Mystery Model

Word Count: 1559

Chased by reporters, Jessica moaned to herself as she ran. This was not her idea of a good time. Although it did have a spark of fun, she wasn’t completely sure if it was a particular good spark. The life of a super model was tough but she knew it would be, especially for one who wore a mask for mystery. If it hadn’t been for a friend in need when one of his models turned ill over lunch she would never have been in the spotlight. But oddly, the world wanted more of the mysterious model and her career was born against her wishes. It didn’t matter that she hated the itchy Dark Sapphire persona mask, because her family was more important than fame. Reporters, she knew were ruthless when it came to celebrity secrets and her family had many.

As she tried to keep ahead of the press, the routine played over and over in her mind. All she had to do was meet the other models in their usual room. After she rushed into the room, she quickly changed clothes, removed the colored contacts, removed the mask and then the raven wig.

“I don’t know why you insist on doing this, Jess. We hate this part.” The lovely Swiss model confessed as she helped to fluff Sapphire’s beautiful lush blonde hair. “Please reconsider and join us.”

Jessica smiled. “It pleases me to hear that, but you are the only ones who know my true identity. So, please just one more time . . . for the road.”

“You’ve been trying to leave for three years.” A sultry voice sighed. “We know the routine, but what if you get hurt by security? I mean really, really hurt?”

“I know. And pain is a chance I’ll risk any day for my mother and sisters.” She paused before her hand touched the camera. “I just want to say to everyone, thank you for everything.”

Ana with a silky French accent asked, “So, you really are taking this vacation?”

“Yes. I need to get out of the spotlight and I do hope to fade out this time.”

“Not likely. You’re hot and just because you disappear for a few weeks the public will demand that you return. I’m jealous. Well, we all are, but we don’t want you to leave either.”

Tears misted Jess’s blue eyes. “I never wanted to be a model, but I wouldn’t change anything, because you are all so wonderful. I really enjoyed getting to know all of you. But, I really need to get my life back.” She grabbed the camera then nodded to the girls that she was ready. “Good luck out there.”

The Asian model sighed, but nodded regretfully as she pushed a button for security as their co-model donned her reporter persona.

“We should have been actresses.” The American blonde added with sarcasm, but quickly took on a look of disgust as security showed up.

All the other models pointed to the Jess as they shouted, “Reporter!”

Ana hissed, “What’s wrong with you? Did you think she was a model? Look at her clothes!”

“And the hair,” the American model added. “A professional hairdresser never touched those locks.”

The four contrite security guards lifted the so called reporter then dropped her on her rear outside the agency.

“Ow.” Jess moaned.

“You should have thought of that before you snuck in.” One of the guards replied.

The other guard added, “You’re lucky they didn’t have you arrested. Next time you may not be so lucky.” He adjusted his uniform then went back inside.

Before she could get to her feet, strong hands helped her up. “Wow. You actually snuck in?”

She turned around about to speak, but the man’s dark and extremely handsome features made her throat malfunction.

“Are you alright?” He asked, but stared at her too. “Have we met before?”

As she was about to nod, she realized she couldn’t remember if they had, but he did look familiar. “Uh, no. No we haven’t.”

“I usually don’t forget a face.” He realized he stared. “Sorry. My name is Adan.”

“Your name sounds familiar.”

“Would you like to get something to drink? I know of a great café not far from here.”

She winced. “I don’t know if I can sit down.”

“You did land pretty hard, but what if I take you somewhere that has very comfortable seating?”

“Deal.”

He waved for a taxi and she noticed her mask made itself visible in her purse, which she reasoned happened when her rear landed on the concrete. The taxi stopped and he grabbed her arm opposite the purse then helped her into the taxi. As he waited for her to get in, he noticed her action to cover something shiny in her purse then slid in after her.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.” His journalistic nature couldn’t resist a few questions.

“Jessica. But my friends call me Jess.” She didn’t realize she just messed up until he asked another question.

“Then why does your reporter name tag say Lisa Adams?”

The nausea returned to play the deception game. “I don’t like to use my real name. You know, just in case they decide to sue.” She struggled not to be sick all over her handsome stranger.

“They have ways of finding out your true identity, Jessica. Beautiful name by the way.”

“Thank you.” She felt somewhat embarrassed and lifted her hand to brush hair. It was a mistake.

“Is that Dark Sapphire’s mask in your purse?” He asked in a journalistic tone with a slight hint of awe.

Suddenly she remembered where she’d seen him. “You’re the journalistic assassin.”

“What?” His confusion was evident.

“I’ve heard the models talk about you while I was there trying to discover who the Dark Sapphire was.” Her voice broke and she had to swallow to keep the bile from coming up and out. “Adan the Assassin they called you. But the mystery model was gone by the time I got in and all I found was her mask which I stole as a souvenir. Yes, I’m a thief.”

Adan took her right hand in his and drew attention to her ring with a soft whistle. “A 10 carat sapphire.” Next he noticed the bracelet of sapphires and diamonds on her slender wrist. “Interesting.” His eyes practically glowed as he whispered, “Would you like to talk in private or on the record, Miss Sapphire?”

For several moments she wondered if she could pull off a few more lies, but decided her stomach couldn’t take it. “I would like my lawyer, Mr. Assassin.”

He made no effort to relieve her fear and quickly gave the driver a new address.

“Where are we going?”

“To my office.” His excitement was palpable. “It’s private and public. Have your lawyer meet us there,” he said as he handed her his card.

A few minutes later, the cab stopped at a television studio then Adan paid the fee then led her up to his office. She froze when he turned on the lights. Pictures of the Dark Sapphire were posted everywhere from just about every magazine and news article she had ever been in. A few she didn’t remember, but there was no mistake that it was her.

“I was certain I recognized your facial structure. Oh, man, I just can’t believe it’s you. Can I get you anything while we wait for your lawyer?”

She shook her head as she sat down across from his desk, her nausea was stronger. “What are these pictures for?”

“Haven’t you guessed? I’m a big fan of yours.” His smile faltered slightly as he confessed, “And possible one of billions who are in love with you.”

Jessica blinked and sat forward. “What? Then why would you want to expose me if you think you love me?”

“Expose you?!” He laughed as he shut the door then cleared his throat. “I wont’ expose you. To remove your mask would be like killing the greatest American mystery. You’ve eluded me for years, though I confess I haven’t pursued you very strongly. But to have you fall in my lap?” He knelt before her chair. “This may be odd and somewhat frightening for you. I apologize for that, but I thought that if I knew who you really were the mystery would be dead and I’d be crushed. But you are so at odds with your celebrity persona it boggles my mind. I’m even more intrigued.”

“Then what do you plan to do with me?”

“I was hoping dinner, possibly a movie, but it can wait until you’re relaxed and comfortable around me. I don’t want you to answer under pressure.”

Relieved, she threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek. “It’s a good thing you’re so darn cute.” Tears of relief ran down her cheeks. “And yes, dinner sounds wonderful . . . So, does this mean you’ll keep my secret?”

“If I say yes, will you dump that male model you’ve been pictured with on a semi-regular basis?”

“I’m not dating anyone.”

“Will you date me?”

She ran her fingers through his gorgeous dark hair. “As Jessica, yes. But as Dark Sapphire, no.”

“Not even if I wear a mask with you?”

Jessica laughed then shook her head just before she kissed him again.