Page 19 of Risk Assessment
The waiter arrived at her table and placed her drink in front of her. “Can I get you anything else?”
“You know, I didn’t get anything to eat. Is there still time?”
“Ah”—he glanced at his watch—“you’re cutting it close. What were you looking for?”
She smiled. “Whatever I can get.”
“OK. Let me see what I can do. My name is Mark, by the way.”
“Thanks, Mark. I really appreciate this.”
Mark smiled. “No problem. You’ve been working hard. You deserve a break.”
“Excuse me?” Raleigh gripped the edge of the table.
“Oh, God! Sorry. That sounded kind of creepy.” He had the decency to look sheepish. “I noticed you and your friend with the camera. This is not an easy crowd to work with at times, but you did a great job. That’s all. I didn’t mean it to come off as weird.” His look changed to one of embarrassment. “Sorry. It must be the long day getting to me. Anyway, working these types of events can mean long hours. That’s all I meant.”
“Um, well thanks.”
“I’ll see what I can find for you,” he said and headed off.
The whole incident left her a bit unsettled, but she wasn’t sure if it was really upsetting, or if she was just tired and on edge so it seemed worse than it really was. She sighed and took a sip of her drink and rolled her spine, releasing the tension caused by standing for so long. It was nice to sit down, that was for sure.
“Raleigh!”
She jerked her hand, spilling her drink. She then turned toward the voice and froze. Daniel Jenkins, one of the most notorious letchers in Bedford Hills.Shit.
“What areyoudoing here, darling?” the short, balding man asked as he sat down beside her. His suit navy suit was rumpled and his pungent cologne couldn’t quite mask the stench of sweat.
“Mr. Jenkins,” she rasped. “What a surprise.” She hoped her tone made it clear it wasn’t a pleasant one. She’d managed to avoid him all evening, but her luck had run out. “I didn’t know you would be attending.”
“It’s Jenksy, please. Of course, I’m here. I’ve known the Harris family foryears. Lydia and I are on several boards together, you know.” Jenkins’s thin lips turned upward into what passed for a smile. It reminded her of the Joker from the Batman movie. It wasn’t a good look for him. Raleigh guessed he must be in his early fifties, although he was doing his damnedest to look at least ten years younger.
“So, whatareyou doing here, besides looking divine?” Jenkins demanded as his eyes traveled over Raleigh’s torso.
God, that perusal made her crave a shower. “I work for the PR firm Lydia hired.”
“Lydia hired a PR firm for her own daughter’s wedding? Why am I surprised? Any opportunity to get herself and the family good press. Well, if you want therealscoop, I’ve got some stories I would be happy to share about all of the big named people here.” He leaned toward her and rubbed his hand along her arm. “Why don’t we get together to discuss them?”
Before she could respond, another voice piped up. “Now, Daniel, you know Ms. Ross is not a gossip, are you, Raleigh? It’s her job to make sure none of your stories see the light of day.” Calvin Clark, a well- known businessman, stood across the table from Jenkins. His light gray pinstripe suit was still crisp, as was his smile. He was distinguished looking with dark hair, graying at the temples and blue eyes that crinkled at the corners when he smiled.
She gave Clark a small nod. Clark came from real estate money. Her instincts always went on alert when he was around. There was something off about the man and she had no idea what it was. Where Jenkins was obvious about his predilections,Clark was slyer. He was originally from the Hamptons, but he was pursuing politics in Bedford Hills instead of his hometown. He was running against Lauren’s boss, the current mayor, with the backing of the Harris family.
“No, Mr. Clark, like you say, I’m just here to help make sure things go smoothly.”
“Darling,” Jenkins said as he stroked her arm, “how many times do I have to tell you? Call me Jenksy. Everyone does. So, did Lydia asked for you specifically? Be careful what you write, then. Lydia can be difficult if she doesn’t get what she wants. Feel free to run anything by me if you want to check and see if it’s ok.”
“Relax,Jenksy,” Clark said. The look he gave Jenkins saidcool it, and Jenkins removed his hand.
Interesting.
Turning to Raleigh, Clark asked, “Who’s your friend?”
She blinked.What was he talking about?
“The guy you were with earlier?” Calvin asked, amusement evident in his voice.
“Oh, sorry.” Her face flushed. “It’s been a long day, and I think I’ve spoken to everyone here. Dylan Black is his name and he’s my, uh, boyfriend.” She’d almost blown it there.Focus.
