The game's afoot | OTA

[gardenplots]

Late morning finds Margaret St. John carefully pacing the length and breadth of the green. An equipment bag lies on the ground in the shade of a maple tree. Measurements complete, Maggie stands arms akimbo, and nods. Perfect

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[uncutclarity]

She's been released from the hospital, and theoretically, Avery should be back at Diamond Castle. Resting, most likely, enforced by any number of well-meaning Diamonds, so it's probably not really a surprise that she's slipped the noose and is sitting on a bench not far from Maggie's practice.

"When are you challenging?" she asks after watchiing a while.

[gardenplots]

Maggie completes a wicked raffa that crashes into the "enemy" bocce and sends it careening into the trees. Then she turns and favors Avery with a delighted smile.

"Avery! Delightful to see you, Dear." She joins her spectator. "And good to see you out and about." She studies the green and the colorful balls strewn about it. She knows from her own experience how frustrating and annoying well wishes can be, so keeps them to herself, instead answering the Jack's question. No, Ten, if rumor was right.

"Two weeks. I'm afraid poor Reggie is in for a surprise. I learned from a master."

[uncutclarity]

"...Reggie?" Maggie might get the first smile out of Avery since she left the hospital and crashed into the reality of her situation. No more Jack. A memory that can best be described as faulty.

But she remembers Reginald Langdon, and who he happens to be engaged to. "Oh, well, that ought to be fascinating. How much did Charlie snarl?" Charlie is what Ava's mom always calls Charlotte Kattalakis.

Because Astrid Magnusson is a sweet, kind, loving woman who is nonetheless a little bit evil.

[gardenplots]

She doesn't quite smirk at the hated nickname, not quite<,/i>. "My dear, you have no idea. Reggie thought I'd stopped him to flirt, the randy old goat. Did you know he's a pincher? I'm afraid dear Charlotte caught him mid-squeaze."