Chapter 13
Sonya showed Apriland Dr.Ang around the studio, but her heart wasn’t in it. Fears for her daughter consumed her and she sought any excuse to have both of them leave the studio and return home.
“I never realized movies and television shows were filmed in places like this,” April said as she looked around. “All these cameras and equipment. All these fake walls with nothing on the other side.”
“Hollywood is a strange place,” Sonya said. “You never know what’s real or just a façade.”
Like Zwick’s production company. Yes, he made movies but was this all just to hide what he was really doing; providing nourishment for the Bat?
“I understand you two are excited about all this, and I don’t want to rain on your parade, but...”
“Please,” Dr.Ang said. “Rain away. If there are any pitfalls to working in a place such as this, we need to know.”
“I’m happy you feel that way, Dr.Ang.” Sonya stopped walking and turned to face them. “Mr.Zwick.” She looked at April. “You are so young, so beautiful, and so innocent.”
“Don’t worry,” Dr.Ang said. “I sized up Mr.Zwick a long time ago. He will not have a moment alone with April. I will make sure of that.”
Relieved, Sonya let out an unrestrained sigh. “Oh. I’m so happy to hear that. You have no idea.”
“Anything else?”
“There have been a number of mysterious deaths here recently. An FBI agent, a cast member, and the film’s makeup artist have... They were all found dead...drained of blood.”
“I see,” Dr.Ang said, nodding as he took in her words. “Then we need to see to it that April remembers all her lessons. Perhaps a refresher course.”
Sonya smiled. “Exactly. Please. Come with me to my bungalow. I would like to have you two stay with me. It’ll be a tight fit, but I’m sure we can make it work.”
Dr.Ang gestured for Sonya to lead the way.
*****
“HAVE YOU BEEN HONINGyour skills?”Sonya asked April as she poured tea for all three of them.
“Not as much as I should, I confess. I’ve been taking a few classes at a nearby community college, and it keeps me busy.”
“April is being modest. While there may be a day or two when her studies take precedence, she typically trains an hour a day, two on weekends.”
“I’m happy to hear that.” She looked at her daughter, the yearning to get closer to her so painful she wanted to cry out.
But she rejoiced in the young woman she’d become. At only seventeen, she was so wise, so poised.
“How about we test you a bit?”Sonya said.
“I’m up for it.”
“I don’t want to have the neighbors looking into the yard watching you, so we’ll see what we can do here inside.”
She got up and pushed the living room furniture out of the way, leaving a tight but sufficient space for an impromptu practice.
“Come. Let’s see what you have.”
April came to her and Sonya gently attacked her with a few mild kung fu moves. April deftly defended herself pushing Sonya to up her game. She went at April hard, and the young woman hit back with agility and a surprising amount of strength.
