“I wasn’t questioning her! I mean, I was, but just because I want to know more about her.” Seeing the expressions on some of his friends' faces, he huffed. “Yeah, I wanted to hear her side of the story about meeting with Kincaid, but I’m interested in everything about her.”
“Ignore them. Keep going,” Josh said. “What did you find out?”
“She normally doesn’t go to the Bennett estate. She teaches her private lessons somewhere else. But the daughter didn’t have a ride and her mom was giving some sort of party. The daughter suggested they go down to the guesthouse. She also mentioned that the man who was staying in the guesthouse showed up.”
“So, she’d never met Kincaid before?” Mace asked.
He shook his head. “No. But then she mentioned Congressman Bennett. She said he and his wife were benefactors of the orchestra that she plays in—”
“That’s hardly a surprise,” Cobb threw out. “A lot of politicians attend functions like that and give donations. It’s a tax write off.”
“Yeah, I know, but then she mentioned that they got a call about donations for the band.”
“The Celtic band?” Walker asked. “I mean, they’re great, but I don’t really see that being something that the congressman would donate to.”
Clay leaned back in his seat and scrubbed his hand over his face. “She indicated that he gives money to indie artists.”
“That’s probably true, too. Honestly, that doesn’t seem like anything to worry about,” Cobb said. “Christina just happens to be on the periphery of the investigation, not in it in any way.”
Sighing heavily, Clay said, “Yeah, I know, but then I started looking at her band. The drummer? Duncan Byrne. He goes by Dunk, but his other nickname is Drunken Duncan. He’s been picked up for public intoxication and disorderly conduct quite a few times. And then there’s Mike, one of the bagpipe guys. He had a few arrests when he was younger.”
“Clay, listen to yourself. You know that being high on a college campus or being picked up a couple times for being drunk is not a big deal,” Tate said. “I’m not trying to downplay any of this, but a lot of college students smoke pot, drink alcohol, and even play around with a few stronger drugs. I’m not saying all musicians do it, but it’s not that uncommon, either. The most important thing is that Christina is clean.”
“Well, what about being arrested for distribution? That one was laid on Mike, but the charge was thrown out.”
“So, what’s the problem?” Rank asked.
Jerking his gaze around, he said, “You can’t seriously be asking me that! I’m telling you that my girlfriend is closely involved with a group of people and most have alcohol or drug use in their history. Now, I know that Congressman Bennett isn’t tied into the drugs, but since he’s going to give money to the band, it makes me wonder if Kincaid isn’t the one handling it. Seems like any money coming from the congressman would have to go through Kincaid anyway.”
“If you want to know something about a politician, follow the money trail,” Cobb agreed.
The group became quiet, each seeming to think about his words.
“There’s something else you’re not telling us,” Mace said, causing Clay to stare at his boss.
He ground his teeth together before admitting, “The band’s been to Canada. Not often, but to several festivals. And when I looked at a few of the pictures on the internet, I saw members of the Minotaurs were in attendance.”
“Shit,” came the expletive from the rest of the Keepers.
Mace finally said, “Keep looking into this angle because we all want to know everything that Kincaid is doing, especially if it involves the Minotaurs. Just be smart and keep Christina out of this. She’s not going to like having her friends investigated or find out that you were questioning her for more than just getting to know her.”
He nodded as he turned back to his computer. No worries… that’s the last thing I want her to know I was doing.
With her fingers creating the vibrato, the bow slid across the strings and the familiar vibrations of the violin underneath her chin moved throughout her as the music swelled all around. Completely focused on the final piece of the evening, Christina’s eyes moved between the music and the conductor, making sure each note coming from her instrument was perfect. Considering the same professionalism resided in all the members of the orchestra, she had no doubt that they’d given the patrons their money’s worth tonight.
With a final note resounding throughout the concert hall, the conductor made his grand, circular movement and silence hit the room for only a few seconds before the thunderous applause rained down upon them.
Smiling, she glanced toward the other musicians around her, then directed her gaze to the other side where she met Amy’s wide grin and waggling eyebrows. She knew exactly who Amy had spotted. Twisting her head slightly, she could see Clay in the audience. She was surprised to see Cobb sitting next to him.
As soon as they were able, she met Amy in the back room as they put their instruments away before moving to the reception in the lobby.
“Holy moly, Christina, your boyfriend is gorgeous. And nice. And dedicated to the arts. And devoted to you—”
“I get it, I get it! You’re right, he’s fantastic.” Accepting a hug from Amy, she said, “I know I’m really lucky.”
Amy leaned back and shook her head. “You’re not the only one. He’s very lucky to have you. Now, let’s go get some champagne.”
They made their way to the lobby quicker than normal, her gaze searching for the tall, gorgeous man that was already holding her heart. Knowing that he might have gotten caught behind some slower patrons, she turned when she heard her name called out.
“Ms. Monroe!”
Recognizing Amelia’s voice, she watched as Amelia and her parents approached. Nodding politely, she greeted, “Congressman Bennett, Mrs. Bennett, it’s nice to see you.” Turning to Amelia, she asked, “Did you enjoy the concert?”
Before Amelia had a chance to answer, the man from the guesthouse, Jerry Kincaid, stepped up. A beautiful woman clung to his arm. Tall, cool, blonde, in an elegant gown, she towered over Christina, cast her gaze over her, and obviously decided she was no competition if the bored, somewhat smug expression on her face was anything to go by. Turning her attention back to the Bennetts, Christina smiled.
“I thought the concert was wonderful,” Amelia said.
“Your solo was exquisite,” Congressman Bennett said, his smile warm as he wrapped his arms around his wife and his daughter.
“Amelia tells us that you play in a string quartet. I’d love to have you perform at one of our gatherings,” Mrs. Bennett said. “Would you ever consider that?”
“If it fits into my schedule, I’d be honored.”
The congressman turned toward Jerry and said, “Make sure to get Ms. Monroe’s information from my wife, and I’ll let you arrange her performance for our next gathering.”
Amelia and her parents said their goodbyes and moved on. Christina snuck a look at Jerry’s date, who eyed the champagne table while tugging on his sleeve, huffing loudly.