Page 81

I decided we’d have tables set up along the perimeter of the ballroom the event will be in, with photos and whatever details are necessary. There are some high-priced items, like luxury vacations, medium donations like signed sports memorabilia, and less expensive things like gift certificates to popular restaurants and spas. She’s done a great job procuring things, and it’s been nice to lose myself in something beyond my day job.

Things at Shadow Security are actually kind of slow, despite the huge commission to run security for Dusty Peaks. That’s going to bring in a lot of money, and I’ve been running background checks on everyone involved in the project, but beyond that, there isn’t a lot to do.

Shooting just started last week, and Allora is there now to audition.

It’s going to be incredible fun if she gets a part. I know Lacy too, who’s already got a part, but Allora and I are closer. We’ve become something I would venture to call best friends, even though it’s only been a few months. She doesn’t have many close girlfriends either, just Lacy and a couple of others, and all of them live and work far from her home in Oceanside. Which means we’ve spent a lot of time together.

I’m so excited for her. Not because she aspires to be a big TV or movie star—that’s not what she wants—but because it’s part of her moving past what happened to her. Being kidnapped. Raped. Almost sex trafficked. It was incredibly traumatic, and she needed something special to bring back a sense of normalcy.

I’m so lost in thought, I’m not paying much attention as Candy and I explore the event space. I’ve got a tape measure, and I’m trying to figure out how many eight-foot tables we’ll need for the auction items. Candy is off with the event planner for the location, so I’m almost on top of them when I hear them whispering in the hallway.

“…not acceptable!” That’s the event planner’s voice.

“I told you the money will be there Friday.”

“It better be. Otherwise, I’m going to have to let the spot go.”

“Don’t do that. I told you, Garth has been a little cagey about finances, but we had a nice influx of cash after the press conference. He’s got the money wrapped up in money market accounts and other investments, so we can make as much as possible for the charity. That’s all.”

“Candy, I’ve extended this as long as I possibly can. But if you don’t come up with the deposit by Friday, I’ll have no choice but to release the reservation.”

“I know, okay? I’ll get you the damn money!” Candy stalks around the corner in the opposite direction, and I quickly duck down another hallway.

Not my circus, not my monkeys.

But still, I feel the urge to find out what’s going on. To dig deeper and get answers.

That’s what got you into trouble ten years ago, I remind myself firmly.

You’ve come a long way since then—don’t borrow trouble.

As much as it pains me, I push it out of my mind and go back to my list.

“There you are.” Candy comes around the corner with a bright smile, not so much as a hint that she’s in danger of losing the event space.

“I think we’re going to need twenty tables,” I tell her, going over my notes.

She nods, listening intently. “Great job. The venue will provide whatever tables we need for no extra charge, but someone will need to be here during set-up so they’ll know that those particular tables aren’t for dinner, but for the auction.”

“I’ll be here,” I say. “No worries.”

“Great.” She glances at her watch. “Listen, I have a meeting with the company donating the gift bags. Will you be okay on your own here?”

“Of course. I have Elliott’s SUV.”

She nods. “Great. See you later.”

She hurries off in the opposite direction, and I finish making notes about set-up. We’re going to need display materials as well. Sign holders and stands, and some way to display things like football and hockey jerseys. The local professional hockey team, the L.A. Phantoms, has generously offered a few items, including signed jerseys and pucks, and I don’t want to just lay them on the table.

We also have to think about security. Even rich people can be dishonest, and it would be too easy to pick up a signed puck while everyone is eating and slip it into a purse or bag. I’m going to mention this to Elliott—I’m sure he’ll have ideas. But it’ll be costly to mount the jersey in a frame, so I have to consider more affordable options. I don’t care what anyone says, money is a problem for the event.

I walk outside and head to Elliott’s SUV. As I get in, I see Candy standing on the street talking to someone. It’s a man, probably in his thirties, and they look…cozy.

Oh, yikes.

The guy leans over to kiss her and she wraps her arms around his neck.

Oops.