She followed Tony’s instructions, from so long ago at the Symphony, “Do not act surprised or shocked. Just flash a beautiful smile and radiate confidence.” Claire smiled, nodded politely to the crowd, and gracefully made her way into the Saint Regis Hotel.
Once through the front door, a woman with an ear piece and an electronic tablet approached. Claire noticed multiple people fitting that description, all directing attendants through a set of double doors.
“Hello, welcome to The Saint Regis. May I have your name and the name of the company you’re representing?”
“Claire Nichols, SiJo Gaming.”
“Yes, Ms. Nichols, I see your name. There is also a Mr. Harrison Baldwin registered. Is he with you this evening?”
“No, he was unfortunately detained. I will be representing SiJo Gaming alone.”
“I see. If you could please follow the others through the double doors ahead and to your left, you will receive further instructions. Thank you for joining us this evening.”
Claire answered affirmatively and followed the others through the double doors. Once inside, she found herself in a large room. Men in black tuxedos and women in beautiful gowns stood in groupings, while waiters and waitresses mingled about with trays. Some of the trays contained flutes of champagne while others held hors d’oeuvres. Claire’s stomach twisted as whiffs of caviar, smoked salmon, and pâtés lofted through the air. She’d meant to eat something before she left the condo. However, the glitches at SiJo changed her plans.
Before Claire could give food much thought, a young man explained, “In about twenty minutes you’ll need to step to those doors. At that time you’ll be announced as you enter the gala. Do you have any questions?”
Claire said she did not. Once again she was standing alone in a sea of people. Gathering her inner socialness, Claire scanned the room. As she looked from couple to couple, a nice older man and woman approached, “Hello, Ms. Nichols?”
“Yes.”
“My name is Jonas Cunningham. This is my wife, Hilary.”
Claire extended her hand. Mr. Cunningham continued, “We’re from Shedis-tics. I believe we’ll be sharing a table.”
Claire filled with immediate relief. It was so nice to talk to someone whom she would be seeing throughout the night. “Yes, I believe we are. It is nice to meet you.”
The three spoke for a few minutes when another woman with an earpiece politely interrupted. “Excuse me, Ms. Nichols?”
Claire responded, “Yes, I’m Ms. Nichols.”
“If you would please follow me, your presence is requested in another room.”
Claire nodded to the Cunninghams and followed the woman leading her away from the doors she’d been told to exit. When they were on the fringe of the reception room, Claire asked, “Excuse me, everyone else is going another direction. What did you mean, my presence is requested?”
The young woman answered, “If you’ll follow me, I’m sure you’ll understand.”
The voice Claire heard earlier, the one warning her about the coincidence of SiJo’s recent problems, began speaking with an alarming tone.
*****
After almost thirty minutes in the waiting room, Sophia wasn’t sure what else to call it, she and Derek were escorted to the main ballroom. The large double doors opened to a great beautiful vista. The outside was suddenly in, highlighted by a flowing fountain under a glass atrium ceiling. It reminded Sophia of fountains in Italy, complete with glittering sculptures, a continual shower, and an enormous pool.
Everywhere she looked Sophia saw finely dressed people in tuxedos and gowns moving gracefully from place to place. The hum of polite chatter and soft music filtered through the air as their names were announced: Mr. and Mrs. Derek Burke of Shedis-tics Incorporated. Holding tight to her husband’s elbow, they made their way to the floor. Immediately, a gentleman approached and introduced himself and his wife.
“Derek, this is my wife Hilary.”
Derek shook her hand and introduced Sophia. “I’m pleased to meet you, Hilary. This is my wife Sophia. Sophia, this is my boss Roger Cunningham and his wife Hilary.”
As the men began to discuss the economy and expectations for the future, Hilary Cunningham pulled Sophia under her wing. Her motherly voice offered more advice than Sophia wanted, “My dear, you look beautiful. I’m so glad to meet you. Roger speaks very highly of Derek. They’re all so happy he agreed to come to Shedis-tics. How do you like Santa Clara? How do you like San Francisco? How about the beach, do you like the beach? Have you two had a chance to drive into the mountains? They are simply beautiful this time of year...”
Although she was trying with all her might, Sophia couldn’t keep up with Hilary’s questions. It was as if the woman never paused to breathe. How was Sophia expected to answer?
Finally Mrs. Cunningham moved them away from their husbands. “Let me introduce you to some of the other wives. Listening to the men talk shop all night can get a little tiresome.”
Sophia looked to Derek who appeared completely engrossed in Mr. Cunningham’s words. Unwittingly, Sophia allowed herself to be directed around the room. Hilary knew many of the people. After introductions and polite chats they would move away and Hilary would whisper sordid tidbits of information about their private lives. Sophia wondered how she possibly knew so much information.
Making their way back toward their husbands, Hilary whispered, “I’m surprised Mr. Rawlings isn’t here yet. I don’t think I’ve ever made it to a function before him. He has a real thing for punctuality, or so Roger says.”
“Do you know him?” Sophia asked, suddenly interested in some of Mrs. Cunningham’s gossip.
“Not really. We’ve been introduced a few times. He doesn’t usually make it to our area. I think Shedis-tics is pretty small on his food chain. That’s why Roger is so excited he’ll be here tonight.”
“Is he married?” Sophia asked.
Hilary’s expression was both surprised and amused. “Oh come on, surely you know his story.”
Embarrassed by her lack of knowledge Sophia apologized, “I’m sorry, I really don’t follow things like that. Why, should I?”
At that moment a waitress passed by with a tray filled with glasses of champagne. Hilary reached for two glasses, handed one to Sophia and said, “Well, let me fill you in!”
*****
With increased concern and anxiety, Claire followed the woman away from the crowds to an elevator. When the doors opened and the woman entered, Claire decided she’d followed long enough.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t want to get into this elevator without knowing where I’m going.”
It was at that moment she heard determined footsteps approaching from the direction they’d just traveled. Claire turned toward the source and saw a face from her past. The man approached at a steady pace dressed in a very nice suit.
Claire’s mind wheeled with memories. This man had never shown her anything but kindness, except perhaps at their last meeting. Had he purposely left the key cabinet to the cars at Tony’s estate open? Was he part of Tony’s plan? Did his actions lead to her eventual incarceration? Although these questions and many more formed in her head, her lips pressed together in a straight line. This wasn’t the time or place to speak her distress. The only outward signs were the sparks blazing from her eyes toward Tony’s driver.
“Ms. Claire, Mr. Rawlings is upstairs and would like to see you.”
“Eric.” She managed through clenched jaws.
“Yes, now, if you’ll please enter the elevator I’ll gladly escort you to him.” He looked at the woman from the gala, “Thank you, I’ll take Ms. Nichols from here.”
The woman didn’t bother to look back toward Claire for confirmation. She nodded and walked away toward the gala.
While hushed, Claire’s voice sounded strong and resilient, “Eric, please tell Mr. Rawlings I no longer make command performances. If he wants to see me, he can come to me.”