The Perfect Affair Read Online Free PDF Page B

reporter.
    “Dr. Sullivan,” she began, her tone serious and ultraprofes-sional. Even so, she didn’t miss the appreciative once-over James gave her, or the way he bypassed other reporters to step to her mike. “Jacqueline Tate with Science Today . Can you tell me how your contribution to this week’s workshop will differ from Dr. Atwater’s?”
    “Ms. Tate, our involvement in this project is like two halves of the same coin. My background as a medical doctor provides a hands-on analysis of the problem. Dr. Atwater’s expertise in the scientific field provides a hands-on approach to the solution. That he too has a medical background puts him in a position to accurately assess the problem and understand both my concerns and my confidence in what we are trying to do to treat illness in general and brain diseases in particular . . . find a cure.”
    Just as she finished with James, Randall passed by her. “Excuse me, Dr. Atwater.”
    “Sorry, Jacqueline,” he said forcibly but not unkindly. “Not now.”
    “Of course,” she mumbled, her eyes holding admiration and more as she watched a host of hangers-on and wannabes scramble behind Randall as he left the room. She calmly looked around for some lesser known yet equally interesting attendees to interview. She didn’t have to run behind Randall Atwater to get what she wanted. She’d held a one-on-one, in-depth interview with him in the comfort of his suite. With that, the notes from his talk, and research on the Internet, she already had enough for a great cover story. Keeping a distance the rest of the week was probably best.
    The better choice, perhaps. But not meant to be.
    As soon as the workshop was over, he approached her. “Jacqueline?”
    “Yes?”
    “Forgive me for having to rush off earlier. I didn’t mean to be rude.”
    “It’s okay, Randall. I know you’re busy.”
    “I was preoccupied, but that’s not an excuse. I insist you let me make it up to you.”
    “No way, Randall. You’ve already done so much. I won’t let you buy me dinner again.”
    “Fair enough, but would you care to join me for tonight’s concert?”
    In all of her studying last night, she’d merely glanced at the attendee packet and its contents. She’d seen something about a concert, and she loved opera. But since tickets were only discounted, not free, and she didn’t have an escort, she hadn’t given the outing a second thought.
    “I don’t have anything to wear,” was the lame excuse that came to mind.
    “Don’t worry about that.” He gave her the once-over. “The concert starts at eight. Meet me in the lobby at seven thirty. Okay?”
    “Sure.”
    “All right, beautiful. See you then.”

CHAPTER 6
    F or the rest of the afternoon, Jacqueline walked on air. At five o’clock she returned to her room, ordered room service, and transcribed some of the tapes she’d recorded. At six o’clock someone knocked on her door.
    Randall?
    She peered through the peephole to see a hotel employee standing next to a bellman’s cart. On it were a couple garment bags and several boxes. She opened the door.
    “I didn’t send anything to be cleaned. You have the wrong room.”
    “Ms. Tate?”
    “Yes?” Jacqueline replied with a scowl.
    “These are for you, compliments of Dr. Atwater.” Jacqueline was speechless. She stepped back so that the employee could pull the cart into the room. “Here, let me get you a tip.”
    “Already taken care of, ma’am,” the employee said with a slight bow. “Enjoy your evening.”
    Jacqueline watched the employee leave, then turned toward the cart before her. She gingerly touched the plastic covering, almost afraid to lift it and see what was inside. Below were shoe boxes. She reached for one, opened it up, and saw one of the prettiest pairs of shoes she’d ever seen. The sandals were covered in iridescent crystals, with straps that came up around the ankle. Always a sucker for a great high heel, she walked to a chair, kicked off