Page 64 of When Fashion Turns Deadly

The apartment door opened behind her, and Cole stepped into the hall.

“This is all so disconcerting.” Esmee folded her arms tightly, her entire body tense. “First, Marit being taken in to talk to the police, then the attempted muggings, and now this.”

“I’m clearly missing some information.” Gardien Chalamet furrowed his brow. “And where did you come from?”

Cole ignored the officer’s question and pulled out his cell phone. “I can give you the case numbers for the first three incidents.”

Not sure what cover Cole would use with the officers and not wanting to subject him to Esmee’s watchful eye, Isabelle wrapped her arm around Esmee. “Esmee, I’m sure Gardien Chalamet and Cole have this under control. Why don’t I walk you back to your apartment?” Esmee opened her mouth as if to object. Isabelle pushed on before she had the chance. “With the first show starting in two days, you need your rest. It won’t do for you to have bags under your eyes at the last day of rehearsals while you’re representing so many feature models.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

Isabelle gently guided Esmee to the elevator. The doors slid open, and Isabelle intended to follow her inside, but Esmee stepped in and held her hand up.

“I can make it from here. You need to get some sleep too.” Esmee motioned to Cole. “And tell your boyfriends to behave and stay out of sight. I don’t need backlash from the other girls.”

“I’ll pass along your message.” And she would. She just didn’t know if Cole would heed it. He was in safety-first mode, and she doubted that he or Lars cared much about appearances after what had happened.

Isabelle waited until the elevator doors slid closed with Esmee inside before returning to Cole’s side.

“Anything you can get us on those cases would be appreciated.” Cole retrieved his credentials from his pocket and showed them to Gardien Chalamet. “The last update I received on the murder case said only that they didn’t have any new leads.”

“I agree that these are all related, especially in light of the jump drive found in Miss Jansen’s bag,” Gardien Chalamet said, his concern obvious.

“And unless the thief knows Marit no longer has it, she’ll continue to be in danger.”

“With how much we’ve adjusted the security around her, we’ve narrowed down the possible locations where her bag could be stolen,” Isabelle said.

“That’s true,” Cole said, considering. “We’re escorting you to and from rehearsals and fittings, and we’re adding another layer of security here at your flat.”

“Right. The only place the thief could really get to it now is backstage during one of our rehearsals or during a show, if he could manage to get back there.”

Cole’s eyes lit with understanding. “We need to set up surveillance in case someone tries.”

“Exactly,” Isabelle said.

Gardien Chalamet nodded. “We can assign a female officer to stand nearby to watch for anyone who might search Miss Jansen’s bag.”

Isabelle considered the chaos of the backstage area. “As easy as that sounds, I’m not sure you would be able to plant an outsider without her being noticed,” Isabelle said. “It’s crazy busy backstage, but it’s an organized chaos. Once you get through rehearsals, everyone pretty much knows who belongs.”

“Setting a trap won’t work unless someone is there to witness it snap shut,” Gardien Chalamet said. “Assuming the thief can get back there in the first place.”

“Since whoever is behind this is clearly an insider in the industry, it’s only a matter of time before someone goes for the purse backstage,” Isabelle said.

“Lars and I could go backstage,” Cole suggested.

“You’re outsiders too,” Gardien Chalamet said.

“Lars isn’t,” Isabelle said. “He’s been at several rehearsals taking photos. And a lot of people have seen Cole hanging around as well.”

“Two men backstage where women are dressing will be noticed,” Gardien Chalamet said.

“Marit can make a point of leaving her bag in one of the cubbies closest to the makeup stations,” Isabelle suggested. “That area is largely deserted during the show, and I can set up a couple of hidden cameras.”

“Your officers can monitor the cameras, and you can always plant an officer or two in the audience,” Cole said.

“We will already have officers standing by outside for crowd control,” Gardien Chalamet said, “but I doubt we’ll have the manpower to put someone on watching surveillance images.”

“We could always plant a tracker inside the purse,” Isabelle suggested.

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