Puppet Master
Chapter 25
Rory looked around, in awe in spite of herself. The Life and Death Brigade evidently did not know how to think small. Ever. Even the 'beach party' was larger than life. No campfires or sing-alongs for them. Nope. Even their beach parties had to be catered.
That's right. Catered. And deejay-ed. Sometimes she wondered if these kids even knew what the real world looked like. The real world, where people worked without butlers, maids, caterers and nannies; where people worked just to get by instead of working to further their power and influence. Sometimes she contemplated bringing it up with Logan – asking how well he would fare if his driver and unlimited credit card were taken away. It was at these times that she forced herself to remember one of their first dates – at a bowling alley. But right now wasn't one of those times. Right now, the only thing on her mind was that the next generation of industry big-wigs sure knew how to throw a party.
Somehow, in the first five minutes she had been at the party, marveling at the sights and sounds around her, she had lost track of Logan. She shrugged it off – he was probably already hitting the bar (yes, she had seen an actual bar) and arguing economics with Robert or some other of his friends.
She perused the beach slowly, taking in the incredible sights and sounds. No matter how many times she saw the ocean, it never failed to hit her how large it actually was – and how small it made her feel. Small and insignificant. Two adjectives that definitely could not be applied to the beach house at the middle of the party. Even the word large did not do it justice. It was huge and very modern looking – all angles, textured glass and bright, bold colors. Definitely not something she would have built on the beach, but she thought that whoever owned the house had probably built it that was in order to make it as idiosyncratic as possible.
"Rory!" She knew without turning around who was beckoning her. Rory smirked. The accent was a dead giveaway.
As she turned around, she had to work hard to stifle a giggle. "Finn, why haven't you done anything with your hair?" she asked, smirking. "It's long enough to cut, isn't it?"
Finn paused for a second before he realized what she was talking about. His hand went up to his hair unconsciously. "I suppose so. But I've found that is seems to help me pick up women."
Rory rolled her eyes. Of course that would be the one thing that Finn would think about. "Like you've ever needed help picking up girls!" she scoffed.
Finn smirked at her. "Not that it's not true, but are you trying to tell me something, Rory Gilmore?"
"In your dreams," she shot back, winking at him.
Finn's eyes took on a faraway look for a moment, before he playfully blew her a kiss. "You got me there, love." Rory blushed even though she knew he was joking. "Speaking of boyfriend," he continued, making up a topic, "where is dear Logan now?"
Rory shrugged. "You got me."
"Hmmm…well then come on darlin' – let me show you around!"
"I'd be delighted," Rory said as she looped her arm through his.
Finn led her into the house. Much to her surprise, the interior was decorated much more in tune with what she would visualize for a beach house. Light blues, greens and beiges decorated the walls, seashells were tastefully emphasized and candles unnecessarily lit the way. This was a true retreat. The interior only served to prove Rory's view correct – that the owner was deliberately making a statement with the exterior.
Finn led Rory up an open flight of stairs and through a maze of hallways. "Here's your room, my dear," he said as he opened a door. As Rory entered the room, awestruck at how perfectly the room complemented her tastes, Finn added, "perhaps you'd like to change into a more…suitable outfit." He nodded at her sweats.
Rory laughed, slightly uncomfortable. "It's Logan's fault. He didn't tell me that the event was today."
Finn put his hands up. "Believe me I'm in no position to judge you. My hair is multicolored, remember!"
"How could I forget?" Rory asked, pointedly staring at his hair.
Finn chuckled self-deprecatingly. "Regardless, I think you might be a bit more comfortable in some other clothes."
As much as Rory wanted to comment that not many things were as comfortable as her raggedy old sweats, she bit her tongue. She had noticed that the members of the LDB seemed much more dressed up than she did, and she had been contemplating how to broach the subject.
Nevertheless, Rory sent Finn a questioning look. He inclined his head towards one of the two doors in the room saying only, "I'll wait right here."
Rory opened the door and found a walk in closet. Upon closer inspection, she noticed that some of the clothes hanging up were indeed her own, but most were brand new with tags still attached. Rory made a conscious effort to be pleased that she had acquired some new clothes instead of dwelling on how the LDB had managed to steal some of her clothes.
After she had picked out her clothes – a light blue sundress and a pair of strappy sandals – Rory ventured through the door in the closet into what she hoped was a changing room. What she walked into was paradise – in bathroom form. She couldn't say that she was surprised after seeing the rest of the house, but it was still a shock to her system to see such finery. Rory Gilmore was not used to this level of luxury.
She changed quickly and made her way back into the closet. She folded her clothes neatly and after a second of consideration, she slipped off the ring and the chain it was on. The necklace just didn't go with the dress. She placed it carefully on top of her clothes.
"This place is absolutely awesome," she gushed to Finn as she walked out of the closet, completely missing Finn's own awestruck look as he took her in.
"Would you like to see more of it?" Finn asked, quirking his eyebrow and offering her his hand. As soon as she took his hand, he yanked her out of the room and down the stairway, pointing out things of interest along the way.
He quickly took her out of the house and into a small wooded area. He seemed to have a clear destination in mind and Rory could only take so much of being dragged around before her curiosity got the best of her. "Finn, where are we going? I thought you were going to show me the house?" As soon as the second question left her mouth, she could see Finn's mouth quirk into a smile.
"I never said anything about the house."
Rory interrupted him before he could finish the thought. "-Just the place, yeah, yeah, I know. So are you going to tell me where you are dragging me to before or after my arm falls off?"
At that, Finn stopped and dropped her hand, shamefaced. "Sorry."
"Don't worry about it," Rory said, shaking her hand out. "Maybe we could just slow down?"
"Now that I can do."
They walked a way in silence before Rory spoke up. "I haven't seen Stephanie lately. How are she and Colin doing?"
"If you mean is she still driving him out of his scull, then they're doing fine." Finn rolled his eyes just thinking about his friend's dilemma.
"What do you mean?" Rory's nose scrunched up in confusion.
"He's just confused. He can't figure out if she really likes him or if she's just playing with him."
"Playing with him?" Rory echoed, fully lost.
"She keeps taking him to do stuff that he doesn't really like. It's almost like going out with Steph is becoming punishment for Colin."
Rory's face fell. "Oh no!"
Sharply, Finn looked back at Rory. "What d'you mean, oh no!"
Rory had stopped and began to pace, muttering fiercely at herself under her breath. Finn inched closer in order to try to understand what she was saying. "Rory Gilmore, what were you thinking? Giving relationship advice to someone you barely know? And especially stupid stuff about punishing him later! You should know better. It always seems to blow up in your face!"
Abruptly Finn's friendly voice cut through her one sided dialogue. "Let me get this straight. You told Steph to punish Colin?" Rory looked up at him, but he didn't seem angry.
"Well, actually I told her to be with him if he made her happy. But to make sure and punish him later for causing her so much trouble."
Finn laughed. "That's bloody brilliant! I always knew his meddling ways were going to come back to bite him in the ass someday." He calmed somewhat. "Don't worry, love, you give great advice." He turned in the direction that they had been heading before and set off.
Rory looked lost. "Wait, Finn, where are we going?"
"I guess you'll see when we get there, won't you?"
"Finn!"
Tentatively, Colin brought his hand up to the beach house door in front of him. After a couple of seconds, it fell back down to his side. Again. He had been repeating this pattern for almost ten minutes. He just couldn't get the courage to knock and face Stephanie because he had promised himself that the next time he saw her he was going to get their relationship sorted out for better or for worse.
He took a deep breath and raised his hand again. This time his hand began heading toward the door. At the last possible moment, he chickened out again and slumped back against the opposite wall. This was turning out to be harder than he thought possible.
Unexpectedly, the door across from him opened. Startled, he yelped.
"Relax! Boy, you're jumpy!" Colin could hear the laughter barely hidden in Stephanie's voice.
"Sorry. You…startled me," Colin finished lamely.
"Yeah, I got that." They stood awkwardly in the doorway. "So, um…what are you doing here?"
The disbelief in Stephanie's voice spurred Colin's resolve back in place. "We need to talk."
Stephanie's face fell abruptly. "You're breaking up with me? I thought things were going so well."
"What! No….no….no, no, no, and no." He paused and reconsidered his statements. "It's just…we need to talk."
"So talk."
Colin looked awkwardly down the hallway, obviously uncomfortable having this conversation in a decidedly public area. "Can I come in?"
Stephanie visibly debated with herself. In the end, she moved back from the doorway, allowing Colin entrance to her sanctuary.
As they settled themselves down in the chairs across from the fireplace, Colin took another stab at the conversation. "So, how have you been?"
This elicited a small laugh from Steph. "You mean in the 45 minutes since you saw me last?"
Colin allowed a miniscule smile to creep across his face. "Yeah."
Stephanie fixed him with a stony look. "Colin, what was it that you wanted to talk about?"
Colin cleared his throat. "Yes…um…well, I just wanted to…ahem…ask you what your intentions are."
At this, Stephanie laughed aloud. "Excuse me?"
Colin made haste to rephrase his question. "What I mean is…well…it's just that I'm not sure what you want from this. It just seems like you're just having fun in some twisted way…like you're punishing me for my past indiscretions, as it were."
"Are you saying you don't deserve a bit of punishment?" Stephanie asked, incredulous.
"No, no. I realize I deserve some punishment. I'd just like, maybe a nod that this is going somewhere and you're not just getting your revenge."
Colin looked so pathetic and awkward that Stephanie had to take pity on him. She laid her hand on his knee and drew his attention to her face. "Colin, look at me." When he did, she continued. "You're right. I probably haven't been fair to you – I got too caught up in this punishment thing. But the thing you've got to remember is that I could get my revenge without being with you. I could just as soon make your life miserable by manipulating your roommates and making sure you never get another date at Yale. But I am with you. And even though I may be making your life kinda despondent, I'm doing it while I'm with you. That's got to count for something, right?"
Colin kissed her cautiously. "In some twisted way, yes, that count's for something. Counts for everything." He kissed her again.
"Has anyone seen Steph or Colin lately?" Logan bellowed out across the small group gathered around the bar. The group was already slightly intoxicated and the greatest response he received was a group head shake.
Logan rolled his eyes and strolled toward the beach. "Robert my man," he called when Robert came into view. "Have you seen Steph or Colin?"
Robert rolled his eyes. "What do I look like? Their nursemaid?"
"Sorry, my mistake."
"Don't worry, everything will go off without a hitch."
"I wasn't worrying," Logan stated defensively, running his fingers through his messy hair.
"Sure." The sarcasm in Robert's voice was obvious as he hadn't made any iota of attempt to cover it up.
"I wasn't." It was obvious that Logan was.
They had been walking for a long time – Rory didn't know how long because she had neglected to put a watch on (not that it would have gone with her outfit anyway) – when suddenly they emerged from the trees onto a small bay. Rory gasped, it was beautiful. The sun was reflected in the clear blue water and the fluffy white clouds over the ocean completed the perfect picture. It was cool and tranquil, the perfect place to come and relax.
"Rory Gilmore." The voice came from nowhere…and everywhere at the same time. Rory surveyed the bay and her eyes came to rest on a guy she had seen before at the previous LDB events, whose name she couldn't remember.
"Yes!" she questioned. Out of her peripheral vision, she saw Finn start to slink away.
"You have been brought here today to see if you possess the necessary attributes to join the legendary ranks of the Life and Death Brigade."
Rory's journalist instinct was quickly piqued. "How can your ranks be legendary if this is a secret society?" She couldn't help but ask the question, even though she knew it would probably be frowned upon. It was. Literally.
Two shadowy figures materialized at his side. Dressed in billowy black robes, they definitely added an air of mystery to the afternoon.
"Our numbers go back many decades and our history is great. In order to ensure the continuing legacy of our society, we bring possible members to be judged by those already a part of our ranks."
Rory couldn't believe this was happening. She opened her mouth a couple of times to make a comment, but wisely did not say anything.
"We have a couple preliminary questions before the court joins us." Court? As if this wasn't already enough…
"First, please state your name for the record."
Rory blinked and it took her a couple of seconds to process the fact that she had been asked a question. "Lorelai Leigh Gilmore."
"And are you or are you not the daughter of Lorelai Victoria Gilmore, the daughter of Richard and Emily Gilmore?" This was starting to sound like an interrogation.
"I am."
"Good. Finally, do you or do you not with to join the Life and Death Brigade?" Well, it was nice to them to ask what she thought, she mused to herself.
She took her time deciding although she knew what her answer would be from the moment the question was asked. She just wanted to keep them on their toes. "I believe I do."
The boy quirked his eyebrow, and allowed a slight smirk to form on his face. "You believe you do or you do? These casual distinctions matter to the Life and Death Brigade."
Her voice came more strongly this time. "I do."
"Very well." The boy cleared his throat. "Will the court please join us now?"
Slowly, oh so slowly, the clearing filled with Life and Death Brigade members. Many were people she didn't know, but the names of others came naturally. Logan came out of the woods almost directly behind her, slightly to her right. Robert showed up twenty meters away on her left. Every member came armed with a chair. As soon as they chose their spot, they set their chair down and sat in it.
When Russell, she finally remembered the boy's name, judged they were ready, he stood up again. "Would the members of the Life and Death Brigade 2005 please rise for," here Russell paused and rolled his eyes, "the most honorable judge Finley Thaddeus Caldwell." In unison, all the LDB members stood up. In strode Finn, clad in a bright red robe that clashed horribly with his hair. Inwardly Rory snickered as a coherent thought flitted across her mind. It would be just like Finn to be going commando under the robe.
Finn took his place between the two other robed figures. Russell scurried away, quickly returning with a plush, throne like chair. He deposited the chair behind Finn. Finn sat down regally, readjusting his robes slightly as the rest of the LDB sat down. He stretched his left arm out, beckoning one of his aides forward. After a moment of conference, they both sat back in their chairs, Finn now in possession of a gavel.
He banged the gavel against the chair of his arm. Loudly. "Would the court please calm down!" he bellowed as he banged the gavel. Rory tittered. There was little need for that order as the rest of the LDB had yet to make a sound. Finn looked around for a moment, fixing select members of the group with an evil eye. Contented he sat back again. "Thank you. Now we can get started."
Finn fixed Rory with a steely gaze, a much different expression than what had been on his face before. It was unanticipated and it took Rory aback.
"Who brings this woman before us for consideration?" he asked, not breaking eye contact with Rory.
"I do." A voice spoke up, and Finn broke the gaze to turn and look at Logan, who was standing again. Rory looked back at him and he gave her an encouraging wink and nod, a slight smile grazing his golden boy features.
A sudden commotion broke the collective concentration of the group. Colin and Stephanie came rushing into the clearing, both disheveled and laughing hysterically. Colin looked up and realized that the ceremony had already started. "I…uh…I guess I do too," Colin said between laughs.
"Oh, definitely count me in too," said Stephanie emphatically. The couple looked at each other and began laughing again.
"Order in the court! Order in the court!" called Finn. As Stephanie and Colin got settled into their chairs a rush of whispering rose up within the rest of the assembly. "Might I enquire as to the reason you missed the start time?" Finn asked the couple. "You two should know by now that the LDB values punctuality."
"Since when?" enquired Stephanie innocently.
"Why I outta –"
Robert cut Finn off before he could continue. "Your Honor," he said, putting an ironic emphasis on honor, "with all due respect can we please get this show on the road…I have an appointment to get to." Robert didn't meet Finn's gaze, instead he continued to examine his fingernails interestedly.
"What: a manicure?" Finn asked annoyed at how out of hand his event had gotten. Robert just rolled his eyes. "Whatever. You three," he said, pointed at Robert, Colin and Stephanie, "I'll deal with you later." He turned back to Logan who was still standing, hands clasped behind his back waiting patiently for the next part. "Please state your name for the record."
"Logan Luther Huntzberger."
"And what is your relation to the applicant?" Rory's mind replaced applicant with defendant.
"I am her boyfriend." Logan paused, knowing that it would have carried more weight had he just said 'friend.'
"Is this true Lorelai Leigh?"
"Yes it is."
"And you believe that Lorelai Leigh would make a good member of the Life and Death Brigade?"
Rory thought this was beginning to grow tedious.
"I do."
"The court thanks you, Logan Luther. You may sit down." Logan sat. "Is there a person here to second the nomination?" Here a number of people stood up, including Stephanie and Colin. Even Robert stood up. "Very well. You may sit down." They sat, reluctantly.
"Lorelai Leigh, you are now here before us for official consideration. Do you have any questions before we begin?" Rory shook her head. "Very well. Here is how this will work: Each member will first identify themselves to you and then ask you a question – I will ask two questions. You must answer their questions. However, you may pass one question. If the Brigade is satisfied with your answers, you will be asked to perform one task by your sponsor. If you manage to complete the task within the designated amount of time, you will be a member. Do you understand?"
"I understand." Rory's mouth was suddenly very dry. She didn't like the sound of this at all.
"Very well, we will start with my first question. How are you feeling, Lorelai Leigh?"
"I am feeling fine."
The red headed girl next to Finn stepped out. "Melanie Ethel Rutgers. Freaked out, neurotic, insecure and emotional?"
Rory laughed. "Yes."
Melanie stepped back and Colin stepped forward. "Alfred Colin Howard," he said reluctantly. He threw her another easy question. "Who is your best friend, Lorelai Leigh?"
"My mother."
Finn gasped and put his hand to his heart. "That hurts, Ror. Hurts right here!"
Stephanie stepped forward. "Stephanie Jessica Rogers. Who was your first love, Lorelai Leigh?"
Rory sucked in a breath. Oh sure, a hard one. She thought for a minute. "Jess Mariano." Stephanie ahh-ed.
The questions just got progressively more difficult, leaving no area of her life untouched. They asked about her school life, her musical tastes, and her relationship with her grandparents. Logan even went so far as to ask about her father. Shortsightedly, Rory passed on that one.
A few of the questions were so absurd that it took all of Rory's willpower not to break down and laugh so hard tears rolled down her face. Near the middle, a girl named Whitney stepped forward and asked, "Does the sock drawer go on top, Lorelai Leigh?"
Fighting to keep a straight face, Rory answered, "No. The sock drawer goes on the bottom." Her voice cracked in the middle of her answer from the strain of keeping the laughter in.
It was the last two questions, however, that had Rory Gilmore sweating bullets. A dirty blonde haired girl stepped forward. "Jo Ruby Zitsburg. If you could redo one thing in life, what would it be?"
Rory looked down, shamefaced. How could she tell these people her darkest secret? Were they trustworthy? And beyond that, was she ready to tell?
She must have hesitated a moment too long because Finn spoke up gently. "Lorelai Leigh, you must tell the truth."
"I would not have slept with my ex-boyfriend." Her voice was soft, but carried to all of the members. She could feel Logan stiffen behind her and her heart broke slightly with remorse.
The next LDB member stepped forward. "Why not, Lorelai Leigh?"
Rory hesitated. This member had not identified herself, breaking the rhythm of the questioning. As if she heard Rory's objection, she began again. "Brigit Ann Smith. Why not, Lorelai Leigh?"
Again Rory hesitated, but not nearly as long as before. They knew this much. Why stop the honesty now? "He was married at the time." Silence, but not judgmental silence. "Not to me." Surprisingly, the silence was still not uncomfortable.
"We are not here to judge your past actions, Lorelai," offered Finn quietly. "We are here to see if you have the qualities necessary for membership. Now, my second question is the same as my first one. How are you feeling, Lorelai Leigh?"
"Drained. Vulnerable. Hungry." Quiet laughter surged through the group.
"Honesty. That is good." He turned to the rest of the assembled group. "You all know how this works. Those who found Lorelai Leigh acceptable?" One by one, the group raised their hands. "Any who did not?" No hands this time. "Excellent. Rory, turn to your sponsor for your task."
Reluctantly, Rory turned to Logan afraid of what she would see in his eyes. What she found was a quite enviable poker face.
AN: I thought this was going to be the last chapter, but it got really long and when I sent it to my kickass beta, she said I should post it. So, I did. Obviously. Probably just one more chapter left (but I keep saying it and it doesn't end...it's out of control!)...
I would love to hear what everyone thinks! - Rebecca