A figure stood at the top
of the steps, his features blotted out by darkness. There was something, though, a brief glimmer
of dark light that seemed to come from his eyes. It was there, and then it was gone.
“What in the world is
going on here?”
The voice was male, and
familiar to Ashtyn. It was the accent.
The figure stepped out of the doorway, and onto the first step. Rita raised her flashlight, aiming it
straight for the man’s face.
“Please, direct that
somewhere else.” Q lifted his hand, shielding his eyes. “What are you all doing down here?”
“Q?” Ashtyn took a step forward.
“Mr. Quint!” Max brushed past her, and started up the
stairs. “I am sorry. We were waiting for you when part of my crew
got a little curious, and…”
“Is everyone okay?” He
smiled, and Ashtyn could feel her heart skip a beat.
“Yes, yes. Everyone is fine, I just…” Max glanced back
at everyone. “We should get
outside.”
Once they had all made
their way out of the cellar, and away from that disturbing angel, Ashtyn found
herself alone with Q on the front porch.
They watched as Rita began to unpack the equipment, and Max and Liz
quietly argued around the back of the van.
“Fancy meeting you here.”
Q laughed, leaning back against the house.
“So, you’re the owner?”
Ashtyn looked him over. She had so many
questions, especially about why there was an odd black pool in the cellar of
the house he owned, but she couldn’t form a single one.
He was amazing to look
at, for sure, but now Ashtyn was realizing just how dangerous his beauty could
be. At that moment he could have ordered her to
take a dip in the black waters of the temple pool, and she would have willingly
stripped down and dove in.
“It belonged to my
mother.” He looked away from her when he spoke.
“So, you’re the son from
the legend.” She cracked a smile, but seeing the sad look on Q’s face, she
instantly regretted it.
“Depends on which legend
you believe, I guess.” He still didn’t
look at her.
“I’m guessing you aren’t
happy about a film crew coming in here and digging up all those old stories.”
Ashtyn glanced back at the van, and the equipment.
“Not entirely, but the
money they are paying me is going towards repairs and upkeep for the house, so
I allow it.” He glanced back towards the open door.
“Maybe this is your
chance to tell her side of the story.”
“Hopefully.” Finally, he
looked at her, his eyes meeting hers.
“Not tonight, though. I need to
get back to the hotel. You should, too. I wanted to have my handyman come in and
prepare the place for the crew before you started filming. As you found out first hand, the house isn’t
in the best shape.”
“You never actually told
me what you do at the hotel.” Ashtyn did her best to change the subject. She was secretly hoping for another glimpse
at that perfect smile of his.
“I’m the lead programmer
on their vocaloid.”
“Vocaloid?” She tilted
her head to the side, confused.
He finally smiled,
laughing softly. “A holographic pop
star, and The Hideaway’s star attraction.
I guess you could say she’s my baby. You should come to the show tonight,
I can get you seats right up front.”
So that was what Bobby
had been talking about, she thought to herself.
“And my friends?”
“Of course. What better press then to get a famous TV
host at my show?” He stepped away from the house, and started towards the van.
“Mr. Quint…” Max rushed
over to Q, Liz right behind him.
“Please,” Q held up his
hand, “call me Q.”
“Q, I am so sorry about
what happened. I understand if you want
to cancel our contract, but please reconsider.”
Ashtyn stayed by the
house, watching and secretly enjoying the show.
Max was usually so cocky and sure of himself. She was sure that what she was witnessing at
that very moment was a rare sight to behold.
“It’s fine.” Q patted Max on the shoulder. “But no filming
in the house tonight. I want my people
to go through first, to make any repairs needed so that today’s events won’t
repeat themselves.”
“Of course, of
course.” Max was nodding
vigorously. “We’ll just shoot the
introduction, and save the rest until you’re ready.”
“I have a better
idea.” Q’s arm slipped around Max’s
shoulder. “How about you and your crew
come back with me to the hotel, enjoy yourselves for the night, and then
tomorrow you can get a personal interview with the ‘witch’s’ son. Does that sound good?”
“Even better!” Max let
out an uncomfortable laugh, and Ashtyn noticed that he was also avoiding Liz’s
gaze.
“I’ll help you load your
gear into the house, and then we can start back.” With a healthy pat on the back,
Q headed towards Rita and started helping her lift some of the large, black
camera cases.
“As much as Max drives me
nuts, I have to say, he has a way with people.” Liz was standing next to Ashtyn
now.
She couldn’t help but
jump a little. How had Liz snuck up on
her like that? She suddenly felt a chill
run down her spine as she remembered the look on Liz’s face, the way she seemed
almost entranced by the statue of the bone winged angel.
For a brief moment Ashtyn
could sense that same cold, oppressive essence that she had encountered in the
basement and then, just as quickly, it was gone.
Liz was looking at her
funny. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah…” Ashtyn took a
step away from Liz. “I should… I should go help the others.”
As Ashtyn made her way
towards the van she was very sure that Liz was watching her the entire
time.
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