Journey To Fortune

“Rose, don’t be naive. As much as I hope you would never need to know self-defense or how to fire a gun, in today’s society it could happen. You don’t want to be the weak defenseless victim,” Dane stated.

“I don’t plan on placing myself into any situation to be a victim,” she replied.

“Did you plan for the Egyptian guy to come after you?” Knox asked.

“He just wanted to invite me to dinner and hit on me.”

“Oh honey, it was more than that and you know it. Don’t be intimidated by the James brothers. It could be a great learning experience and fun, too. I’m gonna do it,” Pina said.

“Let me think about it.”

Chapter 6

Molokai Volupus and Weiller Onsanna sat in a private booth along with their guards. There were three such booths located in three of the corners of the room at LaTargere. Molokai’s associate, Mulgoff Lenotz, arranged the private seating for this special event. Although Molokai had other personal reasons for being here, he looked forward to seeing Mulgoff’s new line, and would surely consider purchasing something today if he saw anything that caught his eye.

Behind the curtains it was dark. They could see out but it would be difficult for people to see inside because of the lighting, unless they approached the booth. That wasn’t going to happen with his own security standing guard. It kept people Molokai and Weiller didn’t want to speak to from interrupting their evening.

“Mulgoff always pulls off some amazing surprise. I’ve anticipated the moment for days. I wonder what tonight will bring from him,” Weiller said and took a sip from his cognac.

“It’s always a pleasure and something ostentatious, even outrageous, so who knows. I must say that he has loaded the place with some interesting prospects,” Molokai stated and his eyes roamed the vicinity, picking out one attractive woman after the next. When his eyes landed on two men talking to Roger Hiatte, he squinted and felt the instant anger hit his core.

“I see you’ve spotted them. I suppose at an event of this scale with millions of dollars in jewels being paraded around that Merk Enterprises would be lead security,” Weiller said to him.

“Mercury and Falco James. Everything will go as planned. Let’s sit back and watch the show.”

* * * *

Rose was shaking and Daisy handed her a shot glass of something.

“Just drink this and you’ll feel better.”

“Better? Oh God, this dress is extreme. It shows off so much of my skin.”

“Your body is exceptional. Not a flaw on it. Your olive complexion and tanned skin bring out the blue of the dress as well. Let me see the front,” Daisy said to her.

Now Elga approached. Rose swallowed hard as the woman looked her over.

“Adjust your breasts just a little more. The pendant will sit right about here, the teardrop falling nicely in the center of your cleavage,” Elga said and then studied her body, turning slightly. “Daisy, add just a dusting of shimmer to her neck and shoulders.”

Rose could feel her heart racing.

“Your paintings are stunning, Rose. I have to tell you that I was a bit shocked at just how good they are. I can’t believe someone hasn’t picked you up to showcase at a gallery. Mulgoff will love them,” Elga said to her.

“Thank you. That’s so kind of you.”

“You’ll see. Tonight your world will change in so many ways. I can tell these things. You’re special, and talented. You will be fine.”

“Any advice?” Rose asked, taking in the sight of her reflection in the full-length mirror.

“Smile. No matter what you may be feeling, nervous, scared, intimidated, just smile as if nothing fazes you, and everything else will fall into place,” Elga said.

“The other models are going to be super jealous,” Daisy said.

“They don’t even matter. They aren’t even at the same level as Rose. Don’t let any of them get to you. They would wish to be in your shoes tonight, Rose. Just be your sweet, calm self and it will work out fine,” Elga said and smiled.

“I will try my hardest but wearing a five million dollar piece of rare jewelry is a bit intimidating in itself,” Rose said.