Page 23 of A First Sight

“Listen to me, you fucking cunt. I’m going to pay for lunch, and then we’re going home. I’m going to teach you some fucking manners, and then I’m going to take a nap. And you’re going to stay in bed right next to me, with your fucking mouth shut.” He bared his teeth. “If you can even open it by the time I’m done with you.”

I couldn’t go home. The thought hit me hard. Not if I wanted to make it to California.

I stood up suddenly, startling myself almost as much as Dale. “I’m going to stay with Carson and go to the airport with him tomorrow morning. I’ll see you at home when I get back next week.”

Dale’s jaw dropped, but I didn’t give him a chance to say anything. I simply turned and walked out.

TWENTY

DRAKE

With no concertslast week and not being able to get a seat—any seat—for yesterday’s performance, I almost resorted to stalking again. But then I managed tickets for tonight and forced myself to be patient. It wasn’t easy. Getting the tickets—it was, after all, Valentine’s Day.

All I wanted to do was find Dale Leighton and put him in the hospital. Logically, I knew that would be a bad thing to do on many levels, but it didn’t stop me from thinking about it.

But first, I needed to see her, make sure she was okay. Or as okay as she could be in a situation like that.

I thumbed through the program as I waited for the orchestra to come on stage. A moment later, a piece of paper fluttered down to my lap. I picked it up, only half-interested in what was written on it…until I read it.

Brent Gillum will fill the second chair violin for tonight’s performance.

My stomach clenched. Why was another person playing Maggie’s part? I quickly flipped to the page in the program where Maggie’s picture and profile still were, my heart in my throat. Had something happened to her?

I wanted to rush out of here, find someone who could tell me what was going on, but I forced myself to stay in my seat.

Every nerve in my body was taut, ready to snap. Nervously, I rolled and unrolled the program until there was movement. I snatched my opera glasses and focused on the people on stage. Many of the faces were vaguely familiar, but Maggie wasn’t there. Dale was. He looked relaxed, happy, even. I had mixed emotions about that. Part of me thought it was a good thing, and he would’ve at least had some sort of anxious tell if something was wrong with Maggie. Another part was annoyed he could be happy when she wasn’t here.

I made it to intermission before I decided to find someone who could tell me more about Maggie. Fortunately, I spotted a familiar face, Homer Kensit. He greeted me with a broad smile and a hearty handshake.

“Giana, I’m sure you remember Mr. Drake Mac Gilleain.”

I turned to his wife and shook her hand. “Ma’am. Lovely as always.”

“Charmer.” She gave me a warm smile. “Are you enjoying yourself tonight?”

“I am,” I lied. Keeping my tone casual, I continued, “Though I’ve seen them before recently, and I noticed a difference tonight. One of the principal violinists is missing, right?”

Homer nodded. “Maggie McCrae. She was the young woman we heard playing when you came here to see me.”

Homer didn’t look worried, which made me feel better. “I hope everything’s all right. She’s quite talented.”

“Oh, yes,” Homer nodded. “I believe it was a family thing, a wedding, I think.”

“Oh, good.” The knot in my stomach eased. A wedding made sense. I wondered why Dale didn’t go with her. I didn’t ask. It would reveal I knew personal details about Maggie, leading to awkward questioning.

“Will you have a glass of champagne?” Homer asked, waving for someone to bring over some glasses.

“Thank you,” I said. I wasn’t overly fond of champagne, but Homer had given me good news. I wasn’t about to be rude and refuse.

I had my answer. I should have enjoyed the concert, except now I had more questions. Questions which revolved around the fact that Dale was here and Maggie wasn’t.

Perhaps Maggie went alone to get away from Dale. Maybe her replacement this evening would take her place permanently, and she would stay in California, safe from him.

My heart twisted at the thought of never seeing her again, but her safety was more important than anything else.

As the orchestra played for the second half, and finally finished, I clapped, of course, but couldn’t find my previous enthusiasm.

Not wanting to get stuck talking to Homer, I lingered in the box, watching the musicians pack up their instruments. To my surprise, Dale was lingering, too, talking to the first chair cellist.

---