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“Only the best for you.” Dave clinked his glass against hers.

“Oh, what the hell,” she murmured before taking a sip of her drink.

It burned all the way down and warmth bloomed in her stomach. Thankfully, she ate before she left the house. She gazed out over the space and frowned. There hadn't been a silent auction table like she'd budgeted for. The DJ, as corny as it sounded, had been replaced by a string quartet. Even the tables where those who'd come to enjoy a meal and the auction were non-existent.

She frowned.

“What's wrong?” Dave started away from the bar.

“Nothing I budgeted for is here.” She pointed out the differences. “It makes me wonder how many times this has happened.”

“It's always been this way,” Dave said. “I thought you arranged it this way.”

She shook her head and downed the rest of her drink. “No. The silent auction was one of the biggest draws and could net the sanctuary close to a half-million dollars. My mother started the trend. Specific places donated prizes and items for the smaller auction. It gave everyone a chance to win a lot number without having to do so in the public eye. Now...”

“Shit Scar,” Dave muttered. “I've never seen a silent auction.”

“What the hell is Maisie doing?”

“I guess we'll figure it tonight.” He placed his hand on the small of her back. “Let's go find the others. The auction should be starting soon.”

The auction. The main draw for those who attended. Usually, she saw the list of items up on the block, this year, not so much. A niggle of worry went down her spine. Nothing about the event sat right with her. Maisie was being secretive. Why? What was she missing?

What have you gotten yourself this time, Maisie?

“Did I tell you how gorgeous you are?” Kenny cocked a brow.

About ten times before they left the apartment. All three of them had as a matter of fact. A different type of warmth spread through her. She smiled as she glanced down. “You did. Several times.”

“Well, it's the truth,” Edward added, pushing his finger down between his neck and the collar of his shirt. “I hate these penguin suits.”

She laughed. “It's only for a few hours.”

“Yeah, yeah. I was hoping you'd help me take it off later.” His green eyes glittered with intention.

“Down, boy,” Dave grumbled. “We have a job to do here.”

Kenny snorted. “Don't act like you haven't been thinking the same thing.”

“I'm not denying anything.” Dave shrugged. “However, we're here to understand what's going on with Maisie. As it stands, Scarlett has pointed out a few things I hadn't thought twice about.”

“It’s stuff no one else would notice if they weren't budgeting for the event," Scarlett explained what she'd pointed out to Dave earlier.

Kenny whistled. “What do you think all of this cost?”

“I'm not sure. I budgeted in for dinner. Doesn't look like there was one. There's not even any type of buffet tables out.” If her sister had done it this way to save money, shouldn't she have told Scarlett they were trying to conserve funds? Maisie had no compunction telling her the budget for food and veterinarian serves had been cut at the beginning of the fiscal year, where was this any different? And, if they were trying to conserve money, shouldn't her sister have been upfront before she planned the event?

“I'd say there's a logical reason why, but something tells me there isn't a rational explanation behind any of this,” Dave said. “It makes calling Timothy in more imperative.”

Scarlett agreed.

The music stopped and Maisie appeared on a stage set up at the back of the room. It'd been decorated to match the sanctuary. Her sister wore a svelt royal blue skintight floor-length gown. The V in the bodice gave the crowd a glimpse of her breasts. She smiled as a round of applause went up. Scarlett narrowed her eyes. Maisie wore a diamond ring on her wedding finger and confusion filled Scarlett.

“When did she get married,” Dave whispered. His breath tickled the shell of her ear and she shivered.

“She's not.” At least Scarlett didn't think she was.

“Nice size rock on her finger says otherwise.” Dave peered down at Scarlett.