One Last Time

11

Athena

Athena had seen a lot of horror movies. She didn't particularly like them, however, Bobby had a strange addiction to watching them late at night, nestled in their bed. She would honestly prefer something lighthearted, like Big Brother.

She loved her job though; that's where she fueled her thrill and adventurous side. Despite that, walking down the eerily quiet lodge hallway, made it feel more "horror-movie" like than "police business". Moreover, she was used to having a gun clasped in her hands, her elbows locked into place.

Her badge was tucked in her Adidas sports bra. Normally, once she got home she would leave it near the entryway of her house, specifically to leave the job behind there too. Since the last vacation, keeping it close to her felt right. A confidence booster? Or just an unpretentious reminder to herself? She didn't know.

She stalked down the hallway, Bobby protectively following behind her. Buck was with Bobby, an inch behind him as he wouldn't let him move any further. They weren't the only ones who heard the scream. Guests were opening doors and rubbing their eyes, some were complaining of the noise.

"Stand back," Athena ordered adamantly. "Go back to your rooms and don't make a scene."

"What's going on?" a woman in her pajamas asked.

A man in the next room crossed his arms, "Why should we listen to you?"

"She's a cop, give her space," Bobby ushered vehemently. Both the man and woman closed their doors. They continued down the hallway.

"Farther down," Buck informed. Athena nodded.

Eddie's voice chimed from behind, "How will we know which room it came from?"

Athena turned around to see the entire 118 crew behind her, including Maddie who wore Chimney's hoodie. She sighed, knowing they couldn't stay away from the action

"Whatever door doesn't open up," she answered.

Buck glanced from side to side, "Where's all the staff?"

Abruptly, a tall, dark-haired man with dress pants swiftly entered the hallway from the staircase. He met Athena halfway, stomping his feet loudly on the ground.

Who in the world wears dress pants to bed?

He spoke in a deep voice, "I heard there was a noise complaint." Athena glanced at Bobby. "What are you folks doing out here?"

"It was a scream actually," Buck said, stepping forward. Bobby placed a hand in front of Buck, pulling him backwards.

"We heard a scream and thought we'd make sure everyone was safe," Athena explained. "Athena Grant, police officer from L.A." She whipped out her badge with pride.

The man smiled, "Darrius Kent, the lodge manager." He stood against the wall, creating a clear path for Athena, "Continue on officer and–" he stopped midsentence to look at Bobby and the others.

"The 118, firefighters," Buck chirped proudly. Darrius nodded and followed them close behind. Athena passed doors but most were ajar, with guests nervously biting their nails watching the scene unfold. She pressed her fist to a few closed doors but all regular folks answered, asking the same questions about the commotion.

She approached the room labelled "39". She pounded her fist against the door but there was no answer. She gave Buck and Bobby a curious nod.

"Police, open up!" she yelled.

No answer.

Buck knocked again as if his knock would make a difference. She rolled her eyes. This is why she could never work alongside someone in investigations. They'd piss her off before the real action even began.