Free Killer Wedding by Jerrilyn Farmer Page A

Jack” image from T.V.’s past, his spirit seemed quite vigorous.
    I smiled. In Hollywood, it was considered polite to allow elderly producers to relive their favorite shots from their glory days. As well as good business.
    â€œWhat a beautiful wedding you’ve made for your granddaughter. I hope you are having a good time.”
    â€œMarvelous,” said Gantree, giving my hand a squeeze. “Viv throws the best parties in the world. This retirement talk of hers is ridiculous!” Gantree gave Vivian a disbelieving look.
    â€œNow, Jack. I think I deserve a break, don’t you?” Vivian asked, her throaty voice laughing a staccato ha-ha-ha. “And Madeline is making me an offer I simply can’t refuse.”
    â€œActually Vivian, no. I’m not…”
    Jack Gantree smiled.
    Vivian’s smile, on the other hand, vanished.
    â€œI could never do justice to the empire you have built,” I finished, hoping to strike a gracious note.
    â€œHere, here,” Jack said, raising a champagne flute to Vivian. “We old-timers have a lot of life left in us yet!”
    â€œBut we were all set,” Vivian said, a disturbing note of gravel edging into her party voice. “And I’m sure we can teach you…”
    â€œIn any event, my lawyers tell me I will soon have no money,” I said with finality.
    â€œLawyers!” Jack Gantree said, his ruddy face darkening. “They’re like niggers! Don’t you trust them.”
    â€œJack!” Vivian said, coloring a little. “Now I’m sure you don’t mean that.”
    I was shocked. “I…I try very hard to fight prejudice, Mr. Gantree. I try not to lump every…every lawyer, or any other type of human being, into one heap. I believe every… lawyer should be judged as an individual. Wouldn’t you agree?”
    I noticed that Vivian was trembling a little, whether from the fact that I’d turned down her business offer or that I was telling off the host at his own party, I couldn’t say. I continued, quickly, as no one said a word. “Why, I just learned tonight that Vivian’s daughter is an attorney.”
    Gantree lowered his glass and looked at me. “I stand corrected. On behalf of all the… lawyers in the world,” he smiled at our little game, “will you accept my apology?”
    Damn. I’d really gone too far. Diplomat Bean. Vivian put her hand on my arm, grabbing tightly.
    â€œExcuse us, Jack,” she said, with a wink and a smile, “Madeline and I need to discuss business. Negotiations can be so unattractive, and we don’t want to spoil your granddaughter’s big night.”
    â€œNot at all,” he said, smiling back at Vivian, but leaving me out of the gesture.
    â€œDinner’s coming,” she promised, and then led me off to one side, literally in the shadow of the towering Tyrannosaurus rex .
    â€œDon’t you ever make a scene at one of my weddings again,” Vivian scolded.
    â€œI’m leaving now, Vivian.” I was furious. “Get a grip and just back the hell off.”
    In that instant, Vivian shifted gears and gave a good impersonation of an impish smile. “How wonderful! Looks like the dinner is being served. Go on ahead, Madeline. Sit down with your friends and enjoy. We can discuss silly old business details another time. You’re absolutely right.”
    I thought I glimpsed Honnett in the crowd that had begun moving toward the side hall.
    â€œAnd don’t worry,” Vivian was saying. “I’ll give you the name of my attorney, dollface. Believe me, he can get you out of any legal mess you’ve gotten yourself into. He’s a savior. But for now,” she opened her arm expansively, “have a lovely evening, okay? You knowmy promise? I pledge that each and every Vivian Duncan wedding is a night to remember!”
    Before I could adjust to the sudden change in her