Page 40 of Rekindle My Heart

Chapter 10

Ryan had circled the perimeter twice and still no sign of Erica. He’d quizzed Larson as she wired him for sound thirty minutes ago. She’d told him everything went well when the ladies helped Erica today. So why did he have a pack of wolves gnawing at his gut? Because he knew Amy. Something about the way her eyes cut to the side when she answered him. His friend could be fiercely protective, and as nosy as his grandma.

Did Erica tell her about their past? No. He pushed off the thought. The last thing Erica Randall would do is open up to a stranger about that. Hell, he couldn’t get her to talk to him. No way she’d tell Amy anything.

He scanned the crowded ballroom. Men wore tuxedos and dark suits, and the women were in a myriad of colors. Long flowing gowns, some with sparkles, added color to the silver and black theme of the event. It was a far cry from the T-shirts and cut-offs on the people he saw today when he was delivering the news of Ruiz’s death. But while Sal’s cousin looked sad, her husband had a smile as big as any of the men here tonight.

Ryan was just thankful the dogs were in the house, and he didn’t lose a leg when he rang the bell. Sadly, the couple didn’t have any information that helped the case, but Ryan still took notes on any friends and acquaintances of Ruiz.

His phone pinged, announcing a new email. Ryan slipped it from his pocket. Sergeant Vu finally replied. He had some time later this week. Tapping a quick response, Ryan closed down the phone, put it on vibrate for the night, and got back to his surveillance.

The bar was the hot spot for most of the men, chatting with their whiskey or scotch in hand. Ryan moved around the room and scanned the power players, noting who spoke to whom.

A blue dress caught his attention. The long, blonde hair flowed down the smooth column of her bare back. Strands of red reflected in the light.

Tingles of recognition danced up his neck. Even before she turned, he started her way. The woman’s delicate fingers stroked her bare arm. As if sensing him, she glanced over her shoulder.

Ryan’s steps faltered. It was Erica. He’d known that but damn. He’d never seen her in makeup. He always knew she was pretty, but when she blinked those deep blue eyes, his heart skipped. The woman stole the breath from his lungs.

Her lip hitched up, and she gave a finger wave.

Don’t make contact. Ryan covered his momentary shock by dropping to tie his shoe. Not that it was loose.

He veered to the left, giving her a slight nod of acknowledgement. Every cell in his body begged to go to her. To pull her close. Inhale her scent.

No.He was working. And, it was best if the other attendees didn’t realize she was working with him.

He hovered off to the side and surveyed the room. Mark and Joy Whittier were making the rounds, greeting and schmoozing like only wealthy socialites can. CJ and his wife, Lorna, were chatting with his brother and his fiancé.

“How’s it going?” Jim Swenson slipped up behind him.

“You clean up well.” He was in a dark gray suit, not much different than Ryan’s own. The subtle pink in his tie matched his fiancée’s dress.

“It’s all Doc. She tells me what to wear to these things. I’d be in a Wild jersey and jeans if I could.” Jim raised a beer. “This is my second event of this type. I’m getting a feel for the players.”

Ryan had read up on a few of the movers and shakers of Ashwood before he got here. “I see the new head of Lindgames, Lawrence Rollins, is over by the bar with wife number three.”

The founder and former CEO of Lindgames was currently serving twenty-five years at Stillwater Correctional Facility. Ryan made a mental note to stay in earshot of Mr. Rollins.

Jim nodded. “Over by the silent auction tables, the tall bald man is Dr. Peter Hoffman. He’s a top thoracic surgeon in the area. He has connections in not only the medical world but he also holds the patents on some lifesaving devices. Doc and I will make our way to his side of the room.”

“With so many powerful people in one place, it won’t be easy to watch them all, especially since we don’t know who if any of them are dealing in corruption.”

“All we can do is watch, listen, and follow our guts.” Jim patted him on the shoulder and moved on.

Ryan spotted some of the other faces from his quick study this morning. There was a software guru in the corner, barely older than Ryan, most likely giving stock tips. The guy not only made a bundle in his field, but he made a killing in the market.

Mrs. Whittier’s polished voice caught his attention. He saw her talking to Erica in his peripheral vision.

“You must be new to the Outreach Gala. I’m Joy Whittier. This is my husband, Mark.” The words were polite, but her tone was all curiosity.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Whittier. I’m Erica Randall. This is a wonderful event you have here. And yes, this is my first time attending.”

“Well, I hope you check out the silent auction items before dinner starts.” The older woman pursed her lips. “My niece has that exact same gown.”

Liz slipped up beside Erica and slid her arm through hers. “Tia. I see you met my friend, Erica. She’s one of our city’s first responders.”

“Oh really, do you work with our son, Carlton? He’s a police detective.” The older woman’s chest puffed up a little as she mentioned CJ.