Page 57 of Over Her Dead Body

A girl appears beside us. She looks young enough to be uncomfortable here and upset enough that I notice.

“Have you seen a server?”

“Not recently.”

She looks toward the bar, then back at the room, rubbing one palm against the side of her dress.

I hold out my champagne. “Here. Take mine.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m not drinking it.”

She takes the glass. “Thank you.”

“Sure.”

She disappears into the crowd.

By the time I look for Reid again, he has crossed the room.

He’s standing with Genevieve, Celeste, and Philip Dane beneath a painting too dark for the lighting around it. Genevieve has angled herself toward Reid, leaving Philip half outside the conversation. Celeste watches Reid like a number settling into place.

They think he is fresh blood.

Todd leans toward me and whispers, “This party is amazing.”

Across the room, Philip offers Reid his hand.

“Mr. Hale,” he says.

Reid takes it. “Philip.”

Philip studies him for a moment. “Have we met? You look familiar.”

Reid’s eyes find mine.

“So I’ve been told.”

CHAPTER 22

EMMA

Philip’s mouth opens.

Whatever he is about to say dies before it becomes useful.

A man in a black jacket appears at Genevieve’s side and bends close to her ear. There is color high on his cheeks. One hand is closed tight at his side.

Genevieve listens.

Then she smiles at those around her.

“Excuse me one moment,” she says, as if someone has asked for more ice.

Philip lowers his hand.

Reid lowers his.