Sweet Revenge

three questions.” She found the strength to smile. “But I’ll tell you this, which is nothing but the truth. I’ve done what I’ve done by choice.” Remembering, she reached into her bag and drew out his jewelry case. On impulse she tossed it to him. “Honor among thieves, Philip. At least for today.”

Chapter Fifteen
    “Darling, isn’t this glorious?” Lauren St. John swirled around the edge of the pool to kiss Adrianne’s cheek. She made certain the cameraman got her best side and used Adrianne’s body to block the fact that she’d put on five pounds since Thanksgiving. “Everything’s going so well, isn’t it?”
    Adrianne lifted her iced margarita. “Right on schedule.” There were a hundred people, by invitation only, mingling on the pool terrace. Inside the ballroom were another fifty, who preferred air-conditioning to sea-swept breezes. She allowed herself one quick, wistful look at the beach before smiling back at Lauren. “It’s a lovely hotel, Lauren, and I’m sure this fashion show is going to be a huge success.”
    “It already is. Why, the press alone’s worth a million.
Peoples
here, of course. We’re getting a three-page spread. We have a good shot at the cover. Of course you know I did
Good Morning America
last week.”
    “You looked wonderful.”
    “So sweet of you.” Lauren pivoted toward a camera crew. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather have champagne, dear? We’re serving the margaritas mostly for atmosphere.”
    She imagined Laurens five-thousand-dollar Mexican peasant outfit was equally atmospheric. “This is fine.”
    She scanned the crowd. There were dozens of people she knew, dozens more she recognized. The rich, the powerful, the famous. Members of the press were circling, documenting every pair of designer sunglasses. Guests had donned their best resort wear, from skimpy bikinis with gorgeous coverups to billowing silk skirts. No one had left hergems at home. Diamonds flashed, gold gleamed in the tropical sun. For two days the little island of Cozumel had become a thief’s paradise. If she’d been looking for the big score, Adrianne could have moved among them, plucking stones.
    Not quite like picking wildflowers in a meadow, she mused. But close, close enough when one was an accepted member of their very exclusive club. Interpol undoubtedly had agents on the island. But she hadn’t spotted Philip. Thank God.
    “I’ve heard the clothes are marvelous.” Playing her role, Adrianne tilted her head and smiled for a photographer.
    “You shouldn’t have heard anything. The clothes are under tighter security than the crown jewels. The bigger the secret, the bigger the anticipation. What do you think of the idea of putting the runway right over the pool?”
    “Marvelous.”
    “Wait until you see the finale.” She leaned closer, whispering. “The swimsuit models are going to dive in.”
    “I can’t wait.”
    “I’d wanted to fill the pool with champagne, but Charlie wouldn’t hear of it. I did get a champagne fountain in the ballroom, though. And you must try the piñata later. Such a quaint custom. You.” She turned on a waitress. The charming smile flattened into a hard line. “You’re supposed to serve the drinks, not just stroll around with them.” Lauren turned back, smoothing her features into a smile. “Where was I? Oh, the piñata. When Charlie and I were down here last year, we went to a fiesta. All these sticky-fingered little brats were swinging a bat at a papier-máché donkey. After it breaks—”
    “I know the game, Lauren.”
    “Oh, well then. I thought I’d adapt the custom more to our tastes. I had this gorgeous parrot designed. It’s filled with some charming little pieces of faux jewelry. Should make a marvelous feature on
Entertainment Tonight”
    Adrianne had to bite her lip at the image of the attending luminaries scrambling on the ground to scoop up glass baubles and beads. “Sounds like great fun.”
    “That’s what we’re here for. I’m determined everyone remembers this benefit. I can recommend the buffet, though I’ve had nothing but trouble with the staff.” She wavedcheerily to a group on the other side of the pool. “But, of course, they’re Mexican.”
    Adrianne drank slowly and cooled her temper. “We’re in Mexico.”
    “Yes, well, I can’t understand why they can’t make more of an effort to learn the language. Always muttering among themselves. Lazy too. You’ve no idea how difficult it