Abigail’s eyes widened, but she remained silent.
“It stars Simone, the famous model,” Gregori continued.
“I know who she is!” Madison bounced on her seat. “Oh my God, do you think I could meet her? That would be so cool!”
Gregori inclined his head. “I can arrange it.”
Phineas grinned and gave him a thumbs-up. “Gregori’s da man! He knows all the hot vampire chicks.”
Abigail scoffed. “I bet.”
He gave her an annoyed look and whispered, “Still jealous, Toots?”
Her eyes narrowed. “Don’t call me Toots.”
“You prefer Sweetcakes?”
“If we were alone, I’d slap you.”
He leaned close and whispered in her ear, “If we were alone, I’d give you a good reason to slap me.”
Phineas choked on his Bleer.
“Are you all right, Dr. Phang?” Madison asked.
He nodded and slanted an amused look at Gregori.
So he had heard. Gregori scooted down the booth. “If you guys will excuse me, I’ll be on my way.”
“But I want to go!” Madison jumped to her feet and clasped her hands together as if she were begging. “Please! I want to see the television studio!”
Gregori stilled. “I-I’m teleporting there. I’ll be back soon.”
“But I want to go,” Madison whined. “Please!”
“Is it far away?” Abigail asked quietly, her cheeks still flushed from his last verbal poke at her.
“Brooklyn,” Phineas said. When Gregori shot him an angry look, he shrugged. “We gotta keep them happy, bro.”
“Yes!” Madison squealed. “It would make me so happy!”
Gregori sighed. Phineas was right. They had to keep the girls happy, no matter what. “Very well. We’re all going to DVN.”
“It’s complicated,” Gregori whispered to Maggie and Gordon thirty minutes later at DVN. “But if you want to help us avoid the Vampire Apocalypse, you’ll let these girls do whatever they want. We have to keep them happy.”
“All right,” Maggie agreed. “I recognize the blonde. She’s the president’s daughter.”
“They’re both the president’s daughters.” Gregori glanced at them across the recording studio. “Madison is the one gushing all over Simone. Abigail’s the other one.”
Abigail and Josh were looking curiously about. Charles had driven them to the Digital Vampire Network using Gregori’s directions. Upon arrival, he had decided the entire location needed to be checked, so he was running about while Josh remained with the girls.
“I didn’t know there was a second daughter,” Maggie whispered.
“She’s a bit of a mystery,” Gregori said as he watched Abigail. He still didn’t know why she kept herself so carefully hidden from the public eye, but he suspected it had something to do with her mother. Or maybe her job as a biochemist. The mission she planned to do in China was certainly being kept secret. What on earth could she want in China?
He could understand their desire for secrecy. If she traveled there as the president’s daughter, it would become a media event, and her every move would be scrutinized by journalists and the Chinese government. Obviously she wanted to see something that the Chinese were reluctant to show her. Or she planned to take something without their knowledge.
Maggie tugged at his sleeve, drawing his attention. “Gregori, Gordon said your name three times. You didn’t hear.”
“Oh, sorry. Lot on my mind lately.”
Her eyes twinkled as she glanced at Abigail. “I can see that.”
“Do you want to watch the commercials?” Gordon asked.
“Yes, of course.” Gregori walked over to the monitor with Maggie and Gordon.
“You must see me acting!” Simone motioned for her new entourage to follow her to the monitor. “I was brilliant!”
“Oh, I’m sure you were.” Madison rushed after her.
Abigail and Josh followed after them.
“Both commercials have potential,” Gordon explained as he punched some buttons. “But we may need someone with a stronger presence than Pennington to pull them off.”
“Mais oui.” Simone waved a dismissive hand. “That Pennington is too weak.” Her gaze settled on Josh. “Oh, mon Dieu, don’t you look nice and strong.” She sidled up close to him, and he stepped back.
“Simone.” Gregori shook his head and gave her a warning look.
She huffed. “Pourquoi pas? You want him for yourself?”
He cursed silently and clenched a fist, wishing he had a stress ball.
The commercials started. Pennington did his lines, then Simone came onscreen.