At 8:35 PM Kenneth Garner was speeding down I-4 on his way to the downtown Marriott. An hour ago, Jack Ingrassia called and asked for a ride to the opening ceremony of the Florida Film Festival. For an event like that, one hour is shorter than short notice. But when Jack calls, Garner listens.

Garner pulled up to the hotel at exactly 8:45, as promised. It didn’t take long to spot Jack coming towards him in the marble lobby. Sharp black suit. Snow white shirt. Blood red handkerchief in the breast pocket. A relaxed smile and the stride to match. Everything about Jack Ingrassia communicates power and the easy confidence that goes with it. After a warm hug and a few minutes of catch-up chat, Jack directed Garner to the exit.

“I believe we have a party waiting.”

They were almost out the door when a striking woman breezed past them. Tall and lean, with long wavy hair the color of coffee and a sheer, low-cut dress the color of flesh. Jack couldn’t help himself.

“Where are you going tonight, sweetheart? Want to come to a party?”

“I’m going to dinner with someone.”

“What someone might that be?”

“I’m not sure yet,” she says coyly, turning towards them.

“I think you’re going to dinner with us.”

And just like that, they were a party of three. That’s how Jack works. Garner eyed her cautiously. What kind of girl accepts an invitation from two strange men in a hotel lobby? He was about to find out.

Zabrina Carothers. Garner recognized the name immediately. Her father practically invented Aspen with his series of luxury resorts.

But it wasn't Zabrina's money or Jack's notoriety, it was Garner's finesse that got the three of them into the exclusive party with only two tickets in hand.

At the Film Festival party, the press descended on the Jack the minute they spotted him. As usual, Garner stood close, one hand on Jack at all times, making sure no one made Jack uncomfortable with their cameras or their questions. They managed to wind and charm their way through the crowd. Jack was a pro at this already, but with Zabrina at his side, he seemed to shine even brighter.

It was cool for an Orlando night, but the wine kept people warm. Just as the dance floor was starting to heat up, the music cut off abruptly and a wailing siren took its place. Then a manic-looking man in a brown corduroy jacket jumped up on a chair. Bullhorn in hand, Eddie Sullivan began to address the startled crowd.

It took Garner a few minutes to talk Jack down. But before long, the trio was back at the party, tasting from the chocolate fountain and dancing the memory away.

But the night wore on, and the crowd grew, and the questions from reporters kept on coming, Jack got wary of it all. With a quick motion of his head, he gestured for Garner that it was time to go.
Zabrina was still shimmying on the dance floor, her skin-colored sheath fluttering around her tanned legs, when Garner took her by the elbow. 


“Jack's ready to go.” Zabrina's calculated pout didn't deter Garner; he led her away to the Mini Cooper.

On the way home, things got even chillier between Garner and Zabrina. Reacting to a series of questions about Jack – his background, his business, his life – Garner finally snapped back.

“Your dad's a rich powerful man. Do you think he never had to push the law at times? Not break it, but bring it right to the edge and bend it a little bit? He probably has some secrets too. And ours are none of your business.”

Zabrina sat back, a glare glistening in her brown eyes.

“When you think it’s appropriate for me to speak, just let me know,” she spat.

Garner sighed. Clearly, Jack was charmed by this girl. And he could see why. But they’d been through this before. Over the years, beautiful young things had come along to take Jack’s breath away. They always left behind a mess to clean up. And a girl like Zabrina Carothers? What kind of mess could she make?

But Garner’s job wasn’t to stand in the way of what Jack wants. It was to clear the path.

“I’m sorry, okay? Jack obviously likes you. So let’s just call a truce.”

It was like watching a wilted flower come back to life. The sweet smile returned. The aloof posture softened. Delicate, delightful Zabrina became delicate and delightful again.

She settled into her seat. “So, Jack,” she asked. “How would you like to come to New York with me for the weekend?”

“Nothing I’d like better, beautiful,” he answered. Garner glanced at Jack in the rearview. He didn’t even look surprised.

With a sigh, Garner continued down I-4 in silence.