Chapter 25: Cry Cobra, Part 5
THAT NIGHT:
"So, how was the shooting?" Stormer asked as she worked with Pizzazz's hair.
"Would've been better if Destro kept his mouth shut."
Stormer giggled slightly.
"Get your mind out of the gutter!" Pizzazz teased.
"You're the one who got it in there in the first place!"
"You're incorrigible!"
"No, you!"
"Just shag already!" Jetta yelled from another room.
Jem staggered out the hotel door and into the nearby garden, taking in the tropical night air and sea breezes.
"Show's over, Synergy." she whispered.
The holographic overlay disappeared, and Jessica looked around for a seat.
Say what you will about COBRA- at least they know how to make a lady feel at home. she thought as she found a mock-wrought iron bench.
"J? That you?"
Jessica turned around and saw Rio approach her.
"I can ex-"
"I know what I saw. Why didn't you tell me about Jem?"
"It hasn't really been much of a thing until now-"
"Why the smoke and mirrors?"
Jessica gulped.
"Eric Raymond. I was afraid that if he found out, he'd yank my half of the company out from under me. That and I wanted to avoid the paparazzi."
"You should have told me."
"Are-"
"I can't hold it against you, mon belle ami."
"Tell me you can keep it a secret."
"I know what I know, and I'm not telling it." Rio promised.
THE NEXT MORNING:
"Good morning to the both of you. Today is the Commander's birthday, and you will be playing against each other for his entertainment." Destro pronounced.
"What's the winner get?" Pizzazz asked.
"A lifetime half-off discount for any goods you buy from me, plus permanent status as a most valued customer. And that's in addition to the $100 million paycheck for both contestants regardless of whether they win or not. Now go and prepare yourselves."