she shows that SHE is stronger than she looks as she throws him over her shoulder and sends him down to the ground::

Don't you EVER touch me again!

:: She bellows as she stands over him::

I don't know HOW you've lasted this long, why someone hasn't punched YOUR ticket after all the terrible things you've said and done...but whatever went on before? It WON'T be happening TODAY or EVER with me, I can PROMISE you that.

:: he looked up at her, with a look in his eye that said he wasn't finished with her yet....she backed up, and got into a fighting stance.::

Come at me.

:: She said coldly. If he wanted to try and assert dominance over her...try to "BREAK HER" in some odd, misguided notion of initiation, he was going to get a lesson in HUMILITY he more than richly deserved.::

:: Vivica, who was watching from the patio, was no doubt truly surprised to see that Jackie apparently had STRONG skill as a martial artist, something that until this moment, only Sharon and Zach were aware of. ::

Vivica's eyes widened as Jackie made QUICK work of Cameron, show casing a kind of skill and tenacity she hadn't seen before. Just as soon as her fears and had been proven unfounded about Jackie did they rise up again. This woman definitely appeared...DEADLY. She decided that it wasn't enough to break this up herself. She needed back up. She remembered the others were saying goodbye to Ashley who was about to repel down the mountain. She bolted towards the path, appearing in front of everyone in a huff!

"You guys..come quick...Jackie and Cameron are fighting! Like...physically fighting with each other! I mean..Jackie is kind of whooping his ass, but we gotta break this up! Come on let's go!"

 

[Valkyrie]

Outside

Ashley had woken up grouchy, and alone, which made her even more grouchy. Obviously Vivica was still alive, and so were Ava, Zach and Sharon. With that sorted, she moved on to the issue at hand. The breakfast was not what she would have come to expect at Sally's, but it was just as well. She needed fuel, not gourmet - nothing that would slow her down. She still intended to scale down the mountain. It might be a long climb, but after all, down was much easier than up.

When breakfast had ended she had changed into climbing gear, shorts that fit like a second skin for easy movement, and a long sleeve Under Armour top with her climbing shoes. Her gear was slung over her shoulder as she marched outside to the cliff to prepare. She had promised to not leave without seeing Ava, but there was time. Zach, Sharon and the rich York girl were milling about. Ashley laid out all her gear on the ground to make sure she had everything. Luckily she had intended to do some climbing while she was here if she got a chance, so she had proper equipment. She shuddered to think what Alek would have handed her if she'd asked for a climbing rope.

Zizi: "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

Ashley laughed, more than a little condescendingly.

"I've done Kilimanjaro, Annapurna and the Matterhorn. I think I can handle it."

She glanced up, and saw that Zach looked worried. Good. She put her foot up on the railing to adjust her shoe. Which, of course, also gave an unobstructed view of her leg. Her eyes went to his and stayed there for a long moment, with intent.

"I'll already be by the fire in my room at that little B&B in Sleepy Hollow while you all are getting a chopper ride down."

She stood tall, then sauntered to where the onlookers were, brushing a hand over Zac's abs as she leaned over to speak in his ear.

"I'll leave a key at the front desk for you."

She turned to go back to her packing, but looked back and shrugged, an almost imperceptible movement of her shoulders.

"Maybe."

Just then, Viv came running over to them shouting.

"You guys..come quick...Jackie and Cameron are fighting! Like...physically fighting with each other! I mean..Jackie is kind of whooping his ass, but we gotta break this up! Come on let's go!"

"Kind of in the middle of something here, Viv."

She put her hands on her hips, perusing the assembled items.

"Let them fight it out. It'll be cathartic. For both of them."

 

[Berserker]

The Generator

"Shit shit SHIT!"

Alek swore loudly. He was standing in front of the generator, it's casing pulled open. Looking at one fried component after another. It was going to take a miracle to get this thing running again. It wasn't helping that he'd neither had a good night's sleep, or a hot breakfast. And the storm might have stopped, but it was still windy as hell. His hair kept whipping out of it's tie and flying into his eyes.

He selected a different sized wrench out of the toolbox at his feet, trying to get a clearer picture of the extent of the damage. And he silently prayed he had the parts on hand to fix it. He had no desire to stick around here while some psycho was around. He'd heard Ashley was going to try climbing down to the town. He was skeptical, but if she wanted to try, more power to her. He thought about hiking deeper into the mountains, away from the mansion, but he wasn't about to leave Sally on her own. Sally or Ava.

Ava.

He felt a need within him unlike anything he had previously experienced, to touch her, to have her. He'd known beautiful women before, lots of them, but there was just something about Ava that made her different. Made him want her, and badly. He laughed to himself, thinking that maybe now he understood how so many people she'd never met could be so in love with her.

But for her sake, for all their sake's, he needed to get the power back on, so they could get the fuck out of here. And hopefully find a bed and a bottle of scotch for the two of them.

"FUCK. ME."

He banged the wrench agains the generator casing. It was going to take him all day just to figure out which parts were broken, let alone fix the damn thing.

 

[Persephone]

Ava stayed up the duration of the night, sticking close to the wall so she could keep an eye on hers and Jackie's surroundings. She wasn't about to have some homicidal maniac sneak in through some secret entrance and stab her in the back. Hell, she already had enough models wanting to do that to her on a daily basis as it was. So while Jackie slept Ava kept watch. Throughout the night she noticed a shadow moving under the door as the lightning flickered. It stayed consistent, never trying to get in, but never leaving either. She realized it was someone laying outside the door when a small corner of a blanket slipped under the frame. She had an idea of who it was....but didn't leave the safety of the wall. Not until morning.

The storm soon cleared and the morning sun rose high in the sky. She had made it through the night and no one tried to break down the door and kill them. So either the killer was satisfied with murdering Morganine, murdered everyone else and spared her and Jackie, or Jackie was the killer and was exhausted from her Alfred Hitchcock moment with Morgaine and spared Ava her life. Either way, Ava was getting the fuck off that mountain before her luck decided to run out.

Heading down to meet with everyone else, breakfast was prepared but Ava decided on her three favorite food groups instead: coffee, coke, and Xanax. After a much needed pick me up, she spoke with Ashley and unsuccessfully tried to talk her out of scaling the damn mountain like a super hero to get help. Ashley was the most stubborn person she knew, so it was like talking to a brick wall. So while Ashley geared up, Ava left, unable to watch her friend go on a possible suicide mission. She began to head back toward the house but hesitated as she reached the path that went to the cable car. She overheard Sally say that Alek was working on the generators, and if Ava was right, he was the one that was stationed outside of hers and Jackie's room all night.

Walking up the path, she heard his voice as he angrily yelled, obviously frustrated with whatever he was trying to fix. As she approached closer, thats when she saw him, even more brooding and sexy than normal. His hair was tied back but pieces whipped around in the wind, similar to Ava's loose wavy locks of hair. Tucking what she could behind her ear, Alek began to hit the generator with the a metal tool.

Alek: "FUCK ME!"

"Only if you ask nicely."

Ava couldn't help but smile, taking a cautious step forward seeing the anger rolling off him like steam. Wrapping her arms tightly around her body in an effort to stay warm, her midnight eyes met with his piercing blue, strands of hair still obstructing her view.

"No luck?"

It was a stupid question, but hell, what else was she supposed to say? Glad you didn't get axed to death outside my bedroom door last night? But realistically, Ava knew she had to thank him. He didn't need to stay outside hers and Jackie's room, but he did anyway.

"I wanted to thank you....I know you were outside my room all night..."

She was terrible at being vulnerable.

"I mean, that does constitute as stalking..."

Cracking a smile for a moment to show she was joking, Ava's face then became more serious once again as she stepped closer to him.

"But seriously...you didn't have to do that, Alek..."

 

[Orion]

Casa de Spectra — Sharon’s Suite

It was a rough night for Zach. First of all, his mind was filled with worry. Every creak and groan of the old mansion alerted him. There were a couple of times he got out of bed and almost stalked the halls to look for trouble, but the thought of leaving Sharon unprotected while everyone else was paired with someone to keep them safe, made Zach stay put. Still, he dreaded the idea of waking up to find another model killed. Any of them would have been an unbearable loss.

Dawn was breaking before he finally closed his eyes. It felt like he barely slept at all, but by the time the bedroom was filled with rays of light, he was wide awake again. Sharon was cuddled up next to him, her head on his shoulder, her hand on his chest. It was kind of nice, but it wasn’t something he should get used to. When things went back to normal, Sharon would too, and Zach would be waking up next to whoever else he could convince to spend the night with him. He sighed, and extracted himself from her embrace gently, trying not to wake her.

He started the day with a shower, since he was pretty sure Sharon wasn’t in the mood for his morning routine. He dressed in the same clothes from last night, and since the storm was gone and daylight was pouring into the manse, he felt comfortable heading down the the dining hall and getting a couple of plates of breakfast. He was relieved to see everyone milling around the buffet table, apparently having survived the night. He piled food onto two plates and took it back to Sharon’s room, nudging her awake with an offering (because she woke up cranky otherwise), and somewhat happily telling her everyone was still accounted for. He was still wound up, but at least there was good news.

Now he was standing by what he was pretty sure was the most dangerous cliff on earth, watching Ash strapping on some climbing gear and getting ready to rappel. It was super hot, but Zach was struggling against the urge to grab Ashley by the shoulders and tell her not to go. What if her hand slipped? What if the rock face gave way? What if some fucking lunatic came by and cut her rope? It was too dangerous. He’d rather have her up here on the mountain with him, safe and sound. They could wait for Alek to finish fixing the generators. And if Alek was a useless clown who couldn’t fix anything? Zach would still be pleased to be ‘stuck’ up here with her. But how could he say that, without making a total fool of himself, or worse, giving her the impression that he didn’t think she was capable of this task? Zizi became his hero when she gave voice to his concerns.

Zizi: Are you sure this is a good idea?

Ashley laughed, and Gods, it was a wonderful sound. She didn’t seem at ALL intimidated by her mission. Her confidence calmed Zach a little, and turned him on a little more.

Ash: I've done Kilimanjaro, Annapurna and the Matterhorn. I think I can handle it.

You THINK??

He thought in alarm. She put her foot up on a rail to tie her shoe. Zach immediately wanted to put her up on the railing. Gods, he’d love to have those legs wrapped around his waist. His eyes traveled up the rest of her body, and he found she was looking right at him. Oops, caught in the act. His smile asked ‘but can you blame me?’ She stared at him for a moment. He didn’t bother hiding the lust in his gaze. He wondered if he could make her stay with an indecent proposal.

Ash: I'll already be by the fire in my room at that little B&B in Sleepy Hollow while you all are getting a chopper ride down.

Zach was silent as he contemplated what he’d do to Ash by the fire. She came over to touch him, and talk his his ear. He almost abandoned self control right then and there.

Ash: I'll leave a key at the front desk for you. Maybe.

“Maybe??”

He asked, his tone incredulous. Viv came rushing over, saying something about Jackie fighting Cameron. Zach stared at Ash for a second more, and then looked over at Sharon.

“You can intervene if you must, but there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that I’m going to save Cameron King from getting his ass kicked. Jackie can handle herself. I’m gonna double check Ash’s gear....”

He said, as Ash stepped into a waist harness and started to tighten the straps. Zach moved in behind her to ‘help’ her with the straps. He started by pressing the entire front of his body against the back of hers, and wrapping his arms around her. Helping involved some close reaching and touching, and Zach looked over her shoulder and down her body. Now this was a fantastic view. He put his mouth next to her ear. It took everything he had to keep his lips off her neck, but he managed.

“Maybe.”

He said in a low tone, and he scoffed.

“Maybe I ought to drag you back inside and have my way with you.”

He suggested, as his fingers nimbly adjusted and snugged down the straps around her thighs.

“Hmm, but maybe I ought to make you earn it first before I fuck you senseless.”

 

[Valkyrie]

The Cliff

When she finished with her shoe, she casually ran her hand up her leg. She was glad to see it was having the desired effect on Zach. He deserved a little punishment after walking that plain girl to her room and leaving HER high and dry.

The York girl questioned her ability, which she quickly squashed with her resume. It was a cliche, but Ashley actually was more than a pretty face. She reassured them that she would be sipping whiskey by the fire while the rescue team she sent was shuttling them down to the town. She made sure to insinuate that there might be room for two in her room that night.

“You can intervene if you must, but there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that I’m going to save Cameron King from getting his ass kicked. Jackie can handle herself. I’m gonna double check Ash’s gear....”

She was about to say she didn’t need him to check her gear, but in all honesty, it was just good practice to have another set of eyes on it. Plus her lips were curving into a smile because it was clearly a ruse to get close to her. Which she encouraged.

She pulled the harness on, while Zach stepped in behind her, pressing his body against hers. She knew what he was packing, of course, but it didn’t bother her to be reminded. And if the others went to break up the fight, a quickie wasn't out of the question. She might die, after all. She made a mental note to use that line if the opportunity presented itself.

“Maybe I ought to drag you back inside and have my way with you.”

“Do you think you could?”

An entirely pleased grin spread across her face. He was miffed about the maybe. Just as she'd intended. His hands were on her thighs, and she thought about putting them somewhere more useful.

“Hmm, but maybe I ought to make you earn it first before I fuck you senseless.”

She turned her upper body so she could see his face, the lust apparent there, the “nice guy” Zach replaced by his darker half. Which turned Ashley on immensely. She smiled and patted his cheek.

“Maybe you should have used your time last night more wisely.”

She turned her body back away from him and stretched one arm catlike up into the air and back to hook around his neck, while at the same time her hips pushed back into him. She tilted her head, so her breath was hot on his neck.

“I sleep naked, you know.”

 

[Berserker]

Outside

The generator was NOT cooperating. It was well and truly fucked. Which frustrated the hell out of him and made him hit the thing with his wrench screaming obscenities like a kid. He loudly uttered one particular phrase that was anatomically impossible. And then he realized he was not, in fact, alone.

"Only if you ask nicely. No luck?"

He turned, to see her smiling, standing there with the wind blowing her hair like it was some photoshoot. She looked fucking amazing. He turned back to the machine, reaching into the toolbox for a screwdriver, trying to keep what he was really thinking about off his face.

“It's fried all to hell. I don’t-“

He threw the screwdriver back down into the box.

“I don't know how long it’s going to take to fix.”

"I wanted to thank you....I know you were outside my room all night..."

He eyed her, embarassment creeping in at her thanks.

“Well, even if your employer would leave you alone in a room with someone you barely know, who was also the person who found one of your friends murdered, I wasn't about to.”

His tone was gruff, and his shoulders made a motion like a shrug.

"I mean, that does constitute as stalking..."

Finally he looked into her dark eyes.

“You’d be worth risking the restraining order.”

"But seriously...you didn't have to do that, Alek..."

She had stepped forward, and he watched her while he rubbed his hands clean on a rag.

“I don’t have to do anything.”

The corners of his mouth turned up into a smile.

“But I wanted to make sure you were safe.”

His smile widened.

“But if you knew I was there...you could have let me in.”

He shook his head.

“That floor was hard.”

 

[Persephone]

Ava could see the slightest bit of embarrassment creep into Alek's eyes after she thanked him for staying outside her door all night long. It was sweet, and made him seem less like Sally's buff eye candy and more like a gentleman.

Alek: “Well, even if your employer would leave you alone in a room with someone you barely know, who was also the person who found one of your friends murdered, I wasn't about to.”

Ava scoffed out a laugh and shook her head. At first it didn't dawn on her that Jackie could be the killer. The girl was sweet, naive, and new to the modeling world so Ava disregarded her as being a threat. But as she sat in the room alone with her thoughts, it made sense that suddenly when Jackie became a KMA model, Marissa ends up dead, Morgaine ends up dead, and JACKIE was the one to find her. So while Ava said she would keep an eye out, in reality, she was keeping an eye on Jackie as well.

"Yeah, I got the shit end of the deal with that pairing, huh? Remind me to fire Sharon for that."

Ava rolled her eyes with a smirk.

"Then rehire her for smaller commission percentage."

Of course Ava was kidding, but she was going to have words with Sharon as to why she was stuck with the new girl while she got to snuggle up with Zach. Regardless, Ava was terrible at being vulnerable and apologetic, so she cut the tension with a joke in regards to Alek stalking her.

Alek: “You’d be worth risking the restraining order.”

And of course he had to counter with that. Ava laughed.

"I don't know if I should be flattered or terrified."

Ava quipped with a smirk, their gaze holding for a long moment before she broke the silence and eye contact. She again thanked him and told him he didn't have to do what he did. He countered saying he did what he wanted and that he wanted to make sure she was safe. For a man who wanted to fuck every model that came to Sally's mansion, he was acting very protective over her in particular. It was slightly off putting, but also a little comforting at the same time. Ava could take care of herself, but knowing he wanted to as well? It was nice.

Alek: “But if you knew I was there...you could have let me in. That floor was hard.”

He smiled widely which made Ava grin in return.

"Poor baby."

Stepping closer to him, Ava took the dirty cloth from his hand and tossed it behind him into the tool box that sat on one of the generators.

"I thought you liked it hard?"

She slid her hands up his chest, her eyes never leaving his. If he was the killer, she'd rather die high and getting fucked than stuck in a room with a hysterical newbie model. Priorities.

"I know I do."

She lifted to her toes, Alek substantially taller than her despite her standing at 5'10. Her lips approached his, but just as Ava was about to pressed them against his, she dipped her head to the side and moved them to his ear. Sliding her hand around to the back of his neck, her breath was hot against the cold air creating a steam around them.

"I should let you get back to work...."

Pulling back, her midnight eyes locked with his as her one hand traveled down his shoulder, bicep, forearm, and finally to the palm of his hand; her fingers softly trailing the length of his.

"Put those hands to good use."

 

[Berserker]

Outside

"Yeah, I got the shit end of the deal with that pairing, huh? Remind me to fire Sharon for that. Then rehire her for smaller commission percentage."

He laughed, genuinely.

“Shrewd at business, I like that.”

She made another joke about stalking, and he told her seriously that it had been worth risking the testraining order.

"I don't know if I should be flattered or terrified."

He looked up at the sky, thinking about it for a minute.

“Probably a little of both.”

He chuckled, and told her she could have let him in the room if she'd known he was outside.

"Poor baby."

She was even closer now, and he swallowed hard.

"I thought you liked it hard? I know I do."

“Well, then, I think I have something you'll really like.”

She leaned up, and he thought she was going to kiss him and get this party started. But instead, he felt her fingers on the back of his neck as she whispered to him.

"I should let you get back to work...Put those hands to good use."

She looked into his eyes as her hand traveled down his arm to his hand. When her fingers threatened to leave tit, he grabbed her hand with his, and pulled her hard against him. Their faces were almost touching, and he looked like an animal sizing up another.

“I can't think of a better use for my hands than this.”

They had moved to her waist, and now he turned her quickly and pressed her body againt the side of generator. He had kept his eyes locked with hers, but now his mouth hungrily touched hers while his hand traveled down over her hip to her thigh.

 

[Silver Swan]

Outside the main entrance- cliff's edge


[ Zach had stayed with her, and at the last possible moment, he managed to articulate that he didn't want to sleep alone, and truth be told, neither did she. And so, when the darkness was almost immobilizing, they relied on each other, as they had many moons ago.]

[ The next day, the storm had largely blown itself out, and while the air was mild, it was also windy]

[ Sharon looked weary, even after a night's sleep. But she was still impeccably dressed. ]

[ She ate lightly at breakfast. Everyone, even Sally, was a bit more subdued, but they couldn't afford to forget last night, and that the need to get the the power restored, and get the police was paramount.]

[ To that end, Ashley was now suited up, and preparing to climb down the mountain. Sharon joined Zach, Zizi, and Zizi's new feline friend who were all standing near the cliff's edge.]

Ashley...I know you've done this many times before, but PLEASE be careful.

[ Ashley was as cool and confident as ever, but Sharon knew the woman had to be struggling over the unfortunate fact that had she not encouraged Morgaine to return to them, Morgaine would not have been here this weekend. NO ONE could have guessed what would happen, but she knew that this was weighing on Ashley. She'd known this girl almost as long she'd known Morgaine.]

[ As Ashley checked herself over, and secured the climbing rope to the railing, Zach was acting rather peculiar, as he fawned over Ashley, and even more curious, Ashley didn't seem to rebuff, or tease him as she often had before. Sharon was not aware that Ashley, Zach and Jackie had had a "pre celebration" two nights ago. Apparently there'd been some sort of shift in the dynamic between Zach & Ashley. But right now, that was not important, or in the upper most reaches of Sharon's mind.]

I want you to call me as soon as you get to the sheriff's station.

[ Ashley assured them that she'd be safe and secured at a cozy bed and breakfast by the time the chopper came up here to evacuate the rest of the KMA family and Sally's guests. ]

[ At that moment....]

appearing in front of everyone in a huff!

"You guys..come quick...Jackie and Cameron are fighting! Like...physically fighting with each other! I mean..Jackie is kind of whooping his ass, but we gotta break this up! Come on let's go!"

WHAT?!

Zach stared at Ash for a second more, and then looked over at Sharon.

“You can intervene if you must, but there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that I’m going to save Cameron King from getting his ass kicked. Jackie can handle herself. I’m gonna double check Ash’s gear....”

ZACHARY!?

[ Sharon BELLOWED, interrupting him and Ashley. She spoke in a way that let him know this was unacceptable.]

Jackie is physically FIGHTING Cameron.

You can't POSSIBLY think that's normal.

[ Sharon seemed irritable and agitated. Who could blame her? The strain on her KMA family was having a direct impact on her. ]

Ashley, darling, this may be like a sandhill to you, compared to some of the other mountain's you've climbed, but PLEASE be careful.

We'll see you soon! COME ALONG, Zach.

[ She commands]

[ Morgaine's body was STILL in the bathtub....and a killer was presumed to still be among them, and even though Jackie could take care of herself, Cameron had no doubt once AGAIN provoked the situation]


[ Moments later, Vivica was leading them back to the sight of the confrontation, and as Cameron lunged at Jackie, she dodged, kicking him in the back of his leg, and forcing him to the ground again.]

JACKIE!

[ Sharon was the first among them to reach the two. Vivica reached Jackie, asking her if she was okay]

What in the HELL is going on here?

He's a SICK, pervy little bastard! He's lucky I didn't kick his TEETH in! He said the most AWFUL things!

[ Sharon moved to obscure Jackie's view of Cameron]

Okay...ALRIGHT...you've shut him down.

[ Sharon kept Jackie engaged, long enough to calm her down, and ensure she wouldn't go after Cameron again. She turned to look at Cameron with disdain on her face]

And to think...I kept Zach from kicking your ass last night. You just CAN'T HELP yourself, CAN you?

[ She says with contempt in her voice as she and Vivica lead Jackie away.]

Let's go inside, to the living room.

It may be daylight, but we should try to stick together just the same.

[ Andre and Cassandra both give Cameron a disapproving look, before they follow Sally inside. Cameron is left standing there, with Zach and Zizi staring at him , before he finally skulks off down the path in the garden]

<< The said irony is that those who suspected Jackie couldn't be more wrong, while Cameron continue to court controversy and leave himself open to reasonable suspicion.>>

<< As Cameron moves out of sight, we see a view of Ashley Oldenburg repelling herself down the rocky mountain. She moves with confidence and skill, making it look far easier than it really is.>>

<< While she is moving one way.... we zoom over on the OPPOSITE side of the estate, where there's ANOTHER climbing rope on the railing of that cliff....but WHO does it belong to?!>>

<< Zach and Zizi have a moment to walk together. Zizi's feline friend has ventured back to the mansion, looking for treats. Cassandra is happen to tend to her, leaving Zach and Zizi time to talk. Having witness Jackie's brawl with Cameron, and knowing that Zach has a colorful history with nearly all the models at KMA, Zizi can't help but wonder why Zach would be inclined to give her the time of day. This might be her only chance to "pick his brain.">>

<< Meanwhile, back in the living room, Sharon, Vivica, Jackie, Cassandra, Andre, and Dina are now seated as the staff serves them afternoon tea.>>

<< And as Ava finishes her "playtime" with Alek, she'd soon make her way to the living room as well.>>

<< Meanwhile, we see a pair of GLOVED HANDS carefully handling some glasses in the bar of the library Ava had been in the night before, the gloved hands can be seen COATING the glasses with some type of substance.>>

<< Soon, those glasses are carefully put on a serving tray, which is set on the bar counter.>>

<< The hands, and the mysterious person they belong to, soon vanish into the shadows of the library leading into the hall.>>

 

[Persephone]

Ava felt the heat between them, their breathing heavy, their pulses racing. The look in Alek's eyes mirrored her own, but Ava knew it was a dangerous game to play, especially now. So as she slipped her hand from his, as much as she wanted him, she was going to leave him to do his job.

Alek: “I can't think of a better use for my hands than this.”

Alek took her hand back, pulling her against his hard body and making her gasp out with surprise. His hand went to her waist, spinning her around in one motion before pinning her against the side of the generator. Ava's breathing accelerated between them, her chest heaving in and out as her body began to respond to his aggressive approach. Their eyes were locked, Alek's looking animalistic and so damn sexy at the same time. What was merely a second felt like an eternity before his mouth was on hers heatedly. Ava grabbed the back of his head and pulled him deeper into the kiss, her legs wrapping around his waist and using his body as an anchor for her to hold onto. His hands slid down her waist and hips, to her thighs, and soon up her dress. It was then that the severity of the current situation left Ava, and all she cared about was the numerous ways Alek was going to make her cry out in pleasure.

A short time later.

Slipping off the top of the generator, Ava pulled down her body con skirt and smoothed it out, looking over her shoulder at Alek who was zipping up his pants. Smirking like a cheshire cat, she turned around and pulled him by the lapels of his jacket, giving him one last heated kiss.

"I better head back before everyone thinks I was murdered too."

She morbidly joked.

"All that screaming..."

Grinning at how loud he had made her, Ava released his jacket and backed away, her midnight eyes never leaving his.

"See you later handsome."

With that Ava turned around and began to head toward the house. The beautiful library that she was in the night before was the closest entrance to the house that she was near; Ava deciding to use that one to get inside. It probably wasn't the smartest idea to be wandering alone with a killer on the loose, but she could hear everyone's voices coming from the living room down the hall immediately upon entering the library, and she knew she was safe. Well, as safe as one could be in their current situation. Rubbing her arms to try and warm herself up, Ava went to the bar and uncorked the crystal decanter that held some scotch. Pouring a double shot into one of the tainted glasses, the alcohol would certainly get her body temperature up back up to the levels Alek did before.

Ava headed out of the library and down the hall to the living room, carrying her drink as she held herself in an effort to keep warm. Lifting the glass to her mouth, she immediately stopped when she entered the living room and saw Sharon. Ashley was nowhere in sight.

"So she's actually jumped off the cliff?"

Ava said with a heavy sigh, having a sick feeling in her stomach that she would never see Ashley again. Looking across the room to the windows that overlooked the cliffside, Ava lifted her glass up to her lips and paused.

"I really hope she makes it...."

She whispered, more to herself than anyone else. Taking a long sip of her drink, the alcohol burned down her throat as it hit her stomach, the warmth flooding over her body. It was just a waiting game now, and she hoped to God Ashley was as good a climber as she said she was.

 

[Orion]

Casa de Spectra — Cliff’s Edge

Ash: Do you think you could?

She asked, and he just gave her a gravelly chuckle. They both knew that he could. And now he knew she was egging him on, so he suggested that maybe he should make her earn it this time. That got her attention. He smirked as she turned in his arms. The look on her face was pornographic. He was pretty sure she was going to start ripping his shirt off. No, she just patted his cheek. It amazed him that she could play it so cool. He wanted her so badly it hurt.

Ash: Maybe you should have used your time last night more wisely.

She said, and turned back around to press herself against him again. He wasn’t so sure HE could wait long enough to make her earn it. Her arm was around his neck. Gods, she smelled so good.

Ash: I sleep naked, you know.

His hands tightened their grip on her hips. And right when he was about to throw her down on a bed of fallen leaves and start mauling her, Sharon screeched his name. Oh, right, because they weren’t actually alone right now. How was Ash always making him forget there were other women around?

Sharon: Jackie is physically FIGHTING Cameron.

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

He said with an amused smile. But Sharon wasn’t amused. Zach got the sense that he’d gotten himself into trouble somehow. His smile died on his lips.

Sharon: You can't POSSIBLY think that's normal.

“Shar, nothing about this whole weekend has been normal.”

He remarked in frustration. Were they about to get into an argument? Why was she mad at HIM, when it was Jackie and Cameron brawling? She was definitely aggravated about something. And it was definitely directed at him, because when she looked to Ash, the irritation seemed to subside. She told Ash to be careful, and then insisted Zach come with her.

Zach turned back to Ash, not releasing her from his grasp just yet, as Sharon, Zizi, And Viv went hurrying off to save Cameron from Jackie. Zach took Ash by the waist and turned her around so she was facing him. He pulled her into his chest and hugged her close for a moment, and when he released her, his hands framed her face as he leaned down to press his lips to hers. It was a long, slowly deepening kiss, the kind that stirs passion and lingers long after it’s over.

“That was for good luck. Don’t get yourself killed, alright? I want to find you sleeping naked by the fire later.”

He said with a smile, reluctantly releasing her. It was immensely difficult to leave her there, but he could hear Sharon shouting Jackie’s name, so he jogged off to see if he could find an excuse to get in a punch at the expense of Cameron’s face.

Sharon: Okay...ALRIGHT...you've shut him down.

Damn, the fight was over already. Zach put himself in Cameron’s path, just in case the asshole got any bright ideas. Sharon directed them all to the living room again. Her, Viv and Jackie struck off together, while Cameron went skulking in a separate direction, leaving Zach standing there with Zizi. He gave her a small smile.

“I promise there’s not usually so much violence in this industry.”

 

[Berserker]

The Generator

The gennie was fucked and probably couldn't be fixed in time for it to make a difference, and Ava Cassadine was standing in front of him making innuendo about how hard she liked it. Which he knew from first hand experience to be true. So it wasn't a difficult decision, to seize the m9ment, with a killer on the loose and thir deaths potentially imminent.

He had pulled her roughly toward him, but it was driven by need and not violence. He could see the desire in her own eyes, but if there was any question it was stanched when Ava's legs wrapped around his waist. He smiled aginst her lips and hands that had already been wandering reached under her skirt.

When they'd finished, flushed and breathing rapidly, they set about putting themselves back together. He looked down to zip his pants, careful of his now tender but very satisfied appendage, bit then felt her hands on him and he looked up.

She pulled him into another kiss, the kind that make you forget where the hell you are.

"I better head back before everyone thinks I was murdered too. All that screaming..."

“I hope I've made your stay here at Casa Spectra more pleasant.”

He matched her grin, his hand on the small of her back, wondering if maybe they should forget the gennie and baricade themselves together in the guest house.

"See you later handsome."

He didn't want to let her go. When she stepped away from him it was like there was a sudden eclipse of the sun. He held out a hand.

“Wait- at least let me walk you to the house.”

But she wouldn’t hear of it, so he contented himself with watching her until she was safely inside. Then he turned back to the generator, considerably more energized and in a better mood than before.

 

[Valkyrie]

The Cliff

I want you to call me as soon as you get to the sheriff's station.

“If the lines are back up, absolutely. But keep a watch out for help anyway.”

She assured Sharon she'd be fine. Just a walk in the park.

The other people went off for something or other to do with Jackie, but Zach was still holding onto her from what she deemed was a pretty promising position. He took her by the waist and in a move that she suspected was designed to show that he could in fact have dragged her into the house if he'd wanted to, turned her around to face him. The grin that shone from her face was triumphant.

“This would have been a whole lot easier without the harness.”

She barely got the quip out before he was hugging her. That surprised her. Her arms went around his back and her head rested on his shoulder. He could smell the laundry detergent in his shirt - the whole thing making her feel incredibly safe for some reason. Her entire body relaxed. And then his hands were on her face and he was kissing her, one that said more “hello” than “goodbye”. It seemed to last both a second an an eternity at the same time, long and lingering, passionate and tender. And when he pulled away, for the first time since she'd decided to make the climb, she thought about staying.

“That was for good luck. Don’t get yourself killed, alright? I want to find you sleeping naked by the fire later.”

That was certainly a thought to make her climb more quickly. She lowered her eyelashes.

“When I get to the Sheriff's I'll borrow some handcuffs.”

She gave him a smile, but it wasn't as confident as before.

“Take care of yourself, Zach. Don't be a hero.”

It was then that her grin returned.

“I'm going to expect to be worshipped when I save all your asses, and you’d better be around to do it.”

He went off after the others then, and she was alone with the mountain. Normally that was just as she liked it, but this time there was something...sinister about it. She strapped on her chalk bag and made sure she was staked in, not trusting the railing to hold. And then, with a sigh and one last look around her, she started to climb.

 

[Silver Swan]

Spectra Mansion- living room

[ after she and Vivica escorted a now calmer Jackie inside, they all seat themselves. There's an awkward silence for a few moments....]

Jackie....what did he say to you?

[ Jackie was unaware that Vivica had been following/watching her, and could corroborate most of what she said, but as she recounted what he'd said....she reached this part.]

He prooved that Morgaine's warning about him was right. He called me a white washed version of Vivica, and said that my only hope for longevity or success was through HIM. He could make it go either way. He also said that it all might not even matter, since I'll probably end up dead.

[ Sharon shook her head, rolling her silver eyes.]

That pompous ass.

[ Sharon had her tablet on her lap What no one, not even Zach was aware of, was that she'd been sending some communication to Lorna. But her device was on it's last leg, and with no power, she couldn't charge it back up]

[sighing, Sharon looked back at Jackie]

Don't you listen to ANYTHING that venomous creature says, Jackie.

When WE get out of here, if he want's a WAR, by jove, he'll GET one.

[ The line to cross with Sharon was messing with her models, her family, her business...and He'd dont that, in spades. There were no more games and even LESS patience for those who would play them, after all that's happened. Sharon had to do what she could to keep her surviving models in tact!]

[ she made the screen on her tablet go black as a maid served her a drink. At that moment...]

Lifting the glass to her mouth, she immediately stopped when she entered the living room and saw Sharon. Ashley was nowhere in sight.

"So she's actually jumped off the cliff?"

Ava. Good...that's one more of you accounted for.

[ Sharon with approval]

Yes, Ashley has started on her journey. She's as prepared as she could be, and if anyone could do it, it's her.

"I really hope she makes it...."

[ Sharon looks over at Ava]

She will.

She has to.

[ Sharon said, as she caught sight of Zach and Zizi walking together outside.]

[ One of the things about Ashley, she always came through for Sharon, which made it easier for Sharon to tolerate some of her more outlandish antics...like bringing a LEOPARD to the office! ]

Sally to Ava: You were looking in on Alek, yes? How was he doing with those generators?

[ THIS out to be interesting. Sharon lifted an eyebrow, watching Ava to see what she'd say ]

 

[Oracle]

The Cliff

Her mother had decided - read ordered - that she would take breakfast in her room. Zizi tried to convince her that she needed to stay with the group, but Dina decided she was much safer locked in her room having servants attend her. Zizi tried not to think about Dina's lack of concern for her own safety. And also tried to suppress the feeling of giddy freedom that accompanied such a rare time of unfettered movement. Strangely, here, in this crisis, she was finally able to do as she pleased.

She ate breakfast with the others, and then followed Zach and Sharon out to see Ashley off as she attempted to go for help. Zizi admired her greatly for it, but there was a nagging sense of happiness at her departure that Zizi was not proud of. She watched Zach, who was all eyes on Ashley. Was she really going to climb down a mountain in those tiny shorts? Still, she was trying to save them, and it was incredibly dangerous. She couldn’t help but be nervous for her.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

Ashley laughed at her, and she was ready ght back to feeling like a little kid.

"I've done Kilimanjaro, Annapurna and the Matterhorn. I think I can handle it."

“Okay. Well, good luck. And thank you.”

She felt, rather than heard, a commotion behind her, and turned to see Vivica coming towards them.

"You guys..come quick...Jackie and Cameron are fighting! Like...physically fighting with each other! I mean..Jackie is kind of whooping his ass, but we gotta break this up! Come on let's go!"

“Oh my goodNESS!”

She immediately turned to follow. This was not the time to have someone be injured (even if it was Cameron King). Vivica checked on Jackie, and Sharon gave Cameron a talking to, and then suggested they all go inside. Zizi looked around them, rubbing her hands on her arms against the chill. She thought going inside was a very good idea. Somehow, the others had moved on and now it was only her and Zach still standing there. He smiled at her, and she brightened.

“I promise there’s not usually so much violence in this industry.”

“That's not what TMZ would lead me to believe.”

She laughed, a sarcastic remark unusual for her. They started to walk towards the house, but Zizi didn't rush.

“Ashley, she's very brave. And very beautiful.”

She stole sidelong glances at Zach.

“I’m sure you’re very worried about her.”

 

[Persephone]

Sharon: Ava. Good...that's one more of you accounted for.

"Not dead yet."

Ava quipped grimly before asking if Ashley actually went through with cliff diving to get help. Unfortunately Sharon confirmed as much, claiming if anyone could do it Ashley could. Was that supposed to comfort her? They were stuck on a mountain with a serial killer and her best friend decided to jump off said mountain to get help. There were SO many ways the situation could go wrong. Looking out the window toward the cliffs edge, Ava's midnight eyes were softer than usual, hoping Ashley would be okay.

Sharon: She will. She has to.

Shifting her line of sight to Sharon, as much as Ava wanted to look positive in that moment to reaffirm Sharon's words, she couldn't. Lifting her glass to her lips, she took a long sip of her drink, letting the liquid warm the sudden chill that coursed throughout her body.

Sally to Ava: You were looking in on Alek, yes? How was he doing with those generators?

Ava cleared her throat as she looked over at Sally, nodding casually.

"No luck. Apparently they're fried, whatever that means..."

Letting out a little cough, Ava's brows furrowed as she shook her head.

"After I left he said....he was going to....keep working on them...."

Clearing her throat once again, it felt like she just inhaled the Sahara Desert and talking was making it that much more worse. She downed some more of her drink in an effort to moisten her throat, it helping a bit, but not much. Swallowing hard, Ava lifted her hand to her chest resting it there, her eyes focused to the ground. Something felt off.