#ic [lavinia cortez]

[intonightcity]

Lavinia will admit when she's wrong. She was wrong about this one. At least Miss Aubrey Summers had a good head on her shoulders. Pretty. Intelligent. A storm in the sea of every other Hollywood starlet. Aubrey did have IT. That factor every woman wants since the original IT girl Clara Bow molded it to silver screen. She smiled, tilting her head as she watched the other. With a playful lick of her lips she mulled over her suggestion. "Okay bebé. You and me for a drink. How can I say no? We will paint this town with lipstick and high heels." Been a long time since she just went out with another woman. Well, not on a date this time. Just as friends. It would make for a good time killer.

"I got nothing on my plate tonight. All that hard work on my network is booked and filed down sharper than my nails." A laugh escaped her, flicking her nails for effect. The black coat of nail polish ended in a lime green at the tips. Part of Lavinia's toxic gothic look for her hostess persona. She adored the color combo for a night out any day of the week. @wintersxsummers -|- prev

[intonightcity]

"No, I'm going to pick up a few things for Alice. Not stay over. His mom is there today." Making some quick talk on the phone with Shiloh gave Lavinia some distraction. A little bit of hope. Their discussion made it better. Just having her in her corner despite what happened is a strength she needed. Promising to grab cigarettes, she had to stop off to pick up a few more things in the shopping center. "I know. I'm trying to be positive. It's every time I turn on the news -" she trailed off sharply when another body collided with hers. She dropped her bag along with the other woman's. "Oh, I'm so sorry."

"No! No, it's - fine."

She still crouched down to help the blonde. Noticing a few items that spilled out of her coach bag: a man's shoe, a gold pinky ring and … "Wait you -" she never finished, picking up the ring from the floor. The brunette lurched back when the items were snatched up. The girl rushed off back down the aisle leaving a visibly stunned Lavinia to straighten upright. "I'm okay," returning to her phone, she watched the woman heading towards the pharmacy. "Let me call you back."

"Hello." With a bright smile Marigold approached the pharmacist counter. Keeping her bag glued to her side now, she glanced over her shoulder. Attempting to check for the woman she ran into or just ANYONE who might notice; she forced eye contact with the man behind the glass divider. "I'm here to pick up antibiotics." Soon as she has those back to Landon he'll feel better. The type of antibiotic over the counter of course. Nothing else she can risk getting. She's already nervous. Leaving him on his own made her feel so bad about making him suffer.

No! She'd never do that. It was for his own good. He had to have a taste of punishment for trying to get away. Anybody would do the same. Just to teach a lesson. After everything she's been doing for him it's cruel. How can he treat her this way?

All about Alice Lee. That whore who thinks she can fuck her way to the top. He'll see that's all it is. Marigold has saved him from those people. The kind that use. Just as his ex girlfriend. The same she'd love meet in person, grab hold of her hair and rip it from her head! The way she'd smash in Alice's face. ALICE! That's all he talks about! Is that whore! Who put hands on him!

"Miss Sinclaire? Here's your prescription."

"Oh," she perked up, phasing back to reality. "Thank you. So much." Perfecting a smile is oh so easy. Fair considering she wanted to be an actress. It's very easy. "Oh, do you know if there's a shoe store around? I need to buy some men's shoes. Size 11 actually."

Lavinia listened near the aisle behind the pharmacy line. Picking up some things off the shelf, she glanced over when the blonde finally stepped away. Carrying her bag past, making a beeline. A prescription. Men's shoes. She held the ring up, twisting it between her fingers. "Landon…" Clutching the ring in her hand she sprinted outside. "Hey!" Lavinia stopped in her tracks checking around the lot for this woman. "Shit."

Marigold's breath steadied after settling in a little annex. The shopping center is not one she visits often. A typical spot for LA people. Hollywood bleeds in. They're all here out of the way in a tourist haven. The blonde herself took a moment to catch herself, placing her bag down. Removing both of Landon's shoes, she decided to dump one in the dumpster behind the building. She only needed one anyway. The leather sole is caked with dirt. Scuffed and no longer shiny. All from attempting to run. The residual of blood and sweat seeped into the leather unbeknownst to the naked eye.

She used a tissue. Removing a small appendage taken from her deceased partner in crime; his body remained hidden away. The rest of it anyway. She placed the finger propped inside Landon's shoe. A simple little warning. At least they'll take it as such. "I promised," Marigold spoke to herself in a sort of pep talk. "They'll get a message. Oh they'll love it, Landon. Your mother will be ecstatic and that whore? Oh I hope she loves it so much." All it needs is the ring. Truly she hated having to take things from him. Then he couldn't do much to stop her could he? " - where? Where is it? Oh my god! Where's his ring?!"

"Listen to me! I have Landon's pinky ring! This girl dropped it in the store!" Lavinia's frantic words on her phone rivaled the deranged plan of Marigold to send a package. Direct to Alice Lee's doorstep whether the ring was there or not. @txnnesseehoney // prev

[intonightcity]

"I would NEVER deliberately want to hurt you, Lola." A taste of a nickname that always came effortlessly flowed so easily it almost made Lavinia crack. When she had been closer to Shiloh they had their moments of greatness. Just the best of times. She never forgot any of those things. Now she felt horrible. Plenty of people walk all over those who came in their life before they make it somewhere. Lavinia never wanted to be those type of Hollywood bitches. They are all terrible silicone implanted faux pas personalities. "Mi bebé lo siento," her voice softened, apologizing sincerely. "Please, let me try to fix this. This is what I wanted to share with you. People - they said it would be difficult. That I would just not have time for people. In hindsight I thought if I let you go it would keep you from experiencing all those trials. I made a mistake." Lavinia's always one to hold her head up, take life by the reins. Nobody talks her down. Yet she got into her head. This time she truly failed. @hxneybees // prev

[intonightcity]

"Oh bebe. I suppose I deserve that." Lavinia's tone lost its luster. Typically vibrant she felt nothing at all like the usual star. Unfortunately it's reasoning behind their split. Focusing on her career may have been a terrible excuse but wouldn't it be better? "Deep down you should know I never meant to hurt you so much." What other words can she say? Can she expect Shiloh to understand where she was leading? All of this meant everything to Lavinia. This is what she dreamed about and finally she has her own brand, her own persona on the Frightful Follies Network. A dream job as a horror hostess. Yet there is more to it isn't there? "Talk to me, Shiloh. Let me explain why." @hxneybees -|- prev

[intonightcity]

The thought is appreciated but smoking any more will cause her to feel ill. She cannot believe she quit for three years only to slip. Something like this? Nerves are screaming at her to do something, anything to dull this terror. If she could possibly drown in a nice sherry that'd be pleasant. "No sense feeding the beast. Thank you though." She settled beside the blonde, placing the green box down on the table. Something special today. A fresh batch that is only made to replace what's missing. "I'm alright," the older woman echoed the other's phrase. Tacking on a much needed sigh did feel less truthful than it can be. It's far more keeping up appearances just for the sake of staying positive. Never easy in life is it? "Except I hardly was last night. I broke there for a few hours."

Florence is used to dealing with things on her terms. The days go by and it just feels more hopeless than it needs to be. That voicemail. How desperate he sounded. Could he have tried to call the police? Of course. Can she fault him for not knowing what to do? When he's likely being terrorized or worse.

She forced a little smile. Enough when facing Alice to cope. Just a bit more. She's here to cheer the younger woman up. Not the other way around. "It's hard. I know we're all dealing with it differently. There's no shame in admitting to crying. Just as there's no shame in holding together." Reaching over to take Alice's hand in hers, she couldn't begin to know. Though she suspected. "Has Landon mentioned his fondness for chocolate? I hope so." Flo simply hoped he told her anything he wanted to. Before all this. That he told anyone he knew what he truly wanted to. If she could do something in that moment, if she could choose to go back and be at his home when this happened, as a mother she knows she'd take his place. There's no question at all.

Opening the box now she gave a quiet laugh. "I can't even believe he orders these. They're pure sugar." Better than him smoking. Anything's better. "For his tenth birthday," she revealed a memory, picking a cupcake up. "He wanted a Star Wars cake. Purely made of chocolate. Can you imagine how a huge chocolate Millennium Falcon looked sitting in front of that child?" Embarrassing childhood facts. A shame she can't see the look on his face as she's telling Alice right now. @txnnesseehoney // prev

[intonightcity]

"Not long enough." Lavinia scoffed. Hugging an arm around Alice showed how she thinks of this. No one is asking the blonde how she feels. They're all coming at her. It's ridiculous! She must be holding in so much. How can she even understand? Lowering her voice, she kept eyes on Hunter and the other two officers. Their discussion is something that will fortunately push them off her friend for a while. "Emeline hardly deserves to breathe Landon's name," the animosity in tone is relevant. She knows enough. Enough of what others may twist around, disbelieve but it's not her place to say. This should be a conversation he has with Alice. Hopefully he will. "He's alive. He has to come home. Okay?" Wasn't it just before she felt hopeless herself? Questioning whether they'd find him as they want him to be found. Shiloh gave her hope. She - made everything seem as thought it'd be okay. The last she can do is pass on this positivity. Otherwise Alice would be all alone. And no one deserves such a thing.

Loneliness is something others use to advantage. They can spend hours wiling away in daydreams. How strange that those dreams become reality. Perhaps not as planned but still, her hands smooth against bandages. Fastening them around his head, Marigold placed a bloodied cloth in a basin of water. She made sure to clean off hands. Drying them as need be. Shifting a spotless hand towards Landon's face, her fingers smoothed against his cheek. Bristles of hair made the most engaging sound in her drawn out stroke. An oddly euphoric ASMR of her own making. Her lips curled into a smile watching over him. How drowsy he is. Only a huff of breath escaping parted lips.

She leaned closer. Running fingers back through his hair, she hushed him when he groaned. In pain she's sure. A pain of his own cause. Something she never wanted to do but here they are. "It's okay, Landon. I promise we'll be together now." Spoken as if to a child. Little soft coos. Softer still is her lips pressing against his for a moment. The connection didn't last when he turned his head away from her sharply. Rousing a bit more now it seems. He coughed, moving on the bed now that life gradually seeped through his body. Hazy brown eyes peered up, a vision blurry but taking in the blonde leering over head. He jolted at the sight in an attempt to get away. How he struggled to move. Like a wild animal chained up! Why is he behaving this way? Why?

"Stop. You can't move, Landon. I had to." Her voice dripped with apologies. After all those straps are very tight. Keeping his arms fastened down at the sides. Even his feet, hastened tightly at the ankles; shoes no longer covered his feet. Nor socks. She took them off and set them aside when she finally hoisted him into bed. Marigold merely stood up and backed away at a distance. Able to take him in now it's hurting her to have to tie him up this way. Oh so hurtful her face quickly smeared in moisture. Tear trails. Salty despair. "Please stop. There's no way for you to escape but - I figured I could keep you upstairs here. In my room. Do you wanna know why?" He seemed truly out of it still. Concussed and confused. Yet his attention turned to the blonde while she paced to and fro at the foot of the bed. Her hands drew in towards her abdomen. Holding herself up. Keeping a grip on reality. "Because you won't be able to escape again. There's a better way. I really thought about it and I think it's the perfect solution. So I don't have to hurt you anymore. At least - not after."

Marigold exhaled when his eyes focused. Finally gauging what she's saying or perhaps he's just admiring her. Wouldn't that be so sweet? "Oh, Landon," she sighed, clutching at the bed post, leaning in teetering so close to heaven. Isn't he so divine? "It'll be quick. I swear." Easy really. Considering. "Do you know," she continued, turning away now to grab some things she brought in from a utility closet. "I wanted to be an actress? A long time ago I came here. To LA. To dip my toes into Hollywood. Just a small town girl." She moved beside his legs. "It was a struggle. As I'm sure it is for all starlets trying to live their dreams." The block of wood slid beneath his ankle. "I tried out for countless roles. Always told I'd get a call back. But never did." Another block positioned beneath the joint of his knee. "But the one person who truly crushed everything. A producer who told me I'd never make it in this town. That I'd never amount to anything. There was no stardom in me. That I'd never make it!" Shrill. Angry. Desperate. Just as desperate as she is to keep him here. "He ruined any chance I had. But then - he isn't you. Is he?" She held up a hefty tool; a mallet.

"No -" he choked out, finally able to get his voice together. A plea that broke her heart. "I know," she breathed sadly. "I know, Landon. It's okay." A terrible lie lining up the mallet with his foot. A horrible crushing blow. An equally gut wrenching scream of pain cutting through the silence. Agony she couldn't pay heed to, smashing down again on his shin bone to cripple him in the same leg. Marigold is swift to drop her hammer, pressing down atop Landon's chest to hold him still. His whole body trembled in a violent lurch. "It's over! It's over, Landon! I swear it's over! I had to… you gave me no choice!" @txnnesseehoney // prev

[intonightcity]

"Alright, I'm gonna ask again. Do you recognize the woman's voice?" Jackson stood over Alice where she sat beside Lavinia. The brunette immediately seemed to set in on the blonde. Making sure she wasn't alone while they went over this. Her phone was in his hand. Every time they played over the voicemail, he kept an eye. Keeping a close watch on her expression. The details are all there.

"She doesn't know. None of us do." Lavinia cut in hardly finding this situation better. They know Lan's alive but that's all. For now he is. "She has been here. Under your watch. With this stupid cuff on her wrist."

The detective shook his head. "Alright. Settle down. We're gonna have to take your phone, Miss Lee. You'll get it back just as last time." Handing it over to another officer to bag, he gave a scoff. All the people to contact. It's her. Now why does this seem so convenient? Where's the real story here. Who took him and where. Could have said any number of things while attempting this phone call. Mr. Wynter sounded panicked. Maybe he just was in a state that didn't warrant logic. People react in different ways. All depending on what's going on. "Tell me. Why do you think he called you instead of anybody else? He could have called his mom. Could have called the police." @txnnesseehoney // prev

[intonightcity]

Lavinia switched the channel. Far too slow when she realized what they were discussing. Absolutely ridiculous how that interviewer brought it up. Talking about him as if he's already dead. In the pit of her stomach she felt that word drop like lead. She couldn't begin to voice it aloud. Not with Alice here. It's almost too unreal how long it's going. How much those police don't know. She needs to put herself together. Come up with a plan. Where would he be taken? Not too far away. It'd be impossible, right? What if she scouts around and looks at places Landon might go? Too simple. He wouldn't be there.

"I'm sorry, Alice." Placing the control down she left it off for now. Nothing would be wise to look into. Most news is covering this. And she noticed they were showing a few of his newer films. She saw the Rocky Horror film he did. It was oddly coincidental that it was his big scene as Eddie.

She sighed, shifting a hand to the blonde's arm as she sank down to the sofa. "He sounds like a puta. Don't listen. They're all chomping for it. Like piranha."

Fried fish. A sizzling sound transitioned to a very appealing aroma; Marigold heard the accented voice in the back. Tuned into the very same network, she barely paid attention to who was on television. Instead cooking up dinner as it clearly dipped into dusk. Tonight. Tonight is the night. She is excited. A date. They're actually going to have a dinner date.

Of course that's what he meant. When he asked to come have breakfast with her up here earlier. Except it was too risky in daylight. Now that everything is falling to darkness she felt safer. Especially when moving that body from her kitchen floor. Everything is spotless. Cleaned to perfection. Even as she allowed everything to cook it felt intoxicating. This feeling. He smiled. Oh yes he smiled. Just as he did when she first met him. That night outside the Dolby Theater. Premiere time. An event to remember and there he stood in black. Tuxedo classic yet an added touch of equally ebony accompaniment; a midnight man indeed.

Marigold removed the fish with a spatula. Placing each battered piece on a cloth to drain excess oil, she shifted away, reaching to untie the apron around her dress. "Landon Wynter is a gem. A visionary." Tobias Fairchild's voice rang out. Drawing her in now. She couldn't help but recognize him. The producer. She knows him. Why is he speaking about Landon? What does he even know? Who does he think he is! TO KNOW?!

"Marigold?!"

Her head snapped away, eyes wide at her name slipping up from the basement. Anyone could hear him if she had company. Yet the blonde hardly did. She would have packages come. Most of her presence here is due to taking time off. Soon they'll expect her back. Maybe if she feigns an illness. Or explains her mother died. That will work. Giving a nod, she smoothed hands down against herself. Fixing how she appeared she's dolled up tonight. Blonde hair primped and curled in waves; dress a fabulous white with a dash of flirtation. Even her heels marked a special occasion. They gave her away once she ascended down into the cellar. "Landon, I'm coming! I'm sorry it took so long but -" she trailed as he came into view, laying motionless on the ground. "Landon? Landon!" Marigold's steps became rushed. The clicking of her heels sounded so odd down in this dank pit. Crumbly floors. Cracks in walls. Terrible ventilation on a hot day. She knelt down beside him, pulling him over by the shoulder. "Landon! What's wrong?!" Tapping his face did nothing. He's not moving, lax to touch and sweaty. Oh so sweaty. Shifting him to his back, Marigold moved around to slip hands beneath his upper arms to drag him. Towards the stairs. Yes! Upstairs! She can give him water. Put him in the air conditioning. "Landon, please wake up. You're not supposed to. You're not supposed to do this!" Rambling. Crazy. They always said she had something wrong. None of them really knew. None will ever know what she'll do.

Heaving him up each stair is a struggle. Slipping down again to lurch him up further, the blonde didn't have help any longer. Far worse to know her petite frame is no match by proper standards. She isn't delicate. Too difficult to be but she nearly falls backwards when getting Landon through the cellar door. All the way across her access hallway, his shoes drug against her carpet leaving dirt from where he's been held. "Here. Up here," she spoke as if it meant something. Peace of mind maybe. "Landon, don't be mad at me. Please, I didn't know you were too hot down there." She shoved him towards the couch, moving quickly to grab his legs. With one last effort the woman shifted them up so he could lay down. "I'll be back. Don't go anywhere." She rushed off leaving him lying there in the living room. Amid the dark. Obscuring everything - until his eyes opened. @txnnesseehoney // prev

[intonightcity]

"And I told you to eat." Lavinia argued on something she knows is irritating. Of course Alice is worried sick. They all are. Tonight she arrived to see the blonde on her own. Landon's mother had some things to attend. She did call earlier. Leaving a positive message, hopeful that all three of them would contact each other at the drop of a hat. In case any sort of information slipped through. Except there was none. No matter how many times she checked for messages there is nothing. It was only a day or so ago they found Landon's phone. Left somewhere outside his home. Dropped in bushes as if it meant very little. What if Landon has been left this way? Left like he meant nothing to anyone? He meant a lot to her. He was always genuine from the moment they met. Lavinia had been a fan of his work for a time. Then they met while she did one of her usual segments on Toxic Talk. Ever since he's been - family. A big brother she never had from a family not fully kind towards her. People like Landon - people like Alice define what family actually is for her. So to see one missing and another starving herself? "I will get plenty of things delivered here and I will cook. There's no getting out of it, Allie." Throwing it back firmly is with tough love. Honestly what would Landon think if he knew she let Alice waste away? It's not happening.

"Here," the brunette picked up a remote control to flip through channels. Cable is terrible these days but at least it's a distraction. "Maybe we can find something." An entertainment access network popped up on cue:

"Hello and welcome to another edition of Starline Scoop." A proper introduction from a woman seated in pinstripes. "We are here with Tobias Fairchild. Auteur of production company Majestic Studios. Thank you for being here."

"It's my absolute pleasure." The man smiled, accent ringing cordially. Perhaps a little too put on but TV appearances sell. As did particular topics and this one suddenly became obvious on current events.

"Some may say your studio is encroaching on Cosmic Vault Productions turf."

"Oh that's a bit heavy handed," the producer shook his head, a bit of a laugh about the idea. "This business is built on competition. After all a little rivalry is good for the soul. It's what Hollywood is about. Friendly fire in a way."

"And, if may divert a little, Mr. Fairchild." She hardly gave him fair warning as she did so. "Speaking of Cosmic Vault… what are your thoughts on Landon Wynter's disappearance?"

A long pause followed her question. Tobias seemed put on. "…bloody sad affair," he managed. "Landon is a talent. Quite the visionary. A consort to cult classic cinema. The man has a way of shining up dirt. When it comes to horrors, exploitation - the man's a gem. Truly. I doubt he will find that humoring wherever he is. Hopefully not too dark and dreary." Tobias' bit of laughter is hardly cheerful. Ironic. Downright devoid of compassion he's sure some will say. But he's serious. As well as he can be. "Haven't had the opportunity to work with him. One day when he's safely returned. Indeed will be ripe for a celebration when so."

"So you believe he is alive?" Straight to the point. Clenching the throat she goes.

Tobias' smile melted away. His eyes shifted quickly off screen attempting to find his publicist. Clearly this is going south. Not what he signed on to entertain today. "Of course," he answered affronted. "Isn't that what we're all bloody thinking? Landon Wynter is a man who would be gravely missed from his medium. When he is found happy endings all around… now we were talking about Majestic Studios, weren't we dear?"

"Yes, of course. Moving on…" @txnnesseehoney // prev

[intonightcity]

As they entered the penthouse, Lavinia took one look around. Folding her arms while immersing herself in this place, she did appreciate how lovely it is. Yet those tell tale signs of scattered and ransacked items left a sour taste she's sure. "I honestly feel you should have someone here. They'll be in your face. 'Sides, Allie, you won't be doing anything suspicious if you're here with me." Adding it as a little joke seemed to move them in a better direction this evening. Fat chance the police will not be hanging on every action.

"Or they'll think you are attempting to break her out." Florence added, peering out a window to the police vehicle below. While it remains unspoken she wonders if Landon had been here. Imagining him peering out in the same spot - A knock and abrupt entry at Alice's door caused her gaze to squint at the officer.

"Alright ladies. I have strict instructions to get Miss Lee prepped for house arrest." Bringing a case inside, he placed it down, opening it up. "That means we have to monitor your whereabouts. Hold out your wrist please…"

"Are you kidding?" Lavinia cut in, sweeping over as he held a digital wrist band in his hands. This truly is getting out of hand. How can they even believe Alice still has something to do with this? Is it always a woman to be treated as a criminal? All she may be guilty of is anger at this ridiculous show. "Alice is not going anywhere. You don't need to collar her like a dog." Florence placed a hand onto the brunette's shoulder. "Vinia, I am sure the officer is only doing what he is told. An instruction from his chief. Is that right?" When he nodded, she offered a tight smile. "Then perhaps you can also find Landon. Instead of wasting time here with someone you have done nothing but treat like a criminal simply because she came to see my son the other night. Or shall I speak to someone who will push this out in the public about how incompetent the NCPD really is."

"No need for hostilities Mrs Wynter," the officer bit back. "Doing what is needed. There are plenty of people out there searching for Landon Wynter right now." Turning to Alice, he offered a sympathetic look for once. "Complying will make it much easier." A voice interrupted on a radio attached to his belt mumbling something to the unit broken up over static. "- got a beat on Mr. Wynter's phone… signal - that and the blood not shaping up good." @txnnesseehoney // prev

[intonightcity]

Florence held onto her words, coming up with her own guesses. Obviously something went wrong between them to cause a rift. It's odd. After he seemed so adamant that he was feeling good. With this girl. Again, he always doubts himself. This may be that. She dropped the cigarette to the ground, stamping it beneath her heel. Time for debating over her son's love life will come later. Even then she takes no joy in it or wants to know. This is different. Watching Alice climb into the jeep, she too settled in, pulling the door closed as she turned to peer back.

The patrol car began following immediately. Shadowing Lavinia as if they were on a wild goose chase. House arrest is what that officer mentioned. Trapped like a rat for something beyond anyone's control. Florence felt trapped once in her life. She couldn't imagine ever going through it again. "Don't feel guilty," the woman continued their conversation, appraising Alice for her honesty. "We all have disagreements. Anyone who can wrangle a discussion out of Landon is a powerhouse in my book." A little smile. An obvious fondness in her tone. Most obvious of all is an oft glance, a sparkle of memory as she kept thinking of Landon stuck somewhere. "In fact I'm sure he will want to see you when he's home. Don't think otherwise. I believe," Florence paused, tapping a finger against her phone. "He said you were full of passion with a golden heart. His words. I see it in your eyes, Alice. You're worried just as I am. We may not know each other but we're very much in the same pickle aren't we?"

Lavinia remained quiet. Allowing them to ease into a talk it seemed overdue. The brunette focused, fingers tight on her steering wheel. Upset doesn't even begin to describe what she's feeling too. Her eyes lifted to the mirror at those headlights tailing her every mile to Alice's home. It's like a procession for a funeral. Someone famous dies and - she sighed. "Pendejo police...We're here.." @txnnesseehoney // prev

[intonightcity]

A number of factors could make Landon not speak to someone. Mainly, Florence realizes how difficult it is for her son to trust others. None would have known much of his private life. She wonders who much this young lady knows. Flicking a flame to light up an offered cigarette from Alice soothed her rambling worries. If only for a brief moment because god forbid. Forbid anything happening in these last 48 hours that prevents her ever seeing him again. She inhaled a shaky breath of smoke, releasing the toxic plume gracefully from the corner of her mouth. She paused, staring to her hands. A habit she wanted Landon to quit. "… this is my first cigarette in nearly four years," the woman admitted, lifting her gaze back to the blonde. "It feels like a bit of failure. The kind of failure I can swallow my pride on because somehow I know if I don't have something to fall back on I may - break." Surely it's visible but Florence is prompt in collecting herself. As much as she had a moment nearly losing it this is no time. No time. He has no time.

Florence reached out with the lighter to offer it back, folding an arm against her as she continued to puff away. "Hell, he'd call me a hypocrite. Just to hear it would be fine." It's a morbid thought but what if the last thing she remembers Landon's voice saying is, 'I don't wanna talk this shit, mom.' Crass of him isn't it? That's her crass boy. Possibly afraid, a wreck and what can she do? "I'm sorry you had to go through this. I know Landon can disappear or simply be a hard egg to crack." Easing over with a step, she drew a comforting hand against Alice's shoulder. "Honestly, I would think he was being difficult too. You had no reason to think something happened. Believe me."

"Flo? Alice?" Lavinia decided to interrupt, peeking a head through her jeep's window. "There's an officer whose going to follow us."

"Really." Florence huffed. "Truly adore the criminal treatment. Come. We can figure this out far more proficiently than these buffoons." @txnnesseehoney // prev

[intonightcity]

"Anyone can see how cliche scorned lover is my dear. No need to thank me." Florence followed both women outside. Crisp air seemed to relieve her of every foggy notion in her head as well. Far too many possibilities rattled off in her brain. As a renowned murder mystery novelist and dabbler in screenwriting the woman's mind can become - unpleasantly imaginative. She can't imagine Landon in any situation where his life is in danger. That never meant he wasn't. Sometimes the most harrowing idea can be a truth waiting to manifest. "I highly doubt you would harm a hair on his head. Considering how he spoke of you before." Usually he's brief with his personal exploits. After his relationship fizzled with Emeline she understands his reluctance. This one? This one sounded different. Something good for him if only they weren't currently searching for him. "Could you give me one of those? I forgot mine on the rush over." Florence attempted to keep cool but everything in her posture, folding arms against her waist said differently.

She craned her head towards Lavinia heading for her vehicle. The girl mentioned driving back to Miss Lee's home. Florence agreed. Along with whatever ride this may be. She shifted on slender heels, black as the sweep of her wardrobe. A dreary attire for a funeral if things did not change. "Did Landon say anything about any person giving him grief? Before he disappeared. Anything at all." Her thoughts slipped to the ex. Truly where she is in all this? "I swear Detective Hunter would never be an adequate Poirot. If that is who is attempting to find him -" she paused, turning to watch Lavinia pull her jeep up. "I should have come to see him sooner. Blasted deadlines. I would have at least had a notion of other things going on. Besides this production." Florence shook her head, staring at the ground, thoughts locked on terrible outcomes. He may be a grown man now but that is her little boy. And god he's lost somewhere. Alone or - @txnnesseehoney // prev

[intonightcity]

Lavinia held tightly onto the blonde. Easing her worries is top priority. They've grown close as costars over this entire project. Something they should be finishing up, making plans to promote. They should be out there. All three of them. Landon is the visionary but also the star in between them. Without him none of this would be possible. Vinia herself wouldn't be doing a genre film. Her passion. Her love - her love… she missed Shiloh. She missed being able to talk to her because she needed someone to speak with. While Landon is god knows where she felt ill equipped to handle this. She's made for horror entertainment. Not real life horrors.

The brunette eased away, mustering as much of a smile as she could. Making eye contact with the officer briefly, Lavinia chose to pull Alice away. Settling an arm around her back to escort her away it's visible. She seems so small. So out from her usual glamour. Alice held a look of a woman drawn and quartered. Might as well be a witch on the stake. "It wasn't only me," she confessed, reaching into her pocket. Tapping on her phone to check in case of messages from anywhere important, mainly if Landon could by some miracle get a hold of her, she sighed. Disappointed. As always. "I had a little help. You should brace yourself querida."

"Just tell me who arrested you over the disappearance of my son." A difficult question but she cut in easily. Watching Lavinia approach with the blonde only added more questions. She could research if she needed to. Much as she does when preparing a new book draft. This? This won't cut any time off. Each minute is imperative. Another hour gone and somehow she's still standing on two feet. "Hardly professional or adequate. Downright demeaning wouldn't you say?" Authority figures always made a bit more effort in the novels of Florence Anton Wynter. Lately she'd prefer writing her own investigation up because THIS is not Landon at all. He goes off. Yes. He isolates. But not this way. Something is gravely wrong and she won't rest until she has answers. "Alice Lee. We should talk on the way." @txnnesseehoney // prev

[intonightcity]

Jilted lovers fall into crime of passion. Sounds cliche and more a soap opera than real life. This blonde surely landed a role for all the right reasons. Sure she did. Keeping his personal opinion to himself, Jackson listened to Alice Lee's explanations carefully. Taking a few glances towards Lavinia while the story unfolded, he noticed the blonde's nervous energy. Her blatant refusal to sit down also landed in his book of observation. "So you and Mr. Wynter had a falling out. Is that right?" Reason for her not calling the police last night? Could be a motive behind everything here. "And the voicemail was left to you. Coincidence don't you think, Miss Lee?"

His insinuation caused Lavinia to balk. Is he serious? All those accusations are obvious. Lavinia cannot even imagine what this is like for Alice. To air her own personal laundry involving Landon to some stranger, admitting it in front of her even. There is one thing the brunette knows as truth. Alice would never hurt him. "Someone took Landon and you're sitting here debating?"

"Cool it Miss Cortez. Doing my job." Jackson made it clear he's not here to argue. Nor is he ruling anything out. In fact this might be best to take down to the station. Pull Alice away from Lavinia just long enough to crack into her story. "We have to be absolutely sure when dealing with something like this. Isn't that right?" Presenting his question to Alice solely, he isn't going to let anything slide past. If Landon Wynter is truly missing and she's the last to be at his home last night -? Something wrong with this entire picture. "This is currently a criminal investigation. If some kind of harm has come to Mr. Wynter then it's in my best interest to question everyone connected to him. And the woman who was in an intimate relationship with the man who decided NOT to phone the police last night is someone I want to talk to. I imagine you wouldn't disagree with coming down to the station. Would you, Miss Lee?" @hxneybees // prev

[intonightcity]

"Lavinia Cortez," the detective repeated as he followed the blonde inside. "Having a star studded sleep over tonight?" Asking with a bite of sarcasm, Jackson checked every nook and cranny of the home as he passed through. Any odd signs stand out especially dealing with a potential missing person gone wrong. Usually they're following up some random person. This is a famed one. Someone well known always causes a stir. He watched Alice closely as she fidgeted around. The nerves are on display. Pure worry or something else?

"He's missing," Lavinia spoke into her phone, tone wavering slightly. "I don't know what to do, Shiloh. I'm sorry for even calling." She hung up, ending her voice message the moment Alice came in.

Jackson pointed at the brunette. "Toxic Talk. I watch your show." An obvious fan. He won't deny that. "Seen you and Landon Wynter on there together. Quite a lot. So I take it you're the friend?" Inferring as he reached out to shake her hand, his eyes shifted to Alice. "And you're the what? Girlfriend? Lover?" Cutting to the chase seemed unsympathetic but every detail matters. Question might sound redundant but there's a distinction between them both.

Lavinia's eyes moved to Alice. Taken aback by his statements it's clear who he is. "Detective?"

"That's right. Detective Hunter. Here to figure out what happened. So - where is Landon Wynter?"

"We don't know," the brunette said with a shake of her head. "I last saw him at the studio. Around lunchtime. But he didn't stay to eat."

Jackson nodded. Reaching into his jacket to produce a personal note pad, he clicked a fountain pen. Writing down those few details with an underline beneath 'last seen lunch time', the man glanced up to them. "Wanna sit down for me, Miss Lee? How about you tell me about last night. Heard from the officer on my way over that you went to Landon's house? Stuck around for a bit or what? See him? Hear him? What were you doing there exactly?" A rattle of questions on rapid fire took off. "Were you expected?" @hxneybees // prev