Her mother smiled. “Promise.”
Elizabeth escorted her mother back to where her father was deep into a legislative debate with the congressman. She kissed her mother’s cheek before making her way to the bar as she’d intended. She really needed that wine now.
At the bar she waited patiently for her turn. An open bar ensured a line.
“My, my, I do believe you’ve outdone yourself tonight.”
Elizabeth’s gaze swung to the woman who had paused at the bar next to her.
Annette Baxter.
Elizabeth watched, appalled, as the woman sidled up next to her. She clamped her jaws together. Calmed the beastly anger that had roared before she could tame it. She prided herself on her ability to find the good in all. But somehow she just couldn’t find anything good in Annette Baxter. Even before the investigation had begun, Elizabeth had known there was something inherently evil about the woman.
Baxter faked a smile. “Vodka on ice with lime,” she said to the bartender.
Elizabeth blinked, appalled all over again. She had been here first. Holding back her impatience, she smiled for the harried bartender. “Raymond, a fresh Chardonnay when you have time, please.”
Raymond gifted Elizabeth with a smile and a nod. She knew how to treat people. Just because someone worked in the service field didn’t mean they were any less of a human being. Apparently Annette Baxter had forgotten what it felt like toserviceothers. A righteous smile tugged at Elizabeth’s mouth, but she held it back. She had manners.
Baxter accepted her drink without so much as a token word of gratitude and savored a long swallow.
Disgusting.
Elizabeth, conversely, said, “Thank you,” before accepting hers.
Baxter turned to Elizabeth then and studied her a moment. No doubt noting how elegant Elizabeth looked compared with the skintight, floor-length sheath she wore.
The lavender color was pleasant enough, but the overall effect was tawdry to say the least.
“I see the senator’s done a bang-up job of grooming you to replace him.”
Elizabeth manufactured a credible smile. “I have no plans to seek a seat in the Senate.”
Baxter mirrored that same feigned expression. “According to my sources, that is exactly the plan.”
Fury continued to pound at Elizabeth’s composure. She prayed Carson was able to send this harlot to prison for a very, very long time. “I’m afraid your sources have failed you this time,Ms.Baxter.”
The woman had the gall to laugh. “I don’t think so.”
Elizabeth squared her shoulders and prepared to give her the brush-off. “It’s a free country. You can think what you wish. Enjoy your evening.”
When Elizabeth would have walked past her, Baxter said for her ears only, “Just remember,Ms.Drake, there will come a time when you need me.”
Elizabeth glared at her. “I beg your pardon.”
Baxter smirked. “I know everything about your family, Elizabeth.Every little thing.”
It took the full measure of strength Elizabeth possessed not to dash her wine in the woman’s face. “Are you threatening me?”
That was exactly what it sounded like. A threat.
“Oh, no, no, no. I would never do that.” Baxter looked directly into Elizabeth’s eyes. “I’m in the business of keeping secrets, not divulging them.” She dared to lay a hand on Elizabeth’s arm. “Trust me, your secrets are safe with me. I would never let the senator down.”
27
9:10 p.m.
Dane Drake sat on the edge of the bed. He was so screwed up he couldn’t stand if he wanted to.
