by Eugene, Lisa
Michelle grinned. “Not gonna happen. Although I’d love to see this uppidy crowd tear da roof off.”
I chuckled but found I couldn’t quite indulge in my friend’s humor. I prayed I’d get through this night. My thoughts dwelled elsewhere. Since hearing of Luke’s arrest, I’d been numbly distracted and constantly worried about him. It had been hard seeing him at the court house. I could tell from his stiff posture and the tight set of his jaw that this ordeal weighed heavily on him.
The brief moment we’d made eye contact had filled me with a surge of deep remorse and, strangely, guilt. I knew he was innocent. I had no idea what he’d told the police. He’d promised to keep our night a secret, but surely if he’d be vindicated by disclosing the event, I’d understand. I’d wanted to talk to Luke, to tell him I’d stand by him. A part of me wanted to run to him and hold him close, to offer assurances that it would all work out. I wanted to shout his innocence to the world. If the police needed to speak to me, I’d tell them the truth. I sighed, not willing to think of the possible fallout. The only thing that mattered right now were getting the charges dropped.
The night he’d been released I’d gone to his apartment intending to talk to him, but I’d lost my nerve at the last minute, feeling stupid for showing up at his home. He’d probably been surrounded by family.
“Did you find another apartment?” Michelle interrupted my thoughts.
I sighed and shook my head. I’d lost the brownstone apartment. There really had been another interested party and I hadn’t made it to the broker’s office in time.
“I don’t get it.”
Michelle frowned. “I thought you had it in the bag! Too bad your phone went dead. Maybe you could have called and told them you were on your way.”
My cheeks heated. “I’ll just have to keep looking.”
I felt the press of a palm to the small of my back and turned to face Josh, donning my party smile. He was handsome in a black tux that fit his tall muscular frame and I smiled genuinely as I stared up at him. He replaced the empty champagne glass in my hand with a full one and deposited mine on the tray of a passing waiter.
“Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?” he said close to my ear.
I pursed my lips in thought. “You might have mentioned it once or twice.”
I was wrapped in a black strapless gown with intricate beading across the bodice and my hair was pulled back from my face with two diamond combs.
“Then I’ve been derelict in my duties as your future husband.” With a charming grin, he swooped down and pecked my naked shoulder.
I could see Michelle rolling her eyes behind him and suppressed a laugh.
“You can’t expect to hog my granddaughter all to yourself!”
The admonishment came from behind us and recognizing the voice, I turned with a wide smile. My grandmother stood with Margaret Lindon at her side. I threw my arms around my grandmother and squeezed tight, welcoming the familiar embrace. Grace Vandercamp pulled back, cupping my shoulders. Her sage blue gaze roved my face and her lips pinched mildly.
“How are you, my dear?”
I produced my brightest smile, knowing the woman had an uncanny ability to always read my feelings. I looked behind her for my grandfather and spotted him speaking to some gentlemen close by.
“I’m fine, Grand. Just a bit tired.”
Grace gave me a long assessing look that made me squirm in my high heels. Grace then turned to Josh. “I hope you’re taking good care of her.”
“Of course!” he answered with a grin.
Grace squeezed my hand and whispered, “You know I’m here if you need me.”
I nodded and squeezed back.
Just then my mother’s musical laughter wafted from the crowd and found us. She was chatting with a nearby group.
“I see Diana is in her element,” Grace murmured dryly. “How is the planning for the autism event coming along?”
“Great.”
“Yes. I’m sure it’ll be a thorough success. I was just speaking to Margaret about it.” Grace winked.
“I have good news.” Mrs. Lindon beamed. “My organization, Christian Relief Aid, will be making a sizable donation.”
I smiled and thanked Mrs. Lindon. Mrs. Lindon’s organization was very selective with the charities it supported. I was indeed pleased.
Mrs. Lindon lowered her voice a fraction. “I heard that Davenport PR also made a sizable donation. Since you’ll be declining that donation, I know CRA’s contribution will be even more needed.”
I almost choked on the champagne I’d just sipped. The effervescent liquid burned the back of my throat. Throughout the evening, I’d caught snatches of conversation that whispered of the Davenport scandal. I’d tried my best to ignore them, knowing how this crowd thrived on gossip. I was about to respond when my grandmother spoke up.
“I don’t see what Mr. Davenport’s troubles have to do with his generous donation. We’re thrilled to have his support.”
Mrs. Lindon’s eyes widened in censure. She fingered the string of pearls around her neck and her face creased into a scowl. “Surely you wouldn't want the foundation tainted with this sordid scandal. The man murdered a woman in a sex club!”
I saw my grandmother’s blue eyes flame. I loved when Grand got her dander up. “As far as I know, Mr. Davenport has not been convicted of any crime! And we certainly are in no position to judge events we know nothing about!”
I wanted to applaud and hug my grandmother. “He didn't do it and I have no intention of refusing the donation,” I chimed in.
Margaret Lindon turned to Michelle. “You work for Mr. Davenport, don’t you? Did you have any idea that he was such a debauched character?”
Michelle planted a hand on her hip and made no attempt to mask her irritation. She was not one to hold her tongue long, and I guessed she’d already been questioned several times that evening about her boss.
“If he’s debauched, then we’re all headed straight to hell in a hand basket. The charges are bullsh—”
“As Grand mentioned…” I elbowed Michelle. “Mr. Davenport has not been convicted of any crime.”
Josh cleared his throat beside me, his hand circling my waist possessively. “I’m not so convinced of his innocence. I work for him too and I’ve seen a cruel and unpredictable side of him. This just goes to show that you never know what a man is capable of. I hear he was also suspected of killing his wife.”
I barely managed to suppress my gasp. My fingers almost snapped the stem of the delicate champagne glass. I knew Josh never liked Luke, but the disdain in his voice blew an icy breeze down my back and I stiffened in his hold.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about!” Michelle reproached Josh.
He speared her with a hateful gaze. “And I suppose you do.”
“Yes, because I’ve worked with him longer than you have.”
“Maybe because you’re always kissing his ass,” Josh mumbled beneath his breath.
I was not in the mood to listen to Josh and Michelle spar, especially about this particular subject. I was about to suggest we mingle, when Diana floated over.
“Why the dour faces?” My mother pouted dramatically.
“We were just discussing the Davenport scandal,” Mrs. Lindon explained.
Diana huffed her umbrage and waved a manicured hand. “That’s all I’m hearing about tonight! The man should be locked away for good for what he’s done!”
Michelle and I exchanged a weary look of annoyance and I struggled to engineer a means of escape.
“Josh, I think I just saw your father walk in,” Grace interjected, staring toward the door.
Josh’s expression hardened. “I’m suddenly in need of a stronger drink,” he mumbled and drained his champagne glass before strolling away.
Grace’s eyebrows rose marginally. She kissed my cheek, promising to catch up with me later, then nodded to Diana before she and Mrs. Lindon disappeared into the crowd.
Michelle pulled her gaze from the bar where Josh was ordering his drink.
“Tell me why you’re marrying him again? It’s just so I have to wear that ugly dress, isn’t it?”
“Yup.” I grinned. “You’ve figured me out.”
“Damn, girl. You owe me big time.” Michelle linked our elbows and turned us toward the band with a grin. “Lets go request some Busta Rhymes.”
I needed to check in with the caterers. Well, I didn’t really, but it was the excuse I’d used throughout the evening to extricate myself from conversations that were seizure inducing, and this particular one was giving me a tick. One of my mother’s friends was dispensing marital advice, and considering the fact that she was on her fourth husband, I swallowed each dictum with a spoonful of salt and a mouthful of champagne. Ironically I was just about to make the excuse about the caterers, when a waiter whispered in my ear that I was needed in the kitchen. I inclined my head, surprised because between my mother and the party planner she’d hired, there was very little for me to do. Glad for the interruption, though, I excused myself and followed the livered waiter.
I’d last seen Josh sequestered in a corner talking to his father. He hadn’t looked happy and I guessed I’d hear all about it later. Pushing through a side door, I let it close behind me and melted back against it. The roar of the party simmered to a distant drone and I rubbed my aching temples and checked my watch. Just after eleven. Things hopefully would be wrapping up soon. I’d entered into some sort of large butlers pantry with another door leading out. I looked around for the waiter who seemed to have vanished.
“I hope you’re enjoying the party, beautiful.”
My neck jerked with a force that almost caused whiplash. My hands flew to my mouth, but my startled gasp still found an escape.
“Luke!”
There was no thought. No moment of reasoning. It was only pure instinct that drove my feet forward one step at a time until I was pressed against him, sliding my arms around his waist and clinging to his back with a grip that was almost inhuman.
“Oh, Luke! I’ve been so worried…”
I noticed his slight hesitation, a few seconds when his body went rigid with obvious ambivalence. As if losing some inner battle, he cursed roughly and his strong arms enveloped me. Luke crushed me against him, digging his nose into my hair and brushing his lips across my forehead.
I inhaled the fragrance of sandalwood and sighed against his chest. My cheek nestled into a familiar fabric and my palm came around to rub against the cloth, coasting over the hard hills of his pecs . I realized my fingers were trembling. Seeing him was doing a number on me. I was breaking to pieces inside.
I imagined the beautiful dragon nestled beneath, wrapped intricately around his shoulder.
“You wore the shirt.” The words whispered off my tongue.
The heaviness in my heart was a profound weight I couldn’t explain, and fighting back the sting of tears, I pulled away.
“I can’t believe all that has happened.” My gaze raked his handsome face. “I can’t believe that you’re here.”
“Sorry for the subterfuge, but I have a feeling I’m persona non grata in there.” He indicated the door I’d just come through.
I lifted my bare shoulders. I couldn’t care less what the people in the other room thought of Luke. I stared at him anxiously, desperately needing answers. I’d been going crazy with worry. “What’s going on, Luke? What’s with the charges against you? You didn’t do it. Did you not tell them you have an alibi?” I took a few steps back and stared at him.
Luke shifted his weight and his jade eyes tracked me.
“No, I didn’t.”
I threw my arms up, frustrated. “Why the hell not?”
He closed the distance between us and grabbed my left hand. We both zeroed in on the huge diamond ring twinkling on my finger. Feeling my stomach lurch into my throat, I pedaled my gaze back to his face. His eyes were hard cut gems and his square jaw sculpted with acute angles.
I pulled my arm from his grasp and took a few steps away from him, needing the distance, needing to be away from that potent scent of sandalwood. I kept my back to him.
“He didn’t do it. He didn’t cheat. I was wrong. We’re to be ma—married.”
His snide chuckle reached my ears. “Congratulations.”
I rounded on him then, gritting my teeth to keep from yelling. “What am I supposed to do? He’s been my life for three years! We’ve planned for a future together.”
Luke was on top of me in two determined strides. He gripped my chin and pulled me in close, my face inches from his.
“Yeah? Were you thinking about that future while I was fucking you? While you were moaning beneath me?”
I yanked my face away, feeling the tears break free. “Josh and I were broken up. You know what I was going through. That is not fair!”
“I don’t really feel like being fair right now!” he grated harshly. “You’re blind, Kay!”
I straightened my spine, curling my fists angrily. This had not been an easy decision for me, but I’d been the one to make the mistake. I’d jumped to conclusions and jeopardized my relationship. And after what I’d done, I should be asking Josh for forgiveness. I tried to shove away the guilt that was a constant companion.
Luke pulled his shoulders back and his body stiffened. He stared silently for a few heartbeats then squeezed his eyes shut, seeming to draw on his control.
“Listen, I came here to ask you some questions. Someone is setting me up and I’m trying to figure out what the hell is going on. Someone planted rope in my office that match the murder weapon. I need answers.”
“Oh my God!” I frowned, not wanting to believe what I was hearing. “I’ll do whatever I can to help, you know that.”
“Did the police question you?”
I shook my head. “I was registered at Sensations under an alias.”
“It might just be a matter of time.” He stared. “I haven't said anything. There might be a way to prove my innocence without you getting involved. That way you’ll be spared.”
“How?” I couldn’t believe he cared that much.
“I have to figure out who is behind this.” He scratched his jaw pensively. “You said something about finding your grandmother’s pearl earring the night at Mr. Kotobuki’s party.”
I nodded, frowning. “Yes. In my shoe.”
He shook his head. “I didn’t put it there. I was trying to tell you that at your apartment.”
I felt a distressing wave curl through me. “Then how—?”
“I don’t know. The night of Mr. Kotobuki’s party, a woman was murdered.”
I sucked in a staggered breath, my eyes wide. “Oh my God! Don’t tell me they’re blaming you?”
Luke worried his hair, blowing out a heavy breath. His long legs paced the room. “Not yet, but Katie, she looked a lot like you. Too much for it to be a coincidence. Similar coat too—the one I almost took.” He stopped and turned to me, his voice mellowing. “I’m worried.”
My frown deepened. “What are you saying?”
Luke shook his head and spoke slowly. “I don’t know what to think. Just please be careful.”
“I—”
The door pushed open then and a swell of noise burst into the room. Michelle froze in the doorway, her brown eyes changing from startled…to puzzled…to suspicious. She swung her astute gaze between the two of us and her brows lifted curiously. We’d both grown suddenly still and a palpable disquiet settled in the room. I could sense Michelle’s rapid assessment of the situation.
“Mr. Davenport,” Michelle greeted with a slight nod of her head, then turned a penetrating gaze to me. “Ah—the waiter told me I could find you here.”
“I’ll be out in a second,” I said, holding my friend’s questioning gaze.
Michelle twitched her head back to the door. “Uh—there’s someone looking for you.”
I was about to reiterate that I’d be right out, when the door pushed open behind Michelle. Josh and his father stood in the doorway and I knew the moment Josh spotted Luke. His face turned into to a red mask of rage.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Josh yelled.
Luke lengthened his spine and squared his shoulders, his posture defensive. I felt my worlds colliding, the fragments exploding violently.
“Wait just a second.” Mr. Wilkinson stepped forward. “I invited him. He’s my guest.”
Josh turned to his father in anger. “You invited him here? You just told me he’s fucking firing me! The man is a murderer. He should be behind bars!”
Mr. Wilkinson raised both palms, trying to calm his son. “Now, now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. You brought this upon yourself, and Luke has not been found guilty of any crime.”
“What? You’re sticking up for him? It’s all over the fucking news! He’s guilty. He killed his wife and now the woman at the whorehouse!”
I hated the noise Josh created in my head, hated the gossip and the slander against this man I knew was innocent. My limbs shook with the anger vibrating in my bones. I pivoted and stepped in front of Josh, my fists tight.
“He didn’t do it!” I yelled.
Josh walked toward me, obviously surprised by my defense of Luke. His face creased and his blue eyes narrowed as he stared at me hard.
“How do you know Mr. Davenport so well? You’ve been defending him all night,” he stated softly, his voice cutting like the thin edge of a blade. “How do you know he didn’t do it?”
I sucked in a breath and I saw Luke move in my peripheral vision.
“Kay, no!” Luke’s voice registered somewhere in my sub-conscience, but I was too impassioned to heed him. My heart fluttered wild like the wings of a hummingbird and the roar in my head was deafening.
“Because I was there! I was with him that night at Sensations! We were in bed together! He didn’t do it!”