"How long must I stay there?"
"Until we go to court on Tuesday." He reached in his pocket and handed her the cellphone. "You'll need this. You are about to become a very busy woman."
She glanced down at her gown. "If I am to stay with Jackie, I shall need something else to wear."
"Give me your keys. I'll have a security guard pick up your things and take them to the hotel."
"Can you tell him to get my laptop? I hide it behind the stove."
"Why do you…"
"It is not the best part of town and I fear a break in. All I own are a few clothes and a laptop."
"I'll tell him. Where is your key?"
She folded the hem of her skirt up, and took the key out of a small pocket she had sewn inside the dress. Georgia handed it to him and then turned to look out the window again.
He reached in his jacket pocket, retrieved a small notepad and then found his pen in the pocket of his shirt. "Care to give me your address?"
She took the pen and paper, wrote it down and handed both back to him.
The city lights were a blur as she once more stared out the window, only this time she had to fight back her tears. At last, she pulled herself together, realized the streets were nearly deserted, and that they seemed to be driving around in circles. "Where is this hotel? Colorado Springs?"
"No, it is across the plaza from the Gladstone Building. We're just driving around to make sure your father isn't having us followed. When it is safe, we'll transfer you to another car. Two security guards will take you to the hospital where they will draw your blood, and then to the hotel." He stopped talking, but then remembered something else. "Your grandfather left a video for you. I'll attach it to an email."
"Have you seen it?"
"No."
"I am not ready to see it just now."
Austin had nothing to say to that. Instead, he finished his drink and put his empty glass away.
"Will you still help Jim find a job?"
"Of course. I don't go back on my word."
"Neither do I."
"Tell me, was everything you said a lie?"
"No. I used you to get into the ball and that is all." It was clear he didn't believe her.
As soon as the limo stopped, he looked her in the eye. "I need to know so I can prepare the documents. Will you claim the inheritance or not?"
She examined the fury still in his eyes and bowed her head. "I see not how I can refuse."