Page 112 of Mistletoe and Malice
“Of course.” She took a seat in the matching chair while the others took the couch and loveseat. “So, you’re here to talk about the New Year’s Ball next week?”
He nodded. “We believe that, as director of the event, you should know what the security plan is.”
“We?”
“Blankenship’s running point on event security. This plan is his, but we’re using both Petersen and HPD assets and personnel.”
Her pulse skittered. “I see.” The plan was Colton’s, but he’d sent John to talk to her about it. Apparently, his work ethic compelled him to see her case through to the end while he also appeared bent on keeping his distance. She cleared her throat. “Let’s see this plan.”
John handed her a notebook, and she opened it to a floor plan of the entrance, lobby, and ballroom. “Since the ball’s at another hotel, it’s a little more difficult for your security detail. There are a lot of other people around he can blend in with.”
“How can we make sure we see him, if he’s always changing his appearance?”
“We blanket the place. We already have a couple of guys training with your caterer to be servers, much to his chagrin. He wasn’t at all easy to convince these guys could handle trays of champagne andhors d’oeuvreswithout dumping them all over the guests.”
She put her hand to her mouth and chuckled. “Yes, Henri is quite particular about his events. I’m sure he’s putting your guys through waiter boot camp.”
“Something like that.” He glanced at a dark-skinned man sitting on the loveseat. “Anyway, Detective Cyrus here will be there as a photographer. And don’t worry. He’s excellent. Has done several weddings and bar mitzvahs and such for guys at the precinct. The pictures will be legit.”
She exchanged a grin with the other man. “Thank you for your help.”
“A pleasure.”
John pointed at the two men in uniforms on the sofa. “Officers Baldwin and Macias will be working as valets, and some Petersen Security operatives will be there as guests.”
“Thank you all. Really. I appreciate it.”
The men nodded at her, and she turned back to John. “Nothing new on the whereabouts of Warren Everett?”
His lips pursed as he shook his head. “No, unfortunately. We had a unit on his parents’ house, hoping maybe he’d show for the holiday. But no go. We’re checking into a lead on a supposed girlfriend. She also works with the theater. We’ve had a unit on her place the last two days, but no sign of our guy.”
“He’s getting all of this stuff from somewhere. For his disguises and the theatrical blood on the roses.”
“Agreed. We asked the theater manager if they were missing any costumes, beards, wigs, and he said they weren’t. We’ve checked local novelty shops, showing his picture. So far, nobody recognizes him. Your gate guard took a look at the DL and said Warren could be the guy who dropped off the flowers, but he was wearing a hat, bulky jacket with the collar pulled up around his face, and glasses, so it was hard to get a good look.”
“He has to know you’re on to him by now. Somebody from the theater or a former place of employment could have reached out to let him know the authorities were coming around asking questions.”
“It’s very likely. Which could make him run or make him desperate.”
Neither a good option. She shivered despite the warmth from the fireplace and wrapped her arms around her middle.
“Nowell will be given all of the stills we have, and the composite, along with some computer-generated images of how he might present with various hair colors, different types of facial hair, padding. I want you to take a look at them yourself and memorize them.”
“I will. Thanks.” She scanned the room, her brow furrowing. “Speaking of Nowell, where are my three musketeers?”
“Being briefed with the rest of your family’s security detail and other Petersen personnel in your father’s study. There’s an army of bodyguards in there.”
She chuckled. “So, Mack’s here? Briefing them?”
“Colton, actually.”
“Colton’s here?”
“Yeah. I was to brief you, and he was going to meet with his guys.”
“I see. Well, it appears you all have this well in hand. Now, if we can just get the creep and get it over with.”
“I’m with you. And we will get him.”
