“Six years.” Her tone was formal.
When he reached to caress her cheek, she tossed her head back to avoid his touch. The redheaded vixen next to him shoved him. “Uh, Cass, this is Cheyenne, my wife. Cheyenne, this is Cassie. She is a dear old friend.”
Cassie extended her hand, but Cheyenne did not budge. If her expression were a weapon, Cassie would be lifeless on the floor. She broke eye contact, refusing to let anyone be a distraction. “Pleased to meet you, Cheyenne.”
“Oh my. Tag team?” Wilds asked.
“Knock it off, Greg,” Preston said.
Ian nodded. “Pleasure to see you again.” Cassie felt support in his eyes.
Sebastian growled under his breath, “Bet she remembers meeting him,” loud enough for her to hear.
The voice in Cassie’s ear buzzed. “Damn it. If Chase blows this… or more like…—did you blow him? Though I have to give you credit, this cover is deep as hell. We can figure how deep later, Princess.” Wilds sounded like he was enjoying himself. A spark of fear danced across her eyes.
Judge Marshall looked at Cassie. “Where did you meet Cassiopeia, Mr. Chase?” She maintained her poise, waiting for Ian to speak.Here it comes. The night will be over before it starts.
“I had the lovely fortune of touring the Mellon Collection at the National Gallery. She was able to grant me a behind-the-scenes view of Titian’sVenus with a Mirror.”
Judge Marshall grinned. “Glorious painting. You work at the Gallery, my dear?”
“I was there as a fellow while I worked on my Ph.D.” Relief tickled her eyes. Sebastian glowered.
“She was a delightful guide. I’m fond of Titian's works. I am still angry about missing out on the purchase of theMadonna and Child with Saints Luke and Catherine of Alexandriain 2011.” Ian took neutral ground.
Judge Marshall said, “Hmm, that went in a private sale before the auction. I heard Christie’s was angry about the lost commission. It was all cutthroat.”
She exhaled, unaware of how long she had held her breath. Ian rescued her again.Thank you, Ian.
Sebastian leered at her. “Where do you work now?”
“I’m a private art appraisal consultant.”
“Well, young lady, please leave me your card. I’m always interested in a new piece for my collection,” Judge Marshall said. Claudia Marshall kicked her husband’s shin.
“Alex, you remember Cassiopeia found us the beautiful Goldthwaite,Young Woman in Pink,” Bradford said. The senior Whitman couldn’t help stoking the fire.
* * *
Ian watched as the tension around the table increased. Though she appeared composed, Cassie’s pupillary reactions showed how much the presence of the Whitmans blindsided her. A quick scan of the room answered any further questions as to why. Greg Wilds stood with another tuxedo-clad man by the bar, a huge smirk on his face.
Ian frowned.You bastard. You set her up.
She retained her implacable expression.
Chapter Seven
The ballroom was decorated lavishly. Candles in ornate floral-covered candelabras reflected off the ceiling. Purple and white orchids floating in crystal bowls of colored water adorned almost every free surface, their delicate fragrance infusing the room. Complementing the gilded chairs were the crisp white linen tablecloths and cut Waterford wine glasses with silver Tiffany place settings adorning every table. A fifteen-piece band played softly in the background. In the iridescent shadows of light, the dance floor glittered like black diamonds.
With most of the guests seated, Cassie did a mental repeat survey of the gold, yellow, and taupe Corcoran Ballroom and the adjacent Corcoran Foyer. Each exit appeared to be covered by in-house security. Couples in too expensive and some very tacky ballgowns and tuxedos were seated at seventy tables of twelve each.
If these people just donated the cost of the tickets plus the price of their ballgowns, we wouldn't need this whole dog and pony show.In addition to house security, Cassie sorted through the other agencies in attendance: FBI, Secret Service for the four declared candidates, and various contract security. The room was filled with money and power.
She wondered if all the intelligence was accurate.Would an attempt be made on the senator's life tonight in such a well-staffed room?
As if Wilds could read her mind, his voice suddenly sounded in her ear. "Stay alert, Cassie. Remember, two rooms, lots of staff." Unfortunately, he did not finish there. "Wouldn't want to miss the action at your table either. Watching a bitch fight gets me hot and bothered."
Cassie stifled her frown. She turned her head like a fairytale princess in his direction and batted her eyes at him. "Have fun, Princess." He blew her a kiss. "With all that panting, wonder if you're thawing out with all the attention. You'll be all relaxed for me when the night is over."
