Page 51 of Gone Before Goodbye
Lockwood peers over her head. “Have you met our host?”
“Yes.”
Charles Lockwood makes a face to indicate he’s impressed. “Have you seen Mr. Ragoravich at the party?”
“It’s a ball, not a party.”
“Pardon?”
“Never mind.” Maggie’s eyes scan the ballroom. “No, not yet.”
“I’m hoping to meet Oleg Ragoravich tonight.” Charles Lockwood turns his attention back to her. “Your turn.”
“Turn?”
“Why are you here, Doctor McCabe?”
“Maggie.”
“Why are you here, Maggie?”
“I can’t really talk about it,” she says.
“Why not?”
She shuts him down with a face.
“Oh, my bad. I won’t push.” He throws up his hands in mock surrender. Again, Charles Lockwood probably thinks it’s a charming move on his part, and maybe for others, it is. Maggie hates this kind of faux charisma, the playboy blend of privilege and drink and good genes and people around you telling you that you are God’s gift.
Then Lockwood says, “Is Trace Packer here too?”
Maggie doesn’t bother hiding her surprise. “You know Trace?”
“Let’s just say we partied a few times together in our day.”
“I bet.”
“Trace knows how to party.” He looks around. “I figured you’re both here to fundraise.”
“Our charity closed down.”
“I’m aware,” Charles Lockwood says.
“You seem aware of a lot of things.”
“I like to be in the know.”
“Do you know where Trace is?”
“No, why would I?” When Maggie doesn’t reply, he asks, “So are you here to, what, thank your old benefactor?”
“I told you I can’t talk about it,” Maggie says. Then, realizing what he said: “What benefactor?”
“Are you serious?”
“Do I look like I’m joking?”
Charles Lockwood moves a little closer. “Aren’t you one of the founders of WorldCures Alliance?”
