Chapter 3:
Steph Gingrich
Max's Apartment
Max was getting dressed as Kate stood in their bedroom doorway, watching her. Max turned, saw her watching and smiled back at her. Kate in turn, smiled back warmly at Max.
Kate: "What did you say her name was again?"
Max: (Checking herself out in the mirror) "Steph Gingrich."
Kate: "And she wants to meet today?"
Max: "Yes."
Kate: "What about our other client?"
Max: "All done. I just have to drop them off before I go and meet our new clients. You can come along if you want."
Kate: "Naw, someone has to wait for your mail. I can't wait to see what you have planned to fix Chloe up."
Max: "Trust me, she'll be good as new." (Pauses) "I had a dream about Chloe last night."
Kate: "Really? What was it about?"
Max: "She was sad… I tried my best to talk with her but my attempts failed." (Turns to Kate) "I'm not much of a believer, but you are… Do you think she knows? Y'know, about what I'm doing? What we're doing? From wherever she is now?"
Kate: "Definitely…" (Comes in and holds her from behind) "You promised me that we'd lay her to rest or cremate her when we couldn't use her anymore. At least with cremation, you'll still be able to keep her with us."
Max: (Massaging Kate's cheeks with her thumbs) "And I'm going to uphold that promise! Soon we'll be done with our little arrangement. Soon, I'll let her rest in peace."
Outside of Max's Apartment
Street Below
A black 2018 Bentley Continental GT sat parked behind a few other cars, as the driver sat, writing in a notebook. He was called Aaron Korey and he was a tall, slender guy in his mid 30's, with light brown parted wavy hair, a neatly trimmed beard, blue eyes and wore a dark gray coat, dark gray scarf, dark blue button up shirt, blue jeans and brown hiking boots.
John Cale's "Big White Cloud" was playing on his car stereo as he finished writing in his notebook. He then suddenly glanced up as he heard a light knocking on his passenger side window. He snapped his head in the direction and saw a small girl scout waving in at him, waiting at his passenger side door. It was Maisie. He sighed and wheeled down the window. Like Maisie, he spoke with an English accent.
Aaron: "Yes, little one?"
Maisie: (Peering in at him) "You waiting for someone, mister?"
Aaron: "Sort of. What can I do for you?"
Maisie: (Smiling) "I was wondering if you'd like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?"
Aaron: (Glancing out of the windshield) "Not right now, sweetie."
Maisie: (Smile fading) "Please? It's for a good cause!"
Aaron: (Watching the entrance to the apartment) "I'm sure it is, sweetie. I'm just a little bit busy at the moment."
Maisie turned to the apartment entrance and saw Max come walking out, wearing her leather coat and sunglasses. Maisie shuddered at the sight of her, just as she'd done the many times she'd seen her. Something about Max always gave Maisie the creeps, although she couldn't be exactly sure why. Maisie then turned back to Aaron, and saw him taking pictures of Max getting into her car with a Nikon camera. Maisie quietly cleared her throat.
Maisie: "Are you spying on Max Caulfield?"
Aaron glanced over at Maisie, who was staring back at him, a confused expression on her face. He'd thought she'd left when he wouldn't buy her Scout cookies. He sighed, reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out his wallet. As he did so, Maisie saw his hip holster, which the handle of a revolver stuck out of. Maisie gasped quietly, but pretended not to see it.
Aaron: (Digging out some bills) "I promised someone that I'd keep an eye on her. That's all." (Pauses) "How many for 2 boxes?"
Maisie: (Suddenly smiling) "10 dollars."
Aaron leaned over and handed her 2 $10 bills, which she took and inspected. Maisie then glanced at him. But he wasn't looking at her, as he's turned back to Max, glancing through his camera, and then checking his watch he began to scribble down something in his notebook.
Maisie: "Oops, you over paid, sir."
Aaron: (Writing) "Keep it. The other ten's for your silence."
Maisie: (Staring) "Oh… okay…" (Pockets the cash)
Maisie grabbed the 2 boxes from the wagon and handed them to him, which he quickly took, placing them beside him, before glancing back in Max's direction. Ahead of him and a few cars up, Max was starting up her engine. Aaron did the same, before glancing back at Maisie.
Maisie: "Max isn't the nicest. She scares me…"
Aaron: "You oughta stay away from her, kid. She's bad news."
Maisie: "What do you mean?"
Aaron: "Nothing, don't worry about it, sweetie. Remember, you never saw me."
Maisie: "Okay… Have a nice day, sir."
Aaron: "You too, kid."
As Max pulled away from the curb, Aaron followed in suit, being sure to keep a good distance from her, to avoid suspicion. Aaron kept her car in his view as he tailed after her, his heart rate beginning to increase slightly, just as it had done many times before on his other pursuits. The fear of getting caught was to be expected in his line of work as a private investigator, but never once had he been caught. He'd come close a few times, but he'd always gotten lucky or over came it. But the fear of getting careless and being caught was always there, especially when he was close to closing a case.
He just hoped that that little girl scout would stay quiet.
So far and what Aaron had seen from Max was that it was just her and Kate who lived in their shared 3rd story apartment. His client had given him Max's new address during their initial meeting, after their growing concern for her and Kate's well-being had reached its peak, especially after Kate's suspected heavy drug use, which had made a lot of her fellow classmates and teachers at Blackwell Academy concerned. Drug use wasn't like Kate at all.
There were other details that he'd learned from the client as well, such as Max and Kate dropping out of Blackwell Academy and leaving Arcadia Bay a little over a year ago. They had then relocated to New York. It had seemed suspicious that they had left so suddenly from Arcadia Bay, a little after the disappearances of 5 female students from Blackwell Academy. And what was even more unsettling was that the 5 missing female students were never seen or heard from again. The timing was almost too perfect.
But Aaron hoped that it was just a coincidence.
Steph Gingrich's Apartment
A while later, Max pulled up at another, larger apartment building. She rechecked the address that Steph had given her and exited the vehicle. Max then went inside. She paused at the intercom board and buzzed Steph's suite number. There was a slight pause, and then-
Female Voice: "Hello?"
Max: "Hi, this is Max Caulfield. I'm looking for Steph Gingrich?" (Door buzzes and unlocks)
Max shrugged and opened the door, venturing into the building.
Outside, Aaron had pulled up behind another line of cars, to distance himself from Max's car. As he did so, he opened the glove compartment and removed a black case. He quickly opened it up and began putting together a directional microphone.
Max arrived at the door on the 3rd floor, knocking lightly. After a few moments, the door opened and a punk girl in a black hoodie, with long black hair stood there, looking a bit startled. She stared at Max for a few moments, her dark eyes staring into Max's.
Max: "H-hi. Steph Gingrich?"
Alena: "Naw, n-name's Alena. Come on in, Ms. Caulfield."
Max: "Oh, thank you."
Alena stepped aside and Max entered, looking around the bright industrial loft. There were sci-fi and fantasy movie posters draped on the walls, as well as posters for indie bands she'd never heard of. A D&D tabletop game sat set-up on the glass coffee table between 2 black leather sofas which faced each other. The place was beautiful, much more spacious and extravagant than Max's own apartment. She honestly felt a little envious.
Alena took a seat at a bar stool by the open kitchen and stared at Max, as if studying her. Honestly, Alena seemed a little on edge at the sight of her. Through her last while of being suspicious and overly observant, Max had become quite good at reading people. Alena seemed nervous…
Steph was standing with her back to them, while she was cooking something in frying pan. She turned slightly and saw her guest smiling and waving at her. Steph smiled in return, taking out her headphones. She then turned down the heat on the stove top, before coming over and extending her hand to Max, who shook it in response.
Steph: (Shaking hands) "Hello Ms. Caulfield! It's nice to meet you. I'm Steph."
Max: "Hey Steph! Nice to meet you to. You can call me Max."
Steph: "Sweet! I see you've met Alena."
Max: (Glancing at Alena) "Yep. Hi Alena!"
Alena: "… H-hi."
Steph: "Sorry, I was just making some late lunch. Had a long night last night." (To Alena) "Hey, can you finish frying that up?"
Alena: (Going over to the stove) "Sure… I guess..."
Steph: "Thanks a mill." (To Max) "Please, do have a seat. Can I get you anything, Max? Coffee, juice, soda?"
Max: (Taking a seat at the sofas) "Mmm, I'll take a coffee."
Steph: "Anything in particular?"
Max: "Cream, 2 sugars please. Thank you."
Steph: "Comin' right up."
Max set her portfolio down and glanced around the large loft, knowing that this was the kind of upgraded home that she wanted her and Kate to have. They deserved better, not that their apartment was awful or anything. It just didn't feel like a long-term home.
Steph: (Handing her the coffee) "There ya go, Max. Careful, it's hot!"
Max: (Takes it) "Thank you, Ms. Gingrich."
Steph: (Light-hearted laugh) "You're quite welcome. And please, call me Steph."
Max: "Sure thing, Steph! This is a really nice place you've got here!"
Steph: "Oh, thank you! Yeah, a lot of people compliment it. I'm very proud of it, myself!"
Max: (Takes a sip) "Looks very expensive."
Steph: "It can be. But I make more than enough to get by. Plus, Alena's my roommate, so that helps." (Winks at Alena, who nods)
Max: (Smiles) "That's good." (Takes another sip) "So, what can I do for you, Steph?"
Steph: "Well, I'm looking for an ace photographer to help me and my friends pitch our film idea to an independent studio."
Max: "Filmmaking? Interesting!"
Steph: "Yes, we're in the middle of filming an indie sci-fi action flick called Reapers, which is a story about space vampires." (Pauses) "Trust me, it's cooler than it sounds! It's got kind of a steampunk and Mad Max vibe to it. Lots of guns and gore!"
Max: "That sounds kick ass!"
Steph: "Thanks! So, I do camera work, costume designing and storyboards for Phenomenal Pictures, which is an indie movie company that funds and produces indie horror, sci-fi and documentary style movies, as well as some music videos. I've been with them for a few years now, and they're all pretty cool people."
Max: "That's awesome!"
Steph: "Thanks. It was actually one of the company founders named Emil Olmos that encouraged me to work on the story for Reapers, which I had pitched to him a while ago. He liked the script and the idea so much, he convinced the others to take a chance with my story."
Max: "I wanna see it!"
Steph: "Well, you'll be one of the first to do so, as well as see behind the scenes, if you accept the job. All I need is that professional photogenic touch on some of the props, as well as the actors in costume and the like. You'll be paid handsomely for your work as well as be invited to the premier of Reapers when it's finished." (Pauses, smiles at Max) "So, whaddaya say?"
Max: "Not just a YES, but a HELL YES!" (Both shake hands)
Steph: (Smiles, relieved) "Thank you so much! We really tried to shoot the promo stuff ourselves, but it came out horribly. Plus, we're falling a bit behind schedule, so we wouldn't have been able to do that in time. But you just saved us!"
Max: "Glad to hear it!"
Steph: (Motioning her to follow) "Here, I'll show you some of what we're working on."
Max: (Gets up, follows after her) "Ha ha, awesome!"
Alena slowly got up and followed after the 2 girls, stopping in the living room area. She replayed the previous night's events in her head as she watched Max follow after Steph. Levi had been yelling at Alena about her debt, and had been climbing out of his car, gun in hand, when that girl pulled up along side him, pulling out a small pump-action shotgun and blasting Levi in the face, turning his head into steaming spaghetti sauce. Alena had saw the gun-woman in the briefest moment of the muzzle flash.
And the shooter had looked very similar to Max. Same haircut and same sounding voice.
Max: "I've been thinking about expanding from photography to film for quite some time."
Steph: (Smiles, shrugs) "Hey, who says you can't do both, am I right?"
Max: "Amen, sister!"
Steph: "Anything specific, if you don't mind my asking?"
Max: (Smiling, remembering Vile Violet) "Something horror oriented… and experimental."
Steph: "Ooh, sounds fun! Well, if you wanna make a name for yourself, Phenomenal Pictures has definitely got you covered, Max! We've got everything, sound proof studios, a kick ass editorial department with the best tech, anything and everything you could want in an indie flick. If and when you have a finished script & some cool ideas, lemme know as I can probably help you pitch it to the studio."
Max: "Really? Awesome! Thanks Steph!"
Steph: (Smiles, winks) "No problem, Max."
Alena watched as Max and Steph disappeared into the back room, then she glanced down at Max's portfolio and quickly slid it open. There was an array of different styles of photos as well as different subjects. Alena saw a few nudes, a couple with the same model, some petite blonde girl with her hair tied up in a bun. A sticky note attached to the photo read Kate. There was a small polaroid among the stack of photos, which was a behind-the-scenes selfie featuring 'Kate' and Max herself. Alena quickly pocketed the small photo and closed the portfolio folder. 'If Max was the shooter, then I now have a name and picture of her,' Alena thought to herself, 'Just to be on the safe side.'
Outside, Aaron had his directional mic pointed at the loft, and was recording everything thing that the girls were saying. His cellphone rang and he checked the number on the screen.
It was his client.
Aaron: (Answering) "Hello, long time, no see."
Voice: "Likewise. So, any new developments?"
Aaron: "I'm actually on the job right now. As for any new developments, I'm getting close. There are a few more things I'm going to try, just to see if they work. If your gut feeling's correct, then we might catch her with her pants down. I hope you're sure about this."
Voice: "I'm completely sure. I had a bad feeling ever since I noticed the change in her. I know her, Mr. Korey, and I know when she's hiding something."
Aaron: "Well, I'll do everything in my power to get to the bottom of this."
Voice: "There's a bonus if you can get a confession out of her."
Aaron: "Very generous. I'll call you with the next update."
After he hung up, Aaron glanced through a pair of binoculars, seeing nothing in the open window. He also increased the volume on his directional mic, hearing the girls' voices more faintly. They were deeper in the loft interior, and further out of range.
Aaron: (Lowers the directional mic in defeat) "Shit."
Steph led Max into a back room where a large collection of full headed, demonic looking vampire masks stood on display. They were bald, fanged things, kind of reminiscent of Baraka from Mortal Kombat. There were also racks of costumes, shelves of prop weapons, and storyboards which were posted all over the back wall. Max smiled and turned to Steph, who was pleased with her reaction.
Max: "Wowzer!"
Steph: "I'm glad to see that you're impressed!"
Max: "This looks amazing, Steph. You really have something here!"
Steph: "Thanks!" (Pauses) "We'll be filming all of today, but you can start tomorrow if that works for you."
Max: "That's perfect."
Steph: (Smiles) "Good, good."
Max: "Hey, there's sketch of Alena as a sexy vampire chick named Lilith."
Steph: "Yep, she plays my main character. She's a good guy vampire in charge of a group of human mercenaries who are hunting the leader of the vampire cult named Varek. He's responsible for unleashing a virus that's quickly converting the world into his creatures."
Max: "Ooh, I love it!"
Steph: "I'm glad you do, Max!" (Pauses) "Hey uh, I know that we just met, and that you probably wanna keep our relationship professional, but I wanna ask you something personal. Would that be okay?"
Max: (Turns to her, shrugs) "Yeah, sure. What would you like to know?"
Steph: (Smiles, relieved) "Well…" (Pauses) "I know that you went to Blackwell Academy, it said so on your online resume. I did too, back in the day."
Max: "Oh? Sweet!"
Steph: "I knew Chloe Price. I also knew a few students that you probably did as well."
Max: "Chloe… Chloe was my best friend."
Steph: "Really? Huh, small world!"
Max: (Smiles) "Very small."
Steph: "She was pretty cool. Gave no shits and took on the world."
Max: "Ha ha, that's Chloe alright!"
Steph: "It sure is… But I have to ask… did you know Rachel Amber?"
Max: (Pauses) "No, never met her. Chloe knew her. She talked a lot about her. It actually made me wanna meet Rachel herself. Why do you ask?"
Steph: "Just curious. Yeah, Chloe was very close to her.
Max: "You have no idea."
Steph: (Snickers) "Heh, I actually envied her. Rachel Amber was the popular starlet of Blackwell Academy. It was pretty cool that she and Chloe had each other."
Max: "I know, I'm glad that she had someone to look after her. Shame what happened to her, though. And to Chloe."
Steph: "I know. I'm sorry, Max. I hope I'm not triggering you in any way."
Max: "No, not at all. I love talking and thinking about Chloe. It makes me feel better."
Steph: "I heard that. Well, I'm glad that I met another Blackwell alumni."
Max: "Heh, me too, Steph. Me too. And I look forward to working with you." (Holds out her hand)
Steph: (Shakes it) "And you as well!"
Outside
A while later, Aaron was heading back to his car, just as Max was exiting Steph's apartment building. He was irritated. He'd been in Max's car and had found and taken one of the crumpled-up love letters that Max was getting. Worse yet, Aaron knew that it had to be his client, or someone that his client knew, who knew about the situation. He couldn't have a loose cannon complicating things while he was on the case. He'd have to have a word with his client.
Aaron quickly and unsuspiciously climbed into his car as Max crossed the street and got into her car. Aaron quickly checked his laptop which was open in the passenger seat. He checked on a program which had a 'LIVE' icon above it. He hoped that the audio bug he'd planted in her car moments before would lead to something.
As Max peeled away from the curb, Aaron followed after her, staying a few cars behind. He placed in an earphone and listened through the bug as he could hear Max dialling someone's number. After a short while, she spoke. Unfortunately, he couldn't hear whoever was on the other line as he couldn't bug her phone as she had it with her.
Max: (Voice) "Hey sweet Kate! How's it going?" (Pauses) "Yes, I'm fine. Yes, I've got the job! Awww, thank you!" (Pauses) "Yeah, she's really nice, I like her! And guess what? She went to Blackwell Academy, too! Isn't that cool?" (Pauses) "I know, I know. Hey, off topic… did my mail arrive? It did?! Great!" (Pauses) "Yeah, I'll show you when I get home. Yep, I've dropped off the client's photos, so I've just gotta cash that check and I'll head on home." (Pauses) "Alright, see you soon, Kate!" (Hangs up)
Aaron nodded his head, making a right turn and taking a shortcut to where Max's apartment was located. He had a while before his sleuthing continued.
Bachman Hotel
After a short while, Aaron had stowed his car in the hotel's underground parking lot and had made his way up to his room on the 4th floor. He entered, placed his belongings on the nightstand and had went over to the large window where the telescope sat. He glanced through it, being able to see down into Max and Kate's apartment, which sat right across the street and a floor below, giving him a perfect vantage point. He checked the telescope and saw the large parcel box sitting in the living room. Kate was sitting on the sofa, having a cup of tea as she waited for Max to return home.
Aaron: "Damn, if only I could get you to leave the apartment with Max, I could sneak inside and have a look around. Maybe I could plant a few bugs around the suite and get some more info on what my client's looking for."
As Aaron continued to spy on Kate, he saw her suddenly turn her head, get up and head to the front door of her apartment. She opened the door and looked down at someone or something. She looked like she was conversing with whoever or whatever, and that's when Aaron saw the Girl Scout from before, the very same one that sold him the cookies. Kate allowed her into the apartment and followed after her after shutting the door. The girl sat on the couch as Kate went over to a small cage in the living room and removed a small black and white bunny. Kate then brought it over to the girl, and they both cuddled and pet the small creature.
Aaron: "Huh, so that's how you know Kate and Max…"
He hoped and prayed that the little girl scout wasn't in any danger by knowing them, especially with what he suspected what Max Caulfield was capable of…
Aaron's phone suddenly rang, making him jump from where he sat. He turned and grabbed his cell from where it sat and checked the name of the caller. It read: Lily Korey. Aaron smiled, sighed and answered it.
Aaron: "Heyyy honey!"
Lily: "Hello sweetie! Sorry hon, I know you're probably busy and all…"
Aaron: "Naw, just putting in some extra time. Are you feeling lonesome for me, Lil?"
Lily: "Of course, I'm missing you ya big dummy!" (Laughs) "I want my husband back, already!"
Aaron: (Laughing) "Well don't worry, I'll be back before you know it. I'm sooo close to wrapping this case up…"
Max & Kate's Apartment:
While Aaron was chatting with his wife back in Arcadia Bay, Kate was watching Maisie with admiration as she played with Kate's pet bunny Alice. Her phone then vibrated, startling her. Kate checked her text notification and saw that it was from Max. Kate then silently read the text. It read: heyyy kate, itz madmax! just had a totally kickazz idea! feelin like celebrating n stuff so grab ur gun and meet me fortune firing range! Time 2 show u how 2 use ur gun! – max
Kate re-read the message in full and gulped nervously.
Max and any kind of weapon never ended well.
