Chapter 34
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
M arise stepped out of the black Uber and gazed up at the stately townhouse on the Upper East Side. Lights glowed from the arched windows, and the low hum of classical music floated through the evening air.
As Marise helped Kathleen out of the car something caught in her chest. She looked beautiful, with the light from the streetlight catching the curve of her cheekbone, and shimmering on her hair that fell in waves to her shoulders.
She looked radiant, a quiet kind of loveliness that couldn’t be replicated in a beauty parlour.
Her dress, a deep teal that brushed her knees, hugged her in all the right places.
She looked like herself, only more confident.
Since they’d met, Kathleen had changed, not in essence, but in presence. She stood straighter now and smiled more easily. Her shyness hadn’t disappeared, but it no longer seemed like a wall. Marise had watched her bloom over the past few weeks, as if something buried had been coaxed into light.
"Ready?" Marise asked, reaching for her hand.
Kathleen glanced at her, a nervous smile flickering across her face. "Not even close. But let’s go."
The Wainright residence was precisely what Marise expected from a man who chaired the board of the Atlantic Research Institute—grand but discreet.
The townhouse was three stories of classic old New York wealth, all wrought-iron balconies, perfectly clipped hedges, and polished brass fixtures.
The front entrance had been swept clean, and twin lanterns flanked the black front door.
Inside, the house opened into a wide foyer with a checkerboard marble floor and a gilded mirror above an antique sideboard laden with crystal. A uniformed waiter took their coats, and they stepped through double doors into a high-ceilinged room filled with chatter and laughter.
George Wainright stood near the fireplace, and when he spotted Kathleen entering, he made his way over immediately.
"Kathleen, the guest of honour," he said warmly, taking both her hands in his. "Welcome.”
“Hi, Mr. Wainright. This is my friend Veronica.”
Wainright gave her a curious but friendly once-over and nodded. "A pleasure, Veronica. Eve will be thrilled you’ve come. She’s somewhere about.” He chuckled. “Probably hounding the cook.”
At the mention of his wife, a small woman in a black cocktail dress who was talking to two men at the fireplace, turned their way.
Her expression brightened when her eyes landed on Kathleen.
She hurried over and hugged her. “Kathleen. I’m glad to see you came.
Knowing how you avoid these things like the plague, George was under a threat to get you here. ”
“Hi, Eve. Um… this is Veronica.”
Eve’s eyes widened for a second and then she said with polite charm, “You’re most welcome, Veronica.”
Marise studied Eve Wainright discretely as she talked.
She was a small, petite woman in her mid-sixties, with greying hair swept back in a loose bun, and wearing a simple black designer dress, with minimal jewellery.
Though clearly wealthy by the look of the house, she had the look of an academic rather than a socialite.
Eve smiled at Kathleen. "Your paper was absolutely fabulous. What a novel scientific breakthrough. Bioengineered plants that can store and release energy. That’s the sort of thing that changes the conversation entirely.
George and I were talking—this could revolutionize how we think about sustainability. "
Marise watched Kathleen’s face glow with a mix of pride and humility. "I still have a long way to go," Kathleen said. "But it works."
"You should be very proud," Eve said, glancing at Marise. "She’s remarkable, isn’t she?"
Marise met Eve’s eyes and smiled. "I think so."
Eve gestured to a waiter who came over with a tray of drinks. She waited until they had all taken a glass then plucked a flute of champagne off for herself. "What do you do, Veronica?"
"Consulting," Marise said smoothly. "Mostly compliance and project coordination."
Eve tilted her head slightly. "That sounds like a good match. Supporting someone like Kathleen takes more than admiration—it takes someone who understands the pressure."
"I do my best," Marise replied.
"Well, whatever you’re doing, keep at it," Eve said with a quiet nod. "I’ve known too many brilliant women who were forced to walk alone. It’s good to see someone at her side."
Kathleen appeared visibly moved. "Thank you. That means more than you know."
Eve looked at Kathleen, her gaze thoughtful. "You’ll find tonight interesting," she said. "A lot of eyes are on you, but don’t let that upset you. You’ve done something wonderful for the institute and they’re all in awe of you. Now I’d better mingle, dear. Enjoy yourselves."
With that, she turned and melted back into the crowd.
Marise touched Kathleen’s arm lightly. "Are you okay?"
Kathleen exhaled slowly. "Yeah. Getting there. George intimidates me, but I’ve always liked Eve. As a scientist in her own right, she knows the pressures and the loneliness."
"Well, you’re not alone anymore," Marise said.
They clinked their glasses. "To keeping it together," Kathleen said.
"To knocking them dead," Marise replied.
They shared a brief smile, the kind that held too much for words.
Kathleen looked over Marise’s shoulder and her expression changed. “It’s my parents,” she whispered.
Marise turned to look. A stylish woman entered the room, then stopped to scan the crowd. There was no mistaking who she was. She had the same blond hair, same feminine features—an older version of Kathleen. Behind her, a solid, handsome man paused near the threshold to search the room.
Kathleen straightened and gave a little wave. Her mother made a beeline toward her with her father trailing behind.
Marise took a slow breath. Showtime.
As they approached, Kathleen stepped forward. “Hi Mom, Dad.”
“Kathleen,” her mother said. “You look blooming. It was nice of George and Eve to put this party on for you. We’re so proud of you, dear.”
Her father came forward and gave her a bear hug. “Well done, kiddo.”
Kathleen stepped back, blushing. “This is my friend, Veronica Lane. These are my parents Rhonda and John Knowles.”
Rhonda’s mouth sagged slightly before she said warmly. “It’s nice to meet you, Veronica.”
Marise smiled. “It’s my pleasure.”
John Knowles stepped in and shook her hand. “It’s good to meet you, Veronica.”
Kathleen blushed. “Veronica agreed to be my plus one for the night.”
“Well,” Rhonda said, her voice light but tinged with meaning, “we’re glad you brought her. It’s an important night.”
Marise smiled, feeling the weight of the moment. “I’m happy to support Kathleen. It’s a big night for her.”
Rhonda studied her a beat longer. “And what do you do, Veronica?”
“I consult on compliance and risk,” Marise said without a pause. “Project management and operational oversight.”
Rhonda raised an eyebrow. “Sounds useful.”
“She’s very good at what she does,” Kathleen said, stepping in quickly.
“We’d better see our host,” said John, taking his wife’s arm. “We’ll catch up later to talk.”
After they left, friends and colleagues began coming up to Kathleen to congratulate her. Marise stepped back to watch, not taking any part. After twenty minutes, she sidled back to her side. “Do you want to go outside for a bit?” Marise asked softly. “Might be quieter on the terrace.”
Kathleen’s relief was palpable. “Yes please.”
They slipped through a set of French doors that led onto the rear terrace. The air was cooler there, touched by a light breeze. Tiny string lights laced the wrought-iron railing, casting a gentle glow over potted ferns and a few guests who had retreated from the main crowd.
Marise leaned on the railing and looked out over the garden. “How did that feel?”
Kathleen joined her, her shoulder brushing lightly against Marise’s. “Surreal.”
Marise glanced at her. “Your parents are nice.”
Kathleen exhaled, her breath fogging faintly in the night air. “They’re great. But I don’t know if we fooled my mother. She’ll give you the third degree later. She’s good at probing.”
“She was definitely sizing me up.”
“She’ll like you,” Kathleen said softly. “Only she doesn’t know it yet.”
Marise smiled at that. “Well, I’ll take what I can get. You look like your mother but I’m guessing you’re more like your father in temperament.”
“I am. He’s the same as me, hates fuss and crowds.”
“Yet he’s a doctor.”
“A surgeon. When he operates, he’s fine. Like me, I guess,” mused Kathleen. “In the lab, I’m happy and relaxed.”
They stood in companionable silence, the city faint in the distance, their reflections wavering in the glass.
“This is a big deal for me,” Kathleen said suddenly. “I’ve never brought anyone to these functions before.”
Marise turned to her. “It’s a big deal for me too.”
Kathleen’s hand found hers. They didn’t say anything else. They didn’t need to.
Marise heard the terrace door open behind them but didn’t turn.
She stood beside Kathleen, shoulder to shoulder, eyes on the skyline.
The night was clear. Wind touched her skin, the hum of traffic below like a distant tide.
For a moment, she could pretend it was only the two of them.
That she’d come as Kathleen’s partner. No aliases.
No history clawing its way back into the present.
“Well,” said a familiar voice. “I might have guessed you’d be hiding somewhere. Your mother told me she saw you slipping out here with your friend.”
Kathleen swung around and cried out delightedly, “Edith. I was wondering if you were going to turn up.”
Marise froze and didn’t turn around. She’d been dreading the moment and it had finally come. She’d let them have their time together before she made herself known.
“I wouldn't have missed it for the world,” Edith said. “You deserve all the accolades, love.”
“Thank you. It wouldn’t have been a celebration without you. Um…is Darlene here?”
“She’ll be out in a minute. She’s getting us drinks. Are you here—” the words died in her mouth when Marise finally forced herself to turn around.
“You’re with Veronica?” Edith gasped out.
Kathleen cleared her throat, a flush creeping up her neck. “Veronica agreed to be my plus one for the night.”
Edith was silent for a moment, and then to Marise’s surprise, she chuckled. “This is delicious. Darlene has been going on about you, Veronica. She’s quite taken with you and now you’ve turned up here with Kathleen.”
Before Kathleen could reply, someone came onto the terrace door.
“Well,” came Darlene’s voice. “I see you found the woman of the moment, Edith.”
She stepped nearer, two flutes of champagne in hand, eyes immediately falling on the three of them. Her gaze stalled the moment it landed on Marise. For half a second, she said nothing, simply stared.
Then she smiled.
“I didn’t realize we were having a reunion out here.”
She crossed the terrace with that slow, deliberate grace Marise had come to recognize as a warning. She handed one glass to Edith, then turned to Kathleen.
“You’re glowing. It’s intoxicating.” Her eyes flicked to Marise. “Or maybe it’s the company you’re keeping.”
“Veronica was kind enough to accompany me tonight,” she said. “Thank you for coming tonight.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t have missed it.” Darlene’s smile deepened.
“Not every day one gets to witness a scientific revolution—and such a well-dressed one, too.” Her eyes lingered on Kathleen’s dress, then moved to Marise’s face.
“Though I must admit, I’m surprised to see Veronica here. I thought she was indisposed.”
Edith sipped her champagne, watching quietly now, like someone seated front row at the opera.
Marise straightened. “I’m not hard to find if someone actually wants to see me.”
Darlene tilted her head. “Is that so? I must’ve mistaken your silence for something else.” She took a slow sip of her drink. “Or maybe I didn’t rate.”
Kathleen frowned. “Darlene?—”
“No need to defend her,” Darlene said smoothly.
“I’m not. She’s here as my guest tonight,” Kathleen said firmly.
“That much is obvious,” Darlene said, her voice still light, but there was something sharper glinting beneath. “You’re lucky, Kathleen. She’s a woman of many talents.”
“She is,” Kathleen said, lifting her chin. “And she’s here because I asked her.”
Darlene studied her for a long moment, then turned to Marise with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “You do have a way of landing on your feet.”
Marise didn’t blink. “I land where I’m meant to.”
Darlene laughed softly, her tone still too bright. “Well then. Let’s all drink to landing well.”
She lifted her glass. “To scientific stardom, and to old friends who turn up in the strangest places.”
Edith clinked her glass against hers without comment. Kathleen hesitated but raised hers too. Marise didn’t move.
“I’ll leave you to enjoy the view,” Darlene said lightly, stepping back toward the terrace doors. “Edith introduced me to your parents, Kathleen. Your mother’s terribly curious about Veronica.”
She let that hang in the air like perfume and then disappeared inside.
Edith turned to Kathleen. “Well. I’m glad I came. That was more entertaining than I expected.”
Kathleen exhaled, clearly rattled. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Edith glanced at Marise with a flicker of dry humour. “It’s not every day I get to see Darlene play second fiddle. You must be very compelling, Veronica.”
“She is,” Kathleen said softly.
Edith nodded once, then touched Kathleen’s arm. “I’ll find you later. I suspect the sharks are circling. Go enjoy your night while you still have some peace.”
With that, she followed after Darlene into the crowd.
Kathleen turned to Marise, her brow drawn. “What are you going to do.”
“Go find Darlene and flirt,” Marise said.
Kathleen scowled. “I know we agreed on this but I hate the thought of you sucking up to that woman.”
“I need to try to find out who she’s in with.”
Kathleen pursed her lips. “I know, but I don’t have to like it.”
“It has to be done. Let’s go inside and I’ll leave you to well-wishers while I find her.”