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Saturday, June 09, 2007

Sat, 09 Jun 2007 17:30:36 GMT

Episode 18

As Cole pulled into the cemetery he turned looking at Ann. “You don’t look too good.”

Ann tried to smile. “That’s not the kind of thing a girl wants to hear.”

“Well at least you have your sense of humor.” He unlocked the car letting her out. She stood looking down in his window. “Are you sure you want to go this alone.”

“Ebony was rolling in her grave last night when I brought you to the dinner as a date for Nikki. I don’t need the bad press.”

Cole smiled, “Of course not.”

“Pick me up later?”

“Just give me the call.”

Ann smiled appreciatively. Turning she moved along the cemetery and towards the grave. It was starting to rush her all at once her grandmother and her husband in the same month was too much for her. She found a bench and clutching her purse started to cry.

<><><><><><>

Adrien could tell that Vie had a thing against cops, or was hiding something as he watched the fear and hesitation dance across her features. When she finally settled on a smile, he only relaxed a little. She knew something. “You’ve lived here most of your life, right?”

“Yeah since college…I liked the town so I stayed.”

“Can you tell me about the Spence family?”

Vie tried not to think, letting her words flow effortlessly. “I don’t hang around with that set a lot. They just like my food. Aiden Bartley comes here for lunch, but I think he does it more for Lorene’s company then anything else.” She laughed. “But the Spence’s, no, I can’t say I see them around here too much.”

“Well, I’m sure you know the rumors.” Adrien knew he was reach far when he asked for rumors, but in a town like Craven Ridge he figured rumors would run close to fact.

“The whole working for the Mob rumor?” Vie asked. “Or the aggressive socialite rumor?”

“Both.”

“That could take all day; and I have work to get back to.” She said stand up from her chair.

“Well then dinner…you could tell me over dinner?”

Vie smiled. “Where? When?”

“Tomorrow, 7:00?”

“Sure.” She walked off before he could get a chance to realize he didn’t have her number or knew where she lived. She walked into her office picking up her phone she dialed a number.

<><><><><><>

Jay parked his car outside of Tori’s house jumping out of the car. Despite having his own apartment that was costing him an arm and a leg, He liked the homey look that Tori had given to the place it reminded him of home. He knocked on the door, and entered when Tori opened the door. “Why are you wet?”

“Did Ved leave any of his clothes?”

“Yeah, what happened?”

“This girl…a waitress dumped water on me, because I asked her what her name was.”

“Well she’s fired who ever she is. What’d she look like?”

“Now wait Tori…I don’t think especially if Ved has been pretending to be me, that you should fire her.”

“So, what are you trying to say? That Ved would cheat on me?”

Jay pulled off his shirt. “You doubt it?”

Tori threw him a shirt. “Who is she?”

“I don’t think I should tell you now…not if you’re going to just fire her like…” Jay got a good look at Tori’s face then sighed. “Blonde hair, brown eyes?”

“Loraine…that bitch.” Tori muttered walking away.

<><><><><><>

Ann walked into the cemetery un sure of where to go when she was approached by Nadege, “It must have been a difficult decision.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Choosing your grandmother over your husband.”

Ann stared. “What do you mean? John’s funeral isn’t today.”

Nadege compressed a smirk. “Oh? You didn’t know?”

Monday, June 19, 2006

Mon, 19 Jun 2006 16:37:19 GMT

Episode 17

Jay Rouka sat in a booth near the back of the Ridgeway café. He was reading the paper and glad that he had the sense to turn in his resignation just before the mess. In the years that he had lived in Craven Ridge he had always known that the small town was a hot bed for the people who lived there underestimated and shielded by the suburban atmosphere.

He took another bite from his burger when he heard someone calling his name. He looked up at the waitress as she smiled and waved. Jay was confused but remembered he had just spent the past couple years of his life pretending to be Ved while he was Jay it was unnerving when people he had never met started talking to him.

“Jay, I thought that was you.” She slipped her notepad into her apron pocket. “You look different…new haircut or something?”

“Uh…no…Listen what ever happened between us is pretty much over.” Jay mumbled looking back at the paper. “Could I get a refill on my soda.”

Lor frowned not sure what had happened in between La Masque and now. You usually had to have sex before you got the brush off. Picked up the glass and walked off wordlessly.

Vie walked out of her office just in time to see Lor filling up the glass her eyes blazing. “Hey, what’s up?”

“That…no good. He acted like I was some kind of slut. Oh I’m going to show him!”

“Lor, wait!” Vie grabbed Lorene’s arm. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Oh like you wouldn’t believe!” She pulled her arm from Vie’s grip walking back to Jay’s table.

He looked up at her and smiled. “Thanks appreciated. I don’t remember what’s your name again?”

Lor smirked. “I don’t think I ever gave it.” She poured the drink over his head. “But then again maybe I did.” She walked off toward the entrance of the café. Turning to Vie she tossed her notepad and apron. “Let me know when you wanna get things with Smoochies started.”

<><><><><><>

Ann jumped out of bed when she heard the door open and close below her. She ran down the stairs looking at Cole as he struggled under the weight of two suitcases. “Did you find everything?”

“Are these ALL of your clothes?”

“Just the easy travel stuff.” She easily picked up one of the heavier suitcases and put it on the couch opening it up. “Is the black dress in here?”

Which one? That grandma one or the slinky little number towards the back.

“This is a funeral…not a private party. I need to be there I can’t believe I forgot my own husband’s funeral. She picked up a green shirt throwing it across the room.” Rubbing her face with her hands she sobbed.

“It’s ok…your grandmother just died…she was shot and you were standing right next to her.”

“If I don’t go then Ebony will just use it as an excuse to label me as a suspect. I have to be there. I want to be there.” She sighed. Going through the suitcase again she pulled out the black wrap dress that Cole had referred to as dowdy. Brushing it off with her hand she went back upstairs to change.

Cole only watched her go wishing he knew what he could do to help.

<><><><><><>

Vie rolled her eyes picking up the notepad. Looking at the order on the pad, Vie walked to the table. She smiled looking down at the costumer. “I’m sorry, she’s having a rough day, and she went on a date last night and got caught up in the Cassie murder.”

“They’re already calling it a murder?” Adrien asked.

Vie hesitated. “Well it’s obvious, you don’t go around getting accidentally shot in this town.”

Adrien smirked. “So where’s my order.”

“I’m going to go punch it in and then we’ll take some off your check.”

“Thanks.”

Vie walked to the computer punching in the order. Trying to keep her mind off the cute costumer, Vie smirked with failure. Getting in the order she brought out his drank. “Here you go. Sorry again. Tell me, I’ve never seen you around this town before, are you new?”

“Yeah, just got here yesterday my boxes aren’t even unpacked.”

“I’m glad you chose my place for you first meal out, I promise it’s not as lively as today.”

“It came highly recommended, but your not tell me your Vie Kay.”

“The one and only, why?”

“I thought you would be older.” Adrien stopped realizing what he had said, “actually I mean it in a pleasant surprise sort of way.”

Vie laughed. “So, what do you do in this town?”

“I’m the chief of Police.”

Vie’s eyes widened as she looked down at him surprise visible on her face. “Oh!”

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Tue, 06 Jun 2006 16:36:24 GMT

Episode 16

“The death of my grandmother, Cassandra Spence, is a great tragedy.” Nikki stood in front of her house the microphones shoved into her perfectly made up face. She dabbed her face for effect, but Ann could tell as she watched the television that her cousin wasn’t crying. Nikki never cried.

“You shouldn’t be watching this.” Cole turned the TV off setting the tray down in front of her.

“Thanks for letting me stay here. I’m sure they’re looking for me now.”

“I left word at the mansion that you were out of town.”

Ann smiled. “That’s good; you’re really good at this damage control thing.” She took a bite of toast as he sat down on the end of the bed.

“It’s one of the first jobs you get as a CIA.” Cole picked up an orange and started to peel. “So how are you feeling?”

“It hasn’t hit me just yet. I know it will though, as soon as the funeral starts and Nadege starts to divide her stuff between everyone.” Ann sipped her juice.

“Nadege?”

“Oh, Nadege Harper, the Spence’s lawyer she’ll be taking care of everything for sure.”

<><><><><><>

Nadege Harper moved her car through the crowd of news crews standing outside the Spence mansion. She felt like running over a few of the cameramen as the gate slowly opened for her. She had gotten the call late last night from Nikki about Cassie’s death and the possibility of murder on the list. She hated losing such a lucrative client as Cassie, but she had always favored Nikki’s way of working anyway.

Walking into the study she found Nikki making herself comfortable at Cassie’s desk, “Looking good.”

Nikki looked up from some papers. “Thanks, I hate news crews, but they’re necessary, and the more they stand outside the more interesting things will get.”

“Hmmm,” Nadege nodded putting down her brief case and went to the cabinet to pour herself a drink. “It’s interesting, last time I saw her she was in the best of health now she’s dead.”

“Gun shot wound.” Nikki sighed.

“Oh! Well that wasn’t in your little report you gave this morning.”

“I thought everyone knew.” She looked at Nadege down her drink, “Apparently not.”

“So why am I here?” Nadege asked.

Nikki put down the papers looking at Nadege she stood. “Do you have the last will in testament?”

“Yes, but you can’t see it until after funeral.”

“What do you mean?” Nikki looked confused.

“I mean—”

Nikki waved away her explanation. “Never mind, I understand. I hate that woman. She never leaves anything lying around.” Nikki stood walking away from the desk. “Do you need food to go with that drink?”

Nadege looked up from her second glass. “Eggs, beacon, and…err wheat toast?”

Nikki nodded calling in the maid, Charlene. “Could you make, Miss. Harris scrambled…no eggs over medium, beacon, and wheat toast, thank you.” Nikki watched as Charlene left and turned to Nadege. “Are you still in it with the District Attorney?”

“Every once in a while, why?”

“I need to know about this new Chief of Police.”

Nadege looked suspicious. “Why would you need to know?”

Nikki shrugged. “I need to know he’ll find Cassie’s killer.”

“Oh well,” Nadege smiled, “he’ll find them…he could find them easily enough. He’s the proverbial bloodhound. If there’s someone to sniff out the evil doers; it’s Adrien Walters.”

<><><><><><>

Adrien sat at his new desk going through the paper work. It was his first day on the job and he was already exhausted. He had been called in by Lieutenant Everett Brown when the lights had came on in the Fowler Facility about a murder. He couldn’t believe it thinking he had a pretty quiet town when he’d applied for the job. It wasn’t like Craven Ridge was New York City or Washington D.C. He sighed looking up at the Lieutenant as he came in, “Anything?”

“Forensics didn’t pick up much. But we did find this in the ceiling.” Everett placed a plastic bag on the desk. Inside it was torn piece of black fabric. “It’s being I.D.ed now.”

Adrien nodded his approval. “Look I’m going to go find something to eat is there anything good in this town.”

“Ridgeway Café, it’s the best in town. Try the burgers; Vie’s created heaven with those things.”

“Thanks, I’ll take your advice.” Adrien walked out of his office behind Everett and locked the door.

<><><><><><>

Lor sat in a chair in Vie’s office as Vie talked about her plans for her night club Smoochies. Lor was kind of confused but she let her boss and friend go on until she stopped to take a breath. “I thought you couldn’t get a permit to build.”

Vie looked up. “Oh that…I resubmitted yesterday. I’m confident that they’ll change their minds.”

Lor looked at Vie but didn’t ask the question sitting on her tongue. How come Vie was so confident? “I think I need to go back out it’s almost lunch so things are going to speed up soon.”

“Right, right; hey Lor, I’m serious think about being manager of Smoochies. You won’t have to wake up in the mornings it’s all afternoon and night work. A great change.”

“Yeah...I promise, I’ll think about it.” Lor walked out of the office noticing someone was already sitting at one of her tables. Walking over she stopped short. She recognized him from last night, the police chief who was asking questions about Cassie’s murder. She sighed then moved to stand in front of him.

“Can I take your order?”

“Uh...yeah, can I get a hamburger, and could you tell me about the Spence family…I mean what are the rumors.”

“I wouldn’t know…I don’t hang with that sort of crowd.” Lor took his menu as he looked up at her for the first time. “I remember you from last night: The green dress.”

“I was on a date. I really don’t know anything about the Spence family. They’re not looked well upon by the Bartley’s. That’s all I know, but how about you talk to my boss, Vie. She’s lived here most of her life.” Lor walked off before she could be asked any more questions. She stopped when she saw someone else she recognized, but he looked different. “Jay?”

Friday, May 26, 2006

Fri, 26 May 2006 15:53:16 GMT

Episode 15

Simone was the first to react turning to her secretary and demanding what had just happened. She took one of the candles that ornamented the table and used it to walk up to the stage she had meant to use at 10:00 to give a speech. She stood at the podium ready to calm everyone’s fears when she suddenly felt lightheaded and lost her balance falling off stage.

<><><><><><>

When the lights went out, Tina was in the ventilation system flash light and gun in hand. She had changed in to a black nylon body suit and had night vision goggles poised on top of her head. She pulled the goggles over her eyes looking around. She could hear the people below her and as she walked a long the beam, she tried to think about not falling.

<><><><><><>

Lorene looked at Tori in the darkness. “What do you want?”

“I want you to stay away from Garrett Porter; people could be tracking him looking for you.”

“Who are you?” Lor asked suspiciously

“I’m FBI…WPP is being swamp right now, and they needed some assistance.”

“So I get stuck with the FBI…that makes sense.” Lor rolled her eyes heading toward the kitchin. She was feeling her way when she heard a curse behind her.

“You know…I don’t like this job anymore then you do, but until Garrett leaves town and we’re sure no one comes after you, you’re stuck.”

“I’m sure.” Lorene continued down the hallway leaving Tori stumbling behind.

<><><><><><>

Ann looked at John who was holding her arm. They had been dancing, an excuse to talk in private, when the lights had gone out. She looked at John. “I think something’s up.”

“What? What is it?”

“Not sure, I need to find Cassie.” Ann grabbed John’s hand dragging him through the darkness.

<><><><><><>

Simone work looking up into the eyes of Garrett Porter. He had been there to catch her when she made the embarrassing mistake of fainting on stage. Someone shined a flashlight in her eyes and she recognized that it was Jacob.

“Are you ok, darling?”

“I’m fine,” Simone winced trying to get up but instead closed her eyes. “Not so much,” she mumbled.

Jacob nodded pulling out his cell phone to call a paramedic.

<><><><><><>

Tina pulled one of the pieces of ply wood from the girded ceiling thinking that for 1000 dollars a plate Hi-Wit was using a really cheap facility. She moved the plywood adjusting her goggles and focusing down on the crowd below her.

Everyone was crowded near the stage around a girl lying on the floor. Searching the crowd she found Nikki still sitting at her table, but Ann and John were somewhere else. She looked around until her eyes caught sight of Cassie. She stopped. Tin could see Cassie was talking to Ann in the darkness, but there was someone behind her. It was still a clear shot.

Tina grabbed the gun balancing along the beam. She moved to stand up, but her body suit got caught on a screw head. Kneeling in an awkward position Tina aimed her gun at her target.

<><><><><><>

Ann stood looking at her grandma, her hand on her arm to make sure she was talking to the right person. “Cassie, have you called the limo yet?”

“Yeah, but why is there all the rush? The lights will come on in a minute.”

John turned on the mini-light to his watch. “Ms. Spence it’s been an hour.”

“Yeah, so let’s get out of here. We’ll find a nice diner or something.” Ann looked at Cassie desperate. “Besides I think I might have changed my mind.”

Ann felt Cassie tense she imagined the look of pleasure on her face. Cassie opened her mouth to saw something when a shot rang out. People started to scream rushing toward the door. John hooked his arm around Ann, but she wouldn’t move.

“Ann, we have to get out of here.”

“No…no Cassie—she’s been shot!” Ann screamed as the lights came back on and she saw Cassie on the bleeding from her gun shot wound.

Friday, February 10, 2006

Fri, 10 Feb 2006 20:31:11 GMT

Episode 14

Tina looked at John appreciatively. The night had gone pretty well so far and she hadn’t bumped into Lorene or Aiden and now she was sitting next to a very good looking man. Tina smiled. “So, Mr. Parker, you work where in Las Vegas?”

“Um, I...”

“He works in casinos. He’s an accountant for a lot of big casinos.” Ann said.

“Thanks Ann,” Tina smiled. She looked at John. “You wanna dance?” Before John could decline she grabbed his hand pulling him onto the dance floor.

<><><><><><>

“I’m sorry, do I know you?” Lorene asked quietly.

Garrett coughed clearing her throat, “Um no...I guess I was wrong, but would you like to dance?”

Lorene looked at Aiden, “Do you mind?”

“Not so long as you come back.” He kissed her on the cheek for good territorial measure.

Out on the dance floor and far away from anyone she knew Lor frowned. “What are you doing here?”

“Is that any way to talk to your fiancé Lor?” Garrett laughed.

“Ex-fiancé, Garrett, and it’s not Vander-Hagan, it’s Hart.”

Garrett snorted, “Hart? What kind of name is that?”

“It’s the kind of name that keeps me out of the public eye. I’m in the Program, Garrett, and if they find out my cover’s been blown I’m out of the Ridge within the hour. Garrett I like it here.”

Garrett looked at Lorene. “With guys like the very rich Aiden Bartley falling for you, it’s no wonder you like this place.”

Lor stopped dancing looking at Garrett, “A year of prison and you’re still a snob!”

<><><><><><>

“Look Jay, I have somewhere I have to be.” Tori said walking back into her house flipping the lights. “Can’t this wait until tomorrow?”

“No, Tori I have to get my life back. You helped Ved.”

“I was trying to trap him.”

“Well it didn’t work, did it? He trapped you.” Jay sighed sitting on the couch. “I went down to the station this morning and gave them my resignation.”

“How’d you do that?” Tori asked turning and looking at him.

“I went in and told them I was leaving for good.” Jay said sarcastically. “I am Jay.”

“I know you are...but what now? What do you expect me to do?”

“How often does Ved visit you?”

“Not often...actually, I think he’s out of town doing some kind of con.”

“When do you think he’ll be back?”

Tori sighed. “Maybe never...”

“Huh?” Jay looked at Tori a bit concerned.

“I saw you in the market a couple of days ago...I came home and called Ved first thing.”

“What happened?”

“He cursed and said he was leaving town. He went to the station and told them he was taking a vacation, and left.” She said quietly.

Jay stood coming next to her and patting her shoulder. “You gave a lot up for my brother. We both did, but he’s gone. Let’s just hope the scum stays away.”

Tori nodded. “I guess it’s as good a time as any to let go.” She stood and yanked a tissue out of the box on the table dabbing her eyes. “I gotta go to the party...I have work to do.”

<><><><><><>

Tina danced for a good three songs before Ann charged in between her and John. “Come on John, we need to talk.” Tina only smiled as she watched the guy being pulled off by Ann. She soon checked herself. She was enjoying herself so much that she had forgotten why she was here. She scoped the crowd looking for Cassie. The woman was dancing and mingling as if she had been born to rub shoulders with the rich. Tina shrugged it was a shame she would have to get rid of such a vibrant woman... “No conscience,” she muttered under her breath looking around the crowd.

She stopped when she saw Aiden sitting at his table eyes intensely watching something on the floor. She followed his gaze and sighed. She should have known it was Lorene.

Tina smiled mischievously as she thought of giving Aiden a bit of his own medicine. She walked seductively in her black beaded mini dress to his table taping him on his shoulder. “Nice tux...I guess it’s only the best for the Bartley’s.”

“Hey Tina...”

“Do you by any chance still have my cell phone? I need the numbers in it.”

“No...” He said it as if it didn’t bother him that he had been sleeping with her only a few days ago.

“Funny...Lor seems to be pretty cozy with that guy.”

Aiden looked at Tina. “What do you want?”

“It’s definitely not sex.”

“Will you shut up.” He stood looking down at her.

“Are you going to tell her?”

“Why would I tell her about something that doesn’t really matter?”

“Because it does...you slept with me, if you don’t remember. I live with Lor. I could tell her any time I want.”

“But you’re not.”

“What’s going to stop you?”

“If you tell...I’ll go to the police with a lovely copy of your phone’s contact list.”

“Big deal...I’m a consultant. I have all kinds of numbers in there.”

“Including the number of Nikki Spence and every possible hit man in Craven Ridge? That looks suspicious.”

Tina stayed nonchalant, but her mind was racing. “Poker buddies.”

“You have a lot of poker buddies...Tina.”

Tina sighed. “I won’t tell.”

“Good,” he handed over the sleek phone from his inner coat pocket. “And see that you don’t, Latina.”

Tina walked away angry glancing at the time on her phone: 9:00 pm. She cursed aloud heading to the ladies room.

<><><><><><>

“I’m sorry, Lor. You of all people should know how I tease.” Garrett said quietly.

Lor sighed. “You never told me what you were doing in Craven Ridge anyway.”

“I’m getting my company back from that witch who stole it.”

“Simone Caruthers didn’t steal it. She bought it. Besides what exactly do you think you’ll be doing to get your company back? You don’t have money to buy it.”

“That’s my business, Lor. You shouldn’t get involved; especially since we both know what happened last time.”

Lor gasped at his low blow, but was interrupted by one of the waiters before she could finish. “Miss Hart, you’re wanted in the kitchen.”

Lorene nodded walking off in the direction of the kitchen. She made her way down the brightly lit corridors when she felt her arm being grabbed. “Damn, Lorene, are you that stupid!”

“Huh?” Lor turned on Tori confused.

“Do you really want me to report you to WWP?!”

“What in the world are you—?”

Before she could finish all the lights went out and the people in the ballroom shouted and gasped in surprise.

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Wed, 08 Feb 2006 22:33:14 GMT

Episode 13

The next afternoon, Lor sat in her room flipping through a magazine waiting impatiently for her doorbell to ring. She jumped when she heard her cell phone ringing in her coat pocket grabbing it she asked, “Hello?”

“What do you mean your not working the Hi-Wit Party tonight,” Vie yelled impatiently. “I have to cater one of the biggest parties of the year and most reliable employee isn’t working.”

“Vie, let me explain.” Lor said trying not to laugh.

“This better be good...like your mother died or you finally said yes to a date with Aiden.”

“That’s it.”

“What’s it?”

“Yesterday Aiden called and asked me to go to the party with him. I know it’s just another way to piss of his mother, but I thought...well... I don’t know.” Lor shrugged.

“You sound stupid.” Vie said after a moment of silence.

“Thanks, Vie, really boost my confidence there.”

“Well if you’re gonna take the night off on one of my biggest jobs ever at least say you’ll work the kitchen for an hour.”

“No”

“Lor let me finish. I’m going to have to run out for a bit around 10:00 tonight and I’m not leaving any of those nuts in charge so if you’d just check on everything around 10:00 and 10:30 make sure Andre isn’t smoking at the stove and stuff like that. I’ll pay you for the whole night.”

“What do you have to do?” Lor asked a little overwhelmed at getting such a large paycheck for keeping Ridgeway’s chef in check.

“Just something...Ok I gotta go.” Before Lor could say bye Vie hung up the phone.

Lor looked at her phone only thinking Vie was acting a little bit strange. She was pulled out of her thoughts by a knock on her door. She turned looking at Tina and the large package in her hands.

“Can’t you at least answer the door when it’s for you?”

Lor grinned taking the package out of Tina’s hand ripping it open. She gasped pulling out an ivy green a-line dress with beaded bodice holding it up against her body. “What do you think?”

“Depends where did it come from?”

“Aiden sent it.” Lor looked at herself in the mirror imagining what she would look like with her hair up.

Tina made a face but quickly dulled her expression smiling. “It’s cute. Where are the shoes?”

“In the box...” Lor mumbled.

Tina pulled out a pair of shoes and a hand bag after it. She looked at them approving the quality of both. “Very nice…but how do you know these aren’t just the left-overs of one his midnight romps at the ol’ chateau?”

Lor looked at Tina. “Is there something wrong?”

“No, why?”

Lorene shrugged. “You usually don’t say fifty mean things about Aiden in one sitting. You actually can barely think of fifty mean things to say about Aiden.”

“Oh yes I can...sorry, I didn’t mean that. I’m just tired and cranky and don’t feel like working this party and don’t say I don’t have to go because I need the money. You just have fun with Aiden while I’m mingling with the Ridge’s rich and getting more clients.” Tina walked out of the room closing the door behind her.

Lor looked at her closed door. People were acting weird today.

<><><><><><>

Later that night Tori grabbed her purse slipping her cell phone and wallet in the small designer hand bag. She relished in the fact that inside her wallet was her new badge labeling her a federal agent for the FBI. She didn’t like her mission, babysitting heiress’ wasn’t her cup of tea, but she had fucked up her last mission marrying Ved and wanted to get back on the directors good side.

She checked her shoes one more time and then grabbing the silver shawl to go over her deep midnight blue cocktail dress. She moved toward the door, and opened it getting ready to step out into the night when she saw a man standing in her drive way.

Jay…the real Jay Rouka smirked looking at Tori in the coming darkness. “You didn’t actually think I would never show up?”

Tori sighed. “No Jay…I didn’t. I’ve actually been waiting. What do you want from me?”

“I want my brother out of town and I know you’re the only one who can do it.”

<><><><><><>

Tina making it through security searched the slowly growing crowd for Nikki. “Obviously late,” Tina murmured and made her way around the tables looking for her seat. She found she was sitting at a pretty decent table with Nikki, Ann, and John. Tina picked up the placard with John’s name gently scrawled in bold writing. She quickly put the card down, “No conscience,” She breathed and made her way around sitting in her seat waiting for Nikki to show up.

It wasn’t long before Nikki glided across the room in a tight red dress her black hair swoop dramatically to one side. She sat in the chair beside Tina disregarding the placards. “I didn’t know John was sitting at our table.” Tina said quietly

Nikki glanced at the card, “I never thought he’d make it.” She motioned for Tina to pass her the card. “The last thing Ann needs to see tonight is that card.”

Tina only arched an eyebrow thinking of what it would do to Ann if she knew her cousin was behind the murder, “so it’s tonight?”

Nikki looked up. “Yes, it’s tonight, and don’t fuck up because it’ll be both our heads. Remember 10:30 the lights go out by 10:45 Cassie should be dead.”

<><><><><><>

Cole shifted his tie uncomfortably while standing next to Ann who was dressed in a ivory halter dress her long braids curled piled on the top of her head to give off a good view of smooth back. She looked up at Cole. “Stop shifting and act like your use to this.”

“I’m not!”

She slapped away his hand straightening his tie. “Well John Parker is, so if you want to do this right stop fidgeting and start wooing—”

“What is this?” Ann turned looking at the dominating form of her Mother-in-law. Ebony dress in a sophisticated black gown smiled. “Where did this charming young man come from?”

Ann stood straight looking at Ebony. “He’s a friend.”

“And how long have you two been...friends.”

Ann heard the bold suggestion in Ebony’s voice. “John’s a friend from school back in Las Vegas. He’s here on business.”

Cole extended his hand. “John Parker, Ms. Bartley, it’s good to meet you. I’m sorry to hear about your son.”

Ebony looked at the hand being extended to her and only nodded.

“It’s really a shame when you can’t bring yourself to touch anyone connected to me.” Cassie smiled walking toward the small group in slim black dress with plunging neckline. “You must have a hard time of it around the Ridge.”

“Is that a confession Cassandra?” She turned staring at her social rival.

“When have I ever needed to confess anything?” Cassie turned look Cole over. “He’s nice Ann. I approve of your date.”

Ebony glared at Ann. “What kind of friend did you say you were, John?”

“An old friend from school,” Cassie interrupted. “My, Ebony, are you losing your hearing?”

Ebony turned to Cassie ready to make a comeback. “Oh great,” Ann muttered; “now she has a motive. Come on...let’s find Nikki.” She grabbed his arm pulling him into the crowd and away from the two women.

<><><><><><>

Lorene pulled Aiden out onto the dance floor. “Come on,” she yelled over the music. “I looked for you the other night and couldn’t find you...I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

“Lor, I don’t dance!”

“Liar! I saw you dancing with Tina, so dance with me.”

“She was doing most of the work.” John grabbed Lorene around the waist. “She’s a bit dominating.”

“Huh?” Lor motioned to hear ear, “I can’t hear you.”

He moved closer. “I said she not like you.”

“Of course not, she’s Tina…one and only.”

Aiden finally began to relax; it was becoming more obvious that Tina hadn’t mentioned them sleeping together. He could only imagine what would happen if Lorene ever found out.

“Come on let’s go back to the table.” He offered her his arm escorting her off the dance floor.

<><><><><><>

Garrett Porter looked at all the people around enjoying the benefits offered by his company. He saw the people thinking of what an unfounded mine of wealth lay in the people of Craven Ridge. He appreciated Simone’s move of setting up headquarters in such a rich area, but he still wanted his company back. He moved around the floor looking for his table. Finally finding it he noticed a young women sitting in his chair dressed in a dark green. “I hate to bother you...but that’s—Lorene?”

Lor who hadn’t been paying attention turned looking up at Garrett. She paused, her jaw dropping.

“Lorene,” He continued. “Lorene Vander-Hagen...what are you doing here?”

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Thu, 02 Feb 2006 01:06:34 GMT

Episode 12

Lorene checked her phone for the third time since she had gotten to work that morning. There was still no call from Tina. She really didn’t want to call and have Tina think she was worrying over nothing, but she hadn’t seen Tina since they went to Le Masque. Tina said she had met some guy and passed Lorene the car keys. Before Lor could catch up with her she had disappeared back into the crowd. Lor had tried to find Aiden, but he had probably left by then. She rolled the phone over in her pocket then turning to the next mumbled. “I’m taking a smoking break.”

The girl looked a little confused. She wasn’t the brightest on staff. “You don’t smoke.”

Lorene shook the phone in the air indicating she was going out for a quick chat. Then rolled her eyes and left. Outside she searched frantically for Tina’s number.

Just as she reached the number she wanted, the phone rang. It was Aiden.

<><><><><><>

Nikki sat at an empty table outside of the café taking in the cool air. She smirked pulling out her phone to check the time: 1:30. She late, Nikki thought motioning to a passing a waiter for more water. Just as the waiter walked away again she spotted her cousin running across the street.

“Hi,” Ann breathed sitting in the chair across from Nikki. “I can’t believe that after a year of marriage I can’t be on time to anything. I guess John was more of a crutch since he was the one that kept me on time to all those functions.” Ann sighed trying to match Nikki’s sympathetic smile, “but you don’t want to hear about John.”

“I’m here if you need me.”

“I know.” As the waiter walked up Ann stopped looking past the waiter. She smiled, “He’s here.”

<><><><><><>

Ebony paced her living room as Jacob made himself a drink. She turned looking at him sharply. “Isn’t it a bit early to be drinking!?”

Jacob glanced at his expensive watch and then shrugged. “It’s after twelve.”

“You’ll end up a drunk.”

Jacob sighed sitting down. “I’d rather be a drunk then wasteful.”

“Oh please…” Just as Ebony was about to berate her son again her assistant rushed into the room.

“The local florist doesn’t have enough orchids for the funeral.”

Ebony turned looking at the girl. “Then get them from next town…in fact why don’t you get something else entirely…John always liked variety?”

“Especially in his women,” Jacob snorted.

Ebony waved her assistant away collapsing into a chair. “I don’t want to hear about women and Jacob ever again.”

“What happened at the police station?”

“Nothing, that’s what happened, and I’m damn angry with the results. I’m finding that I have to take things more and more into my hands.”

“What if Ann didn’t do it?”

“It’s not whether she did it or not…it’s the idea that that family gets away with everything that bothers me.”

“Why do you and Cassie fight?” Jacob asked while thinking that they were so a like.

“It’s a long story,” Ebony mumbled. “But this time…they’ll pay. Cassie and her sweet darling granddaughters will be either dead or in jail.”

Jacob arched an eyebrow questioning his mother’s sanity.

<><><><><><>

“Who’s your friend?” Nikki asked smiling up at the man in front of her.

“Nikki...you don’t remember John Parker from our old school.”

“There were many schools, Ann...Las Vegas or Craven Ridge?”

Ann smiled. “Nikki does it matter.” She looked up at Cole in his disguise. “John join us. Nikki doesn’t bite.”

“Not to hard...” Nikki took a sip of her water. She liked the look of him. Dark haired he had a distinctly Anglican look to him and wore glass she was sure he didn’t need if he wasn’t reading. She could tell she was being force fed a date, but she was way to busy at the moment. She smiled. “Ann did you tell John about the big Gala...Thing...Caruthers is throwing for no reason.”

“Um actually yeah...do you have a date?”

“Well, I decided to take a friend, but you have an extra ticket…why don’t you invite him.”

Ann grew quiet, “John’s ticket?”

Nikki shrugged. “But of course...it was just an idea, you don’t have to do it.”

“Actually—um—I think that would work out fine. I’m sure we could get a table.”

Nikki smiled. “We’ll have lots of fun.”

Saturday, January 07, 2006

Sat, 07 Jan 2006 16:19:06 GMT

Episode 11

Cole heard a knock at the door and his doorbell ring several times before he cursed getting out of bed. Working as a private investigator he wished he had an office so people wouldn’t wake him up at 10:00 in the morning. Pulling on a pair of pants he had nearby he walked downstairs and opened the door. He stopped as he looked at the blonde bombshell at his doorstep.

Simone didn’t bother to say hello as she blurted. “Someone’s stalking me!”

~~~~~~~

Tina swatted at the hair in her face determined to free herself of the annoyance and get another couple of hours of sleep. Opening her eyes she stopped only a little confused by the flowered wallpaper that wasn’t a part of her room. She looked around at the cheap television set and the bad decorations that were meant to give a homey country cottage feel to the room. She sat up in bed looking at the space around her and stopped when she saw Aiden Bartley sound asleep next to her. She cursed grabbing her clothes and quickly slipping into them.

Outside the motel, Tina stretched her brain to figure out how she had ended up in a cheap motel with Aiden. She could only remember bits and pieces after she had danced with him taking a break and having a drink, watch Lor dance with some nameless guy. Tina stopped remember Lorene and how she would be worried out of her mind. She searched her pockets looking for her phone. Tina stamped her foot in frustration when she couldn’t find it and assumed she had left it in the motel room. She shook her head thinking it best she didn’t try and get it since she knew he would wake at any minute.

Tina continued down the street towards her apartment cursing herself for making such a stupid mistake. She couldn’t even remember if she had been good or not.

~~~~~~~

Simone sat with a glass of orange juice in her hand looking at Cole with determination. He had just told she needed to go to the police. “I can’t go to the Police. If I go to the Police Hi-Wit’s debut of its new headquarters won’t go off unhitched. I’m having a party to celebrate in a couple of days and I can’t have any kind of fuck ups because I have stalker.”

Cole sighed exasperated. “Miss. Caruthers, there’s nothing I can do.” He pointed to the two letters on the coffee table. “Take those notes to the police. Have them check out their databases. They’ll be more help then I am.”

Simone wanted to argue further, but saw the determination on Cole’s face. She felt stupid picking up the letters and having Cole walk her out the door and decided to give one last try. “Please, Mr. Moore, I have a feeling this stalker’s going to try and get into my party.” She tried looking helpless. “I would appreciate it if you at least come to my party. Keep an eye out. I’m sure you’ll find I’m not lying.”

“I never said you were.”

“Oh Good,” She smiled. “I’ll put your name on the list.” With that she turned and strutted rather than walk to her car.

Cole shook his head as he closed the door but stopped when he saw another car role into the driveway. He smiled as Ann got out of the car.

~~~~~~

Ebony Bartley stood in the office of Commissioner Jay Rouka using her powers of persuasion to little avail. “What are you saying that the case is a dead end? You’ve been working on it sense yesterday morning that’s twenty-four hours. Plenty of time to get the information you need to put that little bitch in prison.”

Jay had his back turned to her so she couldn’t see his facial expressions. Ved was at a lost as to why Jay would ever ‘like’ working here. “Ms. Bartley, you’ve got to understand that we put your son's case ahead of others. We stopped working and put more then half the men in the department on this case. The fact that your son was poisoned and not actually shot and then on top of that the fact that the caterers you had chosen were not only from out of the state but out of the country...it complicates things.”

“But I know who it is; it’s Anroshina Spence!”

“We’ve questioned the widow.” Ebony snorted. Jay only looked over his shoulder at her, “and she said she was as drunk as he was at the party.”

Ebony stood. “You’re going to pay for this Jay Rouka...my son was an important part of the community and you can’t ignore the mob connection.”

Jay looked slightly confused. “What?!” But before he could get his questioned answered Ebony was slamming the door to his office.

~~~~~~

Ann stood in Cole’s kitchen watching as he cooked breakfast: scrambled eggs, toast and fried ham. She mumbled something about not being hungry, but picked up her fork and ate anyway when he sat the plate in front of her with a glass of orange juice.

“Ok, now tell me, your grandma came to visit this morning?”

“Right.”

“Bit early...” Cole glanced at stove clock: 11:30am.

Ann looked in the same direction and smiled. “What kind of private investigator doesn’t wake up until noon? No, she came around my place around 8:45. Cassie’s always been an early riser.”

“What went on?”

Ann sighed. “A lot. She wants me back in the business, but I told her that wasn’t going to happen. Then she made a lot of complaints about Nikki and her new lackey, but the reason I’m here is because I think I know for sure that Cassie’s involved in some way with John’s murder. I just don’t know how?” Ann went on to tell him everything that went on in the conversation including Cassie’s last comment about Ann having nothing to do if she were the one who had called for the murder.

“Ok...I see.” Cole muttered. “So...how’s a good way to get close to her?”

“There isn’t. Not unless you were a friend of the family...” Ann stopped. “Or one of Nikki’s new men.”

Cole became worried. “Huh?”

“Nikki hasn’t had a man in ages...at least not sense John and I got married nearly a year ago. Cassie makes it her life mission to destroy Nikki's boyfriends. It's like a hobby.”

“Wait...no.”

“Yes! That’s it! Do you have someway of hiding you past?”

“Um...”

“Don’t worry I know someone. I used him once when I was a girl and wanted to run away! This will be great!”

“But how are you going to introduce me?”

Ann tapped her fingers on the table thinking. Then grabbing her phone out of her purse she pressed the voice command. “Nikki Spence” A moment passed and then there was a answer.

“Hello?” Nikki mumbled.

Ann claimed herself. “Hey Nikki, it’s Ann.”

“I know…that why I picked up.”

“Nikki, I really...can’t be alone.”

Nikki stifled a sigh trying not to be bored at the mention of John. “Ann, why don’t you have lunch with me? I’ll meet you at Ridgeway around 1:00.”

“Thanks Nikki.” Ann clapped her phone shut smiling at Cole. “Are you ready?”

“I don’t think I have much of a choice.”

~~~~~~

Tori rolled out of bed landing on her butt as she heard the hurried succession of ringing. She looked around for her cell phone and grabbing her purse she had tossed on the floor last night pulled her phone out answering it just in time, “Hello?”

“Agent Marsi, how would you like to get back on the directors good side?”

Tori woke instantly...

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Thu, 20 Oct 2005 14:38:19 GMT

Episode 10

Tina looked in the direction of the bar as she wrapped Aiden’s arms around her waist dancing closer to him. She saw that Lorene was deep in conversation with that Jay guy and tried to distract Aiden further.

It didn’t work for long. Aiden leaned in closer for her to hear, “I’m going to go look for Lor.”

Tina gave him a side long glance and nodding in understanding. As she watched him maneuver through the dancing bodies she wondered why she hadn’t tried to hold his attention longer.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Lorene listened in interest as Jay told her about himself. His stories and openness kept her on the edge of the stool surprised at herself for finding such intimacy at the bar. She leaned in closer to him. “So, where’s your brother coming home from?” It was a random question she knew but it was one of the few things she could think to ask to Jay to keep him going.

The question didn’t have the desired affect. There was a flash of darkness in Ved’s face but he quickly smiled. “My brother…Ved, is coming back from prison.” Lorene looked concern. Before she could ask what he had done, Jay continued, “Tori, is really happy about it, she’s really missed him since she lost the baby.”

“Oh…” Lorene felt bad about being so harsh. “I see.”

“Yeah, but you know…things happen.”

“Uh…”

“Lorene?” Aiden touched her on the shoulder to get her attention.

Lorene turned looking at Aiden. “Oh Hey!”

“I’ve been looking for you all night. I found Tina though.” He pointed his head in the direction of the dance floor.

“That’s nice; I was just talking to Jay.”

The two men measured each other then nodded in acknowledgement.

There was an awkward silence, Jay looked at his phone and sighed. “Sorry Lor, I gotta go. Crime never stops.”

Lor smiled, “Ok, but we really should meet some time.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll call.” With that he stood up and left.

Aiden looked at Lor. “Was that Jay Rouka, Police Commissioner?”

“Yeah”

Aiden shrugged, “shouldn’t he be looking for my brother’s killer.”

“Everyone needs a break, Aiden.”

“Not when there’s someone out there murdering people in their beds.”

“Please Aiden, just get over it.”

“Get over my brother’s death?”

“NO!” She yelled. “Get over the fact that he was here…having fun like you should be.” She dug in her purse pulling out the one hundred dollar bill. “Here, this belongs to you.”

Lorene stood walking on the dance floor to find Tina.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

The sun rose willingly the next day, but Ann didn’t. It was the first day of many to come where she would have to get up without John. She didn’t like it.

Stepping out of the shower she pulled on a t-shirt and some shorts. She walked into the kitchen to make some coffee when the door bell rang.

Ann opened the door and stopped short of saying hello, “What do you want?”

“Is that anyway to talk to your Grandmamma?” Cassandra said walking into the penthouse.

“Yes, especially when my ‘Grandmamma’ doesn’t talk to me for a year. Did you throw a party for his death Cassie?”

“How dare you say something like that? I truly felt for you. I even wore black.” She said indicating the black suit with red shirt and matching shoes.

Ann looked her Grandmother over. “The key word there is ‘felt’. I’m pretty sure you’re just showing off now.”

“It’s more then that damnable Ebony is doing for you, accusing you of murder kicking you out of house and home.”

“I left on my own.”

“But she’s still the cause.”

Ann had to admit that part. She sighed, “What do you really want; because I know it isn’t to sooth my wounded heart.”

Cassandra walked out on to the balcony sitting in one of the chairs at the table. “Why don’t you get some coffee for us, and then we’ll talk.”

Minutes later, Ann walked out with a tray of coffee and some bagels. She poured two cups handing one to Cassie. “So, why are you here?”

“Because I know Nikki needs you.”

Ann rolled her eyes sitting back in her chair. “No.”

“You haven’t even heard my offer.”

“No, I’m not going back; I’m not going to co-run the business with Nikki. I’ve kept my word not to tell anyone, but that doesn’t mean I’m coming back.”

But Ann, you’re the practical one. You’ve always been the one to bring back some of Nikki’s more wild ideas. She is not cut out for this job. She’s vicious yes, but she forgets the details. That’s why I want both of you to run it together.”

“Why can’t you trust she can do it on her own?”

“Because, she’s picked up some bad company along the way.”

Ann sipped at her coffee. “Like what?”

“Several months ago, a new hit man came into town: a girl by the name of Tina Lamer. She’s good, but I have a feeling she’s in on something big, and just buying time by playing hit man.”

“So what? You think she’s a spy.”

“Or a girl with a lot to hide, but Nikki thinks she’s the best. She’s been using the girl a lot.”

“I think the only reason you’re complaining is because she’s breaking your first rule of killing. This Tina girl is being used so much she might know too much about the business.”

“That, and the fact that my other men are breathing down my neck for jobs. I can’t keep telling them Nikki will use them soon.”

Ann shrugged her shoulders, “Well Nikki is taking over, and she can do whatever she wants.”

“Ann I want you to talk to her.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“If Ebony is really accusing me of murder I don’t need to be hanging around my cousin who’s in the business of killing.”

“It’s not the business of killing. It’s making money.”

“Sure…whatever.”

Cassandra looked at Ann over the lip of her coffee cup. “Do you have an idea of who killed John? I mean obviously Ebony is wrong?”

“I just know it wasn’t a petty thief looking for the family jewels.” Ann shrugged, “but other then that I haven’t a clue.”

Cassie smiled. “You looked just like your father when you did that.” She put the cup down standing. “But he usually looked like that when he was lying.”

Ann stood looking at Cassandra, “Even if I had a clue. I could never prove it.”

“You’re right about that one.” Cassie pulled a cigarette out of her purse. “I’ll see myself out.”

Thursday, September 29, 2005

Thu, 29 Sep 2005 12:30:10 GMT

Author's Note: Good Excuse....First Month of College...I'm such a big girl!

Episode 9

“Well, Jay, impress me,” Lorene grinned. She found his smiling strangely contagious and had a filling that he was probably trying to undress her with his eyes. She folded her arms. “I-well-where’s Tori?”

“At home…probably I don’t know.” Ved said, “I’m not her husband I’m just looking out for her until my brother comes home.”

“She must be really safe then.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Lorene took a sip of her drink, “Nothing, it just seems interesting that you were in her office for…er…I don’t know an hour and a half maybe.”

“Where you counting Lorene?”

Lorene smirked. “Don’t flatter yourself, the cook was keeping a betting pool.”

“Did you win?”

“Naw…I lost by ten minutes. Vie got it.”

“Funny, but I wasn’t doing what you guys think. I was helping her prepare for Ved’s homecoming.”

“Big deal?”

“To Tori? Yes.”

“And you?”

Ved shook his head. "He’s just my brother.”

Lor nodded in understanding and took another sip from her drink.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Tina had conveniently slipped out of sight when Lor and Jay started talking. She liked his looks: strong, dark, amazing; but the way he shifted in his stool and smiled when he started talking to Lor, she knew he was hiding something from her. She had seen that shift and leer combo in hit-men who wanted to take her out because she worked for Cassie but tried to get sex first. She laughed to herself but felt slightly uneasy.

“What’s so funny?”

Tina turned looking at Aiden. “Nothing, What are you doing here? I thought your family didn’t support Spence establishments.”

Aiden grinned. “Funny, I’m looking for Lorene actually. She told me to meet her here. She obviously came with you, so where is she?”

Tina bit her lip trying not to look over at the bar. “I don’t know,” Tina shrugged her shoulders. She then grabbed the lapels of his jacket pulling him close. “You want to dance instead?” She didn’t give him much choice as she pulled him on the dance floor.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Lorene watched as Jay drank the last of his second drink. He pushed the glass away. “I’m done.”

Lor’s eyebrow arched quizzically, “Barely twelve and you’re done?”

“I’m driving.” Jay responded. Ved inwardly hoped this was the right response. He wanted Lorene to fall fast and hard. She would leave enough of a mess for his brother to deal with and enough time for him to skip town.

He didn’t bother to think about Tori and what his leaving her would do.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Tori walked into her house flipping the lights looking at the glowing clock across the room: 12:03. She knew Ved would be out somewhere living it up and pretending to be a bachelor. She frowned, grabbed the phone, and dialed the number to his cell.

She wanted him to be as panicky as she had been at the grocery store.

She waited as the dull rings came across the receiver. She soon found herself counting them: one, two, three….

“Hello?” Ved’s voice was sharp and irritated.

Tori rolled her eyes. “Ved, we have a problem.”

“What is it? I’m hanging out with someone.” Ved yelled into his cell phone over the blaring music. He then looked at Lor and winked.

Tori immediately became suspicious. “Are you with Lorene?! Ved, we didn’t even agree on that plan! No, just get away from her; she's trouble!”

“Sorry what’s that?” Ved said with the obvious undertones of don’t screw anything up. “Why are you calling me so late?”

Tori gritted her teeth. “Ved…Jay’s home. I saw him at the grocery store.”

Tori didn’t get an answer, just the click of Ved’s cell phone and a dead line. She shook her head crossing her arms.

He just better not sleep with her she thought to herself… “He better not.”