Page 39 of Sly Like a Fox
“Yes, she does enjoy her little reports and statistics.”Anklor’s condescension is barely disguised as affection.“I sometimes wonder if all that time spent with numbers might be better allocated to social obligations.”
The casual cruelty of the comment makes me want to throw my champagne in his face, but Caroline’s slight flinch reminds me my reactions could have consequences for someone who has to live with this man every day.
“I think it’s wonderful when people find ways to make a real difference in their communities,” I say delicately, offering Caroline subtle support without directly challenging her husband.
Anklor’s attention shifts to me with predatory interest.“Speaking of making a difference, Ms.Johnson, I understand you have experience in event coordination.Perhaps you could assist Caroline with her upcoming fundraising activities.”
The suggestion sounds reasonable on the surface, but something about his tone makes my instincts prickle with warning.Is he trying to create ongoing contact between us, or is this part of some larger manipulation I don’t yet understand?
“I’d be happy to help however I can.”I maintain my socialite persona while mentally calculating the risks and benefits of deeper involvement with Caroline’s charity work.If tonight is a success, I’ll have no need to maintain the pretense.I’m oddly disappointed by that.Not that I want to manipulate her, but I’m startled to realize I’d like to get to know her better, away from her stifling, condescending jerk of a husband.
“Excellent.I’m sure you and Caroline will work wonderfully together.”Anklor’s smile grows wider, but it doesn’t fool me.“In fact, why don’t you join us for dinner next week?We can discuss the details in a more intimate setting.”
Before I can respond, he stands and moves toward Fenton with purposeful intention.“Mr.Nielsen, might I have a word in private?I’d like to discuss a business matter.”
I swallow a lump in my throat when I realize this is the moment we’ve been working toward.This is Fenton’s chance to access Anklor’s private files and financial records.It’s also the moment of maximum danger, when he’ll be alone with a man who just finished discreetly discussing murder as a business solution.
Fenton nods with appropriate business-like interest.“Of course.I’d be happy to hear your proposal.”
As they move toward the hallway leading to Anklor’s private study, Caroline leans closer to me with conspiratorial excitement.“I’m so glad Garret approves of you.He’s usually quite selective about the people he invites into our social circle.”
Her comment makes my stomach drop.If Anklor is being unusually welcoming, it might mean he suspects something about our true identities.Or worse, he might be planning to eliminate potential threats before they become actual problems.Best-case scenario, he thinks he can get something from Fenton, so he’s using me to get Fenton to agree.
“That’s very flattering.Fenton and I are honored to be included.”
Caroline continues chatting about upcoming social events, but my attention remains focused on the hallway where Fenton disappeared with a murderer.Maybe he never gets his hands dirty, but he’s surely approved several murders, judging by how blasé he was with Gaynor Lewis.Every minute that passes feels like an hour, and I have to force myself to maintain natural conversation while fighting the urge to find an excuse to check on him.
“So, tell me more about how you and Fenton met,” Caroline says with genuine curiosity that makes alarm bells ring in my head.“Garret mentioned something about professional matchmaking, but I’d love to hear the romantic details.”
The question goes beyond our established cover story in ways that could be dangerous if I provide inconsistent information.Fenton and I rehearsed basic relationship details, but we didn’t prepare for in-depth romantic storytelling sessions beyond our supposed engagement scenario.
“Oh, it’s not that exciting really.”I try to deflect while buying time to formulate a safe response.“Just one of those situations where two people click immediately.”
“How did you know he was the one?What was that moment of recognition like?”
Caroline’s romantic curiosity appears genuine, but the timing feels suspicious.Is she fishing for information, or am I being paranoid because Fenton is currently in danger?I’m probably being paranoid.My instincts tell me she’s lonely and wants to experience romance again, even vicariously, but I still need to be cautious.
My mind races through possible responses that won’t contradict anything Fenton might have said while potential inconsistencies make my palms sweat.If I say the wrong thing and Anklor compares our stories later, we could both end up as statistics in Porter Kane’s professional disappearance services.
I stand abruptly, pretending to wobble slightly.“I think I need some fresh air.This champagne is stronger than I’m used to.”
As I move toward the bar area, I deliberately bump into a server carrying a tray of full champagne flutes.The collision sends glasses crashing to the marble floor in a spectacular display of breaking crystal and sparkling wine.
“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry.”I immediately bend to help the flustered server collect the broken glass, creating a scene that draws attention from across the room.“I really shouldn’t have had that third glass.”I hope no one is keeping count because I’m still nursing the first one she gave me when we arrived.
The commotion provides the perfect cover for my inability to answer Caroline’s probing questions while also creating a distraction that might help Fenton if he needs to exit Anklor’s study quickly.Several guests gather to help with cleanup, and Caroline hurries over with concern about my apparent intoxication.
“Jenna, dear, perhaps you should sit down again instead.Too much excitement and champagne can be overwhelming.”
By the time order is restored, and the server has been reassured that accidents happen, Caroline seems to have forgotten her earlier questions about my relationship with Fenton.Instead, she’s focused on making sure I’m comfortable and properly hydrated.
Fenton is still in Anklor’s study, and every minute that passes increases my certainty that something has gone wrong.The casual way Anklor discussed violence earlier makes me imagine worst-case scenarios where Fenton is already dead, and they’re planning how to dispose of his body.
I settle back onto the sofa beside Caroline, accepting a glass of water while maintaining the façade of someone who’s had too much to drink.The performance allows me to appear distracted and unfocused, which provides cover for my inability to concentrate on social conversation.
“You know, I think I should find Fenton and suggest we call it an evening,” I say, making my voice slightly slurred.“Early meetings tomorrow.”
Caroline nods sympathetically.“Of course, dear.Business obligations can be so demanding.”
