Page 83 of The Movie Star and the Spy

They found the address right away, and Cheyenne adjusted her route appropriately. Since she was working on a hunch and not actual evidence, she turned down the offer of backup, butshe promised to check in when she arrived. The drive was just under half an hour, taking her away from most of the suburbs and common residential areas. About halfway through, she pulled off the main thoroughfare onto a smaller road, then to a dirt road. They didn’t have too many of those in South Florida anymore – either Kate liked her privacy or she had a reason for choosing such a remote location.

Finally, Cheyenne approached an open gate and pulled into a long, tree-lined driveway. Perfectly manicured lawns led to a large Colonial home, resplendent with carved white columns and emerald vines of ivy. A small pond gleamed like a mirror, surrounded by roses and marigolds.

Kate must do a lot better than she did as an extra. Or she had a little extra work. Cheyenne shut off the ignition and climbed out of the car, careful to shut the door with silent slowness. She treaded through mulched paths and lily-scented air, her hand parked on her gun. Although it was hidden under her clothing, its presence was sturdy and reassuring.

Long rows of windows lined the stucco front, guarded by opaque lace curtains. She could break in, but if she was wrong about Kate, it could ruin her mission. Since the peril to Jess could be imminent, a stakeout was not an option. Cheyenne took the only remaining choice. She strode to the broad oak door and knocked on the heavy wood panels. Seconds later, the door opened.

“Jess?” Cheyenne stared. Not at the actress’ presence, which she’d expected, but at what she was wearing, or rather not wearing. Clothes, specifically, except for a red, see-through teddy.

“Destiny?” The shocked woman blinked, flushing over every inch of her exposed body. She tried to cover herself, to little success. “What are you doing here?”

“What areyoudoing here?” Cheyenne peered into the house behind the starlet, but the space appeared empty. “Are you alone?”

Jess’ flush deepened. “Yes, but I’m expecting someon–”

Before she could finish, Cheyenne ducked past her, slipping into the foyer. The inside was stark and chilled, with modern statues and blood red furniture. After a quick reconnaissance to ensure they were alone, she shut the door firmly behind them. “Why are you here? More importantly, why are you answering the door like that?”

The extra turned ashen. “I’m… I’m sorry.” She shuddered a breath, then lifted her head, her expression frightened but determined. “You have to go. Like I said, I’m expecting company.”

This was bad.If a client was on the way, she needed to get Jess out immediately. “Is this your new job?”

Jess gasped, giving confirmation to the obvious.

“It’s going to be all right.” Cheyenne maintained a low, calming voice. “I heard what happened with Zachary, although I believe you misinterpreted his actions. I need you to explain exactly what happened and who brought you here. Your life could depend on it.”

Jess’ eyes grew watery, and a tear escaped down her cheek. “I can’t… I just can’t…”

“Please. It’s the only way I can help you,” Cheyenne grasped frigid hands. “We’re out of time.”

Jess remained silent. When it seemed like she wouldn’t answer, she murmured in barely audible tones, “I never thought I’d do something like this. I didn’t even mean to say yes. I was just so upset about Zachary, and she said it could lead to other opportunities, roles where everyone would notice me.”

Yeah, right. The so-called opportunity would be the last she would ever have. “Where Zachary would notice you?” Cheyenne guessed.

Jess flushed. “I was in so much pain, I didn’t think about the consequences. For what it’s worth, I changed by mind, but she said it was too late. I already promised to do it.”

“It’s not too late.” At least not yet. “I need some information, then you’re going to the police station. You’re going to tell them everything.”

Jess blanched. “I can’t do that! They’ll arrest me.”

“No, they won’t,” Cheyenne promised. “You haven’t done anything wrong. They’ll protect you, but first I need to know who brought you here.”

Jess’ hands shook. “She said something bad would happen if I told anyone.”

“Forget what she said.” Cheyenne swiped the air. “She was just protecting herself. I already know who it is, but I need confirmation. Tell me, and I’ll ensure your safety.”

“It was…” A deep breath. “Kate.”

Cheyenne closed and opened her eyes, amidst endless tangled emotions: Relief and satisfaction instincts were correct and yet stark concern. “You said you were expecting someone. Is it her?”

“No.” Jess hugged herself. “It’s the… the client. Kate didn’t tell me when she’d be back. The man is supposed to take me somewhere safe when we’re done.”

Cold dread elicited a silent shiver. Jess would never be safe again. Instead she’d be brought to where the other girls were being held until it was time for the next client, and then the next and the next. There’d be no more real roles, great or otherwise. “When do you expect him?”

“Any minute.”

“Then we haven’t a second to spare. Here’s what we’re going to do…”

Jess listened as Cheyenne explained the plan. Less than five minutes later, Jess was barreling out the door toward the backyard, where her car was parked. She was no longer dressed in the teddy, but something far more practical: the clothing Cheyenne had arrived in. Apparently Kate had taken Jess’ clothing, to stop her from changing her mind, no doubt.

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