Tuesday 19th January
8.45 am
St Angela’s
“Wow – sounds like you
had a really good time,” Ama said as she, Erica, Poppy and Pepsi got out of
Caroline’s car.
“It was like a fairy
tale,” Pepsi said as they walked through the school dates – and then looked at
the banner hanging over the entrance.
“What the...”
“Inside Girls,” Letty said, “Miss Tennant will speak to it.”
They closed their eyes
as they walked under the banner, the message “Nuns Rule” in cardinal red on the
white background...
Miss Tennant looked out
over the assembly hall, the girls sitting in silence.
“Ladies,” she said
quietly, “I am aware of the strong feelings you may have over the latest
addition to our school furniture. This
is the second time this has happened in recent weeks, and I am determined this
will not happen a third time.
“I am therefore asking
a representative from each year to meet Mrs Brand in her office in lieu of
their first lesson today, to accompany her to Scared Heart. Poppy Ashley, Ama Jameson, Kerry Wright, and Letty Kinman, please report after
the end of this assembly.”
The four girls looked
at each other as Miss Tennant continued “I need not remind you of the need not
to take any form of retaliatory action.
Please let myself and the leadership team deal with this, concentrate on
your studies, and prepare to show your feelings where they really count – on
the sports field and only on the sports field.”
There was a murmur
around the room as Abby whispered to Letty “what do
you think the Tennant is up to?”
“I’ll let you know
after we do it,” Letty whispered back as they rose to
sing the school song.
As they gathered
outside the Dean’s office, Poppy asked Letty “why
us?”
“One from each year,”
Grace said as she walked over, “a united front.
Come with me please ladies.”
The four girls followed
Grace out to her car, where two members of staff were putting the folded banner
into the trunk of her car.
“Get in girls – Letty in front,” Grace said.
“Where are we going
Miss?”
“To face your enemy,”
Grace said, the four girls strapping themselves in as Grace drove off.
9.15 am
Sacred Heart
“Here? We’ve come here Mrs Brand?”
“That’s right Poppy,”
Grace said as they got out. “Letty, would you and Kerry get the banner from the trunk,
please?”
The two girls looked at
each other as Grace popped the lid, and then lifted the banner, the group
marching through the gates and entering the home of the enemy.
“Mrs Brand?”
They met inside a
small, stout woman, wearing a grey jersey dress and baggy boots.
“Miss Turkel. Girls, this
is Rowena Turkel, the principle of Sacred Heart. Are they assembled?”
“Indeed – will you come
this way please?”
The group followed her
into their assembly hall, the Nuns staring at them as they took the stage.
“Girls,” Miss Turkel said, “this is Mrs Brand, the dean of students at St
Angela’s. She has something to say to
all of you.”
“Ladies,” Grace said as
she stood at the lectern, “I am here with four of the students of St Angela’s,
one from each year, to return a small gift that someone left for us this
morning. We have good reason to believe
one or more of you know who may have done this.
Letty, Poppy, kindly place
the banner slowly on the stage.”
The Nuns watched
silently as the two girls placed the banner down. Ama could see the hate in their eyes.
“Now,” Grace said, “as we are here, we do wish to know who hung the banner, and
who also redecorated the railings of our school recently. Miss Tennant and Miss Turkel
have discussed the matter, and approved what I am about to say.”
The Nuns looked at
their principal as Grace said “unless either Miss Turkel
or Miss Tennant are informed of who did it, and the activities cease forthwith,
a new program will be instituted at both schools – a student exchange program.”
It wasn’t clear who
gasped more – the four Angels or the body of Nuns.
“Unless the culprits
come forward, next Monday these four girls,” Grace said as she indicated Poppy,
Ama, Kerry and Letty, “will spend the day here, and
four girls from here will spend the day at St Angela’s. Miss Turkel will
inform the four after we leave. I am sure nobody wishes to cause pain or
embarrassment for their fellow pupils.
Thank you for your time.”
Grace turned and left
the stage, the four girls walking behind her in stunned silence as Miss Turkel said “the four selected will be...”
Noon
FBI Field Office, Buffalo
“Well now,” Steve Welch
said as he looked up, “what brings you to our fair city, Agent Carter?”
“Tell you in a minute,
Agent Welch,” Jan said as she hugged her old friend. She had flown in that morning, wearing a
black trouser suit and a white silk blouse underneath, with killer heels. “And this is?”
Peter looked at his
partner, who was wearing a black jumper and long skirt. “Agent Enid Corben,
meet Agent Janice Carter, New York office.”
“Pleasure,” Enid said
as she shook Jan’s friend, “off your beaten track aren’t you?”
“Mixture
of business and pleasure – so I’d better get the business out of the way first. Peter,
can I have a word with you and your boss?”
“Sure, let’s see if
he’s free,” Peter said as he turned round, “follow me.”
Jan looked round the
room as she walked across – it was smaller than the NY office, more crowded and
more chaotic.
Peter stopped at a door
and knocked.
“Come.”
“Boss, got a minute?”
“Come in Peter,” the
voice said, and as Jan came in she saw a tall, thin man behind the desk, his
head glistening as a thin circlet of grey hair went round. “And this is?”
“Andre Baughman, Janice
Carter, New York office.”
“Agent Carter,” Andre
said as he shook Jan’s hand, “what brings you to our fair city?”
“As I was saying to Peter,
business and pleasure, so Business first,” Jan said as she looked at her
watch. “You’re about to get a call from
Inspector Georges LeBlanc, Ontario Provincial Police. He called our office last night, is probably
on the phone with Buffalo PD now, and then will call you.”
“Oh
– what about?”
“I’ll let him
explain. While we are waiting though – as
Peter knows I’m a member of the Pussycat Gang Task Force.”
“I’ve seen the reports
– don’t envy you that one,” Andre said with a smile.
“At any rate, when I
visit other offices, I always ask if they have heard any rumours of their
activities in the local area. I was
wondering if you had?”
Peter and Andre looked
at each other, before Andre said “I’m not aware of any. Peter?”
“I looked last week -
nothing on our files,” Peter said as he looked at Jan.
“Ah well – with those
bitches, we have to look everywhere, and pray one day we find something.”
“Understandable,” Andre
said as the telephone rang. “Baughman,”
he said as he pressed a button.
“Supervisor
Baughman? Inspector LeBlanc. A pleasure to speak to you
again.”
“You
too Georges. I have Agent Peter Welch and Agent Janice
Carter with me.”
“Agent
Carter? A little off the beaten
track for you.”
“True – but Tom thought
I may be able to offer some advice, based on what you told him yesterday.”
“As you wish – I
briefed the Police a few moments ago, and now it is your turn.”
“Go ahead Georges.”
“We’ve had a tip off of
a large drugs shipment coming over the lake in the next week, and then through
Niagara in your area. We still need to
verify, but if it is the case, we wish to set up a joint operation.”
“Agreed.
Can you provide what you have?”
“Sending what little we
have to you now. Agent
Carter?”
“Tom thinks the
ultimate destination is one of the New York families. That’s why he asked me to call today – I have
the Intel on the current drug activities to share as well.”
She handed a file over
to Andre, who nodded and smiled.
“Georges, we’ll help in
any way we can.”
“That is all I ask my
friends, I will contact you shortly.”
As the call ended, Jan
stood up and smiled. “My job here is
done,” she said, “I’ll see you guys around.”
As she walked out, Erin
stood up and walked past.
“We need to talk,” she
whispered.
“One thirty, bar round
the corner.”
1.30 pm
Jan looked up as Erin
walked in, looking round before she sat down.
“I thought I would have
heard from you yesterday, Agent Carter?”
“It’s Jan – and why did
you think you’d hear from me?”
The waitress brought
over two beers, Erin nodding as she said “look, after our chat on Saturday, I
started to check with some of my contacts.
They said there had been incidents where a group of women had claimed to
be the Pussycats, but they had orders from on high to refer them to a special
team.
“And
the office?”
“Look – I can get into
a lot of trouble over this,” Erin said.
“I’m not going to let
you,” Jan said.
“Okay – last two days
I’ve been trying to find what we have on file in terms of local Pussycat
sightings – but every time I tried to get into the records I got called off to
do something else.
“Eventually, I was
called into the super’s office – he asked what I was doing, and I said my
contacts had been telling me of some Pussycat activity. He told me to give what I had to Welch, and
they would make sure it got to you.”
“Sorry Erin – not a
sign. But I can’t believe Peter would
have put a stop on the information.”
“If it wasn’t him,”
Erin said, “it was Baughman – neither option makes me happy.”
“Yeah – me neither,”
Jan said as she frowned.
“So
what now?”
“Did you keep copies of
what you had?”
“Officially
or unofficially?”
“Erin, after what you
told me we have two choices – go to IA now, or gather
as much evidence as we can and then go to them.
I’d much prefer the latter.”
“I agree, I don’t like
it, but I agree. What now?”
“Get me that info – and
let’s set up a little chat...”
12.45 pm
The Refectory
“She
WHAT!!!”
“If the Nuns don’t own
up, four of them are going to come here next week, and the four of us,” Letty whispered, “are going to go there for the day.”
Abby shook her
head. “What does Grace think she’s
doing?”
“I have no idea,” Letty said, “but you have to admit one thing.
“It has to be the most
devious approach to this yet. She knows
we can’t stand each other, so threaten to force us to spend time in each
other’s company. Scares
the blinkers off of me.”
“Oh god,” Jeannie said
with a laugh, “she’s playing the school swap ploy!”
“You mean she’s done
this before,” Ama said as she looked across the table.
“In my first year at my
old school,” Jeannie said, “there was a rivalry almost as intense between us
and Harlow Grammar as there was between the Angels and the Nuns. In the end, after a fight on the school
grounds, Mrs Brand and the headmaster of the Grammar school got together, and
announced that ten pupils from year 11 in each school would spend a week at
each other’s school.”
“Year
11?”
“GCSE year – our age,” Jeannie
said. “Well, they went ahead and did it
– and the two schools built links that are still there. But in this case, I think she’s using a fear
tactic – wanting to stop us spying on each other.”
“But that needs the
Nuns to admit.”
“I know Pepsi – which
is why I suspect there’s another line of inquiry at play. One that may involve you
Nikki.”
“Me? What – oh no, anything but
that!”
“What?”
“Put it this way – I
would not like to be a Rochermann today.”
1 pm
Marianos
“Thank you for meeting
us here girls,” Wilhelmina said as she and Rowena stood up.
“Well, you paying for
lunch was a bonus,” Ally said as she and Nell sat
down, “but what’s this about? Neither of
us were exactly your favourites.”
“Not exactly true,”
Rowena said, “but we have a situation at the moment that requires some unusual
thinking to resolve.”
“Nuns
vs. Angels? I haven’t forgotten two years ago, Miss
Tennant.”
“Yes, well – we
probably should have handled things differently,” Wilhelmina said, “but that
was then, this is now. I presume you
have heard about this morning.”
“Mutual friends called
both of us,” Nell said. “Do you
seriously think the girls will give up whoever did it to keep four of them from
coming to St Angela’s?”
“If they do not,”
Rowena said, “there is the chance of learning from each other.”
“It’s a tiny chance,
about as big as the chances of me becoming a Mother Superior – forgive the
analogy, sis,” Ally said.
“Not a problem sis.”
“Nevertheless,” Miss
Tennant said, “we also feel there is scope in trying to preach that outside of
school, after this place, it is possible to be friends.”
The girls looked at
each other, before Ally said “you do know Holly and Carina would be a better
illustration?”
“Oh they’re next on the
list to talk to,” Miss Turkel said.
“You expect the four of
us to undo decades of rivalry?”
“No – we want the four
of you to be the ambassadors, especially this week, of the ability to forgive
and forget.”
“Forgive, possibly,” Ally
said. “Forget?”
The waitress came and
took the orders, before Nell said “It might – might – work, but it would be
better if whoever put the banner up stood up and took the hit.”
“I have the head girls
working on that one,” Miss Turkel said. “But can you help?”
“Talk to Holly and
Carina first,” Ally said as their meals came over, “and then we can see what
can be done.”
1 pm
The Faculty Room, St Angela’s.
“Well, you’ve certainly
got the girls talking,” Kate Hardisty said as she and
Grace walked into the lounge.
“Well, I would imagine
as soon as we got back, the story would spread like a wildfire.”
“At the very least,”
Grace said, “it might give this whole thing the slap to solve it needs.”
As they walked in, however,
Kate and Grace noticed the room was empty – save for Annie and Ingrid.
“Err – where is
everyone?”
“Planning for this
afternoon,” Kate said as she looked up, nursing her mug, “something about
possibly planning for a mutiny.”
“I take it my plan has
taken them by surprise as well?”
“That would be an
understatement,” Ingrid said as Sarah and Harriet came in, carrying their
lunches.
“Well, you got them
talking all right,” Harriet said. “The
School Swap Ploy – and sprung on them with no warning!”
“Well, I had to do
something to stop them planning revenge – and I picked the four girls to come
with me because those four were the least likely to make a scene at the school,
and the most likely if push comes to shove to cope with what they need to do.”
“Well, that may be
true,” Sarah said, “but we play Sacred Heart a week on Wednesday.”
“I know – which is why
I said Monday,” Grace said. “Hopefully,
sense will prevail.”
1.30 pm
Complete Style
“Hey Missy,” Juliette
said as her agent and partner in Norstar came in,
“what can I do for you?”
"Juliette do you
know Clive Walton?"
"British photographer, lives and works in Toronto Missy?"
"That's the guy.
He's interested in using Fiona for a shoot illustrating fashions at the time of
the Revolution. I'm not sure it's high fashion enough for her, but I thought
I'd pick your brain."
"Well it's not
strictly speaking what we see her doing in the future, but I do know his work,
and doing the illustrations for a book can't actually harm her career."
Juliette paused for thought, "he does know about her visual limitations
doesn't he?"
"Yes I told him
very carefully, and he still thinks she has just the right face."
"Look leave it in
my hands, I'll talk to Olivia and Fi myself...Where does he want to
shoot?"
"Niagara on the
Lake, you know all those preserved houses, etc."
"Sounds
perfect, and when?"
"As
soon as Fiona can be available."
"Alright Missy
leave it with me, I will see what I can do."
“Good – now onto better
news. Mary’s walk
through appointments seem to have excellent feedback – quite a few
offers coming in.”
“I’m glad for her –
this is the boost she needed.”
“Yeah – so, wedding
arrangements?”
“The invites go out
this week – plenty of time to sort out the visas...”
5 pm
The Waldorf Astoria
As the doors opened,
the couple stepped out, Glenda with her black coat wrapped round her, Alex in
an open necked shirt and dark trousers under his great coat.
“I’m glad you enjoyed
the show, even if it was the understudy,” Alex said as they walked down the
corridor.
“I could not tell,”
Glenda said as she looked for her key card.
“Well, it was Broadway
after all.”
“You know Alex it's
been years since I've had this much fun." Glenda turned as she opened the
door of her hotel room.
"Well I have to
say I'm enjoying myself as well. It's nice to have an old friend to talk with
and show the sights to."
"Well in nearly 50
years they've changed a bit. Do you remember back then us going to the top of
the Empire State Building and Rusty looking round and discovering just how much
he really was afraid of heights?"
"I do." Alex
laughed in his deep baritone tones.
"Look,” she said
as she stepped in and turned round, “do you want to come in and have a
drink?"
"Much as I'd love
to Glenda,” Alex said as he held her hands, “there are certain things that alas
I should not, or cannot do, and having drinks alone in
her hotel room with a still highly attractive blonde falls in that
category."
"Okay well don't
say I didn't ask," she gave him a peck on the cheek and went inside, the
door gently closing.
"Oh if only you'd
have asked me in for that drink all those years ago," Alex muttered to
himself as he made his way back to the elevator.
8 pm
The Huntingdown
Apartment
“Gott schützt mich
von Juristen und Gesetzgeber!”
"Estate
business my love?"
Juliette asked as she found Klaus in her library working at his laptop.
"Yes," he
looked over his shoulder, stretched and yawned.
"Well don't work
too hard," she leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek.
"No choice I'm afraid,”
Klaus said with a smile, “if I don't review all this the redoubtable Frau Strecher will be all over my case as you say - and then my
darling sister will join her."
"Oh,” Juliette
giggled, “that bad eh?"
"Yes...It's material relating to certain grazing rights that I own
by hereditary right in the Sten Valley. I want to
relinquish that right, and it means I have to agree to hundreds of little
changes in law."
"Oooh rather you then me."
"Well it's a
stupid thing anyway, the prices the tenants pay was
fixed in 1910 and I can't change them. The yield is therefore minuscule, and I
thought that it was about time I abolished the damn thing, it actually costs
more to collect then it raises."
"Well its good
business..."
"Yes, but now I
understand why it wasn't done before by father or grandfather...all this damn
paperwork."
"Poor you,"
Juliette kissed him, "serves you right for being
a prince doesn't it?"
"And for having
Frau Strecher as my steward," Klaus laughed.
“I’ll leave you to it,”
Juliette said as she went back to the drawing room, and switched on her laptop.
“Hey Mom,” Carina said
as she appeared with Judith.
“Hello Gramma,” Judith said as she waved as well.
“Have you both had a
good day?”
“I drew a pony,” Judith
said as she held her picture up.
“That’s a lovely
drawing, Judith,” Ingrid said as she joined the call.
“Fank
ew Aunt Ingee,” Judith said
with a grin, before Carina put her down and said “so what’s happening? Where’s Grappy
Pops?”
"Don't go
bothering your father tonight girls."
"Oh is he still
stuck on that damn Sten Valley thing?" Ingrid
asked.
"He is...only the
Goddess knows what time he will get to bed tonight."
"He told me about
all this yesterday," Carina laughed, "do you know among other things
the tenants have to pay a toll each time they take their cattle up to the high
pastures?"
"They do, but
what's the problem with that?"
"The bridge they
pay to cross actually fell down 250 years ago Moms," Ingrid laughed,
"but the farmers still have to pay their couple of cents per cow as if it
was still standing."
"Oh
Dear Goddess!"
Juliette joined in the laughter, "it perhaps is time something was done
about these antiquated rights and dues."
"Yeah they are
leftover bits of feudalism, Pops is sending me a list
so I can use them in an essay I have to write."
"Good for you
Carina darling."
"Aunt Sigi is the one having to deal with the Bavarian state
government on all this, she was telling me earlier how
much rigmarole it is to go through, just to abolish some ancient laws."
"Doubtless she
will complain to me when I see her...now the serious business are you both set
for the ball?"
“I am – Adam will meet
me at the apartment Friday afternoon,” Ingy said.
“Cari?”
“I need to leave Judith
with Orlanda – she volunteered to look after her as
well as George and Sands. Then I’m
coming straight over.”
“Annie will come over
after school, so we can go as a group.
This year, Merlin weaves her magic chez de Ros,
however.”
“Oh I am sure we can do
a good job,” Juliette said with a smile.
9.30 pm
The Richmond Mansion
Stopping outside the
door, Heather stopped to listen for a moment to the sounds from her young
charge’s room.
"Die! DIE!"
"Computer games
George?" Heather asked as she came in and took his hot drink to his
bedside.
"How did you
guess?" he smiled.
"Oh,” Heather said
with a smile, “the little fact of one of the gentlest souls I know calling out
he wants to kill someone."
"It's the new
Chicago Underworld version 3.0...The graphics now are amazing."
"I'll take your word,"
Heather shook her head, "my games playing days are long behind me."
"Well you are
old..."
"Hey less of the
old Mister," she gave him a playful punch on the arm.
"Ouch!"
George laughed.
"Just don't stay
up too late playing, remember you have school in the morning."
"I know
Heather."
"Who's the hot
girl?" Heather looked at the screen over his shoulder.
"Well she's sort
of based on Katy, you can create your own characters
in this game."
"Interesting...so
who else have you put into there?" Heather tucked in the sheet.
"Oh a few people
you might recognize," George laughed as he turned the game off.
“All right,” she said
as she left the room, looking in on Sands as she was reading a book, and then
downstairs.
“So have you heard from
Jan lover,” Sandy said as she looked up.
“Yeah – she’s stopping
there overnight while a contact up there sets up a meeting. She also looked out over the Niagara
landscape for Shirley.”
“So that may go ahead
as well?”
“Indeed – the word is
Natalya may be over by the end of the week, to assist Dom.”
“Now that is a pairing
I’d like to see...”
Wednesday 20th January
8.55 am
St Angela’s
“Well,” Abby said as
she looked at Letty.
“No word yet – we’re
just hoping they blink first, if truth be told,” Letty
said as she closed her locker. “So you get to be a star again Friday.”
“Yeah
– then a break, and over to Vienna, then back to Fashion week.
The life of a glamorous model is never done.”
“Truth – where would
you rather be on the 5th – Vienna or here?”
“Honestly – if it was
at all possible I would be here for the Vanderbilt, but they heard I was
coming, and I’ve got a shoot the afternoon after the ball at the Riding School
with Angel.”
“Which means she is in
her heaven, right?”
“Oh yes – you should have
heard her when she heard about it...”
“Letty – you still good for tonight?”
“Yes Miss Kelly – your
last hurrah before you have to stop for a while?”
“Looks like it,” Annie
said as she held her small bump, “so let’s make it a good one, all right?”
11 am
The Speakeasy, Buffalo
“A
large coke shipment?”
“That is what the Intel
says,” the older brunette said as she looked at the faux Miss Lynx, “worth
several million on the street. I’m
worried though – it’s very very convenient.”
“I can understand that,
Miss Leopard,” their leader said, “but this has come from a number of our
sources, both official and unofficial. Sporetti must be trying to circumvent his usual routes.”
“So what are you
thinking?”
“I am wondering,” Miss
Panther said, “is a trap, or is it genuine?
Miss Puma?”
“Sporetti
has been talking since yesterday about an unexpected delivery – maybe this is
it?”
Miss Panther sat for a
few minutes, before she said “What plans are being laid Miss Leopard?”
“We have a tactical
briefing at three – I need to be there for that, but I’m on the late duty this
week anyway.”
“Can you get yourself
on the team?”
“I already have,” Miss
Leopard said with a grin.
“Good – Miss Lynx, get
on the street, see what you can dig up.
Miss Bobcat and Miss Tigress – do the math. We meet here tonight – Miss Leopard excepted – at nine to make a decision.”
“Got it Boss,” they
said as they stood up and walked off.
Miss Panther sat for a
few minutes, before she took out a cell phone.
“Welch? I’ll be in at one – gather the team for a
briefing.”
“Yes even Corben – where is she?
“Oh, I see – well, must
needs must.”
11 am
Niagara Falls State Park
Jan looked out over the
river, the sound of the falls deafening in the background as she took in the
scene. The last time she had been over
the river was the Toronto visit, and she smiled as she remembered that night.
“Beautiful isn’t it?”
“Yeah,” Jan said as she
looked at Erin, “what’s that over there?”
Erin looked over at the
island. “Goat Island? The word is that is where the shipment will
come in. They bring it over the river,
load the cars and drive back.”
“One
way in and out – neat.”
“Indeed – but we don’t
know when.
“Yet.”
As the girls talked, a
thin fair haired man walked past, Erin nodding as they stood up and followed
him.
“Hello Col – how’s
things in Allentown?”
He looked round and
groaned. “Come on Corben
– I told you all I know, what else do you need?”
“Indulge me – word is a
big shipment coming over the river. Hear
anything?”
“I may have – but i may also have heard dose ladies have heard?”
“The ones everyone’s
scared of?”
He nodded as he looked
at them. “Who’s this?”
“My
friend from the big apple. She’d be keen to stop the ladies as well.”
“If I hear, I’ll let
you know, but watch your step Corben – I like you,
I’d hate to see you fall to them.”
“Fair enough – keep
safe Col.”
2 pm
Complete Style
“A
set of historical fashion pictures?”
Juliette smiled as she
looked at Fiona Treharran. “That’s right – the idea is you would go up
Sunday, and spend the day at Niagara On The Lake, shooting in some of the
houses and squares round there. Nice
simple work, and Clive Walton is a very good
photographer.”
“And he can cope
with...”
“He assures me he can,”
Juliette said to Fi as she sat with Olivia.
“So, interested?”
“Sure – if Missy says
it’s all right.”
“Good,” Juliette said
as she picked up her phone. “Alexis,
show Clive in will you?”
Fi and Olivia turned as
the grey haired man came in.
“I’ll leave you to
talk,” Juliette said as he left the office.
“Juliette – Anna says
to tell you she’ll be free at seven.”
“Excellent.”
3 pm
Xavier International
“Susan – Natalia Kosolov is in reception?”
“Can you bring her to
the conference room – and fetch coffee for four,” Susan said as she stood up,
and made her way along the floor, knocking on Shirley’s door and looking in to
see her and Dominique.
“She’s here.”
Caroline stood up and
followed both of them – Shirley in her grey jersey dress and heels, Susan in a
white jumper and black trousers, and Dominique in her black jumper and pants,
the legs in knee length boots.
A few moments later,
the door opened and Natalya Kosolov came in, wearing
a brown leather jacket over a brown roll necked sweater and leather pants.
“Welcome back to New
York,” Shirley said as she hugged Natalya, “I trust you had a good flight?”
“Not too bad as these
things go – Dominique, it is good to see you again.”
“And you – Lily has
told us of the work you have been doing.
I am especially pleased with the Farm.”
“That is entirely down
to the work of Tracy and Beverley – but I thank you on their behalf,” Natalya
said as the coffee came in.
“So, how may I be of
assistance,” Natalya said as she sat down.
“You have been briefed
on our situation in Buffalo?”
“I read the papers on
the flight over – a most disturbing situation.
I presume it is not the actual ladies?”
“No – on that accept my
word.”
Inclining her head,
Natalya said “so, the plan is?”
“We are seeding news of
a drug shipment in Niagara this weekend, in the hopes they will take the
bait. If they do – we will do what needs
to be done.”
“I see – so, please assure
me we are not actually smuggling cocaine into the USA Madame?"
"No a few pounds
of best quality Canadian flour will be playing that role." Shirley paused,
"but to fool our adversaries everyone must behave just as if it is the
real thing... If they get one hint this
is a trap then the whole operation is blown."
“And you wish me to
oversee the operation?”
“Indeed – we have
picked a small team to act the role. You
will meet them later. We also have a
contact in Buffalo who will assist.”
“And that is?”
“Louise.”
Natalya smiled. “I trust she is fully recovered?”
“She is – we have
placed her where we believe the group have their base of operations. Susan?”
The group turned to the
computer screen as Louise appeared in a window.
“Madame – I see you
have company,” she said with a smile, “Natalya – good to see you again?”
“And you Louise. With us is Susan, who as you know heads the New York Office, and Dominique.”
“Pleasure to finally
meet both of you,” she said with a smile.
“News, Louise?”
“The six have been in
deep conversation on several occasions, Madame.
I have managed to eavesdrop, and they are definitely tempted.”
“Very well – you may
proceed with the next phase, Louise, and good luck.”
“The
next phase?”
As the call ended,
Shirley smiled and said “time for her to become a friend.”
6.30 pm
Greenwich Florists
“Here you go,” April,
said as she handed Pepsi a plate and a drink, “we’re going to eat in the
sitting room tonight.”
“Possibly,” Pepsi heard
her father say as they passed the dining room, “what about her...”
"Roy, Guy, George,
and your dad are in the parlour Pepsi love,” April said as they sat down, “so
we can eat out here."
"What are they
doing Mom?"
"Looking at
archaic form books, old pedigree charts, watching videos...and occasionally
calling for coffee."
"Sounds like a
serious 'sweat' session."
"It is,” April
said as she sipped her drink, “they are trying very hard to decide if there are
any yearlings, or other youngsters they think it's worth their while to go
visit."
"It sounds harder
then school work to me," Pepsi said as she ate some of her chicken.
"Oh it definitely is,” April said, “and far harder then shopping on Black
Friday, but the principal is the same, spotting an absolute bargain
somehow."
"Just like they
did with Sinnerz?"
"Exactly." April looked to the room – they were happy,
and she was happy.
"So Mom,” Pepsi
said as she took a drink from her glass, “how was today in the shop?"
"Brisk, a couple
of big funerals coming up I'm sad to say are always great business for
me."
"Plus didn't you
say social season bookings for floral presentations are up?"
"Well up on last
year."
"Just
one of the perks of being a sinner." Pepsi smiled.
“Yeah – you know they
want to go skiing again weekend after next?”
“I’d heard – could be
fun.”
7 pm
Casellula
401 W 52nd Street
“Ladies,” the waiter
said as he showed Juliette and Anna Mitchell to a table, the two women sitting
as he gave them each a menu.
“Can you bring a bottle
of the de Ros Chardonnay ’13?”
“Of course Madame – two
glasses?”
Juliette nodded as the
waiter left, returning with a bottle and two glasses. As he poured the wine, Anna smiled and looked
at her old friend.
"Well after work
drinks,” she finally said as she took the glass, “to what do I owe this
pleasure Ju?"
"Well,” Juliette
said, “I might say that isn't this what old friends do?"
"But?"
"Well,” she said
as she took a sip and then put the glass on the table, “the
but is that, finally, stories of your impending promotion have caught my
ears."
"I wondered if
that was the case...” Anna took a sip
from her glass, and said “so what do you think Juliette?"
"Anna,” Juliette
said with a smile, “it will arguably make you one of this world’s most powerful
women, setting the style for a string of fashion magazines worldwide..."
"That is how
they've been selling it to me."
"Well,” Juliette
said as she had another drink, “even the other Anna doesn't have quite that
sway over her magazines worldwide editions."
"I know," the
older woman's eyes twinkled. “And that
on its own makes it exciting.”
"I guess my
question is really why take on such a huge job..."
"...at my time of
life?"
"Yes,"
Juliette nodded.
"I guess because
I'm alone,” Anna said as Juliette refilled her glass, “my last scumbag husband
is rotting away in jail, and I need work to occupy my time if I'm not going to
turn to the booze and other things."
"Well there is
work,” Juliette said, “and then there is work."
"I'm sure I have
plenty of friends who will tell me when I'm overdoing it."
"So you are going
to take it?"
"I gave them a 97%
yes, so I think I will."
"Leaving
us on the US edition with the need to break in a new editor-in-chief."
“Interested?”
“Me?” Juliette looked at Anna. “Oh no – I’m very happy where I am, and I
have more than enough on my plate at the moment. I presume they are looking however?”
“Oh yes – your
thoughts?”
“I presume Pippa Ashley is in the frame?”
“Let us say she is
meeting some people on Friday,” Anna said with a smile.
8 pm
The Village
“Hello Mrs Brand,” Ama
said as she opened the door, “please, come in.”
“Thank you Ama – are
you alone?”
“No – Mom is in her
room,” she said as they went into the front room. “I’ll get her for you. Have a seat please.”
“Thanks,” Grace said as
she sat down, and then saw Caroline come out, wiping her eyes with a
handkerchief.
Standing up, she said
"why the tears Caroline?"
"What,” Caroline
said as she looked at Grace. “Oh, sorry
Palomino - I just had a video chat with Fiona."
"And?"
"Well,” Caroline
said as she sat down, “her doctors seem very, very pleased, but she does look
so weak, and frail."
"After what she's
been through...are you surprised?"
"No...not really I guess...but she's one of my few links along
with you and Aunt Karen back to my mother."
"I know that
Face." Grace embraced her friend.
"Anyway to what do
I owe this pleasure," Caroline gave herself a mental shake.
"Oh nothing
complicated, some notes for Annie that she needs to review."
"On
the ongoing Nuns/Angels thing?"
"Yeah you guessed.
I am just so glad we never took rivalries this seriously back at the
Abbey."
"I know,"
Caroline laughed, "it can get more than a little
out of hand. I hear you’re heading home
next week for a few days?”
“Oh yes,” Grace said as
Ama brought them both a coffee. “A family reunion for my uncle’s birthday. Should be intriguing...”
8 pm
4th Avenue, the Ashley
apartment
“Poppy, would you bring
me some water to the table please?”
“Sure Mom,” Poppy said
as she went to the kitchen, bringing a glass of water and placing it next to Pippa as she wrote on a pad.
"So what is all
this homework Mom?" Poppy looked at the pile of magazines her mother had
spread on the dining room table.
"Just
that...homework darling," Pippa looked up and
smiled, "I've been asked to a preliminary interview about the job of
Editor-in-Chief at Complete Style."
"Anna is
leaving?"
"No, she's getting
promoted and they are looking for candidates to take over the US edition."
"WOW!...Way to go Mom!" Poppy high-fived
her mother. "So what chance you'll get it?"
"Probably pretty
low," Pippa took off her glasses and chewed the
end of one of the arms, "but it's a hell of a thing I'm even being asked
to interview."
"So
when?"
"Friday
afternoon."
"I'll keep my
fingers crossed."
“Did you give the card
to Erica today?”
“Yeah – she moves
tomorrow, and I hope she likes what we included.”
9 pm
The Richmond Mansion
“So she has been
offered the position?”
“Yup,” Juliette said as
she sat down with Diana, “and she’s going to take it. And she should – despite the increased
workload, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
“And so an era comes to
an end – and the search for a new editor-in-chief begins.”
“There cannot be that
many candidates?”
“There aren’t – and she
confirmed Pippa is in the hunt.”
"So why is Pippa Ashley getting the close look Juliette Cherie?"
Diana asked.
"Because in 4
years,” Juliette said as she filled the glasses, “she has turned what was a
moribund and failing title and made it relevant and profitable again."
"I'll admit it has
been a pretty impressive turnaround." Sandy brought in a tray of snacks
and laid it down. “New Mode has become a
popular magazine again.”
"But isn't it's
readership a little younger then that of CS?"
Diana queried.
"And a little less
well off?" added Sandy.
"True on both
points,” Juliette said, “but you both know Pippa
quite well now, do you really think she cannot be just as good at picking high
fashion trends, as she has been at picking more department store level sold
things?"
"True, she does
dress impeccably herself." Diana took a snack.
"You wouldn't mind
working for her Ju?"
"As long as she
accepts that I pay some rent and part of the salary to the girls so I can also
run Huntingdown’s from the office, then I'm
okay."
"So
what about Merlin?"
Sandy asked.
"I guess they will
interview Mary for the job, they have to just on her seniority."
"But does she want
it Ju darling?"
"I'm guessing not,”
Juliette said with a smile, “she likes her niche as style and creative
director, and with Fiona's worries, I think she'll pass on it."
“So who else do you
think is on their shortlist?" Sandy sipped her wine.
"Jim
Chastain, and Marie-France Erec, if I don't miss my
guess."
"And you have ancient
feuds going back to our Paris days with both of them..."
"OY" Sandy
rolled her eyes.
“So in many ways, I do
hope Pippa gets the job. Besides, I have another problem to think over
in relation to Anna. She’s been talking
to Janine, and to Cathy, about one person in particular.”
“Marina? Mon Dieu, do you
mean she is looking at Marina as her PA?”
“It’s looking that way
– remember she did a magnificent job in St Petersburg, she speaks Russian,
Mandarin and Cantonese, and is an organised woman. If you were Anna, taking
this job, and looking for a PA who can work to the new role?”
“True – but you need to
consult with Cathy and Shirley – and where would that leave Kylie?”
“Exactly – as I say, something to think about...”
5 pm Pacific Time
Oakland Hills
“Mary, tell me why I am
doing this again?”
“Because you are my
brother, and you love me – now come out and let me have a look at you.”
Mary stood to one side
and looked at David as he came out, wearing a tuxedo over a white shirt,
waistcoat and dark trousers.
“I look like a
penguin,” he said as he looked at himself in the mirror.
“Look bro of mine,”
Mary said as the assistant made some adjustments, “if you are going to be my
escort for Trina Culver’s party, then you need to dress the part, and besides -
you look kinda handsome in a tux.”
“But I feel so
uncomfortable Mary…”
“It will be better on
the night…I promise.”
“How are the shoes?”
the sales associate asked.
“Better then the suit.”
“Stop complaining.”
Mary looked up at the ceiling and counted to ten. “That’s good.”
“Alright,” the woman
said with a smile, “you’ll be able to collect these the morning of the event
and return them the next day.”
“Understood.” Mary nodded.
“Now will that be cash
or credit?”
“Cash please.” Mary
carefully counted out the pile of notes onto the counter.
“That’s perfect,” the
associate counted the cash then gave Mary her change.
“Okay get undressed
Kiddo,” she ordered her brother.
“Thank you,” David said
as he walked back into the changing room.
“You don’t remember me
do you?” the saleswoman smiled again as Mary looked at her.
“Well I thought I did,
but I couldn’t be sure.”
“I’m DeeDee Harding - I sat behind you in math.”
“Oh that’s where…” Mary smiled and shook her head, as she said “Hi
DeeDee; long time no see.”
“So what’s the big
event that little brother is getting all dressed up for?”
“A friend,” Mary said
as she looked to the curtains, “she’s having a fancy party and I got invited,
he’s getting dragged along as my escort.”
“Still no boyfriend?”
“DeeDee”
Mary said with a smile, “who wants a beanpole like me?”
“Now you are a model I
would think plenty of guys…”
“You heard eh?”
“That a girl I went to
school with is now becoming a famous model….whaddya think?”
“I guess so, but model
or not, still no guys ask me out. I guess once you are typecast as ‘Stringbean’ Clarke, people don’t forget.
“Oh ‘Stringbean’ that name does take me back,” DeeDee shook her head.
“Can we go now,” David
said as he came back out.
“Sure – nice to see you
again DeeDee.”
“And you Mary...”
Thursday 21st January
8 am
Downtown, Mary Thomas’ Apartment
“All right Erica – bags
all packed?”
“Yes Mom,” Erica said
as she sipped the last bag up, and came through to the kitchen.
“Well, sit down and
have your breakfast before Letty comes to pick you
up,” Mary said as she pushed a toasted muffin over to her.
“I’ll meet you at
school today to come over to the new apartment,” Denice
said as she sipped her coffee. “We can
start to unpack out things after that.”
Erica nodded as she
drank her orange juice, and then put her glass down.
“Erica?”
Denice watched as her daughter walked over, and
hugged Mary. “Thank you,” she said
quietly, “for everything. When you come
back, come and tell us all about it in our new home.”
“AI I will,” Mary said
as she hugged the young girl back, “now go and learn new things.”
Erica smiled as she
grabbed her bag and ran out, Denice looking at Mary
as she did so.
“She’s right you know –
if you hadn’t stepped in when you did...”
“Now that’s enough,”
Mary said with a smile. “Your bags
packed?”
“Ai
– yours?”
“Ai – I’ll see you
safely over and your things unpacked, and then I’ll catch my flight later
tonight. It’ll be good to be home
again.”
“If
only for a little while.”
“As you say, if only for a little while. Come on – one last cup of coffee, and we’re
ready to go.”
10.30 am
W 20th Street.
Sandy smiled as she saw
Mary pull up in her old car, Denice getting out and
looking at the three storey brownstone.
“Hey,” she said with a
smile, “welcome to your new home. You
have the second floor apartment on the left – why don’t you come with me, have
a look round before the van arrives?”
“Okay then,” Denice said as she followed Sandy to the entrance to the
brownstone, Mary following her in. As
they walked up to the second floor, the door to the apartment opened and Tonia Razinsky looked out, smiling as she said “ah good – come on
in Denice, come on in.”
As she walked in, Denice looked at the large mirror in the hallway, while
Mary closed the door behind them.
“Right – hallway
obviously,” Sandy said as she looked at her tablet, “with closet to the side
for coats and other sundry items – so hang them up in there, and we can move
on.”
“Fair enough,” Denice said as she slipped her coat off and put it on a
hanger, Mary doing the same before they walked into the front room. Denice was
surprised to see some of her own furniture back in, with some new chairs and
coffee tables arranged in a three quarters square around a wall mounted
television.
“The television comes
as part of the apartment furniture,” Sandy said, “as does the entertainment
centre that is connected to it. Like
it?”
“I do,” Denice said, “but it’s good to see this again.” She ran her hand over the back of her
favourite chair, before she said “they moved it all in yesterday, didn’t they?”
“Well – yes,” Tonia
said, “now then, let’s have a look at the kitchen, shall we?”
“Yeah – right,” Denice said as they went into the kitchen, and she smiled
as she saw the old dining table and chairs, alongside the modern kitchen.
“You can test this
later,” Sandy said, “let’s go through the rest of the rooms first.”
As they went round, Denice could see the mixture of her own furniture with the
new – such as the large chest of drawers with her own bed in the larger
bedroom, and a new dressing table in Erica’s room. She figured it was part of the furnishings of
the house – and then they stopped outside the last door.
“So what’s this – a
dining room?”
“Not really,” Tonia
said, “but we all know you are starting a new job, and that Erica will need
somewhere to study as well, so this is possibly the most important room in the
house.”
Sandy opened the door,
she and Tonia standing back as Denice and Mary walked
into the room. The large windows opened
out onto the street, but that wasn’t what grabbed Denice’s
attention.
What she was looking at
was the wall, lined from ceiling to floor with shelves, and the shelves filled
with books. She walked over and looked
at the titles, running her hand over them.
"Alright who selected
all these books?" Denice finally asked in awe.
"Let me just say
the Welsh Mafia went to work," Mary laughed. "I have an old friend
who used to have a shop on the Charing Cross Road in London, but he now has
retired over here. I gave him a list of both your interests, and a budget, and –
well, these are my housewarming gift."
"Mary these must
have cost a fortune?" Denice said as she looked again
at the titles.
"Well Owen got
them at trade discount,” Mary said as she stood by the wall, “he did save an
awful lot."
"Even so..."
"Don't worry, I
can safely afford it you know,” she said with a smile, “and I do know how much
you enjoyed my library."
"The desks are the
gift from Mom, Heather, me, and the kids." Sandy looked proudly at the oak
desks she had found and had restored.
"And other bits of
furniture and decorations around the place I suppose are gifts from other
sinners?" Denice looked round half in jest.
"Yep," Sandy
laughed.
"You are serious
aren't you?" Denice shook her head, "how
will I ever thank you all?"
"By enjoying your
life here as much as we have enjoyed creating the apartment." Tonia came
in with a tray of glasses.
“That’s right lass,”
Mary said quietly as Sandy brought in a bottle of champagne, “the rest of your
stuff will be here soon, and we’ll get your bags in, but this – this is your
home now.”
“So I propose a toast,”
Sandy said as she handed the glasses round, “to Denice
and Erica.”
“Ai – Denice and Erica,” Mary said as they raised their glasses,
and toasted the new home.
The revelry was
interrupted by a knock on the door.
Sandy went off, returning a few minutes later with Caroline.
“Nice,” she said as she
looked round. “Denice,
you’d better come and tell the guys where to put things.”
1 pm
Xavier International
“Madame?”
Shirley looked up as
Susan came in for the briefing. "How
are the details coming Susan?"
"Slowly Madame, finding
the right place to do this to please both Janice and me is not proving
easy."
"Is Natalya in
place?"
"She should
be." Susan checked her watch.
"And
Heather?"
"Is
set up at home monitoring everything, and everybody."
"It does so help
to have such a tech genius on our side."
"Absolutely
Madame."
"So is there
anything else absolutely urgent?"
"A few documents
need your signature..."
"For
the regular business?"
"Yes, we have had
a lot of fresh enquiries since Christmas, I need your authorisation
before I can proceed with some things."
Shirley looked through
the papers, and then said “it all appears to be in order,” before she signed
where needed. “Do you have your dress
sorted for tomorrow?”
“I do Shirley – and
April will stay with Orlanda at George Gresham’s
apartment.”
“Excellent – well, all
we can do now is wait for Louise to make herself –
indispensible.”
1 pm
Outside the Speakeasy, Buffalo
As Louise walked round
to the stage door, she saw the dark haired woman who knew the owner standing by
the entrance.
“Hey,” she said as she
got closer, “you enjoying working here?”
“I am,” Louise said,
“why?”
“The boss said you were
on the lam from a psycho boyfriend – how bad?”
“He liked to hurt me,
and I didn’t like him doing that,” Louise said as she stopped for a moment.”
“Got a light?”
“Don’t smoke –
sorry. Forgive me, but what is your
name?”
“It’s... Now who the hell is that?”
Louise turned to see
the motorbike coming down the alley, and then saw the rider take a gun from
their leather jacket.
“Shit – GET DOWN,” she
called out as she pushed the dark haired girl to the floor, two bullets
whizzing over their heads as the bike drove off.
“What the fuck... How did you know?”
“Happened to a friend
of mine in Tokyo – are you all right?”
“Yeah - thanks – they
call me Lynx.”
“Louise.”
“Louise, I’m going to
let the boss know what happened – she may want to thank you personally.”
4.15 pm
W 20th Street
“Well, here we are,” Denice said as she opened the door, Erica coming in and
looking round wide eyed.
“Oh my,” she said
quietly, “this is so different. Where’s
my room?”
“Third door on the
right – your things from the old apartment are there to put away, I’ll get some
coffee on,” Denice said as she watched her daughter
walk down and go into the bedroom.
“Okay,” Caroline said
as she appeared from the front room, “that’s the security system wired up. The control box is in the coat closet.”
“Thanks,” Denice said, “I still can’t believe we are finally here?”
“Well you are. My team made sure everything was put in the
places you pointed out – save for Erica’s room, as per your request.”
“It’s important she has
her own space the way she wants it,” Denice said as
Erica came out.
“Oh
hello Caroline – you been here all day?”
“Making sure things
were put safely away – have you seen the rest of the apartment yet?”
“No – let me give you
the tour,” Denice said as she took Erica by the arm
and led her to the other rooms, Caroline smiling as she took out her cell
phone.
“Susan? Installation complete at the Burton
apartment. Start the policy, will you?
“Many thanks,” she said
as she heard Erica say “oh my god, Mom – and these books are for us?”
“Apparently,” Denice said as Caroline joined them in the library.
“So,” Caroline said, “I
think I’ll leave you both to get used to the place.”
“Caroline, thank you
for everything...”
"Oh, by the way -
these are for you." Caroline smiled as she handed Denice
a well wrapped parcel.
"Oh these are
lovely," Denice shook her head as she removed
the four hand painted plates that were inside.
"They date from
about 1825, and are from the Swansea pottery..."
"From
South Wales?"
Denice looked up.
"Exactly, they
aren't hugely valuable, but knowing your passion for Wales I couldn't resist
buying them as a housewarming gift."
"Oh Caroline you
needn't have..."
"But she's going
to treasure them anyway," Erica hugged her mother.
"That I am." a small tear came to Denice's
eye.
“Right – see you
tomorrow Erica. School
day and all that.”
“Let me show you out,” Denice said as Erica looked at the books.
8 pm
W 20th Street
As Erica took the
dishes to the kitchen, and loaded them into the dish washer, she heard her
mother saying “thank you, Mr Jacobs – that is a great help. I hope to see you soon.”
"Who was that on
the telephone Mom?" Erica asked as they sat in the front room.
"Do you remember
that antique dealer friend of Shirley's...John Jacobs?"
"Just
about."
"I was talking to
him about those plates that Caroline gave us."
"Oh,” Erica said,
“and what did he have to say?"
"Only that they
aren't hugely valuable, though the right piece can fetch a nice price."
"And
our plates?"
"From my
description he said they sounded fairly typical of Swansea ware. He said that
he has had advised a few friends over the years who are like us..."
"Black?" Erica interrupted.
"No Welsh, as you
darn well know," Denice laughed back, "that
if they want to start collecting pottery that it's a great way to do it."
"Well we do have
that great cabinet Tonia gave us Mom."
"Just my thought
darling, I might start trying to learn a bit about Swansea pottery and se if I can turn collecting it into a hobby."
"Good for you Mom. I think I’m going to love living here."
“So am I – but that
does not excuse your homework.”
“No, I know,” Erica
said with a sigh, “I’ll get it done now...”
Friday 22nd January
1 pm GMT
Knightsbridge
The taxi stopped
outside the terraced house, Mary Thomas stepping out and paying the driver
before she turned and walked up the short stone staircase.
Pressing the intercom
button, she looked up and down the street before a Scottish voice said “Aye?”
“Fiona, me lass, put
the kettle on and do a brew up.”
There was a chuckle
before Mary heard the familiar voice say “get up here, you daft wee Welsh
lassie.” The front door clicked as it
opened, and Mary walked in, closing the door behind herself and stopping to
collect some mail from the letter box before she walked to the first floor.
She looked at the door
to the left of the stairs, with “Ms F MacKenzie”
engraved on the gold panel, before she let herself in.
“Where are you lass?”
“In the kitchen – ye’ll hae tae take me as ye find
me.”
“I always ha...” Mary stopped in the doorway as she looked at
Fiona, a blue scarf tied over her hair, her body thinner than she had ever
remembered.
“Wha’s
the matter Mary – hae I got a dirty mark on me?”
“Sorry,” Mary said,
“it’s just I didn’t realise.”
“Ye shulda
seen me a week ago,” Fiona said as she stood up and walked over to the
kettle. “I ahm getting better, or so they tell me. So get yer coat
off, gie us a hand, and let’s hae
a natter.”
A few minutes later,
Fiona eased herself into a rocking chair as Mary poured the tea.
“Ah that’s better,” she
said as she took a sip, “when I cannae
eat much, this keeps me going. So how
are ye, lass?”
“I can’t complain – and
what do they say about you?”
“Well, the last tests
were clear, but ye know these people – ah take it wan day at ah time. So how are your houseguests?”
“Moved on yesterday –
their new apartment was ready, so I’ll be on my own again when I go back. But little Erica has promised she and her
friends are going to come round every so often – and I have work to keep me
busy.”
“So I hear – wha’s this rumour about Anna?”
“It’s not a rumour,”
Mary said as she sipped her tea, “worldwide editor of Complete Style.”
“My my – she’ll love
that job,” Fiona said with a smile, “so who’s in the starter’s line up? You?”
“They asked, but I said
no,” Mary said, “and according to Janine, Juliette’s ruled herself out as
well. I think they’ll go outside?”
“Oh
– who tae?”
“My money’s on Phillipa
Ashley.”
“Wee Pippa?”
Fiona sipped her tea and then carefully put her cup down. “Aye, well – she has dun ae
guid job at New Mode, and she has the experience and
eye. She’d be a guid
fit. Would Juliette work with her?”
“We both would,” Mary
said, “but we’re a way off from that.
She’s coming into the offices this afternoon for a preliminary
chat. Which reminds me – got some things
to show you.”
“Oh good – I don’t get
that much frae the office,” Fiona said as she looked at Mary’s tablet. “Oh my – is that wee Judith?”
“It is – she’s growing
up fast, and this shoot in St Petersburg has the makings of a classic.”
“So ah see – young
Caroline as well, and – now who is this wee star?”
“That’s Missy’s latest
discovery – her name’s Mary Clarke, hails from San Francisco, and a more down
to earth girl you could not believe. For
most of her life, she and her dad have brought up her kid brothers and sisters
– Missy found her when she came to turn down her bedspread as a hotel maid.”
“Yer kidding? Wie tha bone structure?
I take it she’s gone full time now?”
“Only just – she needed
kid glove handling, but she’s now the face of the hotel, and free
to do shoots like this...”
“An
wha aboot the over lassies?”
“Friends
or models?”
“Mary...”
“Okay, okay – Jo is
finally getting used to the idea of being a model student like Cari, and is back at her college now. And as for Sandy’s kids...”
“Wee Sandy and George?”
“Not so wee now, trust
me – Sands is blooming into a beautiful young woman, and as for George and Katy
Carter...”
“Och
aye – Jack showed me the photos he took of young Katy. We talk every so often on yon internet
thingy. That young lassie has a future
as well.”
“And of course,
tonight’s the night. The
ball in New York, where young Abby is presented with some of the other girls
from Paris.”
Fiona smiled as she
closed her eyes. “Aye, I wish ae culd be there, but – well,
we’ll see when they say ae can fly again.”
“You concentrate on
getting better,” Mary said as she put her hand on Fiona’s knee. “Do that, and the
rest will come.”
1 pm
The de Ros
Mansion
“Abby, Fiona, you will
both need to eat something – it will be late before they serve dinner at the
ball, and you will need all the energy you can get.”
“I know, Mama,” Abby
said as she picked at the casserole, “I’m just nervous?”
“You and me both,”
Fiona said as she sipped some water.
“Still,” Olivia said,
“eat. Trust us – you will feel better
for it.”
The two girls nodded as
they started to eat a bit more, Diana and Olivia shaking their heads.
“They weren’t this
nervous in Paris, were they?”
“There they were kept
busy all day, as happens in Vienna,” Diana said quietly, “the problem with this
ball is the fact that they first meet at the Pierre.”
She looked up as Edith
came in, and said “Alice McKinnon and her entourage are here Madame.”
“Alice,” she said as
she stood up and kissed her old friend, “we are ready?”
“My friends will need a
while to set up.”
“Of course – Edith,
show Mrs McKinnon’s team to the master bedroom, and then bring
some coffee for all of us.”
“Well now – ready for
the night to remember?”
“Another one,” Fiona
said with a smile.
“We’ll leave you to it
after we have finished lunch Bats,” Olivia said. “I cannot wait to see what you have done
tonight?”
“Oh I have almost
surpassed myself, I think.”
“Almost?”
“April, Diana – with
all due respect...”
“I know and understand,
ma Cherie,” Diana said with a smile.
“Valeria will join us later, to avail herself of your make-up and hair
artists. In the meantime, please – join
us.”
“Thanks,” Alice said as
she sat down. “By the way, I got a card
today.”
“As did I,” Diana said
as she showed Olivia the gold embossed card.
His Serene Highness
Prince Niklaus von Furstenheim
and Miss Juliette Huntingdown request the pleasure of
your attendance on the occasion of their marriage.
Saturday, April 2nd
11 am
Munich Frauenkirche
The
wedding breakfast to follow at the Furstenheim Munich
Townhouse.
RSVP
“Very regal,” Olivia
said as she handed it back.
“Indeed – who is this
Frau Strecher?”
“The Furstenheim estate manager – I suspect a person it would be
unwise to upset...”
2 pm
Complete Style
“Anna?”
Anna Mitchell looked up
from her desk as her assistant looked in.
“Phillipa Ashley is
here – she has an appointment?”
“Of course – show her
in please.”
Anna stood up and
walked round as Pippa came in, wearing a fitted black
jacket and knee length skirt with a white top under the jacket. The three inch Italian leather pumps added a
little extra height.
“Pippa
– thanks for coming round this afternoon,” Anna said as she indicated some
chairs by a low table. “Joan, would you
fetch coffee for two please?”
“Of course,” the
assistant said as Anna sat down, her skirt arranging itself as she did so.
“I understand
congratulations are in order,” Pippa said as she
placed her bag on the floor.
“Well, it’s not
officially announced yet,” Anna said, “but thank you. I have to admit, it is a challenge, but it is
one I think I will enjoy. I should
congratulate you as well – the latest issue of New Mode had a few things I wish
I had thought of.”
“I am sure you did
think of them,” Pippa said as Joan brought the coffee
in, and then went back out.
“The higher up have
suggested I meet with each of the potential candidates before they do, and then
we can compare thoughts, before deciding on who may be invited back for further
interviews.”
“I wouldn’t have
expected anything less – thank you,” Pippa said as
Anna poured the coffee and handed her a cup.
“I have to confess, however, I was surprised to get the call. I’m sure there are far more qualified editors
out there – even within this building.”
“Don’t sell yourself so
short,” Anna said with a smile before she sipped from her cup. “Anyone who can turn a magazine round in the
way you did at New Mode is worthy of respect.
I for one certainly think you would be qualified to do this job.”
Putting her cup down,
she picked up a file and handed it to Pippa. “You and the other people I am talking to are
going to be in a privileged position – this is the mock up of the March issue,
our New Faces edition. Have a look
through, please.”
Putting her own cup down, Pippa carefully
opened the file and flipped through the pages, stopping to look at some of the
shots.
“I have to say, I’d
need to put something spectacular in New Mode to beat these,” she finally said.
“Slightly different
audiences,” Anna said with a smile, “but that’s not the reason I wanted you to
see it. The decision is already made,
but if it was up to you, who would you put on the cover?”
“I wouldn’t.”
Anna raised an eyebrow
as she said “there are four or five girls there that are equally deserving of
the honour of the cover – Trina, Mary, Charly, a
couple of others. My suggestion would be
one of two things – both possibly a little out of left field for you.”
“Try me.”
“Possibility one – a
cover that only has a wardrobe or a box on it, with a large ribbon tied round
and a question mark, with the caption ‘Who is the Face of 2016?’”
Anna sipped her coffee
again as she said “the other possibility?”
“Get Jack Linklater or John Hammond to do a special shot of all of
them together. That issue last year when
Caroline Jameson broke out? The picture
of her and Karen Boyd with Alex Richmond was the perfect choice – it set the
tone for the entire issue.”
Sipping her own coffee,
Pippa watched Anna as she slowly nodded.
“Both interesting
ideas,” she finally said, “but I really function as the school marm to the editorial team here. What do you think of them?”
“The
team?” Pippa put her cup
down as she said “honestly?”
“I would like an honest
opinion?”
“If I was fortunate
enough to be offered the position here,” Pippa said
carefully, “I wouldn’t change any of them.
Seriously, Anna, having Mary Thomas as the Style
Director and Juliette as the Fashion Editor is the cornerstone of one of the
best teams out there.”
“So you could work with
them?”
“I think I could – I’ve
always believed in letting my staff run with their talents.”
“Are you aware of the
nature of the contract we have with Juliette?”
“No – but I would
imagine there is provision in there for her to run Huntingdown’s
as well as her work here?”
Anna nodded. “We have an agreement where she pays for the
use of office space to run her business, as well as her paying some of the
wages of her staff. It has never
interfered with her work for us.”
“I would be amazed if
it did – but I would have no problem with accommodating that. And Norstar?”
“Missy handles all that
– Juliette is the majority shareholder, and her future sister-in-law Sigrid
handles the tax side of that business.”
Anna saw the smile on Pippa’s lips. “I
take it you got an invitation as well?”
“Totally unexpected –
but yes, I did.”
“Will you and Poppy
attend?”
“I hope to – depending
on the work situation.”
“Well, I will be going
– and if I was you, I would make the arrangements as well.”
“Is Mary here today?”
“No – she’s on leave,
visiting the old country. I believe she
was visiting Fiona MacKenzie today.”
“How is she?”
“The treatment has
finished, now comes the wait.” Anna
finished her coffee, before she said “they’re expecting you upstairs in five
minutes – is there anything you want to ask me?”
“Can I ask a really
impertinent question?”
“Of
course.”
Taking a deep breath, Pippa said “who can you see as your successor?”
“The right person,”
Anna said with a smile, “after all, they would have to work under me as
well.” Standing up, she walked to the
desk as Pippa stood and retrieved her bag.
“Joan? Would you take Miss Ashley up to the board
room please?”
As her assistant came
in, Anna shook Pippa’s hand. “I will say this – I am fairly certain we
will be talking again, Phillipa.”
“Thank you, Anna,” Pippa said as she walked out, Anna returning to her
desk. A few minutes later, there was a
knock on her door and Juliette came in.
“Well?”
Anna smiled and said
“she nailed it. Did John agree to do the
shot?”
“He’s going to tell the
girls tonight. He’s also booked a flight
out to San Fran to see Mary next week.”
“I really hope she
impresses those who must be obeyed today,” Anna said, “because in my book,
she’s perfect for the job. Anyway –
don’t you have a ball to get ready for?”
“See you on Monday,”
Juliette said as she left Anna to her work.
6 pm
4th Avenue, the Ashley
apartment
“Well, let me put it
this way, Poppy – I’m not out of the race, but I’m not the only runner.”
Pippa was sitting in her favourite armchair,
wearing jeans and an old jumper and holding a glass of wine in her hand.
"So what would the
salary be Mom?" Poppy stretched as she lay on the couch.
"Quite a bit more
than I earn currently,” Pippa said, “plus stock
options, clothing and travel allowances."
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
"And you think they were impressed with you?"
"I wish I knew...” Pippa sat forward
and put the wine glass on the low table.
“It was easy enough talking with Mary, but so many of the corporate
people are just glorified accountants who know nothing about fashion or even
really how you put together a great magazine."
"Just like your
current bosses."
"Exactly
darling. Before the big interview, I had a coffee with
Anna Mitchell, and she tested me."
“Tested you? How?”
“She showed me the mock
up of their upcoming New Faces edition.
The main article has Abby de Ros working with
some of the new crop of names that are coming through – the idea been to
introduce the girls they may expect to see soon.”
“Would they normally do
that?”
“Only if they trusted
me not to tell anyone, and it was too late to change anything. The test was to see who I would put on the
front cover of the new faces.”
“So was there an
obvious name?”
“Nope – and that’s the
point. You single one of those faces
out, it’s no longer the New Faces issue – it’s the New Face issue. So I offered a couple of suggestions to Anna
– I wonder what they actually did do?”
“And then the big
interview?”
“Oh yes – we went over
my career, experience, how I would handle certain situations. Standard corporate speak
– and I think I acquitted myself well there.”
“I’m sure you did Mom,”
Poppy said with a smile. "So any hints on the competition?"
"Well,” Pippa said as she sat back, “we have Marie-France Erec. She edits the
French edition of Complete Style, and has that incredible chic that comes from
several generations on French aristocracy..."
"Like Diana de Ros?"
"YES,” Pippa said, “except Marie-France is known as a mean
ruthless bitch, unlike Diana who would not hurt a fly."
“What do you mean?”
“When I was a young
model with Grace,” Pippa said, “we were hired to take
part in a shoot celebrating Country chic for Vogue. Marie-France was the sub editor at that time
on the magazine, and had been dispatched to oversee the shoot.
“Well, she was an
absolute bitch – ordering everyone round, poking in on everything. She was lucky she didn’t get a right hook
from Naomi Campbell the way she was talking.”
“Yowzers,”
Poppy said. “She doesn’t sound a fun
person.”
“She isn’t – and she
really does not like one Juliette Huntingdown for
beating her to a job at Complete Style a few years ago. No love lost there.”
"Okay she's the internal candidate,” Poppy said, “who is the other?"
"Jim Chastain...” Pippa picked up her
glass again. “He's done a bit of
everything - male model, photographer, designer, writer, editor...He almost
literally could do almost any job on the magazine."
"Where does he
work currently?"
"In Los Angeles,
he runs that Fashion television network your Aunt Jeanne works for, but word is
he wants to get back into magazines."
"He sounds
formidable?"
"Oh take it from
me Poppy, he is VERY formidable. Much as
I hate to say it, he is a lot like I was until recently – holding grudges
right, left and centre."
“Don’t tell me he holds
a grudge against Aunt Ju as well.”
“Oh yes – mainly
because he really tore into a young model one year, and that model was a close
friend of hers. Sandy Richmond. So all three of them don’t
exactly like him.”
“So what is the next
stage?”
“If we are invited back
for interview, it’s the whole day – and no warning of...”
The sound of the
telephone ringing made both Poppy and Pippa look
over, before Pippa stood up and walked over.
“Pippa
Ashley?
“Oh hello Mary, what
can I do for you?
“I see – okay then, let
me know when you wish to see me. Thank
you again Mary.”
“Well,” Poppy said as
her mother put the phone down.
“I made it to stage
two. Now begins the fun.”
6 pm
The Richmond Mansion
"So Uncle Alex is
bringing a guest Mom?"
"He is indeed,”
Vanessa said as she adjusted the skirt of her gown, “the Kennedy girl had the
misfortune to have her escort catch chicken-pox of all things, and I asked
Glenda's grandson to stand in, so Glenda has extended her stay here in New York
to take in the ball."
"Well I think Todd
will make a lovely escort for Sharon." Heather said as she looked up.
"Especially in his
dress uniform," Sands sighed, "the West Point cadets looked so
special at New Years."
"That they did
darling." Nessa smiled at her granddaughter.
"I have to admit I've always thought there is something special about a
man in uniform."
"And we finally
get to meet your mysterious gentleman friend Mom," Sandy's eyes twinkled.
“Indeed – and on that
note,” Vanessa said as John appeared, “I need to head to the ballroom. I will see you all there later.”
“We look forward to it
Mother,” Sandy said as she watched her mother walk out, the green silk
shimmering as she walked. “Right – I’m
heading to the shower.”
“Sands, George – your
father will be here soon. Have you got
your overnight bag ready?”
“Yes,” George called
down as Sandy walked up the stairs.
6.15 pm
Hobart William Smith
In her dorm room, Jo
had to stop herself laughing as she heard Carina curse under her breath, moving
round in her undergarments.
“Honestly, Cari, this is the best comedy I have seen in a while,” she
eventually said.
"Are you glad
still you didn't take up Nessa's invitation to bring
you out tonight Jo?"
"Oh more than you
can know," she laughed as she saw Carina in the background of the video
screen trying to find Abby's gloves that she had kept just for tonight.
"You prefer doing
English Lit to dancing?"
"I prefer doing
ANYTHING to all the fussing round you are doing."
Jo laughed. "While you are curtseying and doing formal dances, just think
of me tucked up in bed with a great book, a warm drink, and a smile on my
face."
"BITCH!" Carina yelled.
"Yeah
aint I a stinker!" Jo yelled back.
“Still, we’ll get you
to a formal again one of these days,” Cari said as
she held up the white kid gloves. “So
what are you studying for this class anyway?”
“Would you believe, War and Peace?”
“Okay, Smith, when I
next see you...”
7 pm
The Waldorf Astoria
“Stop fussing,” Mick
Harran called through from the bathroom, “I’m nearly ready...”
"Michael Treharran if you don't get your fucking arse in gear."
Fiona stood impatiently waiting for her brother, tapping her foot under the
skirts of her gown.
"Why sister dear,”
he said as he came out, adjusting his bow tie, “such coarse language from a Roedean girl."
"You'll hear worse
if you don't get a damn move on," Fi stared through her glasses. "Is
that a stain on your shirt?"
"No just a piece
of lint," Mick brushed it off.
"Is he
presentable?" Olivia called out as she knocked on the door.
"Is he ever?"
Fi called back.
"Come in Mother,”
Mick said as he opened the door, “it's not as though I have anything you've
never seen..."
"But not since you
were a little boy." Olivia entered holding her gloves, and giving her son
a quick once-over.
"Well do I pass
inspection?" Mick said as he pulled his tail-coat on, and picked up his
white gloves.
"Just about,"
Fiona growled, "honestly I don't see what millions of your fans really see
in you."
“That must remain an
eternal mystery, O radiant sister of mine,” Mick said as Charlie appeared in
the doorway, “shall we?”
7.05 pm
The Rochermann
Apartment
“May I say you look
wonderful tonight,” Daniel Rochermann said as he
watched Kelly putting on her pearls.
“You may – and I would
thank you for it kind sir,” Kelly said as she stood up and allowed the skirt of
her royal blue gown to fall to the floor.
Walking over, she adjusted his bow tie, and then kissed him gently on
the lips.
“Now be honest with me,
Kelly – did you ever think you would see this day?”
“Honestly? No,” Kelly said as they walked down the
stairs, to see Nell and Ally standing in the hallway, wearing mink stoles over
the shoulders of their white gowns. Both
girls were wearing the same style of gown, with a wide shoulder band and floor
length skirt, with their long gloves covering their arms to their elbows.
“Well now,” Daniel said
as he looked at both of them, “I guess I am a double fortunate father. I also get to do the father’s dance
twice. Your curtsy?”
The two girls dropped
elegantly as they smiled at their parents.
“The
Buffy McGeorge plan?”
“Avoid as much as
possible, and where possible Ally and I stand on opposite ends of groups,” Nell
said.
“All right,” Kelly said
as she put on her own fur coat, “let’s show them who we are.”
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