The Party Girls – Part 2
“Are you sure we should
be seen in the same place together,” Pippa Ashley said as she came in with Anna
Mitchell.
“It’s public knowledge
now anyway,” Anna said, “but for now, we are the editors of two of the biggest
selling fashion magazines, attending the same show.”
“Fair enough,” Pippa
said as she and Anna made their way to the front row – Anna sitting next to a
small, elderly woman with bobbed blonde hair.
She was wearing a pair of sunglasses, and wore a soft grey leather jacket,
pleated leather skirt, cashmere jumper and knee length leather boots.
“Anna darling,” she
said as she stood up and kissed Anna Mitchell on both cheeks, “I haven’t had
the chance yet to offer my congratulations – or to you Phillipa. You are stepping into a huge pair of shoes.”
“Thanks Miss Wintour,”
Pippa said.
“Oh please – call me
Anna. You know Grace of course.”
“Of course I do,” Pippa
said as she embraced Grace Coddington, the design queen of Vogue putting down
her sketchbook and pencil first.
“So are you looking
forward to this?”
“I am actually,” Anna
said as they sat down, “it’s like a works night out for me now.”
“So have they sorted
you put Pippa,” Grace asked as Pippa sat next to her.
“Yeah – they’re buying
out the last month of my contract at New Mode, but tonight I’m here to
represent them.”
“Good – always remain
professional to the end,” Anna said, “it is the only way to survive.”
“And ye’d know all
about that Anna.”
“Mary my dear,” Anna
Wintour said as she hugged Merlin, “come, join us. Let the papers have a picture of you for
once. I hear you know this young
designer Alice has found – Kylie Mitchell?”
“Ai – I think you’ll be
surprised and delighted,” Mary said as she sat down.
“Katy Carter, thanks
for spending a few minutes with me, and good luck for the future.”
“Thank you Jeanne,”
Katy said, smiling as the camera went dead.
“Well done – the first
one is always the worst. Just ask Abby.”
“So why do they call
you Titi Jeanne?” Katy asked after they concluded their interview.
“Well fully it’s Queen
Nefertiti Katy, and it’s because of this,” the television personality turned
her head and showed her profile.
“I don’t get it.” Katy
shook her head.
“Alright,” Jeanne
laughed. “There is a famous bust of Queen Nefertiti the ancient Egyptian that
was found in the desert, and is nowadays in the Neues Museum in Berlin.”
“Okay,” Katy shook her
head.
“Well one day we were
shooting a fashion spread there and a certain model who I will simply describe
as having a great Swedish actress for her mother, and an Italian film director
for a father, started remarking that my profile was identical to the bust.”
“Gotcha.”
“Well at the time I was
still a young model and as yet had no nickname…”
“And they started
calling you Queen Nefertiti…I get it,” Katy giggled.
“Well over the years
it’s just been shortened to Titi.”
“Well I’ve heard worse
stories of how girls got their nicknames.” Jeannie wheeled herself into the
conversation.
“You being the prime
example, BS?”
“I was thinking of
Pelican actually,” Jeannie said with a smile.
“Katy, they need you in wardrobe – Kylie needs to check for final
adjustments.”
“On my way,” Katy said
as she walked off.
“Right – time I went
off as well, before Alice gets upset...”
“Congratulations on
joining PTA, Worker,” the blonde supermodel said as she sat next to Mary
Clarke.
“Thanks,” Mary said as
she glanced at her phone.
“Important?”
“In a way – the
contracts are complete with SVA”
“I heard about that as
well – very impressive.”
“Do you know I’m going
to pay as much in tax on my Cadeau Aphrodite contract as I’d probably have
earned in a lifetime as a chambermaid?” Mary looked away from her phone.
“Well I hope you have a
good advisor to help you look after what the government does let you keep.”
“I do Fractures,” Mary
smiled inwardly at now calling the great supermodel by her nickname. “Missy and Ju put me in touch with an estate
planner from Xavier International’s branch in LA.”
“Okay you are done,”
the hairdresser finished putting Mary’s hair in curlers.
“I hear they are a good
company,” Fractures said as they swapped places.
“Well she suits me.”
Mary looked at her reflection. “She’s suggested various ways I can invest what
I was going to give my siblings for college in tax free savings schemes.”
“That all helps.”
“Yeah, it will be nice
that they can have the chance to go to great schools.”
“Well, don’t forget to
treat yourself from time to time,” Fractures said as the hairdresser got to
work.
“Seeing my brothers and
sisters happy and my dad proud of all of us – that’s my reward. That and my car...”
“Okay – put them on,
tell me what you think.”
Olivia and Fiona put on
the dark glasses, and then smiled as they looked round.
“Prescription
sunglasses – the idea whose time has definitely come,” Olivia said, “and
stylish too. Where did you get the
idea?”
“Vera Wang, if truth be
told. Right – time to get into costume,
girls...”
“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
PLEASE TAKE YOUR SEATS!”
“Showtime,” Pippa
whispered as the lights dimmed, and the announcer said “welcome to the APCO show,
and leading us off tonight, two of the newest sensations in the fashion world –
Katy Carter and Orion O’Ryan!”
"Okay girls
GO!" the stage manager called out as he set Katy and Orion out on the
catwalk, each stood and posed in front of the backdrop before Katy started
walking down the runway, her hips swinging in time to the pounding music, her
knee length tweed skirt moving with her hips as she opened the matching jacket
to reveal the top.
Ten seconds later Orion started to follow her, walking confidently on her
stilettos.
At the end of the
runway Katy stopped, posed then turned, drinking in the applause, and barely
noticing the flash of the photographer’s lights, as she passed Orion. Back at
the backdrop she again stopped and posed, then walked off.
"NICE KATY!"
Ken called out as she dashed by him, "you have your change to do."
"I know."
Katy ran to start undressing.
“Next up, please
welcome Maggie Fife and Marnie Paget.”
Maggie and Marnie came
out onto the catwalk, their longer coats open and showing the Arran style
jersey dresses they were wearing. The
audience started applauding as they posed, the cameras flashing before they
walked back, posing again in front of the display before Olivia and Fiona came
out and posed.
Olivia was wearing a grey
coat dress, with an off-centre line of buttons and a thin cold belt, while
Fiona was wearing one of Kylie’s designs, a light blue sundress with capped
sleeves and a scallop style skirt which was above knee height at the front, and
half way down behind.
As they walked down the
catwalk, looking out through their sunglasses, Kylie was watching from
backstage with Marina.
“See Kiddo,” the older
girl said as the audience applauded, “I told you you’d be all right.”
“What she said,” Doc
said as she and Jo came up, both wearing Fitzstuart jumpers with leather
leggings and heels. As the announcer
called their names, they walked out, high fiving the mother and daughter before
they posed.
"Well Jan?"
Missy asked as they looked round backstage.
Jan looked round at the
models and dressers rushing round, before she exclaimed "It's CHAOS!"
"Pretty much, but
what about your fears for Katy?"
"It looks like she
doesn't have time to get in trouble."
"Yeah, with Alice
using each model twice they are rushed off their feet."
"I do love the
clothes though...just so girly, if I'm not using the wrong term."
"No they are
classic Alice, very easy to wear, sexy enough to be interesting, and easy for
other women to see themselves in. APCO are a lot more commercial then a lot of
companies."
“I may even order some
of them myself,” she said as she saw Juliette and Carina walk by in leather
skirts and low cut sweaters.
“Ladies and gentlemen,
we’ll take a ten minute break at this point...”
"Well how are we
doing?" Alice asked as she looked over her husband’s shoulder.
"Not at all badly,”
Duncan MacKinnon said with a smile, “the buyers out there look VERY happy, and
our sales team are already fielding enquiries from said buyers."
"So in other
words...?"
"You won't be
losing your company this year my love," he said as he turned and kissed
Alice.
"Any feedback on
my ideas?" Kylie asked nervously.
"VERY
POSITIVE!"
"Really?"
"Yes really,”
Duncan said, “I think we maybe need to put you under contract so you don't
start up a rival brand."
"See I told
you," Alice smiled as she hugged the Brit.
"Oh no way that
I'd even attempt to compete." Kylie blushed.
“Still, let me think on
it before you come back in the summer,” Alice said, “we may have something to
talk about...”
“So, your thoughts so
far,” Anna whispered to Pippa.
“An amazing show – I
really don’t know how she does it,” Pippa said as she looked at her notes, “and
the way she uses authentic materials in a new way.”
“I agree,” Grace
whispered as she looked at her pad, “a refreshing change from the other shows –
and she always seems to get the best out of the models.”
“Indeed,” Anna Wintour
said, “I must go backstage and say hello to Olivia. We have missed her over the years.”
“Will you be at the big
show next week?”
“I intend to be, all
things being equal,” Grace said, “it is going to be amazing.”
“Leading off our
evening gown collection, welcome please Karen Royce, Mandy Carrow, Angel
Fitzstuart and Mary Clarke!”
“Go,” Brian said as
they stepped out, their gowns in a classic twenties style, with long gloves and
high heels. They moved two at a time,
Karen and Mary walking together, followed by Mandy and Angel.
The quartet posed at
the far end and then walked back, as Abby, Carina and Jo came out, wearing
mid-length skirts and belted blouses with soft leather gloves.
“Katy, Pru – you’re up
next!”
“Ready to knock them
out,” Pru said as she slipped her bolero jacket over her grey slip dress.
“I certainly am,” Katy said
as she sipped her jacket up just enough to support her chest.
“And – go!”
As the models walked
out and lined the catwalk, the announcer said “Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you
for joining us tonight – and join the models in thanking the person who made
tonight possible, the CEO of APCO, Alice MacKinnon.”
The audience stood as
Grace and Olivia led Alice by the hands down the runway, the photographers
lights flashing, the crowd standing and applauding, the models lining the side
of the runway clapping.
"Thank you...THANK YOU!" Alice stopped and blew a kiss to the crowd. “But I also want you to applaud a stunning
young designer who was also presented tonight.
Please, welcome Kylie Mitchell!”
The audience came to
its feet as Jeannie, and Katy, led the reluctant Kylie down the line of models
to the end of the runway.
"But this is
Alice's collection." Kylie whispered.
"And yours."
Jeannie looked up at her friend and joined in the clapping. Alice took Kylie and kissed her before
raising her hand as well, and then both of them applauding the models as they
walked off.
"Well you have
another hit on your hands darling." Mandy drawled as the models all filed
backstage.
“I believe I do – right
girls, food and drink await once you’re changed, and your discounts are safe
for another season!”
“There she is,”
Katherine said as she saw Katy walk over.
"Alright just let
me get this off please Mom and Gran." Katy laughed as her relatives hugged
her. "If you guys damage it you'll have to buy it from Alice."
"True." Jan
laughed, "but it might be worth it."
"I finally get
what all the fuss is darling," Katherine smiled broadly, "you do just
look so right out there."
"I guess I'm just
a natural show-off Gran."
"And an
exceedingly beautiful young woman." Duncan hugged her, "thank you for
walking the show Katy."
"It was my
pleasure Uncle Duncan."
“So did you speak to
young Orion?”
“In passing – bur Gran
talked to her chaperone.”
Jan looked at
Katherine, who said quietly “I’ll explain later.”
“Hey Pops,” Mary Clarke
said as she say down, “so what did you think?”
"That was a
WOW!" Dave spoke as Mary listened on her phone.
"Yep it was Pops and you should feel the atmosphere...It's just like when
the Giants won the World Series."
"The girls asked
if you remembered to collect some autographs for them?"
"I've been doing
so," Mary sat down and kicked off her shoes. "Tell them they'll have
a great collection of signatures."
"Nice show
Worker." Kate Upton said as she hugged the Californian.
"Who was that?"
Dave asked.
"Kate Upton."
"She calls you
Worker?"
"All the girls do,”
Mary said with a smile, “it's because I treat this as a regular job, the girls
have started calling me The Worker."
"I sorta like
that," Dave laughed, "shows it aint goin' to your head. So what are you doing the rest of the night?”
“Get something to eat,
then collapse – I have another show tomorrow,” Mary said as Kylie came over and
kissed her on the cheek.
“Thanks for making my
design looking fantastic, darling.”
“Who’s that?”
“That was Kylie
Mitchell Pops – she designed my dress for next week.”
“Well, I’ll let you get
back. Talk to you tomorrow?”
“Always, Pops –
always.”
“Well, you have another
success on your hands, Alice.”
“So it looks Jeanne –
but as always, the proof comes over the next few days.”
“And we’re out,” the
director said as Alice relaxed.
"Off the record
Alice where did you get those amazing silks from?" Jeanne asked once the
camera stopped rolling.
"From
Huntingdown's...a lot of the fabric tonight came from their places in Japan and
China."
"Did they make
them up in China?"
"No, part of my
deal with Juliette and Cathy is that as always my clothes are made mainly here
in the US."
"Raises your
costs." Titi lifted an eyebrow.
"Yes but at the
prices I charge I'm still not exactly going broke." Alice laughed.
"And our workers
get well paid as well Titi." Juliette hugged Alice.
"I wasn't
implying..."
"I know you
weren't Titi, but with so many people using Oriental sweat shops, it's
important to both Juliette and me that we maintain a good reputation as
employers."
“Now THAT was a show,”
Maddie said as she came back stage with Emma.
"Hey you made
it." Missy said as she hugged Madeline.
"Barely, my flight
from LA got delayed."
"Well at least you
saw it."
"I did...and I saw
Katy walk...are you sure she's still only 13?"
"You saw the white
dress photos Maddie."
"Yeah, that's
true...she has a very versatile thing going on."
"That she
does."
"We have another
girl or two you might look over for us please Missy."
"Oh?"
"Yeah an agency
doing kids went broke, we picked up some of the children, and one 14 year old
and a 15 year old might just have some age group crossover potential."
"Alright I'll take
a look on Monday." Missy nodded.
“Hey Emma,” Caroline
said as she came over, “did you enjoy the show?”
“Very different,” Emma
said.
“So what’s the word on
the movie?”
“Brian showed me a
rough first draft of the script – he’s certainly captured the mood of the
time. We’re meeting Cass Stone next week
to go over options and possible casting.”
“Any word on her new
film?”
“Apparently it’s in the
editing suite...”
“The first reviews are
in,” Annie said as the girls started to look at their tablets and phones.
“All good?”
“Looks that way,” Carina
said as she looked round, then saw the frown on Ingrid’s face.
"Don't read Rotten
Apple's rantings Alice." Ingrid looked up from her device. "I swear
those bastards just love saying crap."
"Okay what didn't
they like?" Alice steeled herself.
"The age of some
of the girls, the luxury of some of some of your fabrics, the inability of the
ordinary woman in the street to relate to your clothes...Do I need go on?"
"No it sounds like
the Apple's usual crap."
"Why did you even
give them a press pass?" Janine said as she grabbed a glass of champagne.
"I was sitting next to their guy and he was DETERMINED not to enjoy the
show."
“Who can fathom the
mind of some people,” Maggie said with a smile...
“Hey.”
Katy looked round to
see Orion standing there, two glasses of champagne in her hands.
“I won’t tell if you
won’t,” she said as she handed Katy a glass.
“Deal – you did really
well tonight.”
“So did you – you know
they think we’ll be rivals?”
“I did at first as well
– but not any more. We could lead the
way together – what do you say?”
“I’ll drink to that,” Katy
said as they raised their glasses to each other, and took a drink.
“ORION!”
“KATY!”
“Oh boy,” Orion said as
she saw Brenda standing behind Katy, “there you are Auntie Brenda.”
“Hey Gran,” Katy said
as she saw Katherine behind the red haired Irish girl.
“It seems some things
never change in families,” Brenda said quietly.
“Just what I was
thinking,” Katherine said quietly with her arms folded.
The two girls looked at
each other, and then turned to look at their older relatives.
“There you both are,”
Karen said as she came over and hugged the two teenagers. “Well done, both of you.”
“Thanks Auntie Karen,”
Katy said as Katherine took her arm.
“Your mother is looking for you Katy,” she said as she led the young
girl away, Katy looking at Orion with a raised eyebrow.
"Your accents are
very different." Sweets tried chatting with the stern-faced Irishwoman.
"Well I'm from the
far south of Ireland Miss,” Brenda said, “I married a Belfast man."
"I'm Belfast born
and bred," Orion smiled. "Our accent is rather harsher. A lot of
people think I need elocution lessons."
“Oh I don’t know,
accents can be a good thing,” Sweets said.
“Well, enjoy the night.”
“All right Aunt
Brenda,” Orion said as Karen walked away, “spill. What is it about Mrs Carter?”
“Family, Orion,
Family...”
"What are the
models worst enemies?" Katy asked as she stripped down to her undies next
to Pru.
"Diet pills and
coffee."
"Eh?" Katy
tilted her head.
"Too many girls
THINK they have weight problems Katy," Pro said as she slipped her jeans
on. "Now look - me, you, Kate, we
are all naturally well endowed girls. When I started though I was under
CONSTANT pressure to lose weight...honestly I was getting addicted to caffeine
and diet pills trying to keep my weight unnaturally low."
"What she's saying Katy, is that we as an industry have, or are trying to
overcome our obsession with slimness." Mary Thomas helped Katy tuck her
shirt in.
“Be happy in yourself,
and you’ll be the better model for it.”
Sunday 14th February
10 am
Susan and Clint’s Apartment
“Hey Alice,” Susan said
as she opened the apartment door, “what can I do for you?”
“Business I’m afraid,”
Alice said as she came in, “where’s Kylie?”
“Gone with Marina –
they leave later, so they needed to pick up a few things. I hear your show was a real success last
night?”
“Indeed – and Kylie
played a part in that,” Alice said, “but I need to talk to you about
something.”
“Oh – what,” Susan said
as she made some coffee, April giggling on her play mat.
“Yeah – I’ve had a
number of enquiries about licensing rights for some of Kylie’s designs.”
“Licensing rights? You mean for repro?”
“Yeah,” Alice said as
she accepted a mug. “It’s standard
practice after a suitable period, to allow chain stores and other overseas
markets to do their own versions. It’s
all above board and legal, but it does mean it is made with cheaper fabrics,
and sold at reduced prices.”
“So Kylie gets a share
of that?”
“Oh yes – but she can’t
sign the agreement. It needs to be an
adult – hence my visit to you, Susan.”
“Okay,” Susan said as
Alice handed her some paperwork.
“Promise me sweatshops are not involved in this?”
“If I find they are, I
remove the contract.”
Susan nodded as she
said “let me read this, talk to Kylie, and then call me tonight. I don’t think there will be a problem, but
it’s her call.”
“Of course,” Alice
said, “and how are you today April?”
“Yes.”
April and Susan looked
at each other, and then at the young girl.
“Did she just?”
“Sounds like it – and
now the fun begins...”
10 am
Marino’s
“So, here we are
again,” Carina and Ingrid said as she sat in a booth. “Did everyone get invited?”
“I think so,” Ingrid
said as she saw the door open.
"How did I guess
I'd find you two here?" Jo asked as she sat down besides Carina and
Ingrid.
"Because we
usually eat here the day after big events?" laughed Cari.
"Well I do agree
last night was something pretty big." Jo picked up a menu and smiled.
"Easily my fave
show of all time." Ingrid looked up, "But according to Grace and
Olivia todays Nick Wu show is also well up there."
"I still have a
soft spot for Betsey Johnson." Carina grinned, "she is just so FUN to
work for."
"Well as
professional models are we supposed to have opinions?"
"Why not Jo?"
Ingy asked, "we are also buyers, and women...we should have opinions I
think."
"Point
taken." Cari nodded.
"The actual reason
I knew you were here though is I dropped in your Moms quickly."
"That's CHEATING
Jo."
"I know it is
Cari,” Jo said with a laugh, “but Annie made me play with Judith and her cable
car."
"Okay you paid the
toll then." Carina laughed.
"Hey girls."
Jeannie smiled as she wheeled herself in. "All recovered?"
"Just about,"
Angel said from behind her as she came in with Mary and was followed by Maggie
and Marnie.
“So we gather again and
eat again,” Abby said as she joined them.
"Is anyone else
working later today?" Mary asked.
"I think we all
are." Ingrid nodded. "An early brunch and gossip though help ease you
into yet another Fashion week day."
“Hey,” Trina said as
she slipped in with Charly, “look who we met outside.”
“Thanks for inviting
me,” Katy said as she came in, “Mom and Grandma said they needed to have a
serious chat about something.”
“Look at us,” Maggie
said with a smile, “last night we were being called the most glamorous women in
the city, and this morning...”
“We’re off the clock,”
Jo said.
"Where are the
oldies congregating?" asked Jeans.
"At my
Mother's." Carina nodded.
"And my Mom for
one would not like to be characterised as an oldie." Fiona joined the
group.
"Nor mine."
Angel giggled.
“Or mine,” Abby said as
the young waiter came over.
"Coffee for
starters ladies?" the waiter asked.
"You are reading
minds again Alfredo." Cari laughed, "plenty of it..."
"AND STRONG!"
Katy added.
“So what’s good,” Trina
said as she perused the menu, “I remember the steak sandwich isn’t too bad...”
"Oh by the way I
invited Orion along." Katy looked up from her menu.
"Get her away from
the dragon?" asked Marnie.
"Pretty much
so," Katy smiled as she saw Orion outside getting out of a cab, looking
very young in just jeans and a sweatshirt.
“Hey,” Abby said as she
came in, “come on over, we’re all just considering food.”
“Thanks,” Orion said as
she sat next to Katy, “my aunt decided she wanted a lie in this morning.”
“So you finally get to
cut loose, free from the influence?”
"Yeah she's pretty
severe." Orion agreed. "At one time she was going to be a nun, and I
swear even after she was married she saw sex as sinful."
"Yuck!"
Jeannie shook her head.
"She hates it here
in New York, but London is worse, she calls it Sodom and Gomorrah."
"That can be bad with
you working there." Behati spoke. "Why doesn't your Mother?"
"Because she's
dead," Orion looked sad. “...and no
it wasn't a terrorist attack, even though I'm from Belfast, she had a heart
condition and died just aged 29."
"God that
sucks!" Marnie looked up from eating.
"And I'm sorry we
all have stereotyped views of Belfast." Maggie smiled. "But on TV
news over here..."
"I
understand." Orion smiled again.
“We’re not all McGuinness and Paisley.
And people die from just ordinary of things."
"Agreed."
Jeannie reflected on her own father.
1 pm
Susan and Clint’s Apartment
“Alice needs permission
from me to do let others make copies of my designs?”
"The designs are
your intellectual property Kylie." Susan explained, "So to copy them
legally you need give permission."
"Just let me get
this straight in my head darling, companies will pay to copy my ideas?"
"They will, and it
can be very lucrative Kyles." Marina looked up from the contract.
"Well I only know what business law I've learned this past year, but it
does look like Alice is looking after you pretty well."
“Susan?”
“I agree – these are
very fair terms. I know I have to be the
one to sign it for legal reasons, so if you don’t want me to, I won’t.”
“No,” Kylie said, “I am
more than happy for you to sign this Susan darling.”
“All right then,” Susan
said as she picked up a pen and signed the papers. “Now, you two need to get your things
together. I need to take you to the
airport to meet Cathy and Helen in...”
The sound of the doorbell
ringing made all three look up, as April looked at them.
“I wonder who that
could be,” Susan said as she stood up and walked to the apartment door. Looking through the spyhole, she whispered
“what the...” and then opened the door.
"MUM!" Susan looked
stunned as she glanced past Rose. "Where's
Aunt Maeve?"
"She isn't here
love,” Rose said with a smile, “we decided it was time I tried this on my own,
without a guardian angel."
"Oh that's a fantastic idea." Susan hugged her mother before she picked
up her case and they came in. "Well you've arrived just as Kylie and
Marina are leaving."
"I have?"
"HEY
DARLING!" Kylie embraced the older woman. "How are you?"
"I'm good Kylie,
and so is your Mum."
“Has she heard the news
yet?”
“She has, and she’s
asked me to congratulate Marina. She’s
also said she wants you to do what’s right for you, so if it means stay in New
York, stay in New York.”
Kylie smiled as they
went into the front room.
“Look who’s here
April,” Susan said, “it’s Granny.”
“Yes.”
“Oh my,” Rose said
quietly, “since when?”
“This morning.”
“Who’s a clever girl,”
Rose said as she tickled April’s chin, the young girl giggling as she did so.
“Well, why don’t I fix
some lunch for all of us,” Susan said, “before I drive you to the airport.”
2 pm
The Nick Wu show
“Alice, darling,” Nick
Wu said as Alice MacKinnon came over and greeted him, “come to check out the
competition?”
“In the same way you
did at my show yesterday, Nick,” Alice said with a smile. “Did you enjoy it?”
“Oh I think we
complement each other well,” Nick said with a smile, “and we do employ the same
models.”
“Only because we employ
the very best,” Alice said as she looked round the room.
“I knew there was a
reason we were here, darlings,” Mandy said as she, Karen and Juliette looked at
them.
“Well then,” Olivia
said as the hairdresser worked on her, “let’s give him our very best.”
“Yes, Bandit,” Juliette
said with a smile as Olivia smiled. She
had missed this – the noise, the laughter.
The sisterhood.
“So what do you do when
you’re not modelling or at school,” Orion asked as she looked at Katy.
“Well, I hang out with
my friends, go swimming, shoot air pistol...”
“Sorry,” Orion said
with a shocked look at the teenager, “what was that last thing?”
“I shoot competitive
Air Pistol,” Katy said with a smile.
"You shoot?"
Orion shook her head to fully understand.
"Yes,” Katy said
as she sipped her coffee, “and it's not such an unusual sport for girls to take
up."
"I guess
not." Orion looked round the room, "so I wonder what other odd things
women in this business do as hobbies?"
"Well I know a
lady who works for Huntingdown's who makes her own fireworks..."
"Now you are
kidding me Katy!" Orion interrupted
"Actually I'm
not," Katy giggled, "she lives in Hong Kong, and on top of practicing
martial arts, and dancing, her other hobby is making her fireworks."
"Well I
never," the Ulster girl shook her head.
"So what else do
fashion industry people do for fun?"
"Well Pru Stratton
plays poker professionally, she even met her husband to be over the
cards."
"That I think I
had heard."
"I won't name
names, but I know of one model who is a sculptor, and several who paint to
relax."
"Well those are
more conventional hobbies." Orion thought hard, "I suppose my only
real hobby is watching television. Work and school keep me fully occupied
otherwise."
"Do you
exercise?"
"Not as yet...what
about you?"
"Mom and me do
both yoga and meditation classes together."
"It is so cool you
do that."
"Sorry,” Katy said
quietly “was I being..."
"No...I miss Mum,
but I know her spirit watches me."
“So,” Katy said,
“changing the subject – your aunt and my gran.
What is going on there?”
“I tried asking her
about it,” Orion said, “but she just pulled that face that tells me not to
ask. Did you ask your gran?”
“Nah – I got the
feeling it was not a topic to raise.
It’s what that tells me that intrigues me – we’re Waterford Irish, so is
there a possibility there’s bad blood?”
“A family feud? I could always ask me pa, see if he knows...”
"Just a little
point darling, but wasn't the mythical Orion male?" Mandy enquired
as she came over.
"He was, but my
Mum loved the name and she thought the doubling of the sounds as Orion O'Ryan
sounded cute."
"And that was how
you were named."
"It was."
"Interesting."
"It certainly
doesn't do me any harm in this business, it's a name people don't tend to
forget."
"Now that certainly
is a point in its favor." Kate Moss drank from her bottle.
"It is
darlings." Mandy hugged the youngster and smiled.
"John!" Kate
spotted the photographer, "I thought you had returned home with
Shirley?"
"Alas no, I had a
shoot in Vancouver, and now I'm required to stay this week and photograph you
all."
"Well, have you
met Orion darling?"
"I haven't had
that pleasure." Orion blushed as he shook her hand. "I'm John
Hammond."
"I know Sir
John...and I LOVE your pictures."
"Well it's nice
always to meet someone else from my part of the world."
"You are from
Northern Ireland Sir John?"
"My family are
from just outside Ballymena."
“You don’t sound
Irish?”
“Ah, the privilege of
money I’m afraid – I went to school at Eton, and served in the Irish Guards.”
"I just got a text
from my boyfriend saying he and your brother were going to spend the day
dancing with 'other' girls." Jeannie smiled as she approached Mary.
"Unfaithful
pair," Mary laughed, "but it's nice of House to teach us both some
ballroom...and nice of some of Trina's sorority sisters to volunteer to have
their toes trod on by my brother."
"Winston likes him
a lot, and I look forward to meeting David."
"Yeah David's a
good kid."
"So how are your
feet?"
"Aching,” Mary
said, “but I think my walk is improving."
"Yeah, I think it is." Jeannie nodded. "Not a problem I have."
"No, but I think
its great how you use your chair on the catwalk."
"Thank you, I try
hard, but I still wish I could just for once walk down and back on my own
pins."
"I think I
understand." Mary said quietly.
“Hey, it’s fine,”
Jeannie said with a smile. “I do what I
can, with what I have. It’s all I can
do.”
“But how did you manage
those poses for the tribute issue?”
“Practice, training –
and Stephen Stone working damn fast...”
"You know Nick,”
Juliette said as she looked at her outfit, “the tailoring of these boleros is
almost military."
"And how would you
know that Ju dear?" the designer looked closely as she slipped the top on.
"Well on my
marriage I become a Lieutenant Colonel in a German Rifle Regiment..."
"Alright that you
MUST explain."
"It's pretty
simple really... Klaus has the right to
maintain his own small company of troops, and on marrying him, then I become
their Lieutenant Colonel."
"WELL?"
"And how I know
about military tailoring is from having my uniforms made."
"Okay I suppose
that makes sense in a funny European Royally way." Nick stepped back,
"and the cut is courtesy of a man called James Albon who joined me after
15 years making uniforms in London as my head tailor."
"Well I'm
impressed...I think your customers will be too Nick."
"I told him that
Pelican." Olivia said as she got the okay on her outfit.
“Katherine not with you
today Jan,” Abby said as she saw Jan backstage.
“Nope – she was going
to come later, but I just got a text from her.
Rose is in town, so she’s going round to Susan’s for tea and chat while
she runs the girls to the airport.”
3 pm
Susan and Clint’s Apartment
“I will see you soon
Rose darling,” Kylie said as she kissed the older woman on both cheeks.
“Are you sure you’ll be
all right with April Mum,” Susan said as she put her coat on.
“Oh we’ll be fine,” Katherine
said as she came out of the kitchen, with a tray on which sat a teapot and
cups, “you get those young ladies to their flight, and leave us older bodies to
our fun.”
“Okay then – have fun,”
Susan said as she picked up the car keys and headed off, Katherine sitting down
and pouring the tea as Rose watched her.
“Susan told me about
last week,” she said as she accepted the cup of tea, “someone actually took a
shot at you.”
“At me and the mystery
guest star of the week,” Katherine said, “Captain Eleanor Ball, USNR.”
“Eleanor... Adam’s mother?”
Katherine nodded. “Oh yes – I think she has some of the Irish
in her somewhere despite actually been descended from Eastern European stock.”
“Strong willed?”
“Frighteningly so,”
Katherine said as she picked up her cup, “but brave, I will give her that. She pushed me to the ground before the shots
started flying.” Sipping her tea, she
said “First of a week of shocks, her turning up at the apartment.”
“Sounds like it – so
what else has happened?”
“Oh let’s see,”
Katherine said as she sat back. “Eleanor
Ball appears out of nowhere, turns out to be the one person who scares Adam, I
got shot at – and then my past comes back to haunt me.”
“Oh,” Rose said, “who
was that?”
“Her name is Brenda –
Brenda Kelly. Her brother was the one
who...”
“Katherine?”
“Sorry Rose – Brenda’s
brother got me pregnant when I was Katy’s age – that’s the reason I came over
with my parents.”
“Oh my,” Rose said,
“does Jan...”
“She knows – I lost the
baby during the sea voyage over, but it still hurts thinking about it at
times. Given it was that or the
laundries...”
“So have you seen her
since then?”
“No – she’s acting as
chaperone to a young Irish model who’s here for the shows. I know Katy’s met her, because she got
invited to have breakfast this morning with some of the other models, and she
was asking Orion along as well. Enough
about me however,” Katherine said, “what’s happening with Maeve and Kylie’s
mother?”
“Sami? Oh she’s a changed woman – the Sami I knew of
old would have sworn the place down if she heard about Kylie’s decision, but
she took it in her stride. Having said
which,” Rose continued as she sipped her tea, “it still came as a surprise.”
“Well, not so much for
us,” Katherine said. “I know from Jan
that Juliette and Shirley had been aware for some time Marina might be offered
the job, But they wanted Marina to talk to Anna first – so it’s all started to
be sorted out this week.”
“Kylie will go to
school here?”
Katherine nodded. “They’ve talked to Grace Brand, and a place
will be found for her at St Angela’s.”
“Good – she’ll need
friends,” Rose said with a smile. “I
still can’t believe the change in her.”
“You need to see Katy –
then we can talk about change...”
4 pm
The Nick Wu show.
“Showtime,” Olivia said
as she stepped out onto the catwalk, the audience clapping as she walked in her
cream coloured leather jacket and skirt, while her heels clicked on the wooden
floor. She smiled as the cameras
flashed, now wearing what were becoming her trademark dark glasses, before she
walked back and high fived her daughter.
“Having fun, Bandit,”
Abby said as she waited with Katy and Orion.
“Oh more than you could
possibly believe,” Olivia said with a smile as Kevin came over.
“Thank you, dear,” he
said as he kissed her on both cheeks, “you are a true professional.”
“As are you, Nick,”
Olivia said with a smile as the girls came back, the audience applauding. “Now get out here and enjoy the adulation.”
She took Kevin by one
arm, Mandy taking the other as the models made their way out, and applauded him
as he came to the front.
“Ladies, thank you
all,” he said as they went back, “you are magnificent.”
“Right – everyone’s invited
to my place for drinks tonight,” Grace said, “let’s have some down time.”
“Younger ones can come
to my house,” Abby said, “and share a few drinks.”
“Even us?”
“For a little while,”
Jan said to Katy. “Orion?”
“Aunty?”
“Oh all right – for a
little while,” Brenda said quietly.
“So seven at both
places?”
“DONE AND DONE!”
"Okay ladies - who
is up for a real challenge?" Olivia stood hands on hips looking at her
colleagues as they changed.
"When?" asked
Juliette.
"Last week in
April."
"Doing what
darling?"
"Filming a 10
minute imformercial for Nick in Paris Tufty."
"What's the
concept?" asked Caroline.
"He wants to
recreate a classic early fifties Paris 'house' show, and he wants models to
play both mannequins and customers."
"So showing his
current line, but in a fifties style setting." Juliette looked up,
"sounds interesting."
"Can I suggest
before you do anything more you talk to Missy and check who is free?" Karen
spoke.
"I know about
that, but does the idea appeal?"
"I've seen them on
film, and read about them in books...if it can be arranged I'd love to be in
it." Jeannie smiled, "and I know ways I can be included without my
chair."
"Well as the last
working model who actually did such shows I'm willing to be there."
"Thank you Carmen."
Olivia blew her a kiss.
“I think I’m back form
my honeymoon by then,” Juliette said.
“Where are you going?”
“I have NO idea...”
“I may need to cry
off,” Grace said, “but the idea is certainly intriguing...”
7 pm
The Village
“So you’ve invited a
few friends round for a drink,” Sarah said as she and Harriet sat at the table
with Grace. “Fair enough – you need a
break tonight. I don’t think your feet
have touched the floor since Thursday.”
“Tell me about it,”
Grace said with a smile as she collected the plates, and took them through to
the kitchen. “Let me load the dishwasher
and then we can relax for the rest of the night.”
“So who exactly is
coming,” Sarah said as the doorbell rang.
“Can you let them in,”
Grace called out, Harriet heading down and opening the door.
“Hi Harriet,” Juliette
said as she came in, “this is Mandy and Alice.
Are we the first?”
“Yeah – yeah you are,”
Harriet said as they walked up.
“Hey – come on in,”
Grace said as the women took their coats off, “wine is in the cooler.”
“Thank you Darling,”
Mandy said as she sat down, “my feet need the rest.”
“Hey – we’re not
first,” Karen said as she arrived with Caroline, “and you only live a few
blocks away.”
“Well, you’re the one
who wanted to talk to Ama about Madrid,” Caroline said as she added two bottles
of wine to the collection.
“Well, better she’s
briefed,” Karen said as she handed Caroline a glass of wine.
“Started already, I
see,” Olivia said as she came in with Pru.
"You know if we
were naming Olivia nowadays we'd have to call her Roy," Karen said as she
sat down,
"Why's that
Sweets?"
"Just think
Bats...those dark glasses?"
"I still don't get
it."
"Roy as in Roy
Orbison...now do you?"
"Okay now I
understand." Alice laughed, "and as long as designers can put up with
her wearing them I know she is happy with them."
“So come on Pru,” Karen
said, “what are you not wearing on the twelfth?”
“Jeans?”
The room burst into
laughter as Pru said “I’ll tell you what I will be wearing if Alice here spills
on Juliette’s dress.”
“Which is not going to
happen,” Alice said, “so you’ll just have to wait for the day.”
7.30 pm
The de Ros Mansion
“Oh that is better,”
Mary said as she sat down and put her feet up on the stool, before taking a
drink from the bottle of coke.
“So what did the girls
say,” Trina said as she and Charly sat next to her.
“They loved watching
the show again – but Pops has them doing their assignments now.”
“Good for them,” Charly
said as Katy sat with Orion.
"So you are back
at school in the morning Katy?"
"Yes,” Katy said
with a smile, “the Cinderella bit comes to an end."
"But you are
walking a couple of evening shows during the week?"
"Yes, but
basically my life reverts to normal."
"Well my school
has been generous with this time off,” Orion said, “but after a couple of bits
at London week, the sisters want me back at my desk."
"You go to a
convent school?"
"Yes...I know you
go to Catholic Schools, but mine is the real thing, teaching nuns and
all."
"Rather you then
me." Katy laughed.
“What about you two,” Trina
asked Abby and Jeannie, “back to school tomorrow.”
“Oh yes – I have a test
on Shakespeare tomorrow,” Jeannie said.
“As for me, I have a
meeting with my counsellor, and I put my portfolio in tomorrow to support my
application.”
Monday 15th February
11 am
The Richmond Mansion
“Hello Alex,” Heather
said as she opened the door, “what brings you round here this morning?”
“I’m looking for Nessa
actually,” Alex said as he came in, removing his great coat and adjusting his
jacket, “I called at her apartment, but I was told she was here with Pauly.”
“She is – but I think
you’ve only just managed to catch her.
They’re sitting in the drawing room – can I get you some coffee?”
“Thank you, that would
be wonderful,” Alex said as he walked into the front room – and then stopped as
he saw the other older woman sitting there.
“Glenda,” Alex said as
he recovered himself, “what brings you back to New York?”
“Oh I felt like
spending a few days here – take in some of the fashion shows, things like
that,” Glenda said, smiling in that way he remembered so well, “so I flew down
yesterday, surprised Pauly this morning, we surprised Nessa, and together we
dropped in on Sandy.”
“Coffee,” Heather said
as she handed Alex a mug. He took a
seat, looking at the three women sitting there in the leather seats. All three were wearing blouses and pants,
Nessa and Pauly wearing cardigans while Glena had a jacket on over her blouse.
“Thanks,” he said as
Heather sat next to Sandy. The two
younger women were wearing sweatshirts and jeans, smiling as Sandy said “Mom
was telling me about the Valentine’s Day present she got from David. The maid is apparently still trying to get
the flowers sorted into vases.”
“How romantic,” Glenda
said as she laughed, while Alex drank his coffee. “Well, the three of us need to be on our
way.”
As she stood up, Glenda
said “oh – I almost forgot. I have
tickets for a box on Friday, and I was hoping you and David would come. Gus and Pauly have already agreed.”
“I think I can accept
for both of us,” Nessa said, “but who will be your partner?”
“Well – I was wondering
if Alex was free...”
The other two looked at
Alex as he seemed to squirm for a moment, before he said “well, I will need to
check my diary, but I think I’m free...”
“Then it’s settled –
Sandy, Heather, a pleasure to meet both of you again,” Glenda said as the three
women left. As the door closed, Sandy
looked at her uncle.
“Is it my imagination,
Uncle Alex, or are you blushing?”
“Me? No, no...”
“Alex?”
He looked at them both,
before he said “sorry, was I lost for a moment?”
“The remembrance of
things past, the thought of the path not taken?”
“Possibly,” Alex said
with a smile, “so, what has been happening with both of you?”
11 am
Complete Style
“Oh my goddess,”
Juliette said quietly as she looked at the sketch, “Bats this is... This is...”
“Can I take it you like
it then?”
“Of course I do,”
Juliette said, “and as for the bridesmaids...”
“Well, I try my best,”
Alice said with a smile. “And all
because you don’t want one little secret revealed...”
“I thought we’d agreed
to bury that,” Juliette said quietly.
“Of course we have –
now, I want to get a first fitting in a week Friday, just for you. I’m seeing the girls at various times between
now and then to do a first fitting – it’s next to impossible to get them all
together this fortnight.”
“Tell me about it,”
Juliette said as Janine looked in.
“I have Cathy on line
two for you Juliette.”
“Thank you,” Juliette
said as she put the phone on speaker.
“Cathy – all arrived safely then?”
“Indeed – are you alone
at the moment?”
“She will be in a
minute,” Alice said as she picked up her bag.
“I have to get going – see you on Thursday Pelican?”
“The Blind Fashion Show
– definite three line whip Bats.”
“Bye Cathy,” Alice said
as she went out, closing the door behind her.
“Okay,” Juliette said
as she sat down, “what’s up Cathy?”
“Something I thought
you should be aware of. While we were in
New York, the Honoured Father was made aware of a target you may be interested
in, based in the city’s Chinatown...”
4 pm GMT
Xavier International, Aldwych
“I think that is all
for now Amanda,” Shirley said as she sat with her executive secretary, “if you
could type the letter up before you leave tonight, I will review it before
leaving myself.”
“Very good, Madame,”
the chestnut haired woman said as she left the office, and Charlotte knocked on
the door.
“You wished to see me
Madame?”
“I did,” Shirley said
as she stood up, her skirt falling to cover her legs as she picked up a file,
“but we need to meet in the conference room, where Penelope will join us.”
“Oh? Is there a problem?”
“Yes – and no,” Shirley
said as she walked down the corridor, Charlotte following. As they walked in, she saw Penny sitting
there, wearing a red roll neck sweater and grey skirt, her jacket over the back
of her chair.
“Madame, Charlotte,”
she said as she looked up, “the others should be dialling in soon.”
“Excellent – have they
been informed?”
“Not yet no – Susan
wanted to tell her when – ah, good morning Susan.”
“Hey,” Susan said as
her face appeared on the main screen.
She was sitting with Maddie and Caroline, the Manhattan skyline visible
behind them.
“Madeline – I hear you
may have found an apartment?”
“Not in your league
Madame, but comfortable enough. We will
view it again in a couple of days.”
“And where is Emma?”
“Meeting with Cassandra
Stone – she is in town doing some pre-publicity for a certain film, and wanted
to discuss casting suggestions with Emma.”
“Good – all right
then. Susan, proceed.”
“At eleven this
morning,” Susan said as she looked at some papers, “I receive a formal bid from
American International Insurance Conglomerate, for the purchase of Xavier
Insurance in the US. I can give the
salient details now, but it does seem a fair offer in the market
currently. Full details will be with all
of you in due course.”
“I see,” Shirley said
quietly, “well, we knew this was coming, but as I told the representative of
AMININCO at the time, I am not interested in selling. I will convene a formal board meeting to
discuss in the next few days, but for now, how do we proceed?”
“As required by law in
the US, I have acknowledged receipt of the offer, and we have 14 days to give
our reply. Charlotte, our records?”
“Clean as a whistle,”
Charlotte said, “no worries on the score.
Madeline?”
“Susan
has taken the initial steps, but I suspect if we reject they will come with an
increased offer. In the meantime, I
recommend increased cyber vigilance.
While I understand you respect their lead contact, others may be less
open.”
“Agreed – Charlotte, liaise
with Dominique and Natalya to ensure increased security on all fronts in New
York and here. Madeline, I think you are
safe in LA, but just in case...”
“Understood,” Maddie
said with a smile.
“Good – we can do no
more without the offer papers Susan. Let
us turn our minds to another matter.
“The weekend away with
Juliette, and what we are going to get her as a present...”
1 pm
The Tavern on the Green
“Thank you,” Susan said
as the waiter waited for her and Maddie to sit down, and then handed them the
menus.
“Can I get you ladies
anything to drink?”
“Just Perrier for me
please,” Susan said.
“A soda water and
lime,” Maddie said, the waiter nodding as he walked off.
"I hear you have
your Mum for company this week Susan?" Maddie asked as they perused the
menu.
"I have,” Susan
said with a smile, “and it's going to be nice, just me, her, and April."
"No Clint?"
"Nope he's down in
DC all week."
"Doing what?"
"He's spending the
week as a guest instructor teaching evasive driving skills to trainees. It
seems it’s quite a big deal they asked him to do it."
"Well given his
record in his job it comes as no surprise to me." Maddie smiled.
"When Clint needed his reference after he left us, I only wrote the
truth."
"Yes he's pretty
damn good...and I'm not just saying that because I'm his wife."
"Talking of
drivers." Maddie smiled as she saw John and Rose come in.
“Well now – long lunch
hour,” Rose said as they came over.
“In a way – would you
care to join us?”
“Why not – if you don’t
mind,” John said as the waiter brought the two drinks over. “Could we have two waters and two more menus
please?”
“So how have you been
spending the morning, Mum?”
“Well, given John had
the morning off, we spent some time walking in the park. You?”
“Busy – I’ll have the
tuna salad please.”
The waiter took their
orders and then brought more water over, before Maddie said "How is
teaching Jeannie to drive without having feet to use going John?"
"Not at all badly
Madeline." John looked round, "as in most things my granddaughter, when
she applies herself, usually works out how to do things."
"Still it can't be
easy..." Susan spoke.
"Well it's not
that hard either,” John said as he sipped his water, “and I'm just glad Clint
has helped a little too - suggesting modifications and taking her out for
lessons when I couldn't."
"He has enjoyed
it," Susan said.
Maddie looked across
the table and said "So what was it like flying over on your own
Rose?"
"TERRIFYING!"
Rose smiled, "you know sober or drunk, that's the first time I ever did
anything like that on my own."
"What was the
worst part?"
"Oh getting a cab
in from the airport, well you hear such stories, and I was convinced something
might happen."
"I told her she
should have phoned me." John gently put his hand on Rose's.
“Well, she didn’t call
me either,” Susan said, “so we can share in that.”
“So I hear April has
started to talk?”
“In a way – Clint is so
upset he missed that.”
“Oh there will be
plenty of other times for him,” Rose said with a smile.
1 pm
Hobart William Smith
“Come in,” Curt said as
he kept writing at his desk.
“Hey – is it all right
if I join you for a minute?”
He looked up and smiled
as Jo stood in the doorway.
“Sure – what’s up,” he
said as he put his pen down.
“I had a text from
Juliette – she’s going to call in a few minutes,” Jo said as she sat down,
“something she wants our help with.”
“Juliette wants our
help? Any idea what with?”
“We’re about to find
out,” Jo said as the telephone rang, Curt putting it on speakerphone as he said
“Curt Richardson speaking.”
“Curt – it’s
Juliette. Is Jo there with you?”
“She is Juliette – how
can we be of help to you?”
“Well, I need to tap
you two as sources, to coin a phrase.
I’ve been asked to write a book about my esteemed ancestor, Doctor Jane
Huntingdown, and some of the cases that she worked on.”
“Interesting,” Curt
said as he raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t
Carina say at Curragh last year something about her personal papers been
burned?”
“True – but I was
wondering how you access any records held on police file for cases she worked
on?”
“Well, first step would
be to find cases she acted as an expert witness on – then see if we can trace
any records. What about the lab at
Curragh – might there be anything there?”
“Nessa and Alex are on
my list of people to talk to. Can I
impose on you – and Jo if she can – to see if the list of cases can be drawn
up?”
“Should not be too
difficult.”
“That’s not the
difficult bit – or the other thing I wanted to ask you. There’s a period of her life she never talked
about – the war years, especially from ’42 to ’45. Officially, she worked with Annabel Richmond
in the War Office in Washington.”
“Officially? Your question is of any unofficial records?”
“Yeah,” Juliette said, “anyone
you can point me to?”
“Let me talk to a
couple of people, but no promises,” Curt said, “some of the stuff that people
did then is still secret.”
“Any help you can give
gratefully received,” Juliette said.
“I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Thanks, Juliette,”
Curt said as he ended the call, and then looked at Jo.
“Do you know anyone who
can help with war records?”
“I might do – right
now, if you have some spare time, hit the library, and see what we have on Jane
Huntingdown.”
8 pm GMT
Chelsea
Maisha looked over as
the telephone rang, and then stood up, pausing the film she was watching before
she walked over.
“Good evening,” she
said as she held the handset to her head, “how may I help you?”
“Good evening Maisha,”
the American voice said, “it’s Nessa Richmond here. IS Shirley there?”
“One moment, I’ll see
if she is busy,” Maisha said as she put the handset down, and went to the
study. Shirley was sitting, reading an
old volume as she looked up.
“Aunt Shirley, Vanessa
Richmond is on the telephone for you.”
“Is she now? Thank you Maisha,” Shirley said as she stood
up and walked into the hallway.
“Could you close the
door please Maisha?”
The young girl nodded
as she went back into the front room, Shirley smiling as she picked up the
phone.
"This is a
pleasant surprise Nessa,” she said, “to what do I owe the pleasure of a phone
call?"
"Well let me just
say a certain gentleman friend of mine talks in his sleep."
"He does?"
Shirley laughed out loud.
"Yes, and I thus
know he is leading a bid for one of your units, and I understand that it is an
unwelcome bid."
"Well I certainly
don't wish to sell."
"I had got that
impression." Nessa halted, then
said "Shirley after last years events at Curragh Park I owe you a debt of
gratitude..."
"No you don't
Vanessa."
"Well I feel I
do," Nessa paused, "look I'm pretty sure you have the resources, but
I felt duty bound to offer additional financial support from The Richmond Trust
if you should need it."
"Well that's kind
of you to offer Nessa, but I think my defence strategy is pretty sound, and I
have adequate reserves of capital if I should need them."
"Alright, but just
remember I'm here if you need me."
"I will, and thank
you so much for being a friend." Shirley felt herself smile. "I own
74.9% of the voting stock, and the rest is held by trusted employees and
friends, like Maddie and Juliette."
“Well, the offer is
there,” Nessa said.
“And I am grateful –
very grateful. Thank you Nessa.”
4 pm
The Huntingdown Apartment
“Is that you Juliette,”
Klaus called out as the apartment door closed.
“It is – I have time
for a quick coffee before... Sigi? What brings you over?”
“The irresistible force
known as Frau Strecher,” Sigi said as she sat in the seat, wearing a black
jacket and skirt with a white blouse.
“First, we are to review the arrangements for your wedding breakfast.”
“Oh deep joy – and
why?”
“Because the
invitations are in the post,” Sigi said as she glanced at her watch, “now. Secondly, Edwin Breitz.”
“Oh Goddess,” Juliette
said, “not that film again?”
“Indeed,” Klaus said,
“while you attend the show tonight, Sigi and I will meet with him and – agree
terms. At the very least I wish to
understand why he is so keen on this film.”
“Rather you than me –
I’ll make some coffee, and then we can look at the wedding plans.”
7 pm
New Haven
“February 10 1940.
"Unlike in the
first great war, I feel no conscience for saying my sympathies are entirely
with the Allies in this war." Carina read from Lexa's diary again as she
spooned the food onto Judith’s plate.
"In the first
conflict I was of cause torn by family love and loyalty. On the one hand, that my beloved husband and
so many relatives were fighting against an enemy. On the other hand, given I was born three
quarters British, that side had had even more of my loved ones fighting for it.
“In the end, I had to
side with my husband, and it took years to rebuild the relationships after the
war ended. This time, however, it is
clearer. Then, the war began as a result
of pacts and secret treaties. This time,
those who had eyes to see saw it coming – and knew it was for no other reason
than hatred and greed.”
"It can't have
been easy." Cari murmured as she gave Judith her supper.
“Fanke ew mamaa.”
"What can't?"
Judy asked as she came in from a late class.
"Lexa's knowing
that during World War One she had friends and relatives fighting on both
sides."
"Are you
re-reading her diary again?"
"Yes I seem to
find more in it each time I look."
"Like what?"
"Oh like a
reference to a grizzly murder that occurred in a village near where my
ancestors lived in the mid thirties. I'd never noticed till now that the boy’s
family name was Breitz."
"Isn't that the
name of the filmmaker wants to shoot about your Mom's wedding?"
"It is, I thought
that was quite a coinkydink."
"A relative?"
"I doubt it,
Breitz is a common surname in South Germany and Switzerland," Cari said.
“Who was it who said
there is no such thing as coincidence, only the illusion of it?”
“It’s from the film – V
for Vendetta – but I take the meaning,” Cari said as she read on. It did seem strange, and she made a note to
ask Natalya about it when they next met.
9 pm
The Huntingdown Apartment
“Long day,” Klaus said
as he handed Juliette a glass of wine.
“Oh yes – I know it’s
over on Thursday, but I’m going to be ready for a holiday after this one,”
Juliette said with a sigh. “When are you going to tell me where we are going
for our honeymoon?”
“Well,” Klaus said with
a smile, “I have a definite plan, and a definite plan as to when I am going to
tell you.”
“And that is?”
“Right before we set
off,” Klaus said with a smile as he kissed Juliette.
“You’re really not
going to tell me, are you?”
“Not only am I not
going to tell you,” Klaus said as he looked at her, “I am not going to tell the
girls, Annie, Sigi – anyone. This is
going to be a surprise for you, understand?”
“Yes, sir,” she said
with a smile as they kissed.
Tuesday 16th February
7.30 am
Susan and Clint’s apartment
“That’s right,” Susan
said as she looked at the screen, and sipped her coffee, “I got the letter
today from Grace confirming the offer of a place from August. The colour of the year for you is going to be
crimson.”
“Well, that’s one thing
to tick off the list, darling,” Kylie said with a smile. “I’ll let Marina know.”
“She not there?”
“No – she and Helen
were going over to Macau tonight, to talk to the Honoured Father. He wished to start to brief Marina on some of
the people she may need to be – aware of.”
“Fair enough,” she said
as Rose came in, wearing a dressing gown over her nightdress.
“Good morning Rose
darling.”
“Good evening Kylie,”
Rose said as she looked at the screen, “good first day at school again?”
“Not too bad – so how
are you enjoying your stay, Rose?”
“I am – listen, your
mum is going to call you tomorrow morning.”
“Good – I need to talk
to her. Any idea when?”
“About seven your
time.”
“Okay – I’ll let Helen
know and prepare for the discussion. I
need to go now – I have a paper to finish.
Bye bye April.”
The young girl waved at
the screen as it went blank.
“Is the coffee fresh?”
“Fresh enough, but I’ll
make some tea if you would prefer.”
“No – coffee is good
this early,” Rose said as she went to the kitchen, returning with another cup. “So what are you going to do today Mum?”
“Well, Katherine said
to drop in for lunch, but I’m really here for a holiday,” Rose said with a
smile. “What about you?”
“I’ll be spending all
day going over this with a fine toothcomb,” Susan said as she held up a
document.
“What’s that?”
“From what I’ve read so
far, the start of a takeover battle,” Susan said as she shook her head.
“Are you going to be
ready for this?”
“I will face it as I do
any job Mum,” Susan said with a smile, “plenty of pre-planning and several
options. Right little one – if Granny
gives you some breakfast, can Mommy go and get ready for work?”
“Yes!”
“She does like using
that word,” Rose said with a smile as Susan stood up. “I’ll get her sorted – you go and shower.”
11 am
Xavier International
“Susan?”
As she looked up, she
saw Pamela standing in the doorway.
“Your eleven o’clock is
here.”
“Ah good – show him in
please,” Susan said as she stood up. She
looked at the smartly dressed man who walked in behind Pamela.
“Mrs Walker? Alan Kennedy, Penn State National Bank.”
“Thank you for coming
in and seeing me, Mister Kennedy.” Susan waved her visitor into a chair. “Can I
offer you tea or coffee?”
“Coffee will be fine
Mrs. Walker.”
“Please call me Susan.”
Susan signalled to her PA, “and two coffees please.”
As Pamela walked out,
Susan said “it is very good of you to call at such short notice. Mister
Kennedy.”
“If I have to call you
Susan, than you must call me Alan,” he said as he placed his case on the
floor. “May I complement you on your
office arrangements?”
“It suits our image and
work ethic,” Susan said with a smile as Pamela brought the coffees in. “How do you take your coffee?”
“Black, thank you,”
Alan said as Susan poured the coffee.
“So, I appreciate you
have only had a short time, but I’d appreciate your initial thoughts,” Susan
said as she sipped from her cup.
”Well I’ve read the
offer,” Alan said as he opened his case and removed some papers, “and if I was
being honest, I’d have to say it’s actually a fairly decent one.”
“But a hostile one none
the less,” Susan said, “and given that mergers and acquisitions are your job,
we’d like to retain your bank to advise us.”
“Okay,” Alan said, “we
can do that.”
“Given that three
quarters of the shares are held personally by Shirley, and that we are not a
public company I initially believed this might be easy, but our lawyers have
seen several possible tripwires.”
“Regarding shareholder
rights if AMININCO acquires even a small stake, and foreign ownership rules.”
“Exactly.”
“Well, one thing in
your favour is that, although Xavier International is registered in London and
New York as a private company, the list of shareholders is small and
limited. It means we can advise each of
them – have any given any indication they may wish to sell?”
“I can only speak for
myself as a shareholder, and of course for Shirley, but neither of us is
willing to sell at this point. I suspect
my colleagues would be the same – so if I read what you’re saying correctly, we
need to identify who might be pressured to sell first?”
“Indeed – I would ask
your permission to set up meetings with the local shareholders, yourself,
Caroline Jameson and Juliette Huntingdown.
I understand Madeline Moore is also in town at the moment?”
“She is – she works
from these offices while here, so I will see if we can arrange an appointment
for you for this week. As for Juliette,
I suggest you contact her PA and arrange an appointment – I’ll give you her number.”
“And Miss Xavier?”
“I am empowered to act
on her behalf for the initial period, but she will be back in the country in a
few days time. I will arrange for you to
meet her then.”
“Well, in that case,”
Alan said as he put his cup down and stood up, “the next thing I need to do is
look over your accounts and company reports, and examine the bid in
detail. May I suggest we meet again
Friday and compare notes?”
“I think that would be
acceptable – please, feel free to call or contact me if you need any further information.” Susan stood up and walked over to her desk,
scribbling a number on a card before she came back over. “This is Janine’s number – she’s Juliette’s
PA, and can set up the meeting for you.”
“Excellent,” Alan said
as he took the card, and handed Susan one of his. “Until Friday then?”
“Until then – please,
allow me to show you out.”
12.30 pm
The Refectory
St Angela’s
“So what’s the diary
like for tonight,” Abby said as she sat with Jeannie and Doc.
“Just the one for me
tonight,” Doc said, “I seem to be double dealing with Katy tonight and
tomorrow.”
“What about you Jeans?”
“5 and 7,” she said as
she checked her diary.
“Same here – I am so
going to need a holiday.”
“Well, you’re the one
flying on Thursday to San Fran with your mom and Tony,” Jeannie said.
“I know – but I do the
promos and the shoot on Friday, then the chat show, and another shoot Saturday
before I get the chance to finally relax.”
“Ah yes – the last of
the balls. Looking forward to it?”
“I am actually – after
the glitz of New York, and the formality of Vienna, this one has something
extra added.”
“Oh,” Doc said, “what’s
that?”
“FUN! And the fact we’ll all be kicking back after
this week...”
“So have you got your
tickets booked,” Jess said as she stood in line with Ama.
“Mom had it all in
hand,” Ama said quietly, “and we are guaranteed good seats for the Champions
League and LA Liga tie that week.”
“Excellent – although I
still think you are in the wrong stadium.”
“We must agree to
disagree,” Ama said with a smile as they joined the others.
7 pm
3rd Avenue
The Kennedy Apartment
“All right you two,”
Sharon said as she looked at her brother and sister, “up to your rooms and get
your homework finished.”
“Aw, do we have to?”
“Yes you do,” she said
as she looked at Dawn and Andrew, “get it done in an hour, and then you can
have some supper before you go to bed.”
She watched the two
younger members of the family walk up the staircase, and then went to the
kitchen, making two cups of coffee before she carried one through to the room
her father used as an office.
“Good lord,” she said
as she looked at the papers open on the table, while her father looked at a
laptop and made notes on a pad. “What is
all this?”
“Paperwork, reports,
accounts,” Alan said as he looked up, “new client, so I need to start the
homework.”
“That’s rather heavy
duty homework when you’ve only been based permanently based in NYC a week
Daddy,” Sharon said as she handed him the mug, “so what is the case?”
“A hostile takeover, we
are being retained to aid the defense.”
“Well that sounds like
you are being thrown in at the deep end.”
“It is a bit Sharon,
but it is my job, and at least I know some of the participants personally.”
“So without my being
nosey?” Sharon asked as she looked at her father.
“One of Xavier
International’s divisions is a high-end niche insurance business. AMININCO are
coveting said business. Xavier’s do not wish to sell.”
“Alright you already
passed my boredom threshold.” Sharon laughed.
“Would you rather talk
about your social life?”
“Well it’s a bit
livelier,” Sharon smiled. “Todd has got leave to be my escort for Trina’s
ball.”
“You are a little stuck
on him.” Alan smiled back.
“It shows, right? Anyway, we’ve got our tickets to fly out on
Friday night, and we’ll be back Sunday evening.”
“Look at my girl, all
grown up – your mom would have been very proud,” Alan said with a smile.
“Yeah – we did the
right thing moving here Daddy. Dawn and
Andrew seem to be settling into their schools, and I’m starting to make a few
friends around here as well.”
“Good – and the college
applications?”
“I’m looking local, so
we’ll see what pans out. I’m going to
watch some television – don’t work too late?”
“Never – not now,” Alan
said as he watched Sharon walk out of the room.
8.30 pm
The Richmond Mansion
“Get ready for bed,
both of you,” Heather called up the stairs before she went back into the
kitchen, and started to make some coffee.
The ping from her
laptop made her look at the screen, and then smile as she looked at a very
sweaty Jo.
“Hey,” Jo said, “I got
your text.” She took a swig from a
bottle of water and said “what’s up?”
“So Little Sister,”
Heather said with a smile, “you look tired.”
“You think Carina is a
sadist,” Jo looked at the screen, “Coach is worse.”
“Oh?”
“The outdoor track is
clear of snow and she had me doing sprint reps…sets of twelve.”
“Hey geeky sister
remember,” Heather said with a laugh, “but I take it those are not fun?”
“Two hundred metres
flat out then jog 100 metres, repeat 12 times, and do it three times in my
training session, dear geek.”
“Ouch…No I’ll stick to
doing my workouts on a computer,” Heather winced.
“The lactic acid
build-up in your legs is INTENSE!”
“As I said, just leave
me at my screen,” Heather laughed.
“Anyway what can I do
for you Big Sis?”
“Oh this is just
routine, your airline tickets for Ireland arrived today.”
“Okay - keep them there
please. I’m coming back for a few days
R&R before I fly out anyway. So –
next Friday. What’s the game plan?”
“Listen carefully – I
need you to take care of something before anyone gets there...”
Wednesday 17th February
10.30 am
The New Calabria
“This,” Adam said as he
stopped outside the front of the bar, “has got to be a first, even for me.”
“Well, you were in on
the call,” Janice said with a smile, “he sounded as if he was genuinely worried
about something – and if something is scaring Tommy Morgan...”
“Now on that, you do
have a point,” Adam said as he turned the engine off. “I heard from Mom last night.”
“Oh yes – and what was
Iron Balls saying?”
Adam smiled, before he
said “that she was looking forward to seeing us when she visits on Sunday.”
“Oh lovely – I’ll call
Lesley and Claire before that one. Right
– let’s see what he wants.”
The two of them got out
of the car, Jan adjusting her knee length pencil skirt, before they walked in
the front door. Tommy the Fish looked up
from behind the bar as he heard the door.
"Hey Ball...Hey
Carter." Tommy smiled as the two FBI agents entered the bar.
"Hey Tommy," Janice
grinned, "isn't this something new, you actually inviting us over?"
"I know," the
Fish shook his head, “I'll be givin' dis place a bad name. Pull up a pew and let’s talk."
"So from your
message I take it you aren't turning informant for us?" Adam smiled as he
sat on a stool.
"Go wash yer mouth
out Ball." Tommy laughed. "No,
the other guys at der market asked if I knew anyone who might know anyone can
help with our problem."
"Well, if you tell
us what the problem is, maybe we can help?" Janice smiled as she eased
herself onto a stool, displaying her great legs.
"Well we aint sure
if it's illegal,” Tommy said as he poured himself a drink, “but ter use a word
I'm sure you know Ball, we don't think it's kosher."
"The usual
guys?" Annie offered.
"Please,"
Adam nodded, "so what has you in a bother Tommy is these guys are
undercutting most of the established merchants?"
"They are payin'
prices no one can possibly make a profit on." Tommy shook his head.
"Could it simply
be a business strategy to drive other firms out of the business?"
"Well if it is,
deyse close to success...I ask you both, who wears a suit to da fish market?”
“You when you close a
particularly good deal?”
“Har har,” Tommy said
as he looked at Adam. “Seriously
Ball... These guys don't even look
right...and from your point of view, certain guys who may or not be connected
to certain udder guys, are getting angry enough to fight
back...Understand?"
"We get it
Tommy....Okay I'll take a look, then put the right people on it if it looks
wrong," Janice sipped her drink, "but in the meantime though, how's
the junior member of the family."
"Real good,"
Annie spoke, "and I see your girl is doing well."
“Oh tell me about it,”
Jan said with a sigh. “At least
tomorrow, it’s all over, and she can go back to being a regular schoolgirl
again for a little while. Where is Tammy
anyway?”
“Oh she goes to a
nursery three days a week,” Annie said, “gives me some time here without
worrying where she is.”
11.30 am
Backstage
The Naeem Khan Show
“Mary?”
Mary Clark looked round
from the chair and saw Karen standing there with an eleven year old girl.
“Oh hello Karen – what
can I do for you?”
“Actually, it’s this young
lady who wishes to meet you,” Karen said.
“This is Trinity Moran, and she comes from Texas.”
“Hello Karen,” Mary
said with a smile, “It’s nice to meet you.
Are you a model like Katy or Orion?”
“No,” Trinity said as
she stood in her dressing gown, “I’m just a girl from Texas – and I have Rhabdomyosarcoma.”
“Oh my,” Mary said as
she took her hand, “I am so sorry.”
“It’s all right,”
Trinity said, “but I love the Fashion world, and someone arranged for me to
come and walk today. I saw you at the Cancer
Gala, and the interview with Jeanne Beckman, so I asked Karen if she would
allow me to meet you.”
“Well, you are a very
brave young woman,” Mary said, “and I’m glad to have had the chance to meet
you.”
“May I have your
autograph?”
“Of course,” Mary said
as she signed the book, “on the condition you give me yours for my sisters.”
“Ah there you are,”
Naeem Khan said as he came over, “thank you for looking after our special guest
Karen. Come with me Trinity – your dress
is ready.”
1 pm
FBI Field Office
“You want to run that
by me again.”
Tom Callaghan sat back
and listened as he looked at the three agents – Adam in his suit, Jan in her
jacket, camisole and pants, and Janine in her dress, the bump showing on her
stomach.
“And that’s the
situation as it was explained to us Tom,” Adam said as they looked at each
other.
"Just so I am
clear... We are doing a favor for Tommy
the Fish?" Callaghan looked in turn at Adam, Janice and Jeanne.
"Yeah, and I know
it's not our turf, but reading between the lines there is trouble brewing at
the market, and Tommy is trying to avert what could become a bloody little gang
war." Adam spoke.
"Okay - it's a
good read, but I still don't like the idea of helping someone we think arms our
principle targets."
"Well given they
are quiet, and from what I've heard talking to people in the last hour,
whatever else The Fish does, he's doing a public service alerting us to
this."
"I agree
Janice," Jeanne nodded. "As a matter of routine I ran this by my
superiors and one or two people who they are interested in from Marseilles
might be involved in this."
"Okay so we are
looking at trouble on the fringes of gangland?" Callaghan asked.
"Potentially."
“Okay – I’ve been asked
to go to Buffalo, do some assessments, so work on the background for the next
couple of days, let me see what you’ve got.”
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