Page 46 of Reclaiming Chaos
Chapter 24
Ridge
Ipulled up to the guard shack at FT Developments, and after giving my name— Veronica had kept her word to get me on the guest list—I’d been ushered through the checkpoint without question.
I parked and spotted Veronica standing in the doorway. Her black evening gown landed at her three-inch heels. She kept checking her watch until she spotted me heading in her direction. I pulled at the collar of my rented tuxedo, struggling to act as if I belonged.
“You clean up nicely,” Veronica said as I neared.
“You look lovely,” I said back.
She gestured with her hand inside the electronic doors. “She’s here with Mr. Russell. I haven’t had a chance to get her alone to see what she has planned.”
“This all ends tonight. One way or another,” I whispered, stilling my urge to reach for the gun beneath my jacket.
“Yes, it does,” she said back as they followed the signs to the ballroom and stepped inside. Soft music was playing. Round tables were set up around a dance floor with a long, rectangular table sitting on a dais across the room. The lights were low. Everyone was dressed in evening attire. Waiters and waitresses walked by with hors d’oeuvres and champagne. I grabbed two glasses and handed Veronica one.
“It’s probably best if you aren’t seen with me,” I whispered into her ear.
“Too late,” she whispered back as Russell crossed the floor with his hand on Carlee’s back.
“Well, isn’t this a nice surprise,” Russell said as he stopped in front of us. “I told you he’d come, Carlee. I didn’t even need any of my employees to predict the future.”
Carlee’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. She wasn’t pleased that I was here.
I glanced around the immediate area. Everyone Carlee worked with was here. Amy, Veronica, the people from the bunker, and even that Barbara woman who’d been escorted from the premises on that first day.
Barbara looked different. Gone was her insecurity, replaced with what looked like determination shining in her eyes.
I returned my gaze to Carlee as the music played around us and the people headed towards the dance floor.
“Care to dance?” I asked, holding out my hand in Carlee’s direction.
“She’d love to. Wouldn’t you, Carlee?” Russell said, gesturing to my outstretched hand.
“Of course, Mr. Russell,” Carlee said, wrapping her fingers around mine. She led the way to the dance floor.
My palms rested on her hips as she circled her arms around my neck. Aggravation stared back at me.
“You don’t look happy to see me, lover,” I said, trying to break the ice.
“You’re exactly who I expected to see,” she answered, swaying to the music.
“Still doesn’t change the fact that you don’t look happy about it,” I answered.
“It just solidifies the outcome and how all of this plays out,” she said with a sad smile.
I unwound her hand from around my neck and rested it against my chest over my heart. “Tell me what you need. Tell me how I can help.”
“If I do that, you’ll do the opposite.” A sad smile crinkled around her eyes. “I need you to know that I don’t regret any of it. My only wish was that we’d had more time.”
“We still can,” I offered. “Tell me what happens. Let me help you.”
She stilled from dancing and cupped my cheek, planting a gentle kiss against my lips. “It’s too late to change things.”
She stepped out of my hold and hurried off the dance floor toward the bathrooms. I went to follow her, but a blonde woman dressed in a silky red dress caught my arm and turned me. She rested her palms around my neck.
“A little birdie told me that girl is special to you,” the blonde said.
