Team Work [Sink or Swim Book 2]

Chapter 5 - Leanne

Since her trip to London Leanne had been busy. She had immediately flown to Dubai for a bikini photoshoot for Peony Swimwear; she had been busy on Instagram discussing health and fitness; had put in personal appearances in Athens, Barcelona and Paris to promote Dior perfumes and possibly her favourite appearance,  being alongside Australian Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, to meet terminally sick children and promote the charity foundation. After the event Leanne had remained in Australia, staying down the coast from Brisbane at the famed Palazzo Versace Gold Coast Hotel for further modelling work.

The Palazzo Versace is a luxury hotel located by the Southport Broadwater in Main Beach, at the Southport Spit on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. The hotel features approximately 200 rooms and 72 condo-apartments. It is home to a 600 seat ballroom, bars, restaurants as well as a Versace retail store. The design and furnishing of the hotel was overseen by Versace in Milan, Italy, and the design and architecture were intended to be a homage to the styles of the French Riviera. To add to the coastal marine feel the hotel has its own private 90 berth marina capable of housing the most luxurious of sailing vessels as well as access to a private helipad.

It was day one of the modelling shoot and Leanne was greeted at the pool by Mitchell Robinson, a tall well bronzed Australian photographer and bushman.  His blue eyes were hidden away behind a pair of expensive sunglasses and his blonde hair beneath a traditional Hawkins leather bushman's hat. He was dressed in a khaki short-sleeved shirt and matching cargo trousers, teamed with  Haglöfs Skuta Mid Proof Eco Men Walking Boots that were coloured Oak Deep Wood brown. Mitchell looked like a cross between Paul Hogan and Steve Irwin with a little mix of  Chris Hemsworth thrown in for good measure. He appeared way out of place in the hotel pool surroundings where everyone else was wearing very little, bikinis and swim wear, and walking either in flip-flop thongs or bare foot.  

"G'day, you must be Leanne, I'm Mitchell Robinson," the photographer introduced himself, "but you can call me Mitch or Robbo." He had a broad rural Australian accent. 

"Hi I'm Leanne nice to meet you, " Leanne smiled and there was an instant attraction between the pair. "Are we shooting here or down on the beach?" she asked.

"Well, this is a four day shoot so we can work on stuff here but the beach will give the pictures a more natural look. I'll also take you into the Lamington National Park and Green Mountains to get a forest look, and we must  get some pictures out at Moran Falls - the backdrop will be spectacular." Mitchell responded. "How are you with camping and hiking?"

"Wow - sounds interesting, I like a bit of action and adventure so why not!" Leanne enthused. 

Over the next couple mornings Leanne posed in bikinis, beach wear and lingerie at the pool, on the beach and in the luxury bedrooms of the hotel. The afternoons were left as free time and she spent her time hitting the shops at the Marina Mirage and The Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. In the evenings more modelling was required wearing luxury ball gowns and dresses. 

During one of the shopping trips Leanne couldn't help but notice she was being followed. A black Toyota HiAce had slowed and tracked her as she returned to the Palazzo Versace. "Mitch, thank god I've bumped into you." She said concerned, "I think I'm being followed by some pervs. Look - there in that black van. There are two guys they're dressed all in black!"

"Hey! Hey you!" Mitch shouted, "Lea get inside the hotel I deal with 'em!" 

The van sped away, its tyres squealing and smoking as Mitch chased it down Seaworld Drive headed toward Southport and Surfers Paradise.

Mitch walked back to the hotel lobby and Leanne, he put his arms around her. "Hey, they've gone. Probably some press pack or the like. You've gotta remember you're a well known young lady now. You're gonna get that kind of attention. I've seen this before with other models and influencers." He sounded reassuring. "Look, we're going out to National Park tomorrow - we won't have any bother out there. In future maybe you should consider going out in a group rather than on your own."