Page 136 of Only the Wicked

“Nice to meet you Sydney. And, this is my wife, Glenda.”

Sydney and Glenda exchange cordial smiles. It could be my imagination, but I sense Sydney shifting closer to my side.

“Is this your first time attending?” Glenda asks.

“It is,” I admit. “They didn’t have it last year, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct. They don’t throw it every year, but when they do…” Her gaze takes in the event which could easily command a million dollar price tag. “I believe this one is my all-time favorite.” Her attention falls to Sydney. “You’re quite fortunate this is your first.”

“I’m thrilled to be here,” Syd answers without missing a beat, coming across like she’s never been anywhere near anything so extravagant. And, maybe she hasn’t, but she’s well-traveled and lived abroad. I expect she’s truly impressed, but I also suspect this isn’t her first high-powered affair.

“You look familiar to me,” Glenda says. “Are you sure we haven’t met her?” She directs the question to her side, in the general direction of her husband.

Crawford sips his champagne, contemplative. When he lowers it, he’s decisive. “Were you by chance at the US Embassy in Paris?”

“Yes,” Sydney answers as I accept two champagne flutes from a passing staff member.

“I knew it,” Glenda says. “I never forget a face.”

“Ah, yes. Now I remember your boyfriend…” He pauses, gaze cutting to me. “…at the time. A chef, right?”

“Yes. He’s still in Paris.”

There’s an awkward beat as we all four stand with glasses.

“Ah, there’s Devon,” he says, looking through the crowd. “He looks a little lost. Will you excuse us?”

“Of course,” I say, and we watch as Crawford and his wife approach Dristol. He seems to have arrived on his own, without a date.

“I need to ask you something,” she says, voice low, politely smiling as we traverse the steps away from the terrace to an opening on the pavers by the lawn. “The deal. Shouldn’t you take it?”

I pause, realizing what she overheard. “I wouldn’t honor it. Therefore, it’s probably best not to take it. I’d prefer to not make enemies of those with a proclivity for tossing enemies out windows.”

“Yes but is there a way…” She scans the crowd, smiling, and it’s at this moment I realize she’s purposefully expressing awe at our magical setting, “Think about what you’d learn.”

“I can’t imagine they’d offer me direct evidence of what you’re seeking.”

“No, but we’d get valuable leads.”

I bend to whisper in her ear, using the movement as an excuse to place my arm on her lower back and draw her near, when a dark shadow steps forward, blocking our view of the event. I follow the tuxedo lines up to a face I recognize, the recognition stirring mixed emotions.

“Miles. I didn’t realize you’d be in attendance.”

“Didn’t I tell you?” He angles his body to align with Syd. “And is this beauty the one who stole your heart on the holiday I forced you to take?”

“The one and only,” I say, squeezing her hip lightly. “Sydney Parker, this is my partner, Miles Johnson.” He takes her hand in his, and I’m taken in by the contrast between her light and his dark skin.

Within moments he has her laughing. Miles is charming, always has been. That’s why he’s the business lead and the people person.

As if sensing I have topics I want to address with my partner, Sydney makes an excuse that she needs to visit the restroom before we’re seated for dinner. As we both watch her leave, I shift the conversation to business.

“Daisy’s going to be taking a leave,” I say.

His lower lip juts, thoughtfully, and he swirls his remaining champagne and tosses what’s left back in one swallow. “She’s your department, not mine.” He sets his glass on a passing tray. “Everything okay?”

I could tell him I’m not sure, give him the details, but if Daisy wants to do that, she can. The three of us have spent plenty of time together over the years. “Why were you at the Russian embassy?”

A slow smile spreads and he looks past my shoulders, causing me to do the same, but I don’t recognize anyone in the crowd.