The security measures are likely overkill, he tells himself. But they’re like an umbrella.
The event planner was worth every penny. The space looks elegant, professional, exactly what Sasha envisioned for a First Amendment celebration. And best of all, she and Linda can enjoy the evening without worrying about every detail.
Linda is sitting at the Foggy Bottom Prep table, chatting with Dean Ashworth and Marcus Chen, and Yasmin’s parents. The McCandless, Volmer & Andrews table, front and center, currently consists of six empty chairs.
Sasha has zero doubt that Connelly, Naya, Will, Ellie, and the Caroline Masters, firm administrator since day one, are at the bar.
As if summoned, Naya appears at her elbow, stunning in a midnight blue gown. “You look amazing. And the room looks amazing. I shouldn’t have doubted you.”
“Professional event planner,” Sasha confesses. “Best decision I made.”
“Second best,” Naya corrects. “Best decision was hiring me.”
“True.” She laughs and some of her tension dissolves. She needed this. Then she spots Biz and grabs Naya’s arm. “See the woman with the blonde pixie cut?”
“Wearing a pink and brown halter gown?”
“Yes, her.”
“What about her?”
“If you talk to her, use a different name.”
Naya hits her with the side-eye. “Why?”
“She thinks I’m Naya Andrews. It’s a long story.”
“Nice to see you’re still up to shenanigans even in the nation’s capital.”
Will joins them, already holding a champagne flute. “Have you seen the silent auction? Someone donated a week in Tuscany.”
“Bid on it,” Naya says immediately. “You need a vacation.”
“We all need a vacation,” Ellie adds, appearing with Caroline. “Sasha especially. She’s been working nonstop.”
Caroline raises her glass. “To Sasha. For reminding us why we do this work.”
They toast. Sasha drinks champagne, twirls in her silk gown, and lets herself enjoy the bubbles fizzing on her tongue and the moment.
The ballroom fills with guests, excited chatter, and the sense of community and shared purpose.
Leo appears beside her, adjusts his cufflinks. “I just bid on Tuscany.”
“Wouldn’t that be amazing?”
“Everywhere’s amazing with you.” He takes her hand and spins her to music that only they can hear.
She smiles at him, but she can’t shake the feeling that the disaster is coming.
Soon.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Caleb stands backstage, listening to his introduction. Linda’s voice carrying through the sound system is warm, proud, talking about his literary credentials, his commitment to truthtelling, and his courage in the face of those who would silence controversial voices.
He’s a fraud.
Two attacks. Two books. Ten dead. Who knows how many injured. And he’s about to give a speech celebrating freedom of expression as if he’s some kind of hero instead of an unwitting accomplice to terrorism.
