“What do you mean?” I asked through clenched teeth, anger and frustration causing me to perspire.
“I need a little more information for the feds before they can be arrested,” he said quietly. “And I knew they’d have dates tonight. I need you to get close to the other women. They know more than anyone what these men are up to.”
“Spencer!” Mr. Cryer said as he lifted his glass toward us. “You finally made it.”
The others turned in our direction, and I immediately recognized several important—dangerous—men. Kent Parrot was among them. Their dates were not what I expected. They wore short flapper dresses, elaborate hairpieces, and garish makeup. I knew two of the men were married, and these were not their wives.
“Everyone,” Spencer said with a proud smile that looked real, though I knew otherwise, “this is Miss Ally Bennett.”
“Miss Bennett!” one of the flappers said with awe, a Southern twang to her voice. “As I live and breathe! Kent, honey, can you talk Miss Bennett into putting me in one of her movies?”
The other girls laughed as one took a drink out of Mr. Parrot’s hand and tipped it back.
“I’ve seen several of your pictures, Miss Bennett,” Mr. Cryer said as he rose to shake my hand. “You’re even lovelier in person.Spencer is a lucky man.” He motioned to the group. “Now that Spencer and Ally are here, we can move this party upstairs.”
“Upstairs?” I glanced at Spencer, panic making my heart race.
He smiled at me as if nothing was wrong, and in that moment I realized what an incredible actor he truly was. There was no sign of worry or concern on his face. No telltale nerves or unease. He must be desperate to get the information the feds wanted.
Desperate enough to trick me into coming with him.
“What kind of a party, Spencer?” I asked him.
“The fun kind,” Mr. Parrot said with a laugh.
“Mr. Parrot always gives us a good time,” one of the flappers said as she rose to join the group. “We sing and dance until morning. It’s the most exclusive party in Hollywood, honey.”
Spencer took my arm as if he was going to lead me to follow the others, but I did not move.
“If you force me, I will make a scene,” I said through clenched teeth.
“Don’t do this, Ally. I need you to go upstairs.”
I was breathing hard, but I shook my head. “Over my dead body.”
“Is there a problem, Spencer?” Mr. Cryer asked.
“No problem.” Spencer tried to smile, but this time I saw the frustration and worry in his eyes. “I’m just telling Ally what to expect at the party.”
“I’m sorry for the confusion, Mr. Cryer,” I said, turning to him. “But I will not be joining you this evening.”
“Oh?” He frowned, and Mr. Parrot paused on his way to the elevator with a woman on each arm.
“What’s the problem, Hayes?” Mr. Parrot asked, joining us.
“I am leaving,” I said to the men, pulling my arm away from Spencer.
“Come now, Miss Bennett,” Mr. Cryer said. “We’re only having some fun. Nothing to be upset about.”
“I’m upset because I was brought here under false pretenses,” I told him, my disappointment at Spencer’s lies making me want to cry. He might owe something to the feds, but I did not.
“False pretenses?” Mr. Cryer looked between us. “Perhaps we should leave the two of you alone to work this out. When you’re ready, we’ll be in the penthouse on the fourteenth floor.”
“Thank you,” Spencer said, not taking his eyes off me. So many emotions passed over his face. Shame, frustration, disappointment. I hardened my heart, not wanting to feel anything.
As the group walked toward the elevator, I moved past Spencer to find a concierge to ask for a taxicab. Tears stung my eyes, and I blinked valiantly to keep them away.
“Ally, wait,” Spencer said as he caught up to me.
