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.You wouldn t want folksto just congregate in one room or the other, right? In fact, can you setup a small bar and table of food in the smaller space too? Brilliant! Riley said as he clapped his hands, and David noddedin approval. Do you want to sample some of the tasty items we reconsidering for the evening? No thanks, Riley, Wes said, nodding toward Mac. Looks likeyou already have someone working on that.But I did want to ask yousomething, if you don t mind. Sure, fire away! Do you happen to know a Katherine Wainwright? Kat? Oh, yes, and she is just lovely too.Why, I think you ll seeher at the opening.She always comes to our little affairs.Kat loves tosupport the arts.Why do you ask about Kat? Well, she is a member of our Board and I am trying to meet witheveryone individually before our first formal meeting.Riley, since youknow just about everyone in Charleston, I m also planning to meet withHenry Ludlow, Charles Fieldstone, and Andrew Davis.I don t supposeyou know them?Riley shook his head and looked at David, who shrugged. No, Idon t believe we do, Wes. Okay, thanks.I m going to head back upstairs and do a littlemore work.I ll see you later.Back at his desk, Wes spent time doing online searches of each ofthe remaining four Board members.For their part, Henry, Charles, andAndrew could have easily been interchangeable.All of the onlinereferences mentioned graduation from the Citadel, successful businesscareers, occasional quotes at local Chamber meetings, Boardappointments, and the standard professional picture featuring dark suit,white shirt, and conservative tie.When Wes searched for KatherineWainwright, he was fascinated by the difference in pictures taken ofher during her husband s run for governor and the more recent photostaken since his death.She seemed like two different women.Fifteenyears ago, Katherine Wainwright had been the archetypical politician swife blond, attractive, conservatively dressed, and seemingly demure,always pictured behind and slightly to the right of her husband, with aslight Mona Lisa smile.Her more recent photos revealed a woman whohad come into her own.Kat Wainwright was still statuesque, but herhair was long and silver-gray and her wardrobe was almost bohemian.Wes read some of the online entries featuring Kat chairwoman of theCouncil for the Arts, president of the Educational Foundation forImpoverished Children, fund-raising for Planned Parenthood.As hedialed Kat s number, he thought, I like Kat Wainwright without evenmeeting her.He left a message for Kat and asked her to call him at herconvenience.Henry, Charles, and Andrew could wait until later thisafternoon.Wes left the office through the side door and walked down thestairs to Queen Street.He wanted to get Ty another gift for his birthdaybut wasn t sure what would be appropriate.He found himself walkingalong one of Charleston s busier streets and remembered Staten andSons Fine Jewelry.Staten and Sons represented a bit of a tradition inCharleston and was the store for graduation watches, engagement rings,and other significant purchases that required their own insurancepolicy.Wes stopped in front of the store and peered into the display inthe front window.Staten and Sons had been in business for as long ashe could remember and featured a beautiful selection of contemporaryand estate jewelry.Wes looked at the money clips and bracelets, and hefinally noticed a pair of Cartier cuff links.That s it, he thoughtexcitedly and walked into the store.Sitting on her perch across the street in Fancy Feathers, MissLouella thought she recognized Wes as he walked down the street.Taking her opera glasses out of her pocket, she quickly unfolded themfor a better look. Well, how about that, she said aloud as she refoldedher opera glasses and returned them to her jacket pocket.Wes left the jewelry store with a bag containing Ty s gift, thenchecked his watch.He had time to return to the office, try to contact theremaining Board members, and stop by the hospital to see Uncle Erniebefore heading back to Sullivan s and to Ty.Wes felt an incrediblesurge of energy as he walked briskly back to the office.Even thoughTy s birthday was still a couple of days away, he decided that he wouldpick up filet mignon, a small birthday cake, and champagne on the wayhome and surprise Ty with an intimate birthday party.Wes took thestairs at the side of the gallery two at a time and walked into the office.He heard voices coming from his office and walked in to find Aliciaand Mac sitting comfortably over coffee. Alicia, this is a surprise, Wes said as he removed his jacket andhung it over the back of his chair.He looked up at Alicia and noticedthat she was staring at the Staten and Sons bag that he d laid on thedesk.Wes picked up the small package and put it in his jacket pocket.Alicia looked up and smiled. Well, I hope it s a pleasantsurprise, Wes, she said as she lowered her eyes and sipped her coffee. I dropped in to tell you that Daddy is being moved to RiversideRehabilitation tomorrow.It was recommended to me by Olivia Hunt.Do you remember Olivia?Wes thought a minute and said, No, that name doesn t ring abell. Wes Stanhope! You dog, you! Why, you took Olivia to yourjunior prom!Mac raised his eyebrows and turned his attention to his coffeecup. Oh, Olivia! Wes said with enthusiasm, still struggling toremember her. Yes, of course I remember her.How is she? Well, she married Foster Johnson, and from what I understand,they had a very nasty divorce. Alicia shook her head as if toemphasize the point. Turns out old Foster had a bit of a roving eye. Ah, well, so have you been over to Riverside? Yes, and I m quite impressed.Wes nodded and tried not to fidget. Well, that s great news.I mplanning to stop by the hospital later this afternoon and visit for a fewminutes.Have you been by yet today?Alicia sighed and rested her coffee cup on the edge of Wes sdesk. I m not sure whether Daddy s improving or whether I just wantto see improvement so much that I m talking myself into seeingsomething that isn t there.Just as Wes was wondering how to gracefully tell Alicia that hehad work to do, the phone in his office rang.Wes glanced at the CallerID.It read Wainwright, K. Alicia, I m so sorry, but I m afraid that I have to take this call.Mac sprung out of his chair and said, Alicia, what say you and Itake a look downstairs in the gallery? Riley and David have beenworking all day getting ready for the opening. Okay.Wes, maybe I ll see you later at the hospital? Yes, I ll be there about four thirty.Alicia smiled and gave a little wave to Wes.Mac guided Aliciaout of Wes s office and turned back to Wes.Mac smiled when he sawWes mouth a silent Thank you.By the time Wes left the office for the day, he had reached four ofthe five Board members and had confirmed appointments in place.Henry Ludlow was traveling and would return the following Monday.Wes made a note to try to speak with him then.He sent a text to Ty: Home at 6:30 with dinner and champagne.WTy responded almost immediately. What restaurant? LOL Can twait.WES pulled his car into the parking lot of the hospital and locked Ty scuff links in the glove box.He decided that if he stayed about a halfhour, that would give him plenty of time to stop at the market, thebakery, and the liquor store
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