Nival

Part 1

The door opens and Rollie walks into the workshop. He sees Angela sitting at her workstation across the loft. "Hey, Ang. What are you doing?"

"Just upgrading some software. Where were you? I thought we were going to starting the prep for the next movie this afternoon" Angie replies without looking up from her monitor.

"Sorry ‘bout that but I went to meet Taryn Reid. He's the producer of this new movie, the working title is White Thunder. Apparently, the F/X crew he had on the project was involved in a car accident two days ago and can't finish the movie. He remembered the work we did on Felsenmeer a few years back and was quite impressed. He asked if we could take over the production, " said Rollie as he walked over to the workstation Angie was sitting at. "So, how'd you like to get out of the city for a little while? "

"I thought we were going to work on that Creature of the Atoll Part 3."

"Yeah, well, they called earlier. The main backer withdrew his support a week ago, citing financial difficulties. They couldn’t find a replacement so the studio pulled the plug," replied the Australian.

"So what else is new?"

"I told the producer that we’d take over the project. I’m sorry I didn’t consult you before I accepted but he needed an answer right away. I assumed that a change of scenery would be nice about now. But if you don’t want to do it, I’ll phone him back and tell him I changed my mind. I’m sure he can find someone else.

"Its OK, Rol. Just don’t make a habit of making decisions for both of us. In any case, you can’t afford to alienate any other producers. They’re getting a little tired of you disappearing to help the police solve a crime and using their supplies in the process."

"Maybe," Rollie says sheepishly as he walks over to the storage area and starts pulling down packing crates. He puts the first few on the floor and then looks over to where Angie is sitting. " A little help here, please. Our flight leaves at 2AM but the gear has to be picked up by the customs broker before 10 tonight."

"Customs broker? Where are they shooting this movie?" Angie grumbled as she turned off the computer and went to help Rollie.

"Cascadia, on the Pacific Ocean. Just pack the extras, Ang. We’re borrowing most of the other crew’s gear as it’s already on site. Besides, as we’ll only be needed for about 5 days, the producers didn’t want the extra expense of bringing all our equipment, " Rollie stated as he placed some stuff into one of the larger containers.

The two worked quietly as they moved around the loft gathering everything they wanted to bring to the shoot with them. Almost seven hours later, Rollie tossed a package of Tyler F/X identification stickers into the top of the smallest crate and closed the lid. As he was fastening the buckles, he looked over to where Angie was preparing the Ambler for shipping. She looks tired, he thought looking at his watch. No wonder, it’s almost 10. "Ang, why don’t you go home, pack and get some rest. I’ll look after the Ambler."

"Are you sure, Rol? The customs guy will be here in a few minutes."

"I’m sure, that’s the only thing left. I can handle that. He can help load the stuff onto the truck."

"If you’re sure," Angie replied over her shoulder as she walked to where she left her jacket and backpack earlier that day. She put both on and turned to Rollie, "are you going to pick me up on the way to the airport or did you want me to meet you back here?"

"I’ll be outside your place around one. Wait inside though, I don’t like you being alone on the street at that hour. I know, I know, you can look after yourself. Humor me, please," responded Rollie with the oddest look on his face. A look that made him appear protective, angry, loving and confused, all at the same time.

" Make sure you don’t forget your passport. You’ll need it to pick up your work visa at the airport." Rollie yells after her. She waves in response just before the door closes.

**********

Several hours later, the plane starts its final descent into Cascadia International Airport. Rollie looked out the window to catch his first glimpse of the city. The sun had just started to rise, covering the city in soft, warm glow. He saw the water stretching for miles, uninterrupted except for a few lush green islands. He turned his head a little to the right and stared intently at the tall mountains covered in trees and snow.

He settled back in his seat and thought about how serene the city looked. He glanced over to Angie, who was asleep in the chair beside him. "Serenity is just what she needs right now," he said quietly to himself.

"Wake up, luv. Time to land, " he whispered as he reached over and gently shook her by the shoulder.

She awoke with a start and jerked her body away from where his hand was. Rollie removed his hand and a pained look appeared on his face. He couldn’t stand the thought that he might have inflicted more pain on his partner.

"You OK, Ang?"

"I’m fine Rol. You startled me, that’s all."

"You know, talking to someone might help."

"I don’t need to talk to anyone. I’m fine. How many times do I have to tell you that?"

Until you can say it convincingly, he thought but knew better than to say that out loud. Instead, he said "Well, anytime you want to talk, about anything, I’m here for you."

"I know, and I appreciate it, but…" Angie said, letting her voice trail off. She effectively ended the conversation by standing up and opening the overhead bin to get out their carry-on bags.