Chapter 1

The anniversary dinner at the Vanderhaven Estate had ended two hours ago, all those black-tie smiles and hollow pleasantries fading into memory. Now the real night was beginning. The elevator chimed softly as it carried me to the top floor of the downtown tower, the mirrored walls reflecting my anxious expression back at me. I smoothed the front of my emerald silk slip dress, the fabric cool against my skin, and took a slow breath as the doors slid open. The penthouse suite opened before me like a private world of glass and dim light. Floor-to-ceiling windows lined the far wall, the city sprawling beneath us in a carpet of glittering gold and white. The party was smaller here, more exclusive. Maybe thirty people scattered across the expansive living room, the low thrum of conversation mixing with jazz from hidden speakers. I stepped inside, my heels sinking slightly into the plush cream carpet. I spotted him immediately. Arthur Vance stood at the granite-topped bar on the far side of the room, a tumbler of amber whiskey in his hand. At fifty-two, he carried himself with the easy authority of a man who had never needed to ask for anything. His