8
The gala was held at a private, secluded mountain estate on the outskirts of the city. We were already runni- ng a bit late when we arrived.
As we were about to enter, he subtly offered me his arm, an invitation to take it.
Since I had already agreed to accompany him, I didn’t make a fuss. I lightly placed my hand in the crook of
his elbow.
Just as the attendant was about to lead us into the main hall, a commotion erupted behind us.
A black Phantom limousine pulled up brazenly to the main entrance of the estate. The car had barely stopp-
ed when the host of the evening was already rushing over to greet it. The man, well past fifty, stood by resp ectfully, ready to open the car door himself.
Whoever this was, he was a very big deal.
That’s what I thought at the time.
