31
Black Tie Only
On Friday afternoon,Crockettentered the high-end jewelry store on Connecticut Avenue in northwest DC. A man in a tailored suit greeted him with a friendly smile. “Good day,sir.”
“Crockett Wilde to see MarkWhitaker.”
“Right this way, Mr. Wilde.” The man escorted him into a private room. “Please have a seat. Mr. Whitaker will be right withyou.”
The elegant room housed two plush maroon velvet chairs separated by a small table covered in blacklinen.
Marriage hadn’t crossed Crockett’s mind until Alexandra had come back into his life. But as he waited for the owner of Tiny Jewel Box to present him with his custom engagement ring, he couldn’t wait to make Alexandra his,forever.
His phone buzzed and he read the incoming text from Danny. “Congrats. Director impressed with your efforts. Wilde back in the running. Email from the Contracting Officer going out nextweek.”
“Great news,” he texted back. “Thanks for hearing meout.”
“Pit bull,” Danny texted back and Crockettlaughed.
The owner of the upscale jewelry store entered the room. “Crockett, goodafternoon.”
“Good to see you, Mark.” The two men shookhands.
“You’re going to be delighted with the results.” Mark sat, opened the ring box and presented it to Crockett. “Magnificent, isn’tit?”
“It’sstunning.”
Mark handed the diamond ring to Crockett. “The four-carat radiant cut isflawless.”
Crockett examined the ring from all sides. A halo of brilliant round diamonds surrounded the large, sparkling stone. “It’s perfect. She’ll loveit.”
* * *
Alexandra wasanxious toget to Incognito. Her imagination had been running wild since she’d glimpsed the hidden room. Though she hadn’t said anything to Crockett, she’d been obsessing over poorSage.
As she struggled to zip her black sequined gown, her phone rang. Crockett had resurfaced.Finally.
“Hey, honey. On your way home?” She tossed her tiny clutch next to the black faux fur shawlcoat.
“Hello, my love. I’m sorry I’m runninglate.”
Her smile faded. “Still atwork?”
“Stuck in DC. Traffic reporter said the President is traveling by motorcade. There are cops everywhere and traffic hasn’t moved in ten minutes. It’s a nightmare. If it’s any consolation, I was picking up a little something foryou.”
“You smooth-talker, you. Why don’t I bring your tux to the office and meet you at theclub?”
“Thanks, babe. I’ll text you when I’m—dammit. My battery is almost dead. Where the hell is my phone charger? I’ll see you soon. I love—” The line wentdead.
“I love you, too, Crockett,” she said out loud toherself.
Tonight, she was determined to find Sage. Even if she had to confront Jase himself, she was not leaving without talking to her. If Sage refused help, Alexandra would walk away. But if Sage gave the slightest indication she was ready to make a break, Alexandra would help her in every waypossible.
When she finished getting ready, she tucked Crockett’s tuxedo and dress shirt with all the accessories into a garment bag. She placed his dress shoes and both masks into her carry bag. Feeling like a pack mule, sheleft.
Once she arrived at Wilde Innovations, Ellen showed her into Crockett’soffice.
“You look fantastic,” Ellen said. “I love the wig. It’s so fun. It’s amazing how different you look as a blonde with bangs. I might have walked right by you in a crowdedroom.”
