"And in other news, Daphne Starr, one of the country's youngest and most dazzling beauty queens, is on her way to Los Angeles, to take part in the annual Malibu fashion show taking place later this month," quoted Clover, as she read out the article in the latest issue of 'Fashion World'. "Ms Starr is scheduled to be the first up on stage, leading the showcase of the latest designs of world famous fashion designer Jean-Pierre Martini, who has previously contracted Ms Starr for many fashion shoots in the past."

Sam and Alex listened intently as Clover read on. The girls had finished their classes for the day at Mali-U and were currently lounging on the comfortable sofas of West Coast Hall. Clover had decided to bring her two friends up to speed on the latest fashion world developments, which in this case had a special significance for the fashion-obsessed superspy.

"Wow, Clover," said Sam at last, "your sister sure has moved up in the world, hasn't she?"

"Totes!" agreed Alex. "Though I don't recall your surname being 'Starr'. What's that all about?"

"Oh, that's just Daphne's stage name," smiled Clover. "She figured the rest of the family wouldn't like to be constantly badgered by the press for interviews."

"Wait, they're pestering your family with furry badgers? That's so mean!" exclaimed Alex. Sam and Clover exchanged weary looks and let out despairing sighs.

"So, when is Daphne arriving, Clover?" asked Sam, trying to get back on topic.

"Her train's coming in later this evening," answered Clover. "She just needed to drop off Trevor at our parent's house first. With her being busy with all the preparations going on for the show, Daph felt that it would be as good a time as any for her son to hang out with his grandparents."

"I still can't believe you actually have a nephew, Clover," said Alex. "I mean Stella doesn't look that old to be a granny."

Clover shrugged. "Well, what can I say? Daph had always wanted a kid of her own, so as soon as she hit the legal age, she made an appointment at the clinic and nine months later, she had her own little bundle of joy! I have to admit, Mum and Dad were more than a little doubtful if Daph was ready for motherhood when she told us her plans, but she managed to talk them round. You guys should have seen the look on Mum's face when we had all gathered at the hospital that day when Trev was born, she was absolutely thrilled!"

"Sounds like a kinda difficult life to me," said Sam. "I mean, juggling between being a single mum and a major fashion star. Doesn't your sister find it, you know, a bit demanding?"

"A little," admitted Clover, "though it's probably way more straightforward than the stuff we get up to, what with saving the world and everything."

"Fair point," conceded Sam. "Well, I for one can't wait to meet her."

"Same here," added Alex with a grin. "I can't believe I'm actually going to come face-to-face with the Daphne Starr! I mean, she's like the absolute queen of fashion! Oh, I am so going to ask for her autograph when she gets here."

"Well, in that case, we better get a move on," said Clover with a smirk as she got to her feet. "Otherwise we'll end up missing her traaaaiiiiiinnnnn!"

Before any of them knew what had happened, a trapdoor had opened right beneath their feet and sent them tumbling down the chute to WOOHP headquarters.

Jerry was busy typing up a report on the computer on his desk when the girls came out the other end of the chute and landed on the sofa in front of him.

"Afternoon superspies," he said cheerily. "I have a rather unusual kidnapping case for you to investigate."

"What's unusual is why you never bother to let us know when you're about to woohp us," grumbled Clover.

"So who's the abductee this time, Jerr?" asked Sam.

"Yeah, is it some braniac scientist or a way snooty princess or a prize-winning bunny rabbit?" added Alex.

"No, today it's the world-famous actor, Jon Baker," answered Jerry. "He was reported missing a few days ago by his manager, Kate Maloney, after she received this ransom letter a few hours after he disappeared."

Jerry picked up a photocopy of the letter from his desk and passed it to Sam, who began to read it out loud to Clover and Alex.

"Dear Sir/Madam,

We are writing to inform you that our establishment is currently holding your client prisoner at our most exclusive and luxurious holding cells. You may rest assure that he is being well treated and his every desire is being attended to. In fact, he is currently relaxing in our first-class Jacuzzi as this letter is being written.

However, if you wish him to be released in time for the filming of his next motion picture, then I am afraid you must pay a fee of five million dollars, to be handed over at the ACME warehouse on 33rd Avenue this Friday at 5pm. There, we will release Mr Baker into your care as soon as we confirm the authenticity of the currency you will be presenting.

Please refrain from contacting the authorities about this. If you attempt any variation of our arrangement, Mr Baker will remain in our custody until you meet our demands fairly.

A pleasure doing business with you and apologies for any inconvenience this has caused you.

Yours sincerely,

Kidnappers Incorporated."

The girls shared an incredulous look with each other as they took this all in.

"Wow, these baddies sure sound considerate," remarked Alex.

"Not to mention classy," added Clover. "A Jacuzzi? Seriously?"

"Is this all for real, Jerry?" asked Sam. "Who are Kidnappers Inc.?"

"That's exactly what WOOHP would like to know," replied Jerry. "For the past three months, these criminals have been kidnapping various celebrities and holding them to ransom for exactly $5,000,000 each. What is peculiar is that when the hostages have been returned, they're quite reluctant to press charges, saying that their time in captivity was like being at an up-class hotel, all with good food, perfect living accommodations and even an adjoining spa to their bedrooms. As such, none of this has reached the newspapers and TV headlines."

"This is all so weird," said Alex. "Since when do crooks turning kidnapping into a indefinite and really expensive vacation?"

"Yeah, why don't they just open up a perfectly legal hotel? Why risk getting sent to jail?" wondered Sam.

"And how come none of the celebs are pressing charges? Surely at least one of them would be way annoyed at being held captive?" added Clover.

"That's what you girls will have to find out," said Jerry. "Ms Maloney decided to disregard the letter's instructions and come to WOOHP for help. She will be meeting the kidnappers this evening at the warehouse as arranged, only you three will be there too in hiding. As soon as Mr Baker is released and out of harm's way, you are to get the drop on the culprits and get any evidence that can help find their base of operations."

Jerry opened a drawer on his desk and started distributing the various gadgets the girls would need. "Now for this mission, you will be supplied with Jetpack Backpacks; Heat Sensor 6000 Infrared Motion Detector Sunglasses; the Incendiary Earrings; Headband Illuminators; and the Titanium Drill Heel Boots."

"Okay girls, time to go baddie catching," said Alex eagerly as the three girls began to pick up their various gadgets.

"Whoa, hold on a second guys!" exclaimed Clover, suddenly realising something as she was putting on the Incendiary Earrings. "My sister's train will be coming in at the same time as the ransom pay-off! If I'm not there at the station to meet her, she's going to be so many levels of upset!"

"You go ahead to the station then and meet up with your sister, Clover," said Sam kindly. "Alex and I can keep an eye on things at the warehouse. If the worst happens, we'll call you for back-up."

"Thanks, Sam," said Clover gratefully. "Good luck with the whole surveillance thiiiiiinnnnnngggggg!"

Her words were brusquely cut off as Jerry hit a switch on his desk and Clover was sent tumbling down another WOOHP chute, this time leading to the train station.