“Robert is a cardiologist,” Kanesha said. She appeared a bit fidgety. “He moved here from Atlanta about six months ago.”

“I hope you’re not finding Athena too slow paced, compared to Atlanta.” I noticed that Kanesha continued to act ill at ease, but I couldn’t imagine why.

“I grew up in a small town south of Atlanta,” Sharp responded. “Couldn’t wait to get out of the big city, and I’m sure glad I found Athena.” He gazed down at Kanesha with what I interpreted as a doting look.

Kanesha squirmed a bit, and I finally realized that she was uncomfortable being in public with her boyfriend. She was an intensely private person—exactly like her mother in that respect—and she probably didn’t want anyone who wasn’t a close connection knowing too much about her life outside the job.

“Going to find Clementine, see if she needs help.” Azalea nodded at us before she disappeared into the increasing throng crowding the hallway.

“Mama, you come back here.” Kanesha entreated her mother in vain.

“Let her be, babe,” Sharp said, placing a large hand on Kanesha’s shoulder. “You know she’s going to do exactly what she wants. Relax and enjoy yourself.”

The understated note of humor in his voice convinced me that he already knew the Berry women pretty well.

“Yes, help yourselves to the food and drink.” Helen Louise looked about for a waiter. “You might want to escape into one of the other rooms, though. It’s getting pretty cramped in here.”

“Great idea.” Sharp took Kanesha by the arm and drew her toward the parlor. “Talk to you later.”

“How wonderful,” Helen Louise said in an undertone. “I’m so glad she’s found such a delightful man. Gorgeous, and a cardiologist, too. I’m sure Azalea must be thrilled.”

“She will be if she can get Kanesha married off with a houseful of grandchildren.” Privately I thought Azalea was right. I hoped Dr. Sharp was just what she needed, and vice versa.

People finally began to move into other rooms and made some space in the hallway. More arrivals, however, soon added to the crush. By this time my feet ached, I needed desperately to find the bathroom, and I wanted something besides champagne.

Helen Louise asked me to bring her water, too, when I shared my needs with her. Then I threaded my way through the crowd in the direction of the kitchen. Muttering excuse me over and over, I dodged bodies until I finally made it down the hall to the back of the house.

I opened a door and stepped into the room beyond. Instead of the hive of activity I expected, I found myself in a small room with two women—Azalea and Vera—in the midst of a yelling match.

“…pure evil. The Lord gonna strike you down one day for all your lies, and I’m gonna be there to sing His praises.”

TWELVE

Should I intervene?

Azalea looked like the wrath of God about to strike, fists clenched at her sides, her breathing labored.