CHAPTER 1
Ian hated to put on the monkey suit his mother insisted that he buy a few years ago, but now was glad he didn't have to rent one. Ian struggled with tying the tuxedo tie for the third time. He should have just bought the pre-made one, but his mother wouldn't allow it. He was only trying to lighten the mood in the station house. They had just solved a case that had had everyone on edge for weeks. The guy they had collared had gone on a killing spree. With him in lockup, Ian took it upon himself to break the tension. He wasn't happy about having to go to this event; it was the punishment for the prank he pulled and getting caught at it. In fact, he would be wearing this suit quite a bit in the near future. He had to be the official police liaison to the security details for all the benefits within the few months.
Maybe it wouldn't be so bad; if he had to eat expensive food, walk around and hob-knob with the higher ups in the city, so be it. He loved his work for the most part. Being a cop in this city was hard work. Being a detective was even harder; he had made it up through the ranks and was where he had wanted to be. He hadn't started out wanting to be a cop changing his mind during his senior year of high school. His parents weren't happy when they found out that he had changed his major from law to law enforcement, but they didn't stand in his way either.
The tie was done; maybe not to the approval of his mother, after all she wasn't here. He left his apartment and headed for his car. The drive to the banquet hall would only take a few minutes, so he would be early enough to make a quick rotation through the hall to make sure nothing had changed since his meeting earlier in the day. All seemed to be as it should be so he made his way to the security office to finalize any details. Within thirty minutes of his arrival, Ian was already bored as the guests were starting to appear. He watched attentively as the black tie affair got under way.
Ian was making his fourth circuit of the ballroom when his captain got his attention across the room. He wasn't too eager to speak with him also knowing he had no choice in the matter. With the grace his mother had drilled into him, Ian made his way toward Captain Riggs. Smiling politely at the people with the captain, Ian stepped into the circle.
"Good evening Captain. Is there something I can do for you?" Ian knew he was laying it on thick but again, what choice did he have.
"Detective Mackenzie, I would like to introduce you to Mrs. Ketterling, this evening's hostess. More than likely, you will be seeing a lot of each other during the next month or more."
Ian didn't miss the jab or the fact that the captain was going to enjoy this form of punishment.
"It's my pleasure to meet you Mrs. Ketterling. The ball is a great success!" he bent over her hand in an old fashioned way and kissed her knuckles.
If there was one thing that Ian knew, it was how to please the ladies; all ladies of all ages. He watched as a slight blush rose on the face of the elderly woman and felt satisfaction. She proceeded to introduce him to the guests. She wasn't about to let go of the first young gentleman she had met in a long time. Ian gave his boss a smug look and allowed himself to be tugged around the room meeting all of the influential members of society present tonight. It might not be a long night after all.
Hannah looked at the three new ball gowns spread on her bed. She was trying to choose the right one for the evening. It was a shame she had to spend so much on dresses when she would rather not go this evening. But to do that, would mean she could lose a lot of potential donations that were needed to keep the academy open. She relied totally on the generosity of others for the success of her school. And that meant everything to her. She would give the gifted children under her care the best education that was available to them.
She finally decided on the midnight blue one with the matching shawl. It was a little cooler tonight after the day of rain. She dressed with care, put on a little make-up, checked her hair and then headed for the door. She knew the car she had arranged for was probably waiting and she didn't like to keep people waiting, even if they were getting paid for it.
Hannah was met in the foyer by her second in command, Claire Hughes. Claire was more motherly than anything, but she had a good head on her shoulders. It was amazing how well they worked together. On the ingenuity of the woman in question, Claire had come up with the idea to get invitations to the society balls seeking contributions and so far it was paying off. Except for the fact that Hannah would rather not go. She hated to get all dressed up for the events but already knew that the most prestigious people of the city went to them if for no other reason than to be seen.
Claire had the invite and a little bit of motherly advice; which Hannah always got a chuckle from. You would think Hannah didn't know the first thing about what went on at these parties. After three years, nothing could really shock her; every event was just a little different. Who knows maybe she would meet her prince charming tonight. And maybe frogs danced.
Hannah knew from experience not to be one of the first to arrive. She would be fashionably late so all of the more important people would already be in the ballroom before she made her entrance. She hated to be the center of attention! She had found in this case it paid off; literally in the amount of contributions she may receive.
She spent the ride going over the latest budget in her head. She would have to do something about the gym soon, and they would have to upgrade a few of the computers the students used in the library. Thinking of the library, it needed new carpet and better lights. Hannah would have to work these benefits really hard if she was to get enough contributions to do all the things she needed to do this year. Some days she wondered if it was really worth all of the headaches, but then thought of the hundred and fifty students she currently had. Yes, it was worth it. Her fund to buy the building next to hers was almost to the point of working on the purchase agreement with Hanley. In the next year, she was sure she would hit the mark she had planned for that purchase. With that building in her possession, she could finally add the dormitory addition so more students could reside with them full time.
She was so deep in thought Hannah hadn't noticed that the limo had stopped. The driver stuck his head in the open door and asked if she wanted a few more minutes or if she was ready to depart the car. Hannah flashed him a quick smile and slide across the seat. She placed her hand in his as he helped her out of the car. A departure time was set and James bowed with a smile and nodded.
Hannah ascended the steps to the building the benefit was being held in. She made her way down the hall, stopping just before the open doors of the banquet room. Taking a deep breath and putting a pleasant smile on her face, she stepped into the room. It was always this way for her: breath taking! The chandeliers, the tuxedoes and beautiful ball gowns, the jewels sparkling from the women's necklines, wrists and fingers. It took her several moments to move farther into the room. She knew she had to but still wanted to feel the awe that always overtook her at these events. Growing up, she had once dreamed of giving these social events but those dreams were shattered in one quick night when she was almost sixteen.
Her hostess came up then to greet her. She was swiftly hugged and then her arm was tucked neatly into Mrs. Ketterling's as she was propelled into the room. Introductions were made and a glass of champagne was placed in her hand. The next hour passed quickly. Most guests were genuinely interested in Hannah's cause and promised to help. It was a very good thing that Claire had taken care of adding business cards to her handbag. She passed them out like they were candy to eager children. Maybe this year was the year they would get ahead at the academy.
With a quick glance at her watch, Hannah realized that the time had flown by and only ten minutes remained before her car would be here. Mrs. Ketterling was headed her way with a gentleman in tow. It didn't take a rocket scientist to know what the elderly woman had in mind. It was when they were within a few yards that her heart came to a stop. She recognized the man! She glanced over her shoulder to see if she could escape but knew it was futile.
"Hannah, dear, I would like you to meet someone. Hannah Bruce, this is Ian Mackenzie. Or should I say Detective Mackenzie. Hannah runs the Academy for Gifted Youth over on Twenty-Fifth Avenue. It really is an amazing thing, what she can do for those kids. She is seeking donations so that she can repair their gym and do some work in their library."
Hannah was a little stunned and turned to look at Eleanor. How did she find out about the repairs that needed to be done?
"Ms. Bruce is it a pleasure to meet you." Ian had a sparkle in his eye. The woman before him was dazzling. The dress she wore only made her eyes bluer. She wasn't drop dead gorgeous, but pretty in her own right. There was intelligence in those blue eyes which made it easy to believe that she was an educator. Then her features changed and suddenly there seemed to be an abrasive edge to her.
"Detective." She spared him little attention before turning to their hostess. "It was very nice for you to invite me this evening and I look forward to the Blanchard party next Saturday. It has been a long day and tomorrow doesn't look to be any shorter, so I must take my leave."
"Hannah, is everything alright?" Eleanor seemed concerned. She thought the two young people would have a lot in common, and they could spend the rest of the evening together, even though Ian was working. She looked first at Hannah then at the man in question. It was then she noticed the question in Ian's stance and the coldness coming from the lovely young woman that she really did admire.
"I'm fine, just a little tired. Good evening!" Hannah turned then and hoped she could escape without any trouble. She had made it out the door when a hand on her arm stopped her, turning to face the man she was just introduced too.
"Ms. Bruce, it seems like you have an immediate disliking for me, even though we just met. Or have we met before?"
Hannah took a slight reinforcing breath before raising her chin a little. "Yes, and I would imagine that you haven't changed any since then."
"Where did we meet before? I have a great memory but I can't seem to remember our meeting."
"Good day, Mr. Mackenzie. My car is waiting." With that Hannah pulled free of his hold on her arm and again headed for the door. It was a great relief when she was outside and being handed into the back of the limo. She didn't spare a glance at the door and was happy that she was able to escape.
Hannah was relieved to be in the safety of the limo. She was quite sure her assumptions about Mackenzie were still correct. At least she wouldn't have to see him again. She sat almost relaxed during the ride home. She would have to tell Claire all of the interesting people she had met and the promise of contributions coming their way. That made her smile. It would make the next few weeks a lot easier. She had already a set schedule for the corporate offices that she would have to visit with but getting the notice of the higher society would make that job a little more stress-free.
Ian stood at the top of the steps and watched as the woman was handed into the limo. She never took a backward glance at him. She claimed they had met before, but for the life of him, he didn't believe it for one minute. And just what did she mean by the remark about him changing. As he returned to the ballroom, there was a slight smirk on his face as he remembered that he was to work the mentioned party also. Ms. Bruce hadn't escaped from being in his presence. It seems that he would have to rack his brain before Saturday and try and remember where they had met before.
CHAPTER 2
The next few days were filled with all sorts of mini disasters at the academy. She had just accepted a new girl that had been removed from more schools than Hannah had cared to count. It was painfully obvious to Hannah the child would need some extra care to finish out the school year. Her parents were better at seeing to their own needs and not of their only child. Hannah knew exactly how the girl felt. That is what would make the job less complicated for her.
To devote her time to someone who really needed it was an empowering act. There was no way she could not help Angie to adjust to the academy. She would start with a walk to start to gain the girl's trust. Then they would work up a feasible schedule so that Angie could get the extra instruction she needed to catch her up with her school work. Hannah was sure that in no time at all, Angie would begin to excel in school and her self esteem would grow.
The rain which had come again during the wee hours of the morning was causing the next headache in the gym. A repair company was called to get to work on it immediately. She would have to rob Peter to pay Paul, but with last night's commitments, Hannah was more than confident the funds would start to dribble in to replenish the purchase fund for the adjacent building.
She was about to open the morning mail when she got a call from the head cook in the kitchen. Apparently, their produce order had not arrived again; making it the third time this month and it was too early in the month for that to happen. The cook was steaming mad, and again said they shouldn't have changed companies. The old one may have been slightly more expensive, but they were always reliable and that was what mattered. Especially when feeding the children of the school was concerned. At this point, Hannah conceded to the cook and told her she would call the old company back, beg for forgiveness and see how soon an order could be delivered. Cook said she would have a list ready to be faxed when the waters were calmed over.
Before she could get to the mail, she was again interrupted. This time by the librarian. He was ranting over something which had happened early yesterday morning and wanted immediate results to get it taken care of. Since he had decided to wait so long to report it, Hannah has apt to see it more to the side of the students involved than to that of the librarian. And she told him as much. She really didn't care for the man after the first year that he worked there and maybe this would be the one thing which would put him over the edge and quit. It wouldn't be a great loss; she would do the job herself or devise a plan with the other instructors to take a short turn at the desk in the library until she could find a replacement.
The rest of the day continued in the same fashion; to the point that Hannah was about to take the mail to the closet for some peace when Claire entered the office. Hannah decided to give up on the mail until all of the lights were out tonight, and she would open it with a calming tea, perhaps laced with something a little stronger.
Claire took the chair opposite of Hannah's and opened a folder she had in her hand. It was time for the weekly meeting. Hannah glanced at the clock sitting on the mantel of the fireplace and noticed the school day was almost over. Then their meeting went for nearly two hours.
When it was over, Claire looked at her boss in that motherly fashion and said, "Honey, you looked bushed. Why don't you go to your room for a spell? I'll bring a cup of tea and see to things here until you are rested."
Hannah took Claire's advice and went up to her apartment. It was the solace she was looking for. She sat in her favorite chair and just cherished the quiet. About twenty minutes later, Claire came in with the tea and a light supper but noticed Hannah was sleeping, so she left the tray without waking her.
The rest of the week didn't prove to be any different. Hannah was nearly dead on her feet when Claire came into her office late on Saturday afternoon.
"Girl, you need to get upstairs and start getting ready for the ball this evening." Claire walked over to the desk and glared down at Hannah. "I've confirmed the limo is scheduled. This time I took it one step further, I also called an escort service and have contracted for a gentleman to accompany you this evening."
