Rowan glanced over the list. “Whoa. Van Skyler is here? And KC Novis? And—”
“Concentrate on the highlighted suspects, not the celebrities,”Jason said.
“Sure, yeah,” Rowan answered with a nod. “I just didn’t know this was a big movie star destination.” His wide eyes looked more star-struck than professional.
Jason ran a hand down his face. “Rowan, focus on—”
“The highlighted names. I got it, boss. Anything else?”
“I’ll let you know.” He turned back to Knox. “I know the party sounds thin, but Drakos is certain Frederick will be there, so if nothing else, we chat him up.”
Knox finished his coffee and set the mug on the coffee table. “Meaning we tag him and bug him?”
“Exactly. And if he comes with personal security, we’ll plant something on them as well. I want to keep him covered. He’s likely responsible for some of the attacks. According to Drakos, he’s insanely wealthy, cocky, morally dubious, and furious at Drakos for taking his dad’s stuff.”
“Do I get to wear a tux? How nice is this party?” asked Knox.
“Drakos said one of the his shops near the lobby can outfit us with tuxes before tonight.”
Rowan huffed a humorless laugh. “You two are going together? That’s cute.”
“The three of us will go,” he said, pointing to Leland, Knox, and himself. “You stay here on the cameras. And stay on comms in case we need anything.”
“I should go,” Tayla said.
Jason looked so confused she felt the need to clarify. “To the party. I should go with you to the party.” She heard Leland grunt, and narrowed her eyes at his expression. “Don’t you look at me like that. I want to help. And this is something I can do.”
Jason opened his mouth and shut it again.
Knox grinned. “So, you like parties? Or you just want to get a peek at the celebrities and billionaires that will be there?” He looked at Jason—whose disgruntled look appeared to entertain Knox.
Knox, and his growing smile, faced her again. “I like this idea, but if an A-list actor asks you to dance, are you going to go all fan-girl on him?”
Wow. They really had no idea about her past. Or what she did for a living. She looked at Leland. “You haven’t told them anything about me, have you?”
“No,” he said, crossing his arms. He didn’t look happy. Which is why his next words shocked her. “Unfortunately,she’s right. She will look much more natural at this party than any of us.”
She should be ashamed of herself for how much she enjoyed Jason’s baffled expression. It was cute. But he deserved an explanation. “I’ve been to more of these types of parties than I care to count. It’s a long story, but the short version is that my current employer is Archibald Grayhouse and his wife, Vivian.”
Jason and Knox exchanged a look. Then they both looked at Leland, who shrugged his shoulders. “It wasn’t any of your business. Until now.”
“You know the Grayhouses?” Tayla asked.
Jason nodded. “We know the name. They’ve hired Whiterock a couple of times. I’ve never worked with them, though.”
“Well, if this is settled, I need to find a dress. And rest assured,” she looked at Knox, “I won’t go ‘all fan-girl’ on anyone.”
Jason looked miserable.
“Hey.” She tried to coax his eyes to hers. “There are several boutiques just off the lobby. I won’t even leave the building.”
“I know. But Tayla, tonight could be dangerous.”
“So is waiting in a locked hotel room. I learned that yesterday.”
Jason stiffened.
Oh. She didn’t mean to strike a nerve. She tried to gentle her tone. “Look, I’m not one hundred percent safe anywhere, but you and Knox and Leland will be in the same room with me. How could I be any safer?”
