Free Blonde Ops by Charlotte Bennardo

potential security risk. I was pretty good at covering my tracks, but I’d have to be extra careful with the Secret Service sneaking and snooping about.
    First I would locate Parker and find out exactly how and why she ended up in the hospital.
    Then, I’d turn my attention—and talents—to Blondie.

 
----
    TRICKS AND TIPS FOR THE EDGE-Y GIRL
    The best beauty tip: RELAX. A spa day, yoga class, or a long, leisurely lunch will soothe your spirit, brighten your outlook, and put a smile—the BEST accessory—on your face.
----
    8
    The next morning I stopped by my new favorite panetteria for a coffee and pastry. Just about every place I passed reminded me of running into Dante. I was about to leave when my friend the baker came out of the back.
    â€œ Come sta, signore? ” I waved to him.
    He threw up his hands, a jovial expression on his face. “Eh! Buono, buono! Good!”
    Candace hadn’t given me an exact time to come in or specified that I had to be escorted, so I felt no guilt about taking my time and stopping for breakfast. I couldn’t face Kevin and Candace on an empty stomach. This time I ordered—and paid for—an ice cream–stuffed brioche. There was only one way to walk and eat: S-l-o-w-l-y.
    At the office I discovered Francesca holding Taliah captive halfway between the kitchen and the front desk. Kevin really should consider stapling her to the reception chair.
    â€œI heard that Taj is coming!” Francesca gushed.
    Taliah’s eyes sparkled. “If you stay at your desk, you’ll be the first one to see him! Oh, I’m so jealous!” From her pinched smile I could tell Taliah didn’t mean a word about being jealous, but Francesca let out a breathy gasp and practically ran back up front.
    I strolled past, trying not to laugh. Taj was probably some model, photographer, or designer they both had their claws out for. Big deal. I had more important things to think about: like keeping a sharp eye on what Candace, Varon, and the agents touched.
    I offered to take Case’s cup to the kitchen when he finished his coffee—and stuffed it behind my backpack. First item to be dusted for prints—acquired. There were plenty of powders and brushes around, so no one would notice if I borrowed what I needed. The problem was the actual dusting without getting caught. That would really raise eyebrows and questions.
    When Nelson, the agent with the buzz cut and itchy trigger finger, threw away his water bottle, I noted which one it was and began to collect the trash around the room as soon as he was gone. I was about to lift his bottle and dump the rest when—
    â€œWhat are you doing?” said Kevin over my left shoulder, making me jump.
    â€œStraightening up.” Well, I was collecting the trash, but only to get Nelson’s prints.
    He nodded. “Initiative. Keep it up.”
    After he turned away, I made sure no one saw that I stole Nelson’s bottle and dumped the rest. Holding it by the cap, I quickly stuffed it behind my backpack with Case’s cup. No one was paying any attention to me as I organized the makeup tables upstairs and pocketed the dark setting powder and brush used on Taliah.
    Trying to play it James Bond–smooth, I headed toward the bathroom, bulging backpack and all—and almost ran into Candace coming out.
    â€œHey,” I said and kept walking. She didn’t react and didn’t seem to see me watching her out of my peripheral vision. She headed downstairs, not back to her office. Opportunity! I nipped across the hall. Praying no one would spy me, I snuck into her office.
    It was a good thing Candace saw herself as something special. No water bottles for her. Crystal glass only—and she’d left one on her desk. The morning sun shining through the windows highlighted her bloodred lipstick and several nice, clear prints. I swiped it, turned to leave, and there was Varon standing in the