offended. “When have we ever . . . never mind.” She remembered, as did everyone else, and they started muttering.
“That will leave me and Charles here for the time being,” Fergus noted. “Nikki is on standby. Isabelle and Alexis are off to Aspen, Maggie is going to Long Island, Kathryn and Yoko are headed to Michigan, and the two troublemakers are off to New York City and parts unknown.” He winked at Annie, who was about to smack him on the back of the head.
“We still haven’t covered London yet,” Nikki pointed out.
“We’ll wait to hear back from Avery to see what Eileen was able to discover. Then we’ll make a plan. I’m curious about that rubbish Jerry Hardy. I wonder if he’s cheeking for Marcus,” Charles said.
“Cheeking?” several of the sisters asked quizzically.
Both Charles and Fergus snorted. “Sorry. Old Brit slang for someone who transports drugs between their butt cheeks.”
Hysterical laughter bounced off the walls.
“He looks too skinny to even have butt cheeks,” Kathryn roared. Tears of laughter were running down almost everyone’s face.
Charles whistled. “All right. Everyone calm down. As of tomorrow morning, you will all be on your way to your appointed destinations, except Nikki. Be safe.”
A resounding “Amen” came from the group as they rose, saluted, and began to prepare for their assignments.
Chapter 28
Two town cars entered the gates of Pinewood to carry the sisters to the starting points. Isabelle and Alexis were heading to Leesburg Executive Airport, where Annie kept her private jet; Myra, Annie, and Charlotte were going to Union Station. Maggie had already left to meet with Mrs. Ringwood.
Alexis managed fabulous disguises for both herself and Isabelle. One could never be too careful in their line of work. Or was it more of a hobby these days? A very intricate one, to be sure.
Alexis thought the trashy Real Housewives look would be a hoot while they were in transit—coming and going from airports. Alexis donned an overly padded leopard spandex jumpsuit, fake glittered one-inch fingernails, a very long black wig, lots of black eyeliner, hot pink lipstick, and so much bling that she almost toppled over in her stiletto heels. Both women were on the verge of hyperventilating with laughter.
“They’ll think you’re drunk!” Isabelle howled.
“And what are you going to wear?” Alexis stared at her through tinted contact lenses.
“I’m thinking blond dreadlocks.”
“And?” Alexis poked her.
“And a pumped-up spandex number like yours. Mine will be black.”
“Same amount of bling? I don’t want to be the only one staggering.”
“Yes, honeypot. And a big gold lamé belt.”
“Stilettos?”
“Like I need to make my legs any longer? I’m thinking boots. With a heel. I don’t want to tower over you,” Isabelle said.
“We’ll walk arm in arm. If we’re going to be obnoxious, we might as well go all the way! It’s almost too bad that we’re flying by private jet. Think how much fun it would be to be flying commercial in these outfits.”
Isabelle hooted.
Myra entered the room where the two women were dressing. “What is all the cackling? Sounds like the two of you are having too much fun! You better shake a leg. The cars are waiting.”
“We’re ready! What do you think?” Both women struck a pose.
Myra burst into laughter. “Now, that’s a reality show I think I’d rather skip!”
“Very funny. Don’t mock my creativity,” Alexis crowed back. She knew Myra was joking, and she, too, would rather skip that show.
Annie came into the room. “You both look fantastic! I would never recognize either one of you. I arranged for the ski lodge to be ready for your arrival. No point in staying in a hotel. Yolanda will see that there is food in the fridge and fresh linens on the beds. That way, you can keep a low profile.”
“Excellent!” both women declared.
Alexis and Isabelle stood in front of the full-length mirror to get one more glimpse of their over-the-top getups.
“Mission accomplished. At least this one.” Isabelle grabbed an oversized hobo handbag with as much bling as she was wearing. “Let’s roll, sister!”
The two women linked arms and half stumbled to the waiting cars. Myra and Annie followed suit.
Charles and Fergus were waiting by the limos when the women exited the house. Catcalls and whistles filled the air.
“I trust that’s for us,” Myra cautioned him.
“Absolutely, my love.” Charles gave her a peck on the cheek and a love tap on her rear as he winked at Alexis and Isabelle. “Glorious job, Alexis. Bravo!”
Alexis popped a big piece of bubble gum in her mouth and started smacking