The Philanthropist's Danse Read Free

forgive such slights.
    She studied the people in the room, paying particular attention to two unfamiliar faces, a ruddy-faced old lady and a dark beauty smoking a heavily scented cigarette. Strangers bothered Smith. They were unknowns, perhaps even threats. Her eyes flicked to the door as another guest arrived, yet another stranger. This time the doorway filled with the huge frame of a tall black man.
    $
    William Bird greeted Judge Ronald Freeman and tried not to show his feelings as they met face to face for the second time. The Judge stood six inches taller than Bird, and his voice filled the room with a deep, southern baritone. “Mr. Bird. I’m happy to see you under better circumstances, sir.”
    The lawyer regretted the Judge’s lack of discretion but politely asked him to take his place at the table. Freeman agreed without fuss. He had an excited idea about the reason for his invitation to the famous philanthropist’s home, though a cold finger of doubt nagged at him when he saw a room full of people who clearly had no idea who he was.
    A hiss from Bethany made everyone look toward the door where William Bird greeted a short, neat woman. Freeman could tell she was familiar to the lawyer, they held hands long after the formality of their handshake. William chatted easily with Betty Freah as they exchanged pleasantries, but she was nervous. “Bill, this is awkward. I was never to be around JT’s family.”
    The lawyer squeezed her hand and tried to reassure her. “You’re here because he wants you here Betty, that’s all I can say.”
    She looked skeptical, but released his hand and walked to the table, conscious of Bethany’s unfriendly eyes. She found her seat and was relieved to discover she would be next to Dennis Elliot, a familiar face. She smiled warmly, but he flinched and looked away. Betty knew the reason for his reaction and nodded at Janice, who stared back with open hostility.
    $
    William waited for his final guest with increasing nervousness. The atmosphere in the conference room had become charged by Betty’s appearance. Every woman that had loved or desired the philanthropist universally loathed Betty Freah. The last guest would have a similar effect on those who cared about Johnston Thurwell’s business affairs.
    Jeremy led a tall and obviously powerful man into the room. Bird greeted Freddie Hagood warmly but heard cries of surprise from the others. Junior and Caroline Smith exchanged words in a busy whisper as they saw who had arrived in their midst.
    Freddie Hagood ignored the others and greeted the lawyer as if they were old golf partners. Hagood was Johnston Thurwell’s greatest rival and controlled a personal fortune estimated to be near equal to the great philanthropist. “I don’t know what Johnston’s up to, but I see he’s ruffled some feathers.” Bird smiled at Hagood’s pronunciation of feathers as ‘fevvers’. Freddie had never lost the London accent of his childhood but wore it as a badge of honor of his humble beginnings.
    Bird ushered Freddie into the room and walked him to the large table, seating the billionaire between Camille Jolivet and Bethany. The lawyer gave a nod to Jeremy to signal he was ready. The major-domo gave the lawyer a solemn smile as he left the room and closed the doors behind him.

Chapter Two
    T he guests moved to their seats, and Bird waited for them to settle. He reached for his prepared notes. He did not normally use reminders, but he had to cover specific points in this first meeting and did not want to forget anything. The Danse would begin with what he would say in the next moments, so he had prepared carefully and was grateful for his own foresight.
    “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome. Thank you for accepting my invitation and for your cooperation at the regrettable short notice.” He took three measured breaths until he felt his rising anxiety subside. “Most of you know me, but for the others, my name is William Bird and I’m Mr.