Page 50 of Ten Beach Road

Madeline, Nicole, and Kyra turned to look at her as she practically cowered in the chair cushion.

“What does that mean?” Nicole asked. “What does Deirdre Morgan have to do with Avery?”

“Nothing,” Avery said. “Actually, less than nothing.” She heaved her way out of the chair and stood.

“Unless you count the fact that Deirdre is Avery’s mother,” Chase said quietly as everyone, even the people on TV, seemed to freeze in surprise.

“No,” Avery said. “No, she’s not.” She shot Chase a withering look and stepped away from the others, more than ready to make her escape. “She gave birth to me. That’s all. She left us more than twenty years ago. As far as I’m concerned, she gave up her rights to the title then.”

Posted to YouTube, 12:01 A.M., June 1

Video: Extreme close-up dummy.

Audio:“This is Malcolm Dyer, or at least an effigy of him. He probably doesn’t really have bolts in his neck.”

Video: Zoom out to wide shot to include Avery, Nicole, and Mom.

Audio:“These three women are just a few of the people whose money he stole. And do you know what they and their families have left?”

Video: WS exterior Bella Flora.

Audio:“This house. Not bad, huh? Except it’s not exactly ready to move into or sell.”

Music up.

Video montage of cracked pool with beach chairs beside it, hole in ceiling, missing balusters, cardboard in missing window panes, mattresses on bedroom floors, peeling wrought iron.

Music under. Sfx buzz saw, hammering, workmen shouting.

Audio:“So now they’re going to have to fix it up. Which means it’s loud and messy here.”

Video: Ladies work/sweat. Mom working on window. Glass cracks. Chase and Avery.

Audio:“And even with a kind of sexy contractor-slash-slave driver, and some professional help, it’s hard to believe these three can pull it off. Especially not by Labor Day.”

Video: Avery and Chase fighting/all angles.

Audio:“At least there’s entertainment. I’m going to suggest they fill in the pool and make a boxing ring instead.”

Video: Door stripping/sanding. In line for bathroom. In chairs facing sunset. Nikki toast.

Audio:“And maybe I’ll take bets on whether they can make it happen or not. Stay tuned. I’ll try to keep you posted.”

Music up and out.

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