Ava felt a slight pang of guilt for leaving that morning after the events of the night before. She hadn't known this would have been such a big thing, but the police? If her parents were indeed dead now and nevermore a threat to her or anyone else, what did they need to question Audri about? It was over, why couldn't they leave it alone? But as Ava had observed a million times over, the police were the prying sort and had to have their precious information one way or the other.
She shifted in her seat on the passenger side of Susannah's car, and turned to her. Susannah hadn't said much since they had left the house.
"Susannah, I kinda-" Ava started.
"So do I," she said, reading Ava's mind.
After a moment Susannah continued, "I know. We both feel guilty about leaving her like that especially since she's only been here two days. I really do thing she just needs time with Johnny right now. I know the guys will look out for her, Nikki and Derrick too."
Ava sighed, "You're right. Plus, we need to focus on today. This could very well be the deal of a lifetime," she turned back and looked out the window.
It was still early and the traffic was still fairly thin. Ava took a deep breath and watched the signs and buildings and cars go by.
Los Angeles 35
Sunnydale 130
Thirty-five miles to go until the city limits of Los Angeles. The meeting started at nine o'clock; they had to check in at Elie at eight thirty. Ava ran over the list in her mind once, twice and then a third time, making sure she wasn't forgetting anything. She looked at the clock.
7:18 a.m.
They would have no time to stop for breakfast by the time they arrived. A problem, but a small one nonetheless, they'd just have to deal with it. It was a great opportunity they had in front of them, but the whole way there all either of them could think about was Audri.
When Jay awoke, he knew Ava and Susannah had left already on their way to L.A. He lay there and stared at the ceiling, Erika asleep beside him. She had snuck in late last night careful not to disturb anyone. Quietly, Jay had explained everything to her, answering her questions when she asked them. After telling her, neither of them had felt like making love, so eventually, they drifted off to sleep. Jay sighed, and turned over.
"Jay? You awake?" she whispered softly.
"Yeah, I didn't sleep very well."
"Me neither."
He felt her turn over toward him, so he turned back and lay facing her.
"You okay?" Jay asked, concerned. Erika looked like she had been crying.
"I can't stop thinking about Johnny's niece. What she went through, what she's going through now. It's awful."
"I know. Since Ava and Susannah are gone for a couple days, I'm sure she could use someone to talk too."
"I don't wanna upset her or anything."
"You won't. Just talk to her and comfort her, ya know? Maybe take her out to the beach for a walk when she feels better. I think she'd like that."
"Okay. I'd like that too. I'll do anything I can to help you and Johnny with her."
"Thanks, babe."
He leaned over, kissing her forehead.
Johnny had dozed off on the chair when Audri had awakened. She stretched and sat there still curled up, and slowly recalled everything that had taken place the night before. The dinner, the news report of her parents death, her breakdown and…
"Johnny," she whispered.
She remembered now. When she had broke down he had held her all night, telling her that everything would be okay, they'd figure it all out. Eventually, she had drifted off to sleep in his arms and then he must have carried her to the couch. She smiled, feeling so grateful for Johnny's existence. Slowly, she got up, careful not to wake him and made her way upstairs.
Derrick had asked to sleep in Nikki's room last night after hearing about Audri's parents.
He and Nikki had talked most of the night about their parents and shared memories of good times. He hadn't said anything to Nikki, but he was saddened that Audri didn't have good memories of her parents. 'Everyone deserves loving parents,' he had thought to himself.
Silently, in her own mind, Nikki had agreed with Derrick.