Page 132 of Triggered By Love
“Hey, where the hell are you?” Blade’s voice was scratchy. “We got a call that you were causing a disturbance. Climbing down a fire escape and kidnapping a semi-nude girl from a rooftop garden.”
“Just having a little fun with my girl. Publicity for her upcoming show,” Jason said.
“It’s all over InstaDirt. There’s a video of you catching her on the sidewalk.”
“We were reenacting a fireman’s rescue for her Cocky Heroes line.” Jason took the opportunity to embellish the story. It figured some bystander had called the police after spotting them climbing down the fire escape, rather than the Leaches who would not have wanted to draw police attention.
Thank God for small favors.
“What’s up?” Blade asked. “I know you’re on leave, and you’re not supposed to be butting in, but you must be calling me for a favor.”
“I am. I need you to back me up at the fashion show. I’m substituting for one of the models, so I need another pair of eyes on the guests.”
“I heard Avery kicked out the firefighter, Brando’s friend. What was the reason?”
“We’re eliminating any models or staff who were at the show last year. One of the models, José Perez, was found dead after the after-party.”
“And you suspect one of the others?” Blade asked.
“Not necessarily. But I want to keep Avery safe, and if she was the target last year and not Brando, then it makes sense to eliminate any repeat models.”
“How about audience members, photographers, and guests?” Blade pointed out.
“I can’t control that variable,” Jason said. “That’s why I need another set of eyes.”
“Heard The Garden is out after the bomb threat,” Blade remarked. “Haven’t heard where the show will take place.”
“I can’t tell you until closer in,” Jason said. “Everyone will be brought to the location right before the show starts. Also, you can’t be armed. The president’s daughter is back in the show, and Secret Service will be involved.”
“Can I bring a partner to back me up?”
“It’s unlikely you can get anyone cleared by Secret Service this close to the show,” Jason said. “I’ll text you the contact person.”
“Sure thing. It’s worth a try. Anything specific you want me to watch for?”
“Keep your eyes on Larry Leach, if he shows up. Also, Alida Adams, Matt Swanson, Richie Overton, and Avery’s guests, her parents, the General and Mrs. Cockburn, and Mrs. Bonet, Brando’s mother.”
“Are they suspects or in need of protection?”
“Both, with the exception of Mrs. Bonet. I can’t imagine she’d hire anyone to kill her son.”
“Who do you suspect?” Blade sounded like he was quizzing him.
“All of them and a couple of people who are not attending the show. The barista, Saul Guillory, Avery’s model wrangler, Ivanna Chu, Larry’s brother, Harv, and his father Orson. Oh, and follow up on Tatiana Renzi. Be careful. The chief is cozy with her.”
Blade whistled a long descending pitch. “That’s a lot to keep my eye on. And here I thought I’d enjoy watching you strut down the runway.”
“It’ll be over quick. I appreciate it, man.”
“Can’t you tell me the venue? Don’t hold out on me.”
“Sorry, no can do. I’ll text you the meeting place tomorrow. Limos will ferry everyone to the show. There will be metal detectors and explosive-detecting dogs, so don’t even bring a hunting knife.”
“Wish you’d let me know so I can scout it out ahead of time.”
“Just keep an eye on the people I mentioned. Secret Service will take care of the rest.”
As he hung up, Jason wondered why Blade was so insistent on knowing where the fashion show would be held.
