Page 88 of Charmed Forces
“Actually, it’s...” Solomon started but I shook my head. “Fine, we’ll get into that another time.”
“I’ll be out that day,” said Lily. “Such a shame. Maybe some other time.”
I laughed then stopped short, guiltily. This was Daniel’s life on the line and here I waslaughing.My heart sank as I picked up the brooch and turned it over in my hand. It was shaped like a flower with petals spread around a central black stone. At least, it looked like a stone. “This doesn’t even look like a camera,” I said.
“It doesn’t look like anything that’s even wearable,” said Lily, taking it from me and examining it. “Have you seen what Lexi’s wearing? There is no way she can put that brooch in the center of her chest and not look like she’s forgotten how to accessorize. There’s not a woman on this earth with any kind of self-respect who would pair those shoes and those earrings with that ugly brooch.”
“She has a point,” I said.
“What’s wrong with it?” asked Solomon.
“It is U-G-L-Y,” spelled Lily.
“She’s right,” I said. “I can’t wear that. It’ll look suspicious to any woman and Angelica isn’t afraid of shooting her mouth off, which might draw even more attention to it. What else do you have?”
“How about a button?”
“Looks more suited to a denim jacket than a party dress,” I said as Lily opened her mouth to protest too.
Solomon reached into the bag and dropped a small object into my palm. “What about this?”
A small, gold, heart-shaped locket lay in my palm, a gemstone in one of the sides, suspended on a thin gold chain with a delicate clasp. “Is the gem the camera?” I asked, marveling at it.
“Too cheesy?” asked Solomon.
“It’s perfect! The gold matches my earrings and it’ll look fine with my dress.” I swept up my hair and held it while Solomon fastened the chain around my neck. It fell just below my collarbone, the cool metal touching my skin. “This is a lot nicer than sticking a mic in my bra.”
“What about me?” asked Lily. “I mean, I don’t want you to stick a mic in my bra but what am I wearing? You’re going to put a camera on me too, right?”
“We should,” I said. “I’m sure we’ll get separated at some point.”
Solomon turned the packet upside-down and the last item slipped out. A chunky metal cross. Not the religious type, but something more archaic looking.
“I’ll take the button,” said Lily, reaching for it. “I can put it in the center of my cleavage, concealed inside the detail and it should look like part of the design.”
Solomon showed her how to detach the cover on the back, then waited as she attached it in place. Next, he opened his phone, tapped the screen and asked us to take turns walking around. Then he sent us to the front of the house, one at a time, and told us to talk a little bit. When I returned, he assured us everything was working fine.
“Delgado is outside,” he said when a text message pinged. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” said Lily and I at the same time.
Chapter Eighteen
“The mission is simple,” said Solomon. “Don’t take any risks. Enjoy the party. Chat to the guests. Don’t ask any overtly probing questions. Try and get everyone on camera. Don’t tip anyone off.”
“Don’t tip anyone off. Got it,” said Lily.
“And if anyone starts acting weird around you, or asking any questions you’re uncomfortable with, just say the safe word: balloon,” added Delgado.
“Balloon? At a party?” I asked.
“At an adult engagement party?” countered Delgado. “Serena says that’s a no.”
“Because she doesn’t know the meaning of joy,” said Lily. “Not all parties are about color-coded dessert tables and floral arches.”
“I like color-coded dessert tables,” I said. It was one of the few things my sister and I agreed on.
“How about ‘carpet’? No one needs to say ‘carpet’,” said Lily, ignoring me.