"What else?” Juniper twisted open her water bottle and took a few gulps. “He''s been doing homework until three a.m. for several nights in a row and is still full of energy the next day. If that''s not good stamina, what is?"


    Jimmie, on the other hand, was not so great. After filming the music video, he had beenpletely wiped out. When it came to stamina, Shanley was definitely superior.


    Queenie felt like crying. She really needed to get her mind out of the gutter. Then again, she didn''t drink or gamble. What was wrong with a little bit of innocent fantasizing?


    "Anyway, Juniper, can you really get Mr. Tate toe?" Queenie asked, changing the subject.


    “I can try,” Juniper said, pulling out her phone and typing rapidly. “If he says no, I''ll just have to resort to... special measures. Like kidnapping."


    "What?" Queenie was horrified. "I know Mr. Schwartz is powerful, but Mr. Tate despises people who throw their weight around! You can''t afford to offend him, or you might lose your role in the music video."


    "Right," Juniper smiled, not bothering to exin further. "I''ll be nice."


    ...


    When his sister''s call came, Jimmie was driving on the highway.


    "Juniper," he answered, his voice warm.


    "My school is having a year-end party to cheer everyone on for finals. If you''re free, you shoulde sing a couple of songs. The kids in my ss are big fans of yours."


    "What?" Jimmie couldn''t help butugh. “Juniper, do you have any idea what my appearance fee is?" And she wanted him to sing for a bunch of high school students.


    "I know, tens of millions," Juniper grumbled, before firing back without missing a beat. "But do you know how much a sister is worth? If you don''te, you won''t have one anymore."


    "Are you threatening me, my dear sis?" Jimmie wasn''t opposed to the idea, but he was swamped with work from the music video and othermitments.


    "I am. Are you feeling threatened, bro?" Juniper''s voice was sickeningly sweet, melting Jimmie''s heart and making him forget all about his busy schedule and appearance fees.


    "Alright, alright,” he chuckled, stopping at a red light. "Send me the time. I''ll sing whatever you want to hear."


    "Okay,” Juniper''s tone immediately returned to its usual calm. "Gotta go, ss is starting. Bye." And just like that, she hung up.


    “Beep, beep, beep...”


    Listening to the dial tone, Jimmie chuckled softly. His sister was a clever little imp. He wasn''t sure if


    she took after their mom or the e


    dad, but she definitely wasn''t much like him or Melvin. Thinking of his family, the smile faded from his face, reced by a more somber expression. He wondered when they would be able to find the others.


    As Jimmie was lost in thought, the deafening roar of an engine shattered the air outside his window. He winced.


    Jimmie had sensitive hearing, and the motorcycle had pulled up right beside him, making the noise unbearable. He nced out and saw a person in a leather jacket with short blond hair and surprisingly fair skin... probably a guy, talking on the phone. His expression and tone were incredibly sleazy.


    "Honey, I''m in Era City. Aren''t you going toe out and let me spoil you a little?” Luetta Langley purrede deliberately pitching her voice highe "You got a boyfriend and forgot all about me? Is he really more fun than your dear old friend?"


    Jimmie frowned. The term ''punk on a bike'' came to mind. "So tacky," he thought.