Rose held up a flowered chiffon tunic and said, "this is a good look for a young, blonde actress."

"Actor" replied Leslie. "Just because I am a woman doesn't mean I am not an actor."

"Sorry, you're right" replied Rose. "Jake, how's this for a look for Leslie?"

"Leslie always looks great to me," Jake called from around the corner.

When he walked into the room he did a double take. "Wow". Leslie had her long blonde hair in a braid with large silver hoop earrings, a tight white cami under a flowered chiffon tunic and a pair of black leggings. The outfit was finished with lacy ballet flats and bright coloured bangle bracelets. "You look like you walked off the cover of People Magazine."

Leslie blushed, and Malachy said "down boy."

"You don't look so bad yourself," Leslie remarked.

Tinny had been working on Jake's look. It was kind of biker crossed with Herb Tarlek's evil twin. A white leather sports jacket over a black t-shirt and jeans. White pointy shoes on his feet and black raybans on his head.

"I tried to get Jake to pierce his ear, but he won't do it," said Tinny.

"That would be brilliant," said Leslie. "Not on your life," replied Jake, "there's only so much I'll do for love or justice." Jake took Leslie in his arms and dipped her into a sloppy kiss.

"Enough of that," said Hood, "do you want to make me puke?".

"Des and Sgt. Hood, what's the plan?" asked Malachy

Des started, "Jake and Leslie are signed up for Leslie to audition for the part of Maria in the St. John's Players production of Sound of Music. I have created a portfolio of parts for Leslie including a season doing bit roles at Soulpepper in Toronto. Jake, meanwhile is an independent artists agent representing Leslie. While she wows them with her talent, Jake will be negotiating with the producers about payment and endorsements."

"While Leslie is with the other actors she can find out what they know about how the operation works and Jake can work the case from the other side," continued Hood.

"I still can't believe I agreed to this," groaned Leslie.

The front door opened and Staff Sgt. Walsh came into Mal and Rose's house. "You folks really look the part. Only one more prop - wires. Hood and a team will be listening in as you both work. We want to make sure we have evidence and that you are safe.

"We also have an apartment set up for you and Jake in case anyone tries to follow you home. Your back story is that you are a couple - casting couch and all that."

"Fantastic," said Jake winking at Leslie while she groaned some more, "but no wires or cameras there, I hope."

"This just gets better and better," groaned Leslie.

Jake and Leslie pull up to the St. John's Players Theatre rehearsal hall in a non-descript brown Nissan Sentra. There was a line of hopeful young actors forming in the front lobby. Around the corner were 4 large Harley Davidson's parked and being watched by a large man with a ZZ-top beard.

"There's a tough looking b'y. Wonder if he is the director or the lighting manager?" laughed Jake. "I think I might start with him while you get in line for your try-out." Jake pecked a kiss on Leslie before jumping out of the car.

Leslie joined the other actors in the hall while Jake swaggered over to the biker. "Hey there, whaddya at?"

"This is it," replied the biker. "Whaddya want?"

"I have a fantastic actress for your play. I'm looking for the right person to introduce her to. You know what I mean."

"No, actually, I don't. The auditions are inside. But don't set your sights on Maria. That role is taken."

"I don't think you want to commit to that until you've seen my girl. She's something."

"Well, as long as she's not 'something' to the money behind this play, she ain't singing the lead. Not that I don't believe you. My cat is a better singer than the lead in this play. But don't say you heard that from me. Now move along before I have to move you along the hard way."

Jake got into the theatre just in time to hear the director call Leslie up to the stage for her audition.

"I'm trying out for Maria" she called up to the director.

"Maria is already cast," said a voice from back of the dark hall.

"Maria is already cast," repeated the director.

"The casting call didn't say anything about that," said Leslie, indignantly.

"Sorry, sweetheart, Maria is already cast, there's nothing I can do," said the director reluctantly.

Jake started moving towards where the voice came from as Leslie talked to the accompanist about music.

"I'll sing 'Doh, a Deer' anyway and you can consider me for the Mother Superior instead."

Jake sat down beside a large, well-built man in a leather jacket and pants. "Wait until you hear this bird sing. She'll bring tears to your eyes."

"Maria is already cast," said the large man, menacingly. "Tell your girl to get over it or go to Toronto."

"Seriously, b'y, you have got to hear her sing."

"Seriously, b'y, Maria is already cast."

The music started and Leslie lit up the stage with her rendition of "Doh, a Deer". The rest of the hopeful players and the director and casting agent all gave her a standing ovation at the end and Jake's eyes were misty when she finished. "God, I am in love with her," he said out loud.

"You're right, she's good, but not for Maria in this play. Let's talk. Come with me."