“Word is Mr. Devlin’s been working late a lot. Has been spotted in the company of a pretty intern, too. That’s probably what’s got her popping pills again.”

“He’s paying attention to her now.”

“Damage control. Can’t afford to get her too pissed off. It’s her family that has all the money. If she divorces him, he can kiss his political career good-bye.” Cybill was speaking to Charlie and Alice in a low, for-their-ears-only voice. Then, in a normal one, she said: “Hi, Mr. Devlin. Hi, Mrs. Devlin. You don’t know where I can find Jude, do you?”

Mr. Devlin took the crab-cake-laden fork away from his wife’s mouth, popped it in his own. “What’s that boy of mine done now?”

“It’s not what he’s done, it’s what I’m going to get him to do.”

“So long as it doesn’t end up in the papers, it’s okay by me. I haven’t seen him since we got here.”

“Fat lot of help you are.”

“Good luck to you girls,” Mr. Devlin said cheerfully. Then, when his wife’s head was safely turned, he gave them a sort of leering wink. Alice was grossed out, but Cybill and Charlie just laughed, so she guessed it wasn’t a big deal.

Cybill and Charlie moved on, resuming the search. Alice followed. Charlie shot her an annoyed look over her shoulder, telling Alice with her eyes that she should walk with her and Cybill, not behind. Alice pretended not to notice.

“Who’s he?” Charlie said, pointing to an Italian-looking guy, the only man at the party in a dark suit. He had slicked-back hair, was wearing a lot of jewelry. “He looks like a gangster.”

“Probably because he is. Bianca’s dad. He owns a bunch of restaurants and nightclubs in the tri-state area. I’m sure he’s into other stuff, too, but his official title is restaurateur. And behind him is Sasha’s mother, Rebecca Menken.” Alice saw a thin, severe-looking woman with jet-black hair talking to two men in boat shirts and espadrilles. “Rebecca runs the biggest PR firm in New York. When I graduate from college, I want her to give me a job. That’s why I let her sniveling daughter be one of my minions. The men she’s with are Sasha’s dad, also her business partner, and Sasha’s dad’s husband. Don’t ask.”

“I won’t,” said Charlie agreeably.

“And that over there is the van Strattens and their son, Tommy.”