Tina Palermo & Jasmine Medina - Fatal Exposure




CHAPTER ONE

"I'm not so sure this was a good idea after all ... " Jasmine Medina spoke a
bit apprehensive as she stepped out of her mother's Jeep Cherokee. The teen
snoop was at the entrance to the Desert Sands Modeling Agency, located just
outside of Santa Fe, where a weekend amateur photo shoot was being conducted.
The turnout for the event was tremendous, to say the least, as there was at
least a hundred girls waiting to be seen.

"Oh, c'mon, Jas ... you're much prettier than those Barbie dolls there," Lori
Fielding retorted, playing the role of the support system Jasmine asked her to
be on this trip. Jasmine smiled graciously at her friend's compliment, but
that still didn't ease her anxiety at trying to compete on a more fashionable
level. On the soccer field, she would cream everyone of those girls without
breaking much of a sweat, but this gathering was a bit out of her league ...

"Jasmine, honey ... " Jane Medina offered her own support to her only child, "
... I told you before, there are other types of modeling besides fashion. You
have such a natural, wholesome beauty that will impress them to use you, trust
me."

"Okay ... you've convinced me both," Jasmine said happily. "I just wish daddy
could be here ... " the Latina added dejectedly, referring to Manuel Medina
who lived near there, but was in Albuquerque on business and couldn't be there
to see his daughter modeling before the cameras.

The trio walked over to the multitude of girls waiting fretfully for the doors
to open. The morning air was already getting quite warm on this bright July
day as they stood outside waiting.

"I heard from the brochure for this event that another agency from Florida was
also attending," Lori said, trying to pass the time while waiting.

"I wonder why the need for an extra studio participating?" Jasmine thought
wistfully. Just then, the front glass doors opened and the crowd of young
females begin to horde through inside like a herd of cattle.

* * *

Inside the expansive staging room, the waiting still continued ... but at
least it was in an air-conditioned room as the temperature outside was already
80 degrees and climbing. Sitting against the wall on a metal folding chair,
Jasmine eyed the competition around her carefully as their numbers were slowly
dwindling after apparently failing the interviewing process being conducted.
Jane was absent for the moment, waiting in line for the girls' restroom.

"I hope they don't have to make me wear high heels ... " she said fretfully,
as Jasmine was a sneaker girl all the way.

"I think you would look hot in a pair of stilettos," Lori said cheerfully,
wanting to secretly see her more athletic friend all dolled up like Paris
Hilton, but with more class.

"This is not the support system I brought you for," Jasmine said a bit tersely
at her friend, as she was still nervous being here. It frustrated Jasmine
whenever she was at a disadvantage. Criminals she could handle, as evidenced
by the amount of times she's tangled with them, but this arena was a bit more
unsettling for her, which would sound very strange to someone else. Mom, why
did I let you talk me into this in the first place ...

The middle-aged woman calling people's names returned from the back. "Jasmine
Medina?" she spoke audibly.

"Well, here goes ... " Jasmine said warily, and stood up. Lori just gave her a
thumbs up for support, not wanting to risk saying something that might jinx
the interviewing stage, knowing how tense her friend was.

* * *

"It says here that you play soccer ... " George Stetson, the owner of the
agency, read from a sheet of paper that Jasmine gave to him. He placed it back
down on his large mahogany desk, and quietly studied her. Jasmine did her
utmost best not to look as nervous as she felt uneasy being watched.

"I like you ... " George said softly, " ... you have a wholesome, next-door
look quality."

"That's just what my Mom said earlier," Jasmine replied back gingerly.

"And she's absolutely right. I definitely could use you, if you're still
interested that is?"

Jasmine began to feel as though a weight has been lifted off of her as she
grinned back at him. "Yes, I would!" she replied happily.

"Good ... here is your visitor's badge, which needs to be seen on you at all
times while you're inside the facility."

Taking the small plastic-like card, she stood up from her seat slowly. "Thank
you for the opportunity, Mr. Stetson. I'll do my best."

"Oh, don't sweat it ... I know you'll do fine," he said warmly and shook her
hand gently.

* * *

Jasmine returned back to a very anxious Jane and Lori who looked restless in
anticipation. "I got in," she said simply to them. Jane rose to her feet,
hugging her daughter joyously. Lori embraced her friend from behind as a group
hug ensued. After the little celebration was over, Jane released her grip on
her daughter. "I'll be back when you're all done for the day. You call me if
you need anything, okay?"

"Okay, Mom ... don't worry yourself. I'll be fine with Lori here," Jasmine
said back, knowing how protective her mother can be, especially as of late
with all the times she ended up in serious trouble being captured by crooks
and her life threatened. That alone gave Jane the incentive of becoming a
private eye herself.

Jane gave each girl a kiss on the cheek, and left promptly for her P.I.
appointment back at Thunder Ridge she had waiting.

Sitting back to their seats, Jasmine and Lori continued to wait as more girls
were being called in. Not long after, another group of teen girls made their
way inside, and judging by the looks of them, Jasmine concluded that these
were the models from Florida as they looked totally out of place among the
locals here in New Mexico. One girl, in particular, caught the attention of
both of them""a cute Hispanic-looking petite girl (not Mexican for sure, maybe
Cuban ... ), dressed in a skin-tight black body suit with an oversized pink
top on, and matching high-heeled stiletto platforms on her small feet. She had
oversized sunglasses on, and didn't bother to take them off as she took a seat
opposite of them.

"Well, she sure looks like she belongs here ... " Jasmine whispered softly to
Lori. Noting how smug the girl appeared to be with her pouty full lips.

"I'll say ... " Lori agreed, feeling a little intimidated by how provocatively
dressed she was, while looking the same age as them.

"Yes indeed, this is going to be one interesting weekend ... " Jasmine noted
wryly.

CHAPTER TWO

Jasmine was surprised at how much work it took just to pose in front of a
camera""fashion modeling was certainly very different than having your
grandmother snap a few shots at family get-togethers.

Being a more athletic girl, Mr. Stetson had assigned Jasmine to pose with
various sportswear and equipment, like in those store catalogs that come with
the Sunday newspaper. The Latina was relieved that she didn't require to wear
anything that was too fancy, unlike most of the other girls present. Even
though she was enjoying her time at modeling, Jasmine was still a bit
overwhelmed by the whole experience. Lori's comforting presence helped ease
those anxieties as she was allowed to stand in the background and watch.

Jasmine had mention to her best friend that the two of them should model
together, but the more shy Lori couldn't bring herself to pose in front of a
camera, especially for millions of people to see.

For the next photo shoot, Jasmine was given a soccer ball to go along with the
yellow and blue sports gear she wore. Palming the black & white-checkered
ball, she lightly kicked it up and down as though she was prepping herself for
an upcoming match. She groaned softly at being indoors, otherwise she would be
very tempted to run across the ground with it and show some of her skill to
her fellow models.

As she stood there, smiling at the male photographer kneeling down with his
large camera aimed at her, a loud noise was suddenly heard nearby, followed by
voices screaming. Everyone took a momentary pause at what the commotion was
all about.

Sensing that it could be trouble, Jasmine walked off the small set she stood
on and headed over to the source of the disturbance with Lori following right
behind her. "I told you the lighting was too high to stand on its own!" a
female voice barked loudly, which Jasmine saw came from that snooty-looking
girl back at the main room earlier.

George Stetson, and another man, immediately rushed over to the infuriated
model to see if she was alright, which Jasmine could tell that physically she
was, mentally ... that was another story entirely.

"That girl is such a diva ... " Lori said softly to no one in particular. "Oh,
you don't know the half of it," a voice suddenly spoke up close by. Jasmine
and Lori both turned to see a stunningly looking blonde-haired girl. "Her name
is Tina Palermo, and she's the star model at Florida Sun Models. By the way,
my name is Amber Jensen, also from Florida Sun," she added, extending her hand
out to both girls.

"Hi ... I'm Jasmine Medina, and this is Lori Fielding," she said graciously
after shaking Amber's slender hand. She was relieved to meet one model that
didn't act all uppity. "Don't let Tina fool you, she really is a nice person
under that brusque exterior," Amber added sympathetically.

"Okay, everyone back to work ... the show's over," George announced, waving
his hands at everyone present.

"You know, Jasmine, I've been watching you lately, and you seem to be a
natural at modeling," Amber said kindly to the Latina.

"Thanks ... I guess my nervousness is buried deep down inside of me," Jasmine
confessed candidly.

"Well, I think you're doing very well, but, if I may say, you could loosen up
just a bit more. Remember, you own the camera, the camera doesn't own you.
That's what I was told when I first started in this business."

"I'll try to remember that," Jasmine noted, appreciative of the good advice
Amber was sharing.

"Amber ... why is your modeling studio all the way out in Florida?" Lori asked
inquisitively""a trait she was really showing from her father, who worked
closely with the Police Academy.

"Scott Kimball, my boss, and George Stetson are old friends, and every year
they take turns on seeing each other with their 'girls' to do a little joint
modeling venture," Amber answered. "I have to say, this is the first time I've
been to this part of the country, and it's fascinating so far."

"Maybe we could give you a little tour if it's at all possible," Jasmine
offered this time to their new friend.

"Well, we do get a night out tonight. Maybe after the modeling gig is over,"
Amber said eagerly. Just then, she noticed Kimball motioning her to cut the
chatter. "I gotta go back to work myself," she said quickly. "I'll see you two
later, okay?"

"We're really looking forward to it," Jasmine said pleased. "And Amber ...
welcome to New Mexico."

The blonde winked back as she strolled away.

CHAPTER THREE

"I'm so glad to hear that you had a wonderful time today, sweetheart ... "
Jane said to her daughter as she drove her and Lori back to Thunder Ridge.
"See, I told you modeling wasn't that bad," she added, noting how uptight
Jasmine was about it when she first mentioned it to her.

"Yeah, it was really fun. We met this one girl who's from Florida ... Amber is
her name. She told us that the models are having a night out in the city, and
I was wondering if I could ... " Lori nudged Jasmine's seat softly, " ... I
mean 'we' could join them. It would be really good to boost my fragile
confidence."

Jane gave her daughter a sly grin on her face, knowing just how clever she
was. After a few moments of taking Jasmine's patented doleful expression, she
sighed in quiet resignation. "Alright ... since I practically dragged you
there in the first place, I guess that's the least I could do."

"Thanks, Ms. Medina," Lori spoke up happily from the back seat. "I'll let my
parents know that I'll be staying with you guys for the night instead."

"So, where is this 'night' out taking place?" Jane asked them in a careful
tone as if she were on one of her cases.

* * *

Cactus Jack was the largest teen club in the Santa Fe area, and being that it
was Friday night, the place was mobbed with over anxious teenagers waiting to
get inside. George Stetson knew the owner, and had set aside a portion of the
main hall for the models. After stopping by at home first to change and
freshen up, Jasmine and Lori disembarked from Jane's vehicle""who also came
along as an additional chaperone""and looked in astonishment at the swanky
looking establishment. Jane had come along, hoping to blend in the background
and not so much watch the girls like a hawk.

"Wow ... too bad we don't have a hangout place like this back home!" Lori said
in awe as Thunder Ridge was a much more quiet community.

"Well, for fashion models, I wouldn't expect anything less," Jasmine added.
The cute Latina was wearing a short-sleeved white cotton blouse with a hint of
lace trim, black denim jeans, and black leather ankle boots with a wide 2-inch
heel. Lori sported a faded yellow long-sleeved top with a brown vest, blue
denim skirt, and brown leather knee-high boots, which made her walking a bit
stilted as Lori was so used to wearing sneakers all the time.

"Why did I let you talk me into wearing these boots," Lori complained lightly.
They were given to her as a gift last Christmas, but never worn them before.
"It's not my fault that you didn't break them in properly first," Jasmine
retorted, knowing full well that Lori had no intention of wearing those boots
to begin with.

Stepping inside the lavish club, Jane quickly departed to do her own thing as
Jasmine quickly spotted the other models in the distance, and both girls
headed over to them. Amber's eyes lit up at seeing Jasmine and Lori
approaching. "I'm so glad you two made it!" she said a bit loudly over the
thumping music playing all around. The teen beauty was clothed in a simple
purple one-piece dress with long sleeves and a short skirt; her feet clad in
matching suede pumps with a flattering 4-inch high heel. "C'mon ... I'll
formally introduce you to some of the other girls," she offered cheerfully,
and guided Jasmine and Lori along.

It wasn't long before Jasmine caught sight of that 'diva', Tina. The striking
brunette looked stunning in a red and black strapless satin dress with a
flowing skirt. Her petite height was greatly increased by the presence of
black leather peep-toe pumps with a towering 5-inch red stiletto heel on her
dainty bare feet. Regardless how stuck-up she seemed to be, Jasmine was quite
impressed with her fashion sense, however.

"Tina, I want you to meet Jasmine and Lori," Amber said more normally now as
there was a short break in the music. Tina smiled back at the two girls, which
made them a bit more at ease. "It's nice to meet you both," she said gladly.

"I love your dress," Jasmine admired for she wish that she could pull off that
look herself.

"Thanks, but it's not even mine," Tina replied, referring to the numerous
outfits the studio provides.

"Excuse me for saying, but how can you even stand in those shoes, let alone
walk in them?" Lori asked in sheer astonishment of Tina's lofty heels. "Lot's
and lot's of practice," Tina responded dryly. "I really like your outfit.
Those boots are adorable," she said back to Lori's country-western look, who
then blushed a bit at being admired by a top fashion teen model.

"Is this your first time to New Mexico?" Jasmine asked the Cuban candidly.

"Yes, it is ... and is it always this hot?" Tina remarked about the desert
heat of the region. Jasmine grinned a little at Tina's complaint to the
weather. Of course, Florida was notorious for their awful humidity from what
she heard. She would take the dry heat any day.

Amber suddenly showed up with a pair of tall drinks in her hands. Jasmine and
Lori didn't even notice she stepped out for a moment as they were busy
conversing with Tina. She handed one to Tina, then looked at her two other new
friends. "Try the mango spritzer, it's to die for," she said to them,
gesturing with her head to where the juice bar was located.

The two girls headed over to the bar, realizing they were a bit thirsty after
their early supper of tacos and burritos on the way over here. "Well, Tina
seems really nice," Lori said, realizing that she sort of misjudged her.

"Yeah, she does," Jasmine agreed. "I guess what we saw earlier was her work
face, so to speak."

* * *

Sitting down at an empty table, Lori struggled with her boots to take them
off, but was having difficulty in doing so. "Here, let me ... " Jasmine
offered, and pulled the leather footwear off smoothly.

"I'm going to have some serious blisters by tomorrow," Lori said miserably as
stretched out her stocking feet to ease the stiffness after dancing for a half
hour in them. Jasmine giggled lightly at her friend's rather minor
discomfort""Lori had a tendency to be a drama queen sometimes. "Be happy
you're not wearing those killer heels Tina has on," Jasmine noted, still
amazed at how well Tina can dance in those impractical, yet sexy shoes.

"Have you seem to notice how 'friendly' Tina and Amber seem to be?" Lori
inquired while watching the two well-dressed teen girls dancing very closely
together.

"I think they're more than just friends," Jasmine guessed based on the amount
of physical contact the two models have been making towards each other since
they got here.

"You don't suppose they're ... lesbians, do you?" Lori asked carefully,
mindful if anyone else was around them.

"They could be, but I think we shouldn't advertise that around, in case no one
else really knows," Jasmine suggested plainly.

"How can anyone else not notice?" Lori explained openly as Tina had her arms
wrapped around Amber's slender waist in a sensual slow dance.

"Just the same ... Let's make them tell us if they want," Jasmine said,
respecting their obvious affection for each other.

"I always thought lesbians were ... you know, unattractive women."

"That's really a myth," Jasmine answered back. "Heterosexual couples come in
all different shapes and sizes. Besides, I think they look really cute
together."

"Just like you and Javier ... " Lori teased her friend lightly, referring to
Jasmine's secret crush at the University. Jasmine just gave her a dirty look
in response, a bit flustered at the mere mention of that dreamy boy.

"What about Javier?" Jane Medina mentioned as she checked in on her daughter
and Lori. "That gorgeous player from the college team, right?" she said a bit
fascinated as even Jane took notice at what a hunk Javier Gomez was.

"Mom! ... " Jasmine half-shouted as she folded her arms and looked straight
ahead. "Don't remind me!"

Jane looked curious at her daughter as Lori rolled her eyes and played that
'innocent' role she's so good at.

If only he wasn't in college and I wasn't going into high school ... He
doesn't even know I exist anyway, despite both of us having soccer as a thing
in common ... was Jasmine's thought at the moment, as she could only think of
what might have been.

CHAPTER FOUR

After the night out was over, the models returned back to their hotel to rest
up for another busy day of modeling. Amber and Tina disembarked from the
elevator on the sixth floor of the Marriott, carrying their high heels.

"That was one of the better night clubs I've been to," Tina spoke a bit
exhausted, but happy to be getting into a soft bed now.

Walking down the carpeted hallway to their rooms, Amber had a concerned look
on her weary face. "Tina ... have you told anyone else about us?" she asked
this question before in a careful tone.

Looking at her girlfriend, Tina sighed guiltily. "I'm still trying to find the
right time. I told you how religious my parents are, it could devastate them."

"I understand that, but keeping us a secret will only make it worse the longer
you hide the truth. I mean, my parents are actually fine with it."

"Your folks are like the coolest people I know. I think they're secretly
planning our wedding," Tina added jokingly, which caused the more demure Amber
to blush slightly at the thought of marriage. Amber had joined the Florida Sun
Modeling Agency since January. She had always been into girls since junior
high, but never expressed it openly for fear of being ridiculed, or worse.

One day on a modeling assignment, Tina offered to help the newcomer, and soon
after a romance began to blossom. Tina, likewise, never expressed her desire
towards the female gender""something she really only started to feel since
starting high school""even though she was originally into boys during her
younger years. The two have managed to keep their relationship a secret to
almost everybody, which was why this modeling trip to New Mexico was a welcome
change as they could express their desire towards each other more openly in a
foreign environment.

Stopping at Tina's room, she looked at Amber sympathetically. "I promise when
we get back home I'll at least tell Lila and Ashley about you first, then I'll
break it to my folks one at a time."

Amber smiled happily at Tina's overdue decision, and approached her with a
deep kiss. "I'll see you bright and early in the morning," she said after
withdrawing her lips from Tina's. "I love you ... " she added tenderly.

"I love you, too," Tina replied just as caringly.

Amber watched Tina step inside her room, and then proceeded towards her at the
end of the hallway. She smiled cheerfully to herself as her first meaningful
relationship was finally coming out, which meant no more secret meetings, and
fearful of showing physical displays of affection in public.

Reaching her door, Amber heard soft sounds of sobbing close by. It sounded
like a child crying. Heading towards the source of the noise out of concern,
Amber saw something on the carpet in a corner. A closer look of it in the dim
lighting revealed it to be a small tape player. Picking it up, she was
confused as to why someone left this here with that odd sound playing. Her
hazel eyes suddenly widen as she quickly realized the motive for this
distraction, but it was a bit too late as a large hand suddenly clamped itself
over her mouth from behind, and a strong arm wrapped around her arms, pinning
them to her sides.

Amber fought mightily in the strong grasp holding her, but her assailant was
much stronger than the small, teen girl. Her frantic cries were equally
suppressed as the leather-gloved hand covered her mouth fully.

Her pleading eyes caught sight of a female appearing in front of her. The
woman was Hispanic, tall, slender like a like trained athlete, and looked
positively creepy with her dark, icecold eyes staring right at her without any
remorse. She saw that she had a syringe in her hand, and jabbed the hairline
needle right into her thigh, through the thin fabric of her dress. She grunted
at the feeling of the needle piercing into her tense muscle, and soon after,
once the contents of what was in that needle was fully injected into her,
Amber suddenly began to feel lightheaded, and then blacked out completely.

The man that held her quickly placed the limp girl on his broad shoulder,
while the female grabbed the tape player and her pumps lying on the floor.

"What about her friend, she was really hot looking," he whispered to his
associate as he pressed the button to the service elevator close by.

"The boss wanted the blonde only," the Hispanic female spoke with a icecold
voice. The doors to the elevator opened, and both black-clad abductors quickly
dashed inside, closing the doors afterwards.

CHAPTER FIVE

Despite staying out rather late last night, Jasmine had no problem getting up
early for another day of modeling.

It was during the initial photo set-up that Jasmine noticed something was
amiss. "I wonder where Amber and Tina are?" she observed keenly as all the
other models from yesterday were present. Just then, she caught sight of
George Stetson walking by. "Excuse me one moment, please ... " she spoke
quickly to the photographer readying himself, and rushed over to Stetson.

"Excuse me, Mr. Stetson? ... " the Latina asked carefully, " ... I was curious
about Amber and Tina not being here. Is everything alright?" she asked again,
clearly reading Stetson's troubled look on his round face, which piqued her
concern more so.

"Amber and Tina won't be modeling today ... there was an incident last night.
That's all I can say right now," and with that, the agency owner walked off to
the direction of his office.

Jasmine stood there stunned at what she just heard. An 'incident' could
translate into a variety of things, and all of them didn't sit well with her.
She needed to know what happened, and she knew just the person who could help
her ...

* * *

"Wake, up!" Jasmine shouted lightly as she shook a sleeping Lori, slumped over
on a chair. The cute brunette groaned irritably in response at being woken up.
Lori was not much of a morning person, particularly after a late night out.

"What? ... " she asked groggily, opening her eyes slowly.

"Listen to me ... " Jasmine said quickly, needing to get back to the studio.
"Amber and Tina are MIA, and Mr. Stetson says something happened to them, but
wouldn't tell me what. I need you to find out what exactly occurred last
night."

That bit of news got Lori right up on her sneakered feet in concern. "Oh my
God! Okay, I'm on it," she said, fully awake now. The two junior snoops then
went their separate ways, each hoping that their new friends were indeed all
right.

* * *

Tina walked slowly out of the Santa Fe Police Station with Scott Kimball
holding the distraught teenager close to him for comfort. She had just given
her statement to the authorities as she was the last person to see Amber last
night. She felt like someone had ripped her heart right out as her chest ached
from all the crying she did earlier.

"You heard the detective, they're going to do everything they possibly can to
find Amber alive," Scott spoke soothingly to his star model. "I know that this
isn't easy, but I need you to be strong for me, can you do that?" he stopped,
looking at the distressed Cuban in the eye.

Tina looked right at him with just a glint of anger in her brown eyes now.
Anger at whoever stole her love from her. "I'll try ... " was all that she
said back.

"That's my girl," Scott said a little happy, patting his hand gently on her
arm.

Heading over to Scott's car in the parking lot, Tina's rage began to slowly
seethe. I'll find you, Amber ... if it's the last thing I ever do ...

CHAPTER SIX

Lori Fielding may be, in essence, a shy person by nature, but ever since her
first encounter with Jasmine at that fateful soccer camp from a year ago, she
had transformed into a more confident person with all those daring adventures
she experienced. And it was this confidence she possessed that allowed the
nineteen-year-old to spy on Mr. Stetson, hoping that he could reveal what
happened last night.

Walking ever so quietly in her white Skechers, despite some lingering soreness
of her feet from those awful boots last night, Lori stopped right in front of
a large door, which was labeled "George Stetson" on a small black sign
attached. Pressing her ear gently against the door, Lori strained to hear
anything coming from the other side of the heavy wooden door. Hearing what
sounded like his voice, she zoned out everything around her, and concentrated
on listening in as her pulse started to quicken.

* * *

"I just received word from Scott that he and Tina just left the police
station," George spoke into a cordless phone while seated at his desk. He
paused for a moment while listening to the person speaking on the other end of
the line. "Yes, we're all deeply saddened by the disappearance of Amber, but I
can assure you that none of the other girls are in any danger," he tried his
best to sound reassuring at whoever he spoke to. "I will keep you informed
should anything else happens ... Goodbye," and with that, George clicked off
the phone.

Looking obviously troubled at what happened to Amber, George went to punch in
another number on his phone when he suddenly heard a noise coming from his
door. Rising up from his seat quickly, he headed for it, and opened it
swiftly. Peering into the hallway, he saw no one around. Satisfied, he closed
it shut.

Lori slowly emerged from a nearby janitor's closet after the coast was clear.
Leaning against the door caused her clammy hands to lose their traction, and
she slipped off, almost tumbling to the floor. With this new piece of
information that she had just learned, Lori scampered back towards the studios
to tell her best friend.

As Lori disappeared from the hallway, a person stepped out from the shadows,
watching the whole scene taking place with a look of suspicion towards the
teen girl ...

* * *

Tina didn't want to go back to the studio as she was in no mood at all to
smile in front of a camera. Scott completely understood her situation, and
offered to stay with her for as long as she needs him. "Scott? ... " Tina
spoke up to her employer, comfortable with calling him by his first name""a
consent he allowed as to not make him feel quite so old in front of his much
younger employees, " ... what do you really think what happened to Amber?" She
didn't buy at all into the ridiculous notion by the local police that Amber
might have run away on her own, since there was no evidence to suggest
otherwise at this time.

Exhaling softly before answering her inquiry, Scott stopped at a red light and
turned briefly to the distressed Cuban girl. "My gut feeling tells me she was
abducted, but how that was accomplished is beyond me, which makes the police
suspect that wasn't the case."

Tina was glad to hear at least one voice of reason, and having Scott agree
with her hypothesis gave her some comfort during this crisis for her. Of
course, in her statement, she did leave out the little detail that she and
Amber were a couple. She didn't know if it would make a difference with the
investigation, but it was a subject she wasn't entirely comfortable spilling
out in public, even Scott didn't know to the extent how much she cared for
Amber.

Looking at Scott, Tina was very grateful at having such a caring and decent
man for a boss, going out of his way to ensure that she was alright. It was
his good character that made her parents more at ease allowing Tina to travel
to New Mexico in the first place, knowing full well that she would be safe and
sound. She could imagine the agony he must going through at failing to keep
Amber safe. Placing her hand on his, she smiled caringly at Scott, letting him
know that it wasn't entirely his fault for they both failed at what happened
to poor Amber ...

CHAPTER SEVEN

With the news that Lori had uncovered from Mr. Stetson's office, Jasmine was
determined to know what happened to Amber, and why. She wished that Tina was
available for questioning, but figured that she was too upset to want to see
anyone, understandably so.

When day two of modeling wrapped up for the day, Jasmine received a call from
her mother telling her that the case she was working on was preventing her
from picking up the two teens, so she asked Lori's mother, Susan Fielding, to
get them instead.

Jasmine had an idea from this latest development. She decided to go the hotel
where the models were staying at to do some investigating of their own""the
photographer who worked with Jasmine, Ken was his name, graciously offered to
transport the girls over there. Lori then contacted her mother, informing her
on where to pick them now.

* * *

Arriving at the Marriott, Jasmine smiled kindly at their "chauffer" sitting in
the Dodge Durango SUV. "Thanks a lot for the ride, Ken ... I really appreciate
it," she said happily.

"My pleasure, and I'll see you tomorrow ... this time with some fancy clothes
on," Ken replied frankly at her, wanting to get some shots of the pretty
Latina in more than just sportswear.

Jasmine grumbled in response at his insistence, hoping that she could sidestep
at having to wear really girlie outfits, like what Amber and Tina sport. "She
can't wait to impress you," Lori spoke up wryly on behalf of her uneasy
friend. Ken then waved to them goodbye, and drove off. "Some support system
you're turning out to be," Jasmine noted sarcastically to her best friend.

"When you see yourself all dolled up, you'll thank me later ... " Lori said
confidently, believing in her friend's real beauty.

"C'mon, let's solve a crime now ... " Jasmine spoke before heading inside the
high-rise hotel.

* * *

Arriving at the floor where Amber stayed, the two snoops made their way
quietly down the empty hallway. The police had already cleared this floor
earlier for guests to use. "I really don't see what you expect to find ... the
police no doubt have been through this whole area with a microscope," Lori
opined, thinking that this trip may be for naught.

"Even the police can miss something ... your dad knows that," Jasmine
responded with assurance that they must have overlooked something, but what
that could be did baffle her somewhat.

Stopping at Amber's room door, Jasmine bent down on one knee right in front of
it. "There doesn't appear to be any evidence of forced entry," Jasmine noted
carefully while inspecting the door handle apparatus.

"I hear that those new key card locks are virtually impossible to pick," Lori
added looking around, remembering what her father had said regarding improved
hotel security.

"That means that Amber had to have been snatched before entering her room ...
" Jasmine said wistfully while standing back up. Her gaze took her to a bend
in the hall nearby, and she followed with Lori trailing right behind. The
girls stopped at the presence of what appeared to be the service elevator,
judging by the bland gray color doors, unlike the fancier ones for the guests.

"You think that someone took her through there?" Lori inquired, realizing
that's what Jasmine had already concluded. The Latina pressed the 'down'
button. "We can't go in there ... it's restricted," Lori said nervously as she
played the more reasonable one of the detective duo.

"Fine, then stay here ... " was Jasmine's simple response as the doors slowly
parted.

"No way, somebody needs to watch your back," Lori said, following Jasmine
inside before the doors closed shut.

* * *

Stepping out into the last stop, Lori clung to Jasmine timidly as they
appeared to be in the basement level, and looked rather creepy with its dim
lighting and cold décor. Jasmine was trying to figure out where Amber was
herded to, and a darkened hallway up ahead seemed like the place to go.

"I think we should go ... if there are kidnappers in here, we could be next!"
Lori said in a frightened tone, clinging onto Jasmine's shoulders even more
so, which was now starting to ache her. "Relax ... I'm sure those criminals
are long gone by now," Jasmine said as she brushed off Lori's grip on her.
"They really should be mindful of the conditions down here," she observed the
lax in basic services, like proper lighting so no one trips and injures
themselves. If they weren't supposed to be there, Jasmine had a right mind to
report this hazard to the hotel manager.

Making their way through, a sound was heard close by in the darkness, causing
the two girls to freeze in their tracks. Jasmine was beginning to get second
thoughts on whether this was a good idea doing this. The strange noise was
definitely the sounds of footsteps, and they were getting closer!

Backing out slowly, Lori began to run when she cried out in pain upon hitting
something with her foot. Coming to her aid, Jasmine helped her injured friend
in escaping when the footsteps were much quicker now, like they were running.

"Go ... " Jasmine whispered to Lori, pushing her off gently. The Latina then
crouched down against the wall, using the darkness to conceal her as she
waited for their 'intruder' to approach. The footsteps were now right upon
her, and Jasmine sprang up, grabbing the mysterious person in an effort to
subdue him long enough for Lori to flee and get help.

Using her trained skills at fighting, Jasmine wrestled with her opponent
without any knowledge of knowing whether she could be beaten easily""for all
she knew this person could be a six-foot, two-hundred pound man. The other
person attacked aggressively, pushing her down onto the cold concrete floor.
Reaching out with her hand, Jasmine grabbed what felt like hair, and began to
pull tightly. High-pitched cries of that of a female rang out, surprising the
Latina. Just then, she too cried out in pain as she felt teeth clamping down
savagely on her wrist, causing her to release her hold on the long tresses.

The two females struggled for control, trying to gain the upper hand.

Jasmine managed to hipthrow her opponent to the floor, however the unknown
girl rolled her over and ended up straddling the Latina.

Jasmine tried to squirm free but the female grabbed her wrists. Jasmine fought
and strained but watched in horror as the unknown woman pushed her arms to the
floor above her head. "No!" Jasmine thought as she realized she was getting
overpowered. The female slid forward and placed her knees on Jasmine's biceps,
causing Jasmine to squeal in pain. Pinned down helplessly Jasmine could only
hope Lori would manage to escape the basement, when suddenly ... a light
turned on, blinding Jasmine momentarily. Still lying on the floor, she looked
up at her foe, and was bowled over at who she was ...

The heated face of Tina Palermo!

CHAPTER EIGHT

"Get off of me!" Jasmine yelled out at Tina while being pinned to the floor.
Regaining her composure at seeing whom she assaulted, Tina immediately
released her hold on the Latina. Lori stood nearby after finding the light
switch, surprised at seeing Tina there as well.

"You fight pretty well for a model," Jasmine said to the Cuban, rubbing her
sore biceps. "Do you always attack someone in the dark?"

"It's the Cuban blood in me, always on the offensive I'm afraid. And I'm
really sorry about biting you ... " Tina replied apologetically, looking a bit
ashamed at assaulting Jasmine. "You're not so bad yourself," she added while
gently rubbing her head after having her long hair pulled roughly.

"Okay, just what's going on here?" Lori exclaimed as she approached the two
girls still sitting on the concrete floor.

"I like to know that myself," Jasmine wondered herself towards Tina's
presence.

"I was trying to find out what happened to Amber," she responded plainly with
a brief look of anguish on her cute face.

"I know, we heard ourselves. I'm very sorry ... " Jasmine said with deep
sympathy towards Tina.

"Hold on a second, what are you two doing here?" Tina then asked the snooping
duo, a bit suspicious of them.

"Well, we came here to see if we could figure out where Amber could've gone
to, or who may have taken her," Jasmine responded evenly.

"So, you two are detectives then?" Tina asked.

"Yes, we are ... " Lori chimed in a bit haughty, " ... the best this side of
Santa Fe, even if I don't like it most of the time what Jasmine's does."

Tina began to chuckle at that brazen response, and Jasmine soon joined her.
"What's so funny?" Lori asked her best friend, figuring that she would have
her support. "You ... 'this side of Santa Fe ... ' You make us sound like
Nancy Drew," Jasmine answered, still laughing knowing that Lori was still
apprehensive about joining her sometimes.

Lori looked hurt at Jasmine's childish behavior, and the Latina noticed that.
"Cheer up, Lori ... I was only kidding."

"It's alright ... " Tina cut in after giggling herself, " ... I have a close
friend who thinks she's a world-class detective herself. But she's not as
clever as I am when it comes to solving mysteries," she added that small
detail in an effort to impress her new sleuthing friends.

"Since we're all on the same case, why don't we work together in finding out
what happened last night," Jasmine offered, and got Tina's approval with a
cheerful nod. Jasmine then got up to her feet while Tina did the same. "You're
a lot shorter when you're not wearing those sky-high heels," Jasmine observed
to the now-petite Cuban.

"Yeah ... trying to solve a crime in heels is something I don't recommend, not
unless you enjoy a sprained ankle," Tina grinned, happy that her two new
companions weren't much taller than her.

Suddenly, a sound was heard in the distance, which startled all three girls.
"I think we better get out of here before we all get in trouble for
trespassing," Lori suggested warily.

"Follow me, I know a way out," Tina offered, and the three of them quietly
walked off ...

CHAPTER NINE

After taking a breather in the hotel restaurant for some beverages, the girls
were more relaxed after that ugly melee in the basement. "How can you drink
that?" Lori asked Tina in reference to the Cuban's preferred choice in
refreshment""a mocha cappuccino. "It's actually quite delicious, and the
caffeine doesn't hurt either," she answered before taking another sip.

Jasmine stroked her tall glass of iced tea with her finger lost in thought for
a moment. "Earth to Jasmine, are you there?" Lori spoke up, waving her hand in
front of the Latina's face. "Oh, sorry ... " Jasmine then said a little
embarrassed. "I was just thinking about what you told me regarding Mr. Stetson
in his office." She then turned her attention to Tina. "What do you know about
George Stetson?"

"Well, I know that he and Scott are old friends," Tina said matter-of-factly.
"Why do you ask?"

"When I asked him about you and Amber this morning, he sort of came across as
being guarded, like he might be hiding something."

"Are you suggesting that Mr. Stetson had Amber kidnapped?" Tina asked her new
partner in disbelief.

"During an investigation everyone is a suspect no matter how incredible it
might sound," Lori chimed in recalling what her father had told her in regards
to his work.

"There were a lot of people at that club last night ... anyone could've
snatched her," Tina said doing some thinking of her own.

"You were lucky that whoever took Amber didn't try and grab you as well,"
Jasmine noted since she was seen with Amber all night at the club.

"So, are you two like a couple?" Lori asked Tina straight out, which caused a
surprised look on Jasmine's face towards her best friend. "Lori, how can you
ask that?"

"No, it's alright ... " Tina cut in coolly. "Yes, we are a couple, for about
six months now."

"Were you always like this ... you know, into girls?" Jasmine asked,
satisfying her own curiosity since she doesn't know anyone to the best of her
knowledge that are homosexual.

"I guess on some small level, I've always suspected that I was gay, but I have
an older sister who men worshipped the ground she stood on, and when I became
a teenager, I felt compelled to follow in her footsteps ... keep up the
Palermo female tradition of attracting multiple men," Tina confessed rather
openly since either girl doesn't know, and wouldn't judge so harshly.

"How do your parents feel about you and Amber, if you don't mind me asking?"
Jasmine pried again.

"Well, that's the complicated part ... they don't know."

"Man, if my folks knew I was going out with some boy behind their backs, they
would ground me until I was thirty, and I'm not exaggerating," Lori said
candidly.

"C'mon ... your parents are not that bad," Jasmine spoke up in defense. "My
mom would be cool about it, but my dad ... he'd have the guy disappear
somewhere in Mexico." Lori chuckled at that flippant remark, trying to picture
gentle Manuel Medina as some vengeful father; of course she doesn't know him
that well.

"What made you guys go to the basement?" Tina asked, wanting to get off the
touchy subject of her sexual preference.

"It was simple actually ... " Jasmine answered, " ... the staff elevator was
close enough to Amber's room, and we figured that she must've been taken
through there."

"I came to that same conclusion, and after doing some snooping of my own in
the basement, I found this ... " Tina showed them a small silver object.
Jasmine took it from Tina, and studied the minute object very carefully. Lori,
too, looked at it as well, and a puzzled gaze came over her face. "What it
is?" she asked.

"It appears to be a cufflink," Jasmine replied. "And this eight-pointed symbol
engraved on it ... it looks a bit familiar, like I've seen it somewhere."
Suddenly, Lori's light brown eyes went wide as she reached over, taking the
object from Jasmine's grasp. "I remember seeing this from one of my father's
case files he brings home sometimes ... it looks just like the emblem for a
criminal gang that operates in the Santa Fe area, I believe they're called ...
The Los Diablos."

Both Tina and Jasmine had an unsettled look after hearing what Lori had just
said of a gang whose name meant 'The Devils'. "If these guys are connected to
Amber's disappearance, I think this may be too big for all of us," Jasmine
confessed openly.

"Well, you two can do what you want, but I'm not going to stop until I find
Amber ... alive," Tina said determinately.

"Now hold on, I didn't say that we would chicken out ... " Jasmine said
reassuringly to the distraught girl, " ... but I think we should get some
outside help in finding these guys. And I know just the person who could do
that for us."

"Who?" Tina asked curiously.

"My mother ... " the Latina answered back with a knowing look at Lori.

CHAPTER TEN

"You want me to do what?" the frenzied voice of Jane Medina rang out from
Jasmine's cell phone as both Tina and Lori sitting close by could also hear
her with worrisome looks on their faces.

"Mom, I wouldn't ask you if this wasn't important, a girl's life is at stake,"
Jasmine made her claim in an attempt to appeal to her mother's compassion, and
thrill of adventure. After explaining everything she knew about what happened
at the hotel, Jasmine smiled at the delight to her friends. "Okay ... I'll
wait for your call at Lori's house," she then said cheerfully and hung up the
compact phone.

"So, what did she say?" Tina asked in anticipation.

"She said that she knows a person who may know where to find these
characters," Jasmine replied. "My mom, the private gumshoe with her
connections now, just like in those old detective movies she loves to watch,"
she added in reference to the films that enthralled Jane when she was a child.

"So, we just then sit here and wait until she calls back, that could be
hours!" Tina said all worked up again as her patience was wearing thin.

"What can we do?" Lori asked prudently. "My mom will be here soon, maybe you
can join us," Lori offered to Tina, knowing that she would want to know the
second that Jasmine's mom called back with any news.

"I really don't think that her boss would allow Tina to ... " Jasmine said,
but stopped in mid-sentence as she saw Tina with her cell phone to her ear.
"Scott ... " the Cuban said into her phone, " ... I'm going to be with friends
here while I recuperate. The last place I need to be is in that hotel, too
many bad feelings now. I'll call you tomorrow morning first thing, I promise
... 'bye."

"Wow ... you're good," Lori said in amazement at Tina's handling of her boss.

"He trusts me implicitly, plus I know how to manage him," she replied
confidently, making her two friends wonder exactly which one of them was
really in charge on this trip.

* * *

In reality, Jane was thrilled by the call from her daughter at checking out
this gang of thugs. Her present case she was working on was now completed
after delivering photos to the man that hired her to follow his wife at
proving that she was having an illicit affair, which she discovered that in
fact she was with her boss of all people at some seedy motel""pictures tell a
thousand words, don't they.

The person who she needed to see next was someone who won't give information
up too easily, so Jane stopped by at home first to change into something that
would give her an advantage in successfully dealing with this particular
individual.

Parking her SUV in a parking lot at the outskirts of town, Jane stepped out
cautiously, taking notice to the people milling around the sordid
establishment. Dressed smartly in a gray pin-stripe suit with a slim skirt,
Jane looked very professional in her appearance right down to the matching
fedora-like hat resting on her neatly bunned-up dark hair""just like Sam
Spade, except as a dame. But it was her lower half that instantly caught the
gazes of the patrons close by""her shapely legs were sheathed in black nylons,
and her feet clad in black four-inch stiletto pumps, a stark contrast to her
more conservative look. Living the life of a private investigator was
something that Jane is still getting used to, and she hoped that taking a
chance at this stage in her life would be just as exciting as when she was a
kid fantasizing about solving crimes.

Entering the bar, she walked carefully in her heels on the hardwood floor,
clicking with each step she took. She doesn't wear high heels all that much as
she's more of a soccer mom, which was no exaggeration with Jasmine on the
team, but once in a while she likes having to look all feminine and pretty,
and tonight was one such occasion that required it.

It wasn't long before she saw the person she was looking for, and his reaction
to her appearance was just the response she needed from him""now she got his
full attention. After sitting across from him, Jane smoothly crossed her legs,
with her raised pump right in his eyesight.

"Jane Medina ... I almost didn't recognize you in that get-up," he said a bit
hoarsely as his breath smelled of alcohol, but his tone was definitely that of
delight as he picked up a cigar and took a couple of puffs.

"Let's just cut to the chase, Sanders ... " she said rather brusquely at him,
" ... I understand that you know where I could find some members of the Los
Diablos gang," Jane then spoke more softly as to not be overheard by anyone
who may want to know.

"What do you want with them ... they stole your cat?" he chuckled a little at
his own joke.

"I'm serious," Jane then said more straightforward.

"Well ... since you went to all this trouble in looking good, I suppose I
could accommodate your request ... for a small fee, of course."

"How much?" Jane asked warily, hoping that it wasn't too much for she doesn't
carry much cash on her.

"For you and your sexy legs ... one hundred ought to do it," he replied
between an unexpected belch, which caused Jane to back away from him slightly
in disgust.

Reaching into her black handbag, she produced five twenty-dollar bills, and
handed it over to him discreetly. "I know one of them likes to go to the
drive-in on Saturdays. A short fellow, goes by the name of Gonzalez, Carlos
Gonzalez. You should be able to spot him wearing a black jacket with those
nifty silver cufflinks they all like to wear."

Jane smiled warmly with her rosy lips upon hearing all that. "Thanks for your
help, Sanders," she then said pleasantly, and slowly stood up.

"Why don't you come by here more often. We don't get enough pretty women like
yourself around here."

"Thanks, but I'll pass," she said curtly, and headed out with a quicker step
in her stride than when she walked in. She was glad to be getting out of these
impractical shoes and into a more comfortable pair of flats she brought along
on this trip.

Once outside, she walked to her car as she noticed the parking lot was almost
abandoned.

When she walked to her car she noticed a tall, Latin woman standing near her
car looking around like she was lost.

As the woman noticed Jane she turned towards her with a confused look on her
face.

"mi coche se ha ido, me puede ayudar?", the female said as she stepped towards
Jane.

"no habla ingles" Jane lied as she realized instantly there was something off
about this woman.

The woman was in her mid twenties and was tall and beautifull like a catwalk
model.

However there was something about her way of moving that made her look
calculating and predatory.

She appeared confused but Jane noticed a stone cold look in her eyes, her eyes
made her look more like a reptile on the hunt then a human missing her car.

In the split second it took to process this information Jane realized this was
an ambush and she looked around just in time to notice the masked man comming
at her from behind.

Just in time she stepped aside and dodged his hands reaching for her.

The man recovered and moved towards her aiming a quick punch to her belly.

Jane parried the punch and at the same time she connected a hard palm strike
to his face.

As his head snapped back Jane then send a hard kick to his gut which made him
drop to the floor.

She then ducked away quickly to avoid the chopping strike the woman aimed for
the side of her neck.

Jane raised her fists as the Latin woman moved towards her.

Jane avoided a punch aimed to her throat and replied with a whirling kick
aimed at the jaw of her attacker.

However the woman avoided the kick and before she could react the woman hit
her with a punch straight into her belly making her gasp for air.

Jane aimed a punch to the face of the woman, however she seemed to have
expected this.

With both hands she seized her arm and pulled her off balance.

Before Jane could respond her arm was firmly twisted behind her back and the
woman kicked the back of her knee to make her drop forward.

Within seconds the woman had forced Jane flat on her stomach and was
straddling her lower back while she kept her arm painfully twisted behind her
back.

Jane wanted to scream for help but the woman pressed her hand tightly over her
mouth to handgag her.

"The boss did not want her injured, did you not bruise her face?" the male
attacker said as he had got back to his feet.

"She is fine, I am gentle with her" the reptile-like woman said with a voice
deprived from any emotion.

Jane looked around with panicked brown eyes, hoping to see if anyone noticed
her being assaulted ... sadly no one was around. The effective hand gag
hindered her screams for help well enough, and then she made a grunting sound
upon feeling a prick on her nyloned thigh like a needle piercing her skin.
Very quickly afterwards, she felt her head starting to spin, and then blacked
out completely ...

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Tina was pacing around fretfully in Lori's room like a caged tiger, ready to
pounce at any moment. Lori was on her computer in a corner, logged on to
MysteryChicks after Tina had showed her about that website. Jasmine sat on the
carpeted floor looking a bit concerned as it had been over four hours since
she last spoke with her mother. She had that nagging feeling again that
something wasn't quite right.

Just then, the sound of Jasmine's phone rang, which caused Tina to halt in her
tracks. "Hello, Gina? ... " Jasmine answered hesitantly, hoping that it was
her mother instead. "Gina is her mom's records keeper or receptionist, I
guess," Lori said to Tina as to keep her up to speed.

"No, I haven't heard from my mom yet," Jasmine spoke into her phone with a
worried look on her face now. "Did she say where she was going?" she asked
with hope in her voice. After a few tense seconds of waiting, Jasmine then
spoke, "Okay ... I'll call you if I hear back from her ... 'bye."

"So, what did she say?" Tina asked the million-dollar question, again.

"Gina said that all she knows was that my mom was going to see some guy named
Sanders," Jasmine replied plainly.

"Does she know where that meet is?" Lori asked this time.

"No ... but she tried calling her on her cell, and can't get through, like
it's shut off," Jasmine continued as she tried to control her rising fear that
something awful may have happened to her mother.

"That's just great!" Tina burst out, but then looked sorrowful towards a now
distraught Jasmine. "I'm sorry, I really hope nothing bad happened to your
mom."

"Thanks ... " Jasmine replied a little cheerful, knowing that Tina was sincere
in her concern.

"We have to do something," Lori said as she walked off from her computer to
her best friend.

"Your dad is a cop ... would he know who this Sanders guy is?" Tina suggested
to Lori, and Jasmine had a twinkle in her dark brown eyes.

"Well, he works at the Academy, and he has connections ... "

"That's our only chance in finding him, and hopefully my mother," Jasmine
implored to Lori, who looked cagily back at what she was asking her.

"Okay, I'll go ask him ... "

* * *

Jane started to stir a little as she began to wake up from her slumber.
Whatever was in that needle was some powerful stuff. Still feeling
lightheaded, her vision began to clear and she quickly noticed that she had
been stripped to her underwear and her hands were bound securely together
behind her back, and her ankles were tied up as well. She felt a strip of
cloth wedged between her teeth and wrapped tightly over her hair.

She then became aware that she wasn't alone either. Across from the small room
she was placed in was another person bound and gagged. Looking at the
disheveled, half naked girl, Jane concluded that she was the missing girl
Jasmine talked about. And now it appears that she was missing herself.

Jane tried to pull herself over to the teen girl when she realized that her
hands were also fixed to the wall she sat back on, some kind of metal ring she
felt with her fingers. With no other options left, Jane began doing the only
thing she could do ... "Heeeeeeemmmmm!!!" she cried out through her thick gag.
And right on cue, a metal door suddenly creaked opened. Jane had hoped a
rescue was at hand, but the timing of it told her otherwise ...

"Well, you're finally awake," a Hispanic-looking man said as he bent down on
one knee in front of the captive detective. Jane gazed at his gaunt look,
finding his look very unsettling. Another man appeared, and based on his
appearance, Jane guessed that was Carlos Gonzalez.

"It was very thoughtful of you to leave your car in an areau we control,"
Carlos spoke with a heavy Mexican accent. "Your friend was mighty generous in
telling us about your visit to see him."

Jane cursed at herself for allowing Sanders to betray her like that. Of
course, she's only dealt with him a handful of times, but never knew how
treacherous he really was ... until now. The other man just continued to stare
at her model looks that she was blessed with""his gaze moving down to her
stocking legs and high-heeled pumps. He grinned slightly while moving his
fingers along her smooth calf""Jane froze at his lecherous touch. "Oh yeah ...
she'll do just fine," he then finally said softly.

"But look at her, she's too old for the boss," Carlos then said to his
associate.

Turning to face Carlos, he spoke again. "I'm in charge here, and I say we sell
her too!"

Jane's brown eyes popped open in utter shock as she now knows what kind of
trouble she had gotten herself into ... white slavery!

CHAPTER TWELVE

"So, what did your dad say?" Jasmine asked Lori upon her return with deep
interest. Tina looked just as eager waiting what the teen girl had to say.

"You know my dad ... after explaining to him why I wanted to know first
without arousing his suspicions," Lori went on as Jasmine quietly agreed with
her. "I told him that he knew your mom, and was curious about him."

"Okay, enough with the dissertation ... what did he say to you?" Tina asked
with growing impatience, trying to get Lori back on subject.

"Sorry ... I sometimes have a tendency to ramble endlessly," Lori replied as
she noticed Jasmine giving her an annoyed look herself. "Okay ... all my dad
knew about him was that he spent some jail time on some drug charges a few
years back. That's about it, I'm afraid," Lori sounded a bit dejectedly.

Jasmine sighed in mild frustration, and then her brown eyes lit up. "What are
you thinking of?" Lori asked warily at her more adventurous friend for
whenever Jasmine has a gleam in her eye it usually means that trouble follows.

"I don't why I didn't think of it sooner ... my mom would have info on this
Sanders fellow on her computer back home. I just need to access her files,"
Jasmine explained excitedly.

"Then let's get going," Tina spoke, getting up to her feet.

"I won't be able to come with you guys," Lori said glumly. "My folks want me
in for the night, so I can't come over."

Jasmine smiled warmly at her best friend, placing her hand on her shoulder.
"That's okay ... you've done plenty for one day."

"Just don't get into any trouble, okay?" Lori pleaded with her.

"We're just trying to get some info on a person, how much trouble could that
be?"

* * *

Jasmine was able to get a ride home from Mrs. Fielding with Tina tagging
along. After arriving at the modest-sized house, Mrs. Fielding waited until
both girls were inside before driving off.

"Nice place," Tina said as the dwelling sort of reminded of her of her own
house, just a little smaller.

"Thanks," Jasmine replied quickly. "Make yourself at home, and I'll go get my
mother's laptop," she then said, and darted up the stairs to the second story.

Tina made her way over to the kitchen. Turning on the light, she spotted the
white refrigerator and headed for it. The hot temperatures here have been
making her thirsty, and she craved a cool beverage. Opening the door, she
found two bottles of diet cola and grabbed them both, figuring that Jasmine
could use one as well. After closing the door shut, a black-clad figure
suddenly appeared from behind it. Tina was instantly startled by his
unexpected presence and dropped the two plastic bottles on the floor.

Before she had a chance to scream, another figure came up from behind her, and
placed a hand over her mouth!

* * *

Jasmine trotted back downstairs with the sleek laptop in hand. "Tina, help
yourself to a drink in the fridge," she called out hospitably. Reaching the
living room, Jasmine saw no sign of the Cuban. Placing the laptop on the
coffee table, she noticed the kitchen light on and headed there. She gasped at
seeing the bottles of soda on the floor with its contents spraying out
creating a brown puddle. Then she heard a faint noise and looked back up,
gasping even more audibly at seeing Tina standing with her hands tied behind
her back while a strange man had her mouth covered with his hand. Her
distressed brown eyes pleaded back at the Latina as someone quickly seized
Jasmine from behind, another hand clamping over her mouth.

Jasmine struggled hard but got pressed with her chest tightly against the
wall. Glancing over her shoulder she noticed her attacker was a Latin female.

She felt a rope looped around her wrists and in mere seconds her arms were
secured behind her back as the woman dragged her out of the kitchen.

Both girls were scared beyond belief as they were dragged out of the house!

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Lori Fielding was a bundle of nerves waiting for Jasmine to call her back with
news. Checking the clock hanging high on the wall, it was almost two hours
since she and Tina left. She wondered how long it would take to hack into Mrs.
Medina's laptop. Jasmine was very bright to begin with, plus she knew her
mother very well that cracking whatever password she assigned would be child's
play for the soccer star.

Losing the last of her patience, Lori grabbed her cordless phone, and
speed-dialed Jasmine's number. She waited anxiously as the other end rang, and
rang, and rang ... Hanging up the call, she punched in Jasmine's cell instead,
figuring that her detective friend found something out and didn't bother to
tell her. Instead of a ringing sound, the call went straight to her voicemail,
as if Jasmine had it turned off. Now Lori looked positively spooked, guessing
that Jasmine and Tina found out about this Sanders guy and went to find him.

Pacing around in her room, the more level-headed Lori was busy thinking what
she could do to help for she just couldn't sit around here, wondering
nervously what trouble Jasmine and Tina would get themselves in. Asking help
from her parents, particularly her father, was definitely out of the
question""he would most likely lock the house down to keep her put. Then, an
idea came to her, and dialed another number on her phone.

After waiting for a few rings, someone at last answered her call. "Hello,
Gina? ... It's Lori Fielding ... "

* * *

Jasmine and Tina were wedged against each other in the confined rear space of
a compact SUV. Both teen girls were bound securely hand and foot with rope,
their mouths cleave gagged tightly with thick strips of cloth. The lack of
space they were situated in, left them with no room at all to try and free
themselves as they sat next to each other on opposite ends of the vehicle.

Jasmine was still completely baffled as to how this all happened, it was as
though they were waiting for her, and Tina just happened to be with her. She
felt deep down that this surprising abduction was somehow connected to her
mother's mysterious absence.

One of their captors, the one sitting in the passenger seat, turned his head
around to face them. "Enjoying the ride, chicas?" he said mockingly in a
strong Mexican accent. Tina did her best at acting all brave in this harrowing
situation, which was a herculean task in itself, while Jasmine struggled to
keep a level head. She had been captured several times in that last couple of
years, her life even threatened as well, but no matter how many times she ends
in the villain's clutches, it doesn't get any easier to cope with it.

The frightened Latina tried her best to articulate speech through the cloth
she bit down on, trying her best to say, "Why are you doing this?"

The slimy man sort of figured her garbled inquiry, which was more of a guess
on his part. "Why have you been snatched?" he asked, which elicited nods of
yes from the prisoners. "I guess you should know since that's the least I
could do," he continued in his scornful tone. "Vasquez here ... " he gestured
toward the driver keeping her eyes on road, taking the occasional glance in
the rear view mirror to admire their 'guests', " ... saw your friend snooping
around at the model studio," he pointed right at Jasmine, no doubt referring
to Lori spying on Mr. Stetson in his office earlier today. We thought that
she'd be with you, but it looks like the model's girlfriend decided to play
little detective ... " Tina gasped through her gag at his last statement as he
was obviously referring to her precious Amber. Those bastards! ... she thought
wickedly.

"But we didn't quite knew about your involvement until we had the pleasure of
meeting your sweet mother," he said to an already distraught Jasmine about as
sweet as bowl full of sour lemons. Tina glanced over at Jasmine, offering a
silent sympathy as it seems two people they love very dearly were in jeopardy,
very much like themselves now.

"Relax and try to enjoy the ride, it may very well be the last for the both of
you ... "

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"Are you sure that your parents said that it was alright for me to be taking
you out?" Gina Cimino asked carefully to her Nineteen-year-old passenger
sitting right beside her as she drove into the nighttime hours.

"Yes ... My mom and dad know that I'm with you," Lori lied out rightly as she
had to literally climb out of her bedroom window after informing her folks
that she was taking in an early slumber tonight. She just hoped that they
didn't check in on her.

"I'm sure, that's why I met you outside your house and not at the front door,"
Gina said knowingly as she had snuck out quite a few times when she was a
teenager. "I wouldn't ordinarily rush out of a party, but when you mentioned
that Jasmine could be in trouble, I promised Jane that I would do my best at
making sure that doesn't happen," the pretty college student pledged since
becoming Jane's assistant after that debacle with her so-called friends.

"You still haven't heard from Mrs. Medina, have you?" Lori asked, hoping that
Gina might have.

"No, but I'm more concerned about Jasmine ... Jane can take care of herself."

Stopping at the Medina residence, Lori bolted straight to the front door with
Gina following unevenly in her silver five-inch stiletto sandals as part of
her clubbing outfit for the evening: a simple black top and tight shiny black
leggings.

After ringing the doorbell first, Lori wondered if the door was unlocked, and
to her amazement it was. "Jasmine!? Tina!? ... " she called out urgently after
stepping inside. Gina walked in right after and closed the door behind her.

"The laptop is untouched ... " Lori said, spotting the machine neatly folded
on the coffee table.

"Lori, come over here!" Gina spoke from the kitchen, and Lori headed over
there. She noticed Gina looking down on the floor and saw a large puddle of
spilled soda. "What happened to them?" Lori asked with a chilling tone in her
shaky voice, figuring that Jasmine and Tina had left on their own accord.

"Let's see what Jasmine was searching for ... " Gina then said, walking back
to the living room. She sat on the sofa and opened the compact computer. Lori
sat right beside her, watching the device power up. She observed in
fascination as Gina went about going through the network drives. "I'm taking a
computer class," she said modestly as she typed with such ease.

"Hold on ... how do you know the password?" Lori inquired as she saw Gina
gaining access.

"Jane gave it to me in confidentiality," she replied while still typing away.
"There ... I've accessed the file server back at the office, and I'm going
through Jane's work log. Last entry reads ... 'Meeting Sanders at Jose Mesa'
... " Gina stopped for a moment while lost in thought.

"Do you know where that is?" Lori asked hopefully.

"Yes ... it's a bar, and not a very reputable one at that," she responded
cautiously.

"If we hurry, he might still be there!" Lori exclaimed excitedly, rising up to
her feet.

"What do you mean 'we're' going?" Gina said to the teenager in front of her.

"Oh, come on ... if it wasn't for me you wouldn't even know that Jasmine and
possibly Mrs. Medina are in danger, not to mention Tina also," Lori defended
herself to the slightly older girl.

"And if it wasn't for me, you wouldn't even know where to go anyway," Gina
shot right back at her, and then noticed the hurtful look on Lori's face,
realizing how distressing this whole event was on the teen girl.

"Oh, alright ... but you do what I say to the letter, got that?" Gina said in
a very authoritive tone, which reminded Lori of her mother, Susan Fielding.

* * *

The captive snoops felt the SUV finally coming to a stop and engine shutting
off. They looked at each other fearfully, wondering if it was the end for them
now. The rear door swung up, and Jasmine, who was closest to edge of the
vehicle, was seized by another homely-looking Mexican man and carried off.
Tina was also hauled out. Both teens squealing loudly behind their tight gags.
The surroundings were too dark for either of them to sufficiently see where
they were. After a couple of twists and turns, the girls were finally placed
down. A light suddenly came on, and they both looked shocked at what they saw!

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

"I must say, the amount of beautiful girls just keep coming to me ... " George
Stetson spoke heartily as he stood over a still surprised Jasmine and Tina
that the owner of the modeling studio, and an old friend to Tina's boss, was
involved with this kidnapping scheme all along. "You two darlings were very
clever in figuring out about our' involvement here," he gestured towards his
posse of criminals standing next to him. "Now to figure out what to do with
the two of you ... " he then spoke sinisterly at the captive duo, which sent a
clear message that he intended clean up any loose ends.

Tina mumbled through her loathsome gag at Mr. Stetson, and the wily man nodded
over to one of his associates, who then approached the imperiled Cuban and
removed her muzzle. "Where's Amber?" she asked forcefully, giving Stetson a
spiteful glare.

He chuckled softly at Tina's conduct, acting as though she was in charge.
"Scott was right about you ... you are a plucky one, even in the situation
you're in now."

"Where is she ... and Jasmine's mother?" she demanded again while trying to
not sob.

"Oh ... they're being readied for their overnight shipment to Mexico," he
stated casually, which caused Jasmine to moan through her gag at the
unsettling thought of her dear mother being taken away from her, possibly
forever!

"Shipment ... like being sold!?" Tina said in aghast, recalling that frightful
incident when she and her best friend, Lila Spencer, were almost sold while
vacationing in Bimini two years ago.

"Precisely," he responded back. "A man can't live on the income of just a
modeling studio. I have other enterprises of the illegal kind that bring in
far more money. Selling young pretty girls across the border is one that I
dabble in every now and then, when a prospective prize presents itself, like
the exquisite Miss Jensen. She will bring in a hefty amount."

"But what about Mrs. Medina ... she's much older than Amber?" Tina asked
again.

"Ah ... the lovely P.I.," Stetson said. "Vasquez here ... " he gestured to the
reptile-looking female that spooked both snoops, " ... has a friend that
appreciates more mature women it seems, so she's an added bonus."

Jasmine futilely wrestled against her wrist bonds, wanting to rescue her
mother, and bring these creeps to justice for what they done.

"Now, now ... don't expel your strength just yet ... you might need it,"
Stetson then said ominously at his prisoners.

"What're you going to do to us?" Tina asked forebodingly, not liking what she
would hear.

* * *

Stopping her red Chevy Citation on the side of the road across from Jose Mesa,
Gina turned off the engine. "I want you to stay inside liked we talked about,"
she said in a firm tone to Lori sitting anxiously next to her.

Ordinarily, Lori would be more than happy to accommodate her command, even not
being here in the first place, but the thought of Gina going into that rat
hole of place all alone, and in that rather provocative outfit she was
wearing, made the teenager very scared for her, even if that Sanders character
wasn't in there.

Noticing Lori's troubled look, Gina smiled at her. "Don't worry, I know how to
handle myself. Besides, it's a public place, so I should be safe enough."

"Just be careful," Lori said solemnly after having already three people she
knew in danger.

"I should be back in no time," the young woman finally said, and stepped out
of the car, making her way to the entrance of the modest-sized building. Lori
made sure the doors were locked and kept her head low enough as to not be seen
by any seedy characters that frequent this type of place.

* * *

Stepping inside, Gina made her way carefully to the bar, keeping a cautious
eye on the surroundings. It was a Saturday night, and the place was almost
packed with all types of characters. She was relieved a bit at seeing other
women there, but that didn't alleviate her anxieties that she kept deep down
within herself.

Taking an empty stool, Gina heard some whistling sounds from behind as some of
the men no doubt were admiring her risqué look, which could erroneously
translate that she was looking for a good time. The bartender came over to
her, waiting for her request. "I'm looking for a man by the name of Sanders,"
she asked coolly to the overweight Mexican man.

"He's sitting over there," he pointed to a corner, and Gina turned slowly and
spotted him all alone. "Thanks," she said plainly, and headed over to him.

Sanders almost did a double-take at seeing the hot-looking brunette girl
approach him. "Well, hello little lady ... what can I get for you to drink?"
he asked arousingly as Gina took a seat across from him.

"I know that Jane Medina came here to talk with you earlier," Gina got right
to the point, which caused just a slight cringe on Sanders face. "I want to
know what you told her."

"What're you, her younger sister or something?" he said in a slurred tone
while lighting up another cigar.

"I'm a concerned friend, and I would appreciate any help from you," Gina
implored to him.

"Would you now ... " Sanders said with a gleam in his eye. "You could butter
my muffin, if you know what I mean." Gina clearly knew exactly what he meant,
and stood back up with a disgusted look on her face. "I see that reasoning
with you is futile, so I'll just go now," she said, and proceeded to leave
when Sanders gently grabbed her arm to stop her.

"Hold on there, little lady ... I was just being playful with you. Can't blame
a guy for trying. Sit back down, and I'll tell what you want to know."

Gina did as he requested, and stared right at him with a stern look. "You were
saying?"

"Jane wanted to know where she can locate the Los Diablos gang, so I told her
where she can find one of them," explained carefully to her. "So, where did
she go?" she asked him.

"That will cost you, I'm afraid ... " he sneered delightfully at her. "How
much?" Gina asked the very same question Sanders heard before.

"For you, pretty girl ... one hundred should suffice," he said after taking a
puff from his cigar.

Gina grumbled lightly as she opened her small black handbag. "All I have is
eighty-five on me, I swear."

Sanders gave her a sweet grin. "I'll take it, if that's all you got."

Gina handed him the money, and Sanders wrote down some notes on a napkin, then
slid it over to her. "This is where I told Jane to go to. You're on your own
after that."

Looking at the directions, she placed it in her bag and stood up. "You better
be straight with me, or you'll be finding some trouble with the police," she
said coolly at him with a deadpan look on her cute face.

After she left the bar, Sanders reached for his cell phone in his pocket and
punched in a number. "Carlos ... you're going to have some unexpected company
of the lovely kind."

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

"Are you sure this is the right place?" Lori asked fretfully at seeing the
darkened building up ahead as Gina's car came to a halt. The place looked as
though it was deserted.

"That's the directions I was given," Gina replied, wondering to herself if
Sanders sent her on a wild goose chase ... but why? "You stay here, I'm going
to have a quick check of the place just to make sure," Gina said to her young
charge.

"But what if there's trouble inside?" Lori appealed to her, not wanting Gina
to walk into danger.

"Don't worry, I'm just getting a quick look inside. Besides, I think we've
duped anyway. There goes eighty-five hard earned dollars I'll never see." Gina
stepped out of the car while Lori sulked away in the passenger seat ... again.
I thought Gina was different being closer to my age, but she's no different
than my mom ... the teen girl thought annoyingly.

Walking very carefully over the uneven terrain, Gina grumbled mildly at the
choice footwear she had on. "I swear the next time I wear high heels, it'll be
too soon ... " the college co-ed complained softly to herself as she finally
reached the door.

Opening it carefully, she peered inside to see nothing but darkness. She
stopped her breathing for a moment to try and hear anything. Her ears did
detect some kind of sound, and she stepped inside slowly. Moving her hand on
the wall next to her, she was trying to feel for a light switch, when she
suddenly felt hands grabbing her. She went to let out a piercing scream to
Lori, but another hand clamped itself over her mouth, and the young woman was
quickly dragged away, her stiletto heels scraping along the concrete flooring.

* * *

Lori continued to sit restlessly inside the car, praying that Gina will come
out soon. I'll give her five more minutes ...

* * *

A door opened, and bright light came over Gina, momentarily blinding her. She
got a better look at her assailants as she saw three men around her: one in
front of her holding the door open, a second man behind her, holding her arms
behind her back, and a third holding her mouth tightly. "Come on, cutie ... "
the first man said pleasingly as Gina passed by him while trying to fight her
forced advance, " ... the fun is only starting."

Gina knew right away that Sanders had set her up, which made her believe that
Jane was most likely tricked as well. If she ever saw that slimeball again,
she would give him the receiving end of her pointed heel in the you-know-what,
and that's just for starters.

Gina didn't have time to think long about what happened to Jane when she
suddenly saw her employer sitting on the floor, bound and gagged. She also saw
another young girl, a striking blonde, also tied up next to her. Jane had a
look of deep despair at seeing Gina being assaulted as she was. She mumbled
heartbreakingly into her gag at her vicious captors.

"My, this is the day for pretty girls!" the joyous-sounding voice of George
Stetson rang out at seeing the captive, and frightened, Gina Cimino. "I think
that I'll have to reward our friend, Mr. Sanders, a little bonus at bringing
you here, little lady," he said as he approached the startled girl. Stetson
placed his stubby hand on Gina's hip, moving it slowly down her thigh. His
aged face suddenly went wide with pain as he fell down onto both knees after
Gina gave him a nice swift kick in the groin.

"Tie this bitch up ... and I mean tight!!" he yelled out in agonizing
discomfort to his minions. Gina was shoved roughly down onto the grimy floor,
her hands lashed behind her back with rope and her bare ankles likewise
secured. A thick strip of cloth of was then shoved into her mouth and tied
tightly in back of her head. Stetson slowly got up to his feet, looking down
at Gina with deep contempt on his face. "Take her to the others!" he shouted,
and Gina was hauled up and dragged away. Passing by Jane, she looked at her
with anguished eyes as both women came to grips that they'd most likely never
see each other again.

Entering another room in the decrepit building, Gina's eyes went wide again at
the ghastly sight of Jasmine and another teenage girl tied up back-to-back on
the floor in a firm ball-tie. Jasmine wailed in muffled groans through her
cleave gag at the unexpected sight of Gina there. The college girl was laid
down on her stomach, and was then securely hogtied as a long piece of rope
locked her bound hands towards her feet.

"Enjoy what little time you have left ladies ... " Carlos spoke maliciously at
the bound trio, " ... cause in about ten minutes, this whole place will blow
up sky-high," he laughed as he closed the door, sealing the terrified girls
inside.

* * *

With her patience already run out, Lori gingerly opened the door and exited
the vehicle. After Gina hadn't come out, she tried calling for help on her
phone, but the remoteness of this place prevented her from getting a decent
signal. Her heart raced with each step she took closer to the seemingly
abandoned building. As she approached the opened door, Lori peeked through,
and then proceeded to go inside ...

Right away she could hear noises up ahead as that confirmed to her that Gina
was most likely in some form of trouble, and she was the only one that could
help her. She wished at the very least that Jasmine was with her, as the
Latina had always gave her confidence, particularly in dicey situations such
as this. Lori realized that it was up to her now, and she slowly made her way
over to the source of the sounds.

Crouching low, she was in a big lighted room, and in front of her was a large
truck, like the ones used by the Army. She gasped at seeing Amber and Mrs.
Medina being carried to the open rear of the truck. She looked around to see
if Jasmine and Tina were around, figuring that these men here must've taken
them, but sadly, they were not in eyesight, nor was Gina for that matter. Lori
guessed that they might already be inside the truck. She also did a double
take when she spotted Mr. Stetson among the bad guys. She admitted having some
suspicions about the burly modeling owner, but those were just passing
thoughts. Now everything was starting to make sense to her.

Moving closer while staying hidden, Lori made her way near the truck as she
could now hear what those men were saying. "Is the charges all set in the
boiler room?" Stetson asked with a excited smile. "Yes, a timer has already
been set to explode in ten minutes," Vasquez responded evenly. "Good, then
those three snooping girls will be no more trouble for us," Stetson said
gladly. "Call me when you get across the border," he then said to the female,
and then walked out.

Lori couldn't believe what she was hearing, and seeing ... Amber and Mrs.
Medina being taken down to Mexico for God knows what, the place about to
explode with three girls inside ... and then it hit her like a ton of
bricks""Jasmine, Tina, and Gina!

With so little time ahead of her, Lori struggled within herself at how she can
save all her friends!

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

With all the bad guys leaving before the building would explode, Lori thought
she should be able to rescue her three friends held captive, but what about
Amber and Mrs. Medina? Looking around her in a frenzy, Lori spotted something
close by that might be useful ...

* * *

"Everybody on the truck, now!" Miguel bellowed deeply as the last members of
the infamous 'Los Diablos' gang assembled in the large vehicle. Carlos sat in
the covered back with their lovely prisoners aboard. "Maybe you and I can some
fun during the long drive ... " he said hungrily to Amber, who looked
positively frightful at him. Jane, closing her lips on the gag, kept giving
him a stern look, however.

* * *

Lori moved around the rear of the truck once everyone was inside it. She held
a large pointed spike in her small hands, and with all of her youthful
strength, she plunged the rusted metal rod into one of the large rear tires. A
small hole appeared after removing the spike, the hissing sound of air
emanating from the breach. She quickly did the same to other one on the
opposite side, and then the truck fired up its noisy engine.

Lori hid again as she saw the lumbering vehicle exit the building with hope
that her little sabotage will work. Once the truck was out of sight, Lori
dashed over to the nearest door leading deeper inside ...

* * *

Jasmine continued to struggle in another effort to free herself from the rigid
ball-tie she was in, but the restraints held tight and cut into her tanned
skin. Tina, likewise, was making her own attempt as freeing herself, but the
petite Cuban was defeated in her endeavor.

Audible squeals were uttered as Gina struggled wildly in her own hogtie,
rolling around on the dirty floor in the process. The college girl was no
closer at freeing herself than her fellow captives.

In the midst of her sorrow at dying very shortly, Jasmine tilted her head up
and listened very carefully. Tina was continuing to grunt and squeal loudly
through her gag while she still struggled. Jasmine moaned out to her to get
her attention, but the Cuban didn't seem to hear her. The Latina then whipped
her head back, smacking the back of Tina's head, which then got her attention.
Looking annoyed at Jasmine for doing that, Tina's brown eyes went wide as she
heard a sound, more specifically a voice, close by ...

Realizing instantly that the sound was Lori's voice, the three girls cried out
in unison as loud as they could muster to alert Lori of their location. After
a few tense seconds, the door opened, and Lori appeared looking so happy at
finding them.

With no time to spare, she went right over to Gina (who was the closest to
her) and removed the cloth from her mouth. "Lori, quick untie me ... this
place is gonna blow any minute!" Gina said in a panic.

"I know, I heard ... " Lori said plainly, and went into double-time undoing
the knots on the ropes holding Gina. Fortunately, Lori found the type of rope
used formed knots that weren't so stringent to unfasten, which was a blessing
being as she was racing the clock before the big kaboom.

Once Gina was freed enough, Lori went over to Jasmine and Tina and began
untying through their multitude of ropes. The teens looked silently at Lori's
hurried effort as their gags were still in place.

After Gina freed her ankles, she quickly unbuckled the straps from her stylish
sandals and removed them. She crawled over and pulled the gags out of Jasmine
and Tina's mouths, then assisted Lori with the knots.

In no more than a minute, Jasmine and Tina were finally freed, and the quartet
of females ran out of the room, and towards the nearest exit.

A loud booming was sound was soon heard, and the building began to shake
violently. The large door where the truck drove through was still open, and
the girls ran for it just as portions of the roof began to collapse around
them. Dodging the falling debris, they finally reached the outside and kept on
running until they were far enough away.

After stopping, they all looked back to see the entire building collapse into
itself with a fiery blaze rising up into the cool night air. The four girls
then hugged each tightly, thankful that they were alive and unharmed.

"My mom!" Jasmine exclaimed in the group hug as her thought returned back to
her, and Amber.

"They shouldn't get too far ... " Lori said cryptically to her.

"Why ... what did you do?" Tina asked as she noticed the faint smile across
Lori's face.

"Let's just say they should be stopping on account of a couple of flat tires,"
she replied, which drew another joyous group hug.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

After driving to get a clear signal to call for help""thanks to Tina's little
skill at hot wiring cars since those crooks disposed Gina's purse""and to
Gina's educated guess at which route the truck would most likely be traveling
on, the State Police soon found the vehicle off the side of the road, sure
enough with two flat tires.

With catching the gang by complete surprise, the police were able to rescue
Amber and Jane relatively easy (after two of the Los Diablos, including
Carlos, were gunned down while resisting). Only the female Vasquez had somehow
managed to escape after knocking out a cop. The happy gathering soon followed
at a State Police branch as mother and daughter were reunited, and two lovers
got a second chance, in which Tina now no longer cared about anyone knowing
that she loved Amber Jensen with all her heart after almost losing her
forever.

* * *

It was the next day, and Scott Kimball was still stunned at the discovery that
his longtime friend, George Stetson, was involved in illegal trafficking with
everything from guns and drugs to selling pretty girls across the border.
After his arrest in his posh home, the District Attorney promised that Stetson
will be put away for the rest of his sorry life, as well as the remainder of
the nefarious Los Diablos gang. Sanders, too, was brought in on conspiracy
charges.

With the harrowing events of the previous day, Scott called for a cancellation
of the last day of the model shoot, but Jasmine insisted on wanting to
experience one more day in the limelight, and wanted to properly say goodbye
to her new Florida friends.

"Will you come out already? ... " Lori exclaimed impatiently at the modeling
studio as everyone stood outside along with Ken, the photographer, who was
ready with his Nikon camera.

"I'm having second thoughts now," Jasmine spoke from other end of the closed
door with apprehension in her voice.

"If you don't come out, I'll drag you out myself," Tina spoke up, fully
prepared to do so.

After hearing that threat, the door opened and Jasmine appeared all glammed up
in a stunning black satin dress. Oohs and aahs followed by the small audience
watching at the enchanting sight before them. The Latina started to walk very
carefully in the black high-heeled strappy sandals on her feet. Despite the
slight awkwardness in her walk at wearing stilettos, Jasmine carried herself
quite well as though she was walking down the catwalk on a fashion circuit,
thanks to Tina's help in that.

"I'm ready for my close up ... " Jasmine said boldly in a playful tone to Ken
as she leaned against a stool, and placed an arm up to her stylized hair
(thanks goes to Amber for that).

Everyone then applauded happily as Jasmine smiled at all of them for this was
a wild weekend she will never forget.