Or maybe she was going along with it for her own reasons. She wasn’t looking forward to telling him about Cali’s boyfriend. When he found out that she’d known since Tuesday and had said nothing, he was going to be pissed at her. Maybe if she held off until tomorrow, when the agents moved in and arrested Easson...she knew she should tell him sooner rather than later.
But he obviously wasn’t going to let her get a productive word in until he got whatever he wanted to get done at this party over with.
The car came to a stop in front of one of the most exclusive hotels in the area. Luke tipped the driver and exited the car, walking around to get her door for her.
The outside of the hotel was decorated with intricate stonework and metal plates with some fascinating designs. Luke did have a knack for showing her the prettier side of the city.
“What’s this party for again?” she asked as they headed into the lobby.
“One hundred years ago today, Walter Farrell’s father bought his first property in the city. Now the entire family owns billions in assets all over the world. Probably just an elaborate excuse to network, but anyone who’s anyone is here tonight so I figured I should pop in.”
“I suppose you are someone,” she murmured as they passed the beautiful marble columns in the lobby and stopped at the equally decadent gold elevators. Not that it was real gold, but rich-looking nonetheless.
He hit the number for one of the higher levels, and the high-speed elevator had them there in no time. The doors opened to a less impressive hallway, but it was obvious that there was something big going on in the room behind them. But in front of the doors were two men in suits and clipboards. It made sense that this would be invitation only.
Luke confidently strode over to them and gave his name. The “bouncer” looked over his board and turned a few pages. “I’m sorry, sir, but I don’t see your name here.”
Evelyn set a hand on her hip and raised her brow at Luke. Well, this should have a damn good explanation.
“There must be some mistake. Colin Carter knows I was supposed to come tonight. Can you call him over?”
The bouncer nodded and pulled a radio from his pocket to call this Colin Carter person over.
Evelyn straightened as she saw the man approach a minute later. Colin Carter had the muscular build and observant gaze of someone who wasn’t a casual guest. Or even an off-the-street rent-a-cop.
Evelyn was willing to bet military, but she knew well-trained men like that came from many different sources.
The question was, where did Luke find him?
“He’s okay,” said Colin as he reached them without even asking for Luke’s name. And Evelyn knew the bouncer hadn’t said it over the radio. “They can come on in.”
Luke nodded his thanks and pulled Evelyn into the beautiful ballroom without saying even a thank-you to Colin Carter.
“What’s going on?” she whispered to Luke, even as she put on a smile.
“I’ll tell you everything,” he promised. “After I get a drink. Do you want one?”
Of course she didn’t want a drink. She wanted to know the truth. “Water, please,” she bit out, letting her tone carry exactly how she felt about his behavior.
He led her to the bar and she followed, glancing around the room for any sign of threats. The room had soft blue lights around the border, giving the room a relaxing glow. One side of the room had tables for the guests to sit, and servers walked around with trays of gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Two sides of the ballroom were flanked with an outdoor terrace that overlooked the nightscape of the city and Central Park. Renting this space must’ve cost a fortune, but, like Luke said, the Farrells could afford it.
Then she saw someone across the room who had her stopping in her tracks. “Is that Cali?”
~~~~~
Luke cursed under his breath as Evelyn pointed to a woman in the middle of conversation with three men all in suits just as expensive as his own.. “Huh. I didn’t realize she knew the Farrells. But she is pretty personable. Maybe she got an invite.”
Evelyn tightened her lips as her eyes darted nervously around the room.
“Is everything okay?” he asked. Evelyn had seemed on edge all day. Did she know the real reason he was here?
“We need to see who exactly invited her. Come on.” Evelyn started across the room and Luke followed. He didn’t have time for this. He needed to get to Longineu before he saw Luke and bolted.
As they got closer, Cali turned away from the men she was talking to and scanned the crowd before she noticed him and Evelyn. She gave them a confused smile as they approached.
“Hi, Cali,” said Evelyn in a strangely cheerful tone.