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Applause filled the soft-lit room.
“In speaking to that value of membership, I’d like to introduce you all to our newest member, General Shepard Yale, retired U.S. Marine Corps.”
Another wave of applause along with a few calls of “Semper Fi” increased the room volume to a roar. The general made his way to the stage, accepting the greetings with smiles and gracious waves. Once the applause reached the minute mark, he raised his hands for silence.
“Education has taken on a new meaning for me since I’ve become a grandfather,” he said, nodding toward his family, who was seated at the tables along the balcony level. “After my conversations with our Mr. Rucker here—” he turned and shook hands again with Therin “—I was impressed by the devotion I found in someone so young. This gave me confidence that the EYES organization especially would stand the test of time once old goats like me are long gone.”
There was a warm rumble of laughter and the general went on to discuss what he hoped to bring to the organization. Members of the audience, however, gradually lost interest in the general’s comments. It appeared that a scuffle was breaking out at one of the center tables near the front.
The general even quieted as the situation grew more uncontrolled. Soon, everyone’s attention was on the table where Marley Terrio struggled over being put in handcuffs.
“What is this?” Therin had left his place a few feet behind the general and stepped to the edge of the stage. He waved for security that was already making their way to the table.
“Call off your dogs, Rucker!” The man attempting to cuff Marley Terrio raised a badge. His partners followed suit.
Therin raised a hand toward security before they pounced on the badge holders. “Explanations, gentlemen. Fast.”
The man closest to Terrio nodded at his partners. One produced a document from his inside jacket pocket.
“We have a warrant for the arrest of Marley Terrio! The charge—child pornography!”
Silence emerged only to be peppered then by whispers. Marley Terrio appeared to wilt and was unable to answer his wife’s panicky questions. The three officials led the man not too gently from the ballroom.
Kianti found Therin on his rooftop. She approached him slowly. After a second’s hesitation, she rubbed her hand across his shoulder. Therin’s reflexes were quick. He grabbed her hand, squeezed and held it close to his cheek.
“I’ve known Marley Terrio since…hell, ten years, easy—maybe longer…” Therin’s sleek brows were drawn close as his frown set deeper. “I can’t even begin to describe how committed he is to what we do.”
Kianti kissed his shoulder and then pressed her head to his jacket sleeve.
“He’s one of the oldest members…” He shook his head. “Works like a grunt to get things done. He’s always the first to volunteer on committees. Every year he’s tireless in putting together a charity ball for the kids….” Therin regarded the statement with disdain and then cursed viciously.
“Honey, could this be a mistake?” Kianti leaned next to him against the ledge.
“You don’t know how much I pray it is. I can’t shake what I saw in his eyes, Key,” he admitted.
“Could’ve been shock.”
“Because of surprise or because he got caught?” Therin couldn’t fight off his cynicism.
“So you do believe he did this?”
After a moment’s consideration, Therin shook his head quickly. “I won’t condemn him. At least not until I’ve got all the facts.”
Kianti eased a wayward tendril of hair behind her ear. “What a shame it had to happen here tonight when such great things were in the works.” She flashed Therin a curious look when he laughed suddenly. She couldn’t read his expression but could tell that he wasn’t in a mood to explain his reaction.
“So what happens next?” she asked while squeezing his biceps in a reassuring fashion.
Therin bowed his head. “Guess we’ll talk to his attorney and go from there.”
She smiled, taking time to relish the gorgeous set to his profile. “I’ll leave you to your work then.” She didn’t notice his gaze when she kissed his temple and moved to leave. He caught her hand before she saw him move.
“What are you doing?”
“You’re so busy.” She drew the lapels of her swing coat together. “You’re about to be even busier and I don’t want to be in your way.”
Therin’s smile was a mixture of playfulness and danger. “You’re crazy if you think you’re leaving me here by myself.”
