"Diana?"
"Diana Shepherd.She's our talent coordinator.She works directly with most of our newer models."The receptionist pressed a button and spoke quietly into the receiver, then looked up at Kari."She'll be out in just a moment.Please, have a seat."
Kari didn't sit.Instead, she studied the photographs on the walls.Young women, all of them.Some looked barely out of their teens.They stared at the camera with expressions ranging from sultry to ethereal, their faces painted and lit to perfection.
But beneath the gloss, Kari saw what she'd seen in Tayen's Glimmer photos.Performances.Masks.Beautiful surfaces concealing whatever lay beneath.
A door opened at the far end of the reception area, and a woman emerged.She was older than the models on the walls, perhaps late thirties, with short dark hair and the kind of sharp, angular features that might once have graced those same photographs.She wore a tailored blazer over dark jeans, her posture confident and controlled.
"Detective Blackhorse?"The woman extended her hand."I'm Diana Shepherd.I understand you're asking about Tayen Stern."
Kari shook her hand, noting the firm grip and the assessing look in Diana's eyes.This was someone who evaluated people for a living, who made quick judgments about faces and bodies and the way people carried themselves.Kari had the distinct impression she was being evaluated now.
"That's right.Her aunt hasn't been able to reach her, and she's concerned."
"Her aunt."Diana's expression remained neutral."I wasn't aware Tayen had any family.She told us she was on her own."
"She ran away from home two years ago.Her aunt has been looking for her ever since."
"I see."Diana gestured toward the door she'd emerged from."Why don't we talk in my office?"
The office was small but well-appointed, with more photographs on the walls and a desk cluttered with headshots and scheduling documents.Diana settled into the chair behind the desk and motioned for Kari to take the seat opposite.
"I have to be honest with you, Detective.I'm not sure how much I can help."Diana folded her hands on the desk."Tayen is one of our models, yes, but we don't monitor their personal lives.They're independent contractors, not employees."
"When did you last see her?"
Diana appeared to consider."Last week, I think.She had a catalog shoot in the Arts District.I stopped by to check on things."
"How did she seem?"
"Fine.Normal.Tayen's a professional.She shows up on time, does her job, doesn't cause problems."Diana paused."Do you have reason to think something happened to her?"
"Her Glimmer account was deleted yesterday.Her aunt tried to contact her, and within an hour, Tayen went completely dark online."
Something flickered in Diana's eyes.Surprise?Concern?It was gone before Kari could identify it.
"Thatisstrange.Social media is crucial in this industry.Most of our girls live on Glimmer.Then again, maybe she just wants to be left alone.That would explain why she's never really talked about her family."Diana reached for a tablet on her desk and tapped at the screen."I can give you her contact information.Phone number, address.Beyond that, I'm afraid I can't help you."
She wrote something on a sticky note and handed it across the desk.Kari glanced at it: a phone number and an address in Koreatown.
"Thank you."Kari pocketed the note."One more question.How did Tayen come to work with Elite Vision?"
"We found her."Diana smiled."That's what we do.We scout talent in places other agencies overlook.Tayen was working at a coffee shop when one of our people spotted her.She had the look.Raw, unpolished, but with real potential.We brought her in, did some test shots, and the rest is history."
"How long ago was that?"
"About eighteen months.She's come a long way since then."
Kari stood."If you hear from Tayen, please ask her to contact her aunt.She's worried."
"Of course."Diana rose as well, extending her hand again."I hope you find her, Detective.Tayen's a sweet girl.I'd hate to think something's happened to her."
Outside, Kari stood on the sidewalk and let the late afternoon sun warm her face.The conversation had been polite, cooperative, and entirely unhelpful.Diana Shepherd had answered every question without actually telling her anything.
She pulled out her phone and dialed the number Diana had given her.It rang four times, then went to voicemail.A generic automated message, no personal greeting.
"Tayen, this is Detective Kari Blackhorse.I'm a cousin of your aunt Lola.She's worried about you and asked me to check in.Please call me back when you get this."Kari left her number and ended the call, not expecting a response.
