Never In Another Life novel · Chapter 17 of 24

Chapter 17: The Podium

Declan's POV

The ballroom of the Lakeshore Grand held three hundred people in black tie and not one of them looked at the door.

I stood inside it in a rented tuxedo that fit across the shoulders and nowhere else.

Kira was in a service corridor behind the kitchens, with a flash drive and a hotel key card.

Sammy was upstairs in a suite with her friend, the night nurse, who had driven six hours with a sleeping bag and a bag of gummy bears.

Both of them were safe.

That was the only thing I let myself think.

The stage stood at the far end, under a banner in gold script.

The Lakeshore Hospital Foundation, Annual Gala.

My mother was at the podium in a navy gown, with her pearls on and her hands resting on the sides of the wood.

She saw me when I was halfway across the floor.

Her voice did not falter, but her fingers whitened.

"And so we come to the evening's honor," she said. "Every year, this Foundation recognizes one physician who has given the most to this community."

A murmur of applause ran down the room.

"This year's honoree has been a friend to this family for twenty years. She has lost nothing and given everything. Dr. Margo Winslade."

The spotlight swung.

Margo rose from the front table in a long emerald gown, one hand pressed to her breastbone, her eyes already shining.

She took the stairs to the stage with her chin lifted.

My mother kissed her cheek, and handed her a crystal award, and the room stood.

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