Page 57 of The Liar

“I was close friends with her father.” A trace of sadness lingered in his voice.

“I’ve heard good things about him,” I said honestly.

“He was a character. Not perfect, by any means, but he tried.” Marcelli’s brow furrowed. “Anyway, I haven’t introduced you to my companions. How rude of me. These ladies are my protégées, Maeve and Sian MacDougall.”

We exchanged another round of greetings and chatted for a few minutes.

“Well, it’s been great catching up,” Thackery said, his attention focused somewhere over Sian’s shoulder. “I’d better circulate though.”

“I’m sure we’ll talk later.” Marcelli turned back to the McDougall sisters, effectively dismissing us.

“Feel free to talk to whoever you like,” Thackery said as we moved away from them. “I expect at least another two hours out of you though. No bailing early.”

I raised my eyebrows. “I’m under the impression I’m not being paid to be here, so can you really require that?”

He raised his eyebrow in return. “You’re a smart woman. Don’t play dumb.”

He took Beth’s hand and led her away. She rolled her eyes behind his back, and I hid a smile.

“What now?” I asked West, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. After all, he was the one who’d wanted to be here. He could take the lead.

He scanned the room. “Why don’t you go visit with Ronan and Willow while I try to make inroads with Neal and his crew? Is Hanson here?”

I scoffed. “No. Unless he had strict instructions to be present, there’s no way he’d turn up.”

“Good. That means I can spend more time with Neal.”

“Why can’t I come with you?” I asked, sounding more petulant than I’d have liked.

He chuckled. “Because you have a reputation for being a straight arrow. If you’re there, he won’t speak as freely as he might with only me.”

“Fine.” I huffed, but I knew he was right. “I’ll go chat then.”

He kissed my cheek, and I tried to ignore the heat that shot through me in response. “Watch your back.”

He headed toward Neal, who we’d spotted earlier, cloistered in a corner with his partner, Detective Sewell, and Detective Liam Ireland from Narcotics. I was surprised Neal hadn’t cornered any of the wealthy patrons in the hopes of talking himself up for a promotion, but perhaps he’d already been warned not to.

I scanned the room until my gaze landed on a pair of familiar faces: Ronan stood with a degree of alertness that would have made me think he’d been in the military if I didn’t know better.

Willow was tucked against his side, her pale blond hair spilling down her back in loose curls. A braid formed a circlet around her forehead, with jeweled hair pins sparkling in the light. Knowing Ronan, they were probably real diamonds. He wasn’t an ostentatious man, but he showered Willow with every material thing she could possibly want—even when she didn’t ask for any of it.

Willow noticed Ronan looking toward me and followed his gaze. When her eyes met mine, her mouth formed a smallOof surprise, and then the side of her mouth curled up.

“Hi.” I stopped in front of them. “I didn’t realize you two would be here.”

I should have, of course. Ronan had done a lot for thepolice department. No doubt that was one of the reasons he never got into trouble for stretching a few rules.

Willow sighed. “Fundraisers aren’t my favorite, but they kind of go hand-in-hand with marrying the boss.”

“I’m pleased you’re here,” Ronan added, his dark eyes crinkling at the corners. “I didn’t expect it either.”

I pulled a face. “It wouldn’t be my first choice, but Thackery asked, and West has some people he needs to talk to, so…” I trailed off, realizing I probably shouldn’t have mentioned West.

“Oh, yeah.” Ronan looked thoughtful. “Zeke mentioned that. Don’t worry. We won’t give him away.”

Willow’s eyes narrowed. “You deserve better. That’s all I’ll say, but I hope you know it.”

My heart warmed. “Thank you.”

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