Chapter 17: Table One

The Ashburton Grand had put up a red carpet for the engagement gala.

Photographers lined both sides of it, and a doorman in white gloves held a tablet with the guest list.

Caleb stepped out of the car in a black suit Bernard had ordered that afternoon.

Nina stepped out after him in a dark green dress with her curls loose, and the man with the cane came out last with a shoebox under his arm.

The doorman looked at Caleb and lowered the tablet.

"Sir, this is a private event."

"We're on the list," Nina said.

"I don't see a Merrick, miss."

"Look under Skyward."

The doorman scrolled, and his thumb stopped.

"Table one," he said. "Skyward Technologies. Six seats. That is a five hundred thousand dollar donation."

"To the children's wing," Nina said. "It cleared this morning."

"Of course. But Mr. Desmond Ashburton has asked that this gentleman." He cleared his throat.

"This gentleman is not to be admitted."

The photographers had stopped shooting to listen.

"Which gentleman?" Nina asked sweetly.

"The, ah." The doorman looked at the carpet. "The convict."

Nina smiled.

It was a wide smile, and it did not reach her eyes.

"Say it again, a little louder," she said. "My friend in the front row is from the Journal."

A reporter in the front row lifted his phone.

The doorman went pale.

"He's on the list," he said weakly. "Please go in, Mr. Merrick."

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