Free The Philanthropist's Danse by Paul Wornham Page A

out of the conversation and saw his chance as Betty Freah arrived beside him. She brushed his arm lightly and smiled as he greeted her. Caroline glowered, she was unhappy at the interruption. MacLean made a grand show of introducing Betty and the two women greeted each other politely but did not exchange handshakes. Betty looked up at MacLean. “How are you, Larry? It must be hard for you, losing Johnston so unexpectedly.”
    She had always liked Larry, it was he who had introduced her to JT and therefore, he’d been in large part responsible for her change in fortunes. He’d been a terrific lover too. She’d enjoyed their times together before JT insisted she drop her other clients. Thurwell’s demand had upset Larry, and he’d argued with his friend about his possessiveness. Betty had provided a subtle solution by persuading a friend of hers to cross paths with Larry at a party, after which he didn’t seem to mind losing Betty quite as much. MacLean had learned about her scheme not long after and laughed at her skillful manipulation of his wandering eye.
    He smiled at her genuine concern for his feelings. He knew she had developed a bond with his friend, even if she was strict about keeping it businesslike. Caroline was angry at the interruption. “What do you care what Larry feels? It’s a bit early to be looking for a new client, don’t you think?”
    The disgust in her voice was palpable, and Larry turned sharply, but Betty put her hand on his arm and shook her head. “Let it go, Larry, she’s not worth it.”
    Betty turned away from Smith and looked at MacLean, who was torn between honoring her request and defending her anyway. Caroline made any decision irrelevant when she turned on her heel and left, muttering about the ’cheap whore’ as she strode away. Betty winked. “That went well.” Larry laughed, took her by the arm, and they went in search of fresh coffee.
    $
    Judge Freeman sat alone in a corner of the dining room, chewing on a bran muffin as he mentally reviewed what had been said during the session. He hoped he’d avoided implicating himself in anything illegal. Though he knew his actions must appear suspicious, he hadn’t given any facts that could be used to condemn him. He considered how a campaign manager might spin the story if it leaked, and thought with luck he might still have a realistic shot at a political career.

    He became aware of being observed and found Freddie Hagood watching him with interest. Freeman, like many others at the mansion, had been unable to fathom why Thurwell would invite his lifelong rival to share in his fortune.
    Freeman raised an eyebrow that Hagood took as an invitation to join him. “Macon’s a nice part of the world, Judge.” Hagood spoke slowly, his manner was relaxed. “I’ve heard your name before. Some influential people think you have a pretty good shot at getting into the Governor’s office.”
    Freddie smiled, but Freeman’s guard was up, his courtroom instincts warned him there was danger close. “I thank you for saying so, Mr. Hagood. I certainly hope to serve the people of Georgia in whatever capacity they see fit to bestow upon me.” He smiled his 1000-watt smile, the one he had flashed on the college football field after a win or on the courthouse steps after a successful case. Hagood stirred his coffee, carefully placed his spoon on a folded linen napkin and watched for a moment as a dark stain grew on the pristine white material.
    “I think we both know your political career is already over, even before it’s started. You’re dirty. You didn’t admit it in there, but you said enough for a man with my resources to find the truth. You took money from Thurwell to let his son go. I’m not buying it was a simple vehicle accident either. I’ll find out your story, you can be sure of that.”
    Freeman’s mind whirled. He had recognized Freddie Hagood when he first saw him arrive. Everyone knew HBN, his business network.