[center][color=teal][h2]Jessamyn "Jess" Bailey[/h2][/color][/center]

Monday? Jess felt like she'd swallowed a shard of ice. [color=teal]"She's, uh, busy on Mondays,"[/color] she blurted. [color=teal]"And weekdays in general."[/color] It wasn't a lie, her mother did keep herself busier than ever with work these days, but she could tell the man's offer wasn't one of friendliness. He gave off the same cold satisfaction the watchers had. The satisfaction of predators cornering prey, leaving them helpless.

Her fist clenched around the suitcase handle as she stuck by Roxy. She knew the attempt to keep her mother out of this wouldn't work. Even if this guy didn't call on Monday evening, which he likely would, he'd still contact her sooner or later. Jess' thoughts whirled. Was there a warning she could give that this guy was all airs and graces, without letting on just what lay under them?

With a nod, she set down her suitcase once inside. She glimpsed Roxy's eye roll, caught the accompanying swell of disgust. [color=teal]"It's ok... Roxy and I will keep an eye on the time,"[/color] Jess replied, putting a touch of emphasis on the anchor's name. It seemed like the only way to defy him right now.

She faced the anchor, whose reluctance trickled through to her, even stronger than her own. Best to make this tour a quick one. [color=teal]"So... Where to first?"[/color]