The Viewing

[The Gambler]

[nospaces]

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[attr="class","SCdeftitlebar"]This Town

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[attr="class","SCdefsubtitlebar"]Just sit back…

Over a flat in the desert America's latest model atom bomb is prepped for testing. Photographers and reporters gather a safe distance near the flat to observe the nuclear test along with crowds of people from Las Vegas as well as cities all over the world. The Future War Cult (an organization that maintains America is a supreme power poised to rise from the ashes of a looming dark day) is hosting the viewing and as such has provided benches, seats, shaded goggles, and refreshments—as well as a few pamphlets in attempt to recruit new members to their cause.

[Nina Blackmoon]

take care of business for me

"Please--" Nina pushed her knee down harder, putting more pressure on the man's windpipe. "I'm sorry. Could you say that again? I couldn't quite hear you." The ape of a man didn't even bother trying to push anything else out of his small mouth--as if even air could escape now. With the cover of a small mound of dirt and sand a short distance from the bomb viewing area, Nina had a lanky man pinned to the ground, one knee against his throat and the other holding down the arm he wasn't laying on while she straddled him.

"What? You don't have anything else to say?" She leaned her ear near his mouth just to rub her position of power in his face. "Good. Because I need you to listen to me closely this time." She brought the knife she clutched in her hand around and held the blade to his cheek. "You will get them to leave. All of the pit bosses. The dealers too."

The thin man beneath her happened to be the top pit boss at the Aloha Casino--a casino Taurus desperately wanted for its location on the strip. He hadn't listened to her before when she visited him at work. And then today when he'd seen her at the viewing he had the nerve to cop a feel and throw some suggestive proposition her way. Well, she just had to oblige.

She led the fool behind the hill where, well, where she had placed them in their current predicament. She had decided to dress socially appropriate for the day and as such had worn a white dress with a floral pattern and had done her hair up in the popular style--although she still elected to wear her Native necklace. Such attire didn't stop her from giving good old Gary what he deserved.

She dug the blade shallowly into his flesh so that it would draw blood. The cut would keep the quickly forming bruises on his face company. "Do we understand each other, Gary?" He nodded eagerly. "Let me just make sure I'm crystal. If you don't understand me, well, I'll just have to see if I can get that pretty wife and daughter of yours to help bring you to the right conclusion." She let it sink in for a brief moment.

"Alright, cupcake?" He nodded even more vehemently. She supposed his lips turning blue was a sign she should let him go. She removed her knee from his neck and her blade from his cheek and pushed herself to her feet.

Gary promptly scrambled to his feet too. Nina glanced down at her dress to brush the sand off when she saw a couple drops of blood already staining the fabric. "You got blood on my dress, asshole!" She shouted after him as he stumbled over the hill toward his car--he didn't turn around. She trusted good old Gary wouldn't go running to the police and try and blame his clumsiness on her--Taurus's reach extended even farther than the LVPD.

Now she'd have to explain the stain away as jam or some such. She still planned on attending the viewing, after all. after slipping her knife back into her clutch purse, she climbed the hill and arrived back at the little get together without so much as a sweat on her brow. There were plenty of fish at the affair that Taurus wanted on their hook. She had just arrived to reel them in.

outfit: in gif! ;notes: let's get this party started! TAGGED: everyone!

[Evelyn White]

and they thought you was high-classed

Her father made her come here.

An atomic bomb viewing? She really thought he was pulling her leg at first. Then Evelyn remembered her father never joked. At least not with her and her mother and she certainly had only seen him laugh five times in her life. Or so she swore. It had been part of his idea to have some father-daughter time. The thought that he never really kidded around with his family was a sad thought, indeed, so of course she jumped at the opportunity to have a day with Mr. White. She would have been fine with a day at the park, then later a movie and possibly a milkshake all tied together with the fact that they would have bonded for the first time. But the viewing was the first thing that came out of his mouth and anything she said in disagreement he countered. She'd never seen him so optimistic about something before and had no earthly clue before then that he had an interested in military weapons- especially atom bombs.

Yet, here they were.

Evelyn would have been intrigued if she wasn't practically being forced. It was being held by some organization she'd never heard of way out in the desert. Better out here to put a hole in the Earth for show than anywhere else, she supposed. Not like those poor cities in Japan.

It was a hot day, but not unbearable. Had it been summertime, they would all be sweating like dogs from waves of dry heat that came with being smack dab in the middle of the desert for hours. So that was a plus. Evelyn adorned her white button-up tank top with the black flurry skirt that hung a couple inches above her knee. Her hair was a little different today, put up into bright blond ponytail with red bandanna tired around her curled bangs. Luckily, her father didn't question where she got the bandanna, as he was in a strangely good mood today. Even though the bandanna was the only part of her attire that yelled greaser, she hoped none of her friends would happen to be here- and see her dressed like this. It was an odd world Evelyn lived in where she anticipated her closest friends seeing her in certain clothing, mostly Freddy. Bee and Vicki would probably laugh, poke fun for a minute, then act like she was normal Evie. Freddy had seen her in a dress once out in public and brought it up for a week. Maybe she didn't want Dom to see her in a dress either, in that case.

She was wrapped up in a daydream while gazing at how the desert lining contrasted against the blue sky when her father's hand fell on her shoulder. "Beautiful day, isn't it, Eve?" Her blue eyes snapped to his attention and she raised her eyebrow as he gazed out into the desert through aviator shades in a similar fashion. He'd never abbreviated her name before. It was always that stern parental tone that he said her name, 'Evelyn'.

"It's very sunny." She replied, somewhat plainly at a loss for words. As she took a quick look around she realized lot more people had arrived while she was playing bored. Not exactly playing- she was definitely bored. Was the idea of watching a huge explosion really that exciting? Victor turned to face his daughter completely now and placed both hands on her shoulders. "Thank you for coming with me, darling. Your mother would have sent at least ten complaints my way by now." Evelyn couldn't help but smile and let out a tiny laugh at that. "More like fifteen, father." And then he laughed. Whole-heartedly. Then topped it off by throwing his arm around her bare shoulders and brought her into a side hug. "My daughter is the wittiest of them all," he boasted to himself. He then waved to a couple gentlemen in nice clothes who were with, she assumed to be, their wives "Ah, there's a couple fellows from the El Dorado. Please, excuse me, dear. They must want to discuss the next batch of showgirls." He gave her shoulders a squeeze and cast her a gentle smile. This was unusual behavior, but she had started to feel that she enjoyed being around her father when he was like this. With a quick kiss on her forehead and he was off to make business talk.

For a short time she stood with crossed arms and wondered if the bomb was sitting out there or if they were just going to drop it. Either way, whether it would look cool or not, Evelyn couldn't find much appeal in watching the explosion. She turned around from the spot her father had left her and began to meander around, people-watching and thinking. So far she hadn't seen anyone from the gang and considering the type of crowd that was here she didn't expect to.  It never hurt to be too careful. 

Her curiosity was peaked for the first time this afternoon when she spotted a black-haired women coming up the desert sand trail. She had on a white dress that reflected off her tanned skin, which made the red stain on the bottom of it painfully noticeable. The women strutted into the small bomb viewing get together without so much as a look in anyones eye. She was pretty and mysterious. And she was the only person here that looked like they might have something interesting to say. Evelyn meandered again, but this time to make it so her approach to the women wasn't so obvious. When she was just a couple feet away, she gazed at the desert lining again in silence before finally saying something. "You think people think this is fun?" She asked, trying to sound indirect. Almost rhetorical. "Spending hours waiting to watch a mushroom cloud and then we go just go home?" Evelyn then looked at the exotic looking women beside her directly this time when she spoke. "You don't really look like the sort that's into bombs."

NOTES: Hope this is okay!! TAG: Nina Blackmoon, everyone!

[Scott McCall]

Today was an important day for Las Vegas, so it only stood to reason that the mayor should be there.

Ever since the 'Mysterious Woman' incident, Brad had been doing his best to get the media to stop prying. Public appearances and press releases had doubled and Scott was busy enough with that to keep from trying to find the girl. During his last appearance, he'd needed a date, something that hadn't been easy to come by lately. While he wanted to reach out to Sophie, he'd no idea how. When the time came it seemed as though Brad had forgotten that one particular detail of the invitation.

That's when he'd met Miss Tallulah Rose.

Brad could only mumble about exactly how he'd found her, but Scott didn't mind whatever it was. He'd warmed up to her quickly and considered her among his friends. Whenever he wanted some company at a public event, Miss Rose was the first person the Mayor's Office would call.

Today, Tallulah was again on Scott's arm while Brad looked after Albert. The little boy had insisted on coming with his father to watch the atom bomb detonate. Scott would be lying if he said he wasn't at least wary. It wasn't so much at the bomb as it was the Future War Cult that worried him. They were the ones hosting the event and the pamphlets were just a little out there, even for Scott's taste. Brad would do a good job keeping his eye on Albert as Scott dealt with Miss Rose and the press.

They were each handed a pamphlet and Scott quietly disposed of his while guiding Tallulah toward the refreshment table. A glass of lemonade to fight off the heat wouldn't hurt, even if it was provided by a strange future cult.

"Planning to join up?" Scott teased with a grin, pointing at the pamphlet. He kept his voice low. They might be strange, but they were still people and Scott didn't want to hurt their feelings. He kept their arms linked, also not wanting her to seriously run away and join the cult. "They have great healthcare, I hear."

He gave her a wink as he let go, picking up a glass of lemonade for both of them. After he handed hers back, Scott gave a sigh.

"Ready to mingle? I can't say I know how to mingle before we watch a bomb detonate." It wasn't a usual part of his mayoral duties, but he knew Al was excited and he couldn't help but be a little excited to watch an explosion as well. They could be pretty neat when no one got hurt.

- - - - - - - - -

[Tallulah Rose and everyone~ Hope this works! Wearing what's in the banner!]

[Nina Blackmoon]

take care of business for me

Nina surveyed her cattle, ready to prod. Unfortunately the high end stock hadn't arrived yet. She wasn't about to go consorting with low end meat out of boredom. She'd figure out other ways to entertain herself. "You think people think this is fun?" Ah. The answer to her prayers. She glanced over at the girl as she sidled up beside her. She was pretty--young--but she certainly had her beauty going for her. Nina supposed that got the girl quite far in this town.

Nina removed her gaze to examine their surroundings and the "party-goers" that occupied it. "It gives them an excuse to throw a party." Rich people and their parties. She had witnessed a woman throwing an euthanasia party for a pet cat once so, people tended not to surprise Nina anymore. "Spending hours waiting to watch a mushroom cloud and then we go just go home?" Nina shrugged her shoulders, not finding the energy or necessity to come up with a response. The whole event was asinine to Nina, but then again, the entirety of Las Vegas was to her. still, it seemed the rest of the country held opinions about the event that differed greatly from hers and her new acquaintance's.

"You don't really look like the sort that's into bombs." She turned to meet the girl for the first time in their exchange. Yes, she was even pretty up close--no doubt she had to swat them off like flies. What an asset that could be to her in the future. Nina arched a brow, "Is that so? What does that sort look like?" Coyness was certainly a source of amusement for her.

Then, Nina caught sight of the Mayor making his arrival out of the corner of her eye--there was always room for more entertainment. "Say, since we're not the sort that gets our kicks watching dust and smoke clouds, want to make our own fun?" She turned her head and gestured to the Mayor. "I'll bet you ten dollars you can't pick the Mayor's pocket for his wallet without him noticing."

Perhaps this sort of proposition would have been offensive to anyone else--but, Nina could tell this girl was always up for a thrill.

outfit: in gif! ;notes: thanks emmy! TAGGED: Evelyn White & Scott McCall

[Bee Poplawski]

Bee had taken her baby from Pete's driveway again. Along the way she picked up a few of the Sisters all in matching leather jackets. They careened down the streets, bobbing and weaving through the cars that were too slow for Bee's taste. The girls were cheering over the sound of Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens.

Frankly Bee didn't see what all the fuss was about some bomb going off, but watching shit go up in a puff of smoke always made for a good laugh. It made the rest of the world seem so insignificant, so easily destroyed and was a testament to the strength of the country, as her science teacher liked to point out. Explosions were cool. End of story. She didn't want an egghead making her think they were anything but.

She swerved into tow parking spots and she and her girls got out. Her capris and blouse hugged her tightly and she kept the leather jacket on despite the sweltering heat. Her old tennis shoes and stolen red scarf that tied her hair back rounded out her look for the day.

There was one look she was surprised to see. Miss Evelyn White, dolled up for Daddy no doubt. She looked positively square as Bee lowered her glasses at the girl. The girl was hiding them--The Sisters--like a dirty secret from her parents; Bee had thumbed through the princess's closet during the sleepover only to find her jacket hidden in the back. Now she was all fancied up and Bee could help but snicker at her.

Guess it wasn't so easy being a 'young miss' while trying to remain cool. Evie would be getting a hard time later on, a friendly ribbing, but the pack of Sisters was busy scoping out a good spot to watch the test.

Now that Bee was on her own trying to find a good seat, one of the pamphlet passers gave her some information on their religion. Bee gave him a sneer and, after he sauntered off, she balled the packet and tossed it behind her, not noticing that she'd hit someone with the paper ball.

Not that Bee would've cared anyway.

- - - - - - - - -

[So excited!]

[Sophie Renard-Wolfe]

Heaven help me for the way I am, save me from these evil deeds before I get them done

Things just hadn't been the same since she'd met Scott.

She was trying to shake the thought of him, the realistic part of her knowing her fondness for him was ridiculous. Not only ridiculous - selfish. That one photo could cost him his position. Then he would have to move out of the mayor's mansion and take Albert with him. Where would they go? What if Albert liked where he was living? She imagined the boy had everything he could ever want for. And that was what she wanted for the lovely boy. He was so sweet. And his father...oh, his father. He was an angel of a man. One of Harvey's men wore the same cologne as Scott. Whenever he was in the house it made her feel heartsick.

Sophie had never had a relationship with a man before. The one with Tony was more an imprisonment than anything else - and it was built on nothing but greed from the man. He would have killed her the moment she became useless to him and felt no remorse. He didn't care about her soul or her mind or her feelings - all he'd cared about was her body. She'd been in love with a woman once, a beautiful woman from Mexico. Rose. But Harvey had put an end to that the moment he found out. Sophie had been sneaking out to see her, and Harvey had followed her. When he caught them together, he'd dragged the Mexican girl into his car and she was never heard from again.

Since then, Sophie had learned her lesson. Or so she thought. The ones she loved always got hurt. Harvey didn't think anybody was good enough for his baby sister. But it was more than that. Sophie remembered killing Tony. She remembered the feeling of the gun in her hands. She knew she'd been screaming, that she had been speaking a lot of the time - but she wasn't sure what she had revealed to Harvey - how much of the abuse she had clued him in on. And they had never spoken about it since. Part of her believed Harvey did know what had gone on all those years behind closed doors - that she had told him that night when she'd taken Tony's life. And maybe that's why Harvey was so protective and possessive over her. He hadn't been able to protect her then - but he could protect her now.

Little did he know that what he was doing was bad for Sophie. She was a bird in a cage. And as she grew - the cage did not grow with her. Scott had been a breath of fresh air, a reminder that not all men were bad. Some of them could be kind and sweet and good. Some could care for her. Some would wipe ice cream from her nose and hold her when she cried. Some would never dream of harming her. And maybe that's why she found it so hard to shake him. Part of her still loved Rose, probably always would. But that didn't mean she couldn't love Scott too.

She dreamed of him the night before the viewing. His arms were around her and they'd kissed just as the bomb went off. She woke in a cold sweat - she had to go to the viewing. Scott would be there. He had to be. It was in her dream...

Harvey and Sophie had a strange relationship full of guilt, resentment and manipulation. They stayed together because they did love one another. They were family. But Sophie resented her imprisonment and Harvey resented the fact that he felt like she was throwing everything in his face. They had had a tough few weeks together. Harvey had seen the papers and flipped. There was violence and screaming. And since then he had been avoiding her. He was wracked with guilt. So he'd bought her a new dress. It was his way of apologizing. It was a beautiful dress - it would have cost him a fortune. But she would have preferred an apology.

However, that guilt would work to her advantage now. Even better, he and Roxie were fighting. He was vulnerable and Roxie was out. It was perfect. Slinking downstairs, she looked over at her brother. He was miserable. On the couch, watching television. Harvey hated television. He only ever watched it when he was misery drinking. Perfect. He was just the right stage of vulnerable. Sneaking up behind him, she began to hum a song their mother used to sing them. Gently running her fingers through his hair, she felt him relax and watched as he closed his eyes.

"...I've missed you..." she cooed softly. She hated calling him Harvey. That wasn't the name their mother had given him. But she knew it would send him into a rage if she called him that. So she called him nothing. Harvey grunted in response.

We live together, you see me all the time

Sophie pouted, leaning her chest on the back of the couch and working her nails against her brother's scalp to give him a massage - she used to do it all the time for him when they were children. It was one of the only things that calmed him down.

"I don't mean just seeing you, I mean spending time with you...Let's do something together today. Just you and me..." she could see him considering it. "Please?" she put a quiver in her voice, moving so he could see her eyes filling with tears that she had manufactured.

He was hooked. But now she just had to reel him in. With an excited gasp, she leaped over the couch and knelt in front of her brother, gripping his knees and looking up at him with her big, bright eyes.

"Oh my goodness we could go to the Atomic Testing viewing!" she held her hands up in a praying gesture. "Oh please can we go?" he rose an eyebrow, clearly not sold on the idea. "...I can wear the lovely new dress you bought me..." it was a peace offering. And Harvey was just the right amount of downtrodden to allow himself to be manipulated by his younger sister.

A few hours later and they were there. Sophie in her brand new dress and Harvey in a white shirt, jeans and sunglasses. He was drunk, and she planned on keeping him liquored up while they were at the event. That mixed with the hot sun and the complete lack of entertainment would put him into a deep sleep - leaving Sophie to do as she pleased.

They had been there about an hour before she finally spotted him. Harvey was so asleep he was snoring, the pamphlet they'd been given left open on his chest. And there he was. He looked so handsome in his suit. She had almost forgotten how handsome he was. How could she have forgotten that? He was getting a glass of lemonade, and she sprung from the seat - this was the perfect opportunity. She would tell him that she hadn't been able to stop thinking about him. Surely Albert was here and she would be able to hear his infectious little chuckle. It was perfect.

She wasn't thinking logically. She wasn't thinking of the danger she was putting Scott and his son in - all she was thinking about was getting close to him. As she dashed excitedly towards him - she was stopped dead in her tracks as she saw the beautiful young woman that had been standing beside him. She hadn't thought they were together. But as he handed her the lemonade and smiled at her so warmly - she felt her entire world shatter as if someone had hurled a rock threw it. Of course. How could she have been so stupid? Of course he had a wife. Albert had to have a mother...

Sophie felt like her heart had been ripped out of her chest. And she turned quickly from him, covering her mouth as she practically ran back to her brother. She felt like she was going crazy. It was like she couldn't breath. And she shook her brother roughly.

"Harvey. Harvey. Wake up, this was stupid. I want to go home. I changed my mind. I want to go home. Now." she barked, giving him another rough shake. The gangster leaped awake, grabbing onto his sister's throat in reaction to her violent shake. Sophie was frozen, feeling sets of eyes on them now. Her face was getting red from embarrassment. Realizing it was his sister who had woken him - and that he was bringing attention to them, he let her go instantly and pretended like he was joking with her. Laughing a little nervously, he wrapped an arm around his sister and pressed his lips to her temple.

Here, you relax and watch the show. I'm going to go have a 'nap' in the car and when you're ready to go you come get me

There was a firmness in his tone that told Sophie she was in big trouble. If there weren't people watching she knew it would have been worse. Without another word, Harvey stormed off back to his car, leaving his sister there.

Never in her life had she felt this embarrassed. And looking over at the roped off area - she had a sudden thought of running down there and letting herself go off with it.

NOTES: soooo excited! | WORDS: enough | TAG: Scott McCall & Tallulah Rose

[Tallulah Rose]

what difference does it make?

A nuclear bomb viewing. What an incredibly American event. We are powerful. We are big. We are scary. Was blowing a hole into the crust of the earth really the only way they could show the world? Tallulah was so sick of politics; the eternal struggle for power between the men with the heaviest pockets. She had escaped to America for a change but it seemed that everywhere was full of power-hungry idiots.

Her opinions on the event would be subdued. Regardless of how she felt about this grand spectacle of authority, Tallulah was here for Scott McCall. The escort had been hired once before for the mayor and when she was requested to work for him again, she agreed right away. Lulah enjoyed working with Scott. He was a genuine man and although he may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, that was one of the things she liked about him. He didn’t ask too many questions about her past and if he did, she could easily change the subject. Tallulah enjoyed being in his company and if she were a more open person, she’d even consider him as one of her friends.

As always, Tallulah was dressed finely from head to toe. A gorgeous summer dress hung on her frame and a large-brimmed hat on her head. She wore sparkling earrings, bracelets and a necklace. She was the definition of glamour.

Tallulah went wherever Scott was taking them, her arm entwined with his. She curiously took a pamphlet which was handed to her and looked over it as they walked to the refreshment table. "Planning to join up?" Tallulah looked up from the pamphlet and gave Scott a scarlet smile. "They have great healthcare, I hear." The escort replied with a gentle laugh before talking in the same low tone. “It’s all a bit bizarre, isn’t it?” She looked either side of her, making sure no one heard before looking back to him with a raised brow. She discarded the pamphlet on the refreshment table.

Her delicate fingers wrapped around the glass of lemonade the mayor passed to her and she took a sip. It was just the refreshment they needed on a hot day like this. "Ready to mingle? I can't say I know how to mingle before we watch a bomb detonate." Tallulah nodded to him, a smile on her lips. ”I’m sure you’ll do great.” The words of encouragement were genuine as she straightened his tie ever so slightly with her free hand. “Maybe ask if there are any other cults you should know about.” Her voice was hushed as she smirked, her Russian accent coating every word.

WEARING:X | NOTES: Stole your code Emmy I hope this is alright!! | TAG: Scott McCall & EVERYONE!

[Scott McCall]

Miss Rose was always dressed to the nines. She was a classy lady and Scott really appreciated that about her. Vegas was one of the classiest places in the world, Scott believed. It was the epitome of glitz and glamour and he always believed that its inhabitants reflected that ideal. Tallulah was no exception. She was sweet and funny and he was lucky to count her among his friends.

Though they'd only known each other for a short time, namely one other occasion, she seemed like an honest sort, a good egg. Scott was sure of it.

"Maybe we'd understand better if we read the pamphlets they keep passing out," Scott offered with a soft smile. Not that he wanted a pamphlet for something called the Future War Cult. Picking the name apart, it was a cult that believed a war was coming.

It wasn't much of a stretch seeing as the Reds were always a constant threat.

Not Tallulah though. She was a nice Russian; Scott had decided on that much.

She moved to straighten his tie and he gave her a small smile. Escorting was a great service. He wondered why more people didn't hire them for functions. He'd always get an invitation for himself 'Plus One'. It was enterprising to know there was a service available for men without a 'plus one'. Truly an American concept and one that shook away any doubt that Tallulah was a Communist, not that he believed that to begin with.

"I sure hope there's a 'Future Peace Cult'," Scott told her quietly. "That sure sounds a great deal friendlier."

He chuckled softly, but the sound of his aide calling his son's name in the distance distracted him. Scott handed his drink to Tallulah.

"Sorry... Sounds like Al is starting a Future War of his own." Scott winked at her and excused himself, looking to help Brad in his hour of need.

- - - - - - - - -

[Tallulah Rose and everyone~ Hope this works! Sorry it's a bit short and a little 'eh'! Wearing what's in the banner!]

[Evelyn White]

and they thought you was high-classed

The enigmatic women gave her a glance and Eve felt a small wave of relief and a sense of reverence as she replied, "It gives them an excuse to throw a party."She retracted her own gaze to look at the attendees. Mostly money folks and she raised her eyebrows with a slight nod, impressed at the womens observation of people. Some others had no notion of sketching people as characters, or describing their salient points, but she had summed up every person here with just an answer. When she didn't respond further, Evelyn's briefly wondering eyes fell upon Bee and some of The Nuns. Her heart sank into her chest as she managed to just barely avoid eye contact with their self-proclaimed leader.

Shit.

"Is that so? What does that sort look like?"

Her eyes quickly fluttered back to her person of interest and she flashed her a crimson smile impulsed by nervousness. "A bunch of people in suits that like throwing parties dedicated to bombs, for starters." The cult thing was... questionable, but what she couldn't shake from her thoughts, which also distracted her from the black-haired beauty standing next to her, was Bee.

It wouldn't be a big deal to her face later on, but in Bee's head and behind her back she knew she loathed that Evelyn hid their gang from her parents. Maybe she also got some satisfaction from it, as moments like this were something that could easily be used against her. She couldn't just come clean and expect her mother and father, ruthless conservatives, to just feel dandy about the idea of their remaining child being a greaser. They would never let her leave the house again. She considered Bee a close friend, but sometimes wondered if she would turn out to be her worst enemy.

"Say, since we're not the sort that gets our kicks watching dust and smoke clouds, want to make our own fun?"The velvet voice brought her attention back again and Evelyn smirked at the idea of mischief. Now she was really interesting if she was the sort that was into starting trouble. "I'll bet you ten dollars you can't pick the Mayor's pocket for his wallet without him noticing." She looked around quickly and saw the Mayor of Vegas himself making his appearance. This gal truly had a knack for trouble making and a rush of excitement came over her. Pick-pocketing the mayor was a big challenge. She wasn't accustomed to that kind of thievery, but she was good with charisma. And she truly wanted to impress the mysterious women. "All right," she returned with the same smirk, turning to face her completely as she held out her hand.  "I bet you ten dollars that I can." As the sphinx like women's hand slid into hers, her tan skin contrasting against Eve's paleness, they sealed the deal with a shake. "When I'm successful, you owe me your name, too. And don't be afraid to come join the fun." She released their grasp and gave Miss Mystery a wink before setting off towards her target.

As she approached Mayor McCall, rather too boldly, she immediately felt intimidated. On the walk over Evelyn had felt confident in her mission and hoped Bee was watching. But now he was standing just a couple feet from her with a little boy in his company. Perhaps she should have gone into this more rationally, but she couldn't back out now. For the sake of impressing her new potential friend and Bee, she opened her mouth to speak. "Mayor McCall, it is an honor to make your acquaintance,"she managed to break through the possible nervous crack of her voice and instead spoke formally. "I am Evelyn White. You might know my father, Victor. He is one of the top entertainers on The Strip. I'm sure he'd take great pleasure in meeting you, as well, if he hasn't already."

The only way this could go wrong so far is if Mayor McCall was intuitive enough to smell bullshit. Her father always said you can't bullshit a bullshitter. 

NOTES:   TAG: Nina Blackmoon,; Bee Poplawski, Scott McCall

[Sophie Renard-Wolfe]

Heaven help me for the way I am, save me from these evil deeds before I get them done

Sophie ran a hand through her hair anxiously, her entire body trembling. This had been a mistake - just like every decision she had made independently. Of course Scott had a wife. She had been ridiculous to think otherwise. Why wouldn't he? He was so handsome and sweet and kind and good. And then there was Albert too. He was such a sweet boy - just like his father. Who wouldn't want him as a son?

Harvey was furious with her. As soon as he felt better he was going to storm down the hill and drag her home. And once they were home...Well, she wasn't sure. Harvey wasn't the brother she grew up with anymore. He had changed somehow. And it frightened her. Because she din't know what he was capable of anymore. And that house frightened her. It was full of snakes. And she was a mouse.

Sophieeee!

Whirling towards the source of the voice - she felt her eyes grow wet with tears as she saw Albert bolting towards her. And as he reached her, he didn't even think to slow down. He would have run painfully into her legs if she hadn't quickly reached down and scooped him up. Lifting him clear off the ground, his little legs wriggled excitedly as he beamed up at her. Nobody was ever excited to see Sophie. She was always a burden, an annoyance. But Albert...it was like she was the birthday present he had been begging for - all unwrapped and waiting for him. Feeling overwhelmed by how happy Al was to see her, she gathered the boy into her arms and embraced him warmly. Al excitedly wrapped his little arms around her neck and she smiled, holding him for a moment or two before lowering him back to the ground and kneeling with him.

"Albert! Don't you look dashing." she cooed, her smile growing as he proudly puffed out his chest.

Look, look! Come on, I take us closer. Dad says I'm allowed to the fence. Come on!

And before she could even think to direct him back to his father, Al was tugging her down the hill. Surprised by the boy's strength and, coupled with the downhill momentum, she almost fell head over heels down the slope as she sought to keep hold of Al's hand to keep him from tripping himself or running off too far. There was a man running alongside them and he called out Albert's name, telling him to stop. But Scott's son was too excited. He wanted a closer look.

Luckily Scott's aide took the reigns. Grabbing Albert's arm forcefully, he and Sophie managed to slow the rambunctious boy just before the roped off area. Sophie was breathless, and she knelt down to speak to Albert. Her tone was firm, but she reached out to gently hold his arms.

"You mustn't run off like that, Albert. Could you imagine how your father would feel if anything were to happen to you?" Albert was listening attentively to her, his brows furrowing and his lower lip pouting.

I just wanted to show you a closer look...

"No doubt you've scared your mother half to death too. Come on, we should take you back to them." it was an off-handed comment as she straightened, looking up to thank the man who had helped. She assumed he was one of Scott's employees. He was watching her closely, with a strange look on his face that she couldn't quite read.

She hadn't realized she might be digging at a wound within the young boy. For all she knew Scott was with his wife on top of that hill - the beautiful Tallulah. Brad took the boy's hand and gave him a firm look, nodding to the top of the hill. Unusually quiet, Albert obeyed and began the ascent back up the hill, jogging the bit at the end to run to his father and cling onto his leg. Sophie watched them for a moment, feeling a heaviness in her heart. Brad then reached out for her hand.

Would you like help back up, Miss Sophie?

Sophie looked up at him with her eyes already filling with tears and she quickly shook her head. She didn't mean to be impolite, she just didn't want to have to make small talk with Scott's wife and put on a happy face. The man seemed to understand to a degree, and he nodded to show he understood and would respect her wishes before he followed Albert back up the hill. Sophie sighed heavily and sunk down in a bare patch of grass by the roped off area, picking up a discarded pamphlet.

She had no idea who the Future War Cult were.But they weren't her brother or Scott's beautiful wife. So their words were already better company than she had had previously...

NOTES: soooo excited! | WORDS: enough | TAG: Scott McCall & Tallulah Rose

[Scott McCall]

Scott had only managed to meet up with Brad, who was panicking in the crowd. It seemed Albert had slipped away from him, which sounded like his son's usual modus operandi. He had a mind like his mother's and when it was made up, it was hard to change it. Scott had figured that he'd probably gone off to get some lemonade without him or Brad seeing. He felt bad for leaving Tallulah all alone, but Albert needed to found before he could relax.

The only thing he hoped was that his son wasn't bothering any of the cult members. The recent science-fiction phase wasn't too troubling. But no parent wanted their kid to become too interested a cult. Who knew what they'd do?

Especially with the nonsense about a 'future war'. It would make an interesting movie to be sure, but to really believe that something like that could happen was just silly.

Scott was lucky word still hadn't gotten out about his 'abduction'. He didn't need to lose credibility, especially over what was probably just sleep walking. He hadn't been quite right since Elle's death. Some part of him felt that if this 'Future War Cult" got a whiff of that they'd probably press him for further details on what amounted to nothing.

Luckily Brad seemed to find the little troublemaker. Before his aide could tell him where Al had been, they were interrupted by a young woman who introduced herself as Evelyn White.

"You're Victor White's girl?" he exclaimed with a grin, making sure to keep hold on Al's hand, who seemed annoyed to have lost his father's attention. Scott shook her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss White."

Brad shuffled off to take a breather from the search.

"I can't say I've met your father at least officially. Is he here with you?"

"Dad."

"What am I saying, of course he would be."

"Dad!"

"Where is--"

"DAD!"

Al was looking up at Scott with an angry expression. Scott sighed and held up a finger to Evelyn, indicating he'd only be a second. He knelt down to speak to his son.

"I want to go back to Sophie." Albert's mouth was set into a pout.

Scott furrowed his brows. "Well, Sophie isn't here, Al. I'm sorry." He didn't know where Sophie was.

Al shook his head. "She's here and she said something dumb. Brad interrupted."

Sophie was... here?

Scott lifted Albert onto his shoulders to give him a better view.

"Have you see a blond woman, Miss White?" he asked, distracted, he and his son looking atop the crowd to find who they were looking for. "About yea high?" he held up his hand, knowing there were probably plenty of blond girls that tall. There was tinge of guild for being so distracted around Evelyn. He just felt he needed to find Sophie.

- - - - - - - - -

[Evelyn White & Sophie Renard-Wolfe Wearing what's in the banner!]

[Evelyn White]

and they thought you was high-classed

"You're Victor White's girl?"

His exclamation with a friendly smile had almost made her jump in surprise. "Yes, sir." The mayor held a rather adorable little boy in his arms, no doubt taking after his father's features. Mayor McCall was handsome and kind, but Evelyn personally held a taste for people with a mysterious edge. He reached out his hand to shake hers and she obliged whole-heartedly. "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss White. I can't say I've met your father at least officially. Is he here with you?"

She opened her mouth to reply, 'But of course-' though his son had beat her to the punch with, "Dad."
"What am I saying, of course he would be."
"Dad!"
"Where is--"
"DAD!"

Evelyn held her hand over her mouth briefly when the Mayor turned his attention to the demanding little boy. She concealed a chuckle. This was why she had always found the idea of having a child pretty dull. She had always said kids were dumb, even as a young girl herself. You had to do everything for them. Evelyn folded her arms again and managed to keep her solid expression as Mayor McCall gestured to her that he would be a moment and knelt over to speak to his son- who had a very disgruntled expression on his little face. She patiently listened to their banter.
"I want to go back to Sophie."
"Well, Sophie isn't here, Al. I'm sorry."
"She's here and she said something dumb. Brad interrupted."

The Mayor's eyes lit up and lifted any frustration he had on his face. Ah, there was a girl in his life and she was here. The little boy Albert was now atop his father's shoulders to better their search. "Have you seen a blond woman, Miss White? About yea high?" She had a very sure feeling which blond he had been speaking of- the one with the violent boyfriend or brother, she didn't know. But she had seen it all happen just a couple yards from where she had been lingering with her potential new friend- shaking her by the neck. The sad attempt to play it off as though he was joking was the worst part. Evelyn was sure the Mayor had come with another blond women, but Sophie.. he had no knowledge of knowing she was here 'till now.

"Well, I..." she began to say, but then realized she herself had no idea where the fellow blond was, now. "... I may have, but I don't know where she is at the moment." Evelyn could have played it off as though she knew, but she couldn't make a fool of herself and play all of her good cards too quickly. If she somehow got the Mayor to this women Sophie, she could swipe his wallet while they were distracted. Then casually slip away with a polite goodbye. "But I could help you find her, if you'd like." She looked up to Albert with a smile and uncrossed her arms. "Where did you last see Sophie, little Al?" 

NOTES: TAG: Nina Blackmoon, Scott McCall, Sophie Renard-Wolfe