CHAPTER41
The second building across the street contained a very large reception hall, which tonight was reserved for the music festival’s opening night reception. Ian’s companions made a happy crowd by the entrance, clustered out of the way so as not to block the incoming VIPs. Connor stood surrounded by his band, with the backup trio towering over them, their smiles competing with the chandeliers. Arthur and Danny and Megan and Graham and Rafi. And Kari. Ian slowed his movements for the cameras tracking his every step. He kissed Kari’s cheek. Shook Connor’s hand. Thanked them all for coming. Accepted their compliments in return. He leaned in close to Kari’s ear and explained he needed to do a circuit alone. He then motioned Connor close, mostly so he could enjoy a moment of seeing the man’s cloudless gaze. Asked him to serve as the lady’s companion. Then together they entered the main room.
The din was so fierce he could not hear a word anyone said. Nor did he need to. The light in people’s gazes, the smiles, the way they reached out. Wanting to connect. Wanting to share their own joy.
He did the requisite parade, twice meeting up with Saban so the journalists could shoot them together. He smiled for countless selfies.
Ian finally reached Kiki Kerkorian. The festival director stood on the bar’s far side, allowing people to approach her as they would a ruling monarch. She lifted one cheek for him to kiss, drew him around so they could smile for the cameras, then pulled him back two paces into a storage alcove.
In the relative quiet, she said, “Israel is over the moon.”
“I think it went well.”
“It did more than that. Wherever did your encore come from?”
“Israel suggested it. I jumped at the idea.”
“Your playing together was both intimate and sublime.” She glanced behind him. “Quite a crowd you brought with you.”
“They’re playing with me tomorrow night.”
“I thought as much. Who’s the lovely lady?”
“Kariel. The artist.”
She stepped forward, far enough to study the lady. “So that’s really her.”
“Come to the gala. I’ll introduce you.”
“Of course I’m coming.” Her gaze tightened. “Are you two an item?”
“No comment.”
“This night is just full of surprises.”
Ian asked, “Would you do me a favor?”
“You’ve caught me in the disadvantage of a rare good mood. Ask away.”
“Make a fuss over Connor at the gala. He’s nervous. I want him to feel like he’s really the star attraction tomorrow.”
“You want me to charm a movie star. What a hard gig.”
“Is that a yes?”
* * *
Three limos were waiting outside the main entrance, the drivers all holding illuminated signs bearing Kari’s name, ready to sweep them off to the gala. The night carried an exquisite feel; Ian assumed Kari felt it as well from how she refused to stop smiling. Ian had so much he wanted to say, about the music and the performance and what it meant to have her there. But in the end it was enough to ride in silence, smiling at comments by Rafi and Graham, and hold her hand.
The Miami Beach Convention Center’s second floor was home to the largest ballroom in Florida. The downstairs lobby and bar were all packed. The band played a good version of Latin salsa. The grand staircase leading up to the ballroom formed a curving velvet entry to the gala.
Ian’s first conscious hint of something being seriously wrong was when an unseen man up ahead barked.
Instantly, Kari jerked her hand away from his and froze.
When Ian turned, he faced a frightened child. “What is it?”
The man’s bark was clearer now. And his fury. “Get out of my way!”
