Page 34 of Jael

Dr. Prescott stood and took Danny’s hand. The little bit of hair left on his head was slicked back. “Please call me Larry. This is my wife, Trish.”

“It’s nice to meet you both.”

“Then we have Ms. Brandy Jennings. She’s a soon-to-be Senator.”

“I believe you’re getting ahead of yourself.” Brandy had a young face, but her hair was gray. “I’m on the campaign trail at the moment. Stopping by for a nice dinner and request that we steer clear of politics. I could use the break.”

“You mark my words,” Gregory said. “That woman is headed for the top seat in Washington. And last but not least, we have Simon Harris. He’s on the board of Heber Industries.”

Before Danny sat, he leaned close to Gregory. “I don’t suppose we’ll have time this evening for a report?”

“Do you have information already?”

“Not much. But I thought you’d like to know where I’m up to.”

“We’ll find a moment to slip away after dinner.” Gregory’s eyes lifted behind Danny. “Jael. Fashionably late, as always.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Danny turned, and she made eye contact with him, but her face didn’t change in recognition or greeting. “Sorry I’m late.” She gave Christopher a warm nod as she sat beside him, and he leaned toward her, whispering. She let out an easy laugh, playing her part like a pro.

The dinner was as delicious as Danny expected. He’d always eaten well at Gregory’s house, but he was unaccustomed to the rich food these days. It left him feeling heavy and groggy.

He’d kept an eye on everyone’s state of mind throughout dinner. If guards were let down now, it could give him the opening he needed to shift Deborah’s focus in a new direction.

Almost everyone at the table drank freely. But Jael, always the perfect hostess, remained reserved and controlled. Artus and Christopher had had a few glasses but didn’t appear to be as affected as Gregory and the rest.

When they moved into the large living room for more drinks and conversation, Gregory drew Danny to the dark fireplace where he rested an arm on the mantle, exposing a slight tremor in his hand.

“Give me the highlights,” he said. His words were lazy with drink.

“I’m still in the preliminary phase. Getting a feel for Jael’s movements and how she works,” Danny said, glancing around the room. “Getting my bearings and so forth. But you know as well as I do that everyone has skeletons in their closets. And if there is something to find, I’ll find it.”

“I knew I could count on you.”

“I don’t know if you’re aware she was at Heber Industries today?”

“I do. She was there to speak with me.”

“Does she visit your office regularly?”

“No. Only when she wants something bad enough. But I didn’t give it to her.”

“That would explain why she appeared angry.”

Gregory let out a dry laugh. “Yeah. She won’t be happy, but it’s for the best. You can’t imagine the relief this has given me knowing you’re on the job.” He looked across at his daughter, who was nodding at something the doctor was saying. “Don’t forget to speak to her about Christopher if you have the opportunity.”

“I haven’t forgotten, but Jael and I aren’t close enough for my words to carry much weight on the subject. I don’t know that that door will ever be open to me.”

“But if you get the chance?”

“I’ll make sure I speak freely to her about my thoughts on Christopher.”

“Good.”

Danny wanted to tell Gregory the truth about Jael, but more than that, he wanted it to matter, and he knew it wouldn’t. She had a good heart, and all she needed was a father who supported her.

“Let me give you a little tip about Jael,” Gregory continued. “She can be strong-headed and appear to be unbreakable, but allyou need to do is push in a crack and work it until it expands. It won’t take long for it to break open.”

“Who will break open?” Artus said, interrupting their conversation.

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