"Some of it is pro bono."
"But even on those pro bono jobs, I'm sure you're still getting paid," McKenzie said. "Right?"
"It's a business, Detective. Some like it, some don't. The turnover is high because the pressure is high."
"Sounds like what every thirteen-year-old kid wants," Callie remarked, scanning the photos on the wall. "Pressure."
Samuel didn't respond to that. He straightened a stack of papers on his desk and waited.
"So when did you last see Brooke?" McKenzie asked.
"About seventeen days ago. She was excited about some upcoming shoot."
"With who?"
"One of our local photographers. Garrett Finch, based in Keene. We use him for a lot of the girls." He pulled a thick binder from a shelf behind him and opened it on the desk. Portfolio shots, all with the same clean aesthetic. Different girls, same lighting, same polished look. "That's his work."
"They ever do any other work?" Callie asked. "Or is it strictly through your agency?"
"If you mean modeling, it's contractual based. But I don't restrict them from exploring other avenues."
"Like?"
"Geez. I don't know. Working independently with photographers. Taking on other jobs."
"You know if Brooke worked anywhere else?"
"I would have thought her parents knew that."
"Seems they didn't even know about your agency."
"Then how did you know to come knocking?"
"Google. Surprising what you can find with a name," Callie said.
Samuel breathed out a long breath and leaned back in his chair. "Look, I give these girls a way to have fun and make some money. Some take it seriously, others just do it as a hobby."
"So how did Brooke find out about you? She just waltz in off the street?"
"Referred."
"By who?"
"White Stone Deli."
"White Stone Deli?" Callie cocked her head. "That café and restaurant run by the Three Pillar Community?"
"That's the one."
"But that's a religious community. I can't imagine they'd agree with modeling. What with their views on modesty and separation from worldly vanities."
"They didn't. Someone put up one of our marketing flyers in their shop. Took them a few weeks to realize it. I ended up having quite the conversation with the owner. Tabitha Smith." He paused. "Strangely enough, she was okay with it as long as we did some of the marketing for them and let others know about their job opportunities." He opened a desk drawer and pulled out a flyer, handing it across. "Like I said, many of our girls like to keep their options open for work. The deli also offers boarding for some who buy into whatever it is they believe."
"Did Brooke?"
"Not that I know of. But she worked at the deli."
"And Kara Ellison? That name ring any bells?"
