The Shoes Come First: A Jennifer Cloud Novel

by Janet Leigh

  ~

  We returned to the reception just in time to hear the inebriated groom serenading the bride in sloppy Italian. Most of the guests had helped themselves to the monstrous buffet and were seated at the round tables eating and listening to the groom belt out “That’s Amore.”

  Caiyan and I entered separately to avoid any suspicions. I searched the room for Marco. He was sitting at a table with his family, absent-mindedly twisting the olive in his martini. I didn’t see Mahlia or Mortas, so I grabbed a passing glass of champagne from one of the servers and plopped down next to him.

  “No luck?” he asked, his blue eyes driving into me like an ice pick.

  “Not yet. Do you know where Mortas is?”

  “Why?”

  “I thought you didn’t care?” I raised an eyebrow.

  “I don’t care, and no, I haven’t seen him,” Marco said stubbornly.

  The music stopped and the toasts were beginning. Mahlia and Mortas appeared as if by magic. Mahlia returned to her seat at the head table, and Mortas sat at a table with his grandfather, Gian-Carlo.

  This was our opportunity; they were all present and accounted for.

  Caiyan buzzed in and said he was going in.

  “I’m coming too,” I said.

  Five simultaneous nos sounded in my ear.

  “What’s with you guys? Caiyan may need me. What if there are armed men down there?”

  “Look, Jen,” came Brodie’s voice. “Caiyan needs someone to tell him if the Mafusos leave the reception. You are the only one there with a mic.”

  I felt like this was a dig at Marco, but I agreed. I explained to Caiyan how to turn the candlestick and enter the fireplace.

  “Who are you talking to?” Angel looked at me with big eyes.

  I had forgotten there were other people sitting at my table. Marco was distracting his mother with conversation about her charity work, and Angel was waiting for an answer.

  “Um, sometimes I just talk to myself,” I stuttered.

  “Oh, my cousin Griselda does that, and then she takes a pill.”

  Fantastic, now Angel thinks I’m schizophrenic.

  Mahlia was scanning the room, possibly looking for me. I still wasn’t sure if she had positively ID’d me yet. I pretended not to notice her and leaned into Marco. He raised his eyebrows at me.

  “Sorry, I need a cover.” I bent over and kissed him. I’m not sure if I really needed to use him for cover or if I was curious about our connection. But I swear there was a sizzle when our lips met. He pulled me into him, and the temperature started to rise. Our tongues met and began an ancient exploration of mouth and soul. He ran his hand up my leg and under my dress. Whoa. I immediately pulled back, and the corners of his mouth turned up in a sly grin.

  Marco’s mother and sister both sat staring at us with open mouths. My face turned red, and I excused myself to go to the ladies’ room. I hoped Mahlia had disregarded me as one of Marco’s bimbo girlfriends. She was engaged in conversation with the maid of honor as I left the room. When I made it to the restroom, there was a plump lady dressed as Oprah washing her hands. Maybe it was Oprah; I didn’t have time to ponder the meeting. I put on some lipstick and fluffed my blond wig until she left, then I checked under the stall for feet. Empty.

  I ducked in a stall and asked for status. Caiyan was not answering and did not report in. I was listening to Jake trying to reach Caiyan, and my heart was beating like a hummingbird on crack. Why wasn’t Caiyan answering? I told myself to take a few deep breaths, and I mentally recited my mantra just for good measure. Jake told me to go back to Marco and stay put and that Brodie and Ace were coming in over the east wall. Which way was east? My sense of direction sucked. Caiyan needed my help, but Jake told me to stay put. As I sat on the toilet contemplating my choices, I heard the bathroom door open and a tapping of heels on the marble floor. I waited until the guest went into the stall next to me, just in case it was one of the few people who could identfy me. I returned to the ballroom. Marco was still seated at the table, and he was still grinning.

  I sat down and asked, “Where are your mom and sister?”

  “They went to watch the bride and groom cut the cake.” He pointed in the direction of a large crowd of people. I remembered seeing the five-tiered wedding cake when we had arrived earlier.

  The crowd was gathered around the cake, so the only thing I could see was the top tier complete with a hand painted bride and groom that Marco’s mom had told me earlier was an exact replica of the happy couple. This was my opportunity to go check on Caiyan. The wedding party was all present and accounted for; I just needed a little help with the surveillance.

  “I know you don’t want to be involved, but could you please take my brooch and earpiece and tell them if the Mafusos leave this room?”

  “What do I get if I do?” He smiled an evil smile.

  Jeez. Men, they are so predictable. “Fine. I can offer second base, but that’s it.”

  “Jen, I’m not in grade school. I practically had second base at the table. Go do what you need to do; I’ll watch for you.”

  “Thanks.” I gave him a quick, steaming peck on the cheek as he inserted the small earpiece into his right ear and tucked my microphone brooch in his pocket.