RIGHT KIND OF WRONG
San Francisco Special Investigation Unit Captain Nash Bridges and Lieutenant Joe Dominguez walk into the converted warehouse, with Joe's eyes bugging out at the sight of the dancers in various forms of rather skimpy costumes. "Woah! Nashman, looks like we got lucky this time," Joe was watching a redhead in a skimpy bikini walk past, "I think I'm gonna like this case."
Nash was looking at the redhead, as well as the brunette and two blondes that were heading in other directions. "Bubba, we need to remember we're here on business," Nash tried to focus. "We need to find this Lexi Lee, and get her side of the story." Stopping one of the blondes, Nash smiled, and did his best to focus on her face. "Can you tell me where I can find Lexi Lee?"
"Sure," she smiled, "She's over there, center stage." With that she pointed to the main platform, complete with three poles and an equal number of girls stretching. In front was a beautiful Amazonian blonde bombshell, in a tiny schoolgirl outfit. "Well, well, well," Nash muttered and smiled at Joe.
They strolled over and the Amazonian woman was bent over them, her ample bosom straining against the two buttons on her blouse. "Hi, are you Lexi?" Joe asked.
She smiled at Joe before turning her attention on Nash, "For you, handsome, I'll be anybody."
"Well, thank you, ma'am," Nash smiled and flashed his badge, "Right now I need you to be Lexi Lee."
"I guess that depends on what you want with her, officer." She smiles and runs her hand through Nash's hair, "And does it involve handcuffs?"
The two remaining girls were watching with interest, another blonde and a brunette. The second blonde whispers something to the brunette that makes her grin. Just then a slight girl with straw colored hair, a clipboard, and glasses comes racing up to the officers. "How can I help you, gentlemen? I'm Michelle Vincent, Lexi's personal assistant."
"Miss Vincent, I'm Lieutenant Dominguez, this is Captain Bridges," Joe smiles at the flustered girl, "We really need to talk to Miss Lee about her upcoming concert and the threats she's been receiving."
"Oh, uh, our, our security people are handling that," Michelle stammers, "Miss Lee doesn't care much for the police. Everything is handled through private investigation."
"Well, Miss Lee," Nash continues to address the blonde Amazon, "I'm afraid when your private affairs involve the Mayor and two State Senators, the SIU is going to get called in."
"Listen Buster," Blondie starts to shoot back. Suddenly the petite brunette comes forward and grabs the arm that Amazonian woman had made a fist with. "Woah, Tanya," she chides, "I want to hear what he has to say."
"Tanya?" Nash looks at the blonde, "Tanya?" He turns towards Michelle, "I want to speak to Lexi Lee, and I mean right now, sister!"
Tanya throws her hands down, motioning him off and walks away. The brunette crouches so she's eye level with Nash. "Captain Bridges, is it? You're obviously not a big fan," she says sarcastically, smiling on one side of her mouth. "So I take it you're not here to ask for an autograph or concert tickets."
Nash is starting to get frustrated, as Joe spots the all-access pass around a crew member's neck. The pass is a picture of Lexi's face, the same girl Nash was getting angry with. As Nash ranted, Joe tried to get his attention.
"Listen you, I'm here by request of the Mayor, on official police business, and I am not going to play around just because some diva had a run-in with the law and now hates cops. We're talking serious threats being issued, and a major media event occurring that features both Miss Priss and some of California's government officials, and if you ladies don't stop playing your games, and let me speak to Miss Lee, I'm going to arrest all of you for impeding official police work...What?!?!" Nash demanded, turning to Joe.
Joe looks at Nash, points to the pass the crew member was wearing, and then to Lexi on stage.
Lexi smiled as realization crossed the captain's face, and stood up. "Well Captain, you have just spoken to Miss Lee, and from what she has heard, you have nothing of relevance to say. I'll be sure to give the Mayor your best tomorrow night at dinner." Just then the director asked if they were ready to roll. "Now if you will excuse me, I am in the middle of shooting a video. Thank you, have a good day, and, Michelle, please escort the officers out."
Michelle pushed her glasses onto her nose, "Yes, Miss Lee. If you would just come with me..."
Nash stared dumbfounded at this girl who had just brushed him off in one fluid motion, and was now being touched up by a make-up artist. Michelle stammered, "Captain, you need to come with me, so you aren't blocking an angle. I really think you should go now."
"Michelle," Joe smiled sweetly, "You're her personal assistant?"
"Bless you," Nash muttered as he followed the timid assistant.
"Oh no," Michelle quickly responded, "She's really great to work for, she's usually very nice, it's just she has this thing where she doesn't like police officers. I think she was actually amused by it all, or she would've had me call security."
"Well, aren't we lucky," Joe continued to smile at her. "I was just wondering, you must know something about these threats she's received. Maybe something you could tell us?"
"Oh no, no, no, no. She wouldn't like that. I signed a confidentiality statement when I came to work for her. These things happen a lot. Her security team is really very good." Michelle hesitated. "Do you think she's in real danger?"
Nash looked at the assistant: she seemed concerned about her boss. "Actually she's not our main concern. We're worried about this nut job trying something at one of these gala events your prestigious Miss Lee is attending in this week leading up to her concert, if not at the concert. That's my concern, the citizens of San Francisco."
Michelle frowned, and someone called out, "Quiet on the set!"
Her face quickly turned to panic as she whispered, "Oh no, you'll have to stay until they cut the next time. You can sit over here."
She directed them to a row of director's chairs along a wall, and they sat down. Rock music blared, and the dancers strutted and posed and spun on the poles. In the middle was Lexi, center stage, singing with the music, doing her choreography as a large fan blew her hair behind her. Nash saw some of the camera screens pulling up different shots and was suddenly caught off guard by a close-up of her face. She was good at what she did, and he could see why she was a sensation, if not for her voice. She could be damn sexy when she wanted to be.
At the end of the take, Michelle was talking hurriedly to the make-up artist, and Nash and Joe took the opportunity to corner the other blonde that was with Lexi earlier. "Look guys, I'm just her back-up singer. I don't want to get involved," Becca sighed.
Lexi spotted the two cops, still in the studio, and stepped off the stage. "Michelle!" she called out.
The director came up to suck up some more and Michelle slinked over, knowing she was in trouble. "We can give you a few minutes to freshen up your make-up, Miss Lee, and then we'll bring the guys in for the table scenes," the director cooed.
"Yes, Miss Lee?" Michelle whispered. Lexi looked at her, "What are those cops still doing here?"
"The taping started, and I was getting ready to take them out," Michelle was stammering again. "I'm really sorry, I'll go get rid of them now."
As Michelle started to back away, a wicked smile crossed Lexi's face. "No, wait. They want to be here, they can earn it." She snapped her fingers at the director, "Peter, I want those two guys put in make-up and at the front center table. Pronto."
"Those two," Peter looked at Nash and Joe, and stuttered. "But, but, Miss Lee...they don't go with the image. Most of the other guys are young models."
Lexi put her business face on and told him, "Then grab some crew, slap some powder on them , and intersperse. If just for one take." Lexi grabbed his arm as he started away. "Wait, you better hold on the others until Mickey and Goofy don't run screaming."
Peter motioned to two of the make-up artists, and filled them in. They went over to where Joe and Nash still had Becca cornered. "Captain Bridges, Lieutenant Dominguez? Miss Lee would like you to come with us," one smiled and took Nash by the arm.
"To where?" Nash wanted to know, wondering what was going on.
"To make-up," the other chimed in, smiling at Joe. "I think it's great that you're going to be in her video. Have you ever thought about modeling?"
"Well, actually," Joe started, flattered by the comment.
"Woah, woah, woah, wait one minute here," Nash stopped in his tracks. "We're not here to be in this video."
"What do you mean? Peter told us that Lexi and you had worked out a deal: she gives you the whatever it is you want, and you fill in as extras in the video. Personally, I think you guys are getting the better end of the deal." She giggled. "I mean, this is a totally new concept for a Lexi video. But she was telling me earlier how she was frustrated with all those 20-something models that Peter uses. She wanted a rough, but distinguished look for the guys. Something that would turn it around." As she placed a cover over Nash's jacket, she leaned in and whispered, "And I'd watch a video with you in it anytime."
Just then Nash caught a glimpse of Lexi in the mirror; she was watching, almost daring him to leave. "So," he asked the make-up artist, "What am I supposed to do in this video?"
Kathy, Lexi's guitarist and best friend, walked up just then and looked from Lexi to the men in make-up. "What are you up to?" she asked.
"Oh nothing," Lexi twirled around to face her and smiled.
"Liar," Kathy laughed. "What have they done to you?"
"They're San Fran PD, here to interrogate me about my numerous stalkers and recent threats....Big whoopty doo. The cops have never done anything for me before, why would this be different?" Lexi snorted.
"Because it's San Francisco, a new town," Kathy got serious. "This latest batch of letters are way different from before; maybe you should take it seriously."
"It's just letters. The writer is probably already in prison for molesting his dog or something. If I worried about every little 'I hate you', 'I wish you were dead', or 'You Suck!' that came at me, I'd have no time left for anything else. Besides, I'm just playing."
Kathy raised an eyebrow at her friend. She knew her too well. Switching subjects, she replied, "The taller one is kinda cute."
"Yeah, if you go for older guys," Lexi smiled to herself, "He's also the Captain, and a real pain in the ass." She paused, "Think the fans would believe he's my 'Right Kind of Wrong'?"
"Oh no, Lex," Kathy shook her head. "What about the Jamie guy they picked out?"
"It's just for one take," Lexi grinned. "Most of it will end up cut. I'm betting he's a horny old bastard who gets a hard on the first time I touch him."
"He won't be the first," Kathy arches an eyebrow as the make-up artist giggles and adjusts Nash's hair. "I'd watch it, he may be more than you bargain for."
Lexi just rolled her eyes as Phyllis, the choreographer, came over and took her away to go over her routine for the "seduction scene."
In a few minutes, Nash and Joe and the rest of the extras, including some newly recruited crew members, are gathered in front of the stage. Peter is prompting them on what is expected. "Now remember, you are the patrons of this club, and Lexi and the other dancers are going to be moving among you. You are free to tip or act up or 'get friendly' with any of the dancers, but not Lexi. Lexi is the innocent, you are her poison. If she does choose you to 'get friendly with,' just try to relax and not react. She will move you how she wishes."
With that he directed his extras to their tables, with Nash and Joe front and center as requested. Lexi was standing on the stage above them, and looked down. "Why, Inspectors," she smiled slyly. "Thank you for your co-operation. I'll try to make sure it's worth your while."
As her make-up artist finished shining her lips, another girl fluffed out her hair, and a third took light readings off her boots. Tanya, the Amazon, came back out on stage, and took her place at a pole, while Becca grabbed the other pole, leaving Lexi glamorous and glorious in the center of the stage. "Quiet on the Set!" rang out, and as a clapboard came down, the song started again. Lexi started with her choreography, a little dance number on the stage, before strutting off onto the table where the officers sat.
She shimmied and swayed and pouted and sang. She stroked Joe's face, and twisted around to the guy opposite Joe, before rolling over with her face right in Nash's. She ran a finger along his jaw, and drew close enough to kiss him, before pushing herself away. She slid off the table with her back to him, along his side, before prancing around a few of the other tables, touching, flirting, seducing. Nash knew he wasn't supposed to, but he followed her with his eyes instead of watching the other dancers. She noticed and went in for the kill.
Sliding back over to him, she focused all of her "seduction scene moves" onto him. As the singing ended, and the music faded, she found herself again in his face, and this time she was so close, Nash believed she was going to kiss him. When the music stopped, and Peter yelled cut, Lexi stopped a half an inch from his mouth. She rolled over and slid off the table, and he didn't know what to think of this prissy little diva.
"Perfect Lexi, perfect!! That was wonderful, just wonderful. Wasn't she wonderful everyone? We're going to play that back and review it, Miss Lee." Peter came over to her. "Do you want to see it, or would you rather do your costume change, and we'll shoot the next take?"
Lexi was feeling a bit light headed after her little performance. She hadn't realized how much she had gotten into her role until Peter had yelled cut, and she found herself about to kiss Captain Chaos there. She found herself wondering whether he was a good kisser or not. "Miss Lee?" Peter asked.
Kathy was now by her side, and touched her arm. "Lex?" she whispered.
Lexi snapped back to reality. "No, I'll watch them later. Let's get the takes done, so people can go home."
"Costume changes everyone!" Peters assistant called, clapping his hands.
"Are you okay?" Kathy whispered. "What?" Lexi looked at her friend. "Oh yeah..yeah." Seeing Nash approaching, she quickly added, "I need to go change."
Nash had had to shake himself back to reality as well, wondering things about the singer he shouldn't be. He was ready to get back to business. As she started to walk away, he quickly caught up to her. "Miss Lee?" he called to her. "We did our performance, now can we talk?"
"Captain, can it wait until this shoot is over? These people don't want to stand around while I chat with some cop."
"Miss Lee," he grabbed her arm right outside of her dressing room, "We sat in your video and watched you prance around like some pleather covered tease, and now I want my questions answered."
Lexi tensed when he grabbed her arm, and gave him a withering look when he wouldn't let go. "And I said it will wait."
With that she jerked away, and opened the door. Nash started to follow her when he noticed a trip wire hanging from the door-jam. Following the line to a homemade bomb sitting next to her couch, he quickly grabbed her and slammed the door shut. Tossing her around the corner he shouted to the others in the hallway, "Get down!" He pushed her to the ground and shielded her just as the explosion blew the door off her dressing room. He grabbed his phone out of his pocket and phoned for back up. The smoke hit the sprinkler system, which turned on. Nash held his jacket over Lexi's head and led her back to the studio section. She was noticeably shaken, and Kathy came looking for her, grabbing her in a hug. "Lex, oh my god, Lex..." Kathy's stunned face looked into Lexi's shocked one and shook her head. "Hon, it's not just letters anymore."
Nash was barking orders for no one to leave, and for everyone to remain in the studio section, as he and Joe and two security guards grabbed extinguishers to contain any more flames. Tanya and Becca stood behind Lexi rubbing her shoulders, both terrified at the level this crazy person had moved their game to. Michelle came bustling over to check on her boss, fretting and cooing over her. Lexi just sat there, almost in shock.
Two more SIU agents showed up, along with a fire truck and some uniformed cops. Nash and Joe conferred with Inspectors Harvey Leek and Antwon Babcock before Nash nodded and separated from his group. He came up to Lexi, who was now sitting with just Kathy, her entourage gone about their business. The back-ups were gossiping with the dancers and Michelle had gone to find out what all was lost in the explosion. Nash looked at Lexi, she looked so young and terrified... he had this sudden urge to just hold her and comfort her. Instead he rested a hand on the arm of her chair and leaned in, "Are you ready to talk now?"
Lexi looked at him, and with the slightest bit of recognition, she nodded. Kathy looked stunned at the nerve of this cop. She stepped in front of Lexi, and motioned for Nash to follow her. When she was a few feet away from Lexi, she whispered to him, "Do you have to interrogate her right now? She almost got blown up, and I assure you this is a first, even for her. What she needs is to go home and rest."
"And you are her mother?" Nash asked sarcastically.
"No," Kathy was not amused. "I am her friend. Probably one of the few true friends she actually has, and I'm not going to let her be dragged around like some rag doll because Officer Attitude wants some answers immediately. I'm taking her home. You can question her tomorrow." With that, she walked back over to Lexi.
Harvey came up to Nash, with a report and an evidence bag. "Doesn't look like a professional, more like a homemade, probably downloaded the instructions off the internet." Harvey showed Nash what was left of the bomb, "I'll doubt we'll get much else off it, but I'll see if the boys at the lab can find some unusual ingredient we could use to track."
Antwon and Joe had joined the pow-wow, and Antwon added, "As far as fingerprints, if it's not charred, I doubt we'll get much. So many different people use that room for shoots, we'd probably get a million different sets of prints." He paused, "Good thing you two got out of there, I mean there was glass embedded in the wall across from he doorway. Man...someone meant business."
Harvey looked around at the dancers huddled together, the crew packing up equipment, the director ranting and raving, and finally to Lexi still sitting in the make-up chair. "Is she gonna be okay? Should we have her checked out by a doctor?" concern entered his voice as he looked at how pale she appeared.
Nash shook his head, "Her friend says she just needs some rest. The EMT's looked her over, she declined anything else."
The foursome stood looking at the now not so glamorous looking star. Peter came up to her. "Miss Lexi?" he asked hesitantly. "Are you feeling all right?"
Lexi looked up at him and sighed, "What, Peter?"
"Do you want to review the footage?" Peter wrung his hands together. "I'm thinking we won't be taping anything more, as the studio is a crime scene now."
Lexi brushed him off with her hand, "Have Michael and Allen review it, if they need more, find some filler somewhere." Lexi slid out of the tall chair. "I'm sure you have more than enough." She looked around the room, "Where's Michelle?"
Peter almost bowed, "I'll find her Miss Lee." He backed away and started calling for her assistant.
Lexi stared after him like he was crazy, which is exactly how he was acting because he was afraid this incident might destroy his career. She shook her head, reaching for her pocket to retrieve her keys. But of course, she was still in costume, no pockets, and her motorcycle keys were in the dressing room that got blown up. She blinked a few times, and looked around for Kathy or Michelle or even Becca or Tanya. Her eyes rested upon Captain Bridges.
He'd wanted to talk to her, he needed questions answered. She remembered that, and that he had saved her life not two hours ago, even after she had been so mean. Nash was taking in the full effect of her at that moment as she tried to gain her bearings. She was small in stature, not even five foot five, but in the stiletto boots she wore she stood close to five ten. Her hair was disheveled, her eye make-up was making punk rock smudges around her eyes, her skin was pale under her tan, and her costume coated her like a second skin. She was not looking her best, but was being incredibly sexy without even realizing it. All four inspectors stood riveted, along with a few other guys hanging around, gaping at this "superstar."
As she realized she was the center of attention, fear crept into her eyes. Her gaze seemed to lock with Nash's from across the way, and her heart actually raced at the expression on his face. It was one of pure attraction, and she was confused as to why it affected her so much. She reached back for the chair, and stumbled slightly over the heel of her boot. Nash was there almost instantly to catch her, even though she was fine. "Are you sure you're all right?" he asked her, concern in his voice. She looked up into his eyes again, and felt dizzy. She couldn't speak so she nodded. "Maybe I should drive you home?" he asked. Lexi froze, but remembered she owed him her life, and some answers, so she nodded again, trying to get her voice to work. What was wrong with her, she wondered. Nash looked down at her outfit, and coughed slightly. "I'd ask if you wanted to change, but I'm guessing you have no other option?"
She looked down at her costume, and smiled slightly. Shaking her head she finally found her voice. "No, my clothes and keys and bag were in there." She whispered. "I'll have to get Michelle to return it tomorrow."
San Francisco Special Investigation Unit Captain Nash Bridges and Lieutenant Joe Dominguez walk into the converted warehouse, with Joe's eyes bugging out at the sight of the dancers in various forms of rather skimpy costumes. "Woah! Nashman, looks like we got lucky this time," Joe was watching a redhead in a skimpy bikini walk past, "I think I'm gonna like this case."
Nash was looking at the redhead, as well as the brunette and two blondes that were heading in other directions. "Bubba, we need to remember we're here on business," Nash tried to focus. "We need to find this Lexi Lee, and get her side of the story." Stopping one of the blondes, Nash smiled, and did his best to focus on her face. "Can you tell me where I can find Lexi Lee?"
"Sure," she smiled, "She's over there, center stage." With that she pointed to the main platform, complete with three poles and an equal number of girls stretching. In front was a beautiful Amazonian blonde bombshell, in a tiny schoolgirl outfit. "Well, well, well," Nash muttered and smiled at Joe.
They strolled over and the Amazonian woman was bent over them, her ample bosom straining against the two buttons on her blouse. "Hi, are you Lexi?" Joe asked.
She smiled at Joe before turning her attention on Nash, "For you, handsome, I'll be anybody."
"Well, thank you, ma'am," Nash smiled and flashed his badge, "Right now I need you to be Lexi Lee."
"I guess that depends on what you want with her, officer." She smiles and runs her hand through Nash's hair, "And does it involve handcuffs?"
The two remaining girls were watching with interest, another blonde and a brunette. The second blonde whispers something to the brunette that makes her grin. Just then a slight girl with straw colored hair, a clipboard, and glasses comes racing up to the officers. "How can I help you, gentlemen? I'm Michelle Vincent, Lexi's personal assistant."
"Miss Vincent, I'm Lieutenant Dominguez, this is Captain Bridges," Joe smiles at the flustered girl, "We really need to talk to Miss Lee about her upcoming concert and the threats she's been receiving."
"Oh, uh, our, our security people are handling that," Michelle stammers, "Miss Lee doesn't care much for the police. Everything is handled through private investigation."
"Well, Miss Lee," Nash continues to address the blonde Amazon, "I'm afraid when your private affairs involve the Mayor and two State Senators, the SIU is going to get called in."
"Listen Buster," Blondie starts to shoot back. Suddenly the petite brunette comes forward and grabs the arm that Amazonian woman had made a fist with. "Woah, Tanya," she chides, "I want to hear what he has to say."
"Tanya?" Nash looks at the blonde, "Tanya?" He turns towards Michelle, "I want to speak to Lexi Lee, and I mean right now, sister!"
Tanya throws her hands down, motioning him off and walks away. The brunette crouches so she's eye level with Nash. "Captain Bridges, is it? You're obviously not a big fan," she says sarcastically, smiling on one side of her mouth. "So I take it you're not here to ask for an autograph or concert tickets."
Nash is starting to get frustrated, as Joe spots the all-access pass around a crew member's neck. The pass is a picture of Lexi's face, the same girl Nash was getting angry with. As Nash ranted, Joe tried to get his attention.
"Listen you, I'm here by request of the Mayor, on official police business, and I am not going to play around just because some diva had a run-in with the law and now hates cops. We're talking serious threats being issued, and a major media event occurring that features both Miss Priss and some of California's government officials, and if you ladies don't stop playing your games, and let me speak to Miss Lee, I'm going to arrest all of you for impeding official police work...What?!?!" Nash demanded, turning to Joe.
Joe looks at Nash, points to the pass the crew member was wearing, and then to Lexi on stage.
Lexi smiled as realization crossed the captain's face, and stood up. "Well Captain, you have just spoken to Miss Lee, and from what she has heard, you have nothing of relevance to say. I'll be sure to give the Mayor your best tomorrow night at dinner." Just then the director asked if they were ready to roll. "Now if you will excuse me, I am in the middle of shooting a video. Thank you, have a good day, and, Michelle, please escort the officers out."
Michelle pushed her glasses onto her nose, "Yes, Miss Lee. If you would just come with me..."
Nash stared dumbfounded at this girl who had just brushed him off in one fluid motion, and was now being touched up by a make-up artist. Michelle stammered, "Captain, you need to come with me, so you aren't blocking an angle. I really think you should go now."
"Michelle," Joe smiled sweetly, "You're her personal assistant?"
"Bless you," Nash muttered as he followed the timid assistant.
"Oh no," Michelle quickly responded, "She's really great to work for, she's usually very nice, it's just she has this thing where she doesn't like police officers. I think she was actually amused by it all, or she would've had me call security."
"Well, aren't we lucky," Joe continued to smile at her. "I was just wondering, you must know something about these threats she's received. Maybe something you could tell us?"
"Oh no, no, no, no. She wouldn't like that. I signed a confidentiality statement when I came to work for her. These things happen a lot. Her security team is really very good." Michelle hesitated. "Do you think she's in real danger?"
Nash looked at the assistant: she seemed concerned about her boss. "Actually she's not our main concern. We're worried about this nut job trying something at one of these gala events your prestigious Miss Lee is attending in this week leading up to her concert, if not at the concert. That's my concern, the citizens of San Francisco."
Michelle frowned, and someone called out, "Quiet on the set!"
Her face quickly turned to panic as she whispered, "Oh no, you'll have to stay until they cut the next time. You can sit over here."
She directed them to a row of director's chairs along a wall, and they sat down. Rock music blared, and the dancers strutted and posed and spun on the poles. In the middle was Lexi, center stage, singing with the music, doing her choreography as a large fan blew her hair behind her. Nash saw some of the camera screens pulling up different shots and was suddenly caught off guard by a close-up of her face. She was good at what she did, and he could see why she was a sensation, if not for her voice. She could be damn sexy when she wanted to be.
At the end of the take, Michelle was talking hurriedly to the make-up artist, and Nash and Joe took the opportunity to corner the other blonde that was with Lexi earlier. "Look guys, I'm just her back-up singer. I don't want to get involved," Becca sighed.
Lexi spotted the two cops, still in the studio, and stepped off the stage. "Michelle!" she called out.
The director came up to suck up some more and Michelle slinked over, knowing she was in trouble. "We can give you a few minutes to freshen up your make-up, Miss Lee, and then we'll bring the guys in for the table scenes," the director cooed.
"Yes, Miss Lee?" Michelle whispered. Lexi looked at her, "What are those cops still doing here?"
"The taping started, and I was getting ready to take them out," Michelle was stammering again. "I'm really sorry, I'll go get rid of them now."
As Michelle started to back away, a wicked smile crossed Lexi's face. "No, wait. They want to be here, they can earn it." She snapped her fingers at the director, "Peter, I want those two guys put in make-up and at the front center table. Pronto."
"Those two," Peter looked at Nash and Joe, and stuttered. "But, but, Miss Lee...they don't go with the image. Most of the other guys are young models."
Lexi put her business face on and told him, "Then grab some crew, slap some powder on them , and intersperse. If just for one take." Lexi grabbed his arm as he started away. "Wait, you better hold on the others until Mickey and Goofy don't run screaming."
Peter motioned to two of the make-up artists, and filled them in. They went over to where Joe and Nash still had Becca cornered. "Captain Bridges, Lieutenant Dominguez? Miss Lee would like you to come with us," one smiled and took Nash by the arm.
"To where?" Nash wanted to know, wondering what was going on.
"To make-up," the other chimed in, smiling at Joe. "I think it's great that you're going to be in her video. Have you ever thought about modeling?"
"Well, actually," Joe started, flattered by the comment.
"Woah, woah, woah, wait one minute here," Nash stopped in his tracks. "We're not here to be in this video."
"What do you mean? Peter told us that Lexi and you had worked out a deal: she gives you the whatever it is you want, and you fill in as extras in the video. Personally, I think you guys are getting the better end of the deal." She giggled. "I mean, this is a totally new concept for a Lexi video. But she was telling me earlier how she was frustrated with all those 20-something models that Peter uses. She wanted a rough, but distinguished look for the guys. Something that would turn it around." As she placed a cover over Nash's jacket, she leaned in and whispered, "And I'd watch a video with you in it anytime."
Just then Nash caught a glimpse of Lexi in the mirror; she was watching, almost daring him to leave. "So," he asked the make-up artist, "What am I supposed to do in this video?"
Kathy, Lexi's guitarist and best friend, walked up just then and looked from Lexi to the men in make-up. "What are you up to?" she asked.
"Oh nothing," Lexi twirled around to face her and smiled.
"Liar," Kathy laughed. "What have they done to you?"
"They're San Fran PD, here to interrogate me about my numerous stalkers and recent threats....Big whoopty doo. The cops have never done anything for me before, why would this be different?" Lexi snorted.
"Because it's San Francisco, a new town," Kathy got serious. "This latest batch of letters are way different from before; maybe you should take it seriously."
"It's just letters. The writer is probably already in prison for molesting his dog or something. If I worried about every little 'I hate you', 'I wish you were dead', or 'You Suck!' that came at me, I'd have no time left for anything else. Besides, I'm just playing."
Kathy raised an eyebrow at her friend. She knew her too well. Switching subjects, she replied, "The taller one is kinda cute."
"Yeah, if you go for older guys," Lexi smiled to herself, "He's also the Captain, and a real pain in the ass." She paused, "Think the fans would believe he's my 'Right Kind of Wrong'?"
"Oh no, Lex," Kathy shook her head. "What about the Jamie guy they picked out?"
"It's just for one take," Lexi grinned. "Most of it will end up cut. I'm betting he's a horny old bastard who gets a hard on the first time I touch him."
"He won't be the first," Kathy arches an eyebrow as the make-up artist giggles and adjusts Nash's hair. "I'd watch it, he may be more than you bargain for."
Lexi just rolled her eyes as Phyllis, the choreographer, came over and took her away to go over her routine for the "seduction scene."
In a few minutes, Nash and Joe and the rest of the extras, including some newly recruited crew members, are gathered in front of the stage. Peter is prompting them on what is expected. "Now remember, you are the patrons of this club, and Lexi and the other dancers are going to be moving among you. You are free to tip or act up or 'get friendly' with any of the dancers, but not Lexi. Lexi is the innocent, you are her poison. If she does choose you to 'get friendly with,' just try to relax and not react. She will move you how she wishes."
With that he directed his extras to their tables, with Nash and Joe front and center as requested. Lexi was standing on the stage above them, and looked down. "Why, Inspectors," she smiled slyly. "Thank you for your co-operation. I'll try to make sure it's worth your while."
As her make-up artist finished shining her lips, another girl fluffed out her hair, and a third took light readings off her boots. Tanya, the Amazon, came back out on stage, and took her place at a pole, while Becca grabbed the other pole, leaving Lexi glamorous and glorious in the center of the stage. "Quiet on the Set!" rang out, and as a clapboard came down, the song started again. Lexi started with her choreography, a little dance number on the stage, before strutting off onto the table where the officers sat.
She shimmied and swayed and pouted and sang. She stroked Joe's face, and twisted around to the guy opposite Joe, before rolling over with her face right in Nash's. She ran a finger along his jaw, and drew close enough to kiss him, before pushing herself away. She slid off the table with her back to him, along his side, before prancing around a few of the other tables, touching, flirting, seducing. Nash knew he wasn't supposed to, but he followed her with his eyes instead of watching the other dancers. She noticed and went in for the kill.
Sliding back over to him, she focused all of her "seduction scene moves" onto him. As the singing ended, and the music faded, she found herself again in his face, and this time she was so close, Nash believed she was going to kiss him. When the music stopped, and Peter yelled cut, Lexi stopped a half an inch from his mouth. She rolled over and slid off the table, and he didn't know what to think of this prissy little diva.
"Perfect Lexi, perfect!! That was wonderful, just wonderful. Wasn't she wonderful everyone? We're going to play that back and review it, Miss Lee." Peter came over to her. "Do you want to see it, or would you rather do your costume change, and we'll shoot the next take?"
Lexi was feeling a bit light headed after her little performance. She hadn't realized how much she had gotten into her role until Peter had yelled cut, and she found herself about to kiss Captain Chaos there. She found herself wondering whether he was a good kisser or not. "Miss Lee?" Peter asked.
Kathy was now by her side, and touched her arm. "Lex?" she whispered.
Lexi snapped back to reality. "No, I'll watch them later. Let's get the takes done, so people can go home."
"Costume changes everyone!" Peters assistant called, clapping his hands.
"Are you okay?" Kathy whispered. "What?" Lexi looked at her friend. "Oh yeah..yeah." Seeing Nash approaching, she quickly added, "I need to go change."
Nash had had to shake himself back to reality as well, wondering things about the singer he shouldn't be. He was ready to get back to business. As she started to walk away, he quickly caught up to her. "Miss Lee?" he called to her. "We did our performance, now can we talk?"
"Captain, can it wait until this shoot is over? These people don't want to stand around while I chat with some cop."
"Miss Lee," he grabbed her arm right outside of her dressing room, "We sat in your video and watched you prance around like some pleather covered tease, and now I want my questions answered."
Lexi tensed when he grabbed her arm, and gave him a withering look when he wouldn't let go. "And I said it will wait."
With that she jerked away, and opened the door. Nash started to follow her when he noticed a trip wire hanging from the door-jam. Following the line to a homemade bomb sitting next to her couch, he quickly grabbed her and slammed the door shut. Tossing her around the corner he shouted to the others in the hallway, "Get down!" He pushed her to the ground and shielded her just as the explosion blew the door off her dressing room. He grabbed his phone out of his pocket and phoned for back up. The smoke hit the sprinkler system, which turned on. Nash held his jacket over Lexi's head and led her back to the studio section. She was noticeably shaken, and Kathy came looking for her, grabbing her in a hug. "Lex, oh my god, Lex..." Kathy's stunned face looked into Lexi's shocked one and shook her head. "Hon, it's not just letters anymore."
Nash was barking orders for no one to leave, and for everyone to remain in the studio section, as he and Joe and two security guards grabbed extinguishers to contain any more flames. Tanya and Becca stood behind Lexi rubbing her shoulders, both terrified at the level this crazy person had moved their game to. Michelle came bustling over to check on her boss, fretting and cooing over her. Lexi just sat there, almost in shock.
Two more SIU agents showed up, along with a fire truck and some uniformed cops. Nash and Joe conferred with Inspectors Harvey Leek and Antwon Babcock before Nash nodded and separated from his group. He came up to Lexi, who was now sitting with just Kathy, her entourage gone about their business. The back-ups were gossiping with the dancers and Michelle had gone to find out what all was lost in the explosion. Nash looked at Lexi, she looked so young and terrified... he had this sudden urge to just hold her and comfort her. Instead he rested a hand on the arm of her chair and leaned in, "Are you ready to talk now?"
Lexi looked at him, and with the slightest bit of recognition, she nodded. Kathy looked stunned at the nerve of this cop. She stepped in front of Lexi, and motioned for Nash to follow her. When she was a few feet away from Lexi, she whispered to him, "Do you have to interrogate her right now? She almost got blown up, and I assure you this is a first, even for her. What she needs is to go home and rest."
"And you are her mother?" Nash asked sarcastically.
"No," Kathy was not amused. "I am her friend. Probably one of the few true friends she actually has, and I'm not going to let her be dragged around like some rag doll because Officer Attitude wants some answers immediately. I'm taking her home. You can question her tomorrow." With that, she walked back over to Lexi.
Harvey came up to Nash, with a report and an evidence bag. "Doesn't look like a professional, more like a homemade, probably downloaded the instructions off the internet." Harvey showed Nash what was left of the bomb, "I'll doubt we'll get much else off it, but I'll see if the boys at the lab can find some unusual ingredient we could use to track."
Antwon and Joe had joined the pow-wow, and Antwon added, "As far as fingerprints, if it's not charred, I doubt we'll get much. So many different people use that room for shoots, we'd probably get a million different sets of prints." He paused, "Good thing you two got out of there, I mean there was glass embedded in the wall across from he doorway. Man...someone meant business."
Harvey looked around at the dancers huddled together, the crew packing up equipment, the director ranting and raving, and finally to Lexi still sitting in the make-up chair. "Is she gonna be okay? Should we have her checked out by a doctor?" concern entered his voice as he looked at how pale she appeared.
Nash shook his head, "Her friend says she just needs some rest. The EMT's looked her over, she declined anything else."
The foursome stood looking at the now not so glamorous looking star. Peter came up to her. "Miss Lexi?" he asked hesitantly. "Are you feeling all right?"
Lexi looked up at him and sighed, "What, Peter?"
"Do you want to review the footage?" Peter wrung his hands together. "I'm thinking we won't be taping anything more, as the studio is a crime scene now."
Lexi brushed him off with her hand, "Have Michael and Allen review it, if they need more, find some filler somewhere." Lexi slid out of the tall chair. "I'm sure you have more than enough." She looked around the room, "Where's Michelle?"
Peter almost bowed, "I'll find her Miss Lee." He backed away and started calling for her assistant.
Lexi stared after him like he was crazy, which is exactly how he was acting because he was afraid this incident might destroy his career. She shook her head, reaching for her pocket to retrieve her keys. But of course, she was still in costume, no pockets, and her motorcycle keys were in the dressing room that got blown up. She blinked a few times, and looked around for Kathy or Michelle or even Becca or Tanya. Her eyes rested upon Captain Bridges.
He'd wanted to talk to her, he needed questions answered. She remembered that, and that he had saved her life not two hours ago, even after she had been so mean. Nash was taking in the full effect of her at that moment as she tried to gain her bearings. She was small in stature, not even five foot five, but in the stiletto boots she wore she stood close to five ten. Her hair was disheveled, her eye make-up was making punk rock smudges around her eyes, her skin was pale under her tan, and her costume coated her like a second skin. She was not looking her best, but was being incredibly sexy without even realizing it. All four inspectors stood riveted, along with a few other guys hanging around, gaping at this "superstar."
As she realized she was the center of attention, fear crept into her eyes. Her gaze seemed to lock with Nash's from across the way, and her heart actually raced at the expression on his face. It was one of pure attraction, and she was confused as to why it affected her so much. She reached back for the chair, and stumbled slightly over the heel of her boot. Nash was there almost instantly to catch her, even though she was fine. "Are you sure you're all right?" he asked her, concern in his voice. She looked up into his eyes again, and felt dizzy. She couldn't speak so she nodded. "Maybe I should drive you home?" he asked. Lexi froze, but remembered she owed him her life, and some answers, so she nodded again, trying to get her voice to work. What was wrong with her, she wondered. Nash looked down at her outfit, and coughed slightly. "I'd ask if you wanted to change, but I'm guessing you have no other option?"
She looked down at her costume, and smiled slightly. Shaking her head she finally found her voice. "No, my clothes and keys and bag were in there." She whispered. "I'll have to get Michelle to return it tomorrow."