PART 8

Angie and Rollie set up for their first, and only, effect of the day which involved blowing up a small shack. The previous crew had done the majority of the prep work. However, they still took the time to check everything to ensure it was exactly how they wanted and that it interacted with the ambler correctly. After running a few tests, Rollie replaced a few of the cables while Angie modified some of the computer circuitry. After a while, others joined them at the site to set up cameras, lights, and the other equipment required for filming. Finally, everything was ready for the shoot.

The actor involved in this scene took his position and the cameras started rolling. He walked to behind the building, which was the cue for the explosion. Suddenly there was a large flash of light. Simultaneously, bits of wood shot out in all directions, flames reached several feet in the air, clouds of smoke started to pour out. The lone figure was slowly crawling around the building and towards the cameras. With one final burst of energy, he surged forward and collapsed on the ground.

"Cut! Spectacular! Bob's your uncle! We resume at 9 tomorrow morning." proclaimed Taryn.

A cheer rose from those gathered around the set and they started to clean up.

*******

That night, while the entire crew had gathered for a dinner of spaghetti with scrambled eggs topped by a sweet tomato sauce, snow started falling. It was quite light at first, however, it got heavier as time passed. An hour later, there was almost 5 centimeters of snow accumulated on the ground.

"I can't believe it! Snow! In May." Angie shook her head and joined Rollie who sat in front of a large fireplace.

"It’s early May, Ang. It snows until June, resumes in October."

Alex approached the couple and asked if they would like to join him and some of the others in a game of broomball.

"Broomball? What’s that?" asked Rollie.

"Broomball. It's kinda like hockey with a few minor changes. It's played on ice only you wear your shoes instead of skates. We use brooms instead of sticks and we use whatever is available as a puck. Lately we've been using a lacrosse ball."

"Sounds cold. I’ll give it a miss, thanks."

"I’ll play. It sounds like fun," was Angie’s reply.

"Great, go put some warm clothes on and we’ll meet at the door."

*****

Alex and Angie walked towards the frozen pond used for the games. When they got close enough to see the people already playing, Alex slowed to a stop and turned to face Angie.

"I don’t think we should join those guys. They’re too aggressive. They hit harder then that tree did. My body’s just not up to it."

"Mine isn’t either. I just didn’t realize it until you brought it up."

They stood at the ice’s edge to watch the game for a few minutes, then they decided to take a walk through the trees.

Unknown to them, Rollie was looking out the window, watching the couple move further and further away. He wondered why he was torturing himself like this. If he wasn't going to act on his feelings, he should get over them. He didn't want his feelings to harm his relationship with Angie any more than her feelings did. He was so lost in his own thoughts that he never heard Taryn’s approach behind him.

"Rollie, care to join me in a game of arrow? Or naughts-and-crosses?"

When he received no response from the Australian, he followed Rollie’s stare to see what was so interesting. He realized that the F/X man was busy watching his partner and the film’s intern. Silently, Taryn groaned. This film has had enough problems without this. He prayed that he was wrong, and that wasn’t a look of jealousy and envy on Rollie’s face. Or if it was, hopefully, Rollie would be to busy with the filming to act on those emotions. He tapped Rollie lightly on the shoulder.

"Wha?" Rollie spun around to face the person who disturbed him.

"Sorry, just wondering if you’d care to join me in a game of arrows. "

A puzzled look swept Rollie’s face.

"Oh, I think you know it as darts."

"Uh, sure. Why not?" After one last longing look out the window, Rollie followed Taryn to the dartboard.

******

Alex and Angie walked hand in hand back towards the lodge. As they approached, they realized they smelled smoke. Initially, they dismissed it, assuming it was coming from the lodge’s fireplace. As they rounded the last corner though, they noticed a red glow coming from one of the buildings. That wasn’t right; all the buildings should be locked up for the night. Then it registered, the building was on fire. They rushed towards it. Alex triggered the emergency signal to alert the others that there was a problem in the compound. Then he grabbed a hose and tried to extinguish the blaze. Meanwhile, Angie grabbed a fire extinguisher from the nearby F/X building. Between the two of them, they were able to keep the fire from spreading. They were grateful when the others arrived, with more powerful equipment, to put the fire completely out.

In the midst of all the commotion, Rollie managed to find Angie. The first thing he did was gave her a big hug. He looked down into her face and asked "Angela, you OK?"

"Yeah, I’m fine."

She lingered in his arms for a moment, enjoying the feeling of security that washed over her. Then, reluctantly, she stepped away to join the others who were cleaning up the mess. Rollie watched her move for a moment, then he went to offer his assistance.

***

Later that night, everyone gathered in the eating hall to discuss that evening’s excitement.

"Another fire? Man, this drug lord doesn’t have much imagination, does he?" Angie stated.

"Did you find how the fire started? Any clues as to who did it?" asked Alex.

"I checked for footprints but too many people have trampled the area. I assigned a few people to guard the compound tonight." Taryn quickly checked his watch and was shocked to discover it was almost midnight. "It’s late, people. Go, get a good night rest, we have a busy day tomorrow."

Gradually, the crowd dispersed as everyone made their way to their assigned rooms.