Thank you
Hang on a second, Parker interrupted. You mentioned gunshots. How did Theo die?
Its too soon for the coroners report, the detective hedged.
Parker stood up, pulled himself together and applied the tone hed once used to lead others in and out of harrowing conflicts. He was my CO and a friend. What appears to be the cause of death, in your opinion?
Unofficially, sir, Id blame the two bullets in the back of his head.
Parkers vision hazed red. Assassination less than twenty-four hours after hed reached out to Theo. If the blackmailer thought this would motivate him to cooperate, to pay a debt he didnt owe, he was mistaken.
Officers are canvassing the area for witnesses, Baird continued. Im hoping for a better picture of what happened by morning.
No signs of a struggle?
Not at first glance, but we are in an alley.
Parker cringed at the image. Thank you, Detective. Ill come by your office first thing in the morning. Tonight he had more work to do. He took another minute after the call ended to say a prayer for Theo. Real grieving required time he didnt have right now.
The blackmail note taunted him. Why ransom his team for gold theyd never stolen and then ignore the timeline? Something was off, and he intended to figure it out before anyone else on that list got hurt.
Chapter Two
The gala wasnt living up to Beccas hopes for the evening. Oh, the glitz and glamour made a visual impact, although her date clearly had an agenda. His conversation revolved around her fathers work, and he hoped one day to work with him on a project. The scenario was familiar territory for Becca, who listened with only half an ear as he droned on. If he could pitch his big idea to her father and add a side trip under her skirt, his life would be complete. He didnt say that last part in so many words, of course. He let his wandering hands make his point clear.
She admired the timing and efficiency of the dinner and award presentations, but now, with only dancing, celebrating and mingling on the schedule, her mind kept circling back to Parker Lawtons shocking appearance at her door.
Did he often slum around dressed like a normal person rather than a new-money billionaire? She glanced across the room, trying to picture Rush Grayson, local billionaire and one of tonights award winners, dressed as a typical workingman. Could happen, she supposed,
squinting a little. She shook off the distraction. How Lawton dressed wasnt the point. Hed bullied his way into her personal space. She should report him, except the police would laugh her out of the station. Everyone presumed reporters resorted to similar tactics and worse when pursuing a story.
Im not sure I like the way youre staring at my husband.
With a start, Becca turned to see Rushs wife at her side, smiling and holding out a glass of champagne. Oh! Hi, Lucy. Thank goodness it was a friend who understood Becca could appear more than a little fierce when she was concentrating. Congratulations to Rush.
Ill pass it along. Lucy was radiant in a strapless ice-blue gown, pride in her husband sparkling in her dark eyes. Dare I ask who has your attention?
Dont worry. Its not a story. Well, it is, sort of. Becca clamped her lips together to cease the babbling. Im rattled.
Never thought Id see it, Lucy said, linking her arm with Beccas. Do you need to walk it off?
Sure. The warm offer drained a bit of the tension dogging her since Lawtons appearance. Some distance from Mr. Grab Hands wouldnt hurt.
Lucys expression sobered. Do you need an assist?
No. I have plenty of practice brushing off people who only want to meet Dad. She glanced over her shoulder to see her date occupied with the men theyd been seated with at dinner. Eventually, hed notice shed left and come racing after her with an inane compliment on his lips before he suggested a weekend in LA. Youd think the red hair would make guys like that more wary of the reputed temper.
The freckles undermine the effect, Lucy said, echoing Beccas theory. Want me to get him tossed out? Rush and I can take you home.
Not yet. Beccas gaze meandered as they walked from the ballroom to the mezzanine, where guests milled around between the open bar stations. She searched for a safer topic. It seems married life agrees with both of you.
It does, Lucy said. I know people think I married him for the money, but the opposite is true. He married me for my common sense.
Becca chuckled. Although Lucy and Rush might not have had smooth sailing on their journey to wedded bliss, it was absolutely clear it was a love story.
You know, most of the serious money in San Francisco is represented right here and some of it is single, Lucy teased.
Most. By reputation or introduction, she knew many of the people in the room. She was well aware of who was loaded, who liked to flaunt it and who preferred flying under the radar. Until tonight, shed had no idea Parker Lawton had a place among the financial elite. Do you know Parker Lawton?
Weve met a few times. Lucys lips pursed. Why do you ask?