Down in the ditch she couldn't see what was going on up top.
Quinn popped into his trailer to find Courtney waiting. Throwing her arms around his neck, she kissed him.
"Hi," She grinned. Chuckling he kissed her back.
"What are you doing in here?"
"No one saw me. Ari's in the ditch, as usual."
"Yeah, and I have to go join her."
"I think Aric's down there, too."
"Great. World War Three."
"I just wanted to see you," Court said quietly.
"I know. But daylight is not a good idea. Tonight, ok? I gotta run."
Quinn kissed her gently and left the trailer.
* * *
Ariane heard the noise behind her.
“Staying up all night, Quinn?"
"Actually I haven't seen him this morning," Aric replied. Ariane paused in her scraping, then continued.
"If you do, please tell him I need to speak with him," she said coolly.
"I will." Aric stepped a few feet away from her and began to scrape on another part of the temple, gently carving mud out of the design.
"Hey, Ari, I was gonna‑" Quinn paused when he realized his brother was in the ditch.
"I've been waiting for you all morning," Ariane said coldly. Aric watched his brother's discomfort.
"I know; I got held up. But I checked the perimeter of the temple. It looks like everything is going pretty smoothly. Morale is high and they're moving along quickly."
"Good. Thank you."
Aric climbed out of the ditch and left silently. Something wasn't right. Quinn had *never* called her by Ari, and she had been ready to greet him warmly, until she realized it was him and not Quinn. The pair was spending an awful lot of time together in the ditches . . . but he knew Quinn had a crush on Courtney. Ariane was looking a little healthier these days. Maybe she wasn't drinking so much these days.
Maybe the heat was getting to him, Aric decided. There wasn't a cloud for miles around, but he knew that could change in an instant.
“Hi, Aric."
"Hey, Dena," he smiled at the pretty brunette.
"This heat is killing me," she sat in the sand next to him.
"Me, too. I feel like my brain is baking."
The old friends surveyed the land in front of them. Gouged by deep trenches, the roof of the temple exposed. Workers everywhere, a couple singing in Greek, all working hard.
“Dena, have you noticed anything odd . . . going on?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" Dena took a sip from her water bottle.
"I don't know . . . Quinn has been acting differently."
"Quinn is a fruitcake." Dena laughed. "Besides, I think he's wrapped up in Courtney."
Aric stared off in the direction of the trench Ariane and Quinn were in.
"Yeah, I guess so."
* * *
That evening, Ariane returned to the trailer, exhausted. Stretching out on the bed, thirst overtook her. Reaching for her water bottle, she grabbed the scotch instead. Pausing, she decided one little sip couldn't hurt. Untouched for several days, the amber liquid practically glowed in the bottle, and Ariane craved it. Unscrewing the cap, she took a hearty swallow.
Later, Quinn was passing the girls' trailer when he saw the door open. No lights were on in the trailer. Had someone forgotten to close the door?
Stepping closer, he saw the body on the ground.
"Ari?" he whispered, running to her. Crumpled on her side, she was unconscious. Picking her up carefully, he stepped over to the trailer. On the steps lay an empty scotch bottle.
"Aw shit, Ari, why?" he muttered, carrying her inside. With his foot he shut the door and then laid her on her bed. Turning on the small lamp next to her bed, he removed her shoes.
Moaning, she started to wake.
"Aric?" she whispered.
"No, Ari. Go to sleep. You're drunk again."
"No . . . I quit," she murmured. "I did."
"Then you fell of the wagon, lady. Go back to sleep."
"Lie next to me," she whispered.
"I don't think that's a good idea," he said.
"Please." Her hand touched his. Sighing to himself, fully aware he would regret this, he lay next to her. Even in her stupor she turned and curled up against him.
Oh, boy, he thought, I've got to get out of here.
"Aric, I love you," she mumbled.
Wrong twin. Quinn thought.
"Ariane, go to sleep," he hissed. Before he knew it, she was kissing him passionately and, to his mixed horror and delight, he was kissing her back.
“This is wrong," he breathed.
"No, it's not. I love you, Aric. That's all that matters," she was pinning him down.
His brother's name was enough to snap Quinn out of his passion.
"No. No." Quinn pushed her back off of him and got up. Kneeling next to the bed, he could see her glazed over eyes.
"Ariane, you love Aric. And he loves you. Tell him in the morning."
"Morning? What . . ." her eyes were closing.
Gently he lay her back against the pillows and waited until she was asleep. Quinn left the trailer quickly.
Courtney was headed to her trailer when the light inside snapped off. On impulse, she jumped into the shadows of the other trailer. The door opened and Quinn slipped out. Hair tousled, Court watched as he straightened his shirt, ran his hand through his long hair and glanced around before quickly walking away towards the main site.
Court's heart sunk. What in the hell was Quinn doing in the girls' trailer?
Entering the trailer, she turned on the light and stared at her sister. Ariane's shirt was half off, exposing one shoulder and part of her breast. The older sister was sound asleep and someone had obviously been lying next to her. Quinn and Ariane??
Choking back tears, Courtney fled the trailer to find Aric.
* * *
Aric lay awake in bed, sleep eluding him. Court had sobbed in his arms for an hour before he was able to calm her. It took him ages to get her to calm down and listen. Even his womanizing brother wasn't stupid or callous enough to intentionally get involved with Ariane when he openly would admit to his feelings for Courtney. And surely Ariane wasn't cruel enough to hurt her younger sister . . . was she? Aric didn't believe that even she was that awful.
There had to be a logical conclusion. Maybe Quinn had gone to see Courtney and walked in on Ariane and someone else. Maybe Courtney was hallucinating from the heat. Maybe . . . maybe there was something between Quinn and Ariane. They were both grown adults and free to do whatever they wanted. But hurting Courtney was something that neither would consciously do.
Exhaustion finally washed over him and he fell asleep.
* * *
Sitting up, Ariane groaned. Slowly she opened her eyes, and the world tilted.
"Oh gods, what happened?" she murmured. Her mouth had that dry, cottony feeling after a night of drinking. Had she been drinking? No, she quit. Didn't she? Heart pounding, she leaned over. Empty bottles.
“Oh no," she whispered. Sitting up as her head swam she tried to remember the night before.
Aric. He had been here. Why? Rubbing her temples, she tried to think. Dull pounding at the base of her skull made it difficult. Looking around she was surprised to see Court was already up and out of the trailer. Then she saw her bed. Someone had been with her? Why couldn't she remember?
Aric had been here, she knew that . . . she had told him she loved him . . . Had she? Had she dreamed it all?
Dragging her legs to the side of the bed, she realized she was still dressed from the day before. Finally she decided she had passed out from drinking, imagining Aric was with her. Why in the hell would he have been here? He knows you don't want him. she told herself.
LIAR!
Ariane shook her head. She had to brush her teeth and get out to the dig. Dena came inside. "Hey, I gotta talk to you."
“No. I can't think, let alone talk." Ariane lay back down.
"What the hell did you do?"
"I started drinking again, Dena. And I couldn't stop. Oh gods, do I feel awful."
"You should."
“I take it that means you don't know what happened last night."
"Yeah, I know. You got it on with Quinn Wolfe."
"I what!" Ariane sat up, ignoring the spinning world.
"Courtney came to me this morning. She saw you guys."
"She what!"
Dena watched her friend carefully.
"Dena, I remember nothing about last night," Ariane told her, heart pounding.
"Courtney is very upset."
"Dena, listen to me. I don't remember last night. I don't know what happened. I know Court is hot for Quinn and she's madder than hell at me for not letting her get involved, but if she thinks there's something between him and me she couldn't be further from the truth."
"She thinks otherwise, and with good reason if she saw you."
"What the hell did she see?"
Dena related what Courtney had seen. Ariane shook her head.
"No. Not possible. Even being drunk I wouldn't get involved with him. I'd have to be dead. I don't even like him!"
"Well, Court thinks that's why you're against them getting together."
"Aw shit, I don't have time for this crap. I have a temple to unearth." Ariane stood up shakily. "My head feels like it was hit by a truck. None of this makes sense to me."
"Ariane, think carefully. What happened?"
"I don't know!" Ariane exploded. "I don't remember! I dreamt of Aric all night, that's all I know."
"Let me get Quinn in here."
"And ask if we got it on last night? No way in hell!"
"Do it for Courtney, because right now that little girl is crying her eyes out."
“Key words, Dena. Little girl. She is not ready for a relationship with Quinn! If she's going to think we have something going, then she is not ready! He is too old for her!"
"Look, Court found me and Aric last night and told us. She's still with Aric. He's been comforting her all night. He says Quinn never came to the trailer last night."
"Well, I'm not his keeper! I don't know where he is." Ariane snapped, forcing the comb through her long hair.
"He's been digging by flashlight all night. Said he couldn't sleep."
“Have you asked him about this?"
"Not yet."
Ariane dimly remembered dreams of being in Aric's arms and him rejecting her. No need to mention that.
* * *
Quinn walked towards the trailer. What was going on? Dena had looked so serious. He hadn't seen his brother yet today. Guilt maybe, keeping him away? Definitely he was avoiding Courtney.
His feelings for Courtney were the most confusing. Guilt hung over him for the whole age thing. She was too young; Ariane was right. But she was so . . . positive and spunky and beautiful, he couldn't help but be drawn to her.
Aric waited for him outside the girls' trailer.
"What's up? Are we being shut down?" he asked. Aric shook his head.
"No. Go on in."
Quinn frowned at his twin. Aric looked unhappy.
Inside, Court sat on the edge of her bed, eyes red. Quinn started towards her, but stopped. Intuition told him to back off. Ariane sat on her bed, looking cross and perplexed. Though she looked better than she had last night, she still looked sick.
"What's up? Someone die?" Quinn asked, trying to lighten the mood. Ariane didn't beat around the bush.
Ariane stood.
"I don't know what you all think happened last night, but the fact is I got drunk. That's all you need to know and I don't see why it's important.' Chips of ice clung to her words.
“You slept with Quinn! How could you? You know how I feel about him!" Court burst out. Quinn flinched. She thought he slept with Ariane?
Ariane studied her sister. As much as she hated to hurt the girl, this was necessary.
"If I did, it's none of your business Courtney. Quinn and I are both consenting adults who make adult decisions." she said coldly. Court's eyes filled with tears. Aric wouldn't look at Ariane. Instead he crossed to Court and sat next to her, one arm around her thin shoulders.
"How can you be so cruel?" he demanded in a low voice. "How can you hurt her so?"
Ariane stared him down until he looked away. "I told her to stay away from him."
"Wait a minute-stop talking about me like I'm not here!" Quinn interrupted. Everyone looked at him.
"First off, I did not have sex with Ariane last night! I found her passed out drunk and put her in bed. She's a little hard to manage when dead drunk ok? I don't know what you saw Court but I most certainly did not have sex with her!" Quinn exploded. He turned on his brother, "And you! You know me better than that! How dare you assume I would do such a thing and not even ask me about it! Just because you still have feeling for Ariane doesn't mean you can just jump to whatever jealous conclusion!"
Aric flinched. Quinn knew he was right. Aric was still in love with the bitch.
“I'm totally out of line Quinn. I'm sorry," he said quietly. Quinn shook his head and stormed out.
"I have work to do." Ariane followed, slamming the door to the trailer. Dena let out a heavy sigh.
"That went well." she said sarcastically. "I guess I should have thought it through."
"Me too." Aric shook his head. "I can't believe I just thought-"
"It's all my fault. Ari is right. I'm just a little kid." Court wiped her eyes. "And I've probably lost Quinn too."
"It's not that you're a kid Court. You're not. But you have a lot to learn about adult relationships," Aric said softly. Court sniffled.
* * *
Quinn glanced up to see Ariane approaching.
"I wanted to talk to you." she said softly. He nodded. "I spoke the truth Ari. Nothing happened between us."
"I know.” she sighed. "I remember everything. And I wanted to thank you for being discreet. "
Quinn swallowed. "I wouldn't hurt either of them for anything in the world." he said. Ariane nodded.
"I understand. I don't know why I started drinking again last night. I went several days without any," she ran her hands through her hair.
"You can do it Ari. I have faith in you," he smiled at her. Ariane smiled back.
"Thank you again Quinn, for leaving that part out."
* * *
Later that evening, Ariane approached Aric cautiously. How embarrassing, that she had mistaken Quinn for Aric last night . . and that she wanted him.
"Have you spoken to Thomkins yet?" she asked. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. Ariane ignored the fact he was shirtless, muscular and tanned.
"Yeah, this morning."
"Is he sending more people?"
"Yes. Another group of locals. They should be here by tomorrow. And he expanded the budget."
Ariane nodded and turned to walk away.
"Wait a minute," Aric climbed out of the trench. They were on the far side of the site, away from the majority of workers.
"Yes?" she asked cooly. So handsome she thought. STOP THAT!
"If you and my brother want to start something, then go ahead. But please don't lie to your sister about it," Aric wouldn't humiliate her by revealing he had overheard her conversation with Quinn.
"Excuse me?" Ariane asked, her temper flaring.
"You heard me. Your sister is a good kid."
"I'm aware of that, and A, if there was something between me and Quinn, I sure as hell don't need your approval! And B, don't you dare tell me how to handle my sister or my life!" She turned and walked away. That arrogant bastard! she thought. Where in the hell does he get off telling me ‑ ooo I hate men!
Aric watched her walk away. Quinn had sworn there was nothing between them. His heart belonged to Courtney, not Ariane, Quinn told him. Aric knew they were hiding something, but what he could do? If Ariane found out about his and Quinn's secret, there would be hell to pay. For everyone.
* * *
Brushing her hair out of her eyes, Courtney lowered herself into the hole next to her sister. By the frown on Ariane's forehead, Court knew her older sister was concentrating on what she was doing. With a very thin, long pick, the archaeologist was delicately and cautiously scraping mud out of the design.
"Hi," she said softly.
"Hey," her sister answered without stopping her scraping.
Awkwardness hung heavily in the air. Court didn't know what to say.
Ariane just kept scraping, waiting for her sister to speak. The older sister had never been comfortable around her, and now things were becoming even worse. Ariane had never been a child; Aric was right. The archaeologist had no desire for children, and much preferred the company of relics and the desert.
"I ... um ... I wanted to apologize," Courtney said. Ariane turned around.
"For what?"
"For...over...overreacting to the whole...situation," Courtney mumbled. Ariane shook her head, took her sister's hand and they sat on the cool dirt together.
"You did nothing wrong, Court. You care about Quinn and any woman would have reacted the same way if she thought her man had cheated on her," Ariane said. Court stared at the dirt floor.
“I guess this is why you didn't want us together."
"Court, I want you to be happy. But yes, it was part of my concern. You know the reason Dena broke up with him in college was because he was cheating on her."
Courtney nodded.
"I saw how much he hurt her and I wanted to spare you that. But I know I can't control you or your heart. You're going to love him whether or I agree or not. I just don't want to you suffer through what Dena did," Ariane finished. Tears glittered in Courtney's eyes.
"I'll be okay, Ari. I have to grow up sometime."
"I know," Ariane swallowed.
"I just wish I had gotten to see more of you growing up."
Court scooted over next to her sister and Ariane hugged her tightly.
"Can I tell you something?" Court asked, laying her head on her sister's shoulder.
"Of course."
“I can't go back to school in two weeks."
"Why not?"
"I didn't get put on probation, I got kicked out."
"I take it Mother doesn't know."
"Nope. I expect she'll be calling tomorrow to get me ready."
"And you want me to cover?"
"No. Ari, I...I want to stay here with you guys. Not just because of Quinn. I like archaeology. I like being out here, being part of this team. Doing something important," she replied. Ariane nodded.
"You've been a big help. All right. I'll talk to Mother."
* * *
"No, Mother, I think it would be best if she stays with me." Ariane rubbed her temple, listening to her hysterical mother. Alexandra Rince was livid that her daughter had been kicked out of her boarding school, and further enraged that Ariane was trying to help her.
"I want her with us. Now I have to find another school!"
"Mother, she likes it here. She's done a lot to help me." Ariane glanced at her younger sister, who watched anxiously.
"This is intolerable. No child of mine fails out of school. You were brilliant‑"
"Courtney's not me, Mother. Maybe school isn't for her."
"Have you been covering for her all summer?"
"No, she just told me last night."
"I don't like this, Ariane. Not at all."
"Mother, look. Courtney is eighteen. I'm in charge of her trust fund. I'm not going to just sign it over to her on a whim and set her free. She wants to stay here with me. Let her. Now that we've found the temple, it's not going to take more than a few months to haul it up. Let her stay with me till we're finished, then we'll see what happens."
"I have an awful feeling about this," Alexandra fretted.
“Well, don't. Trust me, Mother," Ariane sighed.
The picture of her mother in her mind, so perfect in her tailored Giorgio outfit, matching pumps, pearl and gold jewelry, sitting primly on an expensive and ostentatious chair with her ankles crossed delicately, ever the lady. It made her sick. The dainty, pale hands would be twisting the heavy strands of pearls that Alexandra Rince treasured so. Pale, primrose pink lipstick outlined her lips perfectly, smoky gray eyeshadow would accent the steel blue eyes her oldest daughter had inherited. Frosted blond hair would be swept up immaculately into an elegant chignon.
"All right. Can I talk to her?"
"She's outside. Mother, just enjoy your travels, ok? I know all the hotels you stay at, if there's a problem, I'll let you know, all right?"
"Very well. Take care, Ariane."
"You, too. Bye."
Ariane hung up. Was it too much to ask for an "I love you"?
"Well?" Court demanded.
"You get to stay."
"Yes!!" Court jumped up and down. Throwing her arms around her sister, she exclaimed, "You're the best, Ari!"
* * *
That night Ariane was recording the day's events when Dena entered their trailer.
"Hey, where've you been all day?" Ariane asked.
"Around the site," Dena bent one leg and started stretching.
"What are you doing?" Ariane turned in her chair to stare at her friend.
"Stretching."
"I can see that."
" Then why'd you ask?"
"You're being really weird these days," Ariane shook her head.
"Speak for yourself. Never thought I'd see the day you and Quinn Wolfe would be buddies."
"We're not buddies. We're....co‑workers," Ariane returned to the journal.
"Uh‑huh." Dena stretched her arms and moved to sit on Ari's bed. Noticing the missing box of scotch, Dena wondered ‑ had Ariane poured it all out?
Ariane looked at her friend, then looked again.
"What's his name?" she demanded.
"Huh?" Dena was surprised.
"Who are you seeing? One of the workers?"
"What in the hell are you talking about?" A light blush crept over Dena's lovely features.
"You've got a hickey!" Ariane exclaimed. Dena paled.
"What?"
"You do!" Ariane tackled her friend and pinned her down to look closer. There, on Dena's neck, was a faint mark. "Dena! Who is it?"
Sighing, Dena said, "One of the workers. I call him Jason."
"You call him Jason?" Ariane arched one eyebrow.
"Well, his real name is long and difficult to pronounce, so the shorter version is Jason."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Ariane demanded. Dena shrugged.
"You've had a lot to handle lately . . . so . ."
"So you thought you'd forget to tell me?" Ariane tickled her friend.
Laughing, Dena threw her off.
"Well, I didn't know how you'd react to me, uh‑"
"Getting it on with one of the workers?"
"Yeah," Dena laughed. Ariane shrugged.
"I don't care. Whatever makes you happy."
Dena grinned.
"Well, it's not permanent. But he makes me laugh."
"Good. We need more laughter around here." Ariane returned to her desk with a chuckle.
"Have you talked to Aric today?"
"No, why would I? Oh, the new equipment and crew should be arriving tomorrow."
"Supplies?" Dena didn't miss the subject change.
"All are arriving."
"Good. I'm gonna take a walk."
"Don't get lost," Ariane chuckled.
Putting away the dig log, she found her personal diary and started writing. Today she had finally connected with Courtney, and Ariane liked it. If only her parents hadn't waited so long to have Court, maybe the sisters would be a little closer, and then she wouldn't feel like such a stranger around her own family. The Rinces weren't big on displays of affection, especially Alexandra. The former debutante considered emotion "tacky" and her corporate mogul father was too drunk to be affectionate.
Rubbing her tired eyes, Ariane stripped down to her tank top and underwear and climbed into bed.
* * *
"Things cool with Courtney?" Aric asked. Quinn nodded. The brothers lay in their bunks, Quinn a few feet above Aric.
"Yeah, I think so. She's a great girl."
"Yeah, she is," Aric spoke around the lump in his throat. In the last few weeks he and Dena had grown really close, and tonight, giggling like a schoolgirl, she had told him about Jason, one of the crewmen. Aric had been disappointed, thinking the attraction between himself and Dena might be something more than friendship. Of course he still loved Ariane, but that was hopeless.
Overwhelmed by memories, Aric drifted into sleep.
* * *
Aric stepped out of his trailer, looking less than pleased.
"What's up?" Quinn asked. Dena looked at the older brother inquisitively.
"Thomkins is on his way."
"Why?" Dena demanded. "We don't need him."
"Because they keep sending money and equipment. The investors have demanded he come down and take some pictures."
"Great." Dena rubbed her forehead, as the throbbing pain pounded against her skull.
"I'm gonna go lie down for a while," she murmured.
"Ok, little bro, you get to tell Ariane."
*** "Why me?" Gunnar asked through a mouthful of food.
"You're her buddy." Aric shaded his eyes against the sun.
"I am not! We get along."
"Well, you go tell her," Aric said, amused. They didn't see her behind them.
"Tell who what?" Ariane asked. Quinn sighed.
“Thomkins wants to pay us a visit and take some pictures for the investors."
“ Just keep him out of my way," Ariane walked away. Quinn chuckled.
"She's such a barracuda."
"You know damn good and well if I had told her she would have flown into a rage."
"I think you're wrong, Aric. She's different lately."
"Different? You mean by being nice to you? I think she needs her head examined." Aric punched his brother's arm lightly. Shaking his head, Quinn walked away.
* * *
Thomkins studied the site below him as the helicopter approached for landing. It didn't look like much, just a stone building mostly buried in the sand.
Ariane Rince was damn good, but it had taken a lot of talking on his part to calm his investors. When he had gotten the phone call from Dena, requesting assistance, he had been reluctant to put it to the investors. And when Dena had specifically asked for the Wolfe brothers . . . Thomkins wondered if the heat had gotten to her. Though the twins were some of his favorite archaeologists, he had thought this goose chase was beneath them. Quinn had accepted readily, while Aric was reluctant.
Down below, he saw the workers moving around, unearthing. There was Quinn, the muscular young man striding around shirtless, talking to a young girl. Young girl? Oh yes, Ariane's sister. Thomkins was most definitely *not* thrilled with the youngsters presence for liability reasons.
***
The helicopter started its descent. Aric and Dena were waiting. Quinn walked up to them, alone. There was no sign of Ariane. Thomkins knew she resented his interference and he didn't care for her temper. Only because he admired Dena did he agree to all this. Ariane was a strange bird, she was very aloof. Her demeanor unnerved Thomkins.
Getting out of the helicopter as the blades began slowing down, he knew none of them were pleased to see him. Aric was his usual polite self; Quinn, still shirtless, nodded to him. Dena shook his hand, collected and ready.
"Well, looks like things are moving along," he greeted them cheerfully.
"They are. Please, join us, we'll show you our discoveries," Dena said evenly. Ariane was down in a ditch. Surely she had heard the helicopter's arrival, but she had no intention of spending a minute longer than necessary with Thomkins.
Aric's thoughts wandered as the four trekked over the site. Every few minutes they would pause, Dena would explain something about the removal process to Thomkins and they'd start moving again. Quinn had returned to the ditch he had been working in, leaving the level‑headed pair with Thomkins.
Ariane had estimated four to six months to haul the temple out, providing the weather held. Aric thought it would take longer. The last couple days, the workers seemed to be moving slower. Quinn was distracted by Courtney, and Dena by the worker Jason. Ariane . . . well . . . Ariane was never distracted. Maybe that was her problem.
A couple hours later, they stood under the main tarp. Thomkins was pleased with the progress. Dena handed him a glass of water. Quinn had returned and Ariane was approaching.
"Everything to your satisfaction?" Ariane asked. Aric winced. Not even a hello to Thomkins.
"Very much so, Ariane. I'm not here to tear you down. My financiers are getting edgy, that's all. I'm not here to interfere. I'm having some pictures taken and that's it."
"Good," Ariane said coldly. "Any questions? We're within budget; I think another six months and we can have her out of the ground."
"That sounds good. Would more men accelerate the project?"
"No. As it is, we have almost too many. We're tripping over each other."
"Very well," Thomkins nodded amicably. The scowl on Ariane's face said it all. She didn't trust him.
"Well, I think Dena had a great idea calling in the twins," Thomkins said. "I was a little reluctant at first to put four people on this project but it seems to have worked out eh?"
Quinn, Aric, Ariane and Dena stared at him. The silence deafened Thomkins.
***
"What did you just say?" Dena demanded. The twins turned pale. Courtney walked up at that moment, and stood next to Quinn, not overhearing what had just been said.
"When Dena called me, to request the twins be brought in, I didn't think it was good idea. But with four people in charge, it seems to have‑"
"I didn't call you," Dena interrupted, stepping forward. Ariane stared at her best friend in horror.
"Of course you did. I remember quite clearly. It was a bad connection and I thought you had a cold‑"
Dena shook her dark head.
"Sir, I did not call you. Ever."
Ariane studied her friend. Dena was telling the truth. Who then‑
Court stepped back, but her foot hit a can a careless worker had left lying around. The sound echoed and everyone turned to look at her. Ariane's heart plunged. The terrified look on Courtney's face revealed the truth. Aric closed his eyes; Quinn groaned softly. Dena's head turned to Courtney, her dark eyes disbelieving.
"But we talked for about forty minutes. Don't you remember?" Thomkins hadn't noticed anything.
"Excuse me, please," Ariane whispered, moving predatorily towards her sister. Courtney swallowed, Quinn stepped in between them.
"I'm going to step out. Court, walk with me," Grabbing his girlfriend by the arm, he pulled her out of Ariane's path.
Dena pretended to swoon. Aric steadied her.
"Can we continue this later? I need to get her back to her trailer," Aric said quickly.
"Of course. I need to get back anyway. Carry on. Call us if you need anything."
"Will do, sir," Aric lifted the moaning Dena and hurried in the direction of the trailer.
Once out of sight, he set her down.
"Let's go," she said, and they ran after Ariane, Quinn and Courtney.