“Some of the girls haven’t known anything else. Maybe the shelter, with its bare essentials, put her off. I imagine the girls are lavished with gifts and eat well in return for their services.” His eyebrows rose.
“If I’m to take Fox down, I need her to testify.”
Barnes studied me. “You know that’s close to impossible, don’t you? Some of his clients are very powerful men. All with a predilection for young flesh.”
“Pedophiles, you mean?”
He nodded mechanically. “There’s an island owned by a reclusive billionaire, somewhere off Spain. Called Lolita.”
I sniffed. “How original.”
He smiled at my sarcasm. “I’m afraid this ring’s impenetrable. It would take a very brave individual to bring them down.”
“Keep digging anyway.” I pulled out an envelope filled with cash. “Here.”
He stuffed it in his pocket without counting it. “Thanks. I’ll see what more I can find out.”
* * *
PATRICK OPENED THE CAR door for Penelope, and she slipped in gracefully. I joined her, and sat close.
The night was clear and balmy. I stroked her long neck, and reached into my lapel for a small box.
“Here.” I handed it to her. “Something to go with that lovely gown.”
She looked down at the box and then at me, frowning. “Haven’t you already given me everything?”
“I’m rich. Open the box.” I pointed at it.
She lifted the velvet ribbon with a teardrop diamond pendant attached. “It’s stunning. I love the simplicity of the choker. It’s so Victorian and feminine.”
“Yes, it’s very sexy. I’m not into fussy jewelry.” I took the diamond choker from her. “Here, let me tie it on.”
She turned around, and I knotted the velvet ribbon, placing a finger inside to make sure it wasn’t too tight. She turned around and smiled shyly. Her vulnerability touched me as I looked from her neck to her big limpid eyes.
I held her. “You’re an exquisite creature.”
She pulled away and looked at me. “Is it a diamond?”
“I wouldn’t buy a fake.”
“It must have cost you a fortune.”
“Money is there for beauty. That’s my motto in life. Take it and enjoy. Only don’t wear it when visiting your mother.”
Her eyes darkened. “I’ll give it back to you after the ball, if you like.”
I lifted my hands. “Please don’t take offense. I was referring to the people that hang around that place.”
“Thanks to your generosity, I can use the money from the paintings to rent her an apartment away from there.”
“I can help if you like.”
A sad smile touched her painted lips. “Blake, you’ve already done so much.”
I placed my arm around her waist and breathed in her fragrant soft hair.
The grounds were lit in purples and reds projecting onto the overtly ornamental Baroque palace.
“It looks like a big wedding cake,” said Penelope as I helped her out of the car.
“If one goes for eating bricks,” I replied dryly.
Penelope giggled while adjusting her mask. “How’s that?”
“Striking,” I answered, removing the leather mask from my lapel.
“Yours is so simple,” said Penelope, sounding disappointed.
“I’m not into ostentation.” I held her hand, and we entered the grounds guarded by men in livery.
The chandeliers dazzled, and the regal ballroom was filled with the usual lords, ladies, and offspring. As a nod to the Venice festival, the ball, as always, showcased Baroque music.
“It’s so old world,” said Penelope, taking a glass of champagne from a tray.
“A bit stuffy. But an attractive building.”
She glanced up at the fresco of a bacchanalian romp. “Oh my, that’s gorgeous.”
“Penny!” came a voice from behind.
We turned, and there stood Lilly, holding James’s hand.
James came up to me. “Blake, old man. Look at you.” He turned and acknowledged Penelope. “And look at you. You’re both going to win the Gorgeous-Couple-of-the-Night award, I think. You’re sure to make front cover of Hello.”
I smiled at Lilly. “Blue’s your color.”
She said, “Thanks” and then directed her attention to Penelope, touching the diamond at her throat. “This is gorgeous, Penny.”
Penelope glanced over at me, smiling widely. Her excitement brought a smile to my face.
“Back in a minute. Off to the girl’s room,” she said.
I indulged in Penelope’s effortless beauty as she glided off, arm in arm with Lilly. She had the admiration of the males she passed. Penelope’s natural elegance confirmed my belief that grace was innate and not something one could learn or only possess with money.
We had our own admirers, too, with the usual cohort of wealthy daughters ogling us. I wasn’t fooled by those expensive gowns and rounded vowels.