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  Though he eagerly wanted to check out the grounds, he kept his pace to an easy stroll. More servers directed the flow of traffic through the tents past the stables. It felt like a circus. Most of the tents contained dozens of round, white-clothed tables decorated with tropical plants and live cockatoos in cages. Sheesh! Talk about money to burn!

  Ignoring the lavish extravaganza, à la Hula Hut, Cooper focused on the guests. He recognized several important political representatives, including Deputy Secretary of Commerce Vivienne Jones. She was talking to Ray Saffioti. Cooper remembered the wily Chief Technology Officer of PTI from the case he had helped try against the company several years ago. When Cooper walked by, he caught a hint of surprise from Mr. Saffioti, who coughed on his drink and whispered to Mrs. Jones. She sniffed and rolled her eyes. The guy seemed rattled. Good.

  In the big top tent, more tables were scattered around the outer edges, and a stage stood at the far end with a dance floor in front of it. If his orientation skills were working, the stage backed up to the end of the stables. More Secret Service-type security guards and silver androids tried to look inconspicuous in the corners, silently observing. Talking to the Creator unobserved was not going to be easy.

  As Cooper scanned the growing collection of hobnobbers, he did a double take. Was that? No, it couldn’t be.

  But it was. Geri. And she was devastating. Cooper got a chill, excited and dismayed at the same time. As she stood at the other side of the main tent, peering outside through an opening, the sun cast an aura around her, highlighting her exposed, creamy white shoulders and glinting off her auburn hair, piled on top of her head with teasing strands hanging down. In contrast, her deep purple dress left explorable shadows from perfect curves he hadn’t noticed on a woman in a long time.

  Drawn to her, Cooper wanted to approach and forget this whole mess. But to keep her safe, he knew he should to avoid her and keep her from getting involved. She would also be a tantalizing distraction, slowing him down. He’d never be able to concentrate on his investigation with her around, but he couldn’t tear his eyes away. She was so beautiful. A midnight purple vision, with luscious lips and those magnetic eyes.

  Then it was too late. He had stared for too long and she caught him. She gave him an animated wave.

  “Come over here,” she mouthed to him and changed her wave to an encouraging summons.

  He sighed and obeyed.

  “J.L.! I’m so glad you’re hee-ya! And look how handsome you are! I was utterly disappointed when I didn’t hear from you this afternoon. I called to offer you a ticket, but here you are! How evah did you manage it?” Her hands emphasized each phrase, making him smile. Checking him out, she smiled back.

  “Thank you, Ms. Harper. I have friends in high places. It’s nice to see you again, too. You look enchanting.” She smelled great, too.

  “Geri. You must call me Geri. Oh, I see. Hush, hush. I understand completely,” she answered with a wink.

  “What about you? How did you get two tickets?”

  “Let’s walk, shall we?” She linked arms with him and led him out from under the tents. The late afternoon sun beat down, strong and bright, as they wandered in and out of shade pockets from the majestic old trees. Would have been a lovely first date.

  “Well, J.L. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t up to sayin’ anything at our first meetin’. I’m not usually such a forward person, you know. But after speakin’ with you at length, I judged you to be honest and respectable. I admired your propriety.” She halted their stroll to look him in the eyes. “I also believe we share an attraction to the romance and history of the Old South. I am trustin’ my instincts that you are a true gentleman, after my own heart.”

  She put her hand to her chest and gazed at him with innocent, soulful eyes. He was a goner if he didn’t find a way to lose her. So irresistible.

  “Thank you?” Cooper said, not sure how to respond to her declaration.

  His answer must have been satisfactory because she resumed their walk and conversation.

  “I have my own connections. My daddy is on the board of the Historical Preservation Society of Georgia. He helped in the overseein’ of the reconstruction of the Creator’s manor house.”

  “Oh. Is your father here?” Cooper glanced around. That could be the break he needed to sneak away from her. Cooper would love to get to know her better, but he couldn’t drag her into his dilemma. Terrible timing.

  “Oh, no. He is always invited to these galas and frequently declines. After attendin’ a party with him a few years ago, I had no desire to return either. The air of competition is too highbrow and ingenuous for my taste. Until this evenin’, that is.” She gave his arm a squeeze.

  “Disingenuous,” Cooper said under his breath.

  “Hmm?”

  “Nothing. This must be my lucky day.” He glanced at his QV. He had to start dropping hints so he could get on with his mission.

  Geri led him over to a rustic, wooden, split-rail fence. She turned to him, putting her hands behind her and leaned back on it. Every position accentuated her allure. Cooper turned away and thought of baseball stats.

  “Have you seen the house yet?” she asked.

  “No. I didn’t think you could see it from here with all the landscaping.”

  “Sure, we can. Follow me.”

  He did. He could stay with her a little longer.

  When they reached a gate, Cooper unlatched it and held it open for her. He followed her up a small hill and she pointed.

  There, between patches of mature trees, stood the magnificent, three-story antebellum plantation house, brilliant white with black shutters, complete with majestic columns. Stairs led up to the porch that ran along the length of the front, and he could see a second-floor balcony. The thick oak alley leading up to the house blocked his view of the drive, but the white mansion rose in pristine splendor.

  “Isn’t it glorious?” Geri asked with a sigh.

  “Amazing,” Cooper replied. But trying to determine how far the building extended out on the side where the kitchen should be preoccupied him. The new, larger house might reach over to the location of the old outer kitchen, but he couldn’t tell for sure.

  Guesstimating, he judged the distance from the stables to the house to be about half a mile. Farther out, he could see glimpses of other buildings. And off to the left, over the trees, he spotted a few banners blowing in the slight breeze. Something every kid should have, his own baseball stadium.

  “Before the Creator moved in, I was able to see some of the inside renovations. It is decorated in a contemporary style but it incorporates some of the restored, original antique furniture and art. It’s really extraordinary,” Geri said, interrupting his survey.

  “Too bad no one gets to see it now.”

  “Yes. Only private dinner parties for the executives and politicians. I believe the President was here a couple of years ago.”

  “No kidding.” Over at the tent, he noticed the din had quieted down.

  Kadir spoke over the loudspeaker. “Ladies and gentlemen. If I could please have your attention. Please make your way to the main tent. The Creator would like to welcome you all personally. Thank you. Please come this way.”

  “We should go back.” Cooper put his arm out for her to go first.

  “Of course.” Geri smiled and started back.

  Cooper followed. Geri sure filled out that dress.

  Everyone crowded in. Just inside the flaps, Geri stopped, but Cooper kept moving. With so many people, he hoped they might get separated as the guests shuffled around for good viewing positions. He offered to let people squeeze between them, but she stuck to his side like a burr. He would have to try again later. He gave her a weak smile, then focused on the stage.

  Cooper knew the Creator was a young man, but seeing him up close, he could have passed for a senior in high school. While stragglers still scooted around finding vantage points, Cooper saw the Creator tilt his head with impatience and begin his
performance. He raised his arms and shouted.

  “My people!”

  Everyone cheered. His stood tall in a white tunic, trimmed with a wide, embroidered pattern, which hung open, exposing a black t-shirt underneath, his hair smoothed back into a ponytail.

  “How excellent of you to come! Thank you!” He put his hands together and bowed. For jewelry, the Creator wore a fat gold ring on his left hand and a simple diamond stud earring. Nothing too flashy, like many of his younger guests with their sparkly baubles and chains.

  The Creator straightened back up and continued.

  “You can put the presents over there,” he joked, pointing to a table.

  The crowd roared with exaggerated laughter. He raised his hands again to quiet them. “But seriously, enjoy the party. Just don’t wander too far, the laser fences are on,” he warned with a big grin.

  The throng laughed again.

  Then he stared into the sea of faces and added, “I mean it.”

  The crowd hushed.

  He burst into boisterous laughter and the audience chuckled back cautiously.

  Strange sense of humor.

  The Creator waved as he left the stage and fans inundated him as soon as he descended the steps. The rest of the crowd dispersed. Two burly personal guards stood by the Creator’s side at all times. That confirmed it. Cooper would not be able to get the Creator alone at the party.

  And there really was laser fencing. Not just a rumor. That was good to know; he couldn’t just stroll up to the house and sneak in the back door.

  Turning to Geri, he also remembered he still needed to lose his new sidekick, as much as it pained him. Her charms both annoyed and attracted him. Maybe she could get him an introduction. Then he could wander away to check out the stables while she talked the Creator’s ear off.

  “Have you met him?” he asked.

  “No. Have you?” She cocked her head to look up at him.

  He couldn’t help smiling.

  “No. But I’d like to.” They both watched the insistent group surrounding the Creator. The security guards straightened the mob into an orderly line. They looked like a gaggle of kids waiting to get their picture taken with Mickey Mouse. The line stretched halfway down the tent.

  “He looks unapproachable.” Geri put on a disappointed pout.

  “He will have to take a break some time,” Cooper said more to himself.

  “But the guards never leave him alone. Even in the restroom.”

  “Guess I’m not surprised.” He wanted to be alone to think through his plan and search the grounds. “Well, I’m going to take a walk.”

  “You won’t go near the fence, right?”

  “No,” he said, and his shoulders drooped.

  “Mind if I join you?”

  He sighed, with no good reason to say no. He would just have to suffer, stuck with her to distract him for a little longer.

  “Suit yourself.” He shrugged, but her company also gave him a strange confidence. If only another time and place.

  They exited the tent and drifted toward the stables. He discreetly looked around for cameras, hoping she didn’t notice.

  Geri grabbed his arm and spoke in a whisper.

  “Uh, oh. Look over they-ah.” She pointed to a large oak at the fence.

  Nestled in the trunk, hidden by a patch of shade, a young couple succumbed to a passionate embrace. Cooper spotted a camera hanging from a high corner of the stables pointed in the couple’s direction. The nosy peepers were prying on them.

  Not a bad idea. Her touch had intensified his attraction. Shaking it off, he nodded at Geri to go toward the front of the stables. She followed his lead. They strolled under the preoccupied camera, staying close to the bushes surrounding the building. Past the front of the stables, they could see the road the tram had taken from the transport house. As they reached the corner, Cooper got a better look at the hovercarts. They were similar to golf carts, completely open, but with high-tech compucenters in the dashboard.

  Though no one was visible, he could hear the chatter of people around the corner at the party. Cooper slid up to the rugged doors of the stable and tried to open them. They were sturdier than they looked and wouldn’t budge.

  “Oh, well. There’s nothin’ to see in there anyway. These doors are just a façade. The Creator doesn’t care for horses. I believe he converted this buildin’ into a guest house or somethin’.”

  Cooper saw another camera above them panning in their direction.

  “Have you been inside it?” he asked as he took her elbow and steered her back the way they had come.

  “No. Not that I recall,” Geri answered, looking at his grip on her arm.

  “Do you know if there is another entrance?”

  “Originally there were two others. One opposite this one and another in the middle of the other side. Near where we came in.”

  He stopped and looked at her.

  “I’d like to see what’s in there. You don’t have to come if you don’t want to. You can go enjoy the party.” He hoped she would take the hint this time.

  “Why, J.L. That sounds like a dare. I’m goin’ with you.” She pointed at his chest and put her hands on her hips.

  “Of course you are.”

  FBI – Atlanta Division

  6:00 p.m., Friday, July 26

  ooper’s reactions to Geri and his attempts to ditch her made Nate snicker. The poor schmuck had no idea Geri wasn’t going anywhere. Down in the dungeon, several other techs had joined Nate to watch the feed from Geri’s brooch. They were disappointed they couldn’t see her in that dress, but the action they could see was more than sufficient entertainment, even better than Paparazzi Bloopers

  Nate stood and stretched. On his way to the vending machine, he offered to get his friends something. They waved him off, their eyes glued to Nate’s imager. As he watched his Fritos fall, he thought about Ed having a nice, home-cooked dinner. Ed had instructed Nate not to bother him unless something new developed. So far, nothing had. Ed sounded perturbed when he last checked in. That’s why Nate had no aspirations to be a boss, too stressful.

  Rejoining the guys, Nate settled back into his seat. The guys were gathered around his desk, enjoying his reality TV with their drinks and snacks. Maybe they would order a pizza. This was the best part of the job—minding someone else’s business.

  Beasley Hills Plantation

  6:15 p.m., Friday, July 26

  “So why are we sneakin’ around?” Geri asked. She daintily lifted her dress to keep from muddying it as they scooted back along the side of the stables. When a bush snagged her, she had to bite her tongue, holding back a curse.

  “I don’t want Security to get suspicious and bother us,” he whispered back to her.

  Slouching in the bushes won’t make them suspicious at all.

  “Why are you so interested in the stables?”

  As he turned around to face her, Geri smiled and brightened her eyes for him, turning on the charm. It was hopeless for him to resist.

  “You are going to stay with me all night, aren’t you.” It wasn’t a question.

  “Not lettin’ you outta my sight,” she said with a big smile. “You are too intriguing, J.L.”

  “Then I’m going to have to tell you.” Turning his back to her, he started creeping again. “I’m a private investigator,” he whispered over his shoulder.

  “No!” She pretended to be shocked as she smirked behind his back.

  “Yes. I’m sorry I deceived you. I had a client concerned about his missing fiancée. One of those mysterious disappearances on the news. He tried to find out what happened and got paranoid, thought someone followed him. At first, I didn’t take him seriously. Now he’s dead.” He paused and scanned the area.

  “Oh my goodness!” Geri gasped and put her hand to her mouth. After reading about that situation with Cooper’s client, Geri hoped no more deaths would be necessary.

  “And while I’ve been investigating, another ‘accide
nt’ happened, my secretary has gone missing, and yesterday I caught some guy with a gun following me.”

  She knew about all this, but grabbed his arm to show concern.

  “Did he shoot at you?” Geri felt sorry for him. Poor guy. He probably never saw so much action in all his life.

  “No. I took care of him. But that is why I’m here. I need to get to the bottom of it before something else happens.”

  “Well, what led you here? Do you think the Creator is behind it?” she asked. She was truly curious how he put everything together.

  When Cooper and Geri reached the end of the long wall of the stables, they found a small gap between the building and the stage inside the main tent. The camera mounted on the corner of the building over their heads couldn’t detect them, but they heard a faint whirring. Another cam slowly turned toward them. The same one that had been aimed at the couple making out by the tree.

  Cooper seized Geri and kissed her. While holding her in his embrace, he guided her into the crevice between the tent and the stables. When they were safely out of view, he let her go.

  She slapped him hard.

  “Why, I nevah! I thought you were a gentleman!”

  “Hey! What are you doing!” he exclaimed, rubbing his cheek. “The camera was watching. I needed an excuse to slip in here.”

  “Well, the next time, you bettah give a lady warnin’!” She straightened her dress for emphasis, though she admired his gusto. Not bad.

  “Of course. My apologies.” He grinned.

  So he had enjoyed stealing the kiss. Surprisingly, she had, too. He shook his head but kept the smile on his face as he continued through the small space. Geri stayed close behind. So much for these shoes. She sighed, scowling at the mud caked on them.

  “Back to my question, J.L. Do you think the Creator is involved in all your scandalous misfortunes?” Geri had to shimmy sideways to follow him through some of the cramped space, which made conversation difficult, not to mention breathing.

  “I don’t know. He may be protecting his precious invention. I do know PTI sent the guy who followed me, and I found some evidence that makes me believe there is a cover-up. I’d like to talk to the Creator and get the truth out of him. I believe he is the source of the solution.” He stopped when he found the door handle.