Dying for Mercy with Bonus Material Read Free Page A

and the colorful etched-glass windows with decorative crowns, while Corinthian columns stood guard across the full expanse of the entranceway. Red-clay tiles covered the extensive roof. A European garden was plotted at the side of the house. A copy of Bernini’s famous turtle fountain in Rome stood in the center.
    Valentina and Innis Wheelock were greeting their guests in the spacious entrance hall.
    “Eliza!” Valentina’s still incredibly beautiful face broke into a broad smile. Her blond hair was perfectly coiffed, swept up in an elegant French twist. Her makeup was expertly applied, making her skin appear smooth and creamy, her eyes a clear, brilliant blue. Sapphire earrings dangled from her lobes. She wore a simple but beautiful black cocktail dress and carried a martini glass in her left hand. Valentina extended her right one to Eliza, drawing her close, kissing her on the cheeks, and then putting her arm around Eliza’s shoulder.
    “I’m so glad to see you, darling,” Valentina announced. “You look absolutely wonderful.”
    Valentina was known for her tact, diplomacy, and keen sense of what was appropriate and what wasn’t. Those qualities, her years as chief executive of the Empire State, along with sizable donations and fund-raising parties given for the winning presidential candidate, had earned her the ambassadorship to Italy, the first woman to hold the post since Clare Boothe Luce did so during the Eisenhower administration.
    “Look who’s here, Innis,” said Valentina, steering Eliza by the arm toward her husband. “Our new neighbor.”
    “Soon,” said Eliza. “We get the place starting next weekend.”
    Eliza was taken aback as she looked into Innis Wheelock’s face. His skin was sallow, his eyes bloodshot. He looked so much older and thinner than the last time she’d seen him. He was gaunt, really. When Eliza gripped his hand, she could feel a slight tremor.
    “So good to see you, my dear,” he said as he leaned forward and kissed Eliza on the cheek. “I’m so glad you’ve come.”
    “I’m happy to be invited,” responded Eliza, smiling. “I’ve never been to a party for a saint before.”
    Innis smiled weakly. “To tell you the truth, neither have I,” he said. “But I thought there was no better time to gather the people who have meant something to me over the years to honor someone who has changed my life.”
    “You’ll have to tell me all about it, Innis,” said Eliza.
    “Yes, I would like that, Eliza,” said Innis solemnly. “I want you to understand.” He glanced over at the doorway and saw there were guests still arriving. “Excuse me now, dear,” he said. “I’ll catch up with you a bit later.”
    “I’ll look forward to it,” said Eliza.
    As she began walking away, Valentina called after her. “And thanks so very much again, Eliza, for agreeing to be part of our Special Olympics event next Sunday. People are terribly excited about your being there.”
    “It’s my pleasure,” said Eliza. “You know how I feel about supporting such a good cause.”
    Proceeding into the central room where the party was being held, Eliza wondered if Innis was ill. What else would account for the weight loss, the poor coloring, and his trembling?
    She went to the bar and asked for a glass of white wine. While she waited, she surveyed the cavernous space, milling with people. Antique furniture was carefully placed throughout the room, creating different seating areas. The oil paintings on the walls were lit to their best advantage. Candles glimmered from crystal and silver candlesticks arranged on glistening wooden tabletops, while fresh flowers burst from porcelain vases and bowls. The rear wall was made up of floor-to-ceiling windows that revealed a spectacular view of Tuxedo Lake below.
    “Thank you,” she said as the bartender slid the glass of pinot grigio across the bar.
    “You’re welcome, ma’am,” he said.
    Eliza took a sip as she observed the guests