“Hey, Kaiya. What did you find out?”
“I don’t think either is your suspect.”
“Really? They both had means and motive.”
“Joanna stole the swimsuit for Abilene, but she was trying to impress her.”
“Ah.”
“Yeah, but Abilene didn’t play along. Austin asked her who was in charge of scheduling and had her set him up with Brandy. She was genuinely surprised when I asked about the destroyed suits. And she had no love for Shoshana Emery.”
“You don’t think—”
“No, she has an airtight alibi for Sunday—her God-fearing, gay-hating grandmother. I even spoke to her on the phone. No way she’d lie.”
“What about Ruth Long?”
“Again, she felt nothing but animosity for Shoshana, but I don’t think she killed her. She was upset she didn’t get the job she wanted, so she quit. Her feelings of hatred centered on Shoshana and not Brooklyn.
“Did she have an alibi for Shoshana’s murder?”
“No. She was in her apartment alone.”
Interesting. No one could verify her whereabouts. “You don’t think she could be guilty?”
“My gut says no. She was shocked to learn that Shoshana had been murdered. I don’t think she’s enough of an actress to pull off the innocent act.”
Though it made his job harder eliminating two prime suspects, he trusted Kaiya’s instincts. “Thanks for going up there and talking with them. It narrows down my list.”
“No problem. I’m headed back to Miami now.”
“Safe travels.”
Brooklyn came out of the bathroom as he disconnected. “I have to go. The contestants are arriving soon. Stella is picking me up in a few minutes.”
Chapter Eighteen
Saturday afternoon, Brooklyn waited on the dock with camera crews and show personnel while the boat carrying Kaycee, Jax, and the contestants motored closer. The security team or Coast Guard, or both, had worked quickly and efficiently to remove the debris of the two crashed vessels. You would never know what had happened just a few hours earlier, though she’d see it in her nightmares for months.
Her eyes scanned the horizon, looking for any danger lurking on the high seas. The security company was accompanying the women, just in case. She’d never felt unsafe coming to the island until yesterday. Gage told her the authorities had been looking into their boat captain for drug running and assumed he was the target. Still, it’d been a close call. She wanted nothing like that happening to anyone again.
Before they arrived on the pier, she and Stella walked through the house where the women would stay one last time. Everything was exactly as she’d designed. The crews had done a fantastic job, and she knew the women would enjoy their stay. It was strange to see so many pictures of herself on the walls, but they were there to inspire the women to think about different poses and looks. She truly felt the contestants they’d selected could make it as a model. It depended on how much they wanted it and how hard they were willing to work for it.
The women were waving their hands and screaming as the boat came into view. Along with the crews on the dock, camera operators were on board, filming their arrival. Once they disembarked, they lined up in a row. Jax and Kaycee took up positions beside her.
“Welcome to Fontana Island,” she greeted to more raucous cheering. “You’re all part of a special event that could change your lives. Work hard while you’re here and listen to your instructors, directors, and photographers. Please be respectful of your fellow contestants. Bullying or fighting won’t be tolerated and could lead to instant dismissal from the show.”
She scanned the eager faces. Each one looked excited and willing to learn. “We have several special guests to guide you on your journey. Absorb their advice. Practice their teachings. Even if you don’t win, I want you to leave with an appreciation of the modeling world and the knowledge that you can succeed.”
The girls clapped. “In a few minutes, Kaycee and Jax will escort you to your house. Cameras will be provided to take selfies or pictures that you will post to your social media pages when the show airs in a few months. There will be no posting of pictures that are unflattering to other contestants.”
“In other words, no snapping naked shots in the showers,” Kaycee deadpanned.
“Exactly,” Brooklyn agreed. “You only work to build your brand, not destroy others. If you do, your posts will be removed, and you will be disqualified from the fan favorite voting. While you’re here, you won’t be able to access your email or social media accounts, but there will be a phone available for you to call your loved ones.”
“And remember,” Jax added, “you signed confidentiality agreements about the results. You aren’t able to share them with anyone before the show airs.”
“You have the rest of today and tomorrow to explore the house, get to know each other, and familiarize yourself with your surroundings. We have a special treat for you tomorrow night on the beach over there.” She pointed to the white sand in front of the main house. She’d purposefully kept Layla’s concert a secret so that it would be a surprise. The reaction from the women would be genuine. “You’ll have your first photo session bright and early Monday morning. Enjoy your day, and I’m so glad you’re here.”
The women cheered as she waved and headed to her golf cart. Excitement flowed through her. It was really happening. She’d been dreaming of the show for years. To have it come together was immensely rewarding.
Stella drove them to the conference building. The stylists had arrived earlier and were in the process of setting up. Music blared as they entered the first room that had been turned into an upscale salon. The stylists worked fast unpacking boxes and setting up. Brooklyn chuckled at the display of wigs, remembering Gage’s reaction. They talked to the head stylist, Judean Bickerton, to see if she had everything she needed. She requested a few things, and Stella made notes to order them. The makeup room was almost ready, too. Linc Chadha, the lead makeup artist, was still going through the supplies and promised to text Stella if he was missing items.
Music greeted them when they entered the largest conference room set aside for wardrobe. Clothes were being steam ironed and hung on racks, shoes placed on displays, and assistants sorted and grouped accessories for different shoots.
Beatriz Pace rushed over when she spotted them. “This is so exciting! I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity, and I can’t believe the wide variety. Shoshana did a great job.”
“She did.”
“It will be hours yet before we’re unpacked. Oh! I almost forgot. The swimwear arrived from Streamline.”
“That was fast. I’d like to see the suits.”
Beatriz led them to a rack filled with an array of colorful suits. Brooklyn was impressed. The designs were both stylish and functional. The colors and designs would appeal to a broad audience. “They’re fabulous.”
“I know,” Beatriz said. “I can’t even choose a favorite.” She reached over and picked up a box. “This was inside with instructions for you to open.”
She accepted the package. “Thanks.”
“Let us know if you need anything after you’re settled,” Stella told her as they left.
Once they were inside the golf cart, Brooklyn looked at the box. Knowing it was a silly question, she asked, “Do you have a knife?”
“Of course.” Stella dug into her bag of tricks. She carried everything but the kitchen sink. She produced a multi-purpose tool like the one Gage used. Brooklyn cut through the tape and handed it back to her before peeling open the sides. A card with the Streamline logo rested on top of a package wrapped in tissue paper. She read the note.
Ms. Fontana ~ Peyton asked us to send a special order of suits especially for you. We’ve selected our staff favorites. We hope you enjoy them.
She removed the seal from the tissue paper and opened it. Her mouth dropped open. She thought the suits the contestants would wear were gorgeous, but these were stunning. The tr
opical prints were casual elegance. They even included matching sarongs.
“Oh wow, I’m jealous,” Stella pouted.
“You can have one. In fact, you should wear it to the concert tomorrow night.”
“I could never pull off a bikini with these hips,” she said with a shake of her head.
“Yes, you could. You have a fabulous figure.” She’d been trying to convince Stella of her beauty since she took the job of her assistant. Maybe she wasn’t the standard of model thin, but she had a relatable body to most women in the country.
“Thank you for saying that, but I wouldn’t be comfortable.”
Brooklyn dug into the box. “Here’s a one-piece and matching sarong.”
Stella’s eyes lit up. “Are you sure? I love them. Thank you.”
“It’s Peyton we have to thank.”
As they were motoring away, they passed the other women in two golf carts. Though they wore the hats and sunglasses she provided, she recognized them and waved for them to stop.
“The boxes arrived.”
“Oh, good. We were just on the way to check,” Peyton said. “Did they send everything you need?”
“And more. I can’t thank you enough. Your suits are amazing.”
Peyton smiled. “Thanks. I’m excited about the casual line.”
Brooklyn held up the package in her hands. “And thank you so much for this. I didn’t expect it.”
“Let me see what they sent you.” She surveyed the contents and nodded. “They’re the ones I would’ve chosen. I told them to send the best.”
“Well, thank you again.”
“Are you kidding? Having you wear the suits will be a huge advertising coup.”
A thought struck. “Why don’t we do a fashion shoot? We can do it Monday morning at sunrise. The women are scheduled for a shoot, so I’ll just have the photographer arrive early.”
Peyton looked shocked. “Oh, my gosh, I want that so much, but I hated to ask. We’ll pay your modeling fees.”
She shook her head adamantly. “No. No way will you pay me when you bailed me out of a mess.”
“But that was business. This is your personal time.”
“Doesn’t matter.”
Peyton hugged her. “You’re so awesome, Brooklyn.”
“Right back at you. What are you ladies doing?”
“We thought we’d explore while the men huddle and talk business,” Jade said. She held out her hands to encompass the surrounding area. “Who wants to think of work when you’re in paradise?”
“Amen,” Cassidy agreed.
“Are you sure it’s okay to use the pool?” Harlow asked.
“Absolutely. You’re welcome to use all the amenities.”
“If it wasn’t for kids back home, I’d never leave,” Layla sighed, and they laughed.
They chatted for a few minutes, and then they drove off with a wave.
“I can’t believe you’re conversing with Juliet LaRue like you’re best friends,” Stella said in awe.
“Jade Bradley,” she corrected.
“Oh, right. It’s hard to remember.”
“I need you to arrange a sunrise shoot on Monday. The photographer will have to be here early to set up. Also, I’ll need hair and makeup and a portable changing room set up on the beach.”
Stella typed notes into her phone. “Got it.”
Brooklyn’s cell started ringing, and soon they were on the way to the main house to meet with the production staff.
#
Gage had chairs brought over so he and his coworkers could sit on the veranda while he gave a rundown on the case.
They all arrived wearing Hawaiian print shirts similar to his. It was nice to see his bosses looking so relaxed and casual.
“This place is incredible,” Noah Addison said as he took a seat.
“Jade’s already pestering me to buy her an island,” Logan Bradley muttered, and they laughed.
“Tell us what’s happening with the case,” Sawyer Oldham prompted.
He went over his list of suspects, including the Fontana twins, Carol Graves, Joanna Greer, and Ruth Long, though Kaiya had ruled the latter two out.
“Carol Graves stormed into the office?” Logan asked.
“Yes, complete with a camera crew in tow. She was arrogant and bossy. She’s still on my list.”
“Tell us about the twins,” Luke encouraged.
Gage briefed them on Austin and Abilene’s appearance once their father passed away and the money their mother accepted on their behalf. Then he explained about Brooklyn’s encounters with the twin terrors.
“Ginny Hurst is actually Brooklyn’s half-sister?” Noah asked.
“Yeah. They don’t publicize it, but they don’t hide the fact, either. Brooklyn’s mother passed away in childbirth. Ginny was twenty-one at the time and raised Brooklyn as her own.”
“I had no idea,” Sawyer murmured.
Gage detailed their close encounters, from the shooting outside the restaurant to the bomb beneath the stage at the gala to the shootout on the way to the island.
“Too many strange occurrences are happening around you,” Mason Rossi pointed out.
“I agree,” Luke concurred, “even though they have rational explanations.”
“I don’t buy the coincidences,” Noah said.
“I don’t, either,” Gage admitted. “The explanations seem reasonable, but how many events have to happen before a pattern develops?”
“Something is going on,” Logan agreed. “There is definitely sabotage from within if guests were canceled and the bathing suits were ruined.”
“There were a couple of other incidents. One of the camera operators had their equipment stolen, and someone screwed up the number of hotel rooms for the contestants.”
“Damn, it sounds like the show is jinxed,” Sawyer murmured.
“I know, right?” Gage shook his head. “Brooklyn has worked so hard to make this happen. She doesn’t deserve to have to deal with so many issues when she should be basking in her accomplishments.”
Everyone was silent. Gage jerked his head up to see his coworkers staring at him with speculative looks. “What?”
Before anyone answered, Noah’s phone buzzed.
Gage surreptitiously expelled a relieved breath. Saved by the bell.
Noah glanced at the screen. “It’s Ethan. Hey, bro, what’s up? Yeah, we’re all together. Hold on.” He clicked a button. “Okay, you’re on speaker.”
“It sounds like you guys had some excitement today.”
“You heard about that?” Sawyer asked.
“Are you kidding? It’s all over the news. The phone lines are blowing up with interview requests for all of you. BeBe’s threatening to either smash all the phones or hire full-time staff to handle the influx.”
“I’ll call her,” Logan promised.
Soon, all their phones chimed with people inquiring about the rescue.
“I’m glad we’re away from the frenzy,” Luke muttered.
“By the time we leave, the story will have blown over,” Mason agreed.
#
The contestants had been escorted to their house, and everything was going according to plan. Brooklyn crossed her fingers, hoping it continued. Cameras rolled, capturing their excitement as they chose where they’d sleep. They had the rest of the day to get to know each other and take advantage of the amenities. She hoped some would work on their runway walks and study their poses in the mirror.
Stella dropped Brooklyn off at her bungalow. She had half an hour before they were scheduled to meet Gage’s coworkers for dinner. The cottage was empty when she entered. She found Gage on the terrace, working on his computer. He looked up when she stepped out the doors, and the smile that crossed his face had her whimpering in need. It felt like she’d come home.
Before she could stop herself, she marched forward and grasped his face to kiss him. He swept her off her feet, cradling her in his arms. She’d been wrong earlier. T
his was coming home.
“I missed you,” she murmured against his lips, not even caring how desperate she sounded. They’d only been apart for a few hours.
“Same here.”
She wanted to stay where she was, but she needed to change for dinner. “I should get ready to meet your coworkers.”
He nibbled her neck, causing her to shiver. “Let’s blow them off.”
She laughed. “We can’t. They’ll know something’s going on.” Not that she cared, but he did, so she did, too.
He sighed. “You’re right.”
She untangled herself from his grip and hurried to the bathroom. The bag Stella packed for her included several prototypes of her designs, so she selected a sundress in mint green. After applying a minimal amount of makeup, she brushed her hair. Gage was waiting for her when she stepped out.
“I don’t know how you do it, but you’re more beautiful every time I see you.” His gruff voice sent a shiver through her system. She felt the same way about him. He wore one of the shirts she picked for him from the boutique and khaki shorts. She took his hand as they walked to the golf cart, wondering if she’d feel sparks every time they touched.
They drove to the main house, passing several crew members as they walked along the paths.
Brooklyn was happy to realize they were the first to arrive for the dinner party. She’d ordered several bottles of wine, and they were resting on the table. The five other couples entered and took seats. Having been alerted to the celebrities in his restaurant, Massimo Ricci introduced himself and recited the specials. He offered to prepare any dishes they requested. After they put in their orders, he left to cook the meals.
“This place is incredible,” Jade said.
“It is,” Layla agreed. “We had such a blast exploring today.”
They talked about the media attention following the accident and rescue earlier in the day. “Did everyone see this article?” Noah asked proudly before sending a link to everyone’s phone.
The headline boasted about how Olympic hero Peyton Durant Addison saved the day. She groaned and banged her head against the table. “It wasn’t just me.”
Noah leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek. “You deserve credit, babe.”
Dressed to Kill (COBRA Securities Book 22) Page 18