Last Girls Alive (Detective Katie Scott #4) - Jennifer Chase Page 0,93
of a minefield trying to run the gauntlet of unknowns before someone took her out. That seemed like the story of her life.
“You okay?” asked McGaven, glancing at her. “You look a little sad.”
“Oh, no, I’m not sad, just thinking about how crowded the city is and I used to patrol some of these areas. Never thought about it then, but now, I can’t imagine living here again.”
“I love Pine Valley. I never want to live anywhere else.”
“So,” Katie began. “What’s the deal with you and Denise? I mean, the real deal?”
McGaven flushed a bit red again.
“C’mon, tell me.”
“We’ve been getting along so well. We’re so in sync it’s a little scary. I don’t want to lose her. She was so worried at first because of her daughter, Lizzie. But I love them both, you know?”
“That says a lot, Gav. I’m really happy for you.”
“Look who I’m talking to. One half of the total power couple.”
“What?” She couldn’t help but laugh.
“You don’t see it? The beautiful detective and the dashing firefighter… I mean c’mon, the perfect couple.”
“For a movie. That’s what you make it sound like.” She leaned back in the comfortable leather seat. “It’s been good.”
“Yeah? Well, Detective Scott, I’d say we’re both lucky.”
She smiled back at him. Looking up ahead, she read the exit signs. “I think we’re close.”
“Yep, the GPS says we’re about a mile from the Four Seasons. You nervous?”
“Nervous about doing my job, no. But, I’m a little nervous being with all those fancy rich people.”
Less than five minutes later, McGaven drove through the main entrance and followed the signs for parking and stopped at the appropriate area. Two valets opened their doors and escorted them out.
Handing the keys to one of the men, “Thank you,” he said.
“Well,” Katie said to him. “Let’s check it out, Mr. McGaven.”
“My pleasure, Ms. Scott.” He took her arm and they ascended the wide staircase and passed through the grand entrance.
Katie was mesmerized at how oversized and elegant everything was: the lights, large indoor plants the size of a car, a breathtaking waterfall, and the furniture swathed with red and gold fabric. It was fit for a king and his entire entourage—she was positive that royalty had most likely stayed at this hotel.
“This is incredible,” said McGaven.
“Feeling a bit like a fish out of water—that’s for sure,” she whispered.
“You would never know—you are one of the most beautiful women here. Many people have noticed.”
Katie glanced at McGaven, not knowing quite what to say.
There were many couples, each dressed exquisitely and mingling with small groups of people.
They could hear classical music playing as they neared the grand ballroom where two men stood. They were dressed like hotel employees, but Katie knew that they were armed security guards. She figured there would be guards dressed as caterers as well in hopes of blending in. There were too many people of privilege and financial standing to not have this type of affair completely protected.
Katie and McGaven waited behind three other couples that were being checked into the charity event. It was finally their turn.
The man with a digital clipboard asked, “Name, please.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Sean McGaven.”
The man swiped his finger on the board and then took two seconds first looking at Katie and then at McGaven. “Yes, sir, please go in. Enjoy your evening.”
“Thank you,” said McGaven.
They moved through the entrance and saw the entire gala gearing up. There were round tables, each with flowers, candles, and a chandelier hung from above. There was a full bar with several bartenders and servers. A large dance floor with a live orchestra was playing as guests were enjoying themselves.
“This isn’t something you see every day,” said Katie quietly to McGaven.
“No, can’t say it is…”
Their plan was to separate for fifteen minutes and meet up to compare notes, and then start over again until they found the McKinzies; they would then decide the best way to corner one or both of them. McGaven had eventually found a couple of photos in newspaper articles from years ago, so they had an idea of what they looked like when they were much younger, before they became so camera-shy. Not wanting to ask too many questions about them to the other guests, they were going to work their way to the couple.
Katie immediately surveyed the entire ballroom and counted nine private security guards—both men and women.
McGaven handed her a flute of champagne.
“Thank you. I counted nine private guards around the perimeter.”