Money Trail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday 1st September

8 pm

The Carter Home

 

“Here,” Janice Carter said as she passed a beer over to Adam Ball, “you’re going to need this.”

 

“Thanks,” Adam Ball said as he sat in front of the coffee table, “but I don’t get it.  What’s so important that you needed to call me over tonight?”

 

He watched Janice as she listened to her daughter having a bedtime story read by her grandmother, before closing the door and sitting down.  Opening her laptop and switching it on, she said “I didn’t want to spoil Katy’s day, and to be honest I’m not sure what the hell to do about this, but you need to see what I saw.”

 

“What the hell did you see,” Adam said as he looked at the desktop, and the video file that said, “Watch me.”

 

I switched my laptop on this morning to find this file on my desktop.  I have no idea how it got there, or who sent it – I’ve tried looking at the load history, but all it has is this morning’s date, and the time I switched my laptop on.”

 

“Funny – you ran the usual scans?”

 

“Of course I did – I mean, this is my personal laptop, but still…  Anyway, it came up clean, so I thought it was just some dumb download that Katy had picked up when doing some work for her new school.”

 

“And?”

 

Janice said nothing, but started the file, Adam watching the caption cards.

 

GOOD MORNING, AGENT JANICE CARTER

 

WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO SEE IS A RECORDING OF AN EVENT THAT TOOK PLACE YESTERDAY AT A SECRET LOCATION IN THE CITY

 

IT HAS NOT BEEN EDITED, AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE IT IN A LAW COURT, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU VIEW THIS AND BEGIN TO ACT ON IT.

 

THE PEOPLE YOU WILL SEE ARE DEPENDING ON YOU AND OTHERS – HELP THEM.

 

Pausing the video at that point, Janice stopped and looked at Adam, taking a drink from her beer.

 

“What the…  This was sent to you specifically wasn’t it?”

 

Janice nodded, and said “by someone who could hack into my personal computer and leave it, with no trail.”

 

“You need a forensic sweep done on this.”

 

“Agreed – I’ll take it in tomorrow, but right now – just watch.”

 

Adam sat back and looked as some sort of social function appeared on the screen.  “All right, so far so good, it’s a…”  He then sat forward and said “That’s Cohen – who the hell is he with?”

 

“I recognize the Chinese woman – that’s Chen, the one whose restaurant I visited last week.  I don’t recognize the others, but I really want to know.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Keep watching.”

 

“That was some heavy security whoever is filming this passed through – how did they fail to detect a hidden camera?”

 

“Bloody good question – given they also managed to plant this and leave no trace.  Recognise any of the people there?”

 

“Some of them,” Adam said, “but where are they?”

 

“Here we go.”

 

They watched as the tall African woman welcomed the guests, and talked about the two-stage auction.

 

“So this is an auction house?  I don’t…  Oh sweet god in heaven.”

 

“Now you know why I wanted you to see this first,” Janice said as the ring of girls was walked round. 

 

“Someone is translating this,” Adam said as he heard the soundtrack.  “Could this be Langley saying sorry?”

 

“I have no freaking idea,” Janice said as a tall young girl was spoken to, and then whoever was filming asked how much.

 

“It’s a fucking slave auction,” Adam Ball said as he put his beer down, and watched the girl been taken away before the woman walked out, talked to the African woman, and then approached Cohen and another man.

 

As the money was handed over, Adam said, “Shit – we thought Cohen was into gun running, but this…  And all those people…”

 

“It gets better – watch.”

 

They listened to the argument between Cohen, Chen and the other man, before Cohen stormed off.

 

“Slaves, Guns, Diamonds – this is way way outta our league Janice.”

 

“Tell me about it,” Janice said as they observed the main auction begin, and then the woman left, exchanging pleasantries with the African woman before she was escorted to collect the younger girl.  The film ended with the hooded girl being escorted to a door, before the captions appeared again.

 

THE GIRL YOU SAW BEEN BOUGHT IS NOW FREE, AND UNDER OUR PROTECTION.  SHE IS HELPING US TO GATHER MORE INFORMATION.

 

THIS NIGHTMARE TRADE WILL END.  DO WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO DO IN YOUR CAPACITY.  WHAT WE HAVE GIVEN YOU WE KNOW IS ONLY A START FOR YOU, BUT WE HAVE FAITH YOU WILL DO WHAT IS RIGHT.

 

DO NOT LET THEM OR US DOWN, AGENT CARTER.

 

The screen want blank, as Adam looked at Janice.

 

“You know Callaghan is going to go apeshit when he sees this?”

 

“He is?  For God’s sake Adam it looks as if there is a very large, well organized conspiracy involved not just in arms smuggling, but people trafficking.  If this is true, a lot of very powerful people will be in trouble.  Shit, if this is Langley, then they’re seriously asking for our help.”

 

“Does that scare you as much as it scares me?”

 

Adam nodded silently, as he said “I’ll call Callaghan – tell him we need to see him tomorrow first thing.  Bring the laptop – and brace yourself for a rough ride.”

 

8 pm
The Brewster Townhouse

 

Abby was curled up in an armchair, Jeannie reclining on one of the couches, as Missy Auerbach looked at both of them.

 

“With all the fuss over the Christening, Missy, the fact the Fall fashion weeks are coming up completely slipped my mind – what are the dates again?”

 

“New York is 4th to the 11th,” Missy said quietly.

 

“The Fourth?  Thursday?”

 

“Yeah – it slipped my mind as well, but I have the invites for your shows here.  My real problem is the invites for the following weeks.  London is the 12th to the 16th, Milan 17th to 23rd and Paris 23rd to 1st of October.”

 

 

"Missy you know we both have school?" Abby reminded her agent.

“I know – and I appreciate that, but the invites are there.”

 

"No way we can do London." Jeannie looked at her diary.


"How about flying weekends for Milan and Paris?"

“Milan?  Missy, you won’t be there either – the christening, remember?  Not even Juliette is going this time – I heard she’s handed that and London over to Fiona, and Fiona has delegated to her staff so that she can come over here.”

 

“I know, Jeannie, I heard the same thing too – what about Paris?”

 

"Most of the time we'd be in the air Missy." Abby moaned.

"I can always ask Miss Tennant?"  Missy looked hopeful, but as Jeannie pushed herself up she wondered if she had said the wrong thing.


"Missy our Mums will have a bloody fit." Jeannie raised her voice.

"I can always ask."

"Goddess save us from our agents." Abby rolled her eyes.

"Missy the deal with my mum is school comes FIRST!"

 

“All right, all right – the three are out, but here in the city?”

 

“Go on,” Abby said as she held her hand out, “what does the schedule look like?”

 

Missy handed the list to the two girls, who glanced down it and then looked at their diaries.

 

“Oh boy,” Jeannie said quietly, “this is going to be tough.  I can’t do the show on the 7th Missy – I have the Vanity Fair shoot at the Metrop all day.”

 

“So noted – we’ll decline that one.  Abby?”

 

“I’ll get our mothers,” she said as she stood up.  “In theory, fine, but we’ll need some help from your grandfather Jeannie.”

 

“Tell me about it – two shows a day most days?  I hope I can get some assignment extensions…”

 

Tuesday 2nd September

9 am

FBI Field Office

 

“All right,” Tom Callaghan said as he entered the conference room, “What’s so important we could not do this in my office?”

 

Adam and Janice looked at him before Janice said, “We want to show you a video file I was sent anonymously yesterday.  Only Adam and I have seen this, and after we have shown you it I will take a copy on encrypted stick for evidence purposes, before I submit my laptop for a full forensic examination.  Phil is coming to collect at my call.”

 

“Sent anonymously?  By what means?”

 

“Direct transfer to the desktop on my personal machine.”

 

Callaghan looked at both of them and said, “Play it.”

 

“All right,” Janice said as she started the file, watching her commander’s face as he viewed the film.  She could tell the exact moment when he realized what was going on – he had been taking notes, and then dropped his pen as he mouthed “what the f…”

 

He looked over at Janice, who nodded and said, “Keep watching.”

 

“Well,” Tom said, “I recognize Cohen, and the Chen woman, but not the other two.  But the people that are there – they could not have been there unless they knew…  There are at least three senators in there!”

 

“I know,” Adam said as he began to redden, “keep watching.”

 

Tom watched the film to the end, and then sat back in silence.

 

“Call Phil,” he eventually said, “and then we’ll talk.”

 

Janice put a memory stick into her laptop and saved a copy of the file while she made a phone call.  Five minutes later the tall, bearded form of Phil Majewski of the Computer Labs came in.

 

“This file,” Janice said as she pointed to her laptop, “appeared on here yesterday.  We need to know how.”

 

“Give me an hour,” Phil said as he left, closing the door behind himself.  Tom stood up and walked to the window, looking out onto the street.

 

“It’s fucking incredible,” he said, “that film suggests a highly organized group, with some very heavy personalities involved, involved in diamond smuggling, arms supplying and buying, and slave trading?  At the very least?”

 

“And they are doing it for the most select of people,” Adam said quietly.  “We could spend at least a week identifying everyone on that film.  But where the hell do we start?”

 

Tom picked up the telephone.  “Gail?  Clear my diary for today, and tell Director Mackay I’m on my way up to see him – urgently.”

 

“You’re going to see Jock Mackay?”

 

“Adam, this is out of my league – possibly even his.  I need to show him this – passkey?”

 

“Katy05,” Janice said as she passed him the stick.

 

“In the meantime, I want an exact report of what happened from both of you, on my desk in the hour, then find out what Majewski found.  I’ll call you when I need to speak to you after that.  Go.”

 

Janice and Adam left Tom as he picked up the phone.  “Get me Langley – FBI Liaison Brooks.”

 

 

 

An hour later, Janice tapped on Phil Majewski’s office door and said, “Knock knock.”

 

“Come in you two,” Phil said as he waved them over.  “I’ve been over your laptop and the activity logs Janice, and…”

 

“And?”

 

“I can tell you that you logged onto your laptop just before 9.31 am yesterday morning.”

 

“How?”

 

“Because the only damn thing I can tell you about this file is it was downloaded to your desktop at 9.31 precisely, and whoever did it managed to bypass the source location information.  When I look, it just has the date and time of creation.  What’s more, your activity logs stop at 10 pm on Sunday, and then restart at 9.30 tomorrow with the booting up – no record of how the file got there.

 

“I would put good money on some form of directed internet hack, but beyond that – bupkiss.”

 

“Who has the knowledge and ability to put a file on my machine without leaving a trail?  I thought everything got recorded somewhere on these things?”

 

“It does,” Phil said as he sat back.  “As far as I know there is just one person on earth good enough to do this Janice.  We know him or her simply as the Hidden Hand, or as Van Gogh.”

 

“Van Gogh?”

 

“Yeah, Adam, Van Gogh.  This prankster used to leave pictures by Van Gogh as evidence of where he or she had been along with copious notes on how to improve the security of the computers that had been hacked.”

 

“So this Van Gogh is not malicious and destructive?” Adam asked.

 

“No - just incredibly smart, and able to do almost anything with a laptop.”

 

“Question - Could this Hidden Hand be a Langley asset?” Janet asked.

 

“I used to think so,” Phil replied, “but events over the past couple of years make me think he or she is a freelance, that they do what they do primarily for fun.  They managed to hack Langley a year or so back.”

 

“We’d have heard about that wouldn’t we?”

 

Phil just smiled.  “Mind you, though, I’ve heard rumours the Hand might have some criminal links.”

 

“Criminal?” Janice asked.

 

“That big bank heist in Connecticut where they got to a data storage facility.”

 

“Yeah.” Janice sat forward.

 

“Just something about the way they got into the system reminded me of the Hand.”

 

“Are you saying the Hidden Hand is part of the Pussycat Gang? … That he’s a she.” Janice asked.

 

“I don’t know,” Majewski sat back in his chair, “there was just something so remotely familiar about the work.  Mind you, there are others who may have recruited him or her – any of the friendly intelligence agencies for example.”

 

“What about the unfriendly ones?”

 

“Let me tell you a story – might give you an idea of Van Gogh.  You know the Chinese have been behind several cyber attacks of major systems and corporations?”

 

“Well, that was the rumour,” Janice said.

 

“It’s fact – well, what is not as well known is a year ago, someone hacked into the Chinese Ministry of State Security computers, and programmed them to play the Star Spangled Banner at 8 am Washington time every day.  Took them over a month to find the code in their systems, and sources say it still happens on the more remote outposts.”

 

“Van Gogh?”

 

“I think so, although I could not possibly comment.”  The telephone rang and Phil picked it up.

 

“Majewski?

 

“Yeah they’re here, I’ll tell them.”

 

“What’s up,” Janice said.

 

“Callaghan wants you in his office – he’s got a visitor he wants you to meet.”

 

“We’d better get up – thanks Phil.”

 

“Hey Janice?”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“I’ll get this back to you later – it needs a major tune up.  On the house.”

 

“Thanks,” Janice said as the two agents left him to his work.

 

 

 

“Come in.”

 

“You wanted to see us,” Adam said as he and Janice came in.

 

Tom stood up, as did another man.  He stood about five seven, with short grey hair, but Adam had him sized as ex-military despite his regulation suit, shirt and tie.

 

“Rupert, meet agents Janice Carter and Adam Ball.  Janice, Adam, this is Senior Supervisor Rupert Brooks, our Langley liaison.”

 

“OH,” Janice said as they shook hands, “come to tell us what happened last Saturday?”

 

“Yes – and no,” Brooks said.  “Sit down, please.”

 

“Yes and no – were you in the Intelligence Corps?”

 

“I was, Adam – but I’m not trying to be obscure.  Tom has shown me the video you were sent Janice – it tallies with certain other information we have received from our sister agencies.”

 

“You know,” Janice said, “I’m getting a little sick of double speak.  I just want some straight answers!”

 

Brooks sat down, removed his glasses and wiped the lenses, then looked at all three of them.

 

“Tom, Adam, Janice,” he finally said as he sat up, “what I am about to tell you was never said, if you ever ask me to repeat it I will deny everything.”

 

“Okay Mr. Brooks you’ve made yourself perfectly clear, so can you tell us what the fuck is going on?” Tom sounded more than just a little angry.

 

“The reason we at Langley were able to deny Cohen’s kidnapping was one of our ops was exactly because it wasn’t.”

 

“Oh come on Mr. Brooks I saw those bitches, they were damn CIA.” Janice growled her displeasure as she looked at him.

 

“I’m not saying they weren’t Agent Carter.”

 

“But you just said it wasn’t a CIA op.” Janice looked confused.

 

“Exactly.”

 

“What he’s saying Jan is that while they might have been Langley people it wasn’t a sanctioned job.” Adam spoke.

 

“A rogue element in the agency, Mr. Brooks?”  Tom asked.

 

“Actually,” Brooks said, “we think it’s more like a coalition of the willing recruited on a need to know basis.”

 

“In other words someone is unofficially using CIA resources to attack these people.” Callaghan nodded.

 

“We don’t think it’s just CIA Tom, we have heard rumours that MI6 are involved, the French Sûreté, some people within your own agency here, and even certain criminal elements.”

 

“You are damn well joking,” Adam said as he looked at Brooks.  The man shook his head, and said “You will have heard that the Australians have issued an arrest warrant for one of their diplomats, Dominic Rice?”

 

“I saw the notice,” Tom said quietly.  “He was in their UN delegation, and then one night disappeared?”

 

“That’s the official version – the truth is someone broke into his house, tied up and gagged his housekeeper and maid, killed his private secretary cum bodyguard, and took Rice with them when they left with the contents of his safe.  He hasn’t been seen since.”

 

“How the…  You were monitoring him, weren’t you?”

 

Brooks nodded.  “They were five women – two came in on an upper floor, three the front door.  No, not your Pussycats – they claimed they came from Gravitas.  The name is known to us.  One of the big criminal players – only get involved in major things.

 

“The really interesting thing is, within 24 hours his house had been cleared, and his housekeeper and maid were seen flying to the west coast – and since have disappeared as well.  Add to that the fact that the ASIO...”

 

“Australian Security Intelligence Organization,” Tom said to Janice and Adam.

 

“They were sent a dossier detailing Rice’s involvement in the smuggling of blood diamonds and arms, and – well, you get the picture.  The dossier came from a source known to have connections with major criminal organizations.  Hence the feeling they are involved as well.”

 

“Now why the fuck would all those people agree to work together?” Tom asked.

 

“Because they are all women.”

 

“Agent Carter?”

 

Janice spoke quietly, “They are mothers, daughters, grandmothers, that’s why.”

 

“And how did you come to that conclusion Agent Carter?” Mr. Brooks asked.

 

“Because when I saw those pictures of that slave market, something deep in me wanted to do anything I could to stop and hurt those bastards doing that to young innocent girls… Mr. Brooks your coalition of the willing is a coalition of very angry women who will do anything to stop this vile trade.”

 

“You’re saying that these women have reached out to each other and come together just for this one thing Janice?” Callaghan asked.

 

“I’m saying that if they had asked me and shown me this evidence I would have joined them.” Janice again spoke quietly.

 

“So the reason they contacted you… ?” Adam murmured.

 

“Was because I’m a woman, and a mother, they knew exactly what my reactions would be.”

 

“Janice you know this is all totally illegal, that everyone of these women is committing a crime.” Tom reminded her.

 

“I don’t think it matters to them, anymore then it would have done to me if I’d been invited in on this party.”

 

“They’ve chosen you precisely because you are clean and straight as an arrow Jan.” Adam looked her in the eye.

 

“I know,” Janice spoke, “And I agree with them, everything is put aside till we get these bastards.”

 

“So you are willing to act as our link Agent Carter?” Mr. Brooks asked.

 

“You’re damn fucking right I am.  With my boss’ permission of course?”

 

“Brooks, “Tom said, “You know the profile of the Pussycat Gang.  In your eye, if this is a coalition of angry women, would they have reached out to them as well?”

 

“Possibly – if they needed heavy hitters in the New York area.”

 

“That’s all the justification I need,” Tom said.  “Janice, if they contact you again, tell them you are helping.  Adam, watch her on this one, this must not become personal.”

 

Adam nodded.  “What about the video?”

 

“We’re analyzing it to identify as many as we can.  We’ll share all we have if you share all you have.  I will tell you one thing though, for free.”

 

“What?”

 

“The tall grey haired man?  That’s Sir Winston Twining, the head of the UK delegation at the UN.  If this proves to be true, we have a major international and diplomatic incident on our hands.”

 

“Fuck,” Adam whispered under his breath. 

 

“I’ll be in touch,” Tom said as he shook the hand of Brooks, watching as he left.  “Well, I was hoping for a busy month anyway,” Tom, said.  “Jock has said you report direct to me on this, and me to him.  No one else.  Janice, you all right?”

 

“The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“I’m just wondering – are we Churchill, Stalin or Roosevelt in this?”

 

“If this gets screwed, and people suffer, we may end up being Hirohito.  Get going.”

 

“Want to get together for a drink after work,” Adam said as they left the office.

 

“I can’t – I gotta go to Sandy’s.”

 

“Another girl’s night out?”

 

“Hardly – more like practical driving 101, we are sorting out the morning milk run.  Come on – let’s see what the canteen has to offer on Murder Row today.”

 

 

3 pm

 

“The official word,” Tom said in his office to Adam and Jackie, “is hands off.  Unofficially, we’re continuing our gun operation, given it is tied into this.”

 

“So what is the current word on Cohen?”

 

“He’s been at home all day – no visitors.  The phone tap says he has spoken to some woman called Angel twice today, both short conversations.”

 

“Angel – could that be the African woman?”

 

“Possibly – they spoke Queen’s English.  No accent.  Anyway, we’re keeping an eye on him.  Anyone else at this point is hands off – their security clearance alone means if we approach them, the Pentagon gets nervous, never mind our Virginia friends.”

 

“If you’re right about this being a Mothers United thing, Janice, they’re going to contact you soon.  Let us know when and we’ll provide back up.”

 

Janice nodded as she stood up.  “I’ll be back in a minute –should not have had that burrito,” she said as she walked quickly to the toilet.

 

A few minutes later, she was washing her hands when the cell phone went off.  Looking at the screen, she saw “Caller unknown” and answered it.

 

“Look,” she said abruptly, “I do not appreciate…”

 

“Good afternoon Agent Carter – I take it you received my film?”

 

“You?  You sent that film?”

 

“I did.”  The voice sounded smooth, deep, almost cat like.  “I hope you have already taken action concerning the content?”

 

“Who are you?  Why me?”

 

“Because you are a brave and resourceful woman, Agent Carter.  My colleagues spoke of a woman who tried to intervene last Saturday – you were easy enough to identify after that.”

 

Janice looked round before she said, “All right – what do you want?”

 

“To meet and talk to you – alone.  No guns, no bugs, no agents within half a mile – and especially not that handsome partner of yours.”

 

“How do I know you won’t harm me?”

 

“Because you need our help, and we need yours.”

 

Janice swallowed and said, “All right – where and when.”

 

“Tonight, 8 o’clock, there’s a bar on W 57th called O’Malley’s.  Be in the centre booth by the wall.  I’ll recognize you.  Any sign of support or guns, and I don’t show.”

 

Janice heard the click as the other person hung up, and thought for a moment, before heading to the meeting.

 

“Everything all right?”

 

“Yeah – I need to avoid that in future.  We good here?”

 

“Yeah – go do what you gotta do.”

 

 

 

 

5.30 pm
The Richmond Mansion

 

As Sandy came back into the mansion from an appointment with a client, she thought for a moment that Carina was back with Jude and the others, such was the level of noise.

 

As she walked into the kitchen, however, she stopped and said “What the crap?”  She recognised Abby and Jeannie and guessed the other girls in the St Angela’s uniforms were fellow freshmen.  She also saw Katy with her two children, and guessed the other strangers talking to Barbara were the other mothers.

 

 “Sorry my fault Sandy,” Heather said as she looked over, “I called a meeting so we can work out car-pooling arrangements.”

 

“Want a coffee Sandy?” Janice held up the pot.

 

“Please.”

 

“Okay everyone I’m Heather Smith, and I’m Sandy’s nanny.”

 

“Hi Heather,” some of the people said

 

“I’m going to be running Little Sandy, George and Katy to school every morning.”

 

“You don’t mind bringing Katy home with you?” Janice asked, “Just till I can collect her.”

 

“No problem Janice.” Heather smiled.

 

“Okay I’m Heather’s sister Jo.” Joanne spoke up. “The original intention was that Abby and I would drive alternate days and take Jeannie to school.”

 

“We changed ideas a bit when we were at the pool on Saturday.” Jeannie spoke.

 

“Ally here,” Jo pointed  “says we might as well use her jeep as well.  So Mrs. Colman, Mrs. Broadsmith, Mrs. Carlton, Mrs. Morse, if you trust teenage drivers enough, we are offering to pick up Nikki, Pepsi, Anna and Becca and take ‘em to school in the mornings.  We’ll need to decide who take who from where – we can thrash that out later.”

 

“Getting home might be more of a problem - we all have different schedules, but I think we can work it out.”

 

“Well if the girls can get here, I can watch them till they can be collected.” Heather offered.

 

“Darling I thought my house was going to be LESS of a teenage club house this year.” Sandy whispered in Heather’s ear.

 

“Patience – it’s not as bad as it sounds,” Heather whispered, as there was general agreement.

 

“Right – girls, with me to the front room, and we’ll plot routes on the map.”

 

As the girls went into the front room, Barbara said “Don’t worry – if my shifts allow, they can come back to my place.  Jeannie will tell them that in a minute.”

 

“So how was your first day sweetheart,” Janice said as she looked at Katy.

 

“Fantastic, Mommy.  I made lots of new friends.”

 

“By the way Sandy, my lawyer said the contract was good – you’ll have it back tomorrow morning.”

 

“Excellent, we can discuss timings when you pick Katy up tomorrow.”

 

“Come on sweetheart,” Janice said, “we have to go.  Mommy has to go and meet someone tonight.”

 

“All right Mom – bye Sandy.”

 

“Bye Katy – see you tomorrow,” the little girl said as Katy went off with Janice.

 

“How funny is it to see Jo taking charge, Heather,” Claire Morse said as she sat at the kitchen table.

 

“I’m actually proud of her,” Heather said with a smile.  “Anyway, how’s the job Barbara?”

 

“Tiring – it’s taking a while to get used to the way you manage your medical records over here.  You must be Anna’s mother.”

 

“Is it that obvious,” the small blonde haired woman said, wearing a pair of faded jeans and trainers with a blue jumper.  “I’m Emma Carlton, you’re Jeannie’s mom, right?”

 

“Barbara Brewster,” Barbara said as she nodded.

 

“I recognized you from the issue of Complete Style – you arrived in the country a few weeks ago, right?”

 

“Yeah – still getting used to the culture shock,” Barbara said with a smile.  “So Anna is the Jamie Kirkham scholar?”

 

“That’s right – it was a huge surprise to us when she won it, but we’re so proud of her.”

 

“And so you should be,” Claire said, “She’s a very bright young lady, and Becky is already a firm friend.”

 

“This is just overwhelming,” Mrs. Broadhurst said as she joined them, “to think little Pepsi was at Grant Junior High, and then…”

 

“Pepsi?”

 

“Sorry – it was her nickname when she was a toddler.  I’m April Broadhurst.”  She was dressed in a boho top and long flowing skirt, with brown laced ankle boots and a shawl tied round her waist.

 

“Well, she seems to be fitting right in.”

 

“Forgive me, Miss Richmond.”

 

“It’s Sandy, April.”

 

“It’s just for the daughter of a florist from the village to make it in St Angela’s, never mind becoming friends with a supermodel or two, and to be at the home of one of the richest women in the city, it’s a little overwhelming.”

 

“Tell me about it- and I’ve known this lot for a few months,” Barbara said, the rest of the table laughing.

 

“What abut you, Elaine?  How does it feel to have a girl at both schools?”

 

“Confusing,” Elaine Colman said with a smile.  She worked as a property agent for one of the realtors, and was one of their top workers – allowing her to afford a reasonable lifestyle.  She also dressed in a business style, with a grey fitted jacket and skirt, and a blue silk blouse.

 

“I don’t understand why you didn’t send Nikki to Sacred Heart as well?”

 

“Honestly, Claire?  It was a compromise made some years ago.  You remember my mother in law?”

 

“The Gorgon.” Claire Morse rolled her eyes.

 

“Well she was a Nun, but I was an Angel, as you know.  So while Nikki’s sister went to one, Nikki is going to the other.”

 

“Talked to Kelly yet?”

 

“Oh yes – she gave me some pointers.”

 

“Listen,” Barbara said, “if our girls are going to be friends, I’d like to get to know you all as well.  Let’s make this a regular thing, all right?”

 

“Got it – you going Heather?”

 

“Yeah – need to make sure my charges do their homework,” Heather said as she kissed Sandy.  “Then I’m off to see a friend for dinner.  But let me know when the next coffee clutch is, all right?”

 

 

8 pm
O’Malley’s Bar

 

Janice walked in, her black leather jacket zipped up tight as she looked round.  Her dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she wore a pair of black ankle boots with her jeans.

 

She noticed the booths along the far wall, and smiled as she saw the middle one was free.  Slipping into the seat, she leaned back and looked round the other customers.

 

“What will it be,” a waitress said as she came over.

 

“Small Guinness and a serving of wings,” Janice said as she looked at her.

 

“Coming right up,” she said with a smile as she walked away, Janice wondering if this was just a big joke.

 

“Hello Agent Carter.”

 

Janice suddenly looked up to see a woman standing beside her.  She wore a high collared black jacket with an embroidered front, and Janice could see the red lipstick and expertly applied make-up on her face – even with the veil that covered her head under the black leather cap, and the large dark glasses covering her eyes  

 

Looking down, Janice could see the black leather miniskirt, more like a belt than a skirt, the fishnet stockings and the four-inch black leather pumps.

 

“Well, your invitation was intriguing,” Janice, said, “Why don’t you take a seat?”

 

“Thank you,” the woman said as she sat, her black-gloved hands folded on her lap as the waitress brought Janice her food and drink.

 

“Can I get you anything,” she said to the stranger.

 

“Long Island iced tea,” she said with a smile, her voice deep and smooth.  As the waitress left, she turned and said “thank you for agreeing to our terms, Agent Carter.”

 

"Are you the one they call Van Gogh?" Janice asked

"Oh are they still using that name about me." Heather's voice came back a sexy purr. "Personally I've always preferred the Hidden Hand.  But yes, I am that person."

 

The waitress returned with the drink, Janice watching as Heather fed the straw through the veil and took a long drink.

 

 

“I have to ask what your first thought was when you saw the video,” Heather said as she put the drink down.  In response, Janice picked up one of the wings.   “Let me express it this way,” Janice said quietly.  “We were watching Cohen, because he was suspected of involvement in a gun smuggling operation.  When I saw him in that video, and what he was doing…”  Janice snapped the wing in two, and put it back on the plate, Heather nodded.

 

“Of course you did – you are a mother, as are many of my associates.  We wish to end this trade, and eliminate the cancer that causes such things to fester.  We have banded together to do so, and now we are reaching out to you.  Will you help us?”

 

“I need to know who is involved in this.”

 

“I can only give you general details, but I am sure you have already figured much of this out- I heard about last Saturday, and the incident with Cohen.  We regret the way that was done – had we followed out plan, he would have simply disappeared when he went to the rest room.”

 

Janice nodded.  “So you approach me to what – provide the US support?”

 

“Alongside others, yes.  I am also only a worker, a contributor – I am not one of the leaders.  They felt, however, you may be more open to speaking to the one who sent you the proof.”

 

“Just how many are you?”

 

“Enough – we have spent considerable time collecting intelligence.  In return for your cooperation, we would be prepared to share the intelligence on Cohen with you. –And one other, one you have not identified yet.  One who is in the inner circle of the conspiracy.”

 

“How can I trust you?”

 

Heather took another drink and said, “You cannot.  But you came to meet me, didn’t you?  I think you are willing to help us.”

 

“I am – this sickens me.”  Janice took a drink of her beer, and said, “So what happens now?”

 

Heather reached into her jacket pocket and took out a data stick.  “The girl you saw in the video is under our protection, and has told her tale.  So has another girl who was sold in this way.  Watch these – and we will contact you to talk again, soon.”

 

“What do you expect me to do in the meantime,” Janice said.

 

“Enjoy your wings,” Heather said as she finished her drink and stood up.  “Continue your investigations, all you find will lead you the right way.  As I say, we will be in touch.”

 

“One more question,” Janice, said as Heather started to leave.  She turned and purred “yes?”

 

“Are you on the side of the angels or the devils – as a rule?”

 

“In this case,” Heather said, “angels and devils are working together to deal with a greater evil than you have faced before.  What does that tell you?”

 

Janice nodded as Heather walked out, moving her body so that the men turned and stared as she walked across the bar floor.  Janice looked at the stick, and then ate another wing, slipping the storage device into her purse.

 

 

 

Wednesday 3rd September

2 am

New Haven

 

Carina yawned as she checked her secure e-mail, while she gave baby her two o’clock feed.  So far Judith was an angel, she and Judy had not really had that many disturbed nights and she was never a problem being dropped off at the nursery while Carina went to class.

 

“So what has everyone been up to today?” As she said this to herself, she read both the reports from her own people and from Madame X’s.   It appeared the opposition was all very worried indeed – she particularly enjoyed the transcript of a meeting between this Angel and Twining as they discussed which agency was after them.

 

She had also seen a copy of the video of the auction, and as Judith sucked on her breast she knew she wanted to do something to end this.  Somehow Carina felt a little out of things and detached being up here in New Haven, but she also realised distance was maybe giving her a little perspective on things.

 

“All that money from the auction - where is it being hidden?” she typed into the group chat.

 

“That’s a good question?” she was surprised to see Susan still up.

 

“Hey Susan.”

 

Carina smiled as her friend typed back “Hey Cari.”

 

“It’s something I need to chase up.” Heather joined in.

 

“Why aren’t you both in bed, at least I have an excuse… lol.” Cari typed.

 

“My husband SNORES!” Susan typed.

 

“OMG.”

 

“Sandy fell asleep, but I was still wide awake.”

 

“Well as long as it wasn’t while you were making love to her.” Cari typed in.

 

“Hey I’ve had that happen…” Susan typed.

 

“Poor Susan…lol” Cari commiserated.

 

“Heather we need, in the immortal words, to follow the money.” Susan typed.

 

“I started… two minutes ago.” Heather typed.

 

“So ready for the Christening, Cari – two weeks to go,”

 

“Vanessa called me today – the reception has been booked for after the service, and I need to give Alex the godparent’s names tomorrow.”

 

“So who are the lucky few?”

 

“Jude’s one,” she said as she looked at her sleeping roommate,” and Aunt Mary has agreed as well.”

 

“And the godfather?”

 

“I called Adam Ball today, and he accepted.  Alex is going to talk to all of them over the weekend – he’s coming up to see us on Friday.”

 

“Well, we’re looking forward to seeing you.”

 

Cari smiled as Judith let go.  “Well baby needs burping, talk tomorrow.” Cari closed down her computer and stood up, walking with baby over her shoulder.

 

 

2 am
The Carter Home

 

 

Janice tossed and turned in bed, before she sighed and threw the covers back, putting on a robe over her gown and heading to the kitchen.  As she put the kettle on and dropped an herbal tea bag into a glass mug, she kept thinking over the events of the day.

 

This whole situation had turned her moral compass completely round. As she poured the water in, and watched the pale green swirls emanating from the bag, she realized her own mind was moving from one side to the other.  When she was satisfied the drink was strong enough, she put the bag in the trash, held the mug in both hands and went to sit in the darkened front room.

 

She was certain in her own mind that some of her new allies were the very murdering bitches she'd been trying to catch, while others served the forces of law and order. Taking a sip of the tea, Janice thought about the offer she had received.  Could she? Should she? Put aside her personal quibbles about working with thieves and murderers if it helped solve a larger evil?

 

Moral relativity had never been one of Janice's strong points; something was either right or wrong. Shades of gray she had always left to other people.  Yet, here she was, in that very position.  Brooks had called it a coalition of the willing, and by God she was willing, but still…

 

The thing was she knew she had done wrong by not reporting the contact from the Hidden Hand, but she wasn’t sure that as men they understood the visceral response all this had brought out in her. Part of her felt that she was betraying Tom as her supervisor, but particularly Adam as her partner.

 

The whole question really was whether the people she had seen on that video, those good, supposedly upright and honest people were really better than those who were at least honest in their greed and criminality.

 

Putting her cup down, she looked out of the window onto the street.  Was there a greater morality that could allow her to work with those who espoused crime and wrongdoing as a lifestyle, if it stopped the evil that these supposedly good people had visited on these innocent children?

 

Or should she forget that while some of her allies were from the dark side, and remember that at least some were members of the police and security services?

 

Janice shook her head.  If the Pussycats were helping these people, then she was associating with those she had said she would bring down, for torturing and killing innocent people.  People like those in the film…  Surely those who were on her side in this had had the same argument in their minds?

 

But what guarantee that some of the authorities were involved as that of good? Wasn’t it just as possible that police and national security people were in on this heinous conspiracy?

 

Were the only people in this world one could honestly trust ones true friends? Was everyone else potentially suspect?

 

Janice finished her drink and walked back upstairs.  Had she misplaced her faith all these years in the basic goodness of people, and the validity of the system? She knew she could trust Adam, she knew she could trust Tom and many others, but what of those she didn’t know, how many of them truly espoused in their hearts the morality that came from their lips?

 

Looking in Katy’s room, she saw her fast asleep, clutching her teddy bear.  Reaching over, she stroked her hair back and gave her a gentle kiss on her head.

 

 

That she had seen Senators, supposedly men who debated in their lofty chamber the fortunes of this nation watching and probably buying child slaves disgusted her. If one could have no faith in their goodness, what could one really have any faith in?

 

“No.” Janice thought as she climbed back into bed, there are things I believe are right and what is wrong. The enslavement of children was WRONG! She imagined if being sold on an auction black was a fate that might befall Katy… No she told herself, I may be compromising some of my ideals but my belief in the justice of what these women are doing is greater, I’m in this till the end, come what may.

 

She slowly drifted off to sleep, hoping Adam would understand…

 

 

2.30 am

The Richmond Mansion.

 

Heather put the fresh cup of coffee down at the side of the laptop, and then started to search.

 

“Now then,” she said to herself, “we have four names.  Legault, Xantu, Chen and Twining.  Let’s start with their personal banking details.”

 

She started to look into the personal details of all four, making notes on the pad beside her as she hacked into the bank computers and pulled up the personal account details for all four.  She then examined their transactions in the last week, and crosschecked with the other members of the inner circle.

 

“Hmmm,” she said after a while, “no obvious large transfers of cash between the four, but I didn’t think they’d be that stupid.  How about payments received?”

 

She checked carefully through the deposits made to each of their accounts for the last few months, noting their diplomatic salaries as well as income from other sources.  At first, she struggled to find any connection, but as she went to re-fill her coffee mug something struck her.

 

“What about family and company holdings,” she mumbled as she sat down and looked at their personal histories.  Starting with Twining’s wife, she found two accounts – her personal checking account, and an investment fund with Credit Suisse.  Looking at the investment account, she saw there were regular transfers of funds into the account, and then invested in two companies.

 

“Now, who would be on the board of directors for those companies,” she said as she sipped her coffee, and searched the business records.  “Well well well,” she said as she noticed the name of Oliver Cohen on one of the company’s board of directors, and then Francois Legault on the other one.  “Let’s see what we can find out about these.”

 

She scribbled furiously on the pad as she dug deeper, bringing up their tax records as well as the company accounts – the official version of them.

 

“Not much profit in either of them,” Heather mused, and then she noted the banks their accounts were registered with.  One was the same branch of Credit Suisse as the wife of Twining used; the second was a branch of HBSC near Central Park.

 

“Hmmm – cashflow seems healthy enough – but there were large deposits and withdrawals made on Monday.  I wonder if these are the shell companies – and if so, where did the money go?”

 

Selecting a transaction at random, Heather brought up the record of who and when the transaction was made by.  She also hacked into the security cameras of the branch of the HBSC bank, and smiled when she saw the view of the lobby at about the time of the transaction.

 

“Hello Ms Xantu,” she said to herself as she watched the tall African woman shake the hand of a bank official, and then walk into a side office.  She watched for a few minutes, checking the time clock against the transaction record, before they walked out and headed to the rear of the branch.

 

“Okay, so you made the withdrawal,” Heather said quietly as she sipped her coffee, “so you go and collect the money – which would normally mean a case and an escort.  Take, what, ten minutes?”

 

She fast-forwarded for ten minutes, only to see Angel Xantu walk out empty handed.

 

“Huh,” Heather said as she stood up and re-filled her cup, “so was it couriered to her later, or…”

 

She suddenly stopped and put the mug to her lips, drinking the coffee again before she smiled.  “Of course,” she said as she returned to the laptop, and examined a schematic of the bank.  She then accessed the secure footage of the private vaults she had noted, and sure enough two minutes after leaving the office she saw Angel and the bank official come in, followed by a man wheeling a small leather case.

 

“There is no trail out of the bank because it never left the bank,” Heather said as she watched Angel enter one of the vaults, and then leave after the bag was deposited.  “You clever clever little bitch.  Now, do we have a reference number?”

 

She went back to the bank records and worked for some time, eventually finding the vault records and soon identifying the one with her name against it – alongside that of Francois Legault.

 

“Now,” she said as she went back to Credit Suisse, “for ten thousand dollars, who has a private vault at this branch?  I’ll say Twining, Bob.”

 

“And you just won ten thousand dollars,” she shouted out as she found a vault in the name of Twining at the bank.  “Now, for twenty five thousand dollars, when was the last visit made to this vault?”

 

“Can I play the bonus card, Bob?”

 

“You may, Heather.”

 

“I’ll say Monday or Tuesday this week, after a transfer of funds deposited earlier to this company.”

 

“Let’s see if you’re right…”  Heather looked at the vault records and CCTV tapes, before she banged the table and said “Gotcha.”

 

Standing up, she walked over and switched the printer on, before she began to look at the records for both vaults over the last three years, and the current inventory of contents…

 

7 am

 

Jo woke to the sound of her radio, and got out of the bed, stretching and yawning before she put her slippers on and walked down to the kitchen.

 

Walking to the fridge, she opened it and poured herself a glass of orange juice, only to notice the empty coffee pot and the dirty mug.

 

Turning round, she saw her sister frantically arranging printouts and putting them into clear folders.  She was still wearing the t-shirt and joggers she had changed into after returning last night, and it was obvious she had not been to bed.

 

“Hey,” Jo said as she sipped from her glass, “what have you been up to all night?”

 

“I was going to ask the same question,” Sandy said as she came in, her robe wrapped round her and tied with a sash.  She looked at the empty coffee pot, and said “So, what was so interesting it was a better thing to do than sleep with me?”

 

“The money – I followed the money.”

 

“What money?”

 

Heather smiled at both of them as she shut down and closed her laptop.  “They’re good, but I’m better,” she grinned before saying “Sandy, if you’re making a fresh pot I need more coffee.  Jo, can you wake George and Sandy and get their breakfast for them?  I need to get showered and changed.”

 

“Now what on earth has she been doing,” Sandy said as she looked at one of the folders, and then looked at Jo.  “Better do as she says,” she said with a smile, “I think she’s found out something big.”

 

“Oh,” Heather said as she popped her head back in, “someone contact Susan and tell her I’m coming over to see them after the school run.”

 

“I do believe she has,” Jo said as she finished her drink and put her glass down.

 

 

10 am

The Waldorf Hotel

 

“So they are confused, would that be a fair assessment Charlotte?”

 

“It would Madame,” the red headed young woman said as she sat round the conference table with Penny, Susan and Dominique.  “Twining is under the impression it is MI5 that is onto him, and is very nervous indeed, but putting up a brave public face.  Chen is – well Chen.  Legault is definitely nervous, as is Cohen, but neither of them is doing much at the moment.”

 

“And the file?”

 

“It was sent to Heather – I am hopeful she can update us as to how it has been received within the agencies when she comes.”

 

“Late night Susan,” Dominique said as she caught her friend yawning.

 

“Clint snoring again – on which point, he informs me that Kimba has indeed arrived.  He drove him from Twining’s abode to the Mazengwean consulate, and then to the UN yesterday.”

 

“Penelope, the history check on Twining?”

 

“This gets even more interesting,” Penny said as she looked at some papers.  “Lillian sent the information through last night.  It turns out Twining’s ancestors had strong ties to what is now Mazengwe  - his great grandfather was actually the Governor of the country at one time.  They have a great deal of land out there still – and guess what sits on part of it?”

 

“I’m going to go out on a limb here,” Charlotte said, “and guess a diamond mine?”

 

“But I thought the current regime nationalized all that land some years ago?”

 

“So did I,” Penny said, “so Lillian dug a little more.  Turns out some of it was not.”

 

“Politics and greed make strange bedfellows,” Madame said as the door opened and Heather came in.  She was wearing a short sleeved blue blouse and a pair of grey slacks.

 

“Sorry I’m late – do you have any coffee,” she said before she started yawning.

 

“When did you get to bed,” Susan said as she poured a cup and brought it over.

 

“I didn’t – but more on that later.  Where do you want to start?”

 

Madame smiled, and said, “Let us begin with Janice Carter.”

 

“I think she’s in,” Heather said, “I met with her last night, and I think she’s as outraged as any mother would be.  She was certainly graphic in her description of what she would like to do to Cohen now.”

 

“You met with her?  In disguise I hope?”

 

“And using one of these.”  Heather opened her purse and showed them a small round device.  When she put it near her throat and said “And now what do you think,” her normal upstate voice was transformed into a deep, rich accent.

 

“Voice modification – very useful,” Madame said.  “So do you believe she will aid us from an agency perspective?”

 

“I believe so, but I sweetened the deal as you suggested, offering Cohen and Legault to them.  I also gave her a copy of Charlotte’s conversations with Ama and Maisha – I think they will tip the balance.”

 

“I find her a very interesting woman – strong moral ideals, and uncompromising in her pursuit of the truth.  I feel she will require careful handling.”

 

Heather nodded as Madame sat back.  “Further contact?”

 

“I will call her in the next day or two – but I now take her daughter to and from school, so there is social contact as well.”

 

Madame nodded, and said “I will be dining with Juliette tonight, so we will discuss that matter as well.  What else have you to tell us?”

 

“I followed the money.”

 

Susan sat up and said, “Don’t tell me you’ve found where the auction takings are?”

 

“Better than that,” Heather said as she put the clear wallets down, “I know where the takings from the last three or four years are.”

 

“Indeed?  For very intelligent people, I thought they would cover their tracks properly.”

 

“They did,” Heather said with a smile, “but they’re not me.  I traced it through a series of shell companies in the names of the family and partners of the inner circle, as well as trust funds and such like, but ultimately…”

 

“Yes?”

 

“The funds from the auctions are sitting in two private vaults – one in the name of Mister and Mrs. Twining at a branch of Credit Suisse, another in the names of Angel Xantu and Francois Legault at a branch of HSBC.  In these folders,” she said as she handed them to Susan, “are the access and transfer records for both vaults over the last five years – who got entry, what was put in, what was taken out.  I’ve kept encrypted copies.  The last transactions were made yesterday.”

 

Susan looked briefly at the transcripts, and said “In plain English, Heather.”

 

“In plain English, these two vaults hold the funds they use for day to day operations – I’d say bribes to the right people, ready access to cash if needed, and so on.  The security on these vaults is meant to be the best of the best of the best.”

 

“How much?”

 

Heather turned to Dominique and said, “How much is currently in the vaults?”  She looked at Susan, who was examining the last page of both transcripts.  She then looked up at Heather, and said, “You have got to be joking.”

 

“I’m not – there is about ten million US dollars currently resident in there.”

 

“Total?”

 

“No,” Susan said quietly, “each.  Twenty at least in total.”

 

The group looked round the table at each other, before Madame stood up.

 

“I feel such levels of funding need to be deprived to them, but it will take time.  Heather?”

 

“Part of the security issues with these vaults is they cannot be closed without a week’s notice.  I’ve placed a bit of code on the systems of both banks to alert me if a closure notice comes in.  If it does, I’ll let you know, but they won’t know that I have hacked in.”

 

“I can believe that,” Dominique said.  “But if we are to liberate these funds, we cannot do one and then the other – a raid of that size would put everyone on alert.  We need to plan.”

 

She suddenly stopped and looked over at the young blonde woman.  “Oh no,” she said quietly, “It can’t be…”

 

“Dominique?”  Madame looked at her chief enforcer as she stared at Heather.

 

“Heather I don’t know why this has never occurred to me before, but something just clicked in my brain… Are you Van Gogh?” Dominique asked.

 

Heather blushed and giggled modestly as she nodded her head. Madame and Susan looked from one to another, as Charlotte rose to shake Heather’s hand.

 

“Van Gogh?” Madame asked.

 

“Madame I always thought Heather was good, I never realized till just now that’s she’s the greatest.”

 

“Who the hell is Van Gogh?” Susan asked

 

“I always thought you were an urban legend.” Charlotte mouthed the words.

 

“Madame we are in the presence of true genius.” Dom smiled.

 

“Well we all know Heather is very, very bright.” Madame responded.

 

“Not just bright Madame.” Charlotte looked at her boss. “Stellar.”

 

“The greatest hacker of them all.” Dominique spoke admiringly.

 

“Well growing up in a small upstate town you can get a bit bored.” Heather didn’t reveal the true reason she had hidden on computers so much.

 

“Bored?” Charlotte laughed.

 

“Okay will somebody please explain?” Madame said a trifle impatiently.

 

“Madame you’ve heard of the trouble the Chinese had with the Star Spangled Banner?” Charlotte spoke.

 

“You’ve heard of that huge dump of secret Vatican files on the role of women in the early church?” Dominique added.

 

Madame thought a second. “I did hear rumours of both events – the Chinese certainly tried to keep the former quiet, and the latter was mildly amusing, but also very informative of how they tried to put women in their place.  But…”

 

“Both were known to be the work of an external hacker, who somehow managed to break into some of the most secure systems in the world.  Someone who knew how to circumvent their firewalls and blocks, and do maximum damage without leaving a trail.”  Dominique was beaming as she said “Someone who knew how to baffle any sensors, and managed to insert code and files with no record of ever being there.  Sound familiar?”

 

“You mean?”

 

“Yes we do.” Charlotte laughed as she clapped Heather on the back.  “She revealed the true records of the de Klerk regime.  Salange himself cites her as a huge influence on his crusade.”

 

“I heard they were the work of a group called the Hidden Hand.” Susan stated.

 

“I also thought that,” Charlotte looked at Heather obviously in awe, “She’s just one person, and she’s known as both Van Gogh and the Hand.”

 

“Am I to understand all that was the work of just one person?” Madame asked.

 

“Yes.” Charlotte smiled.

 

“So it was just one woman who caused all that to happen?”

 

“Yes Madame,” Dominique put her arms round her friend. “Heather the Nanny has been hiding her light under a bush.”

 

“Does Juliette know?” Susan asked.

 

“No, or Sandy, I guess I never got round to telling them.”

 

“Well, it does help explain how an Arts major is so technically gifted – Heather, my thanks.  You have gone above and beyond the call of duty.  What may I do for you?”

 

“Well, one of you could drive me home – I’m pooped.”

 

“Let me,” Penny said as she stood up.

 

“Dominique, I want you to contact Annie, and ask her if she is free this weekend.  Charlotte, Penny, I want you both to clear your calendars as well.”

 

“May I ask why, Madame?”

 

“I will inform you after I have consulted with Juliette – but I fear you may be in for a rather uncomfortable weekend.”

 

Susan looked at them and smiled – she knew what was coming.

 

“I’ll walk out with you,” Dominique said as Heather and Penny left.  Closing the door, she said “Heather, may I ask a personal question?”

 

“Of course – what?”

 

"Heather I've heard from Sandy you were living in your car when you applied for the job as her Nanny." Dominique spoke. "Jo also told me you were contemplating the ultimate act of desperation."

"I was." Heather nodded sadly.

"Ultimate act?" Penny asked.

"Killing myself."

"But with your skills anyone would have hired you."

"I wanted to work in the art world, and besides to prove my bona fides I'd have needed to show my skills.  Apart from the likes of the CIA, who's going to hire someone the police in virtually every country have a warrant out for?"

"We would have." Dominique smiled. "There's been an open invite for you to join us for years."

"I know." Heather grimaced, "But after High School and Yale I was determined to play things straight. It's why the Hidden Hand has been relatively unobtrusive."

 

“Well, I for one am glad she is on our side,” Dominique said quietly as Ama came out.  “Forgive me – I promised her I would take her to the Metropolitan today?”

 

“What about…”

 

“I’ll be careful,” Dom said as she took Ama by the hand…

 

 

 

Noon
Complete Style Magazine

 

Juliette was reviewing the plans for the latter part of the year when there was a tap on her door, and she looked up to see Mary Thomas standing there.  She looked as she usually did, in her waistcoat over a blouse and skirt, but she also looked nervous.

 

“What is it Mary,” Juliette said as she put her papers down, “you look as if you’ve seen a ghost.”

 

“Only in the nicest way,” she said, “John just dropped off the baby photos.  I presume you’d like to see them?”

 

“Of course I would – why didn’t John bring them to me personally?”

 

“I think he was afraid you’d kill him with gratitude – they’re beautiful,” she said as she placed the album in front of Juliette.  She watched as her old friend flipped through the album, and then handed her a tissue.

 

“You’re right, I would have,” Juliette eventually said.  “We’re going to need quite a few copies of these.”

 

“He’ll have them shipped to your apartment whenever you want – certainly for a fortnight Sunday,” Mary said, “on which point – have you any idea how an old Methodist like me feels being asked to be one of Judith’s Godmothers?”

 

“Delighted and proud?”

 

Mary smiled and said, “Dammit woman, you’re too good for me.  What the heck am I meant to wear to a Catholic christening though?”

 

“I understand clothes are usually the norm – and you are meant to be very good at that Mary…”

 

She ducked as the palm of Mary’s hand passed over her head.  “You damn well know what I mean – and I need to warn you now, Fiona’s going to be here that weekend.”

 

“Oh lovely – have you seen the guest list yet?  It already reads like a Who’s Who of fashion.  I had Stella McCartney on the phone offering to supply matching outfits for me and Carina.”

 

“And you refused?”

 

“Only because Cari would kill me.  It’s going to be some day.”

 

“Yup – and you and Carina get to be the supporting act.  Anyway – conference time.  Come on – before Anna puts one of these photos on the front cover.”

 

2.30 pm

The Richmond Mansion

 

John sat at the kitchen table, looking at maps of the island and the schedules by his side.

 

"John, are you sure you are up to running the girls round, combining shows and their school?" Sandy asked in a concerned tone.


"I think so." John gritted his teeth, "I've looked at their schedules with Missy, Mary and Miss Kelly, with luck… "

"And your driving skills." Sandy reminded him.

"As you say with my driving skills, then I think we can do it."

"Fashion Week isn't exactly schoolgirl friendly," Heather looked up from her computer.

"Yes but how many schoolgirls are also Supermodels?" Sandy asked.

"Not many." Heather smiled. "When I see them round the house looking so normal, I forget they have a whole different life as well."

 

“Don’t forget one of them is my granddaughter – and a year ago I was looking forward to the fact she might just come and live here.”  John sat back and rubbed his eyes.

 

“This happens again in the spring, right?”

 

“Yeah – but hopefully with a lot more notice.”  Sandy looked at Heather as she said “Things have just been incredibly hectic this month, haven’t they?”

 

“A slight understatement,” John said.  So, tomorrow?”

 

“From school to Central Park marquee for 4, then pick them up at 6.30 to get to the Crowne Plaza Time square for seven.”

 

“Well, let’s get that one under our belts first,” John said with a smile.

 

6 pm

The Richmond Mansion

 

“Okay so what is so damn urgent Heather?” Carina’s face stared out from the computer screen at all the others assembled in Sandy’s drawing room.

 

“I have a little secret I maybe should have told you all a long while ago.” Heather spoke quietly as she looked at the screen.

 

“Oh my Goddess - Sandy has got you pregnant.” Carina laughed online.

 

“No.” Heather smiled as the others all laughed, “Nothing like that.”

 

“Well lover, what?” Sandy put her arm round her girlfriend.

 

“Have you ever heard of Van Gogh?”

 

“He’s that artist you love so much.” Jo spoke.

 

“No,” Heather said quietly, “another Van Gogh.”

 

There was a chorus of no’s and general shaking of heads.

 

“What about the Hidden Hand?”

 

“Oh them I do know,” Carina smiled, “a secret group of hackers… Come to think of it now I do remember Van Gogh, an amazing hacker.”

 

“So what do these hackers have to do with you Heather?” Juliette asked.

 

“Well,” Heather smiled weakly and said “They ARE me.”

 

“WHAT?” Carina shouted down the computer.

 

“What are you saying lover?” Sandy looked puzzled.

 

“I’m saying,” Heather said with a smile, “that long before I even met you all, I was already a wanted woman.”

 

“Carina help me.” Juliette looked towards the computer.

 

“What she’s saying Mom is that she’s the world’s most infamous hacker.  Which, come to think of it, explains a hell of a lot.”

 

“My sister the wizard,” Joanne said with a smile as she hugged Heather. “So you’re a genius computer hacker?  Want to change my grades?”

 

“NO!”

 

8 pm

Delmonico’s, Beaver Street

 

“Miss Huntingdown – a pleasure to see you again.”

 

“Thank you Bernard,” Juliette said as she stood with Shirley, “I trust we have a quiet table?”

 

“This way,” the maitre d’ said as he led them to a quiet corner of the busy restaurant, and handed then the menus.”

 

“Alphonse will be your waiter,” he said as he bowed and left them alone.

 

“I have heard of this place,” Madame said as she sat down, “so I was glad when you suggested it.”

 

“Ladies,” Alphonse said as he came over, “a drink while you decide?”

 

“Manhattan.”

 

“Make that two,” Madame said as the waiter walked off.  “So, have you heard from Carina?”

 

“She’s working hard – and she’s sorry she missed you last weekend.”

 

“Well, I was otherwise occupied – but I think we may need her assistance soon.  In fact, we may need all of you?”

 

“Oh?”  Juliette smiled as she looked at the menu, “for what?”

 

“To empty their working accounts from the slave auctions.”

 

Juliette raised an eyebrow as Alphonse returned with the drinks.

 

“Are you ready to order ladies?”

 

“Yes,” Juliette said, “I’ll have the Tuna Tartare, and then the Veal chop with classic potatoes.  Shirley?”

 

“The crab cakes, and then the wild bass with corn and Zucchini.”

 

“Very good ladies – may I suggest the Semillon Chardonnay with your meal?”

 

“Why not,” Juliette said as the waiter retrieved the menus and left.  “So, you have managed to locate the accounts?”

 

“In a manner of speaking – they like to maintain a healthy amount of readily available cash.”

 

“Oh, how much?”

 

“At least twenty million as of this morning.”

 

Juliette looked at Madame, and slowly lowered her glass to the table.  “I did hear you correctly?  How do you know this?”

 

“Heather traced it – it is apparently held in two secure private vaults at two separate banks in the city.  We have a monitor in place, but can you imagine what they would do if that money was, to oh I don’t know, be stolen by an armed gang?”

 

“I can only imagine,” Juliette said as their appetizers arrived, Alphonse allowing Juliette to taste the wine before he poured it.  Once they were alone, Juliette said “I can get the pertinent information from Heather later, but if I understand you correctly, you are proposing the Pussycats go to work and rob both banks.”

 

“At the same time,” Madame said as she cut a cake and put the slice in her mouth.  “Oh this is divine.”

 

“So is this,” Juliette said as she swallowed some of the tuna and took a sip of her wine.  “We would need to combine forces.”

 

“Would Carina be available?”

 

“Given enough notice, yes.  Jude keeps saying she’ll look after Judith for a day is Cari needs a break.  So that’s seven.”

 

“Dominique, Susan and I can come in.  You can also use Penny and Charlotte.”

 

“What about Annie?”

 

“We’ve sent a message for her to keep her weekend clear – Penny and Charlotte too.”

 

“Oh?  Are you suggesting we give them over to Diana and Jo for the day?”

 

“I am – if they can look convincing, it will help.  Annie said she wanted to stop this – I am sure she will oblige.”

 

Madame took another slice of the crab cake, but as she ate it she noticed Juliette playing with her food.

 

“Problem?”

 

“Thirteen - I’ve always had a genuine fear of the number thirteen.” Juliette confessed.

 

“Oh why?” Madame asked.

 

“Well for starters I got engaged on a Friday the Thirteenth, and exactly one month later on another Friday the Thirteenth I found out he was a three-timing bastard and broke it off.”

 

“Oh, that must have hurt.”

 

“It did.” Juliette grimaced, “I’ve just had an awful lot of bad things happen that are connected to the number thirteen. I guess you can say I’m a genuine triskaidekaphobe.”

 

“So we need a fourteenth girl on the raids?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Who then? I’m not sure there is anyone more in my inner circle I want to know who you all really are.”

 

Juliette sat back and thought for a moment, before a smile crossed her face.

 

“Last time I saw that smile we hit that convenience store.  What are you thinking?”

 

“You’ll hate it,” Juliette said as she finished her tuna.

 

“Probably, but say it anyway.”

 

“Don’t bite my head off Shirley, but I was thinking of asking Jan.”

 

Madame slowly put her knife and fork down and looked at her friend.  “Please, repeat that, Juliette?”

 

“I think the fourteenth woman should be Janice Carter.”

 

“YOU WHAT!” for a moment Madame lost her customary cool. “You want to take the woman sworn to catch you all along on a Pussycat raid? Have you lost your mind Juliette?”

 

“No.” Juliette looked serious. “I think it’s important that Janice as an unimpeachable source, sees where that money is hidden, and how much there is.  Heather’s right – she wants to be part of this, so let’s bring her really in.”

 

“Well that at least makes sense.” Madame calmed down slightly.  “But it is a big risk you’re taking.  She knows your voices, your stance – even the way you lower your voice and change your stance as Miss Panther may not be enough.”

 

Once the plates were cleared away, Juliette said “I’ve seen Heather’s latest little toys.”

 

“I take it you mean her voice altering devices.” Madame thought carefully.

 

Juliette nodded.  “Everyone wears masks round Jan at all times, and uses the voice boxes. We blindfold her to take her anywhere sensitive. We lie to her and let on some of us are the law and security services. Most importantly though we are all ultra damn careful what we say and do. I want Janice there but to leave with her scruples intact, so everyone gets strict orders to avoid bloodshed.”

 

“Your daughter’s not going to like not having her usual fun.”

 

“Carina will have to suck it up. Janice is a friend, if I didn’t think it necessary to take her along I wouldn’t. But I certainly don’t want her traumatised by what she sees.”

 

“So you are going to rely on the formidable reputation you’ve built up to keep people in line and co-operative?”

 

“I think we have to.” Juliette nodded seriously.

 

“It has merit, but we would need to assign the two teams carefully.”

 

“The bass,” Alphonse said as the plate was placed in front of Madame, “and the veal.  Bon Appétit, ladies.”

 

As they started to eat, Juliette thought over the people involved.

 

“Two teams of seven – you lead one, I take the other.”

 

Madame nodded as she ate the fish.  “This is exquisite,” she said before she took a sip of wine.  “Despite your wise words of admonishment on the need to curtail the bloodlust, I think we also need at least one person on each team who can do it if necessary.  Quickly, Cleanly.  I suggest you take Carina, and I take Diana.”

 

“That sounds fair.  I take it these private vaults are very secure?”

 

“I would imagine so, but Heather can inform you.”

 

Juliette nodded, and said “then one safe expert on each team.  If I can have Dom, you take Heather.”

 

“So far so good,” Madame said as Juliette ate some veal.  “Let us discuss those who will need support.”

 

“Annie and Charlotte?”

 

Madame nodded.  “I think Annie will be more confortable with you and Carina, and Charlotte with me.  I also wish to assess Susan, so unless you have any objections I would take her, and you take Penelope.”

 

“I want Janice where I can see her – and Sandy to supervise her.”

 

“Which leaves me with Joanne and Abigail.”  She placed her knife and fork on the plate, and sipped her wine.  “Sounds a fair balance to me.”

 

“We can finalise once we know more of the targets – I’ll start on it in the morning.  I also want to talk to the ladies tomorrow, and explain the proposal with Heather.”

 

“Agreed,” Madame said as Juliette sat back.  “You will ask Diana about the weekend?”

 

“I’m sure it won’t be a problem – I also need to contact Tommy.  Tell me, what are Susan and Penelope’s motor skills like?”

 

“I’m not sure – I’ll have to ask them.  Why?”

 

“Vehicle acquisition.  Dessert?”

 

 

Thursday 4th September

8 am

Complete Style

 

 

"With Fashion Week on Janine, It's all hands to the pumps." Juliette said as she swept into her office.   Janine looked up and nodded as her boss said "You've got the diary, just try and not overbook me with phone calls or visitors, I'm going to be out of the office a lot."

"Yes." Janine fumbled with her notes.  “I’ll get right to work on it.”  As she walked out, Juliette out her head in her hands and sighed.

"This is when PA's earn their bonuses darling." Anna said as she came in the door.


"I know." Juliette sighed. "With the christening as well I have so much going on."

 

“You’ve delegated most of the shows to your juniors, right?”

 

“I have – I’ll attend the major ones each night, and then I have conference meetings booked for seven every morning.”

 

“And do you trust Janine to be an effective guard door for you?”

 

“Now I do – she’s learned a lot in the last six months.”

 

“Well then,” Anna said, “Fiona has Milan and London covered – and you’re going to Paris once the christening is out of the way for the closing weekend.  Relax, Ju – it’s all sorted out, and we’ve got your back.”

 

“Thanks, Anna,” Juliette said as the phone rang.

 

“Yes Janine?  All right, put him through.”  She waved to Anna before saying “Oscar, darling – it’s been a long time…”

 

5 pm

The Waldorf Hotel

 

Annie walked into the suite to find Charlotte and Penny waiting for her.

 

“How’s the school,” Charlotte said as Annie sat down and put the bag she was carrying on the floor.

 

“Ask me after I have marked these first assignments,” Annie said as she accepted the drink from Penny.  “I also had to get Abby and Jeannie out of school early.”

 

“Ah yes,” Penny said, “I saw on the news this morning that fashion week had started.  Planning to attend any of the events?”

 

“When am I getting any spare time recently,” Annie said.  “So why us three?  And why did Susan say I had to keep my weekend free?”

 

“We’ve been told the same thing,” Charlotte said.  “I think we may have to take a trip somewhere.”

 

“Thank you all for meeting here,” Dominique said as she came in.  “Annie, have they had a chance to bring you up to speed yet?”

 

“Not yet.”

 

“Ten second version,” Dominique said as she sat down, “we’ve traced the funds the targets raise from slave auctions to two vaults in city banks.  We intend to empty them.”

 

“Bank raids?  How much are we talking about?”

 

“Twenty million dollars.”

 

Annie looked at all three of them, and said, “You’re kidding right?”

 

“We’re not joking,” Penny said.  “Madame briefed us on the idea today – the Pussycat Gang is going to hit both banks at the same time, and they need us to form part of one of the teams.”

 

“I won’t kill,” Annie said.

 

“You won’t have to – the role of you and Charlotte will be to provide support.  But you need to be able to look the part, and appear as if you can do what the Pussycats can do when pushed.”

 

The three of them looked at each there, before Penny said “So what are we doing this weekend?”

 

“Boot camp – meet in the lobby at seven on Saturday morning, and wear outdoor clothing.  A word of advice from Susan.”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Don’t wear heels.”

 

9 pm

The de Ros Mansion

 

“Hey Cari,” Abby said as her best friend appeared on the screen, “quiet night?”

 

“Baby’s sleeping and Jude’s at organ practice,” Cari sat as she sat back.  Abby and Jo could see she was wearing a blue Yale sweatshirt.

 

“Abandoned the Angels already?”

 

“Hardly – I was at a discussion group before dinner.  How was your day?”

 

“Hectic – two shows tonight, and I only got in ten minutes ago.  Jeannie worked her socks off, but that’s the joy of this week, I guess.”

 

“Hey, you chose the lifestyle,” Carina said with a smile.  “So, what’s up?”

 

“We’ll get started when Sandy and Heather get here,” Juliette said as she sat down.  “When is Alex calling to see you both?”

 

“Tomorrow afternoon – no classes,” Cari said as Sandy and Heather came in.  “Hey Cari,” Heather said as she sat down.  “Working hard or hardly working?”

 

“Har de har har,” Cari said with a smile.  “I heard you had a long night yesterday.”

 

“Which is why I brought us together,” Juliette said.  “Heather, tell us what you found out.”

 

The ladies listened as Heather outlined the work she had done, and the location of the two vaults.  When she had finished, Cari let out a low whistle and took a drink from her glass.

 

“That’s some ready cash,” she finally said.

 

“In two private vaults in the basement of two banks,” Diana said quietly.  “Challenging.”

 

“But not impossible,” Heather said, “not if we target the right people.  But we could only hit one – we would need full firepower for that.”

 

“Which is why, when Madame and I discussed it yesterday, we thought a coordinated attack on both was required.”

 

“Cut off their cash supply in one fell swoop?  I like the idea,” Joanne said, “but how do we do it.”

 

“Janice has already been seeded with the idea there is a confederation of several parties going on here,” Heather said.  “We can build on that – mix the teams up, different accents.”

 

“I’m glad you said that,” Cari said, “but who from Madame’s group could we use?”

 

“Everyone who knows us – Diana, can you and Jo hold a class this weekend?”

 

“Who for?”

 

“Charlotte, Penny – and Annie.”

 

Abby sat up at that.  “Annie?  Do we have to involve her?”

 

“We do,” Diana said quietly, “to make up numbers and look the part.  I presume you will allocate skills appropriately?”

 

“So Diana and I are on separate teams?”

 

“That’s right darling – and Dominique and Heather split as well.  Once we have the intel we need, we can allocate the two teams of seven officially.”

 

“Hang on,” Sandy said as she did some mental math.  “Even with all of Madame’s team who know us, that’s thirteen.  Who’s number fourteen?”

 

“Can Maddy fly over?”

 

“Nope,” Juliette said to Sandy, “we need to fully exploit what we have started.”

 

Heather looked at Juliette, and said “No – no way.  Are you thinking what I think you’re thinking?”

 

“Are you hacking Ju’s mind n…”  Diana suddenly looked at her friend.  “Janice?  Agent Janice Carter?”

 

“Before you say it, I know it sounds ridiculous, risky, possibly a fatal mistake…”

 

“Actually,” Diana said as she sat back, “I think it’s a move of genius.”

 

“Mother, have you lost your mind as well?”

 

“No – we have pulled her into a conspiracy of what she believes are criminals and intelligence agents.  She already believes the CIA is involved, with Madame and the others that means MI5, Dominique speaks fluent French, Charlotte can speak with a South African accent…”

 

“And the rest of us?”

 

“The voice boxes – we all use the voice boxes under our scarves.”  Heather smiled before saying “I assume we take all necessary security measures?”

 

“Of course – and it means we prepare early.  The thing is, if we pull this off, we do it our way – with one change.  Minimum bloodshed.”

 

“Damn – I was looking forward to some fun,” Cari said as she sat back.

 

“I’m sure you will have some – but shoot as a last resort.  Whoever is with me will have to watch Janice as well – so we all go the same way.”

 

“All right,” Cari said, “but promise me some fun later.”

 

“If we do this right, Cari bear, then we go after the big guns next – and I have you in mind for that.”

 

“Okay – when?”

 

“We need to do the research first – Heather, personnel.”

 

“Already started,” Heather said with a smile.

 

“Diana, I’m calling Tommy and placing an order.  In the meantime, you and Jo take the three girls upstate on Saturday – do what you did with Susan?”

 

“Our pleasure,” Joanne said as she looked at Diana.

 

“Sandy, routes from the Farm to the banks, and any addresses Heather gives you.”

 

Sandy nodded as Juliette looked at Abby and Carina.  “I need you two to do something for me this weekend – Abby will come up and see you Cari.  I want this done off site.”

 

“Sure – what?”

 

“Everything you can find out about Janice.”

 

 

Friday 5th September

6 pm

Crowne Plaza Times Square.

 

“Abigail is modeling a full length gown in the flapper style, with floral print on grey silk, and a matching silk scarf for the cool spring evenings.”

 

Abby made her way down the catwalk, stopping and posing in the Anna Sui dress as the photographers took their pictures.  Turning, she walked back down, her blonde hair sleeked back, and turned to smile one more time before she ran off.

 

“See you in ten,” she called out to Jeannie as the announcer said “Jeannie Brewster is modeling a Chinese style jacket with matching slim pants, and shoes by Jimmy Choo.”

 

She wheeled herself out, covering the walkway gracefully as the fashion press took as much as they could, and then returned, two assistants hustling her to the changing area and helping her to change.

 

Ten minutes later, John was standing with the read door of the SUV open, Abby pushing Jeannie out and waiting for her grandfather to list Jeannie in before she folded the chair and stowed it in the trunk.

 

“How long have we got,” she said as she strapped herself in.

 

“Twenty minutes – I need to get you two to the Rockefeller.  There’s water and snacks in the back.”

 

“Thanks,” Jeannie said as she opened a bottle.  “Sometimes I wonder if the reason why so many models suffer from eating disorders is as much how little time we get to eat as other pressures?”

 

“What have you got tomorrow Jeannie,” Abby said as she took a drink from another bottle.

 

“McCartney at 2, and then the shoot Sunday.  You?”

 

“Lander at 11, then I’m heading up to see Cari about something.”

 

She pushed a handful of dried fruit into her mouth, and said “Once we’ve done this, what do you say we grab a pizza and head back to your place?”

 

“Sounds good to me – can we order one on the way back, Granddad?”

 

“Well, your mother’s out tonight, so that seems a good idea.  Once I get the nod, I’ll order it and get you back before the delivery.”

 

John pulled up outside the entrance, as two assistants came out.

 

“Miss de Ros, Miss Brewster – welcome, come with us,” one of them said as Jeannie was lifted into her chair, and then pushed into the changing area.

 

“Stick and BS – so glad you could join us,” Lily said as they came in.

 

“All right, all right – we have other lives as well you know,” Abby said with a smile.

 

“Yeah – and I am coming in two weeks time.  No way am I missing that one.  So, ready to show them how Calvin Klein will look in the spring?”

 

“Sure,” Jeannie said with a smile, “let’s do this.”

 

Saturday 6th September

8 am

The Waldorf Hotel

 

Annie entered the lobby; wearing a quilted jerkin over a blue Fair Isle sweater, combat pants and high top sneakers.

 

“You look dressed for bear,” Charlotte said as she stood up, the hems of her joggers covering her training shoes.  Her matching jacket was zipped up to her neck, covering the polo shirt she had on underneath. 

 

They both watched as the elevator opened and Penny came out with Susan.  Penny was wearing an old checked shirt over a grey jumper, jeans and hiking boots.  By contrast, Susan wore a white silk blouse and knee length skirt, her heels clicking on the floor.

 

“Well, you’re dressed more suitably than I was,” Susan said with a smile.  “Dinner at my place tonight for all three of you – Clint’s going to cook something up.”

 

“Why won’t you give us any hints of what is coming,” Annie said as she looked at Susan.

 

“Not a chance – you need to enter this with eyes wide open,” she said as Diana drew up outside.  “Go – enjoy?”

 

“Did anyone ever tell you that you have a real mean streak, Susan,” Dominique said as she came from the coffee shop, watching the other three get in the car and drive off.

 

“Moi?  Come on – Madame’s briefing is in ten minutes,” Susan said, grinning as they walked to the lift.

 

 

10 am

Diana’s Hide

Near the Farm

 

“Quiet – nice,” Annie said as the party reached the hollow.  Diana had led them down, dressed in a shooting jacket, dark pants and boots, while Jo wore a padded jerkin over her Angel’s hoodie, joggers and hiking boots.

 

“Wait here,” Diana said as she unlocked the cabin, bringing out a bag and several pairs of ear protectors.  Placing the bag on the ground, she handed each of them a pair of the protectors, then opened the bag and took out three sawn off shotguns.

 

"So what experience do you all have in carrying firearms on a job?" Diana looked the women straight in the eyes.

"And have you ever used one?" Jo backed up the question.

"We aren't talking about just carrying it and waving it around, I need to know if you've fired a weapon in anger, whether you've fired sawn-off shotguns, and what you feelings are on these subjects?"

"Diana you know my views on killing." Annie murmured.

"Annie we are going into a situation where there will be armed guards who will not think about shooting you should they get the chance." Diana looked at her hard.

 

“All right,” Annie says, “I’ve carried small arms, and never used them in anger – but I came bloody close to shooting Twining when I saw how he treated the girls he had bought.”

 

“I expected as much,” Diana said, “so today my goal for you, Annie, is to get you to a stage where you can fire the gun, and carry it – and then we cross the bridge.  Penny?”

 

“I’ve used a full bore in a raid a few times, and fired it into the air, but never a sawnoff,” she said as she held the shortened weapon in her hands.

 

“Show me – that target over there.”  Diana pointed to a target set up on a hay bale.  Penny pulled the safety back, put the gun to her shoulder and fired – hitting the target, but having to jump back to steady herself.

 

“Well, she didn’t fall over,” Jo said admiringly.  She then saw how Charlotte was holding the gun in her hands.

 

“You know how to hold this?”

 

“It’s been a long time,” Charlotte said, “I was fourteen at the time.  Dad and I were at a mine when raiders attacked – it was a no-win situation.”

 

“You had to fire it?”

 

Charlotte nodded.  “It sent me flying backwards the first time, but I wounded one of the raiders.  Dad helped me up and then stood by me as we fired again and again.  I remember I wasn’t afraid – Dad was there.”

 

“I understand,” Diana said as she looked at Charlotte.  “What we need to get you to do is aim and shoot the right way.  So listen up – we have a long day ahead of us, so pick your weapon and load up.”

 

As they each picked up a gun, Jo showed them how to stand and hold the gun, as Diana set up targets.

 

“Remember, Keep them close to your sides and brace your legs,” Jo said as she and Diana put on their ear protectors.  “And – fire!”

 

BOOOOM!!

BOOOOM!!

BOOOOM!!

 

Jo watched their expressions, the quite pride in Charlotte’s. The fear in Annie’s and the concern in Penny’s

 

"Madame told me she thought that despite looking so fragile Charlotte was pretty tough." Diana whispered in Jo's ear. "She grew up round mines and miners, she lived in the bush for extended periods, I don't think we have a lot to worry about with her.”

"No," Jo whispered back, "but Penny's been riding a desk, and Annie certainly needs work."

"Yeah, you think we take them deer hunting later?"

"Yeah I think that will tell us a lot." Jo paused. "When are you going to break it to them about Jan, and how they'll be expected to work round her?"

 

“I figure we get them used to holding and firing the guns, and then we tell them.  That should tell us a lot as well,” Diana said as they fired again at the targets.  This time their stance was firmer, and the dust and straw showed their accuracy.  Two exploded cleanly, one shattered at the side.

 

“Relax, Annie,” Jo said as she stood with her, showing her how to hold the gun.  “Imagine that target is the state inspector, and she just gave you a really bad rating for AP Math.”

 

“No,” Diana said, “Imagine that is Twining.”

 

Annie nodded and stared at the target, grinning as she fired and hit it dead centre.

 

“You need the focus, so use the anger,” Diana said, “Again.”

 

This time Annie fired the other barrel, sending the straw flying into the air as the other two clapped.

 

“Now,” Diana said quietly, “comes the real fun.  Jo – fetch the heels.”

 

1 pm

 

"Okay Girls that's been a productive morning." Diana said as she led the way back to the farmhouse.


"I hope you packed sandwiches like we suggested." Jo spoke.

"We did." Penny answered as they entered the main building.

"Okay, well you can eat as you change darlings." Diana smiled.

"Change?" Charlotte looked suspicious.

"There is camo gear for all three of you," Diana looked appraisingly at each woman's figure, "I think I got the sizes right."

"You mean camouflage?" Annie asked.

"Yeah we are going deer hunting this afternoon." Jo smiled knowingly.

"Why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like this?" Annie whispered under her breath.

 

“Relax – it will be fun.”

 

One hour later, they sat round the table as Diana brought her hunting rifle out.

 

“Ladies – the Browning BAR mark II.  Designed with hunting in mind, autoloading.  Gas operated, so much less of a kick.  This particular one is a .308 – ideal for these woods.  Take it, feel it in your hands.”

 

She passed it round the table, the girls feeling it and looking through the sights.

 

“Now,” Diana said as she took it back, “Let me show you how to load…”

 

 

3.00 pm

 

Penny quietly groaned as she tried to get comfortable lying on the ground. No wonder that bitch Susan hadn't told them what to expect. The morning session had been bad enough, but hiking into the woods, then crawling on their bellies till they were in the hides was worse.

Charlotte smiled at her, "Penny you don't get out enough."

"Charlotte, I run an office."

"Ja and I work for you, but I still try and keep fit."

"Sssh," Jo spoke softly, "We don't want to frighten the deer."

Jo smiled as Annie lay next to her, and then Diana.  “This is not how I wanted to spend my Saturday,” she said as she looked across the field.

 

"This reminds me of going shooting Springbok in Botswana with my father." Charlotte was clearly relishing the occasion.

"Our deer here are maybe a little shyer." Jo whispered.

"There about 400 yards to your left Jo." Charlotte whispered.

"Damn your eyes are good." Jo said as she put down her binoculars, “even I didn't see that one."

 

She watched as the deer slowly crossed the clearing, unaware of their presence.  Glancing to her side, she saw Charlotte smile as she placed the rifle to her shoulder, looking through the sights and then setting off a single shot.

 

The crack ripped through the quiet countryside, as Jo looked through the glasses.  “Wow,” she whispered under her breath, “clean kill.  A little to the left, perhaps, but clean.”

 

Diana took the glasses and looked for herself.  “Jo, take Charlotte with you and fetch it here.  We’ll take a break while you do so.”  The two young women set off through the bush as Diana opened her backpack and took out a flask.

 

“Where on earth did she learn that,” Annie said as she accepted the drink.

 

“Her dad, obviously,” Penny said as she took a long drink.  They were then surprised by Charlotte and Jo carrying the young deer between them, hanging from a pole.

 

“Good thing we brought some twine,” Jo said with a smile as Diana examined the head wound.

 

“You were right Jo – a little to the left, but not bad at all.  Now, which of you two ladies is going to be next…”

 

Annie and Penny looked at each other and eased their way back into the hides as Jo and Diana laid the deer down before taking a drink. 

 

“While they’re in there,” Jo said, “I’d better tell you something about the job.  We’re going to have an extra pair of hands.”

 

“OH – anyone I know,” Charlotte said with a smile.

 

“Not sure – her name is Janice Carter.”

 

“Carter, Carter…  The FBI Agent?”

 

“That’s the one.”

 

“Huh,” Charlotte said with a smile.  “Takes all sorts, doesn’t it?”

 

Jo smiled – Charlotte was going to be all right.

 

“Right,” Diana whispered, “About one hundred yards to your right, ladies, see the young doe?”

 

“Yeah, I see it,” Penny said as she took aim.  Annie looked through her scope as well, as both women took a deep breath and fired.

 

The twin shots rang out as Diana looked through the field glasses.  “Well, you hit it,” she said quietly, “but we need to go and finish the job.  Come with me ladies.”

 

She and Annie eased out, and waited as Penny slowly wriggled back and pushed herself up.  Diana helped her to her feet, and then marched them to the clearing.

 

The young deer lay on its side, looking up as Annie saw the wound in the flank, and another in the neck.  “There there,” Diana said quietly, as with one movement she cocked and fired the rifle into the head. 

 

“Bring that branch over,” she said as she took some twine out, “we need to take it beside the other one.

 

“And then,” Penny said as she looked at Diana.

 

“You never leave the body in the open – we need to give it respect, and deal with it.”

 

“Deal with as in…”

 

“Skin, gut and remove the meat.”

 

 

7 pm
Susan’s Apartment.

 

“Doorbell, darling,” Clint shouted through from the kitchen as the bell rang insistently.

 

“I’ll get it,” Susan said as she went to the door, and looked through the peephole.  “Oh man, she really did it to them,” she whispered before she opened the door.

 

“Susan I hate your bloody guts.” Penelope leaned on the doorframe for support as Susan opened the door to her and Clint’s new apartment.

 

“Oh dear,” Susan giggled, “did I forget to tell you what a little Saturday outing at Diana’s farm involves?”

 

“You damn well know you did.” Penelope looked in pain as Clint took her, Charlotte, and Annie’s coats. “I hurt, I got wet, and I had to help skin and butcher two deer.”

 

“What are you complaining about, I thought you loved venison Penny?”

 

“I did, but now I’m seriously contemplating turning vegetarian.”

 

“Come through, I’ll pour you all drinks.” Clint laughed. “A double for you Penny?”

 

“Make it a damn triple and forget about any mixers.” Penny winced as she eased herself into an armchair.

 

“Well how was it for you two?” Susan kissed both Annie and Charlotte on the cheek.

 

“I enjoyed myself.” Annie smiled, “I wasn’t so sure about butchering them, but you should see this one wield a knife.” She looked at Charlotte.

 

“Oh.” Clint asked as he brought in the drinks. “I wasn’t aware you had hunted before, Charlotte.”

 

“Trust me, she is an international woman of mystery,” Annie said as she accepted the drink, and watched Penny down hers in one.  “I don’t know why we had to do it there and then, though.”

 

“You can’t leave the beasts out there to rot Annie.  Skin off, meat packed and then taken for preparation and storage, the rest you leave as a gift to mother nature.”

 

“Do you hunt Clint?” Charlotte enquired.

 

“Not as much as I used to, but my father gave me my first rifle when I was seven.”

 

“We were using the Browning today.” Charlotte spoke, “A lot better than the old Mauser my father taught me to shoot with.”

 

“Yeah Browning make a nice hunting rifle… so have you ever hunted any real big game in Africa Charlotte… “

 

“If you two are going to talk damn hunting and shooting can you do it somewhere private, I hurt too much…”  Penny sat herself up and then held her back.

 

“Poor Penny.” Susan laughed as she sipped her sherry.

 

“So what are we eating Susan, it smells delicious.” Annie sniffed the air.

 

“It’s a French venison stew, Diana gave me the… “

 

“What!” Penny shouted.

 

“Don’t worry Penny, she was just winding you up, “ Clint smiled, “It’s my take on Boeuf Provencal, and I cooked it she didn’t.”

 

“Spoilsport.” Susan laughed at her husband.

 

“Susan one day you and I are going to have a serious talk about your evaluation…”

 

“Hey can’t threaten me now Penny,” Susan said with a smile.

 

“Yeah,” Charlotte said,  “Madame told her she’s on the same level as you on the corporate ladder now Penny.”

 

“Damn…” Penny looked serious then suddenly burst out laughing.  “Ah who cares – I knew you’d come good some day, Susan.”

 

“Anyway it’s Diana’s evaluations we have to worry about.” Charlotte looked round.

 

“What have you got to worry about? … Teachers Pet.” Annie giggled.

 

“Yeah, you could tell you impressed the hell out of her.” Penny nodded.

 

“Now me on the other hand.” Annie looked a little worried.

 

“You are in the same situation I was in a few months ago Annie.” Susan sat down on the arm of Annie’s chair.  “I had to learn that having chosen a criminal career… “

 

“And enjoying to the full the benefits… you should see how much she spends on clothes a month?” Clint interrupted.

 

“That having chosen crime,” Susan resumed, “I needed to learn it’s not a game, it’s deadly serious, and while the rewards are high,’ she looked down at her expensive Italian shoes, “the punishments are harsh.”

 

“I’m the least experienced, but even I am facing serious prison time if I get caught.” Said Charlotte.

 

“We all are.” Penny looked at each of them in turn.

 

“So I guess today I learned that maybe my residual scruples need to be scrapped.” Annie spoke quietly. “I’ll shoot to guard my friends, to defend myself, but I’m still not going to shoot anyone who doesn’t present a threat.”

 

“I think that’s all you need to think.” Penny smiled.

 

“Okay dinner is served.” Clint grinned as the stove timer went off.

 

“Please sit down everyone.” Susan invited.

 

“Can someone help me up, I’m STIFF!” Penny moaned.

 

“Come on,” Annie said as she and Charlotte helped Penny up, “I can recommend a good gym, you know…

 

 

 

7.30 pm
The Waldorf Hotel

 

“Well Diana?” Madame cast her eye across the table in the private dining room she’d reserve.

“How did they shape up?” Dominique asked eagerly.

“Better than I expected,” Diana savored the caviar on her cracker. “Mmmm.”

“Oh was that the girls or this caviar?” Madame asked with a light giggle in her voice.

“Both.” Diana put her napkin to her lips. "I and Joanne put them through their paces today."

"That I can believe," Dominique said.  "They were exhausted when they went to Susan’s."

“Okay," Diana said, "May I start with Charlotte?”

“Please do.” Madame put some caviar in her own mouth.

“Charlotte is amazing.”

“She’s really that good Diana?” Juliette asked, unaccustomed to hearing such superlatives from her best friend's lips.

“She looks like a good breeze would blow her down, but that’s deceptive. She’s far stronger then she looks; she backpacked out the largest share of the venison. She’s not squeamish, even I was impressed how she started to skin and butcher the animal. She’s clearly comfortable handling firearms of all type, and she let it slip in the morning that albeit in self-defense she has killed before."

Dominique exchanged glances with Madame.  "All right, don't say it," Dominique eventually said with a smile.

"Private joke?"

"Dominique was somewhat dismissive of Charlotte when they first met."

“Madame you have yourself a true star there, cherish her.”

“Thank you Diana I will.”

“Alright Darling, what about Annie?” Juliette asked.

“Pretty much what I expected Ju.”

“Meaning?” Dominique asked.

“Annie will be alright, she needs just learn to overcome some residual squeamishness.”

“Meaning what? Madame asked.

“That in the right circumstances Annie would kill a person without a second thought.”

“Right Circumstances? I don’t like that.” Dominique put down her wine glass.

“Mention Twining and you can see the blood boil.”

“We need her prepared to shoot anyone at anytime Diana.” Juliette mentioned.

“Don’t worry when her adrenalin is pumping she’ll be fine.  All she needs is some positive motivation."

“Which leaves Penelope.” Madame looked up.

“Madame can I be honest?” Diana asked.

“Please do be dear.”

“You and your senior staff need to get out in the field far more often.”

“Oh!” Dominique’s look challenged Diana.

“Penelope was I bet once a top class armed robber, but she’s sat behind a desk too long. If I had my way I’d have Dom and I take her out the next two nights and hit small targets.”

“What are you saying Diana?” Madame asked.

“Just as with sportsmen, there is fit, and game fit. Penelope is not game fit.”

“I hate to say it, but I concur Madame, I think some warm up games so to speak might do us all some good.”

“I’ll think on it while we eat.” Madame's brows knitted.

 

 

 

11 pm

The Huntingdown Apartment

 

Juliette was sitting looking at some records Heather had found when she heard the incoming Skype message.  Opening the screen, she smiled as Carina appeared.

 

“Hey Mom – still up?”

 

“Things to do – how was your day?”

 

“Abby’s on her way back now – we went to that bar and had the steaks.  I prefer the Irish stew.”

 

“So what did you find out?”

 

“Well I may not quite be in Heather’s league as a hacker,” Carina looked pleased with herself, “But Mom I think we found out an awful lot that you’ll find interesting.”

 

“Go ahead darling.” Juliette looked at the screen.

 

“Well she was born in Hempstead out on the Island, where she still lives with her mother and Katy.”

 

“Till they move into that apartment Sandy found for them.”

 

“Right.” Carina looked at her notes, “local schools, a cheerleader, A grades, pretty much the model student.”

 

“College?” Juliette asked.

 

“She got a full ride at Hofstra.”

 

“So she went to college in her home town.”

 

“Yeah Mom, Pre-Law major, she got accepted at Columbia Law, but her pop died and the families financial circumstances got bad, that’s when she joined the FBI.”

 

“Okay darling I knew most of that already… Surprise me…”

 

“Did you know Katy has an older sister?”

 

“No - that I didn’t know,” Juliette said, “though come to think of it Janice once said something about her first pregnancy, you don’t say that if you’ve only had one child.”

 

“She was fourteen, she had a little girl the summer before she started High School. The baby was given up for adoption.”

 

“Oh my Goddess… Poor Janice.”

 

“The adoption was done through the church, the records are sealed up pretty tight, I could try looking but I’m not Heather, if you want to know more you better ask Heather to do the looking.”

 

“I’ll think about it… Any news on the father?”

 

“It’s messy.”

 

“Messy darling?”

 

“Mom,” Cari said quietly, “Janice was gang raped… she was still only 13 when it happened.”

 

“Oh fuck!” Juliette spat out the profanity. “How many?”

 

“According to Janice’s testimony she thought at least ten.”

 

“Ten?”

 

“Yeah, bikers, they kidnapped her off the street on a Friday night and had their way with her all weekend. Janice escaped when they got drunk on Sunday. She was in a pretty bad way, reading between the lines of her statement, I think these guys could teach the beast something.”

 

“Were they ever caught?”

 

“No.”  Carina shook her head

 

“Does the FBI know?”

 

“I don’t think so, because Janice was a juvenile the records were sealed, she certainly doesn’t ever seem to have mentioned it again.”

 

“Who can blame her,” Juliette muttered “Okay darling what else did you find?”

 

“Well, Janice is another Sandy.”

 

“Another Sandy?”

 

“She likes driving fast, and she’s good at it.”

 

“How good?”

 

“Well she has a string of speeding tickets just as impressive as Sandy’s.  But she also supplemented her income in college racing a friend’s car, primarily at Riverhead.”

 

“Janice was a racing-car driver?  I would never have known.”

 

“I was looking at old race reports, she was pretty damn good.’

 

“Well Janice you have been keeping secrets.”

 

“Mom, Katy’s father was Janice’s mechanic, she was pregnant when he joined the military, I get the impression he never even knew she was pregnant before he was killed in action.”

 

“Goddess that must have sucked.”

 

“Tell me about it.  I’m amazed she held it all together – although…

 

“Okay anything else?”

 

“I read something in the Hofstra student newspaper. It was published anonymously, but everything in it suggests to me it was Janice wrote it.’

 

“Wrote what?”

 

“It’s about a good Catholic girl who had lost her faith and was suffering a crisis of conscience about her religion.”

 

“Well if what you say is true, I think my faith might have been destroyed.”

 

“There’s a follow-up letter a month later though, where the writer describes getting her faith back thanks to the writings of some un-named priest, and of her being re-baptised.”

 

“Well good for Janice, but why’s that important?”

 

“Because in the first letter the writer goes into extreme details as to the punishments she’d like to have inflicted on those who caused her to lose her faith.”

 

“Poor Janice, she must have lived through hell.”

 

“I think it explains why she sees things in such black and white terms.”

 

“So what else?”

 

Carina looked down at her notes. “Janice wears contacts, she’s a certified markswoman, she applied to become a nun before the FBI accepted her, she belongs to the Daughters of Erin…”

 

“Hold on, Go back one darling, Janice wanted to become a nun?”

 

“Mmm yeah, one of the teaching orders…” Carina glanced down again.

 

“Interesting.”

 

“Oh and I read something from Adam in her personnel file, “Seems he’s suspected more than once that Janice has a drink problem.”

 

“That doesn’t surprise me, haven’t you noticed when Janice drinks? …”

 

“That she drinks to excess, yes I had… The interesting thing is that Adam’s report may have cost her a promotion.”

 

“Oh - Janice would not like to know that.’

 

“Well anyway Mom that’s all that Abby and I could find, you want more, you need ask Heather.”

 

“Good work Darling, you and Judith sleep well, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

 

“Bye Mom.”

 

Juliette ended the call at her end, and sat back for a moment.  She felt she understood Janice Carter a lot more now – and had even more sympathy for her.  One thing bothered her – should she try to trace her first daughter?

 

Eventually, she opened a chat window.

 

"Heather I need a favor." Juliette typed into her computer.

"Certainly Ju, what can I do?"

"I had Carina checking out Janice's background today. It seems that aged just 13 Janice was gang raped by a motor cycle gang."

"SHE WAS WHAT?"

"Yeah it sounded pretty horrendous, anyway that summer she had a daughter who was given up for adoption."

"Oh Artemis… Poor Janice."

"Yeah, well anyway Carina didn't feel confident to try to hack the church's adoption records."

"Yeah they use some pretty stout firewalls to protect that information."

"Can you have a look and tell me more?"

"Give me fifteen minutes?"

"Sure you don't need longer?"

"Juliette! … really?"

"Okay, lol… I'll keep this open, ping me when you've found out something."

"Will do."

 

Juliette smiled as she closed the lid, and went back to the papers she was studying.  One photo showed a man in his early forties, next to his blonde haired wife and eighteen year old daughter.

 

“You are going to have a visit,” Juliette said as she went to fix herself a drink.

 

"You have mail Juliette." Ju heard her computer go off as she returned from the kitchen.  Juliette sat down and flipped the screen open.

"Hey ten minutes, not bad going Heather."

"Thank you."

"Well?"

"Juliette I'm not really a believer in coincidences and fate, but this might have me change my mind."

"Now that sounds intriguing."

"Janice's daughter was adopted by a childless couple called Broadhurst who lived in Greenwich Village, they called her Nicola."

"That's a nice name. So where does coincidence come into this?"

"I've met her."

Juliette stared at the screen for a moment, and then typed "Heather you can't be serious."

"She won a scholarship to St Angela's."

"Oh dear lady."

"She's one of a group of Jeannie's friends, that Jo and the others are driving to school."

"Oh dear sweet Goddess, has Janice met her?"

"Yes. But of course Janice has no idea who she is, the other girls call her Pepsi."

"Now are you sure this Pepsi is the right girl?"

"Am I ever wrong Juliette?"

"No….sorry… my apologies. Heather I need to think on this, please keep it quiet."


"Will do."


"Okay I'll let you know what I decide tomorrow."

"Okay, talk then…. Byeeeee."

 

Juliette switched off the computer and walked to the window, staring out onto the park…

 

 

Monday 8th September
9 am

St Angela’s Academy

 

“Okay, is who ever devised my timetable a sadist?” Jeannie moaned as she wheeled herself into Miss Kelly’s classroom. “Math first period on a Monday morning should be illegal.”

 

“Hey it’s not that bad.” Anna Carlton looked round happily.  “I think it gets it out of the way.”

 

“So says the girl with the scholarship who will be a doctor one day.” Jeannie groaned. “I’m not bad at math, but my brain needs time to warm up.”

 

“So was Miss Supermodel out partying with her friends last night?” Pepsi teased.

 

“I wish.” Jeannie looked round at her. “I was shooting a spread for Vanity Fair yesterday, we started at ten and didn’t finish till nearly midnight.”

 

“And that’s hard work?” Anna asked.

 

“You girls have no idea.” Jeannie sighed, “One day soon I’ll take you all along on a shoot, see how un-glam it really is.  I’ve still got two more shows tonight, and a big gala event tomorrow.”

 

“That sounds like it might be fun.” Nikki said as she eased herself into the chair next to Jeannie.

 

“Bobbi said it was when she went to see Abby at work,” Becky said as she took her pens out.

 

“Good Morning class.” Annie Kelly spoke as she entered her classroom.

 

“Good Morning Miss Kelly.” The girls said back in unison.

 

“Okay girls this morning we are going to see what you know about trigonometry and geometry. I’ve prepared a little quiz for you all.” Annie paused at the sounds of groaning from her students. “It’s not that hard… “

 

“In whose opinion Miss?” a girl asked from the back of the room.

 

“In mine Brooke, and remember in this classroom mine is the opinion that counts.” Annie smiled. “Okay Nikki and Pepsi can you give one of these to each girl.” She pulled a sheaf of papers from her briefcase.

 

The two girls got up, and taking half the pile each started laying the tests on peoples desks.

 

“See what I mean,” Jeannie glanced at her paper and whispered to Anna, “The God of schools is definitely a sadist.”

 

 “Would you like to share that remark with the class Jeannie?”

 

“No Miss.” Jeannie smiled.

 

“Okay,” Annie smiled, “get your calculators out girls, just to do the calculations, no cheating, no looking at each other’s answers, there is no pass or fail on this, It’s just so that I can know what you know.”

 

“Okay you all have 40 minutes, from… Now.” Annie glanced up at the clock.

 

Quietly the girls got down to work as Annie sat at her desk. She was still tired from Saturday’s exertions at the farm, but at least here in her own classroom all this was just routine and easy. Inwardly she was worried though, worried about upcoming events, and she didn’t mean here at school. The upcoming robberies were bigger and more challenging then anything she had done to date. Inside she wondered if she’d measure up.

 

“Miss! Brooke is chewing gum.” A voice from the back of the room disturbed her thoughts.

 

“Brooke you know the rules, up here and in the bin please.” Annie stood up and walked round. “Any questions Girls?”

 

As she looked down, she smiled to herself – nobody seemed to be having too much difficulty.  With luck, she could have a quiet day and an early night.

 

11 am
NY FBI Field Office

 

“There you are Janice,” Adam said as his partner arrived.  “Callaghan was looking for you.”

 

“Sorry – I had to talk to the removal men this morning.”

 

“So when are you moving in,” Adam said with a smile.

 

“Next Monday – How was your chat with Father Richmond?”

 

“Illuminating – would you and Katy care to accompany me?”

 

“We’d love to – but you get to stand at the front on your own, Adam,” Janice said.

 

“So, any word from Van Gogh?”

 

Janice looked over at Adam.  “She sent a message asking for a meet – I haven’t had a date or time yet.”

 

“Well, remember – when it comes, I’ll be there,” Adam said as Janice looked at her computer.   As she opened her mail, she was shocked to see a chat window open.

 

“Good Morning Agent Carter – we need to meet.”

 

“How on earth did you?”

 

“Please, Janice.  8 pm, O’Malley’s, tell no-one.”

 

And the window closed.

 

“Janice?”

 

“Nothing,” she said as she looked at Adam.  “Let’s go see the boss.”

 

 

6 pm
East Side Gym

 

Annie pulled herself up the wall, enjoying the freedom of being able to climb freely.

 

“Bit slow today Miss Kelly.”

 

“Har de har har,” Annie said as she caught up with Dominique, ”you didn’t spend the day with Commandant de Ros, did you?

 

“No, but I have done in the past,” Dominique said.  “Anyway, don’t sweat it – she was quietly impressed by you, but felt you needed a little motivation and practice.”

 

“She’s right,” Dom said as they lowered themselves down.  “We can help with the former at the time, but the latter…   I want you to meet me and Penny tomorrow, at nine – come dressed for work.”

 

“What are we going to do?”

 

“I’ll tell you then,” she said as she removed the safety harness.  “Now, you’ll have to forgive me – I have a meeting to attend.”

 

 

6.30 pm

Somewhere in Manhattan

 

“You know I ought to have bought some shares in the companies that make makeup remover and cleansers.” Barbara smiled as both Jeannie and Abby removed the last makeup from their previous show.

 

“I have never worn as much makeup in my life.” Jeannie groaned.

 

“More to come yet BS.” Abby looked in her mirror to check her face. “How are we doing for time John?”

 

“We’ll be fine.” John said as he dodged in and out of the traffic.

 

“Thank you Granddad.” Jeannie smiled, “In the spring I’m telling Missy I’m doing less shows.”

 

“You say that now Baby, you wait till she puts the thumb screws on.”

 

“Yeah I know.” Jeannie relaxed for a few seconds, “’You gotta do this show, he’s such a hot designer’, or ‘Jeannie I owe this designer a favour and I promised him you’d walk his show’.”

 

“Yep that’s our Missy.” Abby smiled as Barbara laughed.

 

Jeannie’s phone rang. “I know we should be in hair and makeup.” She told the person on the other end, “We are… “ Her grandfather held up 5 fingers. “Five minutes away… yes please have someone outside to help.”

 

“Are they getting antsy?” Abby asked.

 

“Yeah, but all shows start late anyway.”

 

“How are we going to survive this and get our lives back to normal?” Barbara moaned.

 

“Oh don’t worry love.” John reassured her. “It’ll soon be over.”

 

“For a few months.” Abby and Jeannie both laughed.

 

 

8 pm

O’Malley’s

 

Janice was not a happy woman. She hated the way the Hidden Hand could get into and out of her computer at will. She resented the way the Hand had summoned her to a meeting tonight. She had had to park her car two blocks away and then walk through the rain to get to this bar, Janice loathed getting wet. Above all though Janice was sick with envy of the three women she saw coming towards her, they all looked like they were damn models walking down a catwalk in their oh so chic suits, the beautiful hats and veils that masked their real identities, the long, long sexy legs shown to beautiful advantage by their short skirts, and above all their stilettos, that even to Janice screamed the name Manolo Blahnik. What kind of expense accounts were these bitches on to afford shoes like that?

 

“Agent Carter,” the Hand spoke in that same effortlessly sexy tone that Janice also resented. “May I introduce Odette and Sarie… Ladies say Hi to Agent Carter.”

 

“Bonsoir.” The taller of the two spoke.

 

“Goeie aand.” The shorter one spoke.

 

“Odette here is shall we say French Foreign Intelligence.” The Hand indicated the taller woman. “Sarie is with the South African Secret Service.” The Hand smiled, “Obviously, Agent Carter, these are code names, but I can tell you that Odette is an assassin, while Sarie is a specialist interrogator.”

 

“Agent Carter if you were to contact either of our embassies they would of course completely deny our existence even to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.” Odette glanced round as a waitress approached.

 

“Okay ladies what can I gets ya?”

 

“A Pernod.” Odette smiled.

 

“A Gin Sling for me.” Sarie whispered.

 

“A Manhattan.” The Hand ordered.

 

Janice gulped. “Better make mine a large whisky and ginger ale.”

 

“Okay cummin’ right up.”

 

“Now where were we?” the Hand purred.

 

“You’d just done the introductions.” Janice stated a trifle huffily.

 

“Oh yes… “ The Hand smiled.  “These ladies are part of what shall we call our… confederation?”

 

The two foreign agents nodded.

 

“Agent Carter I asked you… “

 

“You mean you summoned me.” Janice interrupted.

 

“Asked… “ Again the Hand smiled, “because we have discovered where the profits of this vile trade are being held.”

 

“Oh?” suddenly Janice was very interested.

 

“We have found they have Twenty Million dollars being held in cash in two banks here in the city.”

 

“We think that money will be better used liberating the girls who are their real victims and aiding them to find new lives.” Odette spoke with a slow sexy French accent.

 

“It’s where?” Janice whispered as the waitress brought their drinks.

 

“In two banks.” Sarie had a melodious South African accent.

 

“You are going to rob these banks?” Janice asked half in disbelief.

 

“Yes we are,” Odette nodded as she sipped her drink. “We have some allies who you might know who are specialists in this kind of thing.”

 

“Oh no,” Janice said quietly, “you can’t mean the fuckin’ Pussycats?”

 

“We do.” Odette nodded. “They are just as appalled by this trade as you are.”

 

Janice sat visibly shaking, “Ladies I catch bank robbers, I don’t work with them.”

 

“Agent Carter do you wish to punish these slavers?” The Hand asked.

 

“I do.”

 

“Well then,“ Sarie spoke, “You now work with bank robbers.”

 

“They share the same revulsion as we do,” the Hand said, “and have pledged to help as only they can.  We need their skills to crack the vaults the funds sit in.”

 

“But they have warrants out for murder, armed robbery, extortion…”

 

“And I have outstanding warrants in 87 countries across the world – including the one I call my home,” the Hand whispered.  “I told you, Agent – we use those we know and trust to do the job.

 

“We will be in touch.” The Hand spoke as all three women stood and walked slowly and sexily out of the bar.

 

“What just happened?” Janice said as she sat there stunned. The news was overwhelming, and the bitches had stiffed her with the bill.

 

Tuesday 9th September

2 pm
The Carter home

 

Janice was doing her housework, and slowly packing things away for the move when the doorbell ringing made her jump, nearly dropping the vase she was holding.

“Who the hell is that?” She groaned as she trudged to the door in her old grey sweats, and beaten up sneakers.

“Janice its Father Alex Richmond,” the shadow figure on the other side of the frosted glass door called out as she approached it.

“Alex,” Janice looked more than a little stunned as she opened the door and saw the priest standing outside. “You’re a long way from your home parish.’

“That I am,” the priest smiled, “May I come in?”

“Oh of course - where are my manners.” Janice smiled and indicated the way to the sitting room. “Pardon the mess Alex, we are in the process of packing up and moving into one of your families apartments in the city.”

“I know, I believe my niece found you rather a nice one.”

“Way beyond my dreams, and well the cost… “

“Occasionally our family likes to help friends.” Alex smiled as he sat down.

“There’s nothing wrong is there?” For a second Janice panicked, remembering that visits by priests to a home often boded ill news.

“You tell me Janice? All I know is that I got a call from the daughter of an old friend late last night and she suggested I come and call on you.”

“Oh!” Janice blanched as she sat opposite. “Ummm Father may I ask what this woman does for a career?”

“Strange question Janice," Alex said, " but I believe she works in Military Intelligence.”

Janice nodded, “I guessed something like that.”

“Janice what is going on?” Alex leaned forward.

“Alexander,” she said as she stood again, “can we discuss this while I make coffee, I think we both may need it.”

Janice led the way back out into the kitchen and flipped the coffee pot on.

“My friend's daughter told me to mention that she’d been in contact with the Hidden Hand.”

“That doesn’t surprise me.” Janice whispered as she took a long breath. “Father this isn’t the confessional, but can you promise to treat what I am going to tell you as though it was?”

Alex looked long and hard at the young woman, before he said “that’s unorthodox Janice… “

“Please Alexander.”

The priest caught the desperate look in the FBI agent’s eye.

“Okay then, I’m invoking the privilege of the confessional then… What do you to have to tell me Janice?”

“Alexander you know of the kidnapping of Oliver Cohen?”

“Yes, I did hear of it.   Thank God he was found safe, I heard you tried to stop it?”

“I did.”  Janice looked at Alex before saying “but now, I wonder if I should have ever tried.”

 

“Now what has happened that you need to say that.”

Janice walked into the living room, and returned with a laptop computer, putting it in front of him. "Alexander there is something you should watch while this coffee brews."

Alexander nodded as Janice turned on the computer and pressed the appropriate buttons.

 

GOOD MORNING, AGENT JANICE CARTER

 

WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO SEE IS A RECORDING OF AN EVENT THAT TOOK PLACE YESTERDAY AT A SECRET LOCATION IN THE CITY

 

IT HAS NOT BEEN EDITED, AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE IT IN A LAW COURT, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU VIEW THIS AND BEGIN TO ACT ON IT.

 

THE PEOPLE YOU WILL SEE ARE DEPENDING ON YOU AND OTHERS – HELP THEM.

 

Janice made the coffee, watching the variety of expressions on Alexander’s face as he watched the video, turning from interest to horror.

“Here… I think you need this.” Janice thrust a hot mug of coffee into the Priest’s shaking hands.

“Janice… Janice… “ Alexander struggled for words, “Was that what I think it was? Were some of those people who I think they were?”

“Yes… and Yes.” Janice nodded.

“How did this come into your possession?” Alex looked stunned.

“The Hidden Hand put it on my computer.”

“They did?”

“Not they Father,” Janice, said as she drank her coffee.  “She… The Hand is just one young woman.”

“Okay - no wonder I was asked to mention them, sorry I mean her, to you.”

“Father,” Janice said as she sat next to him at the bar, “you know of course who the Hand is?”

“Some call her the worlds greatest cyber terrorist, others call her the world’s greatest freedom fighter.”

“And your opinion of her Alexander?”

Alex held the coffee mug in his hands, shaking his head.  “I think given her extraordinary skills she could be the world’s greatest destructive force, but from what I know she’s either been on the side of the greater justice, or she’s simply amused herself embarrassing the great and the good.  Having said which, I do know certain people at the Vatican are not very happy with her.”

“She reminded me last night there are outstanding arrest warrants for her in 87 countries including this one?”

Alexander let go of his mug and looked at her.

“So you met with her in person?”

“Twice now.”

“Janice have you told your superiors at the Bureau this?”

“No, I’ve not even told Adam.”

“Okay,” Alexander shook his head, "I think I’m getting the picture as to why I was asked to contact you.”

“Alexander,” Janice said quietly, “at my meeting last night there were two other women, both heavily veiled, just as the Hand was.”

“Okay, go on… “

“One of the women identified herself as ‘Odette’ the other identified herself as ‘Sarie’.”

“Those are code names I presume?”

“Yes.” Janice nodded. “Odette identified herself as an agent of the Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure.”

“The French spy Agency?”

“Right, Sarie said she was with the SASS.”

“South African Secret Service.” Alexander speculated what the acronym meant.

“Yep,” Janice again nodded.

“Okay so we have a hacker most of the world wants caught, an FBI agent, and two spies… Normally that would be the beginning of a very bad spy novel, but given that video you showed me, I take it that it has a lot more to do with that?”

Janice nodded and looked at the older man.  “Alexander, a large, I’m not sure how large, group of woman have bolted the reservation.”

“Arrgh I see daylight, neither of those spies was there in her official capacity… “

“Neither was I.” Janice interrupted.

“Okay let me take an informed guess.” Father Alex paused, “A group of shall we call them concerned women have become aware of this trade in Diamonds, Arms, and Children.”

Janice nodded.

“Due to the stature of those involved they have felt unable to work through normal channels to bring all this down, and bring those involved to justice.”

Again Janice nodded.

“So on an individual contact basis, using just women they knew they could trust, and who they were sure would be just as revolted as they are, they have put together a network of women to do something to stop all this.”

“That about sums it up Father.”

“Phew!” Alexander sat back in his chair. “My first reaction Janice is that these women must respect your integrity highly to approach you even to join this conspiracy.”

“I sort of worked that out myself.”

“Well I’m naturally supportive and I’ll offer whatever aid I can… “

“Father I don’t think that was why you were asked to contact me?”

“Oh?” Alexander’s interest was really piqued.

“Father I have severe doubts about working with some of the people involved in this.”

“Well in various forms they all work for governments, and law and order organisations, I … “ Alexander paused as he saw the look on Janice’s face.

“Oh!” he steadied himself, “Can I take it some of those involved come from the so-called ‘other side of the fence’.”

Janice clenched her teeth and nodded.

“Let me take a wild flyer and say including members of the Pussycat Gang?”

Janice simply nodded her head.

“Father how can I forget what those bitches have done, and work alongside them?”

“Situations produce strange bed fellows Janice.”

“I know…" Janice wrung her hands, “I’m just not sure I can compromise my principles enough to do this.”

“Janice let me ask you a question.  You are smart enough and have access to enough back channel sources that you ran background checks on the two women you met last night as soon as you got home.”

“I did.”

“And?”

 

“Odette is a top French Government Agent, works covert, a known assassin. Sarie is an interrogator, an old school South African one.”

“You mean she uses torture?”

Janice nodded.

“Let me ask you a basic question Janice,” Alexander sat back and paused, considering how to phrase it correctly. “Why are you accepting of working with these two women, but not the Pussycats, they are all killers and torturers.”

“But agents do it at the orders of their governments.”

“Does that automatically make it morally right?”

The question caused Janice to pause.

“This girl Sarie - if she’d done what she did under the pre-Mandela, pre-democracy South Africa, would you have still found her actions acceptable?”

“Of course not,” Janice said, “apartheid was morally wrong.”

“But she would have still been an agent following the orders of her government.”

Father Richmond’s arguments made Janice think quietly as she drained the remains of her coffee. Was right and wrong as clear-cut as she had always believed?

After a couple of minutes Alex interrupted her thoughts.

“Janice in your best estimation how many people have your Pussycat Gang killed?”

Janice jumped slightly as his words broke her thought.

“We think between 60 and 70.”

“My platoon killed four times that amount in one afternoon in Vietnam.”

“But you were soldiers, they were soldiers.”

“Were they?”

“Are you saying you massacred civilians father?”

“I’m saying I have no way of knowing. In a war where children as young as five were taught to use weapons, where women fought alongside their men, where a soldier could be 8 or 80, the party we caught in an L shaped ambush coming down the Ho Chi Minh Trail, we still have no idea how many innocents we killed alongside real combatants.”

“I came back from Vietnam with a faith still, but my belief in moral certitude destroyed.”

Janice looked hard at her visitor.  "Alex did you write a book called ‘The Priest within the Soldier’?”

“Now that’s a blast from the past,” Alex said with a smile.  “I did…. Don’t tell me you read it?”

“I did in college. It helped restore my faith.”

“It did?”

“Yes.” Janice nodded. “I haven’t said this aloud in nearly 15 years… “ Janice fought hard to keep the tears back. “When I was 13, Alex, I was attacked and raped by a biker gang.”

“Oh Dear God Janice.” Alex stood up and put his arms round her.  "To have lived through such a thing at such an age.  Were they..."

“They were never caught, and I convinced myself that if God had allowed that to happen to me, then he couldn’t exist.”

“And my book helped how?”

“It taught me that there is even now good and evil in this world and that God wants good to win.”

“Janice I think you misread it slightly. I meant that God knows there is good and evil in each of us, and that he wants God to win in each individual.”

“Oh.” Janice looked shocked.

“Janice within your allies in bringing down this vile edifice there is both good and evil. Even the Pussycats in associating themselves with this are proving that we can all potentially reach a higher morality.”

Janice shook her head.  “So you are saying that I should forget all their past crimes because they are doing right now?”

“No, I’m saying that until you know their reasons for doing this, or anything; don’t weigh people so simply in the scales of Justice.  We are called not to judge, but to take people according to their words and deeds.  Even the most evil of people have the capacity to do great good, if they so choose.”

The father looked at his watch, “Janice I must run, I just hope I’ve given you something to think about?”

“You have Father, you have.”  Janice showed Alex to the door, and watched him as he headed down the road.  When she was contacted again, she would say she was in – if nothing else, she would meet the enemy.

 

7 pm

The Metropolitan Gallery.

 

“We’re here at the red carpet for the gala show here at New York Fashion Week – a chance for the designers and models to showcase the very best of their collections in a more informal surrounding.”

 

Jeanne Beckman was in her element, hosting a live show for the Fashion Channel as various celebrities arrived.

 

“I can see Victoria Beckham arriving – her show last weekend certainly raised a few eyebrows – and coming up the carpet now are three ladies who recently graced the pages of Complete Style Magazine in the much praised Mothers and Daughters edition.  Juliette, can you ladies spare a moment?”

 

“Let me do the talking,” Juliette whispered to Barbara and Diana as they walked over.  The three women were dressed in Ralph Lauren trouser suits, Barbara a little nervous at the gift Diana had made to her of the new clothes.

 

“Pleasure to see you as always Jeannie,” Juliette said as they came over.

 

“First of all, congratulations on the birth of Judith – how does it feel?”

 

“Well, Jeanne, it was Carina who did the hard work, but I am proud of both of them – and I am very much looking forward to the Christening a week on Sunday.”

 

“Indeed – it is already been talked of as one of the social events of the year.  Tell me, Juliette, is there any truth to the rumours you may be returning to the catwalk?”

 

“As my friend Diana would say,” Juliette replied as Diana inclined her head, “Never say never – I am doing a special shoot to raise funds for Massachusetts General, in thanks for what they did for my daughter and granddaughter, but honestly – I’m a writer now, not a model.”

 

“Well, thanks for stopping and saying hello, Juliette.”

 

“My pleasure Jeanne – enjoy the evening,” Juliette said as the three women walked into the main hall.

 

“I was so scared she was going to say something to me,” Barbara said as she took a drink.

 

“Jeanne knows the rules – me speaking keeps her bosses happy,” Juliette said as they looked round.  The room was filled with local celebrities, designers and models.  Barbara could see Jeannie with Abby in one corner, talking to a group of reporters.  Both wore leather trousers and fitted jackets.

 

“She looks happy,” Diana said, “but I will say with confidence now, that come Thursday night she will collapse exhausted into bed, and wake up late on Friday.

 

“You have no idea how much Dad and I are looking forward to the weekend,” Barbara whispered.  “By the way, Diana, I meant to say thank you.”

 

“For what?”

 

“Backing me up with Missy?”

 

Diana smiled.  “Always remember, Barbara, Missy respects it when you argue clearly and strongly.  And their education must always come first.”

 

Barbara nodded slowly as she looked round.  “I must admit, I do like this side of it…”

 

“Diana!  Juliette!”

 

“Hello Trudie,” Juliette said as she kissed the tall blonde on both cheeks.  “I haven’t seen you for a while – thank you so much for the gift to Cari and baby.”

 

“Hey, it was my pleasure – how is she settling in?”

 

“Very nicely, thank you – she has a routine set up, and Judith seems to be thriving.  You’re coming, of course?”

 

“Wild horses could not keep me away – you must be Barbara, Jeannie’s mother.  I recognize you from the show.  I’m…”

 

“Trudie Styler – it’s a pleasure, honestly.”

 

“Gordon said you were a charmer – I can see where Jeannie gets her looks from,” Trudie said with a smile.  “Well, I need to circulate – talk to you later?”

 

“Of course,” Juliette said as she walked off.

 

“I am never going to get used to something like that happening,” Barbara said as she sipped from her glass.  “When did you, Juliette?”

 

“Who said I did – I just learn to accept it,” Juliette said with a smile as the announcer said “Ladies and Gentlemen – please, take your seats for the show.”

 

As they went backstage, Jeannie and Abby saw a tall, well built blonde haired woman walk past.

 

“Is that Kate Upton,” Jeannie said as they went in.

 

“Yeah, that’s her – the queen of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition.  I hear she’s doing the VS show in December as well.”

 

“Ever wish you were like that?”

 

“The build or the religious views?”

 

“The build – I know I’m filling out a little, but I wonder sometimes what it must be like to look that good in a swimsuit.”

 

“Heck, you look good in anything.”

 

“Flatterer,” Abby said, but she hugged Jeannie and went off to prepare for the show.

 

9.30 pm
E 22nd Street

 

The black sedan was parked outside the liquor store, the three women looking at the windows and assessing the situation.  All three wore black leather jackets and jeans with boots.

 

 “Okay ladies just do it like we planned.” Dominique glanced round from the drivers seat. “Penny you take the clerk and the till, Annie you do crowd control… looks like there are about four customers in there, and I’ll keep watch at the door.”

 

“Is this really necessary Dom?” Penny checked that her 9mm was loaded and that the safety was off.

 

“What was the last time you actually pulled a job Penny?” Dominique asked.

 

“Not that long ago.”

 

“Penny I looked it up, it’s over three years since you were last out in the field.”

 

“Wow that long… how time flies when you are having fun.” Penelope fiddled with the woolen hat she wore.

 

“Alright girls.” Dominique took three deep breaths, “The masks come down as we go in the door…remember, hard, loud, and let’s not dawdle.”

 

“Okay.” Both Penny and Annie answered.

 

“Let’s go.” Dominique led the way out, pausing at the stores door to pull her ski mask down over her face and to take the 9mm from her jacket pocket.

 

“Ready?”  She whispered as Annie and Penny both nodded in reply.

 

“NOW!” Dominique yelled as she pushed the door open and the three women bandits rushed in.

 

“Down, Down, all of you down on the fuckin’ floor.” Annie brushed by Dominique and pointed her gun at the three customers. “Face down Motherfuckers!”

 

“You… Bitch.” Penny put her gun in the face of the young female clerk. “This is a fucking robbery, do just as I fucking say and you might just live to tell someone all about this.” 

 

At the door Dominique smiled, perhaps this was like riding a bike. Penny certainly looked like she knew what she was doing still.  The clerk was terrified, raising her hands as she short sleeves of her blue blouse fell down.

 

“Okay empty the cash and put it in this bag.” Penny passed the black sack she carried to the bitch. “No tricks, nothing stupid.” She screamed at the traumatized clerk.

 

“All of you stay real still.” Annie walked round making sure the customers did as they were told.  There was an older woman in a long skirt and jumper, and two kids in sweatshirts and jeans.  “Keep those hands where we can see them, and you get to tell a story to your friends.”

 

“Go get the security disk.” Dominique nodded to Annie.

 

“Okay folks I’ll be gone a couple of seconds,” Annie drawled the words trying sound as calm as she could, “You all stay down there and keep comfortable, my friend at the door enjoys killing people, I’m sure she’d love you to give her a reason.”

 

Annie ducked into the back room, looking for the computer and ejecting the DVD from the recorder, before planting a stick in and downloading some software to erase the memory.

 

Dominique walked over and covered the customers on the floor. Out of the corner of her eye though, she saw the clerk try and grab Penny’s gun. For a split second Dom could tell Penny hesitated, a split second that could have been fatal.

 

“Stupid Fucking Bitch!” Penny screamed at the clerk as she stood back making sure she still held the gun and not the clerk.

 

“No!” the clerk screamed as Penny lifted the gun to her head.

 

“I fucking told you not to be stupid.” Penny giggled as she put a bullet in the woman’s brain.  The shot made the older woman scream as the girl’s lifeless body fell to the floor.

 

“What the fuck?” Annie came racing from the back room and saw what had happened.

 

“I got the cash.” Penny grabbed the black sack.

 

“Okay all of you stay down on the fuckin’ floor and don’t get up for five minutes.” Annie pointed her gun at them as she regained her composure and followed Dom and Penny out the door to the getaway car.

 

“Been nice meeting you folks,” Annie laughed as she exited and jumped into the back seat of the car.  Dominique gunned the engine and headed off.

 

“Okay do I pass the test?” Penny asked as she pulled her mask off.

 

“Just about.” Dominique smiled, but your timing needs improvement, the bitch nearly got the gun off you.”

 

“I know, I know.” Penny reflected. “Perhaps I am rustier then I thought.”

 

10.30 pm

The Waldorf Hotel.

 

Madame X looked up as the three women walked in.

 

“Well,” she said as she looked at Dominique.

 

“I think they’re ready,” Dominique said as she sat down.  Annie sat opposite her as Penny went and looked out of the window.

 

“No difficulties?”

 

Dominique looked at Annie, before she said “one fatality.”

 

“Annie?  Did someone threaten Dominique or Penelope?”

 

“Not me,” Annie said as she looked to the window.  Penelope was still looking out, but Dominique could see that she was starting to shake.

 

“Penny?”

 

“Oh God,” she heard her whisper, and then she started to cry, great heaving sobs as Dominique walked over and held her.

 

“Annie,” Madame said quietly, “would you think it rude of me if I asked you and Dominique to let me have some time alone with Penelope?”

 

“Not at all,” Annie said as she stood up.

 

“Come,” Dominique, said, “we’ll go to my rooms.  Ama should still be up and there is someone I wish you to meet.”  She guided Penny to the seat before leaving with Annie.

 

“So what happened Penelope?” Madame handed her old associate a stiff whisky.

 

“I guess I was rustier then I thought.” Penelope noticed her hand was shaking as she took the glass.

 

Madame looked hard at her friend.

 

“At first I was elated I’d done it, that I’d passed whatever the test was to go on the big job, but now I’m upset and I think I need to cry.” Penny sipped the whisky.

 

“It sounds to me like a textbook case of shock – the adrenaline wears off, and you realize what has happened.”

 

“I guess I lost my concentration for a second,” Penny said as she stared ahead, “I briefly had to wrestle her for the gun.”

 

“That was a trifle sloppy Penelope.”

 

“I know,” Penny, whispered, “I could feel Dominique’s eyes on me, I could almost hear her tutting her disapproval.  I felt as if I had to do something…”

 

“So you took a step back and shot the woman.”

 

“Yes.” Penelope nodded with tears in her eyes. “I didn’t need to, I’d got the gun, and I could have just taken the money and run… And now an innocent is dead at my hand…”

 

Madame nodded before saying “But you felt that you needed to prove yourself?”

 

“I guess so… Oh I don’t know,” Penny, said as she put the glass down and ran her hands through her hair.  “I guess I just thought I needed to do it to prove to myself that I still belong, that I’m still relevant, that I’m not just an office manager.”

 

“Your pride has been hurt by recent events?  I know you have been running the office and acting as co-ordinator, but this is why I wanted all of you to spend time in the field.”

 

“I guess so,” she said as she looked at her friend and mentor.  “Seeing how capable and cool under pressure both Charlotte and Annie were on Saturday I suppose didn’t help.”

 

“Another?” Madame noticed Penny had drained her glass.

 

“No… No Thanks… I’ll be okay, it was just the shock I guess.”

 

“Penny,” Madame said as she took her hand, “we have known each other how long?”

 

“Too long.” Penny replied with a smile.  “But I don’t regret a single day of it.”

 

“Well we have both seen and done some pretty bad things in that time. You are entitled to be upset, you killed a woman, but I understand why, I know Dominique does as well.”

 

“She doesn’t think that it was just an old bitch killing to prove she still could?”

 

“No,” Madame said quietly, “I think she knows you got caught by surprise, you’d either react by panicking or by doing something like you did.”

 

“Well at least I didn’t panic.”

 

“No Dominique would have said if it were otherwise.  In a strange way, I’m proud of you.”

 

“You are?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“But you hate violence as being unnecessary.”

 

“Just occasionally it needs to be done.” Madame smiled, “I think this was perhaps one of those times.”

 

“Well I relearned an old lesson about never letting your concentration slip.”

 

“Good,” Madame said as she stood up.  “Then in the coming days as we do what we need to, that woman gave her life to make you better, I think in the balance the good we are doing for these children will outweigh tonight’s deed.”

 

“I hope so Madame.”

 

“I know so Penelope.  Now, have another drink, and then go and rest – we need to make plans tomorrow.”

 

Wednesday 10th September

9.30 am

The Waldorf Hotel

 

As Charlotte arrived in the suite, she was surprised to see both Ama and Maisha walking towards her, wearing bathrobes and sandals on their feet.

 

“I’m taking them to the spa,” Dominique said as she followed.  “Hopefully my French is up to the task of translation.  The morning report?”

 

“Yeah – Susan and Penny are in conference, so I brought it myself.  Is she in the office?”

 

“She is – and she was going to ask you to call anyway.  Might as well kill two birds with one stone,” Dominique said as she nodded to the room door.

 

“She wanted to see me?  What about?”

 

“You won’t know unless you go in and ask – I have these two to deal with,” Dominique said as she left the suite.  Charlotte took a deep breath, knocked on the door and heard the familiar deep, rich voice say “Come.”

 

“Good morning, Madame,” Charlotte said as she entered, again struck how when even dressed casually, she had an air of command around her.  Of course, casual for Madame meant a roll necked sweater and designer pants – normal office wear for the young South African.

 

“Ah Charlotte,” Madame said as she looked at her, “you have the morning report?”

 

“I have Madame,” she said as she handed the papers to the older woman.  Madame glanced over them, and said “excellent – I will review in a moment, but for now, please, sit.  There are some matters I wish to discuss with you.”

 

“Of course,” Charlotte said as she sat, “I trust there are no problems with my work.”

 

“Quite the opposite, in fact,” Madame said as she sat and poured two coffees, handing one to Charlotte.  “I wanted to compliment you on your input on this project.  I strongly suspect that when I sent you with Dominique to Geneva, you never thought it would lead here.  Am I correct?”

 

“That would be an understatement, Madame,” Charlotte said quietly, “but as you know, I joined you in order to help fight what we uncovered, so I consider it an honour to be involved.”

 

“Indeed,” Madame said as she sat back, “but your input has proved invaluable.  Would you like to hear what has been said about you?”

 

“The question is, Madame, do you wish me to hear?”

 

“Well put,” Madame said as she put her cup down and picked up a paper.  “Susan says you have helped to organize and make the listening post a model operation.  Dominique not only compliments your work on the diamonds, she also has heard Ama and Maisha spoke fondly of you, and how much Maisha in particular felt you helped when you talked to her of her experiences.”

 

Charlotte blushed slightly, and then Madame said, “What is most pleasing, however, is the input of others.  Heather has told me of your part last night, and also of the way you have worked with her.  And as for Diana…”

 

“Diana?  What did she have to say?”

 

“She said, and I quote, that you are a rising star and I should cherish you.  She was impressed with your skill last Saturday, and also your willingness to be open as to your past experiences.”

 

“I…  I tend not to wish to dwell on the past, and look to the future,” Charlotte said, “but it was a pleasant afternoon.  I am not sure…”  She suddenly looked at Madame and said “Sorry, I do not wish to speak out of turn.”

 

“Charlotte, I encourage my senior staff to be open and honest with me and with each other.”

 

“Well, that may be the case, Madame, but…”  Charlotte suddenly looked at Madame as the full implications of what she had just said hit her.  “Forgive me, but did you just give me a promotion, Madame?”

 

“I think it is well earned – once this business is finished, we need someone to oversee whatever changes Heather recommends.  In fact, we have been in need of an IT manager for some time, and it will take one load off Penelope’s plate.  You will be at the same level as a team leader, and report directly to Penelope.  Do you wish to accept the post?”

 

“I…  I don’t know what to say?”

 

“Yes would be a good start – there will, of course, be a suitable increase in the compensation package, and Dominique has intimated she would appreciate your help in the future with both Ama and Maisha.  We can deal with the paperwork at a future moment, but the appointment starts on a handshake.”

 

Madame stood and extended her right hand, Charlotte grasping it and saying, “Of course I accept, Madame.  But what will Penny – sorry, Penelope say?  After all, I got the feeling she was not very happy on Saturday.”

 

“Ah – thereby hangs a tale,” Madame said as she sat down, indicating Charlotte should do the same.  “How much so you know of Penelope’s career?”

 

“She started out as a high end home invader, at some point she helped form the China Doll Gang, moved over to planning their jobs, and then was recommended to you by John Jacobs.”

 

“That is all true – but has anyone ever told you the story behind the formation of the China Doll Gang?”

 

“No,” Charlotte said.  “I know their style and reputation, but not how they adopted that format.”

 

Madam sat back and looked at Charlotte.  “Some years ago, Penelope decided to expand her horizons, and began to target sub-post offices.  Her modus operandi was actually very similar to the Pussycats – she would break in the night before, secure and hold hostage the family of the postmaster or mistress, then force them to open the safe.

 

“After some time, she was starting to consider moving up to small banks, but she knew she would not be able to do it alone.  She had two friends who, for various reasons, needed money, so she recruited them and held the family of a local bank manager hostage overnight.  They then forced the family to the branch and made the father open the safe.”

 

“What happened?”

 

“A security guard turned up for work early, and tried to attack one of them.  Penelope shot him in the stomach – he died later in hospital.  The family were shocked, and daddy played along after that.”

 

“So Penelope has killed before?”

 

“Indeed – but she was concerned that they could use the voices of all three to overcome any disguise.  Over the next few visits, they grew more proficient at using printed instructions and threats to get their point across – but there were occasions when they had to set an example.  I know Penelope personally was not fond of this.”

 

“So she moved to planning and administration to avoid that?”

 

“That – and the fact she herself was shot in one raid by one of the people they were robbing.  He was shot himself, but Penny decided to take the planning role from then on – and the Dolls fully embraced the philosophy of silent threats with a new member.”

 

“I think I understand,” Charlotte said, “This has brought back some old memories.”

 

“Perhaps – more I feel she recognizes how important this is, and wishes to give it her customary 100%.  At any rate, do not worry – she will be fine come the day.  On which subject, I must go – I have a lunch appointment with Juliette.  Would you kindly inform Heather to expect us at eight tonight?”

 

“Us?”

 

“Yes – the thirteen of us need to meet tonight.”

 

 

10.30 am

FBI Field Office

 

“She made contact with me.”

 

“She,” Tom said as he looked at Adam and Janice.

 

“Van Gogh – definitely a she, and she has asked for some intel on some people.  I’m preparing a package to send to her, which I’ll run past you first.”

 

“Any word on whether or not the bitches are involved?”

 

Janice looked at Adam and said “Not as such, but they indicate they have specialist help.  She said they had managed to trace some of the funds raised at the auction, and had plans to liberate them.  She would not share any further details, however.”

 

“Fair enough – keep us informed Janice.  You’re off duty all weekend, aren’t you?”

 

“Yes – I move house Friday, and Katy is spending the weekend at the Richmond mansion to give us a chance to sort the place out.”

 

“Well, good luck with that,” Tom said as she and Adam left the office.

 

“Feel strange to be moving to Manhattan?”

 

“You have no idea,” Janice said as she shook her head. “I think I’m going to be experiencing a whole range of new experiences in the next few days.”

 

“Janice,” Adam said quietly as he took her arm, “you’d tell me if you were getting involved in something wouldn’t you?”

 

“Adam I tell you everything.” Janice crossed her fingers behind her back and said a silent Hail Mary as penance for her lies. “You’re my partner, what use is a partner who doesn’t know what’s going on?”

 

Adam smiled as Janice walked towards her desk. Slowly he walked towards the coffee station. He knew Janice was lying to him, things were going on, and she was involving herself in events that were at the least dubious, and probably outright criminal. Janice had been badly shaken by that video of the slave auction. Adam just hoped she wasn’t allowing her outrage to cloud her judgment, and to take on risks that could ultimately hurt her.

 

Janice sat at her desk idly scanning crime reports while she nursed a cup of coffee. It looked routine, a liquor store holdup by three women, one clerk shot dead, briefly caught her attention, but her mind kept drifting to what was to come. How would she finally react when she came face-to-face with the Pussycats? She guessed they’d be masked or disguised, but she still wasn’t sure in her own mind that she wouldn’t just pull her gun and try to arrest them.

 

10.30 am

Complete Style Offices

 

 

“Right,” Anna said as she, Mary and Father Richmond marched into Juliette’s office, “we need to talk to you Grandma Huntingdown.”

 

“How to win friends and influence people – nice, smooth,” Juliette said as Janine watched from the other side of the desk.

 

Mary looked at the young girl, who stood up and said “I’ll sort that out for you, Juliette.”

 

“All right, what do we need to talk about,” Juliette said as she sat back.

 

“The Christening,” Anna said quietly, “have you reviewed the list of people who have said yes yet?”

 

“No – why?”

 

“We’re gonna need a bigger church,” Mary said as she handed Juliette a list.  Glancing down it, she said “No – but we are going to need an extra room at the reception.  I’d better let Vanessa know.”

 

“We also need to discuss the small matter of the paparazzi and press – Jeanne has been on the phone three times already.”

 

“Well, Alex you’ve said you won’t allow anything near the church, so it would have to be at the reception – let me talk to Vanessa on that one as well.”

 

“No,” Alexander shook his head, “we need face facts Juliette this will not be the family and friends Christening we planned.”

 

“Oh!”

 

“Juliette,” Alex said with a smile, “can I make a suggestion?”

 

“Please do Alex.”

 

“I think we need switch this to St Patrick’s.”

 

“To the cathedral? … Surely not?”

 

“Look at that list.” Mary interrupted.

 

“Oh dear Goddess,” Juliette looked down closely at the three full pages of names.

 

“And we are getting more and more acceptances and requests for tickets all the time. Face it love, this christening is going to be one of THE events of the fall here in NYC.” Mary looked happy.

 

“I’m sure we can trim numbers down somehow…”

 

“Where Juliette?” Anna asked accusingly, “From her friends, your friends, people in the fashion world who have known Carina all her life.”

 

“Just face it Juliette, we need change plans, and quickly.“ Alex smiled he hoped reassuringly. “We can do this.”

 

Juliette groaned and a look of resignation passed over her face. “Okay so how much extra work am I looking at?”

 

“Surprisingly little.” Mary smiled.

 

“By switching to the Cathedral we can unload press and PR onto the press office of the Archdiocese, they are used to dealing with all that stuff.” Alex spoke.

 

“And that should stop my phone ringing constantly.” Anna noted.

 

“Once we’ve passed the press buck to them, we can start on the more enjoyable aspects of a Christening…”

 

“There are enjoyable aspects Mary?” Juliette asked as in shock.

 

“Turns out there is.” Mary grinned.

 

“The Waldorf is prepared to give us a very nice rate if their name is mentioned nicely in reports… “

 

“Anna that sounds like I’m almost selling the rights to my Granddaughter’s christening.”

 

“It doesn’t have to be blatant, you know they are discrete, but it means we can afford to have 700 at the reception afterwards, at the cost you were already paying for the other place.’

 

“Well I do like that idea financially.”

 

“Now Ju, have you made a decision who is going to dress you and Carina?” Mary asked.

 

“No,” Juliette’s eyes rolled, “with all I have going on I’ve not really dared raise it with Carina.”

 

“I’ve got a suggestion.” Anna spoke slowly, “You know you are doing that double with Cecilia Chancellor in de la Renta a few days before the Christening?”

 

“Oh shit, I’d forgotten all about that…”

 

“Well,” Anna resumed, “You’ve always looked superb in Oscar’s clothes…”

 

“And he has offered.” Mary added.

 

“And he’s prepared to even travel to New Haven to do Carina’s fittings…” Anna’s voice trailed off.

 

“Alex ever feel like you got ambushed?” Juliette laughed, “Okay tell Oscar if Carina likes his ideas, then he can do our outfits.”

 

“Ladies if you are going to start talking clothes, I need to hustle along and see the Archbishop’s secretary to confirm all this.”

 

“Okay Alex,” Juliette rose and kissed the priest on the cheek. “Keep me in the loop please.”

 

“Okay Good – now we can talk about other outfits…” Mary started.

 

Juliette closed her eyes, her already crowded timetable just got worse, she’d need talk to Shirley and Heather and see if they could help a little with the planning of the jobs.

 

 

1 pm

The Refectory

 

“I’m only back a week, and already I’m exhausted.”  Abby sat with Ally and Jo at the table, and started to pick at her salad.

 

“Well, must be those new options you picked,” Ally said with a smile.  “So what’s your weekend like?”

 

“I’ve got a shoot all day Saturday, and then Jo and I are going up to see Cari on Sunday.  Little Sandy is having a sleepover with Katy Carter and a couple of other school friends, so we’re having some down time and staying well clear of the place.  You?”

 

“Not much – we got tickets for a show Saturday night.  So what’s the shoot?”

 

“January fashions for Elle magazine.  I’ve also got a new script to memorise for the Memories Christmas campaign.”

 

“What about Jeannie?”

 

They looked over to where Jeannie and the others were comparing notes.

 

“Karen Gillian is visiting – it got held over for a couple of weeks.”

 

“Hey oldsters,” Jeannie wheeled herself to the table.

 

“Hey Baby.” Each of the friends said in sync.

 

“Look - you know the Principal and Mr. Kirkham asked us to become patrons of the Jamie Fund Abs?”

 

“Yes,” Abigail looked up from her salad.

 

“Well I sort of have an idea for a way to raise some funds… How about we put on a school fashion show?”

 

“Won’t raise a lot Baby, beyond the families of the girls and a few of their friends, who is going to pay to see this lot strut their stuff?” Jo gestured to indicate all the girls.

 

“Not many, but how about if we pair girls, moms and teachers with some of our friends from the modeling world?”

 

“Then you might have a show… “Abby thought hard.

 

“Stick, just think of the talent that’s in New York for Fashion Week and staying on for the christening, we twist a few arms… “

 

“And we get Mary on board.” Abigail started to get excited at the idea.

 

“You should ask Father Richmond to present it.” Ally chipped in.

 

“He’d be perfect.” Jo smiled.

 

“Will Tennant go for it?” Ally asked.

 

“Okay two problems,” Abigail paused, “A venue, and who is going to hit up designers to donate outfits.”

 

“Well it’s not huge, but I was thinking the gym might make a showroom.” Jeannie made a proposal.

 

“I guess we could make it work,” again Abby thought, but we are really going to need help getting the clothes.’

 

“Ask Miss Huntingdown to help?” Ally spoke.

 

All three girls looked round at her.

 

“Well she’s a trustee of the fund…”

 

“You know you aren’t as dumb as you look Ally.” Jo grinned at her friend.

 

“I’m sure Juliette will help,” Jeannie smiled, “Which leaves us one huge problem… Who from this lot has any potential to model?”

 

“Let me get Juliette and Mary on board first – let’s go to the CS offices after school…”

 

 

3.30 pm

Complete Style Offices

 

“Hey Mom.” Carina’s face popped up on Juliette’s computer screen “Bad time?”

 

“No,” Juliette took her glasses off and smiled. A call from her daughter on the non-secure line was a rare treat; at least it meant this was just going to be a friendly call.  “What can I do for you Cari?”

 

“Mom I need a name adding to the guest list.”

 

Juliette groaned inwardly, maybe not such a friendly call. “Who darling?”

 

“Judy and Judith are competing for the attentions of the same man.”

 

“They are?”

 

“Yeah Judy has a new boyfriend, and baby adores him as well, and he’s so good with her.”

 

“Okay he sounds acceptable to come to the christening.” Juliette smiled, “as long as Judith and Judy don’t end up fighting over him… ‘

 

Carina giggled.

 

“Okay,” Juliette said as she picked up a pen and found a piece of paper, “so who is this paragon of male virtue?”

 

“He was at Harrow, he knows Tony, and his name is Lord David Fitzstuart.   Fancy Judy hooking a real live lord… “

 

Carina’s speech was interrupted as her Mother nearly spilled her own cup of coffee in her own lap.  She stared at Carina as her daughter looked back,

 

“Did you say David Fitzstuart darling?”

 

“Yes. Why?”

 

Carina was surprised when her mother collapsed off her chair laughing.

 

“Okay what’s the big joke I’m missing?”

 

“Sorry…” Juliette fought hard to suppress her giggles.

 

“Why does David trigger that reaction in you?”

 

“Do you remember that picture of you and a little boy stretched out together on a sheepskin rug, you are both about a year old?”

 

“Yeah you always threatened to show it to all my boyfriends.”

 

“Well David… “ Juliette started laughing again.

 

“Oh no you aren’t saying the little boy is him?”  Carina groaned.

 

“Yeah that’s David.” Juliette tried to stop laughing.

 

“Darling, tell David to tell Tufty to get her ass in gear and over to New York, and to TRY and drag Will away from his beloved pigs.”

 

“Okay why do I think I’ve walked into another supermodel ambush?”

 

“Because you have Darling.” Juliette giggled more. “You remember who Mandy Carrow was?”

 

“Yeah, striking redheaded punk model, got famous doing grunge.”

 

“Well when she got married she became Lady Amanda Fitzstuart, the wife of the 9th Marquess of Ordford.”

 

“And she’s David’s mom?”

 

“Yeah!”

 

 “But why the reference to pigs?”

 

“Their estate in Yorkshire, her husband Will is a pig famer… “

 

 “As well as being a Marquess?”

 

“Yes, well anyway tell David to get his Mom over, tell him to tell her we are having a reunion, that should get her.”

 

“Okay I will.” Carina looked doubtful. “Hey Mom Baby’s crying she needs her feed.”

 

“Okay Darling you go feed her, and just remember to tell David to tell his Mom precisely what I said.”

 

“Tell Tufty to get her ass in gear and over to New York, and to TRY and drag Will away from his beloved pigs.” Carina repeated.

 

“You got it Darling.”

 

“Okay must run Mom… Bye”

 

“Bye Darling.”

 

As she ended the call, Juliette started laughing again.

 

“What’s so funny,” Mary said as she looked in. 

 

“Another coincidence,” Juliette said with a smile.  “Mandy Carrow might be coming.”

 

“Mandy…  How on earth are you going to get her away from the Somerset Old Spots?”

 

“Because, my dear Merlin, you remember David her son?”

 

“Yes I remember young David.”

 

“ Well he is dating Judy McNally, and is at Yale.”

 

“Oh my goodness,” Mary said with a laugh.  “Well, if you’re in a good mood, they may as well spring this on you now.”

 

“They?”

 

“Come on in girls,” Mary said as she stood to one side, Juliette watching as Abby and Jeannie came in.

 

“I know that look,” Juliette said, “what are you thinking of?”

 

“Well,” Jeannie said, “we wondered if we could get some of the guests for the christening to do a teensy tiny wee favour on the Saturday night?”

 

“What sort of favour?”

 

“Take part in a fashion show at St Angela’s for the Jamie Kirkham fund – do the catwalk with some of the students, teachers and parents?”

 

“Oh?”  Juliette sat back and put her fingers under her chin, before saying “and who gets to do the management.”

 

“Well,” Abby said, “Carina is asking Father Alex, Mary has offered backstage support, but…”

 

“They need outfits,” Mary said, “so, time to get your little black book out?”

 

“Me, no – JANINE!”

 

“Yes Juliette,” the young assistant said as she looked in.

 

“Time you took on more responsibilities,” Juliette said as she looked down the list and underlined some names.  “Call these people, and ask models if they will take part on a charity event the day before, and designers if they will contribute outfits.  Co-ordinate with Mary.  Venue?”

 

“The gymnasium at St Angela’s.”

 

“You two – we need volunteers. Ask the girls who are walking shows with you this week”

 

“We’ll work on it – when do we need names by?”

 

“Friday – so start ringing round.  I have other things to attend to.”

 

8 pm
The de Ros Mansion.

 

“Nice place,” Penny said as she looked round.

 

“I like it,” Diana said with a smile.  “This way.”

 

She showed Penny into the front room, where Madame and Juliette were talking to Heather round the coffee table.

 

“Hey,” she said as she walked over to Charlotte, “What’s this I hear about a promotion?”

 

“Indeed,” Dominique said with a smile, “no hard feelings I hope?”

 

“Not at all – you get to report to me now, after all.”

 

“Hey everyone.”

 

“CARI!”  Joanne and Abigail ran over and embraced their friend as Heather took Judith’s car seat from her.

 

“Thanks for coming down, darling,” Juliette said as she looked at her granddaughter.

 

“Important meeting – better I’m here,” Carina said with a smile.  “So, whom are we waiting on?”

 

“Me I’m afraid,” Annie said as she came in with Diana.  “Your idea has got the staff room buzzing, Abby – I have a list of volunteers from the staff already.”

 

“Oh – what idea?”

 

“Tell you later – right now, let’s get down to business.”

 

“If you will all be seated,” Madame said as they sat round the large table.  “Now, tonight is to identify what the general plan is, and what work still needs to be performed.

 

“As you know, the money is held in two private vaults, one at Credit Suisse, the other at HBSC.  In the simplest of terms, we’re going to empty the vaults.”

 

“And it sounds so simple when you put it that way,” Carina said as she sipped her drink.  “Just break into two of the most secure vaults in the city, empty them of ten million each and slip into the night.”

 

Everyone laughed at that, before Juliette said “That’s exactly what we are going to do – but at the same time, in both places.  We will form two teams of seven.”

 

“Hold the fort,” Annie said as she looked round, “there are thirteen of us here, who is number fourteen?”

 

“I will lead one team – Madame the other.  Madame, you first.”

 

“We have picked the team to balance skills required.  I will have with me Diana, Heather, Charlotte, Susan, Joanne and Abigail.”

 

“Which means I have Cari, Dominique, Annie, Penny, Sandy – and our last partner.  Apart from Annie, I think you all know who that is.”

 

Annie looked round the room as the others nodded, and started laughing nervously.  “All right, what’s so funny?”

 

“The fourteenth person,” Juliette said as she looked at the teacher, “is Janice Carter.”

 

Annie looked at her friend for a moment, and then said slowly “You have got to be kidding me – HER?”

 

“Yes,” Madame said, “we have decided to bring her in for this task, to provide support.  She knows a confederation of women in the intelligence services has been formed, and now she wants in.”

 

“I think you’re crazy,” Annie said, “how are you going to keep her from recognizing our voices?”

 

“Like this,” Heather purred as she held the voice modifier to her throat.  “She hasn’t recognized me yet.”

 

“Neat – and I guess we’re all in costume all the time?”

 

“We can discuss that in a moment – Heather, our targets please?”

 

“First, Credit Suisse,” Heather said as she handed round copies of a photo, showing a tall dark haired man in a dinner suit, wearing wire rimmed glasses.  Next to him was a tall woman in a white silk dress and fur wrap, her fair hair showing hints of grey, and a younger woman in a dark blue strapless gown and matching scarf.

 

“This is Roger Devereux, the private vault manager of the Credit Suisse.  With him his wife Celine and his nineteen year old daughter Celeste.”

 

“Nice family,” Carina said quietly, “so who gets them?”

 

“We do,” Juliette said.  “We need to keep an eye on Janice, so we get the family with one kid, Madame’s team gets the one with two.”

 

“And for that, meet the Walker family,” Heather said as she handed round a second photo.  “Alison manages the vaults for HBSC, husband Gary works for the investment side, and twins Gareth and Hannah, both eighteen,”

 

“Where do they live?”

 

“The Walkers are up in the Heights, the Devereux’s near Rockerfeller U.  Here are photos of the homes from the outside.”

 

“We need people to check routes between homes and branches, and from the Farm to the houses.  Sandy, if you can do the latter, and I can ask Susan to look into the former?”

 

Both women nodded as Joanne and Abigail looked at their targets.

 

“We go for our classic style – we dress identically, we use the same codenames, and we are in costume from the moment Janice joins us.”

 

“When?  She is moving into the apartment over the weekend, and Katy is here for a sleepover, so Sunday and Monday are out.”

 

“Agreed – we’re thinking Monday or Tuesday, the go to be given on Monday.  We need to be finished by seven, to allow those of us with cover stories to be at work, so this will be a case of the family comes with us.  Then all hands to contain any staff who arrive early as we go about our work.”

 

“How far do we go?”

 

“My apologies, Carina,” Madame said, “but Miss Lynx will have to curtail her greatest desires for this one.  I would not try to totally control her, but if at all possible, no bloodshed – especially with Janice on your team.”

 

“Okay – Beast understands,” she said as she looked at Judith.  “So we hit at night, take the family to the banks, force the vault open, take the money, and then get out of there?”

 

“Essentially – but the devil is in the detail.  Charlotte, Heather, we need as much as we can on the families.  Dom, Jo – study the alarm systems, we need weak spots and ways of getting into the vault.”

 

“Be aware,” Madame said, “this is us announcing we know – after this, things will move to the endgame very quickly.  Are you ready for that?”

 

The women looked at each other and nodded.

 

“To cover our tracks,” Juliette said, “we will naturally take whatever we can find in the general vault.  The money we retrieve from these two specific vaults will be used to help the girls.  Anything else will be split evenly as always.

 

“Diana and I will meet with Tommy on Sunday to take delivery of an order.  Ladies – go to work.”

 

As they split up, Juliette said “Annie, Charlotte – a word please.”

 

The two women looked at each other as they accompanied Juliette and Diana out to the kitchen.

 

“If you are going to be part of the Pussycat gang,” Juliette said as she took a small box from a drawer, “then it is important you look the part in all ways – including the use of code names and the pin to show that.  Diana?”

 

“Annie, we gave a lot of thought to what name you would use, but first accept this.”

 

Juliette handed Annie a small velvet box, her gasp audible as she opened it to find a gold pin in the shape of a cat.  The face and ears were diamonds, while the gold tail wrapped around the body.

 

“Not blood diamonds?”

 

“No,” Juliette said with a smile, “you will be known as Miss Snow Leopard.  As Diana is darkness personified, you bring a little white into the proceedings.”

 

“It’s beautiful,” Annie said, “thank you.”

 

“As for you Charlotte,” Diana said, “How does Miss Serval sound?”

 

“Most appropriate,” Charlotte said as she looked at the opal and ruby pin, “and I thank you for everything.”

 

“Right – let’s get some coffee organized,” Juliette said, “lots of work to do.”

 

 

Thursday 11thSeptember

2 pm

Complete Style

 

“Janine, got a minute?”

 

Juliette sat at her desk and watched as the intern came in.  She stood in front of the desk, wearing a gent’s waistcoat over a granddad shirt, brown jodhpurs and knee length laced boots, and smiled nervously.

 

“Tough week, isn’t it?”

 

“Yes, Juliette,” Janine said, “but it’s been fun.”

 

“Well,” Juliette said, “I have a question that I need to ask you.  Sit.”

 

“Is there a problem,” Janine said as she sat down.

 

“I’m not sure,” Juliette said as she looked at her computer screen.  “My trip to Paris in a few weeks – I was reviewing the schedule and it is, well, very full.  Were all these meetings and shows necessary?”

 

“I pared them down to the minimum, Juliette, but this is the only time you are in Europe this season – a lot of people want to talk to you.”

 

“Hmmm – I want you to contact the hotel I’m staying in, and ask them to reserve a private dining room for the Saturday.  Then contact as many of these as you can, and see if they are willing to join me for dinner that night.”

 

“Got it,” Janine said as she made a note on her pad.

 

“Oh – and do you have a passport, Janine?”

 

“Yes,” she said without looking up at first, and then she slowly raised her head.  “Why, Juliette?”

 

“Because I need you to come with me.”

 

“But…  But…”

 

“Yes, Janine,” Juliette said with a smile.

 

“I’m a temp – only permanent staff are allowed to take these trips.”

 

“Oh, that’s right,” Juliette said as she opened a drawer, “well then, you’d better review and sign this, and get it back to HR pronto before any other policies get broken.”

 

Janine looked at the papers, before saying “A…  A permanent contract?”

 

“Should have done it before, if truth be told,” Juliette said with a smile, “but now seems the right time.  Well, want the job?”

 

“Of course I do – thank you Juliette!”

 

“Right – get to work then,” she said as Janine walked out, smiling and shaking her head.

 

7.30 pm

The Huntingdown Apartment.

 

“Congratulations Alice – another girl I hear?”

 

Juliette smiled as she sat with the phone to her head.

 

“No, I wanted to thank you for pitching in at such short notice.  Abby and Jeannie have already drummed up a formidable list of volunteers, and Janine has twisted arms in a most impressive manner.

 

“All right – I’ll talk to you tomorrow.  Ciao.”

 

As she put the phone down, Juliette heard a ping from her laptop, and answered the Skype call to see Carina looking at her.

 

“Hello Darling – and who is this?”

 

“Mom this is David.” Carina introduced the tall dark young man standing next to her and carrying Judith.

 

“Long time no see David.” Juliette smiled.

 

“I know,” David, said as he looked at the screen, “It never clicked that Carina was your daughter till she talked to me earlier.”

 

“Did she tell you I still have the photograph?”

 

“Yes,” David laughed, “My Mother has her copy still. You and she are EVIL women.” David smiled.

 

“Did you pass on my message?”

 

“Yes I did.”

 

“And?”

 

“My Mother says tell the Pelican that I don’t get my arse in gear for anyone anymore.”

 

“Oh.” Juliette was a trifle disappointed.

 

“But she added make sure Juliette has a limo at JFK next week to meet the British Airways flight and to reserve a suite at the Waldorf for me.”

 

“Okay I will do.” Juliette giggled.

 

“And your Dad?”

 

“He’s going to try and make it, but you know him and the pigs?”

 

“We’ll expect him if we see him.  David, do I need to stop thinking you are romancing my granddaughter?” Juliette saw the happy look on the baby’s face as he nestled in the British man’s arms.

 

“Judy is getting jealous.” Cari smiled.

 

“Oh and by the way she wasn’t smiling.” David revealed a damp patch on his arm.

 

“Whoops I need change her Mom…. Byeeee.”

 

As the call ended, Juliette shook her head.

 

Friday 12th September

1 pm

Central Park West

 

“So, if you will sign here, and here…”

 

Janice took the board and added her signature where the supervisor had indicated, before she said “Congratulations.”  She handed Janice two sets of keys as her mother came back in, and said “All done?”

 

“All done – we can move our things in now,” Janice said as she looked round.  Mrs. Carter nodded as she went out of the apartment, and Janice went into the kitchen, opening the icebox and taking out a bottle of water.

 

“Janice, things are finally going right for you,” she sighed as she opened the bottle and took a long drink.   She smiled at the removal men as they started to carry the boxes of kitchen equipment in, and walked into the front room.

 

“Where do you want this, dahlin,” one of the workmen said as he held the plates box in his hands.

 

“On the floor for now,” Janice said with a smile, “we’ll sort it out after that.”

 

“Janice, why don’t you go and take a walk in the park – I can supervise the removal men, and you look like you need a break.”

 

“Yeah – thanks Mom,” Janice said as she grabbed her jacket and headed out, breathing deeply as she crossed the road and entered Central Park.

 

With everything going on in her mind, all the fuss and bother with the move, the walk in the air helped her to put not only that in perspective, but her talk with Father Alex and her feelings about what she was been asked to do.  In fact, she was so well organized in her mind that when her cell phone rang, and she heard The Hand say “Good Afternoon, Agent Carter,” she surprised herself by saying, “I’m in.”

 

“In your new apartment, or in something else?”

 

“How do you – no, never mind.  I’m in for whatever you’ve planned but inform your ‘experts’ this is a one off.  After this is dealt with, we still have a reckoning coming.”

 

“I believe they will understand.  Be alert Agent Carter – we will call when it is time.”

 

As the line went dead, Janice sat down on a bench.  There was no going back now…

 

 

Sunday 14th September

11 am

New Haven

 

Joanne and Abigail walked into the main reception of Branford College, smiling at the students as they walked past.

 

“Can I help you,” the young girl at the reception desk said.

 

“Yeah – we’re visiting Carina Huntingdown?”

 

She glanced down the list on her desk, and then looked at the two blonde girls.  One was incredibly tall and thin, her hair pulled back, and both had glasses on.

 

“Cari has down here Jo and Stick.  That would be you two?”

 

“That’s right,” Cari said as she walked out beside a tall, grey haired man in an immaculate grey suit.  “Oscar, they look wonderful.  Tell Mom when you see her on Tuesday afternoon I can’t wait to wear the finished outfit.”

 

“I look forward to seeing you wearing it,” he said as he bowed to the other girls, and left the building.

 

“Fitting for next Sunday?”

 

“Got it in one – come on through, I’ll sort some coffee out,” Cari said as she walked them to her rooms.  Judy looked up from her books and said “Well now – visitors.  How are you two doing?”

 

“Can’t complain – what about you?”

 

“Essay on Maya Angelou to finish by Tuesday – I definitely know why the caged bird sings now.”

 

“It’s tomorrow – your mom made the call today,” Jo whispered into Cari’s ear.

 

“Gotcha,” Carina said with a smile, “What about a babysitter?”

 

“It’s your lucky night – Vanessa is looking after the kids, and would love to keep an eye on Judith as well.”

 

“Thank the goddess,” Cari said.

 

“Hey – what are you two whispering about,” Judy said as Abby held the baby in her arms.”

 

“Not much – come on, let’s go and get some fresh air.  It’s a lovely day, and baby will appreciate the time out.”

 

“Can’t just now – I need to do this,” Judy said, “I’ll meet you at the Half Moon for lunch at 1.30.”

 

“Fair enough,” Carina said as she put a whole body outfit on Judith, and strapped her into her stroller, before the three of them set off.

 

Monday 15th September

12 noon

The Waldorf Hotel

 

Heather and Juliette walked into the dining room to find Madame, Penny and Dominique waiting for them.

 

“I understand we are a go for later,” Madame said quietly. 

 

“We are – Heather has the latest information on the target homes.  Routes?”

 

“We have them worked out between Sandy and my scouts – there is very little gossip on our friends at the moment, so they must be feeling secure.”

 

“That may be about to change.  We meet at the farm?”

 

“Indeed – the outfits are there and waiting for you.  We will join you later tonight, once Carina has left Judith with Vanessa.  Except, that is for, Heather – she will arrive earlier.”

 

“Yeah – and I need to borrow Charlotte,” Heather said, “we need to collect Janice and bring her with us.  We’ll give you half an hour’s warning, so that you can all be ready.”

 

12.30 pm

West Central Park

 

“Well, Janice, I do believe that is the last box unpacked.”

 

Janice and her mother looked round the apartment, and then hugged each other as her cell phone went off.

 

“Yes,” she said as she answered it.

 

“Agent Carter?”

 

Janice turned to her mother and said, “I need to take this,” as she closed the door.

 

“What is it?”

 

“It is time for you to see what we know – be outside your apartment block at 4 pm tonight.  Be alone, or we drop you.”

 

“I understand – for how long?”

 

“You will be away all night and some of tomorrow,” the voice purred, “So I hope you will have a suitable excuse.”

 

“All right – I’ll be there,” Janice, said, waiting for the call to end before she dialed another number.

 

“Adam?  It’s me.  Tell Callaghan she’s asked for another meet, and I will brief you both tomorrow afternoon.

 

“No I can’t tell you where or the whole thing goes up.  Just tell him, all right?

 

“Yeah – I’ll take care.  See you, Adam.”

 

Ending the call, she walked back into the front room.  “Mom, I’m sorry – work wants me in for an all nighter.  Can you pick up Katy from the Richmond house, and tell her I’ll see her tomorrow?”

 

“Sure – are you all right, Janice?”

 

“I’ll tell you in the morning,” Janice said, and then she hugged her mother.

 

“Now what did I do to deserve that?”

 

“Put up with a lush like me,” Janice said with a smile, before she left the room.

 

 

 

4 pm

As Janice stepped out of the apartment block, she saw the black Daimler parked to the side.  As she walked towards it, the rear door opened and she looked inside, to see the woman called Sarie inside. 

 

“Get in, Agent Carter,” the Hand said from the driver’s seat.  Both women wore leather jackets, the hats with veils, and she could see the legs of the South African agent under her leather skirt.

 

“Where are we going,” Janice said as she sat in the rear seat, the door closing.  She sat in silence for a moment, waiting for an answer before The Hand said, “she is clean – blindfold her.”

 

“WHAT!”

 

“We are taking you to meet the group, Agent Carter – but we are not ready to divulge all our secrets.  You understand, of course?”

 

“I understand, but I don’t like it.”

 

“Be assured, you will come to no harm.  Now, allow my friend Sarie to blindfold you, and we will be on our way.”

 

Janice swallowed hard as the folded scarf was tied over her eyes, and then she felt the car move away. “Sit back and relax, Agent Carter,” the voice purred, “it will take us some time to get there.”

 

6 pm

The Farm

 

Janice felt the car stop, and heard the door open before she was led across what felt like grass under her feet, and then a hard wooden floor.

 

“Is this the American contact,” she heard a British voice say.

 

“It is,” The Hand replied, and then Janice blinked as the blindfold was taken off her.  She found herself in an old farmhouse – but she was not alone.

 

She recognized Odette, even with the veil and high collared jacket, but there were three other women there as well.  One was almost as tall as Odette, while the other two were smaller.  All three wore leather jackets, fastened to their chins, and leather pants, and all three had the same hats and veils on.

 

“This is Emma, and the other two are Cathy and Purdey – MI6,” The Hand said as Janice sat down.

 

“A pleasure,” the taller woman said in a high-pitched British accent, as she shook Janice’s hand.  “I am glad you have joined us in this crusade.”

 

As Janice shook the hand, she asked, “So which of you arranged for Father Alex to visit me?”

 

“That would be me,” Emma said.  “It was important you understood the scope of who we are, and the seriousness of the situation.”

 

“Oh believe me, I understand,” Janice said quietly.  “You’re making me meet the most wanted women in this country – outside of the Hand here.”

 

“I’m flattered,” the Hand said as she handed Janice a bag.  “Here – eat, drink.  Then I will take you to where you may change before the briefing.”

 

Janice took out the chicken salad and removed the top, poking at it with the plastic fork.

 

“It’s not drugged,” Sarie said, “we have no wish to harm you.”

 

Eating a forkful, Janice nodded as she looked at the other women.  They were preparing bags and supplies, and certainly looked professional – and if they were willing to work with the likes of the Pussycats on this, she had no cause to argue.

 

“So when do they get here,” she asked Odette as she drank from the water.

 

“They are on their way,” she replied in her silky French accent.  “They are most anxious to meet you.”

 

“I’ll bet they are,” Janice whispered as she finished the meal.  “Time to change,” the Hand said, “come with me.”

 

She led Janice to an upstairs bedroom, and showed her in.  “Your outfit is on the bed,” she said as she indicated with her hand, “and you will find makeup and other items on the dressing table.  Someone will come to see you shortly.”

 

As the Hand closed the door, Janice looked at the outfit laid out on the bed.  There was a blue jacket, with a wide collar, and a matching knee length skirt.  A white blouse was also there, as well as a blue and gold scarf.  A pair of sheer black stockings was laid out, and on the floor sat a pair of four-inch heel pumps.

 

She checked the shoes, noting they were in her size, and then picked up the soft black leather gloves that lay on the pillow.  Walking over to the table, she looked at the make up available, and then the short black wig sitting on the bust.

 

“Well, I said I would do it,” Janice said as she slipped her jacket off, and then her jumper, before she sat at the table and started to clean her face, then apply the eye shadow to her lids and under her eyes.

 

The deep red lipstick made her look different, as did the mascara that thickened and lengthened her lashes.  She then slipped off her jeans and socks, and tried on the stockings, followed by the blouse.

 

“How the hell did they know my size,” she said to herself as she looked in the full-length mirror, and then tried on the skirt.  Sitting on the bed, she fastened the shoes to her feet, and stood up, marveling at how tall she now looked.

 

The jacket fitted her like a glove, and as Janice looked at herself she hardly recognized herself.  Instead of the agent, there was a sexy looking woman staring at her, one that would not look out of place on the catwalks.

 

“It does bring out the best in us, don’t you agree?”

 

Janice turned to see the two women staring from the doorway.  They were dressed identically to her, except for the scarves tied around their necks.  One wore it as a cravat, the other with the ends to the sides.  Both had a jeweled brooch on the lapels, and stockings over their heads pressed down their black hair.

 

“Hello Agent Carter,” the taller of the two said, “I am so glad we had the chance to meet.  I know you have wanted this for some time.”

 

“Miss Panther – somehow, I pictured you slightly differently.”

 

“Well, I am glad I still have the capacity to surprise,” the leader of the Pussycat gang said, “This is Miss Lynx.  She too was most anxious to meet you.”

 

“A pleasure,” Miss Lynx said as she cocked her head to one side.

 

“Believe me, I had a very different idea of how we would meet,” Janice said as she looked at her.  “But this is for a higher cause… correct?”

 

“Correct,” Miss Lynx said, “so tonight, I am on my very best behavior.”

 

“You need to finish dressing,” Miss Panther said as she picked up the scarf and handed it to Janice, “wear it in any way you desire around your neck.”

 

Looking at the silk square, Janice folded it into a triangle and tied it around her neck, the point tucked into her blouse and the end into her jacket.

 

“Excellent,” Miss Lynx said as she walked over, her rear swaying in the skirt, and picked up the wig.

 

“How did you know my size,” Janice asked Miss Leopard.

 

“We know a great deal about you, Janice Carter,” Miss Panther purred, “we know your school record, your triumphs – and your tragedies.  In some ways, you are very like us.”

 

“Save I’m not a sadistic killer.”

 

“Can you honestly say to me you have never dreamed of taking revenge on anyone, Agent Carter?”

 

Janice stared at Miss Panther, not noticing Miss Lynx until she held the wig out and said, “Put it on, and make sure your own hair is completely hidden.”

 

As Janice put on the wig, and tucked her hair under, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, and was shocked to see how much she looked like the other two.

 

“Tonight, Agent Carter, we think alike, we look alike – we are all pussycats.  Put on the gloves and the stocking.”

 

“I’m not one of you,” Janice said quietly.

 

“Tonight, you are – please, do it.”

 

Swallowing, Janice put the stocking on the top of her head and slowly pulled it down, covering her head as she tucked the opening into her scarf.  She then pulled on the gloves, as Miss Panther and Miss Lynx looked at her.

 

“Good – come and meet the others.”  Taking her by the arm, she led Janice down to the main room, Janice gasping as she saw the other eleven women standing there, identically dressed and masked.

 

“Ladies,” Miss Panther said, “Thank you for coming tonight – please welcome Agent Janice Carter.  Agent Carter, I believe you have met some of the others below, and I am sure you can tell who the others are.”

 

Janice looked round the room.  “So this is the famed Agent Carter – she doesn’t look so tough, y’all,” one of the smaller girls said in a Louisiana accent.

 

“You must be Miss Bobcat, and that would make you Miss Tigress,” she said quietly as she looked at the tall, busty woman standing behind her.

 

“We will make the introductions later,” Miss Panther said, “but the briefing must begin.  You are all aware of the targets we are going to visit – Emma?”

 

“With grateful thanks to The Hand, we have located the funds of our targets in two bank vaults.  We will split into two teams, and execute two Pussycat Gang raids simultaneously.  After this briefing, you will refer to each other by the code names you will be given.  Those from the Pussycat Gang will use their own codenames – I will be Miss Lioness for this operation.

 

“At 2100 precisely, we will move out in two vehicles.  One team will take control of the Devereux residence – Miss Panther will lead that team.  The other will take control of the Walker residence.  All residents are to be secured and held hostage as per standard operating procedure for the Pussycats.”

 

“As far as we are aware, neither family has been involved in the slavery part of the operation – if you find such evidence, you are authorized to take any action necessary, short of sanction.”

 

“You mean don’t kill them?”

 

“Exactly,” Emma said as she looked at Janice.  “At 0500,each team will bring their hostages to the respective bank, secure any staff on the premises, and empty both the standard vault and the specific private vaults.  Each team will be given the details.  Each team must be out of their target branch, with all gains, and in the vehicles by 0630 hours.  We reconvene here at 0800 hours.”

 

“Each team will be fully armed – weapons are in the vehicles.”

 

The new woman speaking looked at Janice, and she identified her as Miss Leopard.

 

“Teams – with me will be Miss Leopard, The Hand, Sarie, Cathy, Miss Bobcat and Miss Tigress.”

 

“For tonight,” Miss Leopard said, “The Hidden Hand will be Miss Cheetah, Sarie Miss Serval, and Cathy Miss Jaguar.”

 

“With me,” Miss Panther said, “will be Miss Lynx, Miss Snow Leopard, Odette, Purdey, Miss Puma – and you, Agent Carter.  You will be called Miss Ocelot, Odette Miss Civet, and Purdey Miss Wildcat.”

 

“Each of you,” Miss Leopard, “will have one of these.”  She held up a sawn off shotgun.

 

“Your shotgun will be loaded, as will all the others, Agent Carter.”

 

Janice looked at Miss Panther, before saying “And what’s to stop me from using it on you?”

 

“Common interest, shall we put it that way?” Miss Panther purred, “Without… our skills shall we say, that money stays in those banks and continues to fund the harm it does now.”

 

“Or in other words the enemy of my enemy should be my friend.” Janice glanced round.

 

“None of us want this damn trade to continue.” Emma spoke up.

 

“So together we do some things to bring it down.” Janice sighed, “And I end up turning bank robber.”

 

“Just look at it as collecting evidence Agent Carter.” Miss Panther smiled under her mask, “you are getting to learn our modus operandi at first hand.”

 

“All right ladies,” Emma said, “We have an hour.  Relax, and prepare yourselves.”

 

As Janice sat at the table, Miss Lynx walked over.

 

"I'm under special orders to behave myself." Carina spoke from under the stocking. "It's not going to be easy."

"Well, you are the formidable Miss Lynx." Janice spoke softly.

"I am." Carina did a little bow.  “My reputation obviously precedes me.”

"Tell me,” Janice said as she looked at the young woman, “does the crap you do get you off or something?"

"You are talking like a cop Agent Carter." Carina smiled, "But I'll answer your question… Yes it does."

"Oh my God,” Janice said quietly, “our assessment is right, you are ill."

"Only a common or garden psychopath I'm afraid." Carina giggled.

 

“Do not fear, Agent Carter,” Miss Puma said as she came over, “Miss Lynx is a woman of her word – there will be no blood shed tonight unless something goes wrong.”

 

“I cannot believe I am doing this,” Janice said quietly.

 

“It does take getting used to,” Emma said quietly, “but consider – by doing this, we draw the noose tighter around those responsible for a vile and deadly trade.  And – well, there are added benefits.”

 

“The money.”

 

“What is in those vaults will be used solely for the freedom of those women,” Miss Panther said, “anything else will be split amongst us, each to use as they see fit.”

 

“Great – another secret.”

 

"Agent Carter we all have a lot of secrets, even you." The Hidden Hand spoke in that irritatingly sexy voice. "I know for example you have two daughters."

Janice's head span round, "How the fuck do you know that?"

"I always fully check out ANYONE I work with."

"You looked at her adoption records."

"I did."

Janice couldn't help herself; there was one question she was dying to know the answer to. "Did you trace her?"

"I did, I've even seen her."

"Oh my God," Janice felt her knees trembling, "Is she okay?"

"Yes." the Hand smiled, "her adoptive parents love her deeply, and she's a wonderful smart child."

 

Smiling, Janice said, “Good – I’m glad…”

 

“2050,” Miss Panther said, “line up for inspection.”

 

The two teams of six lined up, as their leaders looked them over.  As Miss Panther looked at Janice, she pinned a brooch to the lapel of her jacket – a gold and emerald cat shaped brooch.

 

“All right ladies – move out.”

 

The groups headed out to two SUVs.  Janice sat in the back of one, Miss Puma and Miss Lynx either side of her, as the doors were closed.

 

“Why are the windows blacked out?”

 

“Standard practice – no-one sees in or out save the driver,” Miss Puma said as the vehicle moved off.  “No going back now, Miss Ocelot…”

 

 

10.30 pm

York Ave

The Devereux Townhouse

 

The SUV pulled up outside the three storey townhouse.  Miss Panther looked up, and said “Right – Miss Puma, Miss Civet, why don’t you get us in?”

 

“With pleasure,” Miss Puma said as she and the French agent got out of the car, Janice watching as the carried the shotguns by their sides next to each other as they walked up to the front door and knocked.

 

“Now who on earth can that be,” Roger Devereux said as he came out of the drawing room.  He was wearing a red Pringle jumper over a light blue shirt, grey slacks and a pair of brown brogues.

 

“No idea,” Celine said as she came down the stairs, wearing a pale cream dressing gown, “but for goodness sake get rid of them.  I have a meeting first thing tomorrow morning.”

 

Nodding, Roger opened the door and said “Can I hellpppppp…..”

 

The end of the sawn off shotgun in his face caught his attention as Miss Puma marched in, Miss Civet waving as the other five followed them in.  She then walked quickly over to Celine and grabbed her arm, forcing her down the stairs as she said “Not a word, Cherie – we will get your daughter in due course.”

 

“Good evening Mister Devereux,” Miss Panther purred as she came in, “I am Miss Panther, and these ladies are the Pussycat gang.  Do exactly what we say, when we say it, and you and your family may just live to see tomorrow.”

 

“No,” Celine whispered, only to gasp as Miss Lynx said “Yes,” walking over and using her gun to open the older woman’s dressing gown up.

 

“Miss Lynx, Miss Ocelot, find young Celeste and bring her to the main room.  Miss Snow Leopard, Miss Wildcat, make sure no one else is present in the house.  As for you two,” she said as she looked at Roger and Celine, “in the front room please.”

 

Miss Civet picked up one of the large holdalls and smiled as Miss Puma forced the couple into the front room.

 

Miss Lynx and Miss Ocelot walked slowly down the second floor hallway, stopping as they saw a light under the door.  Nodding, Miss Lynx grabbed the handle, throwing it open and screaming “Freeze, little bitch,” as both women ran in, brandishing their guns.

 

Celeste Devereux looked up from her bed, on which she was lying on her stomach reading, and said “shit…”

 

“I said to be quiet, bitch,” Miss Lynx said as she walked over, “or do I have to silence you permanently.”

 

Celeste quaked as she said, “no, I’ll do what you ask.”

 

“Good – cover her Miss Ocelot, while I secure her arms.”

 

Janice was experiencing the strangest of feelings as she held the shotgun over the young girl, watching as Miss Lynx pulled her bare wrists behind her back and tied them tightly together.  On the one hand, she wondered how she would feel if this was Katy.  On the other, the power she felt she had in this situation was almost intoxicating…

 

Celeste was wearing a pink vest with blue and white striped shirts, so the rope bit into her flesh as Miss Lynx forced her to her feet.  “Let’s join Mommy and daddy, bitch,” she said, Janice following as they forced Celeste into the hallway.

 

“No – please, don’t hurt my baby,” Celine said as Celeste gasped.  Her mother and father were kneeling in the main room, Roger with his wrist already bound tightly behind his bag and Miss Civet wrapped rope around his arms and chest.  Celine had already been bound in this way by Miss Puma, her dressing down opened to reveal her cream nightdress held by thin spaghetti straps over her shoulders.

 

“So long as everyone does what we say,” Miss Panther said as she looked up from her seat, “We’ll all be just fine.  Anyone else?”

 

“House clear,” Miss Snow Leopard said from the doorway, “Miss Wildcat is dealing with security.”

 

“Good – Miss Lynx, make their daughter comfortable, and then I’ll have a word with the little sniveling bitches…”

 

 

 

10.30 pm

Washington Heights

The Walker Townhouse

 

“Well, now, this may be a different way of getting in,” Miss Cheetah said as she saw the two eighteen year olds walking towards the townhouse.  The girl had long blonde hair, and wore a padded pink jerkin over a grey jersey dress, black leggings and brown boots.  The boy had short brown hair, and wore a denim jacket and jeans with a white t-shirt and sneakers.

 

“Gareth and Hannah Walker,” Miss Bobcat said as she looked out of the window, “shall we invite ourselves in?”

 

“Let’s,” Miss Tigress said as the two young women stepped out of the car and walked behind them as they approached their front door.

 

“Got your key,” Hannah said to her brother.

 

“Sure, let me…”

 

“Gareth?”

 

He turned round to see two stocking masked women standing behind his sister.  She was wide eyed, as he realized the taller of the two was holding something against her back.

 

“Hello, sugah,” Miss Bobcat said, “be a dahlin and open the door, will you?  My friends and I are dying to meet you and your family.”

 

“And if I don’t…”

 

“Well then,” Miss Tigress said as he heard a click, “I guess you will just be – dying.”

 

“Gareth, please…”

 

“All right,” he said as he unlocked the front door.

 

“that’s a smart young man,” Miss Bobcat said as they stepped inside, and he saw the shotgun in her hand.  “Now, both of you, stay nice and quiet while my friends come in.”

 

The two teenagers watched as five more women, identically dressed and marched, walked in, placing two large bags on the floor as one of them closed the door.

 

“Good work, you two,” one of them said.  “Take them into the front room and make sure they cannot raise the alarm.  Miss Cheetah, deal with the alarm system.  Miss Jaguar, Miss Serval, search for other residents.  Miss Leopard, come with me – we need to find their mother and father.”

 

“Roger that Miss Lioness,” the others said as they split off, Miss Bobcat and Miss Tigress forcing the two teenagers into one room as Miss Leopard and Miss Lioness walked up the long staircase.

 

As they walked along, they could hear noises coming from one of the bedrooms.  Their study of the mansion plans suggested it was the master bedroom, but as they approached the noises became more distinct.

 

“Oh my god…  Yes, yes, keep going Gary, that’s sooooo goooooooooooooooodddddddddd YYYYYYEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!”

 

Miss Lioness heard the shriek fo passion, and smiled at Miss Leopard.  “Shall we?”

 

“Oh yes,” Miss Leopard said as she counted down from three with her fingers, and then threw the doors open, both women walking in as Miss Leopard said “Freeze, fuckers!”

 

Alison and Gary Walker looked at them both from the bed, their naked bodies glistening with sweat.  “Who the fuck are you,” Gary said as he looked at their guns.

 

“We’re the fucking Pussycat Gang,” Miss Lioness purred, “and tonight, Alison Walker, you win the fucking star prize.  Both of you, stand up, hands behind your head – and please, do something to make me angry…”

 

The couple looked at each other before they slowly stood, Miss Leopard looking at both of them.

 

“I hope you enjoyed your exercise,” she said quietly, “because we’re going to join your kids – MOVE, ass fuckers!”

 

“MOM!!!”

 

“Oh god, oh god, oh god,” Alison said as she saw Hannah and Gareth, their upper bodies secured tightly with rope as Miss Tigress looked on.

 

“Tie them up,” Miss Lioness said to Miss Bobcat, “and then we can have a civilized chat…”

 

Midnight

The Devereux Residence

 

Roger was shaking as he looked at his wife and daughter.  They were both lying on the floor, the heels of their feet resting on their bottoms as the rope held their ankles firmly to their chests.  Their legs were also bound above and below their knees, and silver tape was wound tightly round their heads.

 

Devereux himself was kneeling, watching Miss Panther as she looked down at him.  His body was as securely bound as his family were, while he considered what he had just heard.

 

“You are going to force me to open the secure vaults?”

 

“I think I made myself clear, you little pissant prick,” Miss Panther said quietly.  “Perhaps I should ask Miss Lynx to see if she can aid your understanding?”

 

“Oh please, let me,” Janice heard Miss Lynx say as she pulled Celeste’s head back, and stroked the side of her cheek with the gun.

 

“DDEENNNNN”

 

“All right, all right, I’ll do it,” he said.

 

“Excellent – Miss Snow Leopard?”

 

“We found their safe – shall I?”

 

“Please, do – Miss Civet will assist,” Miss Panther said, the two women walking off.

 

“Miss Ocelot, is there a problem?”

 

Janice realized, she was been looked at, so she shook her head and said “no, Miss Panther – but I fear this one may need to be kept separate, to persuade her parents to co-operate.”

 

“Good thinking, Miss Lynx – take the little brat to her room and make sure she is relaxed.”

 

“NDDNNTNTTTN”

 

“I think you were told to shut up,” Miss Ocelot said as she knelt next to Celine and stroked the barrel of her shotgun down her side, before rolling her over and pulling open her dressing gown.

 

“No,” Roger whispered as Miss Ocelot pulled the front of Celine’s gown down.  “If you had any idea what I wanted to do to the people you serve, Mister Devereux…”

 

“What is she talking about…”

 

“Miss Ocelot,” Miss Panther said quietly, “Perhaps you would like some time alone with Mrs Devereux?”

 

“No,” Janice said as she stood, “not my type.  Him, on the other hand…”

 

 

Midnight

The Walker townhouse.

 

Miss Leopard was looking at the two young women standing guard over Gareth and Hannah, while their parents knelt facing each other on the floor, bound tightly together with ropes and their mouths taped over.

 

“Are they getting excited at what they can see,” she said as Miss Wildcat searched the room.

 

“Do y’know, dahlin, I think he is,” Miss Bobcat said as she pulled on the rope between Gareth’s legs, making him squeal through his gag.

 

“So is she,” Miss Tigress said as she pulled on the rope between Hannah’s legs.

 

“Well, why don’t you two take them upstairs and help them to enjoy themselves,” Miss Leopard said, “and if they refuse – kill them.”

 

“Come on cocksucker,” Miss Tigress said as she made Hannah stand, “you and your brother are going to get real close…”

 

“Npplslsdnnthrrthm…”

 

Relax, Alison you little fucker,” Miss Lioness said,” they do as they’re told, they will be just fine…”

 

“Yeah,” Miss Cheetah said as she leaned behind Alison and grabbed her chest, “and you might enjoy this as well.”

 

She screamed into the cloth filling her mouth at the touch, and then closed her eyes as new sensations ran through her body.  She started to squirm round, her nipples hardening as Gary started to rub alongside her.

 

“You dirty minded little bastard,” Miss Leopard said, “you are so going to fucking pay for that…”

 

“Whruggngtdddd,” Gareth said as the two masked woman pushed him and Hannah into a bedroom.

 

“I can tell how excited you are by this, sugah,” Miss Bobcat said, “so I’m gonad get y’all a little relief.”

 

Both teenagers looked at them as Miss Tigress made Hannah kneel, and then knelt behind her, lashing her ankles tightly together and then her legs above her knees.  As she did this, Miss Bobcat slowly pulled down Gareth’s trousers and boxes, before her gloved hand stroked over his member, making him groan in response.

 

“Such a handsome young man deserves relief, wouldn’t you say, Miss Tigress?”

 

Gareth looked at the tall shapely woman, who smiled under her stocking mask and said “Why of course he should, Miss Bobcat, but he deserves only the best.  Have you ever been pleasured by a woman with her mouth, son?”

 

Gareth shook his head as Miss Tigress frowned.  “Well, we cannot have that.”  Reaching over, she ripped the tape from his sister’s mouth, and pulled out the cloth, before saying “Go ahead – make your brother’s night complete.”

 

“Oh no,” Hannah whispered, “please…”

 

“It’s that,” Miss Bobcat said as she primed her shotgun, “or this in your mouth.  Your choice, sugah.”

 

“NNnnnnn,” Gareth said as he shook his head from side to side, but Hannah just nodded and shuffled forward, crying as she began to kiss and lick on the tip of her brother’s cock.

 

Tuesday 16th September

12.30 am

The Devereux Townhouse

 

Roger Devereux could not believe what was happening as the woman called Miss Ocelot slowly knelt beside him.  She – all of them – terrified him, but something in the way they moved and talked made him – well, horny.  He was praying his wife could not see, as the one called Miss Puma knelt behind her and put her onto her knees, but then she turned her to watch, her eyes half closed as the masked woman pressed onto her breasts with her gloved hands.

 

"Here let me help you with that." Janice caught herself purring as she undid Deveraux's pants and reached inside.  She could not believe she was doing this, and yet she was, and she didn’t know how to stop.


His swollen member came free as she opened the flap in his boxers and it stood proud to attention, a good eight inches of man meat.

"Verrrry nice." Janice purred again as she wrapped her black gloved fingers round his manhood.  “You are a very lucky man, Mrs Devereux, to have such a powerhouse for a husband.”

 

“Please…”

 

The bank manager was clearly as turned on as she was by this random event. Slowly Janice took his penis in her hand, lightly running her gloved fingers up and down its full length, feeling it twitch at her touch.  She felt the throb in her fingertips, and saw the look of confusion and lust in his eyes.

 


It was as if a light bulb had lit in her brain, as suddenly Janice understood why the Pussycats did so much of what they did, this was a pure power kick. She was in total control of this man, he was hers to do just what she wanted with, and he could do nothing about it – and neither could his wife and family.

 

From upstairs, she could hear muffled moans and screams of pleasure.  Whatever Miss Lynx was doing, Celeste was being forced to enjoy it.

 

Looking over at Miss Puma and Celine, she saw the pleasure in the masked woman’s eyes, and the fear and horror in the wife’s.  She smiled, and said "you know bitch, I was wrong - something like this is wasted on a frigid fucking sow like you."

 

Miss Panther glanced over in amazement, in front of her eyes Janice was becoming a pussycat.  Miss Puma was also watching, as Janice held her gun to the man’s head and whispered "Do you wanna cum bastard?"

 

"Nnn No!" Roger shouted.  He looked scared, but the throbbing of his cock betrayed him as Janice stroked it.

"You know you want to big boy… " Janice teased as she masturbated him with her gloved hand, "just dream that that thing is inside me," she whispered.

"Oh crap!" he said as Roger’s cock jumped in her hand. Quickly Janice increased the pace, feeling it swell, hearing his breath shorten, till suddenly he could hold back no longer, and his cock released its seed.

 

“UfknngbstrddddMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM” Celine called out as Miss Puma slipped her hand between the bound woman’s legs.

 

“OH you little sow, you’re hot as hell as well,” she purred, “let me help you to release.”

 

“Why not – her dick of a fucker she calls a husband did,” Miss Ocelot said as she stood up, the others watching from the doorway.  As Miss Puma slipped her finger into Celine’s passage, Miss Panther said “Well done, Miss Ocelot – come with me.”

 

The two women stepped outside, as Miss Panther said “So, Agent Carter, is there something you wish to say.”

 

“Sweet Jesus, I really wanted to fuck him against his will – is it like this for you as well?”

 

“All the time,” Miss Panther said with a smile, “and it’s only going to get better…”

 

“Sorry to interrupt…”

 

“Miss Snow Leopard, Miss Civet – what did you find?”

 

“A safe stuffed with money and jewels – contents now in this bag.  The bedrooms were also most helpful.”

 

“Good – join Miss Puma – when she has finished,” Miss Panther said as a loud muffled scream of pleasure came out, “and guard them.  I wish to check on Miss Lynx.  Will you join me, Miss Ocelot?”

 

“No,” Janice said quietly, “I wish to stay with them.”

 

Miss Panther smiled and said “As you wish.  Did you see Miss Wildcat?”

 

“We left her in the office, checking computer records.”

 

 

1 am

The Walker Townhouse

 

Hannah was groaning with pleasure as her brother was forced at gunpoint to use his lips and tongue on her clit, unable to stop the sensations as she was brought to her third climax in a row.   She had been made to blow Gareth twice already, and now she was ashamed, dirty, exhausted – and incredibly turned on.

 

“Miss Tigress, Miss Bobcat?”

 

“Miss Lioness, what can I do for y’all?”

 

“We need your expertise downstairs to take care of a little problem with their parents.  Miss Serval and Miss Jaguar will take care of them until we need them dressed.”

 

“Of course,” the two women said as they walked out, and the two identically dressed women took their place.

 

As they walked into the front room, they saw Miss Cheetah standing over the couple, still bound facing each other, while Miss Leopard had a gun pointed to the husband’s head.

 

“It appears they have a hidden room,” Miss Leopard said, “and these little fuckers refuse to tell us how to open it.  Any ideas, ladies?”

 

“One moment,” Miss Tigress said as she left the room, returning with a set of incense sticks.  Alison Walker watched as she stuck one of the incense sticks in each of her husband’s ears, and then picked up a box of matches.

 

“I read once about how they used to use warm sticks to remove earwax,” she said as the sweet scent filled the air.  “Of course, it probably burned the ear out as well – shall we see what happens with these?”

 

Gary started to scream into the tape over his mouth before Alison said “NNNNNN” and shook her head from side to side.

 

“Well,” Miss Cheetah said as she removed the tape.

 

“One…. 160763.”

 

“Thank you,” Miss Leopard said as Miss Tigress removed the sticks, putting them into a flower vase as the other two women walked off…

 

 

4.30 am

The Devereux townhouse.

 

Roger Devereux shook involuntarily as he fastened his jacket and tie.  His wife and daughter stood in front of him, both wearing jeans, sweatshirts and trainers, with their arms tied tightly behind their backs and to their sides, and ropes between their legs.  Their eyes were red, and their cheeks puffed out as Miss Ocelot and Miss Puma stood with them.

 

“All right, Mister Devereux,” Miss Panther said, “You will go with me, Miss Ocelot and Miss Civet   Your charming wife and daughter will come with my colleagues.  You will drive directly to the car park at your bank, and let us in.  Once we have secured the building, they will join us.  Do you understand?”

 

“I understand,” he said as he looked at Celine and Celeste, “please, no more…”

 

“Awwww,” Janice said as she stood behind him, “and I was having so much fun…”  She laughed inwardly as he shivered, before Miss Panther said “move out.”

 

Roger watched as the two women in his life were escorted out of the house, and then Miss Panther gave him the keys.  “Count yourself lucky,” she purred, “we are in a good mood tonight.”

 

“Let’s go, hunk,” Miss Ocelot said as she pushed him forward, the three fo them leaving the house in the dark and getting into his car.

 

“Nice and slow, Mister Devereux – we don’t want to draw attention to ourselves,” Miss Civet said in her French accent as they drove off.

 

“Why – why are you doing this?”

 

“If we told you,” Miss Panther said with a smile, “you’d never believe us…”

 

“But don’t worry,” Miss Ocelot said, “I will treasure the memory of tonight forever.”

 

“What did that girl do to my daughter?”

 

“Miss Lynx?  I believe it involved a toilet brush.  She must have thought she was a right little scrubber – what do you say mother fucker?”

 

Roger concentrated on the road, trying not to let the taunting get to him.

 

Again…

 

4.30 am

The Walker Townhouse.

 

“”Very chic,” Miss Cheetah said as Alison Walker came down, wearing a grey jacket and skirt over a gold silk tie neck blouse.  Her husband and children were waiting, their upper bodies bound with rope and their mouths taped over.

 

They all wore casual clothes, as they were marched out by Miss Snow Leopard and Miss Tigress.  “Go with them,” Miss Leopard said to Miss Serval and Miss Jaguar, “we will  follow with Mrs Walker and see you at the bank.”

 

“You promise you will not hurt them?”

 

“They are still alive, are they not – and thank you for the gems from your hidden room,” Miss Lioness said.  “Now, shall we go?  We don’t want to be late…”

 

 

5 am

Credit Suisse

 

The security guard looked up as the elevator from the underground car park stopped.  As the doors slowly opened, he said “Good morning, Mister Devereux, you’re early to….”

 

He never got to finish the sentence as Miss Puma clubbed him over the head with the barrel of her gun, Miss Ocelot bringing Roger Devereux in as Miss Panther left the lift.   Walking round the desk, Miss Puma plugged a memory stick into the console, watching as the security cameras switched off one by one.

 

“Secured,” she said as Miss Panther walked in front of the two women, and into the main floor of the building.  Two cleaners were mopping the floor, and two clerks were on their computers.

 

“Don’t make a fucking move,” Miss Puma said as she fired her sawn off shotgun into the air.  “All of you fuckers, face down on the floor – NOW!!”

 

“You heard the lady,” Miss Panther said quietly, “All four of you, where we can see you.  Miss Puma, check for other staff in the shop floor, and escort them here.  Miss Ocelot – secure them.”

 

She dropped a bag on the floor, covering the four staff as Janice removed a roll of silver tape and a selection of cable ties from the bag.  Walking over, she secured the wrists of all four behind their backs, and their ankles, before she wound the silver tape around their heads to silence them.

 

“I’m sorry,” Roger said as he watched, “they have my family hostage, they forced me to let them in.”

 

As he talked, the doors opened and he saw his wife and daughter brought in, and forced to lie next to the others as their legs were secured.

 

“Watch them,” Miss Panther said to Miss Ocelot and Miss Puma.  “Miss Wildcat, stand guard at the entrance and restrain any staff that arrive.  The others, with me.”

 

She grabbed Roger and dragged him along with the other pussycats, stopping at the safe.

 

“Miss Civet?”

 

The tall Frenchwoman looked at the safe door, and then attached a device to the safe.

 

“Now, Mister Devereux,” Miss Panther said as the safe door swung open, “you will come with me and Miss Civet – we wish to visit the private vaults…”

 

 

5 am

HSBC, Manhattan

 

“What the hell…”

 

“All right mother fuckers,” Miss Leopard said as she fired a shot into the air, “this is a robbery, and we are the Pussycat Gang.  On the floor, hands behind your head, and don’t move a fucking inch!”

 

There were five staff members in, three women and two men, but when they saw the face of Alison Walker and the guns in the hands of the other three, they didn’t hesitate to follow the company line and do as they were commanded.

 

“Secure them,” she said to Miss , as the remaining pussycats dragged in the rest of Alison’s family.  The tall masked woman wasted no time in securing the staff members, and gagging them, as the Walker family went with Miss Lioness, Miss Leopard and Miss Cheetah to the vaults.

 

“Guard them, and watch for new arrivals,” Miss Jaguar said as she walked to the rear of the building, and started to open the safe.

 

 

5.30 am

Credit Suisse.

 

“This is the one,” Miss Civet said as she looked at the vault door, “open it.”

 

Roger nodded as he slowly unlocked the vault, and opened the door wide.  The masked women looked at the stacks of notes on the shelves, and then Miss Panther said “Empty it – white bags.  You – open the vaults on either side, and then get on the floor, hands behind your back.”

 

Miss Civet nodded and started to place the notes in the first of the white bags they had brought, Miss Panther watching as Roger opened two other vaults and then lay down.

 

“Sleep tight,” she said as she hit him on the back of the head with her gun, and then secured his hands and feet.

 

“Miss Panther – you wanted her in here,” Miss Snow Leopard said as she walked in with Miss Ocelot.

 

“I did – return to the main area and make sure they empty that vault,” Miss Panther said.  As the woman left, she said “come, Miss Ocelot – I have something to show you.”

 

She took her into the vault, Janice’s eyes widening as she saw the piles of notes and cash, Miss Civet packing them into the bags.

 

“With this, we will bring them down,” Miss Panther smiled, Miss Ocelot nodding as she looked at the money.  “I never knew, never suspected…”

 

She heard the click first, and turned without thinking, holding the shotgun and firing it in the direction she heard the noise from.  Her eyes widened as she saw the security guard staring back at her, and then falling to the ground, the gun falling from his hand as his head hit the floor.

 

Miss Civet turned and looked at the man lying there, and then walked over and checked.  Standing up, she shook her head and went back to packing the money.

 

“Come,” Miss Panther said as she put her hand on Janice’s shoulder, “we will empty the other two vaults – and thank you.”

 

“I killed him…”

 

“Before he killed us – and we will not forget that.”  She took Janice by the arm and walked her past the dead body, picking up two black bags as they did so.

 

5.45 am

HSBC

 

Alison felt the rope pulling into her legs as she sat next to her family, watching as the two masked women emptied pile after pile of cash into the white bags.

 

“It may not seem that way,” Miss Snow Leopard said as she tied the rope off, “But today, you have done a remarkable thing.”

 

“Forgive me if I don’t feel proud,” Alison said as she stared at the masked woman.

 

“Forgiven,” Miss Snow Leopard said, “now open your mouth.”

 

Alison felt the cloth pushing her tongue down and then the silver tape pulling at her hair and skin as it was wound tightly round her head. 

 

“How are we progressing ladies,” Miss Tigress said as she came in.

 

“Done,” Miss Cheetah said as she brought the last bag out.  “The main vault?”

 

“Emptied – we should be ready to move out on time.  What next?”

 

“Get these four into the vault,” Miss Lioness said, “and secure them to the shelves.  Then we gather in the lobby.”

 

6.15 am

Credit Suisse

 

“What the fuck are you looking at,” Miss Ocelot said as she and Miss Puma guarded the bound and gagged workers, Celine Devereux looking up and watching her.

 

“Perhaps she wants to join the man in the vault,” Miss Civet said with a smile.

 

“Is that it, bitch – are you so ashamed of what your husband did you never want to see him again?”

 

“NNNNN!!!”

 

“Don’t worry - he’s unconscious and tied up in there.  Not sure about the guard though…”

 

“The van is loaded,” Miss Panther said as she came in, “let’s go.”

 

“Nobody move,” Miss Puma said as the three women walked out and into the SUV.

 

“Well, that was a quiet night,” Miss Lynx said as they drove off.

 

“I heard about the daughter,” Miss Puma said, “but Miss Ocelot was the one who got the blood.

 

“Really,” Miss Lynx said as she looked at Janice with her head cocked to one side.

 

“It…  IT was self-defence,” Janice said quietly.

 

“She saved me and Miss Civet,” Miss Panther said quietly.  “Let us leave it at that – back to the base.”

 

6.30 am

HSBC

 

“Move out, ladies!”

 

The Pussycats picked up the last of the bags and walked out of the bank, putting them in the car before they themselves climbed in and drove off.

 

“Miss Snow Leopard, Miss Tigress, Miss Bobcat – we will drop you off before heading to the base,” Miss Leopard said, the three women nodding as they removed their stocking masks.

 

“Make sure to incinerate the clothes,” Miss Leopard said.

 

“Pity – I like this,” Miss Snow Leopard said.

 

“Necessary,” Miss Leopard said as they stopped, and the three women walked into the back alley.  As it drove off, Miss Snow Leopard pulled down the fire escape and the three women climbed to the second floor apartment, entering in by the bedroom window.

 

“Wow,” Annie said as she removed her wig, “what a rush.  You girls shower and change, I’ll get some coffee on.”

 

“Bring a black bag,” Abby said, “we’ll put the outfits in.”

 

 

 

7.45 am

The Farm

 

The vehicle stopped outside, the seven women carrying the bags inside.

 

As they brought the last bag in, the second vehicle came into the yard.

 

“Help them empty the car,” Miss Panther said, “Agent Carter, come with me please.”

 

She escorted Janice back to the room she had left her clothes in.

 

“Agent Carter,” she said as Janice removed her wig, “I think you need to return home quickly, something tells me your office will be calling you very soon with news of the latest Pussycat Gang raid.”  Miss Panther smiled as she said this, watching as Janice removed the jacket and stripped off.

 

“I know,” Janice looked a trifle flustered as she changed back into her other clothes.

 

“I want to thank you again,” Miss Panther said quietly, “not just for coming, not just for the role you played, but for saving my life.”

 

Janice sat as she put her boots back on, and looked at her.  “He might have shot me as well,” she eventually said.

 

“Nevertheless, thank you.  The Hidden Hand will return you home – I regret to say we will need to blindfold you again.”

 

“I guessed as much,” Janice said quietly.  “So is this it, or will you need my help again?”

 

“We will be back in contact later today.” Miss Panther looked hard as Janice sat there. “Tell me, Agent Carter, have you thought what arrangements to make regarding your cut?”

 

“My cut?” suddenly Janice realized that her little crime had probably made her quite wealthy. “I’ll work something out,” she stammered.  “How – how much is it likely to be.”

 

“I am not sure yet - just remember to live within your means Agent Carter, don’t go spending it all at once.”

 

“And the money for the girls?”

 

“Don’t worry Agent, that will be used for them alone, every penny.” Miss Panther smiled under her mask.

 

“Good.”  Janice stood up, and looked at Miss Panther.  “Will I ever see any of you again?”

 

“It is entirely possible,” Miss Panther said with a smile, 

 

“How will I know it is you, though – or is the only time I see you with a veil or stocking mask?”

 

Miss Panther smiled.   “Let me put it this way, Agent Carter – I understand you once considered joining a teaching order.  How good is your biblical knowledge these days?”

 

“Passable – why?”

 

“Luke 2 verse 12.”

 

Janice thought for a moment, and said “and by this sign shall you know him; you will find the babe swathed, lying in a manger.”

 

“Then you shall know us by a sign, Agent Carter.  As I say, we will contact you later.”

 

“Ready,” the Hand said as she appeared at the door, wearing her veil.

 

“Until we meet again, Agent Carter?”

 

Janice looked at the outstretched gloved hand, and then shook it before she left with the veiled woman.

 

Juliette walked down the stairs as the two women left, the others watching.  She then removed her stocking mask and wig, shaking her head as she said “Annie?”

 

“Dropped off with Abby and Jo,” Diana said as she shook her head. 

 

“Well Janice surprised me totally.” Carina shook out her blonde hair down as she removed her mask then her wig.

 

“I know I never in my wildest dreams… “ Sandy said as she sat down.

 

“I owe her my life.” Juliette interrupted.

 

“What’s that?” Madame enquired.

 

“A guard got frisky, Janice dealt with him.” Carina thought for a second, “By the way if I had to be on my best behavior, how come she… “

 

“If you’d been protecting me you could have killed him.” Juliette smiled.  “Believe me, I never anticipated some of the things she did…”

 

“I think we may have changed our friend’s life forever,“ Madame mused.

 

“I’m sure we have darling.” Diana removed her jacket. “On the main matter though we have removed most of their sources of funding, let me suggest the listening post is probably going crazy right about now.”

 

8.45 am.

West Central Park.

 

“Mom?  I’m back.”

 

Janice looked round, but there was no reply.  Walking to the kitchen, she started a pot of coffee, and then went to the bathroom, stripping off and standing under the shower as she started shaking.

 

“Janice?”

 

“In the shower Mom – coffee’s on,” she called out as she stepped out and dried herself off, and then changed into her work clothes.  Coming into the kitchen, she said “Katy get to school all right?”

 

“She did,” Mrs Carter said, “How was the night?”

 

“Long – very long, and I need to…”  Janice was interrupted by her cell phone ringing.

 

“Carter?”

 

“Janice, it’s Adam – I need you in the office in fifteen.  Callaghan is climbing the wall.”

 

“Why, what happened?”

 

“They did – the Pussycat gang.  Somehow they hit Credit Suisse and HSBC at the same time.”

 

“I’m on my way,” Janice said as he mother poured the cup into a travel mug.

 

“Work?”

 

“Yeah – call you later,” Janice said as she set off.

 

10 am
The Listening Post.

 

“Juliette was right,” Charlotte said to Susan as they walked into the room, looking at the hum of activity.

 

 “All right, listen up,” Susan said.  “We expect major chatter, particularly for Xantu and Twining.  I want full transcripts as soon as we have them – go to it.”

 

“Already started, Susan,” one of them said as she waved them over.  They watched Twining as he stood at his desk, gripping it as they listened to the call from the bank.

 

“And so it begins,” Susan said with a smile.

 

10 am

FBI Field Office

 

“Well you called it right Janice, just when we were distracted by other things and when we least expected, this shit…” Tom Callaghan threw up his hands.

 

“Any fatalities?” Janice asked quietly.

 

“Just the one, a poor schmuck of a guard who though he had the drop on one of the bitches, and got a barrel of shot for his troubles.”

 

“Unusually quiet for them,” Janice said as she sat down, sipping her coffee.  “The families?”

 

“Taken to the banks, bound and gagged with the staff that were in at the time.  Walker at HSBC, her family were left in the vault, Devereux elsewhere.  They’re badly shaken up, and – well, even if they didn’t kill them, they did the other things they are famed for.”

 

“What I want to know is where did they find the extra recruits to do two banks at once.” Adam Bell said as he looked at his note book. “Plenty of new codenames for the two groups – Miss Lioness, Miss Civet – Miss Snow Leopard even!”

 

“Well, you know what I always said about an alliance with the Brits.” Janice caught herself trembling slightly as she remembered what she’s been doing in this bank earlier today.

 

“Yeah from the reports sounds like Brits as well as our home grown bitches.” Adam looked angry as he said this.

 

“Any clue how much they got?” Janice asked hoping to sound casual.

 

“Too early to tell, but from the two banks it must have been multi-millions.” Callaghan shook his head.  “I want you both down there ASAP – Credit Suisse first.”

 

“On it chief,” Adam said as he stood up, Janice following after.

 

“Adam?”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Could this be what the Hand meant – they were going to liberate funds?”

 

“I’ll worry about that later,” Adam said, “after I visit the scenes and talk to the witnesses.  Come on, let’s get this over with.”

 

10.30 am

Greenwich Village

 

“Sorry Cee-Cee, It’s been one of those days.” Juliette smiled as she walked in and greeted her old friend.   “What with the christening, and fashion week…”

 

“We don’t have the stamina we once had Pelican.” The tall British blonde kissed her on both cheeks.

 

“Well Darling I’m a grandmother now… ‘

 

“Ju I’m older then you are… remember.” Cecilia smiled.

 

“How’s Lucas?”

 

“He’s good, and how’s Cari coping with motherhood?”

 

“Well… she’s better at it then I was.”

 

“That wouldn’t be hard… “ Cecilia laughed.

 

“Bitch!” Juliette giggled.

 

“Miss Chancellor, Miss Huntingdown can we get started on hair and makeup please?” one of the assistants asked.

 

“Coming,” Cecilia called back.

 

“Oh and by the way,” Juliette said, “thanks for donating your fee for this to Mass General.”

 

“Not a problem, and by the way I had an ulterior motive.”

 

“You did?” Juliette asked as they both settled into hairdresser’s chairs.

 

“Yeah - after seeing the mother/daughter shots John took, I figured it was time you thought about a modeling comeback.”

 

“Why does everyone keep saying that?  I quit, I’m happy in my job, and I’ll do the thing with you on Saturday, but apart from that…”

 

“Could be because you look better than ever.”

 

“But as I said I’m now a damn grandmother, who wants to see pics of old ladies?... Sorry Cee-Cee I didn’t mean you.” Juliette apologized.

 

“Darling haven’t you heard? 45 is the new 25?”

 

“I know - I wrote that myself.’ Juliette laughed, “Trapped by my own words.”

 

Cecilia laughed, “Contrary to public opinion, most models can and do read.”

 

“I know.” Juliette laughed. “I must admit though, it’s fun doing this with an old friend.” Juliette relaxed as the hairdresser started putting her hair in rollers.

 

“And besides whoever wore de la Renta better then you?”

 

“No one,” the designer came up behind them, “And I’m particularly happy I’m dressing both the mother AND the grandmother for the big christening this week.”

 

“I just wish I could be here.” Cecilia looked a little upset, “But I’ve had this thing booked for months, and there was no wriggling out.”

 

“We understand.” Juliette smiled and relaxed, this could be fun after all.

 

11 am

The Waldorf Hotel

 

“Dominique,” Ama said as the dark haired woman walked in, “Did you have a good night?”

 

“Very good thank you Ama,” Dominique said, “Where is Maisha?”

 

“Your employer asked to see her – she left a few minutes ago.”

 

In her suite, Madame and Penny were looking at the young African woman. 

 

“I trust you are recovering?”

 

“Yes,” Maisha said as she looked at them.

 

“We hurt them today Maisha – and the time is coming when we may ask you to hurt them more.  Will you do that?”

 

The girl simply nodded – that was all she asked for.

 

11 am

Credit Suisse

 

“You ready, Janice?”

 

“I’ll be along in a minute, Adam – I just need to gather my thoughts.”

 

“All right – don’t be long,” Adam said as he got out.  Janice sat in her car outside the bank and closed her eyes. She couldn’t believe she had done it, but even more she couldn’t believe that now she felt no guilt or shame.

 

It seemed strange to be going through the motions of an investigation with Tom, Adam, and the rest of the squad, while knowing fully herself what had happened and why.

 

Janice knew she had crossed the line, she could no longer think of herself as an honest, upstanding defender of law and order, but she knew inwardly that she was also happy she wasn’t. She had struck a blow against these bastards, and wanted to do it again and again.

 

More importantly, if she was right, now she had both the resources and determination to live the life she had always dreamed of. Katy could have the nice things in life she’d always wanted for her, and just maybe - and she knew it was a remote maybe - she might give Kimberley some of the benefits as well.

 

Janice trembled, that was the first time in years she had thought of the name she had given the baby before the nuns came and took her away. To hear that she was doing well and was happy had been maybe the greatest gift from all this, to know her little beloved had not only survived, but thrived.

 

One day, somehow, she would ask The Hand to tell her all she knew, then just maybe she could take a peek as well and see for herself what had become of that little girl she had so desperately cared for, just for that shortest of periods.

 

“Janice!”

 

Shaking herself, Janice got out of the car and followed Adam in, looking at the terrified staff as she said “Agent Carter – tell us what happened…”

 

 

1 pm

The Refectory

 

“Hey Stick – wakey wakey”

 

“Huh – oh sorry BS,” Abigail said as she yawned, “long night, didn’t get much sleep.”

 

“Well you’ll sleep after the show tonight?”

 

“What… Oh lord, I’d forgotten about it.  What time?”

 

“Six – don’t worry, Granddad will be here.  What on earth were you doing?”

 

“Watching a Cagney marathon,” Abby said with a smile.

 

3 pm
FBI Field Office

 

Janice looked at her cell phone before picking it up.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Hello Agent Carter – I trust you are calm?”

 

Janice pointed to her phone and then to the door as Adam looked at her.  Walking to the toilet, she checked no one was around, and then said “Calm now – but it was a strange night.”

 

“Indeed – but we thank you.  Miss Panther asked me to confirm the arrangements for payment of your cut, as she said.”

 

“I don’t know – I need a secure account, and a way of withdrawal.”

 

“I anticipated that – we have set an account up with you at a bank, with access to the money.  Secure, discrete.  I will send the details to you in due course.”

 

Janice nodded before saying “Good – thank you.”

 

“You are one of us, Agent Carter – we look after our own.  Be seeing you.”

 

6 pm

The Huntingdown Apartment.

 

“Welcome,” Juliette said as Madame, Susan and Dominique came in, “what news?”

 

“Twining is panicking, and Xantu is on the warpath – and as for Legault, I hope Diana will learn more from her sister in law tonight.  We come, however, to speak of other matters.”

 

“So the takings have been totaled?”

 

“Provisional on the valuation I have received from my broker, sight unseen on the gems, but a conservative estimate is indeed twenty millions from the two secure vaults, and a total of 11 million from the other takings.”

 

“Excellent – just over three quarters of a million each then.”

 

“Indeed – money will be forwarded in due course.”

 

“And the twenty?”

 

“Safely secured – ready for use when we strike.  I have asked Heather to get a message to Janice tomorrow on how it will be used.”

 

“Good – then I think we should celebrate.  How about a night here with the ladies on Thursday?”

 

“I would like that,” Madame said, “I would like that very much.”

 

“In the meantime,” Juliette said, “ I had a special gift made for us all to wear at the weekend – you will receive them tomorrow.”

 

 

 

Wednesday 17th September

West Central Park

7 am

 

Janice slowly opened her eyes and turned her head to see Katy snuggled in next to her, her head resting on the pillow.  Looking over and gently kissing her child on the forehead, she slipped out from the covers and put on her dressing gown.

 

“Good morning sleepy head,” her mother said as she came into the kitchen, “you went to bed early last night.”

 

“I was beat – we both were,” Janice said as she took the coffee.  “I feel better for a good night’s sleep though.”

 

“By the way, a courier brought something over for you last night – it’s in the box over there.”

 

Janice picked up the brown parcel and opened it, taking out a white box and a letter.  As she opened the box, she took out a pair of a diamond and ruby drop earrings.

 

“Oh my,” her mother said as she looked at them, “Diamond and Ruby – Fire and Ice.  Who are they from?”

 

Janice looked at the letter.

 

“With grateful thanks.”

 

There was also a web site, for a foreign bank, with a username and password.

 

“A friend,” Janice said as she put the letter away.

 

“Morning Nana, Mommy,” Katy said as she came in.

 

“Come on,” Mrs Carter said.  “Breakfast.”

 

7 pm

West Central Park.

 

Janice looked at her laptop, and then opened a web browser, before she entered the details on the paper she had received.

 

She then answered some security questions, amazed she knew the answers, and then realizing the Hand had probably entered them.  Eventually she came onto a customer account page, and closed her eyes as she clicked on “Current Balance.”

 

Opening her eyes, she stared at the screen, before a smile crept over her lips.  Arranging a transfer of a few thousand to her current account, she sat back- and then noticed the blinking message box.

 

Clicking on it, she read the message, and then nodded, saving it to tell Tom and Adam in the morning.

 

Thursday 18th September

9 am

FBI Field Office

 

“I had a communication from the Hand last night.”

 

Adam and Tom looked at Judith as she read from the sheet of paper.

 

“We told you we had traced the funds raised from the slave auctions to two banks in New York.  Working with local assistance, on Tuesday morning we liberated those funds, and have placed them in a secure account.  The funds will be used exclusively to support the release and rehabilitation of those girls – Agent Carter will be supplied with the details of how to access funds in due course, on an as required basis.

 

“We regret the shock caused to the two families, and the staff on duty that night.  We also deeply regret the death, in self defence, of the security guard at the Credit Suisse.

 

“As we seek to end this blight, we ask only to be left to do our job.”

 

“That’s it?”

 

“That’s it, boss,” Janice said.  “So it was the Pussycats and friends.”

 

“It’s still a crime,” Adam said, “but those funds – if you control them, we can trace them.  And we can find the pussycats.”

 

Saturday 20th September

2 pm

St Angela’s Gymnasium

 

Wilhelmina Tennant had seen many things in her time, but never a gathering such as this one in the hall.  On one side sat a selection of teachers, students and mothers, Annie and Claire Moss holding court.

 

On the other, some of the most famous models in the world were lined up, talking amongst themselves.  And moving between the two with complete ease were Abigail de Ros and Jeannie Brewster.

 

The noise, however, was rising in volume and intensity, as she watched a small woman walk out onto the walkway that had been set up in the hall and look round.

 

“Right,” she called out in a loud voice, “everyone look at me now please!”

 

Both groups turned to look at her as she said, “For those of you who do not know me, my name is Mary Thomas, and I am the Style Director at Complete Style Magazine.  For the purposes of today however, you can call me Boss – and I warn you now, I am a hard taskmaster.  Ask these ladies over here if you do not believe me.”

 

The models all turned and nodded in agreement.

 

“We only have a little time to practice, so bear with me.  We’re going to call out a volunteer and a model, and I want you to come forward together.”  She looked at her clipboard and said “Annie Kelly.”

 

Annie walked forward as Mary looked her over.  “You have been paired with – Lily Cole!”

 

“Pleasure,” Lily said as she stepped forward, Annie almost leaving her jaw on the floor.

 

“Right – end of the catwalk, and let’s see how you move together…”

 

“You know,” Jeannie said to Abby as they watched, “this might just work.”

 

“So long as Mary is prepared to accept…”

 

“NO – back and do it again.”

 

“I’ll see how the canteen is doing with the coffee,” Jeannie said as she wheeled herself towards the door.

 

“I’ll take delivery of these,” Abby said as she went towards a man pulling a rack of clothes in…

 

“Right men, get that light set up there,” Tom Morse shouted as the crew put the lights into place.  He looked over to the sound engineer, and said, “Sound check?”

 

“Give us an hour, boss,” the engineer said, Tom waving as he went backstage.

 

As he went off, Abby went to the cluster of angels.

 

“Front of house, with me please,” she said as she took a group with her.

 

"Okay girls," Abby took the volunteer hostesses and program sellers into a classroom. "These boxes contain killer stilettos that you need to master by tonight."

"No way," a couple of the younger girls groaned.

"Hey I have to wear these for work… so do you." Abigail smiled. "So each of you find a pair that you both like and which fits. Little hint, with heels this high try one size larger then you normally wear, they'll fit better."

 

The girls started searching through as Abby smiled at them.

 

 

6 pm

 

“There she is,” the two women said as they walked in, Juliette and Carina turning and smiling.

 

"Thanks for pitching in for this." Juliette said as she kissed both Karen and Alice on the cheeks.

"Our pleasure," Karen smiled, "though are you sure you want has-beens like us on the runway?"

“Hello there,” Carina said as she looked at the newborn baby, “I’m Carina, and this is Judith.”

 

“I called her Suzanne,” Alice said as Carina sat with the two babies.  "I'm not sure I remember how to do this." She then said with a laugh.

"Well just remember not to fall off your heels."

"Hey I did that just the once." Karen laughed.

"Darling but it was in a Versace show." Alice giggled.

“I heard you had fun during the week as well,” Karen said as she looked at Juliette.

 

“That’s one way of describing it,” Juliette laughed, "Oh and thanks also for the clothes Alice."

"Well gives me a chance to see some of my new line on some fabulous models… plus regular supermodels of course."

 

“Right – Models, I need you in make-up in five…  As I live and breath, Karen Boyd and Alice MacKinnon.  We are truly blessed tonight!”

 

“They’re not the only ones.”

 

All four turned to see an elegantly dressed redhead walk into the changing area, wearing a Burberry check jacket and skirt.

 

“TUFTY!”  Karen and Alice embraced the new arrival as Mary and Juliette looked on.

 

“Hello Sweets, Bats – and as for you Pelican, you achieved the impossible.”

 

“You mean?”

 

“He’s talking to Alex just now.”

 

“Mandy Carrow as I live and breath – this is turning into a real re-union,” Mary said as Abby ran by her to the door.

 

"Hey Aunt Jeanne," Abigail smiled as Jeanne Beckmann and her FTV crew arrived.

"Thanks for the exclusive access darling."

"Well it's just a little family fashion show."

"Yeah right." Jeanne glanced at the various models, "Star models, socialites, future socialites… yes my darling just a little family show."

Abigail giggled. "Well just follow your nose Aunt Jeanne and film what you want."

"I will do darling." Jeanne kissed Abigail on both cheeks.

 

“Hey Tufty you missed rehearsals.” Stephanie Seymour came up and kissed Lady Ordford on the cheeks.

 

“She had a good excuse.” Mary smiled.

 

“Yeah I was still at JFK.”

 

“You mean I bust my ass to get here, get chewed out over my walk…”

 

“How many years have we been fighting about your walk Stephanie?” Mary asked.

 

“Well how comes nobody else complains?”

 

“They are all blind idiots.” Mary’s temper rose.

 

“I see some things never change?” Mandy laughed.

 

“Sorry Tufty.” Stephanie laughed.

 

“Well its still lovely to see you Steam. How are Dylan, Peter, Harry and Lily?”

 

“They are all fine.” Stephanie smiled, “and your kids?”

 

“All five doing well, David is at Yale by the way with Carina, he’s dating her friend.”

 

“It’s a small world,” Alice laughed, “and by the way I have only got 4 kids, you’ve got 4 and 5 respectively, Ju’s a grandmother - how comes I’m the one everyone calls ‘Old Mother Hubbard’?”

 

“Because we know we can get a rise out of you Bats.” Mandy laughed.

 

“Okay I need run to makeup. See you all later,” Stephanie waved as a girl ushered her away.

 

“We’ll talk later,” Mary said as she waved to the others.  "Okay can I see the girls working the front of house?"

 

A group of eight girls in little black dresses and towering high heels stood to attention. Mary looked over the group of eager, newly made up, faces. "Okay girls don't change a thing, just get out there, smile, look cute, and above all have fun."

"Yes Boss." They shouted back in unison.

Mary smiled then remembered how ferocious she was supposed to be, "Models I hope most of you are done with hair and makeup already?"

 

“Mary – do you have a moment?”

 

“Sure, Chastity – sorry, Karen, what can I do for you?”

 

“I need a slightly huge favour from you,” Karen said as she took Mary to one side.  “I need to slip an extra model in, and nobody – I mean NOBODY – must know she is here.  She will come on when the rest of us close the first half – Alex has the cues.”

 

“Fair enough,” Mary said as they went to Miss Tennant’s office, “but why is it such a secret?”

 

“See for yourself,” Karen said as she opened the door and showed Mary in.  The older woman looked at the tall girl who turned round, and said “Oh my dear god – is that who I think it is?”

 

 

 

7.30 pm

 

“Oh my,” Jeannie said as she looked out into the gymnasium, “have you seen how many people are cramming in here?”

 

“I know,” Abby said as she looked out, “I can’t believe it either.”

 

“All right you two,” Mary said as she looked at them, “positions please.  We are just about ready to start, and you two are needed elsewhere.”

 

“Gotcha,” Abby said as she wheeled Jeannie to the staging area, passing a very nervous looking Alex Richmond, who was looking through a series of prompt cards.  He was wearing a black suit over a white shirt and dark tie, as he walked up and down.

 

“Do you get this nervous before a sermon, Father Richmond,” Mary said as she looked at him.

 

“Every single time – but don’t tell my parish, you unrepentant Methodist you,” Alex said as he looked out.

 

A small party was making their way along the front row. 

 

"I wonder where Dominique is?" Madame asked as she, Penny, Susan and Charlotte slipped into their seats.

"Well I can't see her anywhere." Penny stood up and looked round.

"Perhaps she's running late?" Susan asked

 

“Or Ama needed something?”

 

“Still, this is most unlike her,” Madame said as the lights dimmed, and Alex Richmond walked out to the platform.

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen my name is Father Alexander Richmond and I’m your Master of Ceremonies for tonight.”

 

There was a round of applause as Alex looked around the packed auditorium.

 

“Many years ago, when I was a seminarian, a kindly old priest once outlined the various challenges a priest might face towards keeping his vows of celibacy. Unfortunately he didn’t include being backstage at a Fashion Show.”

 

He smiled as the audience laughed.

 

“I will certainly need to confess some impure thoughts…”

 

This time there was even louder laughter as Alex smiled.

 

“On a more serious tone though, we are here tonight to raise money for a very worthwhile cause. A year ago a young lady was killed just as she was blossoming into what everyone agrees would have been a wonderful woman. In her name St Angela’s created a scholarship fund to help young girls seeking medical careers.”

 

There was a round of applause as cameras started to flash.

 

“Here tonight to tell you more about the Jamie Kirkham Memorial Scholarships are her father, Mister James Kirkham, and the first recipient, Miss Anna Carlton.”

 

He turned and clapped as James and Anna walked out.  Anna was in her uniform, while James wore a tuxedo with the white shirt and bow tie.  He stood in front of the audience and coughed slightly.

 

“Just under a year ago,” he said quietly, “My wife, and my family, faced the worst night of our lives, the night we lost our beloved Jamie.  It was a very difficult time for all of us, and not a day goes by when we do not think of her.  We are, however, proud of what St Angela’s has done in her name, and of the fact her memory lives on in women like young Anna here.  On behalf of all of us, and especially of Jamie, thank you for coming tonight, and for honoring her memory.”

 

He stood to one side as the audience applauded, and Anna looked nervously out.

 

“Hi.”  There was a round of laughter as she looked at her notes.  “I never knew Jamie, but in the short time I have been here I have heard so much about her, I can almost see her here.  I am so sorry that she died, but I am also grateful to the fund and to the school for having the faith in me becoming what she so wanted to be.

 

“The only other thing I want to say is to echo Mister Kirkham’s words – thank you for coming tonight, and thank you for supporting the scholarship fund, so others can have the same opportunity I have been given.”

 

She backed off as the audience applauded, and Alex went back to the podium.

 

“So, I need to thank the army of technicians who helped get this hall ready, as well as the make-up artists and dressers behind the scenes, under the redoubtable command of Mary Thomas.  Give them a big hand, everyone!”

 

He then read two slips of paper he was handed as the audience applauded.

 

"Now before we start the show," Alex paused. "I have a couple of announcements to make. From my sister can I announce a donation of Fifty Thousand dollars from the Richmond Trust, and that I just received an e-mail from Germany pledging the same amount from Doctor Patricia van Roon.”


There was a round of very loud applause, before Alexander said “To open the show, please welcome the other trustees of the Jamie Kirkham Fund – the principal of St Angela’s, Miss Wilhelmina Tennant, and the chief fashion writer at Complete Style, Juliette Huntingdown!”

 

The audience applauded as Miss Tennant and Juliette came out, wearing tailored trouser suits and high heels.  Miss Tennant was nervous, but she managed to make it to the end of the catwalk and back, to a round of applause.

 

“Now please welcome to the stage two very talented young ladies – Miss Jeannie Brewster and Dr Danielle Shaypuk!”

 

The audience applauded, Jeanne offering muted commentary as the two wheelchair bound women made their way down the catwalk.  Jeannie was wearing a blue coat dress with a silk scarf, her hair swept back, her legs in sheer stockings and heels, while Danielle wore a grey jersey dress with high boots and a beret.  They smiled at each other as they crossed on the stage and posed, before heading backstage again.

 

“Thanks for coming,” Jeannie said as they were ushered away.

 

“My pleasure,” Dr Shaypuk said as Alex said “Next for your pleasure, she is a supermodel, and she’s here with her best friend tonight.  Modeling the latest youth wear from APCO, Abigail de Ros and Joanne Smith!”

 

“My, she does look beautiful like that,” Natasha whispered to Diana as Abby strode down the stage, her legs encased in a pair of leather effect leggings and high heeled boots, and sporting a silver drop necked top.

 

“Joanne looks tres belle as well,” Diana said as she watched Joanne walking down, in her jeans and cowl necked top, posing with Abby before she walked back.  “Excuse me, Natasha – something I must do…”

 

Her sister in law watched as Diana slipped out.

 

“Where is she going?” Susan said as she looked over her shoulder.

 

“Well done girls,” Mary said as they walked off and the next pairing was announced.

 

“Never again – that is the most terrifying thing I have ever done,” Joanne, said as she hugged Abby.

 

The teacher came off with Heidi, before Annie and Lily took up position.  Both were dressed in floaty chiffon dresses with plunging necklines.

 

“Ready?”

 

“No,” Annie said as she looked at Lily, her students watching on.

 

“Well, too late,” Lily whispered as Alex said “And now, in dresses for those cool autumn evenings. Alongside Lily Cole please welcome Annie Kelly.”

 

Madame and the others were the loudest to applaud Annie as she smiled and walked down the cat walk, turning and posing as Lily worked the room on the other side, before they crossed and returned up the cat walk.

 

“My goodness,” Annie said when she saw who was waiting to come on, “I thought you hated this?”

 

Her friend simply nodded as Alex said “And now, in a strapless blue summer dress, please welcome Miranda Kerr, and accompanying her the mother of one of the girls you saw earlier, returning to the world of modeling for one night only, Countess Diana de Ros.”

 

“Break a leg, Mama,” Abby whispered as Diana took a deep breath and strode out in the brown trouser suit and white top, he silver blonde hair held back as she and Miranda smiled at the clicking cameras.

 

“A real night of miracles,” Jeanne said to Mary as they watched from the wings.  “What did it take to get her on the catwalk again?”

 

“A photo shoot and a promise not to ask her again,” Mary whispered as the audience applauded, and the two women came back in again.  “Thank you Countess,” Miranda said as she bowed and backed away, Karen laughing as she watched.

 

“I knew there was a reason I hated that name,” Diana said with a laugh.  “Forgive me – I must return to my guest.”

 

“No model show seems to be complete without a swimsuit section,” Alex said as he looked at the audience, “but this is a family show, so we must settle for beach wear – such as the outfits modeled here by Senior girl Ally Rochermann and top model Doutzen Kroes.”

 

The two walked out, Doutzen in a strapless top and shorts, Ally in a swimsuit and a pair of leggings over it, as the audience applauded them.

 

“And joining them on stage now, please welcome Cara Delevingne and Pepsi Broadhurst.”

 

The fourteen year old beamed as she walked out, her hand in Cara’s as they wore long summer maxi dresses that hugged their bodies.  The four struck a pose at the end of the walkway, and then came back together to thunderous applause.

 

More pairs went down the runway; the last pairing Joan Smalls with Kelly Rochermann in evening wear, before Alex took a more somber tone.

 

“Of course, we must not forget that St Angela’s Academy prides itself on the successful careers of their alumni, and of the role models they wish the girls to aspire to.  Tonight, we are privileged to have some former models that have gone on to success in other fields.

 

“First, by day she is now a consultant obstetrician at Massachusetts General Hospital, but tonight, for one night only, she treads the catwalk again as Miss Charity Royce!”

 

“Here we go,” Karen said as she walked out in a high collared blue silk evening dress, complete with opera gloves, and smiled in front of the flashing cameras.  Stopping at the end of the catwalk, she turned as Alex said “Next, you’ve seen her once already tonight, but please welcome back Award winning author, and Senior Fashion writer for Complete Style magazine, Miss Juliette Huntingdown.”

 

Juliette stride out in a pale gold sheath dress, the side split from waist to floor and revealing the high-heeled sandals she was wearing underneath.  She smiled as she embraced Karen and took her place.

 

“Next to return to the stage, these days she describes herself as the simple wife of a Yorkshire pig farmer, she is also a member of the British Nobility, as the wife of the 9th Marquess of Ordford, but tonight she returns as Mandy Carrow!”

 

Mandy walked out in a black bustier dress, the skirt flared out to just below her knees, her red-grey hair pulled back as she walked on the heels down the cat walk to thunderous applause.  As she reached the end, she hugged the other two as Alex said “Next, and with grateful thanks for supplying all the outfits you saw in the first half, please welcome new mother and CEO of APCO, Alice MacKinnon!”

 

“Och it’s such a sight tae see all o them,” Annie MacKenzie said as she sat next to Anna.  The four women stood and waved as the audience applauded.

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen, as wonderful as it is to see these four ladies here, there are those who sadly are no longer with us, who fell foul of the darker side of the modeling world, one of whom was Stella Jameson.”

 

A picture appeared at the entrance curtains to the catwalk of the young model.

 

“Tonight, as we honour Jamie Kirkham, we also honour those from the fashion world who did not survive – and to honour her name, please welcome one last person to the stage.”

 

“Ready lass,” Mary whispered behind the curtains as she looked at the tall blonde haired woman. 

 

“No,” she whispered back as Alex said, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage Stella’s daughter, Caroline Jameson.”

 

The curtains parted as a tall, blonde haired woman walked out, wearing a white dress with a flowing skirt and train.  There was a shocked silence, as Susan, Charlotte and Penny uttered one word each.

 

“Oh…”

 

“My…”

 

“God!”

 

Madame just smiled and joined in the thunderous applause as Caroline walked down the aisle, smiling as the cameras flashed and she reached the others.  Juliette and Karen were crying as they embraced her, and then the five stood in a line, allowing the photographers a few moments before Juliette and Karen escorted her off, followed by Alice and Mandy.

 

"I kent that lassie was familier frae somewhere?" Fiona turned and whispered in Anna's ear.

"She's a beautiful girl." Anna smiled, "Very like her mother as a young woman."

"Aye before the heroin." Fiona shook her head.

"I still think we played a part in that as an industry."

"Och you mean so called 'Heroin Chic'?"

Anna nodded.

"Well we certainly didnae help by employing real lif junkies because they had thet look, ah'll agree wi yi on that Anna."

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we’ll take a short break at this point.  Please, enjoy the refreshments, and give generously.”

 

“Well, that was – unexpected,” Madame said as she stood up.  “No wonder she was not here at the start of the show.”

 

As Dominique started undressing it seemed like the world descended upon her. From older models that had known her mother to younger girls who only knew Stella from her photos she was welcomed like she was the prodigal daughter returning to her family.

“Please,” she said as Lily Cole shook her hand, “I just did this as a favour for a friend of a friend – I have no intentions of making a career of this.”

 

“None the less,” Lily said, “Welcome back to the family.  If you ever need to talk, call me.”

 

“Thank you,” Dominique said as Juliette gently ushered the others away, saying “You have a second half of the show to do, remember?”

 

“Thank you,” Karen said in return.  One person hung back as the crowd dispersed.

 

"Caroline if you ever want to go pro ring me." Missy Auerbach thrust her card into Dominique's hand.

 

“Feel free to ignore her,” Mandy said.  “Missy is an ogre, but she means well.  I know how important it is not to do what you don’t want to do – we all do.”

 

“As I said, this is a one off, to pay tribute to my mother – but I have my own line of business now.  Still, it was an – interesting experience.”

 

“She’ll be at the ceremony tomorrow, ladies,” Juliette said, “give her some room.  Some friends of hers want to see her.”

 

As Dominique put on her jacket, she accompanied Juliette to Miss Tennant’s office, where the others were waiting to greet her.

 

"Well?" Madame asked, "How did it feel?"

"As if I found a missing piece of my life." Dom said as she shook her head, "Does that even make sense?"

"Very much so,” Juliette said, “your Mother had a lot of friends, and good friends who tried to help her."

"And they clearly remembered you and her." Susan smiled.

"You got the biggest ovation." Charlotte beamed.

 

“Well, I guess blonde Caroline is back from the dead,” Dominique said, “but I still need to remain Dominique for professional work.”

 

“Of course – I want my friend still,” Penny said.

 

“Now I'm just worried that Scotland Yard will see me and pick up Caroline's trail?" Dominique looked worried as she said this.

"Why?"

 

As if by magic Heather appeared in the room.

"Duhh!  They probably still have me as the prime suspect in the McCabe murder case."

"Why?" Heather replied.

"Oh I don’t know – perhaps because I did it and disappeared." Dominique hissed.

"You did?  First I’ve heard of it." Heather laughed, as Madame and the others giggled.


"Okay what don't I know?" Dominique said as she put her hands on her hips.

"Oh I just asked Heather to look into your case last week." Madame smiled.

"Heather you didn't…"

"Oh yes I did." Heather laughed. " I thought they had state of the art firewalls it was a bit too easy really..."

"For you." Charlotte spoke.

"Well, it seems that you were at your father’s house 200 miles the night it happened. Scotland Yard got testimony from your father and a couple of other people on that."

"But… "

"They are all dead now so who can contradict it, besides according to their files the likely killer was one Tony Martino, some Soho lowlife who got whacked three nights later."

"Heather…." Dominique grinned, "How can I…"

"Hey – a pleasure,” Heather said as she opened her bag.  “It seems Caroline has been living in the US legitimately for several years."

 

As they watched, Heather pulled out a brown bag of documents.  "Your Green Card, an up to date British passport, a copy of your real birth certificate, Social Security Card, oh and by the way you are disputing $20 the IRS claims you owe them."

"Yes it seems Caroline Jameson has been working as an International Security Consultant for several years." Madame said with a laugh.  “I do hope, however, Dominique remains in my employ.”

"This means… " Dominique struggled for words.

 

“It means Caroline Jameson can appear – when she feels like it, She doesn’t need to hide any more,” Madame said.  “For now, come – join us in the audience.  I think you deserve to see the rest of the show with your friends.”

 

Dominique nodded as she hugged Heather, and then left with the others.

 

“You did a good thing there,” Juliette said.

 

“Well, after Monday night and Tuesday morning, I think she deserved a little happiness,” Heather said as they went back to the audience.

 

“Welcome back,” Alex said as he came back to the stand.  “And thank you all for your incredible generosity so far.  After the show, some of the models will stay behind to talk and sign autographs, as well as others.  For now, however, we focus on the generation gap, or the lack of it.  Please welcome to the stage, accompanying Polina Kouklina, Maggie Fife.”

 

The curtains opened as a tall, red headed girl came out, wearing a pair of blue satin shorts and a vest top over a black leotard, and black ankle boots.  The blonde with her wore a blue short-sleeved dress with Grecian style sandals.

 

“Hey,” Jo said as she looked out, “Maggie looks radiant out there.”

 

“Yeah – I was surprised when she volunteered.  She’s even shyer than I was.”

 

“And look what happened to you,” Jo said as she nudged Abby.  As they came back, Maggie hugged Abby and said “thank you – my mother and father looked so proud of me out there.”

 

“All right, lass – go and change,” Mary said as she rushed Maggie and Polina away. 

 

“Next onto the stage, please welcome two women determined to prove age does not mean a lack of fashion – Stephanie Seymour, accompanied by Claire Morse.”

 

The two dark haired women strode confidently out, Claire in a dark coat dress and long boots, Stephanie in a black blouse and pants with a pair of knee length suede boots.

 

“Wow, look at Mom work it,” Becky said as she waited in the entrance area.  She was wearing a white polo dress, the pleated skirt blowing slightly in the breeze, and a pair of white knee length go-go boots.

 

“Lord I remember them on your grandmother,” Claire said as she walked off the stage.

 

“Fashion works in cycles,” Vlada Rosylakova said as she walked over, fixing her black pearl drop earrings in place.  Her dress was a black sleeveless sheath dress, and she wore a pair of knee length black-laced leather boots.

 

“To show black and white, please welcome Vlada Rosylakova, alongside Rebecca Morse.”

 

“Quite a show,” Vanessa whispered to Sandy as they watched the two young women walk down the stage.

 

“Indeed,” Sandy said as she clapped.

 

“Not tempted to take the stage tonight?”

 

“Not asked – Jo represented us.”

 

An hour later, the audience applauded as Lindsey Wixson escorted a curvy blonde Senior, Lena Partecki, from the stage.

 

“Right you two – change and get back here pronto,” Mary said as Alex said “Ladies and Gentlemen, that concludes our show for tonight, so please welcome on stage the models from tonight.”

 

Lily led the professional models out, and Annie the mothers, students and teachers to a huge round of applause.

 

"And finally can we have a huge round of applause for the dual patronesses of The Jamie Kirkham Fund, both supermodels AND St Angela's students, Abigail de Ros and Jeannie Brewster."

 

The two lines applauded as both Abby and Jeannie came out in their school uniforms, Abby pushing Jeannie as they went to the front and the other models formed a line behind them.  Alexander stepped to the centre of the stage to kiss both Abby and Jeannie.

“Umm… " Abby stammered as he put a microphone in her hand. "When Jeannie came up with this crazy idea I wasn't sure it was possible, but thanks to the hard work of ALL our volunteers, I hope you all think you've seen a great show tonight, and I think," Abby brushed back a tear, "from a quiet corner somewhere Jamie is watching and smiling."

There was thunderous applause from the line behind them and the auditorium.

"Thank you all SO MUCH!" Jeannie said as Abby passed her the microphone.  “You have raised an incredible amount tonight, but there is still time if you wish to contribute.  For now, from Abby and me, THANK YOU!”

 

They all applauded now as the house lights went down, and the models filed off.

 

“And – relax,” Mary said.  “Now go say hello to everyone!”

 

Sunday 21st September

9 am

West Central Park

 

Janice contemplated the rewards of crime. As ashamed as she was of her dreadful actions, she must admit that the satisfaction of walking into Saks and buying the gorgeous pair of Manolo Blahnik stilettos that now graced her dainty feet had awakened something inside her that she had never fully realized was there.

 

In fact her whole outfit made her feel simply wonderful. The white designer suit, the large red hat with the white satin hat band, the red kid gloves, those amazing ruby and diamond earrings that had arrived in the mail, but above all those red Manolo’s made Janice purr with pleasure. Just for once in her life she wasn’t going to feel like the poor relation at this christening. She and Katy would be dressed just as well, and as expensively as their friends were. She just hoped Adam would notice.

 

“Katy darling are you ready?” Janice called out.

 

“Coming Mom.” Katy bounced into the room in her short-sleeved dress, a white sash around her waist matching the pale blue silk. “Wow you look fantastic!”

 

“Thank you darling.” Janice said as she touched up her red lip-gloss. “Already to leave?”

 

“Yes.” Katy looked at herself in the mirror. “I’d rather be wearing jeans though.”

 

“Darling this is a very special occasion for Carina and little Judith, please be on your best behavior.”

 

“Will Sandy be all dressed up as well?”

 

“Yes she will.” Janice smiled at her daughter.

 

“Well,” Katy said quietly, “I guess its okay then.”

 

“Now where are my car keys?”

 

“Where you always leave them.” Mrs. Carter came in, “In the box by the door.”

 

“Thanks Mom.” Janice smiled, “Are you sure you won’t come?”

 

“No you go enjoy yourself.”

 

“Well do we look alright?” Janice did a twirl.

 

“Your old dad would be so proud of you.” Mrs. C brushed away a tear. “Now both of you outta here before I start to cry a river.”

 

“Okay.” Janice gave her mother a kiss on the cheek. “See you later.”

 

11 am

St Patrick’s Cathedral

 

“You shall know us by a sign Agent Carter.” Janice nervously fingered her diamond and ruby earrings as she yet again tried to understand the mysterious meaning of those words that Miss Panther had uttered to her.

 

She was thinking so hard she was not concentrating on the ceremony. She suddenly heard the congregation say “Amen” and belatedly said the word herself.

 

“What was it her Mother had called these earrings, ‘Blood and Ice’?” Janice chuckled inwardly, that certainly summed up the women she’d been dealing with, deadly and bloody, but cool as ice.

 

Out of the corner of her eye, Janice caught Carina toss her head and smile as Father Alex blessed little Judith. Carina was stunning in a black full sleeved skirt and jacket with white polka dots and a white blouse, with a wide black belt.  Her shoes and hat were white, and she wore white kid gloves.  Janice noticed with mild curiosity that Carina was also wearing diamond and ruby earrings.

 

“Funny we should be wearing similar earrings.” Jan spoke silently to herself. Again she saw Carina toss her hair slightly, those weren’t just similar earrings, and they were identical to those that hung from her own ear lobes.

 

“Oh dear Lord what a coincidence.” Janice laughed, “I guess I ought to have checked with Carina so I didn’t match.”

 

Slightly embarrassed she glanced away from the font. At the front of the church she saw Juliette looking proud in her cream suit, large black hat and black gloves. She was pleased for Juliette, her daughter’s lover may have taken a hike, but she knew little Judith was still growing up in one of the best families she had ever met.

 

Someone in the pew behind Juliette whispered something in her ear and Judith turned. “Oh,” Janice noticed Juliette wearing the same earrings too. “They must be very popular.”

 

Out of curiosity Janice to look closely at some of her fellow women.

 

Both young Judy and Mary Thomas were both wearing other earrings. Janice smiled at the sight of Adam looking so handsome and proud as he stood at the altar.

 

“Okay anyone else make the same fashion faux pas as I did and dress in the something the same as the Mother and Grandmother as I did?” Janice idly looked round the congregation.

 

“Oh Diana has these on as well.” She admired Diana’s chic manner of dressing so much. Diana really was elegance personified.

 

“Okay that’s four pairs, obviously who sent these hit the same sale some of the girls did.” Janice thought things out. “Maybe these were a Christening gift from either Juliette or Carina?” Janice thought an unworthy thought, “Well they can both certainly afford it.”

 

“So who else got gifts?” Janice looked round some more.

 

“Okay whom else?” she pursed her lips. “Are those diamond and rubies in Shirley’s ears?”

 

Shirley turned and Janice saw they were, “This is getting beyond a joke,” she thought. “Even the Huntingdown’s don’t have this kind of cash, perhaps I was wrong thinking they were genuine, maybe they are costume jewellery?”

 

She glanced at the women in Shirley’s pew; all the women had the earrings.

 

Now Janice’s interest was piqued, Abigail, check she has them, Sandy and Heather? Yes, Young Jo, yes… What the hell was going on? How about others? The Rochermann girls and the Morse ladies didn’t have them. She looked at young Jeannie in her wheel chair, nope, Barbara? Nope… This all made no sense… What the fuck was going on?”

 

She glanced beside herself at Annie. “Oh she has them.” Janice was by now thoroughly bewildered.

 

“We gather here to welcome this child to the family of Christ, who has seen fit to give life to this little one,” Alex said as she stood in his robes.  “Carina, What name do you give this child?”

 

“Judith Diana Abigail Joanne.”

 

“Dear parents and godparents: You have come here to present this child for baptism. By water and the Holy Spirit she is to receive the gift of new life from God, who is love.

 

“On your part, you must make it your constant care to bring her up in the practice of the faith. See that the divine life which God gives her is kept safe from the poison of sin, to grow always stronger in her heart.

 

“If your faith makes you ready to accept this responsibility, renew now the vows of your own baptism. Reject sin; profess your faith in Christ Jesus. This is the faith of the Church. This is the faith in which this child is about to be baptized.

 

“Carina, Do you reject Satan?

 

Carina smiled as she said “I do.”

 

“And all his works?”

 

“I do.”

 

“Carina, Adam, Judith, Mary - Do you reject sin, so as to live in the freedom of God's children?”

 

“We do.”

 

“Do you reject the glamor of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?”

 

“We do.”

 

“Do you reject Satan, father of sin and prince of darkness?”

 

“We do.”

 

“Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?”

 

“We do,” they answered.

 

“Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?”

 

“We do.”

 

“Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?”

 

“We do.”

 

“And to all here gathered, I say that this is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it, in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 

Janice said “Amen” along with everyone else.

 

Alex carried Judith in her shawl to the font with Carina, Judy, Mary and Adam, and smiled at the baby.

 

“Carina, is it your will that Judith Diana Abigail Joanne should be baptized in the faith of the Church, which we have all professed with you?”

 

“It is,” Carina said as she gazed at her baby.

 

Taking the water from the font in his hands, Alex smiled as he said Judith Diana Abigail Joanne Huntingdown, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

 

Judith smiled with everyone else as Alex said “God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.”

 

“Amen.”

 

“Judith, you have become a new creation, and have clothed yourself in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity. With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring that dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven.”

 

“Amen,” everyone said as he placed a white cloth on her head.

 

As Adam received a candle, Judith stood there, thinking over the earrings again.  How did all fourteen women get the same earrings?  She barely knew Shirley, never mind her friends. 

 

 

The service moved on from there, until Alex blessed the congregation, and they all moved out to the steps of the cathedral.

 

“Well done,” Janice said to Adam as they walked out.

 

“Hey – it’s a responsibility,” Adam said, “and by the way, you look fantastic today.  New outfit?”

 

“You noticed,” Janice said with a smile. 

 

“Adam,” Carina said, “Come over here – you too Janice, and bring Katy.”

 

Janice stood outside happily standing besides Adam as both the professional newspaper and magazine photographers took pictures, as well as some members of the christening party.

 

Katy stood by her side beaming, it was her first big church event and she’d behaved impeccably.

 

Carina and Juliette looked so happy, Janice was so glad for them. Again she saw the earrings. Suddenly though the voice of Miss Panther came into her brain from nowhere,  “You shall know us by a sign Agent Carter.”

 

“Oh my fucking god!” Janice said out loud.

 

“Janice – what’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing – nothing,” Janice whispered as Juliette turned, looked at her and smiled…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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