“A live performance?”
“It’s a musical,” John said.
“I’ve never been to a musical.”
“You’ll enjoy it.” John’s hand circled Carlita’s waist and she floated onto the dance floor. He glanced up at the clear glass ceiling. “What a beautiful night. It’s hard to believe there’s a storm sitting out there in the water.”
Carlita followed his gaze.
“I heard about it on the local news as I was walking out the door. The storm, Tropical Storm Rex, was to take a turn out to sea, but now forecasters are predicting a turn inland. The projected path is a direct hit for Savannah.”
“I’ve never been in a tropical storm before.”
“Let’s keep our fingers crossed it keeps on moving.” John lowered his gaze and pulled Carlita close to him as they circled the floor.
A tingling warmth filled Carlita’s body and she was glad the lights were dim, certain her cheeks were bright red.
Despite John’s attempt at light conversation, all Carlita could focus on was his hand on her waist and his warm grip. She caught a whiff of a musky, earthy cologne and her heartbeat ticked up a notch when their eyes locked.
“You look stunning in that dress,” John complimented.
“And you look dapper in your tux and tails,” Carlita said. All too soon, the last strains of the song faded away and John reluctantly released his grip. He escorted Carlita off the dance floor.
“John.” Another guest waved at her companion and started to make his way over.
“I hoped to avoid talking business tonight,” John mumbled. He smiled at the man and bent down to whisper in Carlita’s ear. “Save the last dance for me.”
“I will,” she answered softly and turned to go, feeling the heat of John’s stare on her back. He had done it again…made Carlita feel like she hadn’t in a long time, desired and desirable.
Carlita zigzagged around the groups of guests and made her way to the courtyard to cool her face and catch her breath.
“Nana!” Violet’s small voice rang out and she turned to see the child skipping toward her. Byron wasn’t far behind.
“Mrs. Tori gave me this.” She held out a decorative egg. It reminded Carlita of a Fabergé egg.
“Let me see.” Carlita took the small egg from Violet and held it up for a closer inspection. The outside of the egg was a shade of deep burgundy. Detailed scrollwork adorned the exterior and on each side was a painted scene of a man and woman dancing, dressed in period clothing.
“There’s a ballerina inside.”
Carlita handed the egg back to Violet, who twisted a small screw on the top of the egg and the sides slowly opened, revealing a miniature figurine twirling in the center.
Carlita squinted her eyes. “She’s holding something.”
“It’s a cracker,” Violet explained.
“A nutcracker,” Byron said. “This is a replica of the Fabergé egg and plays Tchaikovsky's classic melody, ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.’”
“It’s beautiful.” Carlita gently closed the lid and studied Byron’s face. “Tori gave this to Violet?”
“Yes,” Byron nodded. “Violet was admiring it.”
“I promised Beebs and Mrs. Tori that I would take extra good care of it,” Violet said solemnly.
“Beebs?” Carlita lifted a brow.
“That’s him.” Violet patted Byron’s arm. “I call him Beebs now.”
“Beebs it is.” Byron held out the case. “We better return to our post before Mrs. Montgomery discovers we’re missing.”
“Okay.” Violet carefully placed the egg inside the protective case and handed both to Byron for safekeeping.
Tori emerged from the home and escorted a couple to the courtyard entrance. It appeared guests were beginning to leave. She watched as her hostess hugged the woman and patted the man’s arm.
Taking their cue, others lined up as they thanked Tori for a wonderful evening. It had been wonderful, except for Ava Torrez’s death.
Carlita wondered how the investigators were doing and if they had started questioning the employees. She also wondered if they planned to chat with the EC Security Services’ employees.
With a quick nod to Byron and Violet, Carlita stepped back inside and headed to the back and the pool area. It had been a couple of hours since Ava’s body was discovered. Both of the crime scene investigators and Detective Wilson were still inside the pool house, but Ava’s body was gone. She watched them for several minutes, wondering what they’d found.
“There you are.” Tony and Shelby, who was carrying a sleepy Violet, joined her.
Carlita smiled softly. “I think Violet had more fun than all of us put together.”
Shelby smoothed her daughter’s hair. “Yes, she did. She’s officially adopted Byron, or Beebs, as she calls him. Did you see the gift Mrs. Montgomery gave her?”
“It’s beautiful,” Carlita nodded. “Byron seems to have taken to Violet.”
Shelby gave her daughter a quick glance and lowered her voice. “Byron’s only granddaughter, Ellie, was killed in an automobile accident over on Bay Street two years ago. Tori didn’t go into too much detail, only to say he was heartbroken and she thinks Violet reminds him of Ellie.”
“Oh how awful.” Carlita blinked back sudden tears. “Poor Byron.”
“I know. It’s a terrible tragedy.” Shelby tightened her grip on her daughter. “Violet has always been a sensitive child. She must’ve sensed something in him when she met him. Adults…we tend to judge people on first impressions, and I must admit, my first impression was that he was cold and aloof.”
“I’m sad to say I’ve done the same, so many times,” Carlita changed the subject. “You’re leaving?”
“Yes. Cinderella’s carriage is about to turn into a pumpkin,” Tony said.
“I’ll walk you out.” Carlita followed them through the house to the courtyard, where Tori stood in the same spot, seeing people off. She smiled as they approached. “Byron wore poor Violet out.”
“Or maybe it was the other way around,” Shelby joked. “Thank you for an
