“I’m going to need twelve,” the woman said. She reminded me of Her Ladyship. The place was elegant.

She’d hired Seb as a personal assistant who understood magic – I got the impression she was a solitary witch, no coven.

I nodded. “Twelve girls.”
“And I want variety, mind. I’ll talk to your agency, but I want variety. And I don’t just mean I want both blondes and brunettes.”

I had to laugh. “My agency’s a good one. I know Monica will be up for it, too.”

She nodded. “So, let me explain. The calendar is going to support Children’s Hospital, and each month is going to have an attractive woman dressed up as some kind of fantasy being.” She studied me. Then her eyes widened.

I was surprised it had taken her this long to notice. I couldn’t help but quip, “You don’t have to put me in armor.”

She grinned. “Ah, but you’d be the perfect Valkyrie, and it would be our little secret.”

“I know an actual Valkyrie who might be offended.”

The grin became a laugh. “Maybe you can introduce us? I’d love to talk about certain aspects of magic with her.”

“I can try.”

“And your friend…a mermaid, I think.”

Monica would, I thought, like that. “It does sound like fun. And a little bit different from what we normally do.”

Enough to make it worth accepting no pay or only token pay, I couldn’t help but think. Different enough to be fun.

“Alright. So…I’ll talk to your agency, but I assume you’re on board.” She grinned. “Just…no, your dad isn’t invited.”

She’d identified me absolutely. “You know he doesn’t need an invite.”

“I know, but…”

“You’ve met him before.”

“Once. Years ago. It was an interesting experience. I didn’t know he liked chocolate.”

“He does.” I let out a breath. This was going to be fun, but I wasn’t sure I liked the idea of this old witch knowing exactly who I was at a glance.

“Relax. I’m not that powerful. I’m just very good at identifying supernaturals.”

I wasn’t sure I believed her. Entirely.