It was a warm spring day on the remote country lane. Verdant green trees by the side of the road rustled in the breeze as birds played and sang among the branches. The calm picture perfect setting a stark contrast to the bustling action nearby.
"That's it Sophie darling. Hold for a bit longer...love it. More attitude...perfect," the middle-aged photographer enthused, clicking away. "James, adjust the reflector a bit higher. Tina, please check her hair."
"This time," he continued, "with your sunglasses on and holding the bag. Picture yourself back in France, Papa has taken away your credit card and you need to hitch a ride to St Tropez. Yes, that's it. Thumb out and pout a little more...make the passer-by want to stop. Now cross those never-ending legs of yours...excellent!"
That the shoot seemed to be going well was a major relief for the inexperienced teen. As a freshman living in a big city she was struggling to make ends meet. And her parents refused to send more money, already shocked by how much her US based liberal arts degree was costing. Consequently, she had jumped at the opportunity to earn a little extra money when the talent scout had spotted her. And here she was, earning a couple hundred bucks to model for a relatively well known clothing company. Calculating that only a couple jobs a month would be enough to provide the disposable income she badly needed to make the most of New York. And although not necessarily aiming to make a career out of it...America was the land of opportunity.
"That's a wrap," the client rep announced, "great work everyone."
A small round of applause broke out before everyone started packing up. After saying goodbye to the team from the clothing company, Sophie fell inline next to the photographer as they walked back to his car. Exhilaration still coursing through her veins.
"It was nice of them to let me keep this last outfit. What do you think Bill...it went well...right?"
But she already knew the answer. For as long as she could remember, the blonde was accustomed to being the center of attention and having people go out of their way to please and praise her. Even in Paris she could stop traffic, which was saying something. And although conscientious and hardworking by nature, it would have been unnatural if she hadn't learned to exploit her gifts. So success in modeling seemed predestined.
"Fabulous," he gushed, "You're a natural kid. And the road trip theme suited you perfectly. Spoiled rich kid meets hippy brat. You killed it. The client rep loved you...I can see big things in your future."
"This is so exciting, I can hardly believe it's happening..." she bounced.
Bill looked at her, scratching his gut through a worn Metallica t-shirt, "Don't sweat it. You're gorgeous, good at following instructions, and have that sexy French thing going on. That's all it takes in this business. Well...that and the right connections."
"Connections?"
"Ha," he gruffed, "it's quite simple really. Looks and skill get you only so far. There are lots of beautiful girls around. Ultimately, it's the agencies and photographers that pick the winners. So, you need to have a network of supporters if you want to get to the top. Do you have representation yet?"
"No...I hadn't even thought about it," she answered meekly, "I mean...I only intend to do this part time. I thought the casting agency would..."
"Casting agency!" he laughed out condescendingly, making her feel small and ignorant, "Why would a casting agency seriously help you? Ha...you obviously need some help. Do any of your friends model?"
"No."
"Well, lucky for you then that I know everyone worth knowing," he bragged, running a hand through his thinning slicked-back hair, "I can help you with the right introductions...build the right network..."
"Vraiment? That would be amazing," she fawned.
"Don't sweat it. I think you have star potential. In fact...I already put out some feelers."
Sophie grabbed his arm like he was a long-loved uncle. On one level surprised that he was being so kind. But on a deeper level not that surprised, because in her experience, people always were.
Bill's unsightly assistants followed a few yards behind. James the deadbeat redneck, and Tina the overweight brunette. Their gargoyle like features almost ironic considering they spent their days surrounded by the world's most beautiful creatures.
Reaching the car, Bill looked at his phone and let out an unexpected whoop. "Wow, I knew it!"
Sophie titled her head in curiosity, inviting further explanation.
"I forwarded some samples from your casting portfolio to a client of mine. A wealthy photography connoisseur. One of the best known collectors in the country in fact. She's often called 'the career maker'. Anyway, she just sent me a text confirming interest in a sample shoot with you right now! Then if she likes what she sees...well...let's just say the sky's the limit."
"Wow. C'est Incredible," she jumped.
"I have to warn you though. The client has particular taste, so we would be sailing close to the wind. But between us...many big names have done work for her. Claudia, Cindy, Christy..."
"As in Schiffer, Crawford and Turlington!?! Amazing. Allez, let's do it!" she clapped, brimming with naïve energy.
"Great," he sneered, eyeing her up and down, "But before anything, let's find somewhere to grab some chow. We will need the energy. Then we can return here once the light is more dramatic in the afternoon."
---------
A few hours later they were back, parked on the now deserted dead-end country lane. Everyone gathered beside Bill's old Buick, well fed and relaxed after a couple of beers.
"Right, this isn't commercial work anymore, it's art. Let's unleash those creative juices and do something magical," he started. "Sophie, the collection our client is putting together is titled 'Beauty and the Beast'."
And the group laughed as he pointed between her and James, making it clear which was which, as if it hadn't been obvious. But whilst the blonde was giggling at the joke, the others were sniggering for a more sinister reason. And a keen observer might have noticed how they almost imperceptibly spread out, gradually encircling her.
"This is real avant-garde stuff. It's about the fine line that separates humans from their primal instincts, and the tension of duality that exists in all of us. That is what fascinates my client. Sophie, you would be our fifth in the series...but potentially our best! We use different scenarios each time. And since we have already spent the morning working 'on the road' as it were, let's continue with the whole hitchhiking theme. It fits perfectly, and you are already dressed for it."
The teen was lapping it up, thankful for such a lucky break. She could already imagine how proud her professors would be that one of their freshmen wasn't just learning about art, but staring in it. And her new college friends would be so impressed. Wrapped up in the moment, she didn't notice the predatorial glances that passed between the other three.
"We need this piece to be really powerful," Bill continued, disrupting her visions of celebrity. "For that I need you to feel both vulnerable and empowered. Understand?"
