A glimmer of warmth stirred inside me. I wasn’t completely alone. “Let me go, Gus,” I said with a light chuckle. “I can’t breathe.”
He pounded me on the back and set me free. “There is one thing you could help me with.”
“Anything.”
“Tonight’s the night I’ve been waiting for, Gus. The SolStar Annual Black-Tie Dinner, where I’m giving a speech. Anyone who’sanyonewill be there. Mostly, it’s an opportunity for them to wine and dine and network,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Can you help me get ready?”
“Of course I can. At two thousand dollars a ticket, it must be one hell of a feast!” Gus chuckled. “And when you’re done, I’ll be right outside waiting to leave.”
“I’ll have a captive audience, and that’s what I need to pull this off. And you might be right about it being a feast… but I don’t plan on sticking around to find out.”
“Let’s get you ready. I’ve just had your suits dry-cleaned.”
“Gus, what would I do without you?” I held out my fist, and he bumped his against mine.
He walked into the wardrobe and reached for my suit.
22
EXPOSED
KARSON
Gus pulled up in front of the glassy building as I went over my speech in my head one last time.
“Well, this is it, kid,” he said.
“Wish me luck.”
His eyes locked on mine in the rearview mirror. “You won’t need it,” he said with an unwavering stare. “I have complete faith in you, lad. Just give me the word when you’re ready. I’ll make sure the escape car is ready and waiting.”
I drew my shoulders back and gave a brief nod.
“Now get in there. I know you’ll make me proud.”
“I will, Gus. Whatever happens, it ends tonight,” I said quietly.
With my pulse sprinting, I stepped out of the car onto the sidewalk. The doorman greeted me by name as he held the door open. It was like entering the lair of a dragon. My palms were sweating, my stomach knotting.
I scanned the room, where hundreds of immaculately dressed investors congregated in the enormous, elaborately laid-out conference center.
Silverware and glassware sparkled beneath the glimmering chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The crystals illuminated the room with elegant streams of light. Each round dinner tablewas set with fine porcelain and an opulent orchid bouquet as the centerpiece, the delicate scent lingering in the air.
Waitstaff clad in black pants and crisp white shirts moved through the crowd, balancing trays of wine and appetizers, the room abuzz with chatter.
Drink up, enjoy yourselves while you can.
I was sorry my news was about to ruin the evening, but I had bigger problems to be concerned about. I waited patiently, standing to one side in the shadows, avoiding everyone. This was not the night for small talk.
I scoured the room.No sign of father dearest yet. What if he’s a no-show?My mouth was dry, and a light sweat broke out on my brow.This will end him… it’s the only way.
What he was doing was wrong on so many levels. I knew beyond a shadow of doubt now, that he had no limits to what he would do for money, even risking me going to prison by pinning his crimes on me.
As a waiter passed by, I grabbed a drink, draining it in one gulp. After taking a few slow breaths, I set the glass down on another waiter’s tray. As I declined her offer of another, I pulled out my phone.
KARSON: Gus, be ready. I’ll be out right after I topple him.
Applause echoed around the room as the speaker on the podium concluded. I headed for the stairs. My heart pounded in my ears, but I blocked it out.
