Power of Will, a SAW Fanfiction

Ch.15 Pre-Saw: Angelina Meets John Kramer

Angelina Hoffman

Angelina was rushing an order of salmon filet to cater for the annual city charity gala hosted by the most elite and influential socialites around. She turned to her saucier, making sure the honeyed lemon sauce had the right color. "Did you add the rosemary yet?"

"Two more minutes. Just want to thicken it a bit more." The man was whisking away while she took a spoon to taste.

She nodded, "Great, this needs to be ready to go in five."

"Will do."

The day had been the typical level of fast-paced and fiery. Various dishes of roast beef, rice pilaf, and seasoned quinoa were gathered, carefully packaged, and sent off to the dining hall. Though the kitchen and venue were foreign to her, Angelia adapted and had the carts loaded and the bussers swiftly bringing the fresh food off to feed the hungry patrons.

Angelina stepped out of the sweltering kitchen, wiping sweat off her brow, being stopped by a short blonde in a long muted green frock. "The champagne station needs some attention."

"Right away Dr. Tuck," Angelina went to retrieve several bottles of champagne and followed the woman who moved like a cheetah in her high heels, clicking her way across the polished wooden floors with echoing prowess.

"Jill. Please. And thanks so much for this," Jill spun her head around with a sparkling smile, "I know how booked you get this time of the year."

"Anything for a good cause," Angelina was balancing five pricey bottles while eyeballing crystal flutes neatly lined up. "Besides, if it wasn't for the Kramer Foundation, I would never have afforded college."

Jill nodded with that perfectly political grin. "Ah, I never knew you were a beneficiary. The Foundation is more John's work. I just help with event planning."

"No need to be so humble," A whispery voice sounded behind Angelina. Whirling around, she was face-to-face with an older man with sharp features and a cool stare. His smile cracked his intimidating presence. "Ah, thank you," he held out his hand and Angelina handed him a bottle. He placed them on the table and added, "It warms my heart. Seeing such potential and promise begin to succeed. I remember you, Angelina."

"Oh, wow!" Her face burned. "Thank you, I didn't know I left such an impression."

"Such a tragedy, about your parents. Good people. How is your brother?"

"He's doing well. He's a detective with the police department."

"A respectable role. A protector of the people. You must be proud of him."

She blinked, feeling as though he was intending to sound ironic. He had a funny way of talking. "Yes, well, he does his best." She must have been imagining it.

"Now, John," Jill put a hand on his arm. "Stop being so intense. It's a party. You'll need to lighten up if you're going to attract any new investors."

"That, my dear, should not be hard." John kissed Jill on the crown of her head. "These housing developments would do so much for the city, they would only say no if there was some serious absence in morality with them."

Angelina couldn't help but notice the pitying look Jill gave her husband. It was so quick and so fleeting as she murmured, "But it wouldn't hurt to remind them there's money to be made as well."

"Ah, Jill, your cynicism always amazes me, considering your line of work." John explained with a toothy beam, "She operates the Homeward Bound Clinic, you see. And if I recall," his eyes wandered the grand hall of colorful chandeliers and sconces, "we met at an event similar to this one. Only Jill was the one requesting funding from me."