Page 118 of Last Girls Alive

They could hear classical music playing as they neared the grand ballroom where two men stood. They were dressed like hotel employees, but Katie knew that they were armed security guards. She figured there would be guards dressed as caterers as well in hopes of blending in. There were too many people of privilege and financial standing to not have this type of affair completely protected.

Katie and McGaven waited behind three other couples that were being checked into the charity event. It was finally their turn.

The man with a digital clipboard asked, “Name, please.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Sean McGaven.”

The man swiped his finger on the board and then took two seconds first looking at Katie and then at McGaven. “Yes, sir, please go in. Enjoy your evening.”

“Thank you,” said McGaven.

They moved through the entrance and saw the entire gala gearing up. There were round tables, each with flowers, candles, and a chandelier hung from above. There was a full bar with several bartenders and servers. A large dance floor with a live orchestra was playing as guests were enjoying themselves.

“This isn’t something you see every day,” said Katie quietly to McGaven.

“No, can’t say it is…”

Their plan was to separate for fifteen minutes and meet up to compare notes, and then start over again until they found the McKinzies; they would then decide the best way to corner one or both of them. McGaven had eventually found a couple of photos in newspaper articles from years ago, so they had an idea of what they looked like when they were much younger, before they became so camera-shy. Not wanting to ask too many questions about them to the other guests, they were going to work their way to the couple.

Katie immediately surveyed the entire ballroom and counted nine private security guards—both men and women.

McGaven handed her a flute of champagne.

“Thank you. I counted nine private guards around the perimeter.”

“There are two couples over there,” he said, indicating with his eyes. “They each had a personal guard.”

“This is going to be more difficult than I originally thought,” said Katie.

“Let’s find the McKinzies first and then figure out what to do next.”

Katie nodded as they began to move through the crowd. She noticed that there were many people giving them the once-over.

“Did you see the looks?” she whispered to McGaven.

“Yep,” he said and kept his smile.

They meandered around for a while before deciding to go to the dance floor.

“You can dance, right?” Katie asked.

“Both my brothers and I learned from my mom when we were teenagers.”

“Bless her.”

They began to waltz slowly. It gave them the advantage of seeing most of the people in the room.

“I see them,” said Katie in McGaven’s ear. “Near the stage. Each has their own personal bodyguard.”

“I see them too.” He whirled Katie across the dance floor. “Mrs. McKinzie will need to excuse herself for the ladies’ room. Right?”

“Great idea,” she said.

“I’ll see what I can do with Mr. McKinzie.”

Both of them exited the dance floor and separated. Each going to their assignment; hopefully one of them would be able to speak with one of the McKinzies.

Katie made a beeline to Sara McKinzie as she was speaking to an older distinguished couple. She was a stunning woman wearing an elegant white dress showing off her still youthful figure, even though she was in her early forties. Her dark hair was partially in an up-twist. There was an unusual strand of pearls in a choker around her neck.