Page 18 of Risk Assessment
She couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something wasn’t feel right about the whole thing. The lack of joy in the bride didn’t bode well for the marriage. “Dylan got off lucky,” she murmured as she watched the bride grab her mother’s arm in a death grip and hiss something into her ear.
She glanced around and located Dylan at the bar. He was standing at the end, talking to some guy. Maybe someone else he used to work with? He probably wouldn’t tell her if she asked. He’d bitten her head off earlier when she asked about knowing Andrew. Was that part of the reason he was on suspension? Did he do something to Andrew? He said he disobeyed his boss. Did that mean he had a problem with authority? She hoped not. She needed his help this weekend and if he got into it with Bill Harris or any of the other powerful men here, and got his ass kicked out, it would be game over for her.
It would be so much better if he was average looking. If he blended in more. But she easily could pick him out of the crowd. Yup, blending in was not something a man like him could do. He was slightly taller than the men around him. He filled out his clothes far better, too. His shoulders were wide and tapered down to a narrow waist. She knew from being crushed under his weight the day she’d met him that his body was rock hard. And his eyes were so blue it was easy to get lost in them. He had…presence.His cute round butt didn’t hurt. Not one bit.
A woman bumped Raleigh as she moved past. The room was totally jammed now. The ice sculpture at the head table was starting to melt a bit. One swan’s wingtip had disappeared. Hopefully Phil had already gotten a shot of the creation earlier because the time for the perfect shot of the sculpture had long since passed.
Lydia edged through Raleigh’s field of vision. There was no way Lydia was going to forgive her for bringing Dylan. It was fine to pretend like it was all forgiven but growing up in a similar world had taught her there would come a day when Lydia would exact her revenge. There would be an event Raleigh would be dropped from covering or some bigmistakewould be made and she would be blamed. The only thing she could do was be ready for it. And make sure that this event went off without a hitch. A glowing fairytale wedding captured in pictures that were seen in all the best places.
“Hey,” Phil said as he moved next to Raleigh. “Good to see you.” Phil gave her a quick once-over. His eyes lit up. “You look great.”
“Thanks.” She appreciated the compliment, but it made her slightly uncomfortable. Then she admonished herself for being silly. Phil was a good guy, and it was nice to be admired. She was just so on edge these days.
“How are you doing?” she asked.
“Surviving. That’s all I’ll admit to at the moment.” He shook his head and then lowered his voice. “These people are crazy. Everyone wants their picture taken with the bride and groom, and it has to be just ‘perfect’.” He rolled his eyes.
“Yeah, it’s a tough crowd. Everyone wants their fifteen minutes of fame, I guess. You have to remember Jenn is the daughter of a major Bedford Hills political power couple and she’s an up-and-comer in one of the best law firms in New York.” Which just happened to be her uncle’s. “This is as close to royalty as most people will ever get.” Raleigh shrugged.
“Honestly I think for some of the business guys, it’s about the groom.”
“Really? Andrew? I thought he was just a sergeant with the NYPD.”
Phil leaned close and dropped his voice again. “I overheard a group of men talking. Apparently the groom is a tech guru working on some sort of new crime software that’s supposed to revolutionize how the police operate. He already has the financial backing he needs to complete it. One of the men was going on about how he got in on the ground floor so he stands to make millions.”
Raleigh’s mouth formed anO. “I guess that explains a lot, doesn’t it? I wondered why Lydia was letting this marriage go forward. It doesn’t seem like a love match, at least not on the bride’s side.
Phil checked his camera screen. “Nope. Sad, really. Not many people here seem to care about the actual wedding or the happiness of the bride and groom. It’s like this marriage is all about social climbing. Not a lick of love, but plenty of opportunity to move up in the world.” He shook his head.
Raleigh nodded. “Well, let’s get a move on. I need to get some good quotes, and if you can get pictures to match, that would be great.”
“Sure thing. Where do you want to start?” Phil wiped his camera lens and then wiped his forehead. “Damn, it’s getting hot in here.”
She looked around the room and spotted her target. “Let’s start with the maid of honor. She should have something good to say.”
“Let’s hope so.” Phil aimed his camera lens toward the ceiling and started moving through the crowd.
They made a beeline for the maid of honor. A couple of quotes from her and a groomsman or two, along with the mayor and local police chief, would be a good start. And Lydia’s two cronies, Annabel, and Cheryl-Lynn, wherever they were. Lydia had insisted that getting their names in the story was a priority.
An hour later, after corralling and interviewing the group on her list, Raleigh ordered a drink from the passing waiter and sat down at a table in the corner. She scanned her notes, making sure she had everything she needed. “What do you think. Phil? Did we get enough?”
“God, I hope so,” Phil said as he crashed down beside her. “I think I’m done for the night. These people are insane. Those last two were something else.”
Raleigh nodded. “Annabel Hunter and Cheryl-Lynn Gates. They’re Lydia’s besties.”
“I didn’t think we’d ever get away. I swear I have a hundred shots of them both. Nothing is good enough.” He changed his voice to mimic the ladies. “Too many teeth in that one. That’s not my best side. Can you do touch ups? Not that I need it.” He primped and touched his hair.
Raleigh laughed at his performance. “You nailed them.” Phil took a small bow. She sobered. “But we do have to make them look good, Well, as good as possible. They are Lydia’s friends, and if they complain, I’ll hear about it, so work your magic when you get back to your computer.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll Photoshop the shit out of them.” Phil yawned.
Raleigh took pity on him. “It’s been a long night. Why don’t you head back to your room? I’ll use my phone camera for anything significant and send them to you. We’ll catch up in the morning to discuss what shots we need from tomorrow’s activities.”
“Are you sure?” Phil asked with hope in his voice.
She laughed. “Yes, I’m sure. Text me in the morning.”
“Thanks, Raleigh, you’re the best.” Phil stood and squeezed her shoulder. He picked up his camera off the table and headed out of the room.
