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to sell the company. In fact, I was hoping to make J&W a long-time career home for me.”
    Harrison apparently wasn’t in the mood for mindless party talk. It was obvious he was embarrassed by what his dad and uncle had cooked up.
    “I think the same goes for the rest of us,” I said.
    Harrison had been rumored to be in line for Paula’s job—at least it was a job and not a trust fund. I pondered how effective Harrison would have been as our general manager. It’s possible PHC could still use him as their hatchet man since he’s a member of the family on the selling end of this deal.
    Harrison’s date arrived, and he seemed relieved to have someone at his side. Then Marisa walked up and put her arm around mine. I looked down and noticed her left hand absent of a ring. As beautiful as she was, as proud as I was to have her clinging to my arm, it felt like something was missing.
    My attention was diverted by a wave of heads turning. I followed suit and looked over as Victoria Taylor stood at the steps leading into the main living area, as if she were the Pontiff waiting for the crowd to bow before her.
    She had a presence about her, although her aura wasn’t entirely festive. Wearing a black pantsuit, she looked like she’d just left a high-powered business meeting. A red, silk scarf brought out her bright-red cheeks. I couldn’t tell if that was makeup, anger, or a reaction to the cold weather. While raising her arm to brush back her hair, she exposed a dangling diamond bracelet. It sparkled like a disco ball. With her Jay Leno-like chin raised, she strode through the room, barely acknowledging anyone. This lady could be a real bitch. She was the Taylor I knew the least about. Maybe she and I could discuss our love for luxury cars. Actually, it was my love for her luxury car.
    While Harrison and his date headed off to mingle with new guests, Zoey , the J&W communications person, walked up and offered her insight into what she knew about Victoria.
    “She’s never run any of the Taylor businesses, but her work at Help for the Homeless and events like this party proves she’s organized and tough-minded.”
    Sounded like a publicist talking.
    “So, she’s straight as an arrow and was named Girl Scout of the Year?” I asked. “She appears to be stoic and not the most easygoing person in the world. I’m just wondering if she ever got laid.”
    That drew a sharp jab from Marisa’s elbow. She looked at me as if I’d already downed one too many drinks.
    Zoey raised an eyebrow. “I assumed at least some of her needs were met.”
    “Obviously, we’re to read between the lines on that statement,” I said.
    “She was married to Theodore for twenty-five years. His family owns the Carlton Country Club on the other side of town. He became the main operator of the club, and through that role, he and Victoria became even more connected with major players in the world of the rich and famous,” Zoey said. “He met Victoria when they were in their twenties, and he never lost his fondness for young women. Old Teddy couldn’t keep his pants on, so to speak. And he didn’t hide it very well. Victoria ignored his indiscretions, because everyone knew she wanted to maintain her lifestyle and influence.”
    Zoey went on to say Teddy died on the course his family owned and operated, the same one on which he finalized a number of blond and brunette transactions. “The rumor is Victoria didn’t shed a tear at his funeral but happily wore black to honor the way he treated their marriage.”
    The wait staff handed out lyrics for everyone to sing Christmas carols. We stopped briefly to listen to the carolers who’d begun performing in the far living room, but we only lip-synched for a couple of minutes.
    I was intrigued by Victoria’s history, including her rise on the social ladder. Zoey , a natural talker, never lost a beat. “Teddy left her some cash and a small piece of the club. So, of course his family fought her in