“You know, dear, Clifton ishere tonight.”
Who the hell was Clifton?Heather’s eyes widened and her smile was forced.
“Wonderful. I’ll have to make it a pointto say hello.”
“He’s looking quite well, Heather. And from what I’ve heard he’s being prepped to take over for when his fatherretires soon.”
Heather’s head tipped to the side bobbing up and down. “Fabulous. Mom, there’s a crowd of people heading this way who, I’m sure, want to speak with the hostess. We’ll let you get on with your duties.”
Nicoletta’s gaze swiveled and she pasted on what Scott assumed was hergood hostesssmile. Taking Heather’s elbow, he steered her away into the throng of people then stopped.
“Is that Judge Barlow? Why would she be here?” His gut clenched at the memory of his arraignment.
Heather ran her hand down his arm. Was she trying to comfort him? “It’s not unusual. Most of them have some sort of political agenda. And the people here can help them fulfill it.”
“The rich people you mean.”
Heather rolled her eyes and started walking. Judge Barlow caught sight of her and waylaid them. God, what did she want?
“Ms. Silva, Judge Mary Barlow.” The woman held her hand out, introducing herself. Heather shook it, her smile serene and curious. He could barely keep from growling at her.
“My sister recently bought a house through you. Said you were fabulous at finding them exactly what they wanted.”
Heather was all business. “I’m so glad they were satisfied. I do my best with what’son the market.”
The judge made a little small talk but kept glancing at him while she did.Yeah, you set my bail at half a million bucks, lady, andI was innocent.
“I’m not sure if you remember my friend, Scott Holland,” Heather interrupted their conversation. “He was in your court recently.”
“Totally innocent, of course,” Scott piped in, trying to keep his voice even. He’d have to get lessons from Heather and her mother. “Trumped-up charges by someone trying to put me out of business.”
The woman looked uneasy and clasped her hands together. “Yes, I got word that the case had been dropped. I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t realize the two of you were friends. The district attorney said she was looking into some new developments regarding this.”
“Someone blew up my house. I’d say that was a new development.” Heather’s voice was still laced with syrup.
“Oh, you poor thing. May I call you Heather? I’ll make sure this gets lookedinto further.”
“Oh, the police are right on it,” Scott said. “I’m sure you don’t need to worryabout a thing.”
“Well, you know I’m running for Congress.” She addressed this to Heather, barely looking in his direction. “One of my platforms is getting the crime rate down in Connecticut.”
Heather nodded. “That’s perfect. Perhaps you could start with the Prescott Street area in Menatuck. Scott and I have a building there we’re renovating and we’ve hadsome problems.”
“I can put that at the top of mypriority list.”
Why was this woman being so agreeable? Did everyone suck up to rich people like this?
“I’m wondering, Heather, if you could put in a good word for me with your father? He’s very influential in the political arena. I certainly could use someone of his caliber giving metheir support.”
“I’d have to find the time first. This mill building problem we’re having is keepingme quite busy.”
“Oh, certainly. I understand. I’m in tight with the sheriff and will make sure to get him working on this right away.”
Heather’s smile was a mile wide. “I appreciate that. Now, if you’ll excuse us, I see my fatherwaving at me.”
Heather propelled him to the other side of the room but they didn’t see Domenic Silvaalong the way.
“That was smooth. You never actually promised to say anything to your dad. We’ll see what kind of results we get in the neighborhood clean-up department.”
