Chapter 4 - The Submission Account
Ramona had created an account with Northline Youth Talent eleven months earlier.
Her own name.
Her own email.
No fake identity.
That mattered.
She did not impersonate me directly.
She misrepresented her authority.
First submission:
Dulcie.
Evan had not consented.
Agency required one parent/guardian certification for preliminary submissions, not formal work permit yet.
Ramona was Dulcie’s parent.
Fine.
For actual paid work, depending state law, both custody arrangements and child-work permits would matter.
Dulcie booked one small local boutique shoot.
$650.
Payment deposited into a custodial account Ramona opened.
No theft proven.
She spent part on Dulcie’s clothing and photography.
Could argue benefit.
No financial crime.
Then second shoot:
$900.
Again.
Dulcie later said she liked the first.
Not second.
Ramona told her:
“Professionals push through tired.”
That was pressure.
Then paired-family casting.
Agency asked:
Any sibling/cousin with distinctive hair?
Ramona sent Nell.
Consent box:
I certify I am parent/legal guardian OR possess written authorization from parent/legal guardian to submit this minor for preliminary casting consideration.
Ramona checked yes.
Typed her own name.
No forged Ainsley signature.
Still false certification.
Then photographs.
Taken from our private family album shared through relatives.
A privacy breach.
No criminal hacking.
She already had access.
Then agency asked for video introduction.
Ramona did not provide because she could not get Nell alone.
She said:
“Parents want to wait until callback.”
Odd, but agency accepted.
Then client notes.
NELL:
Strong visual fit.
Natural waist-length braid is ideal for Heritage Ribbon concept.
Request callback with guardian.
DULCIE:
Good energy.
Potential secondary look.
Hold.
I hated those lines.
Not because agency was cruel.
Casting is selection.
But children were reading none of this.
Adults were.
Ramona did.
Then her emails became more intense.
Could Dulcie be upgraded?
Could they test both?
Could hair styling equalize?
Camille answered professionally:
Final selection rests with client. Both children may be considered for different roles.
Then Friday:
Client wants Nell only for callback.
Ramona:
Dulcie has more experience.
Camille:
Understood. Client still requests Nell.
Then Saturday morning:
If Nell’s hair is no longer suitable for long-braid concept, would Dulcie be next consideration?
Camille:
We cannot guarantee substitution. Please confirm whether Nell remains available.
Ramona:
I’ll know after birthday.
There.
Not proof she planned scissors at that exact moment.
But terrible.
Then at 11:02:
A text from Ramona to Dulcie.
Recovered voluntarily from Dulcie’s tablet during CPS review with parental/legal process.
Mom:
Don’t be upset if everyone fusses over Nell today.
Dulcie:
I’m not.
Mom:
You should be. They always do.
Dulcie:
It’s her birthday.
Mom:
Exactly.
Dulcie:
Can I just play with Ava?
Mom:
Later. I need you with me when Benedict gets back.
Why?
No answer.
Then 11:47:
Mom:
If Nell didn’t have that hair they’d finally see you.
Dulcie:
Stop.
That word mattered.
Dulcie had not wanted rivalry.
Then:
Mom:
You’ll understand someday.
At 12:09:
Dulcie:
Don’t cut it.
My stomach turned.
Ramona replied:
I’m not going to hurt her.
Then party at one.
Scissors at 1:36.
That message—Don’t cut it—showed Dulcie suspected.
Why?
Because Ramona had said something before.
Not yet in writing.
Dulcie later explained.
Her mother had joked in the car:
“Maybe Nell needs a surprise haircut.”
Dulcie said no.
Ramona laughed.
May you like
Then brought scissors anyway.
The central motive was sharpening.
