PREVIOUSLY: Artie took it upon himself after finding out that there was an opposition team especially chosen to represent a Western European team, to take on the New Directions, at the Worlds, should both teams make it. He also wanted to know what teams closer to the New Directions were like and had sent Ryder in to investigate Throat Explosion, and Unique in to his/her former team Vocal Adrenaline.
Artie chose Rory Flanagan who went undercover in England to discover any information about the team that was put together by Michael Baxter's brother, Rick. He went undercover, and got himself sorted.
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And now the continuation:
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CHAPTER 50 - DANGEROUS LIAISONS
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Rory spent the next few weeks in observation mode, where he learned a lot about the females of the group, and not so much about the males, although every so often he would get tit bits from people who worked there about them, and he took those tit bits on board.
But some of those tit bits, especially the last few days, seemed too good to be true, and Rory felt they were bait to trap him.
So at the same time he had been working on a fake transcript that had been started by someone else who owed him a favor, and all he had to do was finish it off. He was nearly finished when he got the urge that he was being followed. Cedric Brewster, knew where Rory stayed, because Rory had given him the address.
What Cedric and no one else actually knew was that Rory had two places. His first place was where he let everyone around him see where he was living, and his second place was where he spent a few hours in the early mornings like 2 a.m. as he all the evidence that he observed at the Training Center. He had uploaded to his home computer back in Ireland. It took an hour each time he transferred information, to transfer entire back to Ireland.
It was always 1 a.m. in the mornings that he would sneak out of his real place, and made his way down an alley to the place where all his information was. Every time he went there he would only be there for an hour if that, as he didn't want to be spotted at in in case he had lost all the important work that he had achieved up to this point.
Rory was starting to get paranoid, so just to make sure he was right, every time he left to spend his time observing at the Training Center he would leave a small rubber tube hanging out by a thread by the foot of the door. If someone had been in his house, he would know because it would have dropped out of the door, and the people whoever went to search his house, had no idea whatsoever it was there. But each time he came home, no one had been there.
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Until now.
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It was a week out from Sectionals, and Rory still hadn't seen the men practiced, even with the women. Rory came home to find his little clue, the small rubber tubing was down beside the foot of the door. He knew someone had been inside his little place. They must have searched it. Rory picked up the small rubber tubing, and looked at it, and smiled. He then unlocked the door and walked in. Nothing was out of place. It seemed to be a professional job. He walked over to his computer, and turned it on. His observation piece was highlighted. It was clear someone had read it. He checked his draws, most of them had also been checked, because most of the items he had secretly blue tacked down had been moved.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Rory walked over to it, and opened it. Both Cedric Brewster and Jesse St James were standing there.
"Hi," said Rory shocked "What can I do for you two?"
"Can we come in?" asked Cedric
"Sure," smiled Rory
Rory stood aside, and Cedric and Jesse walked in.
"This is a nice place," started Cedric
"It's okay," replied Rory "But you didn't come around to discuss places."
"No, no we didn't," smiled Cedric "I've been contacted by the group's benefactor, and he wants you to observe the guys."
"You could have just told that tomorrow when I came in to the center," said Rory "Sorry, have a seat."
Both Cedric and Jesse sat down on the couch across the other side of the room.
"I wanted to talk to you in person, and see your digs."
"Why?"
"Because I don't think you should go anywhere near the guys," said Cedric out of the blue
"Oh? And why would that be?"
"Because," said Jesse speaking for the first time "Their egos are so far high, that it's not a good look for anyone observing."
Rory stood there looking at Jesse, and Cedric, and felt that was only half their story.
"What's the real reason?" asked Rory "And don't spin any more yarn."
"I don't trust you," replied Cedric "I still don't."
"Well that's obvious," smiled Rory
Cedric and Jesse looked at one another.
"What do you mean?" asked Cedric
"Well I've been followed, and my house has been broke into. Of course you don't trust me."
"What makes you think that we are following you, or even broken into your house?" Cedric asked
"Because you don't me doing any observations, as your benefactor set it up, but I bet he doesn't know anything about the male side of things, being so uncooperative."
"Are you trying to blackmail me?" asked Cedric
"Hell no. It was just an observation," said Rory going on the defensive
Cedric shook his head "I knew this had been a bad mistake."
Jesse stood up and walked towards Rory. Rory stood his ground to stand up to face him.
"I'm trying to figure out where I know you from, but I can't for the life of me remember!" said Jesse
"I've lived all my life in Ireland," lied Rory "And I work for a media company here in England from time to time."
"I'm sure you were in America at one stage, years ago," replied Jesse "But I can't place where?"
"Maybe it was my, how you American's say, doppelganger," smiled Rory
"Maybe," snarled Jesse "But I don't think so."
"It's funny," said Cedric walking up "Everything about you screams CLEAN."
"Should I be like you and work dirty?" asked Rory looking from Jesse, to Cedric, and then back to Jesse
Cedric chuckled "You may think I work dirty. But it's the way I work, it produces results."
Rory and Jesse kept staring at one another.
"It's not us following you Mr O'Carroll," said Cedric after a few more seconds of a tense stand off "You might think it is, but it's not, but whoever broke into your house, it's certainly wasn't us either."
"I don't believe you," said Rory
"Believe whatever you believe," replied Cedric "I can't sway you any way. You only have 1 more week with us any way. So that means you're off our hands next week."
"That I am," smiled Rory "I'll be gone by this time next week, and the article should be published as well."
"That's good to know," smiled Cedric
Cedric's phone rung. He walked away and answered it. Rory looked back at Jesse.
"Why are you so adamant about wanting to write an article about us?" asked Jesse "When I don't think any other teams are getting much coverage."
Rory smiled "You're that naive to think that no other group in Britain will get any attention apart from you guys?"
"They might get some. But if that's the case... Why do us?"
"You're a team chock full of Americans, no locals, and you're trying to complete in the British competition, my readers are interested to know why?"
Jesse looked at Rory "That's a fair enough observation. And what kind of observation have you come up with so far?"
"If I was able to observe you guys I would get a proper detailed observation," said Rory
Cedric walked back over "Mr St. James, I'll meet you in the car."
Jesse looked at Cedric "Are you sure?"
"I'm positive."
Jesse looked at Rory "Laters."
Jesse walked over to the door, opened it, and left, closing the door behind him.
Cedric walked straight into Rory's personal space "I still don't trust that you are a very 'clean' person, and I am still not happy that you are still around until at least Sectionals, but I've been told to apologize to you personally of sticking a tail on you, and for getting someone to check this is place."
"Oh, so you lied," said Rory
"I had to. I was protecting my team."
"Why are you so keen to protect them from the outside world?" asked Rory "They're performing on Saturday, surely the rest of the World will notice?"
"You're not writing to thee rest of the world though, you're writing for the U.K. Are you not?"
Rory so desperately wanted to push record on his phone to record this conversation, but he knew that once he did push play, he would be found out as people would be listening. Surely Cedric was trying to push him to take the plunge, and push the button.
"You're right," replied Rory hanging off pushing the record button "I'm just writing for the U.K."
"Well we shall see when your story comes out," said Cedric
Cedric headed for the door.
"So tomorrow I get to observe the males?" asked Rory
Cedric got to the door, and opened it, "Yes, you do."
Cedric left and closed the door behind him. Rory sat down on his chair and was able to breathe. He had dodged another bullet, this time a major one.
Rory got up and walked over to the window. He looked out and saw Cedric walked to a car, where Jesse was waiting. He saw him signal to a car in front, and it drove off. Both Jesse and Cedric got in the first car and it then drove off.
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Rory waited a few minutes and was about to turn away when he saw a black S.U.V, pull up. The two guys in the S.U.V looked serious, and it was then that Rory realized that those behind KHAOS, were serious in their personal agendas to keep any information from going public and just what they want to released.
If Rory hadn't have checked, he knew the moment he had tried to use anything electrical his cover would be blown. He had worked too damn hard to let that happen because at the end of the day it was vital information for the New Directions.
So all Rory could do was try to relax. Even at 2 a.m. in the morning when he tried to get up to go to his secret 2nd place, to upload that day's information, he couldn't because the guys in the car was taking turns to stand guard outside the car. So Rory couldn't really attempt to go anywhere.
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The next morning Rory felt he didn't need to be intimidated, and walked straight up to the S.U.V. The guy who was taking the next shift, looked surprised to see him.
"Since you are going to follow me anywhere I go, maybe you can take me there yourselves, as we're all going to the same place anyway." said Rory
"Ah... sure." said the guy who didn't know what else to say
So in total quietness Rory received a lift to the Training Center.
"Thank you," smiled Rory as the car parked in the car par
The guys said nothing, and Rory got out, and headed into the Training Center.
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Rory spent the usual time getting through the Security systems. Then it was usually the last few days, Cedric Brewster's personal assistants were leading him around the training center, but this morning it was Cedric himself. He didn't look very happy.
"Morning," said Rory smiling away
"Morning," said Cedric in a frustrated voice "I understand you caught a lift with some people?"
"I did," replied Rory "It seems someone lied to me... again."
"It was no one else but me who made that call to bring those people in," said Cedric "So I did it myself. No one else knew about it. Don't worry they're no longer following you. They're gone."
"Why don't you just trust me?" Rory asked
"Like I said yesterday, when it comes to KHAOS, it is my business to protect them. They were purposely brought together for a reason, and that reason will be about the end of this tournament."
Cedric hadn't realized what he said but Rory did. He managed to quickly record the conversation.
"I just wish you stop treating me like I am going to expose something bad," said Ro4ry
"Like I said yesterday as well," started Cedric "I don't trust you, but it's out of my hands now. So I am going to take you to see the guys."
"Lead away then," said Rory
Cedric semi smiled and walked off. Rory followed. They walked in silence.
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Cedric led Rory into the Auditorium, to his usual place, high up in the 2nd tier. They heard shouting going on from down below on the stage.
"That's the 5th time in half an hour you guys have stuffed the moves up," came Cassandra July's voice "And I'm sick of it. We're 4 days away from Sectionals, you guys were kept away from us, and told to practice, and it doesn't look like you have."
"Madam July," came Jean Baptiste's critical voice "Your teaching methods are so outdated. It is obvious you are the ones that have stuffed the moves up, as you so eloquently put it!"
There was some sniggers amongst the ex Warblers, and some Vocal Adrenaline male members, except for for Jesse, who was trying to act inconspicuous
"Excuse me?" said Cassandra walking over to Jean "Tell me you did not just say that?"
"What part of what I just said, did you not understand, Madam July?" smiled Jean
"Stay right here," said Cedric to Rory
"Okay,"
Cedric walked up to the guard railings overlooking the stage. Cassandra was staring at Jean who was smiling back at her.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" yelled Cedric "I didn't put you guys back together to start arguing again. We are 4 days out from Sectionals. The men are doing a song, the women are doing a song, and YOU Guys as a team, A TEAM! are doing the third one. Don't forget why you are all together. You guys have been paid handsomely of course, and that's because you need to realize of the end goal. You can't do that if you are constantly fighting against each other. Going on this rate, you won't even make it past Sectionals, which is just going to infuriate your Benefactor in a major way.
"So, what you lot are going to do now, is take a ten minute break, right away from each other, and then come back, and practice. That means Miss July is taking today's practice, you will practice HER moves, and you will do it RIGHT. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?"
"YES," came the reply from below on the stage
"Mr Baptiste, is that CLEAR?"
Jean looked up at Cedric "Very!"
"Then, take 10."
Say what you would about Cedric, he was a great communicator, for putting the team in line. He wasn't afraid to stand up to the Ego's when it countered. It was after all his job that was on the line.
Rory had managed to record what Cedric had said, and now had his phone turned off.
Cedric returned to where Rory was, as the group dispersed down on the stage.
"That's off the record," replied Cedric
Rory tried to act shocked "But that was a very good speech."
"All the same," smiled Cedric innocently "It's off the record."
"That wasn't the first time you've had to do that then, I take it?"
"Off the record?"
Rory rolled his eyes "Okay,"
"the guys think that they run the place, and several of them have tried to run roughshod all over me, but I have put them in their places from time to time. They are great performers but their egos are big."
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When the team returned 10 minutes later, Cedric comments seemed to fix things up. The Men, especially Jean, seemed to listen, and they started to get their 1 team routine overall as a whole, together well.
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There was no more friction for the rest of the day. Rory observed that once their egos were gone, the Men added strength to the Women. They looked strong, and sharp as a team.
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Heading back to his small flat that night, Rory was not followed by anyone or anything. Even once getting home Rory found he had been left alone. He did manage to sneak to his 2nd flat, and send the information he required back to his home in Ireland.
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For the rest of the week Rory was able to see KHAOS practice together, and apart from a few minutes of tensions rising, they all kept their egos in check. They were looking really strong, and really good.
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The night before Sectionals, Rory was on his way to head out of the Training Center, he had stayed late to watch the final rehearsal, and he was stopped by a security guard. Cedric walked up.
"Mr O'Carroll, I just wanted to let you know, in consultation with the group's benefactor, we've agreed to officially invite you to be a guest of ours at Sectionals."
Rory looked at Cedric, he wasn't sure that this was a trap. It felt like a trap.
"Really? Wow?" said Rory acting shocked "Thank you. Will the benefactor be there in person?"
"No. All he does is provide the money for whatever we need. He's never been to a practice or even met any of the group members in person. He's talked to them on the phone though."
Cedric had said that without hesitation.
"Let me guess," said Rory "That was off the record?"
Cedric legitimately seemed to think for a moment. "Yes."
"Sound's like you're frustrated?"
"No comment. So be here midday tomorrow, and you can join the bus ride with the team."
"Thank you," smiled Rory
Rory held out his hand, Cedric did the same, and they shook hands. Cedric then turned and walked away.
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Rory went home, and did his usual thing. Stayed at his first home until 2 a.m. and then made sure he wasn't being watched, made his way to his 2nd place, where he uploaded everything he had recorded, to his home computer, back in Ireland.
He though he could spend the weekend acting all nonchalantly in England, before slipping out of town on Monday. Artie would be waiting for news. He had a feeling he may need to stay an extra week.
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The next day as the the World Championships of Show Choirs started around the world, Rory checked when the New Directions were going to perform. They were scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. Ohio, US time, and there was a 5 hour time difference with London being 5 hours ahead of Ohio. Meaning KHAOS would perform first, and then the New Directions. That would make it just after midnight UK time. Rory made his way to the KHAOS Training Center where a bus was waiting. The KHAOS members were starting to board the bus. Cedric was watching them.
Some of the members in particular the Women, looked apprehensive, some looked prepared, while a certain few, namely the ex Warblers, acted like they just didn't care. They were the noisiest ones in the group.
"Hi Mr Brewster," smiled Rory walking up
"O'Carroll," said Cedric in a gruff voice, as he was looking at Sebastian, Hunter, and Skylar larking around
"What's up with them 3?" asked Rory innocently
"Sometimes they're a law until their own selves," replied Cedric
When everyone had boarded the bus, Cedric and Rory were the last two on. They sat in the first seat behind the drive. Rory could feel eyes on the back of his head, as they were wondering why he was there.
"At least one good comes from today," said Cedric as the bus started up
"What's that?" asked Rory
"The boss has managed to put a media embargo on KHAOS's performance tonight, which means no media outlet can show the performance at all."
"Oh," replied Rory "So what's the point of me being here then?"
"You're doing your expose," replied Cedric "Which means you're writing about it, you're covered by the embargo. So only you are exempt."
"Don't I feel special," laughed Rory
"We expect a copy of that expose on Monday before it goes to the readers, is that clear?"
"Very."
Cedric was quiet for the rest of the trip, as was Rory. He was thinking ahead to the place where Sectionals was being held for the London area. He had someone on the inside who had set up a camera to record KHAOS performing. With the embargo in place, he wasn't sure if the place would be swept for bugs or hidden cameras. He couldn't worry about it now.
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The bus made it to the venue, and everyone got off in silence, including the ex Warblers who were being rowdy before.
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Rory sat with Cedric as the first two groups performed. KHAOS were performing 3rd. So Rory had to bide his time.
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At the 15 minute break break mar, Cedric left to join his team in the dressing room, Rory knew he was being watched, so he got up to stretch his legs, and walked past the guy who he was getting to secretly record the show. There had been a video sweep just before the break.
The guy quickly nodded to Rory, and Rory made a quick decision to nod back, giving him the go ahead to still record.
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Just before KHAOS were due to perform there was another video sweep. Rory just sat there hoping that his friend would wait until the right minute to actually start performing.
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KHAOS
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CASSANDRA JULY: "All my life I've waited for the right moment to let you know,
I don't wanna let you go,
But now I've realized there's just no perfect time
To confess how I feel,
This much I know is real."
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KHAOS FEMALES: "So I'll refuse to waste one more second without you knowin' my heart
Baby, 'cause I don't need anything else but your love,
Nothing but you means a thing to me,
I'm incomplete
When you're not there,
Holding me, touching me I swear
All of the rest could just disappear
And I wouldn't even care,
As long as you're there."
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CASSANDRA JULY: "Take these words,
Don't let them go unheard,
This is me reaching out,
I hope you can hear it now
'Cause, baby my heart said stay,
Take it, it's yours to break
I'd rather try and lose,
Than keep this love from you, yeah."
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KHAOS FEMALES: "So I'll refuse to waste one more second without you knowin' my heart
Baby, 'cause I don't need anything else but your love,
Nothing but you means a thing to me,
I'm incomplete
When you're not there,
Holding me, touching me I swear
All of the rest could just disappear
And I wouldn't even care,
As long as you're there."
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CASSANDRA JULY: "Each day and night,
That I've kept this a secret,
It'd kill me; it's time to share what I feel inside."
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KHAOS FEMALES: "I don't need anything else but your love,
Nothing but you means a thing to me,
I'm incomplete
When you're not there,
Holding me, touching me I swear
All of the rest could just disappear
And I wouldn't even care,
As long as you're there...
As long as you're there...
Ohh.."
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JEAN BAPTISTE: "Buddy you're a boy make a big noise
Playin' in the street gonna be a big man some day
You got mud on yo' face
You big disgrace
Kickin' your can all over the place
Singin'."
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KHAOS MALES: "We will we will rock you
We will we will rock you."
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JESSE ST JAMES: "Buddy you're a young man hard man
Shouting in the street gonna take on the world some day
You got blood on yo' face
You big disgrace
Wavin' your banner all over the place."
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KHAOS MALES: "We will we will rock you
Sing it
We will we will rock you."
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SEBASTIAN SMYTHE: "Buddy you're an old man poor man
Pleadin' with your eyes gonna make
You some peace some day
You got mud on your face
Big disgrace
Somebody betta put you back into your place."
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KHAOS MALES: "We will we will rock you
Sing it
We will we will rock you
Everybody
We will we will rock you
We will we will rock you
Alright."
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JEAN BAPTISTE: "Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Yeah we'll be counting stars."
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KHAOS: "I see this life, like a swinging vine
Swing my heart across the line
And in my face is flashing signs
Seek it out and ye' shall find
Old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
And I don't think the world is sold
On just doing what we're told
I-I-I-I feel something so right
Doing the wrong thing
I-I-I-I feel something so wrong
Doing the right thing
I couldn't lie, couldn't lie, couldn't lie
Everything that kills me makes me feel alive."
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CASSANDRA JULY: "Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars."
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JESSE ST JAMES: "Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars.
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KHAOS: "I feel the love and I feel it burn
Down this river, every turn
Hope is our four-letter word
Make that money, watch it burn
Old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
And I don't think the world is sold
On just doing what we're told
I-I-I-I feel something so wrong
Doing the right thing
I could lie, could lie, could lie
Everything that drowns me makes me wanna fly."
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HARMONY: "Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars."
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HUNTER CARRINGTON: "Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars."
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KHAOS: "Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons I've learned."
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JEAN BAPTISTE: "Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons I've learned."
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HOLLY HOLLIDAY: "Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons I've learned."
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BRODY WESTON: "Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons I've learned."
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KHAOS: "Everything that kills me, makes feel alive...
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
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"Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars."
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CASSANDRA JULY: "Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons I've learned."
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CLINT: "Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons I've learned."
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KHAOS: "Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons I've learned
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"Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons I've learned."
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To Rory, KHAOS looked really sharped performing, and they also looked dangerous.
As they finished performing, Rory sat stuck in his chair knowing full well, that this next period of time, would be the most dangerous yet. He felt that if he would be exposed, then just the seriousness of the situation could put his entire life in danger. Just liaising around the team was dangerous enough. Reporting back to Artie, would be even more so. For now.
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He couldn't afford to panic. He had to take his time. But he knew this information was vital to... the New Directions.
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Whats going to happen now? Can Rory get out of the predicament that he finds himself in? And really how dangerous is it. Stay tuned.
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NOTE: I do not own any songs or lyrics to 'As Long as you're there', 'We will Rock you', and 'Counting Stars'.
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