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Post by FGA Office on Aug 9, 2019 21:12:18 GMT -5
Catch up with your favorite FGA grapplers on Afterburn! Get their thoughts on the latest, their opponents, and other backstage happenings right here, only on Frontier+.
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Post by Laura Perelli on Aug 10, 2019 11:15:33 GMT -5
OOC: This was supposed to be on the show, mighta got lost in the shuffle somewhere, so I figured I'd post it here.
The camera cuts to the backstage area, ahead of the first match of the evening, where Amanda Johnson is standing beside recent FGA signee Laura Perelli. Notably, La Principessa isn't scheduled nor dressed to compete, but seems ready to have to do so regardless. There's a certain anticipatory tension in the young Jersey girl, whose eyes glance from side to side for a moment, before she looks back to the camera.
Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time has certainly had a hot start to her time here in FGA--two wins in two outings, over Nando Fresno and Zola Star. Please welcome, Laura Perelli.
La Principessa gives just the slightest bow toward the camera, the corner of her mouth twisting upward into something of a smirk.
Amanda Johnson: Laura, as I just said, two matches, two wins, you couldn’t draw it up much better than that.
Laura Perelli: And I’d be lying if I said I expected anything different, Amanda. I know this is what everyone says, but I didn’t come here to be another face in the crowd, and I didn't just come here to face some of the best wrestlers in the country. I came here to beat some of the best wrestlers in the country. So, yeah, two matches, two wins--it’s a good start, but it’s only a start.
Amanda Johnson: You’re not scheduled to compete tonight...
Laura takes a second to glance at her very much not competition ready outfit, black jeans and a customized New Jersey Devils shirt with a crown on the logo, and makes an exaggerated shrug, as if that were pretty obvious.
Amanda Johnson: ...but it would be a little remiss if I didn’t ask about your interaction with Patrick Jones at the last show.
For a second, Laura...actually looks confused. Then the realization sets in, and she exhales a little breath, shaking her head.
Laura Perelli: Y’know...I really don’t know what that was about. Maybe he thought I wanted--or needed--help, for...whatever reason. Maybe he thinks everyone should do everything the way he does. I don’t know. But considering I got the job done, my way, against Nando, and then again with Zola, and I’ve been doing it the same way in Portland for the Overpowered tournaments, I think it’s been serving me pretty well, without someone trying to tell me what I should or shouldn’t do.
Amanda Johnson: I mean, whether he meant to or not, he seemed to give some pretty accurate advice, Zola had you on the back foot at the beginning of the match, and--
Whether she knows she’s doing it or not, the young Jersey girl visibly tenses, rolling her shoulders forward just once.
Laura Perelli: Yeah. Okay. She caught me off guard. Good job to her. And what happened after that? I got control back, and I did what I was going to do, one way or the other. That’s the thing, Amanda...I’m not really interested in being like everybody else. I do things the way I do them, not the way anyone else does. And, honestly? It’s pretty uncommon that I’m on the back foot, as you said. Now, maybe this was legit, and he thought throwing me off before a match would help me...refocus better, or whatever. I don’t know.
Laura Perelli: I also just...really don't care.
Laura Perelli: If I wanted advice from someone I’ve never met, that's only seen wh--
Laura’s cut off, abruptly, by the appearance of Patrick Jones in frame, and La Principessa’s expression twists again, into something of an arrogant smirk. There’s a moment of tension between the two, with a million thoughts going through Laura’s mind as she looks him up and down. And for a moment, it looks like that irritation and tension bubbling in her might boil over...
It's only for a moment, though, before she starts to chuckle a little, that little smirk becoming an almost amused smile. Laura pivots on a heel, leaving Amanda and Patrick behind. Jones watches the cocky young competitor walk off with a mostly confused expression before looking at Johnson and shrugging then continuing on his way for his match.
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Post by LΞCAVALIΞR on Aug 11, 2019 7:12:49 GMT -5
The backstage cameras caught up to Nina Stokes as she walked down the hallway. She used a white towel to dry off her face and hair. When she was finished, she discarded the cloth onto the floor. Ms. Stokes let out a small grunt and continued walking.
There was an air about Nina. Her confident stride indicated that she was pleased with herself. She did just secure her team’s victory, after all. However, her mild pang of annoyance was also quite noticeable.
Salem entered the frame turning the corner several paces behind Nina just as they had left the ring and gone back through the entrance. She was sweating but hadn't went for a towel or anything yet. She saw the discarded one that Nina had dropped and kicked it aside.
Salem had an odd look about her, several emotions playing over her face: happiness, sadness, doubt, uncertainty, anger, relief? She was a mess as realization set in what the finality of the just completed match meant. She stopped walking like a stubborn mule and cleared her throat loudly, drawing Nina's attention.
All of Salem’s commotion caused Nina to halt in her tracks. She waywardly glanced over her shoulder and finally spotted who it was.
Nina Stokes: I’m not a dog, Salem. Use your words with me.
Salem came closer and shook her head.
Salem: Hey you, I'm not a child either. So don't give me orders. Save the condescending attitude for someone who deserves your wrath.
She stuck her tongue out.
Salem: I just wanted to say good job out there. You were awesome as usual.
She halted as if searching for words on how to continue.
Salem: Like you said…'that's it'. Two big words. But now, I'm curious like a lot of people no doubt are. So I have two more words for you: what's next?
Nina Stokes: What’s next…
She repeated Salem’s question before she let out a sigh.
Nina Stokes: What’s next is a difficult conversation. It’s one that I’ve been avoiding for a long time now. But it’s one we need to have, just so things are out in the open.
She finally turned around and peered into Salem’s eyes.
Nina Stokes: I have a question for; it pertains to something you just said.
There was a tiny pause.
Nina Stokes: Why are you so certain that you are not deserving of my wrath?
Salem rubbed her chin and raised an eyebrow, perhaps a bit dumbfounded.
Salem: Wow, well I guess since we're friends and I dunno… I thought you were above being petty? But I guess there are few certainties in life.
Nina Stokes: It’s not petty, Salem. It’s being honest. I don’t think I’ve been completely honest with you. But will be right now…
She took a couple of seconds before she carried on.
Nina Stokes: Truthly, I haven't really known how to respond to you ever since you showed back up in my life. A lot of emotions flood through my brain whenever I look at you. I can’t always put them into words. However, there are some feelings that I can put into words.
There was a short pause.
Nina Stokes: You disappeared for months and months and months. Do know what effect that had on people like your wife at the time? On people like me?
Another pause.
Nina Stokes: There would be times when my brain would tell me that you were dead on the side of a ditch somewhere. And I couldn’t refute those thoughts; I didn’t have the facts to. Instead, I had to put on a brave face. I had to be encouraging. Because I couldn’t leave your children and wife to suffer without any hope.
Nina Stokes: And then, after months and months and months of worrying―
The snap of fingers reverberated throughout the hallway.
Nina Stokes: And then, one day out of the blue, you showed back up. You just showed back up like nothing happened. Like everything was okay.
Nina shook her head.
Nina Stokes: But things weren’t okay.
She moved some hair out of her eyes as she approached Salem.
Nina Stokes: You hurt people, Salem. You hurt a lot of people. So, why shouldn’t my wrath be aimed at you? Hmm?
It may have sounded like a rhetorical question, but Nina waited as she peered at Salem. Salem in turn swallowed hard and nodded.
Salem: You know what, a lot of that is fair. BUT you knew what was going on in my life at that time. I told you I was looking for my daughter, hell you even helped a bit. I told everyone that there was a chance my fact finding could take a dark turn and I might have to take it underground.
She sighed heavily.
Salem: My biggest mistake and regret when it DID go south is that I didn't include my family and friends. Because it was dangerous, illegal, might have gotten any of you hurt or even killed. To be honest there were times I wish I was dead. But you never had a daughter, an actual lifeblood extension of yourself. It clouded my vision, put blinders on to narrow my focus. To find her. What I thought was being considerate was viewed as being selfish. And when my dad and my half-sister Circe grabbed me, it was too late to reach out for help.
Her shoulders sagged and she wiped at her eye.
Salem: All these people, they don't need to see all this or know the details of the crap I endure away from the ring. But yeah 2017 sucked. I had Circe running around acting like me. I finally got free, got back with my daughter. I don't know that I can ever fully atone for the pain I caused everyone, the collateral damage. Circe is… nevermind. A certain trust was broken. I lost a wife to divorce. I tried explaining all this to you when I got back but I get it, it's a lot to process. You were clearly more hurt than you ever let on. All I can offer is what I've said before: I'm sorry. I know those can be hollow words after the fact.
She squeezed the bridge of her nose and looked down for a moment.
Salem: But if you want to be mad at me, I get it. I wish it wasn't so but yeah…
She held up her United States belt.
Salem: You want to hurt me back? On various levels? I see how you look at this. Every time we've been in the ring together. Tell me what you really want. Use your words, not stares.
Her comment caused Nina to take another step forward.
Nina Stokes: You said a lot of words, Salem. They were sincere as well. But even in your sincerity, one theme rang true―you didn’t trust me.
She turned her head and let out a small cough.
Nina Stokes: You didn’t trust the woman who gave her future wife a concussion to save you in the ring. You didn’t trust the woman who flew to Japan to check on your when you got hurt. You didn’t trust your best friend, the one that gave you a house to stay in when you needed it.
Her eyes glanced at the United States Championship for just a moment.
Nina Stokes: You want to know what I want?
She looked back into Salem’s eyes.
Nina Stokes: You took a lot from me; you even admitted as much. I want something from you, and it’s not a pound of flesh. I want your United States Championship.
There was a small pause.
Nina Stokes: And Truthfully? It won’t make me feel one hundred percent. It wouldn't be full restitution. But it will be an aid.
Salem nodded. Smiled even. Then slapped the belt.
Salem: There's days I don't even trust myself anymore. I can't rewind time or change what I did. Maybe I would if I could, if I wanted to. I'm not sure the things I've lost have equaled the things I've gained… I dunno. And everybody wants something. If it makes you feel better then yeah I'll grant you an opportunity at this belt. I don't dodge worthy opponents, and you deserve a shot. May the best woman win, and if all this helps work out some frustration, aggression ...animosity even, that's an added bonus. That might be a pipe dream on my part, I admit. But it is what it is. So… shake on it?
Salem offered her hand to her former tag partner, in a moment that seemed to hang forever. Instead, Nina lifted her hand and placed it against Salem’s cheek, similar to what Ms. Byrne had done earlier in the evening. Then, Nina simply turned and walked away.
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Post by bbbaseball96 on Aug 11, 2019 16:28:09 GMT -5
Backstage of the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV This was filmed a few minutes after Flashpoint went off the air
The scene fades into the backstage area where the camera is focused on the door that is labeled trainer. We hear some yelling in the training room and the door opens quickly with Ace Voltage storming out. He is still in his ring gear and is holding an ice pack to his face. He notices the cameras and smiles.
Ace: So you guys looking for a story or something? A narrative that the reporters can write about? Do you just walk around backstage with a camera after the show looking for stories?
The camera goes up and down, the cameraman nodding to his question.
Ace: Well mate, here’s something for ya. Walk with me.
Ace starts walking down the hall with the camera not far behind.
Ace: What happened during this show was a disgrace. I expect some sort of fine or suspension for that lunatic Zola Star! I do the FGA roster a favor and offer an open challenge because my competition has been terrible. And that is the thanks I get? Ridiculous! I even have a bruise on my head!
Ace takes the ice pack off his head for a second and points to a spot on his head. From the looks of it, there is no bruise.
Ace: Am I being a little dramatic? No way! That was bull(bleep)! Obviously I was a little tired from my match and to get blindsided by that (bleep) Zola is unacceptable!
Ace walks turns the corner and gets to his locker room. He opens the door and throws the ice pack onto the floor.
Ace: I want to talk to FGA management. If this is the kind of stuff that is going to go on here, I want out. I am the Main Event! I should be protected, not left out there to get hit with a devastating move like the Zola Zinger.
Cameraman: Ace, didn’t you try and attack Zola first?
Ace: Uh, no that is not true! She hit me first so in reality she attacked me first, if we’re getting technical here chump. But anyway, that will all be for nought. I will beat Zola at All-Star Showdown and prove to her and everyone here in FGA that I AM the Main Event. She will regret this decision to accept my challenge. Once I beat her, she can fall back into obscurity while I climb the ladder of success in FGA and soon become champion.
Ace digs into his locker and grabs his patented t-shirt.
Ace: For all your trouble sir, take a shirt. These will be in high demand once I beat Zola. That is not a prediction, it is a damn guarantee! See you at All-Star Showdown Zola.
Ace smirks into the camera and then throws the shirt at the camera, making it fade to black.
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Post by James Edwards on Aug 12, 2019 16:31:06 GMT -5
Recorded Earlier
The line to buy James Edwards t-shirts in the arena parking lot is a little longer than the last time Flashpoint viewers saw it, 10-11 people deep. Edwards seems remarkably content slinging merchandise in the hot Vegas sun, like he finally has a sense of freedom; one that melts away when he sees a camera crew marching his way. The fans in line quickly scatter.
James Edwards: What do you want, Chris?
Chris Madison slowly strolls towards James Edwards, looking down at the t-shirts he’s offering to the fans. He picks one up and stretches it out, completely ignoring Edwards.
Chris Madison: Trash…
Madison crumples the shirt up and throws it off to the side onto the ground, drawing the ire of James Edwards. He smirks as Edwards bites down on his bottom lip.
Chris Madison: Oh, I was talkin’ about you… Not the shirt! This pity party that you’ve been throwin’ yourself is tirin’. No one feels bad for you. You haven’t been slighted in any way. You had the opportunity in your hands to make a name for yourself as United States Champion. And what did you do with that opportunity? You crumpled it up and tossed it aside. These delusions of grandeur have poisoned your mind, creatin’ this completely false image you have of yourself. You’re pathetic. You always have been… You always will be...
James Edwards: Yeah? Well unless you want to buy a t-shirt, I ain’t got much to say to you right now.
Chris Madison: Typical. Tuck your tail between your legs and scamper away when someone stands in front of you lookin’ for a fight. Real tough when the other person’s guard is down. I’m standin’ right here James…
Madison extends his arms out horizontally, inviting James Edwards to take a shot at him.
Chris Madison: If not now, how about we do this at All-Star Showdown? That is of course if you can find a set and stop duckin’ me.
James Edwards: I ain’t duckin’, you man. I’ll give an answer when I have time. Between going overseas to fight in places like Iron Japan, Evolution or REBELLION or cuttin’ new audio for my Patreon I’ve been busy.
Madison shakes his head and smirks, as if he knew that would be the response he’d get.
Chris Madison: I don’t care about Iron Japan. I don’t care about Evolution Wrestlin’... I don’t care about Rebellion Pro… You started a fight right here in FGA when you hit me with that Double Tap. Time to finish it! Don’t want to do it now? At least be man enough to give me an answer about All-Star Showdown...
James Edwards: I promise if you give me a day or two, I’ll give you an answer. Do you really want to make a scene here that the company can use to paint you and I both like assholes? Or would rather trust me so that we control the narrative, not them? If you’re smart like I think you are, then you’ll know which option to choose.
Madison reaches down and grabs the shirt that he had originally tossed to the side off of the pavement.
Chris Madison: I figured that’d be the response I’d get out of you. Sometimes, you just have to back people into a corner to get the reaction you want.
Madison squeezes the shirt into a ball and throws it in the face of James Edwards. Edwards looks to the side for a second, waiting for Madison to turn his attention away. The group of FGA fans watch impatiently with their cell phones out recording the altercation. Madison turns slightly towards the fans and immediately Edwards launches himself towards Madison, spinning with a backfist. Madison ducks and grabs a hold of Edwards wrist. Madison twists Edwards arm around him and then pulls, forcing him to spin into a rolling elbow strike! Edwards drops to the ground after Madison’s Comatosed connects. Madison stands over Edwards as he rolls onto all fours and begins to crawl away.
Chris Madison: Get your ass up! I don’t need to wait!
Madison takes a step back and clinches both of his fists, keeping his right slightly cocked back and ready to unload. Edwards rises to his feet just in time to be met by security. Madison grabs the first security guard and secures a Muay Thai Clinch. He strikes him repeatedly with vicious knees to the midsection before releasing and catching him under the chin with a jumping knee that knocks him backwards into last week! Edwards sees a security guard bending down to apprehend him, so he hits the poor rent-a-cop low. Now kneeling, Edwards spys another guard coming his way and decides to launch a preemptive strike. The Burning Heart pops up and floors the security guard with a eye-popping upper cut that sends him flying back on his ass With a clear path toward each other, Edwards and Madison square up but both men are quickly overcome by a wave of security; four to five guards each pulling away the two competitors.
James Edwards: This is the way you want to do it, Chris? You had a choice and you choose wrong, you’re on for LA!
The feed cuts away as Madison and Edwards are pulled in different directions without either taking their eyes off of the other.
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Post by C.S.O. on Aug 12, 2019 19:17:38 GMT -5
Earlier tonight… During the latter part of the Flashpoint broadcast as the show winds towards its closing, Logan Alexander can be found making his way through the MGM Grand Garden Arena, his presence unnoticed by other wrestlers and FGA management. That’s the only reason he isn’t already fielding questions from Amanda Johnson regarding events from the last Flashpoint event he was present for, an event that he was still bearing the wounds of. There is a cut over his left eye that appears all healed, but still has stitches marking its location for the time being. His face still shows signs of swelling that have lingered from the attack in Corpus Christi. Most noticeable is the sling that supports his left arm, even with his jacket draped loosely over his shoulders. Rumours had circulated regarding the condition of his left shoulder after the match with Pendragon, where it was suspected, but never confirmed, that it had been separated or dislocated. Despite all the physical damage having been done to him, there seems to be a greater, more intangible loss. There is a somber mood clearly conveyed in his expression, his appearance and his movement. He carries himself as though he’s suffered a great loss and it’s hard for anyone to really argue that point. The FGA staff who do see him keep their distance, as he doesn’t look like he wants any sort of company at the moment. Many of them are curious though. For someone that is alone, and seemingly wants to be left that way, what reason would there be to show up backstage at any FGA event? Logan makes his way through one of the backstage catering areas, drawing some more looks from staffers and a camera crew, and stops a short distance beyond it upon seeing a backstage monitor currently playing the show in progress and watches as the match between Ashlyn and Kendall plays out. He watches stoically as Kendall gets the upper hand on Ashlyn, looking to lock in the Tombs for the victory, only for Ashlyn to rake her eyes viciously and apply the Storybook Ending. Lowering his gaze, Logan closes his eyes and shakes his head, clearly saddened by what he’s seen. His attention is drawn back to the monitor as Ashlyn begins addressing the crowd post match. As he watches, he reaches over to his sling with his right hand and withdraws a notepad, with a pen sitting in the spiral binding, from where it had been tucked in there. He lifts the notepad up, pointing the pen towards his face, and grabs the pen in his teeth. He withdraws the pen and sets the pad on his left arm, then takes hold of the pen and removes the cap. As Ashlyn starts walking over to the timekeeper’s area, Logan has begun walking back to the catering area while he quickly writes something out on the notepad. Once he’s done writing, he quickly scans the catering area, studying the staff members sitting there before approaching them. This draws their attention and they collectively turn their attention to him. Ignoring most of them, Logan walks over to one with a headset, one of the production assistants. PA: Can I help you? Logan holds up the notepad, showing the PA what he’d written down. PA: What? Are you serious? Logan nods in response. The PA debates the apparent request briefly, but puts his headset back on. PA: Production… Can you please cue up Logan Alexander’s entrance theme… Immediately… Yes, the request has come from him directly… Alright. I’ll let him know. By that point of the conversation though, Logan has already departed and moved back over to the monitor to see where things stand. He’s there in time to see Ashlyn climbing the ringsteps with a folding chair in hand. As she looks like she’s about to enter the ring, “Endless Possibility” begins to play, bringing her up short. Upon observing her response, Logan closes his eyes and lets out the breath he’d been holding. He turns away from the monitor and is surprised to see the staff members from the catering area had followed him over, curious to see what was happening. Noting that the camera crew had come along, with their camera in tow, Logan quickly writes out another note and shows it to them and then to the PA as well. The PA regards him curiously. PA: Is this something else for Ashlyn? Logan nods. The PA smiles slightly. PA: I think we can accommodate you. Looking to the camera crew the PA continues. PA: Start filming as soon as you’re ready. I’ll let the production team know they have a live feed coming. Stepping away, the PA starts speaking into his headset mic again. Logan turns and surveys the area around him, looking for something in particular. His gaze settles on a poster for All-Star Showdown and he steps over beside it. He turns to face the camera crew as they move the camera into position and switch it on. He stares into the camera as it feeds his image to the tron in the arena. He makes a conscious effort to calm himself and look relaxed, then a few moments later he turns away and steps aside, leaving the All-Star Showdown poster behind him as the focal point of the shot. Once clear of the camera’s field of view, he turns to look back towards the crew and nods to them. He then writes out another note and shows it to the camera crew and the PA. PA: You’re welcome. We were glad to be of help. This draws nods of agreement from the camera crew. Offering only the hint of a smile, Logan nods to the group, then pivots and heads off. Now that the distraction was dealt with, he still had something to take care of before leaving. *** A short time later… Logan is now walking down one of the corridors that led past several of the locker rooms being used by the night’s FGA competitors. He’s managed to avoid getting caught up in any unexpected encounters and with his destination only a short distance ahead, he was hopefully that his luck would hold. Amanda Johnson: Logan! He comes to a stop at the sound of his name called out by Amanda Johnson and a pained expression crosses his face as he closes his eyes. Without turning to face her or acknowledging her in any other way, he resumes walking, hoping she’d take the hint and leave him be. As Amanda hurries to catch up with him, it’s quite clear there is no chance of that happening. Soon enough she falls into step beside him. Amanda Johnson: It came as a surprise that you were here tonight, Logan. I’d like a chance to get your thoughts on recent events between yourself and Ashlyn. With his gaze remaining fixed ahead of him, Logan continues to walk offering no response. Amanda Johnson: Would you be willing to offer your thoughts on what happened between the two of you a month ago after your match with Pendragon in Corpus Christi? Silence. Amanda Johnson: There have been rumours about injuries you may have sustained from Ashlyn’s attack. Can you give an update of your current condition? More silence. Amanda Johnson: I spoke with Ashlyn earlier in the night. She suggested that what occurred between the two of you was because of you and that she’s going to lay claim to whatever you might have planned to do here in FGA. Do you have any response for that? Even more silence. Amanda Johnson: Given that you are still walking around with a sling, are you sure that it was a wise idea to offer a challenge, even implicitly, to Ashlyn for All-Star Showdown? And still more silence. Looking somewhat flustered that her questions are garnering zero response or reaction from the generally outspoken Logan Alexander, Amanda is momentarily at a loss to find some way to engage and get something from him. Logan suddenly turns a corner leaving a briefly lost in thought Amanda to continue walking for several steps before noting his absence. She quickly doubles back and follows after Logan, only to find him standing outside one of the locker room doors. As she steps up beside him again, he’s withdrawing a sheet of folded paper that had been hidden from sight in his sling. She watches as he takes hold of a corner of the sheet with his left hand, so that he can unfold it and also expose one end of a piece of tape that had been placed on the back of it. He then places the sheet against the door he was standing in front of, holding it in place with a couple of fingers and starts rubbing his other fingers against the tape so that it would stick to the door. At this point, Amanda has apparently run out of patience. Amanda Johnson: Look… I understand that this is probably a very difficult time for you given what has happened. I’m just trying to give you a chance to—
The movement is so sudden that Amanda barely has time to register it, but her view is suddenly dominated by the palm of Logan’s right hand that is almost touching her nose, and she flinches back from it. Amanda moves enough to glance past his hand. Logan shakes his head slowly as he withdraws his hand. Without a word, he pivots away from Amanda and begins to walk away.
Amanda is left standing there, just shaking her own head at what just happened. But now that it’s just her there, her attention is drawn to the paper that Logan had placed on the door next to her. Without him standing in the way, she can now see that the nameplate reads ‘De Luca’. Moving a bit closer to make out the details, the paper is a copy of a contract from FGA management for a match between Logan Alexander and Ashlyn De Luca at All-Star Showdown VIII. Near the bottom of the page, beneath the details of the match itself, is a handwritten message that read:
Your presence for this is mandatory, Ash. You want my spot here so badly? All you have to do is finish the job you started in Corpus Christi. I’ll see you there. LA
Amanda looks away from the paper once she’s done reading and then looks in the direction that Logan had headed off in, but he was already out of sight.
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