Free Dial by Elizabeth Cage

said to Diva. “And we can conduct our . . . uh, stuff.”
    Diva’s excitement was evident from the bright flush that had come to her cheeks. “This calls for a shopping trip!” she exclaimed. “I will take you all to the best shops in Rio.”
    Theresa wasn’t usually prone to spending sprees, unless they involved gigabytes and megahertz. But hey, they were American debutantes. It would seem strange if they didn’t go drop a load of cash on fancy shoes and Brazilian knickknacks.
    â€œSounds good to me,” Jo said. “I think there’s a dress for doing the samba with my name on it.”
    â€œI think the votes are unanimous,” Caylin said. “Let’s hit the shops!”
    Once the girls were outside El Centro, Diva pulled them aside. “May I go with you all for the exchange?” she asked. “More than anything, I would love to see the Big Boss go down,” she added fiercely.
    Theresa’s instinct told her to say no. But she saw from the look on Jo’s face that protestation at this point would be fruitless.
    â€œWe’ll see what we can do,” Jo promised. “If it’s at all possible, you’ll be right by our sides.”
    Diva nodded. “Good. I would be so honored to make the stand with you. All three of you.”
    Theresa smiled in sisterhood, but deep inside she hoped Jo knew what she was doing.
    â€¢Â Â â€¢Â Â â€¢
    â€œGreeting, O Doubtful One, we bring glad tidings.” Jo was practically bursting with adrenaline as the girls greeted Uncle Sam via speakerphone.
    â€œDo I detect progress?” Uncle Sam asked in his usual calm manner.
    â€œDiva thinks tomorrow is the big day,” Caylin told him.
    As they had shopped, Diva had let all three of them in on some of the Big Boss’s ways and means of doing business. Apparently having lunch with daffy old Chico was the final step a potential business associate needed to take before the deal with the Big Boss became final. It was some kind of tradition or something.
    â€œBravo!” Uncle Sam said. “Excellent work, Spy Girls.”
    â€œWe just have one question,” Jo said. “Can we bring Diva along on the sting?”
    For several seconds Sam didn’t respond. “I know this young woman is our informant, but we don’t know whether or not she has ulterior motives. Allowing her in on the sting could prove hazardous.”
    â€œBut Diva is in just as much danger as we are!” Jo insisted. “As soon as things get funky, the bad dudes are going to suspect that she had something to do with the setup.”
    â€œGood point, Jo.” There was another pause. “On second thought . . . maybe bringing your friend Diva along is agood idea,” Uncle Sam said slowly. “Her intimate knowledge of the Big Boss and his underlings could prove helpful if the situation gets sticky.”
    â€œAnd if it turns out that she’s working for the other side, we can always use her as a human shield,” Theresa added.
    â€œCome on, T., don’t question Diva,” Jo said, sounding like a broken record. “She’s totally on the up-and-up.”
    â€œQuiet down,” Uncle Sam ordered. “Spy Girls, it’s time to get serious. Now, here’s the plan. . . .”

EIGHT
    â€œTime to switch to decaf,” Jo muttered to herself the next morning. She had been up since six o’clock, and her hands were shaking—either from anticipation or the three cups of coffee she had downed while reading a daily newspaper.
    She had eaten breakfast. She had updated herself on current events. She had showered and dressed in one of her supreme debutante outfits, a fresh little number courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana and, oh yes, The Tower. Still there was no word from the Big Boss. Jo didn’t think she could wait much longer. Her nerves were seriously on the verge.
    Jo heard the whir