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Melanie reached over to touch the side of his head. “What do we have here?” She produced a playing card.
Shannon laughed out loud. “I had no idea you could do that!”
“Yeah. When we say Melanie is up to her old tricks, we have to clarify which one it is.”
At that point, Shannon’s dad wanted to see a few more.
“I’m going to need a full deck, because as my brother would attest, I’m not playing with one.” Everyone chuckled. Ever since she’d started her new job, she always carried at least one playing card with her for good luck, and for any kid who might be crying on the playground.
Shannon went over to the antique desk in the corner and brought over a fresh deck. She handed it to Melanie. “Let’s see what you have up your sleeve,” she teased.
Melanie shuffled the cards and did one of the simplest tricks her Uncle Leo had taught her. She was asked several times how she did it but repeated what she always told people: “We magicians are not allowed to reveal our secrets. It’s our code.”
The magic show brought the late afternoon to an end. Justin retrieved his guests’ coats, and Shannon handed everyone a goodie bag filled with cardboard containers of turkey, ham, stuffing, sweet potatoes, broccolini, and biscuits. “I won’t have to cook for a week!” Melanie exclaimed. “Thank you so much, Shannon. It’s been a fantastic day. Food, beverages, décor. All of it.” Melanie kissed her on the cheek. “We will plan that brunch.”
Shannon smiled. “Yes, we shall.”
The guests exited at the same time, bidding each other a fine evening. The Drakes walked Melanie to her car. Her mother was the first to speak. “I’m so glad you and Shannon are going to get together.”
“Me too, Mom.” Melanie gave both of her parents a peck on the cheek. “Christmas Eve at my house!” she called out to everyone. “I’ll hire Shannon,” she whispered to her mother.
Chapter Fifteen
Gucci, Armani, Dior, Oh My
Melanie set her alarm for an early start on Friday. She wanted to do a little online browsing before she began her shopping expedition. Otherwise, she could be overwhelmed, confused, and get nothing accomplished. Her first look was at Dior. She saw a beautiful gold lamé midi dress with a plunging neckline. Price tag, $6,900. She gasped. “Patterson would kill me.” She continued to look through other websites and discovered most of the clothes cost several mortgage payments. An Armani washed silk jumpsuit was the least expensive at $3,595. She picked up her phone. Patterson answered on the first ring.
“What’s up, MelDrake?”
“Do you know how much some of these outfits cost?” She’d known designer clothes were expensive, but seeing the price tags took her breath away.
“They want four high-end personas. That means high-end clothing.”
Melanie hesitated. “Do I get to keep any of it?”
Patterson snorted. “Is that all you’re concerned about?”
“No! But you do realize I have to get shoes and handbags, too? This could run into tens of thousands of dollars!”
“Then make sure you get something you will wear again.”
“Does that mean I get to keep the clothes?”
“Let’s just say, if the operation goes well, you could very well uncover millions of dollars of illegal transactions.”
“Kinda my commission?” Melanie said lightly.
“Perhaps. Just don’t go too crazy like spending seven thousand dollars on a Valentino evening bag.”
“Roger that. I think I’ve got it covered,” Melanie said.
“Good luck!” Patterson said as he ended the call.
Melanie put the credit card in her wallet along with a few ten- and twenty-dollar bills, just in case she had to tip anyone. Shopping at exclusive boutiques was not part of her routine.
She checked on the dogs, who had been outside for almost an hour. Cosmo and Kramer were sunning themselves on the deck. Melanie smiled. It wasn’t going to take them too long to adjust to their new digs.
It was supposed to be a crisp sunny day, and she decided to leave the doggie door unlatched so Cosmo and Kramer could come and go as they pleased. She checked the back gate to be sure it was locked. She doubted anyone would attempt to enter a property where two large German shepherds lived, and good luck if they did.
