Free The Sapphire Pendant by Dara Girard Page B

Michelle said. She stared at Jessie critically. “You’ll have to borrow one of my suits.”
    “I’m not wearing a skirt.”
    “No one is asking you to,” Teresa said soothingly. “But at some point you’ll have to show some leg.” She lifted up a leg of Jessie’s sweatpants. “You have nice ones.”
    “Maybe even some cleavage,” Michelle added.
    Jessie glared at her.
    “In spite of all the baggy clothes you wear, I know that you have breasts.”
    “I am not—”
    “Let’s take this one step at a time,” Teresa interrupted. “Everything will be revealed in due time.”
    Michelle laughed. Jessie scowled.
    * * *
    After breakfast, Michelle helped Jessie put on a nice cream pantsuit and pulled her hair back into a bun. She put on a dab of lipstick and highlighted her eyes. Jessie looked at herself in the mirror.
    “I look like you!” she cried.
    Michelle frowned. “What’s wrong with that?”
    “I’m supposed to attract him, not try to take his job.”
    “You’re going for a job interview. You need to look efficient.”
    “Teresa, say something,” Jessie pleaded.
    “The makeup could be stronger.” She grabbed the tube of lipstick.
    Michelle shook her head. “If you go there like a painted doll, the assistant is going to see right through you and not let you in.”
    “A little makeup won’t hurt,” Teresa said, applying more lipstick. “Now, remember to look inviting.”
    “How?”
    “Use those expressive eyebrows of yours, and flutter your eyelashes.”
    “And moan and whimper,” Michelle added sarcastically.
    Both sisters glared at her.
    “You’re not helping,” Teresa said. “Have you forgotten what’s at stake?”
    “Her pride, her dignity, her self-respect, her—”
    Teresa turned to Jessie. “Just remember to smile. Give him compliments.”
    “And if all else fails,” Michelle said, brushing some lint off her shoulder, “knock him over the head and hope he develops amnesia.”

 
     
     
    Chapter 7

     
    The lights were cruelly bright in the elegant ladies’ room of Radson Electronics and Software. The harsh overhead glare made Jessie’s face look like a mannequin, and already strands of hair were escaping her bun. She sighed and attempted to brush the strands back into place. She was about to swear in frustration when she noticed a little boy in a large, baggy T-shirt and a baseball cap. He snatched something from a woman’s purse and stuffed it into his pocket. He quickly looked left and right, then headed for the exit. Jessie grabbed his sleeve before he could make his escape.
    “Hey, what’s the big deal?” the boy asked, trying to pull free.
    Jessie stared closer, noticing the boy’s serious brown eyes. “Wait a minute—you’re a girl.”
    “Yeah, what of it?”
    Jessie held out her hand. “Give it here.”
    The girl smoothed out the wrinkles in her shirt. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    “Perhaps the police could refresh your memory.”
    The girl forced a cool smile. “Look, I wasn’t hurting anyone.”
    Jessie kept her hand held out.
    The girl sighed and handed her a wallet, a necklace, a broach and a tube of lipstick.
    Jessie was reluctantly impressed. “You’ve been busy.”
    “It’s been a busy day. Please don’t tell anyone. It’s harmless fun. You know, people shouldn’t carry so many things around with them. It gives a girl ideas.” Her eyes slid away. “Come on, you understand. If you don’t tell anyone, I can make it up to you. I know people.”
    “Just don’t let me catch you doing it again.”
    She smiled. “You won’t regret it.”
    Jessie grabbed the back of her collar before she could leave. “Just give me back my watch.”
    The girl laughed in triumph. “Just testing.” She placed the watch in Jessie’s palm. “You’re good.”
    “I know.”
    The girl gave a tiny salute, then rushed out of the room.
    * * *
    Jessie put the items in the Lost and Found, then headed for Kenneth’s office.
    “I’m