Ted wanted to come up with a comment on her curves that wouldn’t get him in trouble. Something along the lines of not having noticed a lack of trunk space, but classier. The moment passed. Kenzie saved him with her next announcement.

“Here comes Pak. They’re all shaking hands and taking seats. The hottie seems to be wondering why she’s there. She may be medicated.”

“I can tell you don’t like her,” he said.

“I’m reporting what I see.”

“How does the Harvey Whoever look on her?”

“She’s got the back for it.”

“You notice that I haven’t tried to crane my head around to catch a glimpse.”

“You deserve a medal. Actually, you could take a look. Cheryl’s facing the other way. See if you know the old guy.”

Ted casually looked around the room, turning slowly. Councilman Pak and the other man were standing a few steps from the table, their heads together. The guy’s head was like a polished bowling ball abandoned on the north pole of a small planet. Kenzie’s description was spot on. Councilman Pak was selling something hard, but nobody was buying. Their discussion was restrained but tense. Neither man appeared to be happy.

“Negative,” Ted said.

“He looks like he’s got money.”

“How’s that?”

“Why else would she be with him?” Kenzie said.

“I can’t argue with that logic.”

“And here’s the star of the show,” Kenzie said. “Baby Reisner. The heir apparent.”

Ted turned a bit farther and reeled back. “No!” A fortysomething couple was crossing the dining room. The man had black hair slicked back à la Gordon Gekko. His chin preceded him by an arrogant inch or two, so that he seemed to be looking down at people. Two steps behind him strode a woman in the law firm uniform of blue suit and white silk blouse. Her honey-blonde hair was expensively cut in a short-cropped shag, and though she wore almost no makeup, she didn’t need it. She had a body that would always draw looks but held herself in a manner that telegraphed, If you’re not talking business, don’t bother. It was Jackie.

Ted ducked his head and swore quietly. How had an estate lawyer gotten herself pulled into this kind of maelstrom? Did she even know what was going on here? Of course she did. Jackie was not only smart; she was shrewd.

“Really?” Kenzie said. “Does he know you?”

“Not him. Her. That’s the lawyer.”

“I guessed that. She’s carrying a briefcase.”

“She knows me,” Ted said. “It’s Jackie.”

“That’s intriguing,” Kenzie said. “One of the bad guys.”

“And if she sees me, we’re done.”

“She never even looked in this direction.” Kenzie was watching the group across the room.

Ted was rethinking his decision to turn down the martini. “I can’t get up and leave, can I?”