Chapter 70: The Storm Hits Real love, I'm searchin' for a real love Someone to send my heart free real love I'm searchin' for a real love The girls were at Lauralee’s house by the pool, dancing to the radio.  It was about 3 in the morning, and the girls were all together goofing off.  The album was about 70 percent done, and they were all at the house having their “Girls Night In.” A tradition that started when they were on tour with Backstreet, it was a time to be not Elegance, but five friends.  No business was discussed, just them at their best, laughing and being themselves.  The guys were pulling an all-nighter in the studio.  Veronica grabbed a fork from the table and started singing the 2nd verse. Ooh when I met you I just knew that you would take my heart and run Until you told me how you felt for me, you said I'm not the one And so I slowly came to see, all of the things that you were made of And now I hope my dreams and inspirations lead me towards a real love The girls were laughing hysterically at her antics, falling to the floor.  “Oh God, that was funny,” Laura wiped the tears from her face. “You’re too much V,” Lauralee said laughing. “I try,” Veronica smiled as she scooped Angel in her arms.  “Too bad the guys aren’t here.” “No way!  No boys allowed!  You know the rules,” Bianca wagged a finger at her. “Oops, my bad,” Veronica raised her hand in defeat “I haven’t laughed like that in God knows how long,” Elizabeth sighed.  “I hope the neighbors don’t have us arrested.” “Liz, the nearest neighbor is half a mile away, trust me, even if we stripped and started screaming they wouldn’t notice,” Lauralee laughed.   “On that note,” Veronica put Angel down.  “I’m beat.  I’m gonna head out.  You guys coming?” “Nah, I can’t sleep,” Laura said. “Us either,” Bianca motioned towards Elizabeth. “OK, well, I’ll talk to you guys tomorrow,” Veronica grabbed her bag.  “Later.” “Bye,” the girls looked as she walked to her car. ~*~ 1 hour later The girls had gotten out of the pool and were drying off.  They were getting over a dirty joke Laura had told them, when Lauralee heard the doorbell ring.  “Who could be ringing the bell at this hour?” Laura was drying off her hair. “Probably Alex forgetting his key again,” Lauralee put on her shorts over her suit.  “I’ll get it.” She went to the door and looked through the peephole, being cautious.  She saw two men standing at the door, one wearing a policeman’s hat.  “Who is it?” “Lauralee Deverson?” Lauralee opened the door to find the two gentlemen standing there.  “Miss Deverson?” “Yes?” Lauralee turned around as the girls walked into the hallway. “Detective Robertson from the Orlando Police, and this is Officer Schropp.” Lauralee looked quizzically at them as they flashed their badges.  “May we come in?” Lauralee stood aside as they walked inside, having a feeling in the pit of her stomach that she hadn’t had in a long time.  The officer took his hat off and placed it under his arm as Detective Robertson looked at the girls.  “I’m afraid I have some bad news.  You know a Veronica Passaro, correct?” The girls gripped hands, Lauralee nodded and looked right at them, the feeling in her stomach increasing. Detective Robertson took a deep breath.  “Miss Passaro was involved in a car accident about an hour ago.” The girls gasped as Laura looked at him.  “But she’s OK right?  I mean, she’s OK?” “I’m afraid not,” Detective Robertson took another deep breath.  “She was killed.” The girls looked at each other.  “No, there’s some mistake, you have the wrong person… got the wrong person, you know who she is right?  She’s known all over the place and you have the wrong one,” Lauralee shook her head. “Miss Deverson…”   “No… you… have… the… wrong… fucking… person.”  Lauralee’s breathing became erratic through her clenched teeth. “She was recognized right away from witnesses,” Officer Schropp stated. “She was hit by a drunk driver and was thrown…” Detective Robertson touched his arm to stop him. “Ladies, she was identified.  We found her driver’s license and ran the plates.  This was the only address that we found in the car.  I’m sorry.  Very sorry.” “No!  No!” Lauralee looked at the girls.  “He’s wrong!  She’s not dead!  She’s…”   Laura grabbed her towards the girls and cried.  They collapsed in a heap of screaming and tears.  “Why!  Oh God why!” Lauralee screamed at the ceiling, throwing her fist up. Detective Robertson and Officer Schropp waited a few minutes and helped the girls up.  “We’ve contacted the NYPD to inform the family.  Is there anyone we can call?” “No,” Lauralee had to prop herself against the hall table. “Again, I’m very sorry.  If you have any questions, please call me,” Detective Robertson handed Lauralee a business card.  “We’ll let ourselves out.” The girls ignored them as they left the house.  Lauralee broke from their embrace.  “I gotta call them!”  Lauralee ran to the phone and dialed the studio. “Parc Studios,” a woman answered the phone. “Yeah… uh…” Lauralee took a deep breath and ran her fingers through her damp hair.  “I need to talk to Alex McLean.” “It’s 4:30 in the morning ma’am and he’s…” “Look, I don’t give a flying fuck if they’re recording or the time, you put him on the phone NOW!” “Right away,” the woman put her on hold.  “Hello?” Alex said. “Alex?”  Lauralee said in a high pitched voice. “Baby… what’s wrong?” “You need to come home, all of you.” “We’ll be right there.” “Hurry, please hurry.” “OK.  Bye.” ~*~ Lauralee heard the car screech to a halt and the doors slam.  The guys ran in the house.  “What happened?” Howie asked. The girls looked at him.  “And where’s V?” “It’s…” Elizabeth looked at him through her swollen eyes.  “There’s been an accident.” “What accident?” Brian asked. “Veronica… she’s…” Laura’s eyes overflowed with tears. Howie shook his head.  “No…” Lauralee nodded.  “Yes… she’s gone.” “You’re fucking lying!  You’re such a liar!”  Howie grabbed Lauralee’s shoulders and shook her. “Howie!” Alex grabbed Howie and pulled him off of Lauralee. “She’s a liar!” Kevin went behind him and grabbed his shoulders as Howie threw his head down, grasped his face with his hands and began to sob.  Kevin turned him around hugged him, looking up as the tears flowed from his eyes. Alex grabbed Lauralee.  “Oh God,” he sobbed into her shoulder. Lauralee seemed to be in a trance-like state as she saw Nick holding Bianca, Brian kneeling down and holding Elizabeth, and Laura holding Howie and Kevin.  “When… did this happen?” Nick hiccuped. “About an hour ago,” Bianca shook her head.  “She was leaving the house and was hit by a drunk driver.” The scene played slowly in Lauralee’s eyes, feeling she was back in time, when she heard the ringing of the phone.  She grabbed the phone and answered it.  “Hello?” Chapter 71 Contents Chapter 69