It moves smoothly over the tarmac road and crunches onto the gravel where it comes to a rest as the driver shuts off the engine.
The driver’s door opens first, revealing Hans von Richtoven. He shuts the door, and makes his way around to the other side, opening it for his passenger, Vanessa Lang.
Off camera, the sound of his brother can be heard.
(Heinrich): Took you long enough to get here!
The camera pans around to bring Heinrich von Richtoven and friend Mark Spencer into view, as they walk down the path from one of the villas.
(Heinrich): Hope you didn’t get too bored spending all that time with my brother Vanessa.
Heinrich and Mark stop a few paces away from Hans and Vanessa.
(Vanessa): As cheeky as always Heinrich, you just can’t help yourself.
Heinrich smiles.
(Heinrich): No I guess I can’t.
Vanessa faces her body towards Mark.
(Vanessa): Are neither of you going to introduce us?
Hans seems to come alive, shaking his head slightly to shake off whatever he was thinking. He gestures at Mark.
(Hans): This is our friend Mark Spencer. Mark, this Vanessa Lang.
(Vanessa): Hi! Nice to meet you Mark!
Mark tips his head towards her respectfully.
(Mark Spencer): Nice to meet you too finally Miss Lang.
Vanessa's ears perk up as she hears the Texan drawl, excitement emerging in her body language as she seems to arch her feet, balancing on her toes.
(Vanessa): You never mentioned he's a Texan Hans!
She turns to face Mark, flashing a dazzling smile.
(Vanessa): We have so much to talk about! My mother’s from Houston!
(Mark Spencer): Well if you want darlin', I'll help you with your bags, and let these two get some brotherly bonding on the go.
Hans and Vanessa share a glance, nodding.
(Vanessa): Sounds good!
Mark simultaneously claps both Hans and Heinrich on the shoulders as he passes between them, throwing them a conspiratory glance at them as he passes.
(Mark Spencer): I'm sure there's plenty dirt on these two that we can share as well once we're done with the Lone Star State…
Hans chuckles a hollow laugh, as Heinrich can only grin in amusement. Vanessa turns with Mark to make their way back to the car, leaving the two brother's facing one another.
(Heinrich): So, you want to stretch your legs?
(Hans): Yeah, that'd be nice.
They turn wordlessly, making their way side by side down the crazy paved pathway, shaded by numerous palm trees, and towards the balcony that looks out over the outdoor swimming pool and bar. Numerous sun loungers are placed at points around the pool, and sound of children playing happily can be heard, albeit somewhat indistinctly.
The two brothers lean onto the balcony, taking in the scene before them. Still keeping his head facing ahead, Heinrich breaks the silence.
(Heinrich): So, was it a good drive then?
A small noise sounds at the back of Hans throat, as the left side of his mouth draws upwards as he ponders.
(Hans): Yeah, I guess it was a good drive. Some of the scenery was jaw dropping; the company was more than pleasant…
He struggles to complete his words, emitting a harsh sigh of frustration, and slumping forwards before managing to get his words out.
(Hans): … But I'm not sure I enjoyed it Heinrich.
(Heinrich): Are you still going over Senester's words?
(Hans): Yeah…
He taps his forehead with the ring finger of his left hand a few times for emphasis.
(Hans): … I'm still going over it all in here.
An air of hopefulness fills Heinrich's voice.
(Heinrich): Has Logan texted you at all? I know your phone's been off, but still…?
His brother's response is curt.
(Hans): No. My phone's been off for the better part of four days, and I've received nothing from him during that time.
His hands grasp the railings of the balcony, as he braces himself, arms taut. His expression seemingly distant.
(Hans): Nothing.
The two fall into an uncomfortable silence, Hans obviously still simmering.
(Heinrich): Well he did make a promo the other day, explaining his choices.
(Hans): What did he say about Senester and I?
(Heinrich): I'd prefer it if you just watched the damn thing if I'm being honest Hans. Straight from the horse's mouth and all.
Hans' head turns, allowing him to stare at his brother. Lips drawn taut and gaze narrowing, he processes his brother's words, before nodding.
(Hans): Ok. I'll do that.
His expression softens, a conciliatory tone coating his words.
(Hans): Are you wanting me at ringside for you match against Davis incidentally?
Heinrich dismisses his brother's question with a weak wave of the hand, shaking his head as he does so.
(Heinrich): No thanks Hans. *Smirks* I can handle him.
He bumps his fist against Hans shoulder in a friendly manner.
(Heinrich): Besides, if they do pull anything, it's more fuel to the fire for what you want to do next Havoc…
With a nod of the head, Hans concedes.
(Hans): Fair enough. I'll be watching and waiting for Anton to show his fac…
He gets cut off as a loud vibrating sound can be heard from his back pocket. He fishes in with his right hand, pulling out his iPhone, and bringing it up in front of his face. He shields the screen from the glare of the sun with his left hand.
(Heinrich): Who is it?
(Hans): Unknown caller.
He lets it ring out, but keeps it held in his hand. The pair of them falling silent for a few moments, until Heinrich glances down at his watch.
(Heinrich): Well, if you want, I can see if I can't get Logan on the phone in an hour or so once you and Vanessa are all unpacked. He's probably back home preparing for that Sports Relief match afterall, but I'm sure he'll be up and awake by the time I call.
(Hans): I'd appreciate that Heinrich.
Heinrich groans with mixed relief and frustration, as he pulls his brother into a bear hug.
(Heinrich): Good. Now…
Hans' iPhone again makes a buzzing sound as it registers a new voicemail.
(Heinrich): Now I'll get out your way and rescue Vanessa from Mark.
He nods his head down at the phone.
(Heinrich): Let me know who it is once you're done moping around out here…
With tongue placed firmly in his cheek, Heinrich makes his way back up the path and towards the entrance to the villa complex.
Hans turns to watch his brother go, settling his back against the balcony railings. He shuts his eyes, running his free hand through his hair almost involuntarily, still conflicted.
A low sigh escapes his lips, as he slides down the railings onto the ground, before bringing the iPhone up to access the voicemail. Raising it to his ears, he waits patiently while it loads.
A familiar voice comes from the speaker…
(Senester): We both knew this day would come, didn’t we My Baron?
The scene fades to black.
Message Thread
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