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Chapter Fifteen:
Macy reviewed the footage in the war room with Faye and Shawna early the next morning.
"All we have to do is recreate the beach. Put them in the same clothes in front of a green screen and pour some sand around."
"That is going to involve a lot of creative editing," Shawna said.
"You've done more with less," she said and turned to Faye. "How is our heart and contestant?"
"They're a little shaken up, but it could be worse as they both come from law enforcement."
"Did you separate them before any more adrenaline-fueled chemistry could be formed?"
"As instructed," she said. "So, are the FBI agents telling you anything?"
"Only the cancel the vineyard visit," Macy said irritably. "We can stage that here without a problem, but would it hurt to tell us where the skywriter came from?
"So where did it come from?" Shawna asked.
"Do you really think I would risk my job to play Nancy Drew?" she asked.
"Yes," both women said in unison.
"Fine," she said. "The guy paid in all-cash with an ID that said, 'Peter Lewis.' He was wearing a baseball cap, glasses, and was careful to avoid looking directly into the security the cameras."
"Peter Lewis," Shawna said. "That rings a few bells somewhere."
"It is the name of an escaped serial killer who taunted the FBI," Faye said. "He is back in jail in a Supermax facility. I called one of my sources to make sure he was still there."
"I don't want Catherine Adams to be part of the show," Macy said. "We need to keep Spencer occupied and ready to fall in love with one of these women. Star the witch was intended for the vineyard date. Let's set that up for this afternoon. Recreate Ava's date at around seven, and plan for an elimination ceremony around ten if Spencer doesn't get rid of either woman."
"I hope you're prepared to authorize a lot of overtime," Shawna said.
"It will be worth it," she said. "Faye, go talk to Spencer."
"Yes, Ma'am," she said.
She walked the back stairs to the Reid's live area as usual. Something felt off though as she took a few steps. In one swift motion, she turned around and thrust her forearm against a body. She hit a neck. It turned out to be Mel's.
"You're not supposed to be here," she said firmly.
"Drop her."
Faye looked up to see none other than Ava holding a gun aimed at her.
"I thought we searched your bags thoroughly when you got here," Faye said calmly.
"The gun was already hidden the floorboards before shooting started," she said and pulled out FBI credentials. "Mel and I are deep cover agents."
Faye loosened her grip on Mel. "You're here in case something like this happened."
"Exactly," Ava said.
"Did you volunteer or were you recruited?"
"That is not information you need to know. We have an order for you: Make sure Mel and I make it to the Final Two to ensure Spencer's safety."
"What makes you think I have that sort of sway over him?"
"You convinced him to come on this show."
"What happens if I don't comply?"
Mel rubbed her throat. "We charge you with obstruction of justice."
"I'm no lawyer, but that sounds like a stretch."
"We can do whatever we want," Ava said taking a few steps down so she towered over her. "You're failing to cooperate with a federal investigation. You tell Spencer and we'll tell our boss that you're jeopardizing the safety of a federal agent."
"Do either of you actually care about him?" she asked.
"It doesn't matter," Mel said. "We're here to protect him."
Faye stared her down. "You're not related to Elle Greenaway, are you? Mel is not your actual name. You work with the VA so making up an identity wasn't hard like if you worked with the public."
Faye turned to Ava. "You're a disgraced operative of some sort. You can't make up that mixture of regret and angst. We read the article and didn't think to follow up. I'm guessing Ava isn't your real name either."
"You're good," Ava said. "I'll give you that. Now persuade Spencer to keep both of for the last rounds."
"I'm not sure I can do that," Faye said. "I promised him love."
"You really thought you could do that on this show?" Ava said.
"I don't lure people with empty promises," Faye said with all her might.
"We have footage of you watching Spencer sleep and getting undressed," Mel said.
"That is ridiculous," Faye said.
"I don't care what you think," Ava said. "None of those women are as compatible with Spencer as us. If you don't do what we ask, first we'll ruin your reputation and then we'll go after you through the justice department. Catherine Adams is a very dangerous woman and he needs us more than he needs love."
Faye's phone began to ring.
"Get back you job, Faye," Ava said. "And don't do anything you or Spencer might regret."
Mel and Ava silently left while Faye's phone continued to ring. She felt like crying for herself and Spencer. But she had a job to do.
"Macy, I think we need to speak with Linda Boreman about our problems getting these women and Spencer to connect."