Dominic exchanged some private words with a tall, lean man with dark hair and dark eyes as the conversations in the room resumed.
"Sounds like Richard Greco has a beef with Dominic," she commented as she sipped her champagne. "Who's Dominic talking to now?"
"Sebastian Hanover, Executive Vice President of Operations and longtime friend. And Greco was definitely not happy about losing a big contract."
"After that scene, I'd be surprised if his company gets another one in the future."
"They won't," he said with certainty. "I suspect Richard's father, Joseph, knows that."
"Well, we can put the Greco's on Dominic's enemy list."
"As I said before, that list will be long."
She didn't doubt that, but she could also see a lot of fawning smiles in this room. "He seems to be surrounded by love here."
"Looks more like attention to me, and he does love that." As Max finished speaking, a Middle Eastern man in his fifties approached. He had brown hair, brown eyes, and a neatly trimmed beard.
"Max," the man said, a surprised gleam in his eyes. "Didn't take you for the party type."
"Dominic's request. Good to see you, Hamid. This is Kara Reid."
"He turned to Kara with warmth in his eyes. "Hamid Azani. I'm VP of Global Operations for Ashford Industries."
"Nice to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine." Hamid turned back to Max, his expression shifting to something more serious. "I was going to text you earlier about setting up a meeting to discuss next month's trip. I have concerns."
"About what?" Max asked.
"I think we're being too cautious. Too hidden." Hamid gestured with his champagne glass. "The whole point of going there is to show the local community and investors that we're committed, that we're not afraid. If we skulk around in armored vehicles and avoid public spaces, what message does that send?"
"It sends the message that we want everyone to survive the trip," Max said dryly.
"I understand security is your priority, but mine is the success of this project." Hamid's jaw tightened slightly. "And that requires presence. Dominic shaking hands, being seen, showing confidence. Otherwise, why bother going at all?" He paused. "Can I steal you away for just a moment?"
Max gave her a questioning look.
"Go," she said. "I'll be fine."
"We won't be long," Hamid promised her.
She nodded as she sipped her champagne. The crowd was growing bigger, and as a new group descended on the room, she had to back away. Unfortunately, she ran into another body, a man who appeared to be in his early forties with dark-framed glasses and a pleasant expression.
"I'm so sorry," she said.
"No problem. It's getting crowded. I'm David Hartford."
"Kara Reid. Do you work with Dominic?"
"Sometimes. I run an investment company."
"Are you an investor in the Tajikistan project?" Kara asked.
"I am, yes." David pushed his glasses up his nose. "Dominic's work is inspiring. He's going to change lives, and it's exciting to be a part of that. What about you?"
"Oh, no. I'm just here with a friend." At his questioning glance, she added, "I'm a middle school teacher. This is not my usual scene."
His smile broadened. "Middle school teachers change lives, too. I've always believed teachers to be our unsung heroes."
