Chapter 64 FALSE ALARM

Chapter 64 FALSE ALARM
Vivienne went through the motions, following Kai's instructions exactly. Kai was a good coach, no doubt about it. But her eyes kept drifting to where Priya sat with her laptop.
"Ms. Cross?" Kai's voice pulled her back. "You with me?"
"Yeah. Sorry."
"Let's take it from the top. This time, try moving more to your left side as you turn."
Vivienne nodded and repositioned herself. They ran through the sequence again. Kai made small adjustments, his touch light on her elbow, her shoulder blade. But Vivienne still couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more to it.
"Better," he said. "You're getting there."
Alexander watched from his usual spot behind the monitors. He'd been quieter than usual today. Less input. More observing. Good for him. Vivienne didn't even want to deal with him right now.
By four o'clock, everyone was ready to call it a day.
"Good work today," Kai announced, flashing his dimples. "We made solid progress. Same time Monday?"
"Yeah," Alexander confirmed. "Everyone have a good weekend."
The crew started packing up. Vivienne saw her chance.
She grabbed her water bottle and walked over to where Priya was disconnecting her laptop from the display monitor.
"Hey," Vivienne said, trying to sound casual. "Got a second?"
Priya looked up. "Sure. What's up?"
"I've been meaning to ask." Vivienne leaned against the table. "I saw you with a camera earlier. Are you, like, building a portfolio or something?"
Priya's face lit up. "Oh my God, you noticed? Yeah, actually. I'm trying to transition from admin work to photography. Behind the scenes stuff, production stills. This project has been amazing for building my book."
"That's cool," Vivienne said. "Can I see some of them?"
"Really? You want to see my work?" Priya was already reaching for her bag, pulling out the small camera Vivienne had seen earlier. "I wasn't sure if it was weird, taking pictures during sessions. But Eliza said it was fine as long as I stayed out of the way."
She turned on the camera and started scrolling through images on the small screen.
"See, this one is from your first day. The lighting was perfect." She showed Vivienne a shot of the empty green screen with dramatic shadows. "And this one is Victor setting up his rig. I love how focused he looks."
Vivienne looked through image after image. Production shots. Empty studio corners. Equipment close ups. A candid of Eliza laughing at something on her phone.
Nothing sinister. Nothing secret.
Perfect picture of a woman trying to learn photography.
"These are really good," Vivienne said, and meant it.
"Thanks!" Priya beamed. "I'm still learning. But I'm hoping to maybe pitch myself for behind the scenes photographer on Alexander's next project. If he ever does another one after this."
"I'm sure he will."
Priya hesitated, then said, "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Are you okay? You've seemed kind of on edge lately. Like, more than usual."
Vivienne forced a smile. "This project has actually been stressful. It's taken more from me than I think I can offer. It's a lot."
"Tell me about it." Priya started packing up her camera. "But you're doing amazing. Seriously. We all think so."
The guilt hit Vivienne hard. She'd suspected Priya. Sweet, hardworking Priya who was just trying to build a career.
"Thanks," Vivienne managed. "That means a lot."
After Priya left, Vivienne stood there feeling foolish. And more lost than before.
If it wasn't Priya, then who?
"You good?"
Kai appeared beside her, gym bag slung over his shoulder.
"Yeah. About to leave."
"Can I just say." He seemed serious. "For a non actor, you're doing pretty good."
"Thanks."
"Well, take it easy this weekend. Rest up. Can't have our Athena burning out before the big finale."
There was genuine concern in his voice. It didn't sound flirtatious or like some strange advice or professional distance. Just someone noticing another person was struggling.
"I'll try," Vivienne said.
"Good." He headed toward the exit. "Hey, if you ever want to grab a drink or something. Just to decompress. I'm around."
"I thought you said you weren't from New York."
"I'm not. But I know how to use Google Maps." He smiled. "Offer's there if you need it."
He left before she could respond.
Vivienne gathered her things slowly, watching as the studio emptied out. Victor was the last to leave, as usual, giving her a small wave on his way out.
Then it was just her and Alexander.
He stood by the monitors, reviewing the final footage, his face lit by the blue glow of the screens.
Vivienne considered leaving without saying anything. But something made her walk over.
"Can I ask you something?" she said.
Alexander looked up. "Of course."
"Did Isabella really quit?"
"She made her choice right in front of everyone. And I haven't heard from her since. Best bet, she's not coming back."
"How long have you known Kai, by the way?" Vivienne set her bag down.
Alexander was quiet for a moment. "As long as I've been in the industry. He's one of the best. And I thought you might work better with someone who isn't trying to compete with you."
"Isabella wasn't competing with me."
"Wasn't she?" Alexander turned to face her fully. "She wanted this project to be about her. Kai doesn't care about any of that. He just wants to do good work."
Vivienne hadn't thought about it that way.
"Also," Alexander added, his voice dropping slightly, "I thought you could use someone on your side."
"And you think that's Kai?"
"I think Kai is someone who sees people clearly. Who doesn't have an agenda." Alexander paused. "Is that okay? Having him here?"
"Yeah," Vivienne said. "It's okay."
"I should go," Vivienne finally said. "It's getting late."
"Right. Yeah." Alexander rubbed the back of his neck. "Have a good weekend."
"You too."
Vivienne was halfway to the door when her phone vibrated in her pocket.
She pulled it out, expecting a text from Rebecca or Marcus.
Instead, it was the unknown number.
Her fingers went cold.
The message was short: "What have you decided? Time is running out. Don't keep me waiting."
Vivienne stared at the screen, her mind racing.
"Vivienne?"
She hadn't realized she had stopped, frozen in the middle of the room.
She looked up to find Alexander watching her, concern written across his face.
"Everything okay?"
"Yeah," she lied, shoving the phone back in her pocket. "Everything's fine."
But as she left the studio and stepped out into the cold evening air, she knew nothing was fine.
Things could only get worse from here.