Page 37 of Sly Like a Fox
Instead, I force myself to focus on the mission again.“Ready to go charm the liars in Anklor’s penthouse?”I ask, adjusting her dress and smoothing her hair with gentle fingers.
She nods.“I’d rather do other things, but duty calls.”She smiles at me and ties my bowtie with deft fingers.In less than a minute, we look presentable… mostly.At least, I hope so.It’s hard to tell in a dark closet.
As we prepare to rejoin the group heading to the elevator—though I’m sure we’ve missed the mass exodus, and we’ll be riding up alone—I remember the real test is just beginning.We’ve confessed our love but now, we have to survive long enough to build the future we both want.
Chapter 11
Jenna
Thetransitionfromtheformal gala to sex in the linen closet to Anklor’s penthouse after-party feels like entering a different world entirely.The ballroom buzzed with hundreds of conversations and the safe anonymity of crowds, but this intimate gathering of maybe thirty people creates an atmosphere where every word is analyzed and every gesture gets scrutinized.
I slip my arm through Fenton’s as we step off the private elevator into Anklor’s penthouse, noting how the space screams wealth and power in ways that make my fox shifter instincts ramp up.And they’ve barely started to ease down after that amazing encounter in the linen closet.
Panoramic windows showcase the city sprawling below us while expensive art and custom furniture create conversation areas designed for business that can’t happen in public venues.
“Magnificent view,” I say to Fenton, playing the role of impressed socialite while scanning for security cameras and cataloguing potential escape routes.
“Indeed.”His response sounds casual, but I feel the stiffness in his arm where it touches mine.We’re both aware this intimate setting increases both opportunity and danger exponentially.
The guest list represents the city’s most powerful and corrupt elite.Judges, city councilors, business leaders, and old money families who’ve been influencing politics for generations are all in attendance.These people can make careers disappear with phone calls and shield criminal activity in exchange for campaign contributions.
Caroline Anklor appears at my elbow with two crystal flutes and a smile that seems more genuine than most I’ve encountered tonight.“Jenna, darling, you simply must try the champagne.It’s from Garret’s private collection.”
I accept the champagne while studying Caroline more closely.“How thoughtful.”She’s younger than I initially estimated, and is mired in a loneliness that my fox instincts pick up immediately.
This woman is isolated in her own social circle, surrounded by people who want access to her husband’s power rather than genuine friendship.The recognition creates an opportunity I can exploit, though the thought of manipulating someone’s emotional needs makes my stomach clench with guilt.
As Fenton moves over to Judge Vance, whose husband politely gestures to him, she slants me a knowing smile.“You’re a bit late.”
My cheeks flush slightly.“We got lost.”
“Hmm.”She sips the champagne.“It can be quite confusing to follow a group down a straight hallway to an elevator.”
“I…uh…”
She laughs then.“Relax.I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.I’m only teasing.”She casts a glance at Garret across the room, her expression becoming melancholy.“I remember how it was to be newly engaged and in love…”
We fall into an awkward silence.I could probably use what she’s revealed to further manipulate her, but I don’t want to.She’s already sad enough.I quickly change the subject by gesturing toward the artwork adorning the walls.“Caroline, you have such excellent taste.Did you select these pieces yourself?”
Her face brightens with genuine pleasure.“Actually, yes.Garret usually handles the business decisions, but he lets me choose the aesthetic elements.This Monet is my favorite.I found it at a gallery in Paris last year.”
“It’s beautiful.You have a wonderful sense of color and composition.”I speak sincerely because it’s the truth.
The compliment appears to mean more to her than it should, which confirms my suspicion about her emotional isolation.Wealthy women in her position usually receive plenty of flattery, but genuine appreciation for their personal tastes is probably rare.I suppress a niggle of guilt, feeling like I’m exploiting her weak point even though my comment was genuine.
Fenton catches my attention with a subtle nod toward the far end of the room, where Anklor is deep in conversation with a man I recognize from our intelligence files as Gaynor Lewis, his personal attorney.The body language indicates they’re having a serious business discussion rather than a social chat.
I nod and turn to Caroline.“If you’ll excuse me for just a moment, I need to powder my nose.”
Caroline waves gracefully.“Of course, dear.The powder room is just down that hallway.”
I follow her directions to the bathroom area while actually navigating closer to Anklor and Lewis’s conversation.I use my fox shifter hearing to eavesdrop while pretending to admire a sculpture near their position.What I hear chills me.
Lewis speaks in a low voice.“The Thorpe situation needs to be handled discreetly.If he refuses to buy into the operation, we have options.”
Anklor’s response carries the casual tone of someone discussing dinner plans rather than violence.“What kind of options?”
“The usual methods.Porter has contacts who specialize in making problems disappear permanently.Clean and professional, with no connections back to us.”
