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The couples posed for photographers, and gave interviews with reporters from local news stations. They spoke with Loretta Wyatt about the charity and how much she hoped to raise with tonight’s gala. Many of the questions for Palmer Pace regarded if and when he was going to announce his bid for the soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat.
As he did at the airport, he gave vague answers that only heightened their thirst for answers. He was thrown by a question from one reporter regarding his family's business and his personal finances, hinting that there was something they’d found.
With a little political double-talk, he smoothed his way out, and he and Tinsley made a hasty retreat into the ballroom.
Grady took up position against a wall, and the other members of the team held positions around the building.
After an hour of cocktails and mingling, the plated dinner and wine were served while a member of the hospital board spoke about all the good things that would be achieved with the donations raised. While dessert was brought out, a comedian took the stage and got the crowd laughing.
Grady watched Palmer get up and stroll to the bar set up in the corner to his right. A few minutes later, Perry joined him. They were close enough Grady could overhear their conversation from where he stood on the other side of a large potted palm. He didn’t think they were aware he was there.
“Check this out, bro.” Palmer pulled a small box from his pocket. Even a man like Grady knew that particular shade of blue was Tiffany’s trademark. Palmer popped it open, revealing a huge diamond ring. “I’m doing it tonight, Perry. I’ve decided. I don’t want to wait anymore.”
“Wow. What girl could say no to that?” Perry lifted his drink and clinked it to his brothers. “Congrats, brother. Are you doing it right now?”
“No. I’ve got to wait for the right moment. They’ll be a live feed from the ten o’clock news on channel four. If I play this right, we may get some free publicity. Can’t hurt when I announce my campaign next month, huh?”
“You’re always playing the angle, aren’t you, Palmer?”
Palmer slapped his brother on the shoulder. “Take notes and learn, bro.” Then he walked away.
Grady didn’t miss the look Perry aimed at his brother’s back.If looks could kill.
Soon the music started up, the lights dimmed, and the dancing began.
Grady watched Tinsley take the floor with Palmer. She was beautiful in her sparkling gown, the delicate fabric swirling around her. She danced with her father next, and the dance floor got crowded.
Grady strained to keep his eyes on her.
When she finally danced into view again, she was in the arms of Palmer’s brother, Perry. It was obvious they were talking, and Grady noticed the man held her close, closer than Tinsley seemed comfortable with. When the music ended, she applauded, then excused herself and left the floor.
Palmer was back at the table, having a bourbon with her father. Tinsley put a hand on his shoulder, leaning in to tell him something. Palmer smiled, pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed the back, then released it and turned to her father.
Tinsley slipped through the tables and headed toward the exit.
Grady followed her into the outer hall.
Her heels moved across the carpet, and he had to jog to catch up with her.
She must have heard him, for she whirled on him. “What are you doing?”
“Following you.”
“To the ladies room?” Her voice got higher on the last words.
“It’s my job to—”
“Don’t you dare tell me you’re following me into the ladies room. For heaven’s sake, I’m perfectly safe.”
“I’ll wait outside the door.”
“You most certainly will not. Don’t you dare stand outside the door. I’ll be embarrassed if you do.”
“Fine. I’ll be just down the corridor, then.”
Tinsley rolled her eyes. “You’re being ridiculous, but whatever.” She disappeared down the hall that led to the men’s and women’s restrooms.
Grady walked to the large windows that gave a fabulous view of the Dallas skyline. Distant lightning lit the horizon. He lifted his sleeve to his mouth, speaking into the wired microphone.
