“You’ve helped us with some very good information, Captain. We want to thank you for your time,” I said.

  Walking along the pier toward the car, I said “We’ve got some solid evidence now. I’ll let Jerry know what we have and maybe he’ll get more involved.”

  “Good idea ...... we need him in on this thing now.” Bill said.

  “Ya know, the yacht couldn’t have gotten back to shore in less than three hours, so the women had to be murdered on the boat and then thrown overboard.”

  “That’s pretty much it.” he said.

  “Somehow, I have to make sure that the models don’t take anymore cruises after returning from Paris.”

  “When is the next one scheduled?” he asked.

  “Don’t know yet for sure. The one to Washington should be in about two weeks and then the Paris one takes place about three weeks after that.”

  “Between the three of us, we should be able to close the gap on Heinman and Mead by that time.”

  “I hope so. Sooner or later, he’s going to make that little mistake and that’s going to let us in the door,” I said.

  “You think we can scare him into it?” he asked.

  “Could be. We’ll do what we have to do.”

  When I returned to my apartment, I tried to call Jill, but still no answer. I hadn’t seen her in almost three months. I tried calling her each time I was in Los Angeles and almost every day since I’ve been here on this case. I decided to drive to her apartment and see what was going on. I inquired as to her whereabouts with the manager. He said that she has been out of town the better part of two months, and only returned for one day and then took off again. She told him she was on several jobs and would be in New York and Miami and then to London. According to him, She was to return in about a week. I wanted to keep in touch with her, but our schedules conflicted and she couldn’t call me either. I’d wait for a week and then try again, I decided.

  I found out that Heinman had left for Vegas again to hire some more models to replace those who had supposedly found other employment. Braxton was getting upset with the high turn-over of girls, but was reassured by Heinman that it was normal and that things would soon settle down to where they would have permanent models for the company.

  Braxton asked that I stop by his office to get the schedule for the next two weeks. He was standing by the window when I walked in and he didn’t turn around as I closed the door behind me. I cleared my throat to let him know that I was there, and he reacted startled.

  “Harry,” he said turning toward me. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

  “You look like you have problems.” I said.

  “As a matter of fact, I do,” he remarked in a solemn voice.

  “Anything I can help with?” I asked.

  “No! It’s just the normal management problems. Heinman doesn’t help any by hiring women for a month or two. I need ones that will stay here, so they will get used to the way we do our business and be happy.”

  If he only knew what was going on, he’d never have said that, and I couldn’t let him in on this thing. He’s getting to the point where he thinks something is wrong with the system but can’t put his finger on it, just like we couldn’t at first. But I don’t think he has any suspicion of the real involvement of Heinman or Mead. Then again, I don’t think he really likes them very much either. I wanted to keep on his good side, so he’ll continue to talk freely to me.

  “I guess it takes time to get permanent models that don’t want to be on the go from one agency to another,” I said.

  “I guess so. Getting ready for the Washington and Paris trips are the tough ones. Mr. Heinman wants 75% experienced models and 25% new girls. I guess as long as they can chew gum and walk at the same time, he’s satisfied. At least, that is what he said. Not in those words, but something like that. It bothers me that the new ones quit so soon. I’ll get up enough nerve to ask him one day, just what the hell he’s doing to them that they won’t stay with us.” If you ask me, I think the 25% that he chooses are for very special customers that will give us large accounts. Know what I mean? he asked.

  “That’s a thought,” I agreed. Then thinking to myself, I wished that it was the truth.

  “Anyway, Heinman is going to bring us some new ones in a couple of days. I’m going to let you train them enough to get by, because I think they’ll be gone just like the others ...... on special assignments.”

  “I can do that and they’ll be ready,” I said.

  “Mr. Heinman and Mr. Mead are negotiating with another agency here in Los Angeles for two really good models, and we should have them in time for the trip. They’re supposed to be top notch ...... the very best around. Maybe he is slowly getting the message that it’s the way to go.”

  “Well, I’m glad to hear that. It could be the best thing for you. It’ll be good for the company too,” I said.

  “I’ll let you now when they get here and probably assign them to you.” he said confidently.

  Braxton’s confusion was getting worse, because he couldn’t run the business and not be in full charge of the girls.

  I didn’t want him confronting Heinman or Mead ...... or even worse, go to the extreme and start playing detective.

  5

  DESTINY TAKES A HAND

  I was at my studio when Braxton walked in with the newly hired models from Vegas. They were beautiful, with the slim frames to go along with it, but as far as Braxton was concerned, they were hired as “ACCOUNT GETTERS”. I couldn’t blame him for the way he thought, because it was a good choice......but the wrong one.

  After talking with the girls for awhile, and asking them to do some work, I found out that he was right about one thing......they weren’t models. In desperation, I asked a few of the others to help get them into the routine and at least get the basics down. It was almost comical. They would trip on the carpet, bump into the furniture and talked with an accent that was from someplace in New York. Like the first one I met saying, “Pleased to meet ya, I’m sure”, in a drawl, slow, prolonged tone. But they weren’t here for speech therapy......and I knew what was in store for them. It was going through my mind that Heinman and Mead were nothing but high level murderers, in an espionage setting. The killing of those girls really was getting to me. Then, at the same time, I was thinking that maybe I could use some speech therapy myself. But, when you’re angry, it may be justified to say what you’re thinking......to yourself, of course. That kept reminding me of the bad side of this job. There are times when you can’t do anything about it, because of other priorities that take precedence in the mission. Even when it means that other people get hurt in the process.

  I continued through the motions of preparing them, knowing full well it was in vein, but my attention had to remain focused. I wanted to drop a slight hint to them of some kind, too keep alert while they were overseas. But, they were to excited about becoming models, and the glamor of it all, to be serious about anything else. And......I couldn’t do that anyway, I thought. I could get one of the other models, and find someone I could trust, with a little information of the danger. But, none really fit the part, so I’d just forget about it till later. Besides, I thought, if I did pick one of those, they’d have blabbed it to the other girls even before leaving, and it wouldn’t be long before the big guys would know.

  Two days later, Braxton called me again, stating he had the two models in his office that he had hired from another company. He asked that I come over and meet them. When I opened the door and entered the room, my knees weakened and the sensation of being hit by a bolt of lightning went through my body. Seated across the room was Jill. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t get words to come out of my mouth. I just stood there in amazement as though being hypnotized.

  “Harry!” she said, getting up and sort of half running toward me. “Oh, Harry......it’s good to see you.”

  “It’s good to see you too, Jill,” I said nonchalantly, to not let on too much that we were more than just friends.

  She gave me a hug that would have crushed the steel armor of a Knight. And I guess that took care of the nonchalant atmosphere.

  “You’re one of the new models to come to work here?” I wanted to know.

  “Isn’t it great?” she replied. “By the way, I want you to meet a friend of mine and co-worker, Christie Baxter. Christie, this is Harry Silver, the man I was telling you about.”

  “Hi, Harry. I’ve heard a lot about you......and yes, it was all good.” Christie remarked.

  “It’s good to know you, Christie. Have you two known each other very long?” I asked.

  “About three months now, hasn’t it been?” Jill said looking at Christie for verification.

  Interrupting, Braxton said, “I’m glad to see that you two know each other. It’ll make things run smoother.”

  Turning to Harry, Jill asked, “What are you doing here? I’ve been trying to phone you for a couple of months, and now here you are.”

  “I’ve been working with Mr. Braxton for the past two months, but we can talk about that later. I’ve been trying to get in touch with you too for about the same time. But, we’re together now and that’s all that really matters, isn’t it?”

  Braxton told me that he had all the personal information he needed for now and I could take them to my office and work out the schedules. Taking Jill by the arm, I led her and Christie to my studio. We talked for awhile about their trip and just normal conversation, then Christie excused herself, saying she was going back to her room, and would see us later. Jill and I went outside and walked to the beach, where we could, be alone and no one could hear us talking.

  Leaning against a tree, she folded her arms across her chest, and looking me straight in the eyes, she asked, “What’s wrong, Harry. You’re acting so much different than I’ve ever seen you before.”

  I moved my head and eyes toward the ground and then right back up to her. “What the hell are you doing HERE?” I asked in a half whisper, but demanding tone.

  “Aren’t you glad to see me, Harry?”

  “Yeah......Yeah.......I’m glad to see you, but what the hell made you pick this place out of all the others, in all of California?”

  “It’s what models do. They go from here to there and take the assignments as they come......you know that. I told you before we are very flexible with our jobs. I was told that this company was going to Paris, and it paid really good, so I said yes; when they made the offer. The company that has my contract, gets a cut from Mead’s company because I’m really just being loaned to them for a month or so. Now, how about answering my question......what are you doing here? I thought you worked for the government as an errand boy delivering papers or a courier. Isn’t that what you told me?”

  “Well......yeah. That’s what I told you, but right now. I’m doing this photo thing,” I said.

  Her eyes opened wider than normal and her mouth went to one side, with a puzzled look. “O.K.......O.K! I can see that you’re not going to tell me what’s going on right now. Let’s turn things around a bit. You want to go to my place for the rest of the afternoon. After all I haven’t seen you in two months and I really want to see you, if you know what I mean.” She said invitingly.

  “Ah......sure. I’ll see you at your place.”

  “I have a new apartment now, that I just moved into since I’ve been back,” she said.

  She wrote down the new address and apartment number on a piece of paper and handed it to me. Mentioning that I had a few things to do before I could be there, I suggested that I’d see her in two hours. I looked at her eyes glowing, then looked at my watch, and said to make that one hour, instead of two. I finished what I had to do in record time and headed for her place. On the way, I thought about her being involved with Mead’s crap, I didn’t want to get her mind screwed up by telling her everything about what was going on. But, considering our relationship, I wasn’t going to let anything happen to her. That is, anything that I could prevent from happening. She would fit in perfectly with Heinman’s “requirements”. Being single, had no known relatives, young, attractive and her freedom to do whatever was necessary while on the job. The question of whether she would be picked for something other than modeling, was to be seen. Devising some sort of stalling gimmick to keep her and the other girls land locked was becoming more of a priority.

  Knocking on her door and waiting a few moments, I heard the chain being removed from the inside. When she opened the door, I could see that we weren’t going to have a long conversation......that is, about the weather. The negligee she had on was the most inviting I had ever seen, and didn’t cover much of her perfectly shaped body.

  “You’re right on time,” she said in a soft voice.

  “An hour, just like I said.”

  Stepping inside, I watched her close the door and lock it again.

  “That’s a good habit.” I said.

  “Better safe than sorry......as the old adage goes.”

  “I’m glad you’re back from your trip,” I said. I’m really glad to see you again.”

  “Are you, Harry?”

  “You know I am.” I answered.

  “Then show me,” she said. .......looking at me and doing that thing with her eyes again.

  I put my arms around her, kissing her gently, and she returned the kiss with more passion. I removed my suit coat, as she tugged at my tie. With both of us working toward getting my clothes off, it wasn’t long before we were holding each other and feeling the emotions that seemed to take over our bodies. Her fingers were working up and down my spine, and mine were finding her breasts and other parts of her body. Our breathing became shorter and louder. The bedroom seemed miles away as she lead me through the door. Uncovering the bed with one smooth motion, she sat down on the designed pink sheets and then lay back, taking my hands in hers as she did. Our bodies met and soon were entangled, as I entered her body. Her moistened spot allowed full penetration as both of us were lost in each others embrace. Our bodies were quivering and the emotions grew until we reached the ultimate climax and then the serenity of being in each others arms once again. Lying there quietly, we held each other in a feeling of belonging.

  “That was wonderful, Harry,” she whispered. “You’re the only one in my life that makes me feel that special moment.”

  “I smiled and said, “You’re not bad yourself.”

  “Not bad,” she remarked! “That’s not very complimentary.”

  I bent my head down to hers and kissed her as she tried to push me away, but then relinquished the battle and returned the kiss. Sitting up against the head board of the bed, she smiled and stared at me for a long moment.

  “You’re a rat, Harry,” she said jokingly. “But a nice rat.”

  “What do you think about going out and doing the town tonight.” I asked. We’ll have dinner, we’ll talk......just have a relaxing evening.”

  “How could I refuse an invitation like that. It sounds great.” she said.

  We took showers and dressed, then went to an Italian place not far from her apartment. After being seated and ordering some wine, the waiter poured a small portion into my glass. After motioning my approval, he filled the glasses and took our order for dinner.

  “Now,” she said, putting her elbow on the table and resting her head on a semi-closed hand. “What was all that secrecy stuff back at the office?”

  Jill was very intelligent and inclination persuaded her to ask questions when she couldn’t come up with an answer on her own. But, I had to put her off for now until I found out if she was going to be in danger.

  “It’s a long story,” I replied. There is just something different about this company that needs to be looked into.”

  “How do you mean, different?”

  “I just don’t think it’s a very stable company right now. It could fold at any time.”

  “You’re kidding? Mead’s is the largest modeling company on the West Coast.” she said indignantly.

  “They are, and I know that. It’s just......well, they have a few problems right now and I don’t think they’ll be able to overcome them.”

  “That’s a very good story, Harry, but that isn’t it at all, is it? I’m guessing of course, but since you work for the Government, it has to be more than just the company’s survivability. True or not.”

  “True. I don’t think Braxton has any knowledge of what is going on, so treat him nice.”

  Changing the subject a little, she said, “I have another friend that works for Mead. Her name is Barbara Evans. Do you know her?”

  Jill got my attention right away and I felt that shock wave going through my body again. “I’m not sure. There are thirty here, and they come and go so fast at times, that it’s hard to keep up with them.” I answered, almost incoherently. Knowing who it was, I hoped she didn’t find out the truth until much later.

  “No big thing. I’ll look her up when I get back to the office.”

  Again, I had that feeling of despair and couldn’t help thinking about Barbara’s death.

  “I may have known a Barbara, but she left the company for another one up north. I think Braxton received a phone call or something from her, but don’t know if it’s the same one or not,” I said.

  “That’s kind of off key for her.” she remarked.

  “Off key. Why?”

  “She called me when I was in New York, saying how much she liked it here, and hoped that I could get a job with the company when I returned from London. She did mention that the place was a little spooky at times though. Something about a few of the girls being difficult to get acquainted with. A few wouldn’t even be social enough to have lunch or dinner, and hardly talked at all. Oh, well......I guess everyone to their own thing.”

  “Did she mention anything else?” I asked.

  “Just that the turnover was a little high, but that’s true at a lot of agencies.”

  After dinner, I drove to her apartment, walked her to the door and kissed her good night. She wanted me to stay, but I had made arrangements to meet with Jerry.