Crockett leaned close to the microphone. “Well, thank you, ladies. Sorry to disappoint, but I’m passing on the hypnosis.” Colton was used to Crockett’s subtle Texan drawl, but the hooting ladies in the audience seemed to enjoy his southern charm.
“You’ll be fine.” Colton slapped Crockett on his back.
“Then, you do it.”
“I saidyou’llbe fine. I’m staying clear of Jerry.”
“Remind me how I got myself into this one, Colt.”
“You lost a bet.” Pausing for emphasis, Colton looked out at the audience. “What do you think? Should Crockett get hypnotized?” More hoots and hollers were heard over the audience’s exuberant applause. “They love you, buddy.” Colton grinned. “Between you and me, hypnosis probably won’t work on you. Your head’s full of rocks.”
Crockett smiled at the audience. “He’s right about that.”
The two men had left nothing to chance. Their playful, spontaneous banter had been planned. Months ago, Colton had suggested Crocket participate. To his surprise, Crockett had agreed. The laughter turned into applause as entertainer and hypnotist Jerry Gardner trotted onstage. Colton shook Jerry’s hand, patted Crockett on the back, and walked offstage as the spotlights brightened and the house lights dimmed.
“What a good looking and elite D.C. crowd,” Jerry said. “Thank you for spending your evening at this worthwhile benefit. I promise you’ll be entertained. Right, Crockett?”
“Sure, easy for you to say.” Crockett shook Jerry’s hand, then a hotel employee helped Crockett mic up.
As Colton weaved through the maze of tables, he slowed to shake several outstretched hands.
“Before we begin, let me explain hypnosis,” Jerry said. “It’s a state of deep relaxation, not sleep.” He looked at Crockett. “You’ll be able to hear me and you won’t say or do anything against your wishes.”
“Whew, that’s a relief,” Crockett said.
Colton eased into his chair next to Brigit. “Great speech,” she whispered and caressed his back.
Staring into her eyes helped ease his tension. “Glad you liked it.”
Did she know her tender touch could lift his dark mood? Maybe she knew him better than he realized. And could she perceive how dangerous Montgomery really was? As they shifted their attentions back to the stage, he wondered if he should tell her.Don’t burden her.
If ever Colton needed to maintain control, it was tonight. Everything about MobiCom’s intention had become crystal clear. Wilson Montgomery was determined to win and he now knew why.
“Not everyone is capable of being hypnotized, but I’m good. I’mreallygood.” Jerry stepped offstage and meandered about the room.
Under hypnosis, a woman was instructed to cluck like a chicken whenever Jerry said the wordkiss. A male guest admitted to being a closet smoker and was hypnotized to meow whenever he felt the urge to smoke. Both agreed to wear a mic. Jerry then asked for female volunteers willing to be hypnotized with Crockett on stage. There was no shortage of excited participants.
“I’m liking this more and more,” Crockett said from his seat on stage and the audience cracked up.
Brigit chortled. “Your friend is causing quite a ruckus,” she whispered to Colton.
In the darkened room, he laid a possessive hand on her thigh. Had to touch her. She turned, slowly, to look at him. Her intensity struck him like a lightning bolt, the undeniable electricity whirring between them. He needed to kiss her. Hell, lose himself in her, so her sweet soul could assuage his tormented one.
She furrowed her brow. “You okay?”
“All good.” Beneath the table, he clenched his free fist. One slug to Wilson’s jaw would flatten that motherfucking son of a bitch.
As Jerry escorted four women on stage, he flashed Crockett two thumbs up and the audience laughed. The women sat in chairs next to Crockett and were also wired with portable microphones.
“Please get as comfortable as you can, knowing you’re about to be hypnotized in front of a packed room of Washingtonians,” Jerry said. “That makesmenervous. Ladies, please tell us who you are. Since we’re in the political epicenter of the world, first names only.” After introductions, Jerry began. “Close your eyes and fill your lungs with a slow, deep breath.” He walked them through a visualization of being relaxed, breathing deeply and falling into a restful state.
Colton couldn’t pay attention. Too much was at stake. “I have to make a phone call. Be right back,” he whispered in Brigit’s ear, then headed toward the back of the room.
Two at a time up the stairs, he paused on the landing that overlooked the expansive ballroom. It was chock-full. He hoped his speech, along with the entertainment, garnered a sizable donation for the charity. Feeling like he’d done something that mattered, Colton double-stepped to the mezzanine and pushed open the fire door. After confirming the quiet hallway was deserted, he dialed. Muffled laughter floated through the closed ballroom doors.
“How’s the benefit going?” Marjorie asked. “Did you take my advice and bring your crack wealth manager?”
“Brigit is with me. Montgomery showed up and threatened me.”
