Page 1 of Second Shooter

Chapter One

Win jolted upright at the jangle of her phone. She dug it out from under the pillow next to her and sat up as she answered. “Hello?”

“Win, this is Aggie.”

“Uh-huh.” Win pawed hair out of her eyes.

“My photographer flaked on me for this wedding today, and I was wondering if you could do it in a subdued style? Fifteen hundred bucks today and another fifteen hundred when the photos are presented.”

Win yawned. “What’s the dress code?”

“Formal. You can wear anything dark.”

“Cool. Cool. How long do I have?”

“The bride is on the way to her hair appointment.”

“Right. What is she like?”

“She’s sweet. It’s her association with another photographer that’s the problem. Alexi is going to be at the wedding, and the family wants to have him as a guest. Harry can’t stand to be observed, and he is terrified of having Alexi watching him. He cancelled but is trying to hold onto the deposit.”

Winifred headed to her closet and found a bias-cut dress in a midnight blue that had simple lines and she could move in. “Send me all the info, including the shot list and a link so I can see his style. She’s doing a getting-ready setup?”

“Oh, thank you, Win. Yes. The list is on its way.”The intense relief rushed out through her voice. “I will have coffee waiting and a pastry.”

“Right. Is my appearance covered in your contract? I don’t want to deal with that again.”

“It is. A second shooter can be assigned at my discretion as long as the shot list is complete and four hundred usable images are presented.”

“Right. Extra memory cards.” Win put the cards in her bag and verified that she had three charged battery packs and a spare charger. Her spare camera was packed and would be hidden in her car.

“The guests are international, and you need to keep your distance. This is an alpha-beta wedding, and the couple’s legion will be there.”

“Oh, wow. Demon alphas. Okay. The rest of the guests are a blend of alphas?”

“And betas and omegas. It is a really high-powered and wealthy mix.”

“Fancy sneakers. Got it.”

“I know you will do great. Get there as soon as you can.”

Win nodded. “I am already in the shower. See you in a few.”

She cleaned up, got into her dress, bike shorts, stockings, and sneakers, and left her hair loose to dry as she got her gear and drove. Ten minutes after the call, she was on her way to the very exclusive hotel that was becoming known for extravagant weddings and amazing images.

Win drove straight to the hotel and parked at the far end of the lot. She verified that the deposit was in her account and smiled. Agatha was always prompt.

Win got her bag and her favourite camera. She wrangled her hair up into a ponytail, flipped it on itself a few times to make it look fancy, and headed for the hotel’s main entrance.

She asked for the concierge, introduced herself quietly, and Agatha bolted toward her. “Ohmygod, you made amazing time, Win. Hector, this is the photographer for today. Harry bailed, and Win has agreed to step in.”

“Mr. Nickelson is interested in this day running smoothly.”

Win nodded. “So am I. Please show me to the areas where photos are common. Or have a staff member run me around so you can get back to today’s urgencies.”

Hector nodded. “Thank you. Callie, can you show this lady the areas where wedding photos are frequently taken.”

One of the clerks at the desk nodded and came toward her.

---