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“What we need is someone who can get close to the family without raising suspicion. When I discovered your background, your impressive record and your family’s reputation, I asked Jackie if I could borrow you for the next several months to work for us.”
Jude scratched his chin. “It’s been a few months since I did any undercover work.”
“I doubt that you’ve forgotten much. You were damned good at what you did.”
“If I understand correctly, you want me to go to San Antonio as myself, get involved with the Patterson family and find evidence of illegal activities.”
“Yes.”
“Do you have any idea how I’m supposed to get close to them?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. The Patterson family includes a twenty-five-year-old daughter who happens to be single. We want you to arrange to meet her and ask her out. If you two start dating, the rest of the family will grow used to seeing you around and won’t be suspicious of you.”
“You want me to date her?”
“Correct.”
“What if she isn’t interested in dating me?”
“Oh, with your charm, good looks and the added benefit of being from a well-known Texas family, I think she’ll be interested enough to accept a date with you. After that, you’ll have to play it by ear. The more often you see her, the better.”
Jude looked at Jackie and then at the other three. He noticed that Ruth looked amused. “I may have good covert skills but I’m lacking in the charm-and-good-looks part. I’m not what anyone would call a ladies’ man.”
Watson replied, “Guess you’d better learn, because that’s going to be your cover when you move there. We’ve rented a large house for the four of you while you’re there. It’s in a gated community with good security.”
Jude studied his hands. “So I’m supposed to be a ladies’ man, huh?”
“You’ll be a free-wheeling playboy with too much time on his hands. Get a reputation for being seen with beautiful women and get involved in the arts.”
Jude straightened. “The arts? Are you kidding me?”
“The daughter—her name is Carina—is a pianist. She was in her third year of study at Juilliard when her father fell ill, so she returned to Texas, rented an apartment in San Antonio and plans to finish school in another year.
“You need to show an interest in music, donate money to worthy causes and figure out the best way to approach her. Developing a close friendship with her is crucial if we’re going to put them behind bars.”
“Is she part of the smuggling?”
“Hard to tell at this point. She could be. Part of your job will be to find out. I’m convinced we can make this work.”
Jude nodded. “All right, if you think I can help, I’ll do my best.”
“Good,” Sam said, standing up. Jackie, Jude and the agents stood, as well. Watson placed his briefcase on the table, opened it and handed Jude a fat file. “Here are the dossiers on each member of the family.”
Jude picked up the file. “When do you want me to start?”
Sam smiled sardonically. “Yesterday?”
Jude nodded. “Gotcha.”
Two
Six Months Later
He spotted her as soon as she walked into the ballroom.
Carina Patterson was petite. For tonight’s benefit for the San Antonio Symphony she’d chosen to wear a short, flame-red dress, sleeveless with a mandarin collar, the color in stark contrast to her fair skin and dark hair. Her lipstick matched the dress, emphasizing a sultry mouth.
She was more beautiful in person than in the several photographs he had of her. He watched as she spoke to some of the guests. Studying her, he realized that her beauty was enhanced by her vivacious manner and sparkling smile.
He enjoyed watching her walk across the room. She had a rhythm about her as though she moved to the sound of music that only she could hear.
Jude stood near the open bar with several of the movers and shakers of San Antonio society and listened with half an ear to their conversation. He glanced around the room, which glittered from the expensive chandeliers and the jewelry that adorned the women attending the benefit. The murmur of voices filled the room, drowning out the soft music being played by a small orchestra.
“Jude, we can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done tonight for the symphony,” Graham Scott, San Antonio’s mayor, said. “They’ve been struggling to survive for a long while.”
“I’m pleased to see such a strong turnout,” Jude replied. “With the proceeds from tonight’s tickets as well as the merchandise donated for the silent auctions, the symphony should have enough money to cover their operating costs for the coming year.”
“When we first discussed this benefit,” Glenn Kingston, one of the businessmen in the group, said, “we knew we’d have to deduct the cost of the event from ticket sales. Because of your generosity, all the money raised will be available for operating costs. We owe you a great debt of appreciation, Crenshaw.”
Jude grinned. “Don’t worry. I can afford it.”
The other three men laughed at his matter-of-fact statement. Of course he could afford it. He was a Crenshaw of Texas, after all.
Since arriving in San Antonio, he’d diligently built up his image as a rich and rather indolent playboy. He’d made the rounds of art shows, museum functions and symphony performances. He’d made certain that he was seen with a beautiful woman, always a different one, at each of the functions, which quite often put his face in the society section of the paper.
His reputation was now in full swing. Not one of these men had much respect for his lifestyle. Oh, they played the political game. Each man knew that he didn’t want to get crossways with a Crenshaw, even if this particular one didn’t have much ambition. So he was received everywhere, including the country club where he played golf with several members.
Now it was time to make his move.
Jude continued to watch Carina as she moved toward her assigned table. He noticed that a couple already seated were waiting there for her, and he recognized her parents. He waited for a lull in the conversation around him before he casually asked the group, “Who’s the dark-haired woman in the red dress?” He nodded toward Carina.
Clint Jackson, a city councilman, answered. “Her name is Carina Patterson. She’s the only daughter of Christopher Patterson. Chris and his wife, Connie, rarely attend social events. I’m pleased to see them here.”
Jude pretended to think for a moment. “The name means nothing to me. Who is he?”
“Before his stroke a couple of years ago, he was quite active in the community. He imports merchandise from around the world, such as antique furniture, rugs, marble figurines, that sort of thing. Because of his health, he turned the business over to his sons, Alfred and Ben.”
Jude deliberately focused on the three people sitting across the room before he turned to the group and said, “Carina looks like her mother. They have an exotic look about them.”
Clint responded by saying, “Connie Patterson comes from a wealthy family in Mexico City. I understand that Chris took one look at her and fell in love.”
“I can understand why,” Jude responded with a grin. “She looks more like Carina’s sister than her mother. Carina is truly stunning. Do you know if she’s seeing someone?”
“I don’t think so,” Clint said. “Just in case you’re thinking of making a move in that direction, here’s a friendly warning, okay? Al and Ben, who are several years older than Carina, are highly protective of her. They wouldn’t take kindly to someone hurting their sister in any way.”
“You don’t think I meet their standards?” Jude asked with amusement.
“I didn’t say that,” Clint said with a chuckle. “You’re a Crenshaw, after all. However, you do have a reputation around town of playing the field. Let’s face it, Jude, you’re a great catch for any woman and they tend to throw themselves at you.” He grinned. “My wife thinks you’ve got movie-star looks as well as charisma. I have to take her word for it since you’re just not my type.”
Jude laughed. “That’s good to know.”
“The thing is, if Al or Ben thought you were leading Carina on, there’d be hell to pay.”
“Duly noted. Now would you introduce me to them?”
“Sure.” As they walked across the room, Clint added, “I can see that you don’t scare off very easily.”
“I don’t scare off at all.”
Several people stopped them along the way, thanking Jude for his generous contribution to the symphony. He smiled, shook hands with them and thanked them for coming. When they finally reached the Patterson table, Jude saw that Carina’s brothers and their wives had joined the group.
Clint said, “Good evening, Chris,” and offered his hand to the older man. “I’m so pleased to see you here.”
Patterson lifted his left hand and clasped Clint’s hand. “Wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” he said gruffly.
“I’d like you to meet Jude Crenshaw. I understand he twisted a few arms for donations to the silent auction in order to make certain tonight was a success.” He turned to Jude. “Jude, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Christopher Patterson, his lovely wife, Connie, his daughter, Carina, his son, Alfred, and Al’s wife, Marisa, and his son, Ben, and Ben’s wife, Sara.”
Here was a stroke of luck Jude hadn’t expected. Meeting the entire family was well worth the money and time he’d spent on tonight’s benefit. In addition, his contribution was truly for a good cause.
“I’m pleased to meet each one of you,” he said, shaking hands.
Carina looked up at him. “Thank you for tonight,” she said in a husky voice.
“You’re quite welcome, Ms. Patterson.” Their eyes met and he winked at her. She looked a little startled at first and then grinned at him.
So far, so good.
From the corner of his eye, he caught Al watching them closely. Without appearing to notice, Jude turned away. He and Clint returned to the bar, refreshed their drinks, and went to the head table.
Dinner was first-class and the speeches were mercifully short, for which Jude was thankful.
The orchestra changed from playing quiet dinner music to show tunes to encourage dancing. Jude excused himself from his table and crossed the room to the Pattersons. The only ones there were Mr. and Mrs. Patterson.
“Mr. Patterson, may I have your permission to ask your wife to dance? I promise not to run off with her afterwards, although I’ll admit the idea is tempting.”
Patterson chuckled. “Of course you can. Just remember that I saw her first.”
Jude turned to Connie Patterson and saw that she was blushing. “May I have this dance?”
She nodded, and Jude held out his hand. She took it and gracefully rose from the table. Once on the dance floor she said, “You helped make tonight a success, Mr. Crenshaw. We all are quite grateful.” He heard a slight accent in her voice.
He smiled in acknowledgement and said, “Please, call me Jude.”
“If you’ll call me Connie.”
“Thank you. You’re a very good dancer, by the way.”
Her smile held a hint of sadness. “Chris and I used to dance a great deal before his stroke. I know he misses dancing as much as I do. You were kind to offer.”
“Believe me, it’s my pleasure.” The orchestra segued into another song with a similar beat. “Will your husband be all right on his own a little longer?”
She glanced toward the table and smiled. “He’s not alone. Carina has returned to the table.”
They finished the dance and walked back to where Carina and her father sat watching them.
Patterson was the first to speak. “You look wonderful out there, dear,” he said to Connie. “Please enjoy this opportunity and don’t worry about me.”
She sank into the chair beside him. “I’m too out of breath to dance any more at the moment.” She smiled at Jude. “Thank you again.”
“You’re quite welcome.” He turned his gaze to Carina. “Ms. Patterson, may I have this dance with you?”
She glanced at her mother’s radiant face and said, “Yes.”
Once she stood he took her hand, led her to the dance floor and took her in his arms. She was smaller than her mother. Her head barely came to his shoulder. She was delicately boned and she reminded him of a Dresden figurine—fragile and exquisite.
“It was kind of you to ask my mother to dance. She doesn’t get out very much.”
“She mentioned that she and your father used to love to dance.”
She nodded, her eyes glistening. “Yes. They were something to watch—so graceful and talented. They moved as one. I know they both must miss it terribly.”
After a moment, he asked, “When did he have his stroke?”
“Two years ago. He’d always been so active and healthy that none of us were prepared for his sudden illness. There were a few days when we weren’t certain he would pull through, but he has a very strong will. He’s done everything he could to keep his body as toned as possible.”
In his most casual tone, Jude said, “I understand he has a thriving business in imports.”
“My brothers are in charge now. They keep him informed about the business, which has actually grown under their management.”
“He must be relieved to be able to depend on them.”
“He never talks about his infirmity. He’s very matter of fact about being in his motorized wheelchair.” She glanced over at her table. “We’re all very proud of him.”
“How about you? Do you get out very often?”
She smiled ruefully. “Not really, no.”
“Would you make an exception for me?”
She looked at him in surprise. “You’re asking me out?”
“Yes, I am. Like every man here, I noticed you as soon as you walked in tonight. I’ll admit I coaxed Clint into introducing you and your family to me. I’d really like to see you again.”
The song ended and another one began. He continued to dance and she made no comment about wanting to return to her table.
“What did you have in mind?” she finally asked.
He burst into laughter. “Now there’s a loaded question if I ever heard one. My intentions are quite innocent, I assure you. I thought we could have dinner some evening, perhaps next Saturday, if you’re available.”
