“All of us are,” Crystal said proudly. “I registered and paid for everyone’s ticket.”
Joell smiled. “Awww. Thanks, Crystal. The first thing I’ll do after this mission is have a little chat with the liaison, so this never happens again.”
“Goddess bless you!” several voices said at once.
“I’ll man the boring phones,” Magda offered. “Call if you need anything else.”
The fax machineon Joell’s desk began to whir and squeal. Lioness’s sketches rolled out of the machine one by one, incredibly detailed.
The kidnappers were spectacularly ugly. One had greasy dark hair hanging in strings and a crooked nose that had clearly been broken multiple times. A jagged scar slashed across his chin.
The other had beady eyes, oversized ears, and a nose far too large for his face.
Meanwhile, Sahara sent everyone the modeling agency’s website and told Joell to try the printer again.
Joell closed her sacred circle and miraculously printed the files. The four missing models believed to be in New York were Tristan, Gabriel, Scott, and Marco.
Marco leaned against a small plane in the photo, bomber jacket open with no shirt underneath. His abs looked carvedfrom marble. His dark curls and trimmed beard framed a classically handsome face.
Joell actually sighed.
Tristan had a completely different appeal. Boyish face. Hazel eyes with thick lashes. Lean athletic body.
Joell muttered, “C’mon. We have places to save, people to do, and things to go.” She stopped. “…Wait a minute.”
She shook her head. “Never mind.”
Joell and Crystalagreed to meet the agent at an outdoor café in Manhattan. They sipped cappuccino and discussed strategy.
“I’m glad you made it,” Joell said. “I really need you.”
“Yeah, I know,” Crystal replied. “You want me to question the agent?”
“Please. I’ll watch and read his vibes.”
“My favorite psychic bullshit detector.”
Joell gave her a look. “That’s what you call my sensitivity?”
Crystal shrugged. “Just being direct—and entertaining. I thought you’d appreciate that.”
They waited. Then Joell leaned slightly to one side. “Here he comes from behind you. Salt-and-pepper hair. Armani suit.”
Crystal turned and spotted him immediately. “Yum.”
“He’s all yours,” Joell said. “I prefer younger men.”
“Well, he’s young enough for me.”
The man approached and extended his hand.
“Good day, ladies.”
“Yes, Good afternoon, Mr. Gold. I’m Joell,” she said pleasantly.
He turned to Crystal.
“And who is this enchanting lady?”
