Page 26 of Shadowed Agenda
Regan nudged him. Isla was approaching their table. Gage Palmer was by her side.
Pavlo shot a quick update to Drake and slipped his cell phone back into his pocket.
“Gage, I’d like you to meet Regan Christenson and Pavlo Barislov,” Isla said. Even if he hadn’t seen the photos Regan had taken that morning, Pavlo would have known they were involved. Isla was all over the man. “Regan and Pavlo, this is Gage Palmer, Senator Aster’s aide.”
Pavlo could feel Regan tense as he stood and shook the man’s hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Palmer,” Regan said with a slight tilt of her head.
Palmer’s eyes circled the table until he found the place card with Isla’s name directly across from them. He pulled out the chair for Isla and, once she was seated, sat down beside her. The place card indicatedguest. Isla discreetly slipped her hand under the table and placed it on Palmer’s thigh.
A flash of annoyance briefly crossed his face. He readjusted his chair, ending the intimate moment. Isla withdrew her hand. Finlay had said Palmer wasn’t interested in long-term relationships. Pavlo doubted Isla was aware their relationship was one-sided.
The four places remaining at the table were reserved for event organizers. Pavlo hoped they didn’t notice the change in the seating arrangement. It could be awkward. When Regan had seen Isla’s place card in front of the place setting beside her, she’d decidedit wasn’t going to happen. She’d quickly re-arranged the place cards.
“I wasn’t supposed to arrive until tomorrow to supervise site details for the Senator’s meeting. When Isla suggested I accompany her to the banquet and meet the two of you, I jumped at the opportunity. I flew out late this afternoon.” Palmer chuckled and shot them a shaking-hands-and-kissing-babies smile. “I’m a Pavlo Barislov fan.”
He may not be an elected official, but Gage Palmer was as much a politician as his boss. Pavlo had expected the man to be slick.
“I’ll give Isla one of the signed limited edition gift packs I brought with me for you to take back to DC,” Pavlo said just as smoothly.
“Thank you. I’m honored.” This time, the smile was genuine and lit up his face. “Would you mind if Isla took a picture of the two of us? I’d love to hang it up in my office.”
“Not at all,” Pavlo said, and he stood. Isla directed them to a spot a few feet away from the table.
Judging by his reaction to receiving the gift pack, Palmer wasn’t lying about being a fan. Hewaslying about his arrival in New York City. Regan’s photographs were solid proof.
Someone had orchestrated the threats Regan had received. They already knew Isla and Gage Palmer were involved. Pavlo wondered if the Senator’s aide was acting on behalf of the Senator. He’d ask Javier to check and see when Palmer flew in. A Wednesday arrival for a Friday meeting seemed unusual, but leaving early to attend the convention banquet was an excuse no one would question. It was one more thing Javier needed to check.
“I’m looking forward to hearing both of you speak,” Palmer said as they returned to their seats. Isla had taken several photos. “Regan, I’m disappointed you turned down the Senator’s invitation for a private book signing with his wife. It’s a good thing the Senator had intended it to be a surprise. She would have been disappointed you couldn’t meet with her.”
Pavlo had heard Regan’s sharp intake of breath at the wordinvitation.
“Have you known Isla long, Gage?” Regan asked, her voice as sweet as honey.
Pavlo knew that tone of voice. He’d been on the receiving end of it. She would throw him a couple of fastballs and straightforward questions before hitting him with a slider.
“We met a few weeks ago at a fundraiser in DC,” Gage replied, taking Isla’s hand. “A chance meeting I’ll be eternally grateful for.”
“What was the fundraiser supporting?”
Pavlo’s eyes swept around the room. Cocktails were slowly winding down, and more people were drifting to their tables. Regan only had a few more minutes to fish for information.
“It was for an animal sanctuary. I bet you thought I was going to say a political fundraiser.” Gage laughed and went on. “The Senator and his wife are big supporters. Usually, Mrs. Aster attends the event with their daughter. The Senator asked me to attend on her behalf since the family had another engagement. Something at one of the children’s schools, I believe.”
Regan looked at Isla, her eyebrows raised in interest. “I didn’t realize you supported an animal sanctuary in DC, Isla.”
Pavlo was betting the slider was coming next.
“It’s an incredible organization. I used to be on the board when I lived in DC and still help virtually when I can,” Isla replied eagerly. “I make it a point to attend their annual fundraiser.”
“So, Gage,” Regan said and smiled. “Was it your or Isla’s idea that I do a private book signing for Mrs. Aster?”
The man’s smile faltered, but he recovered quickly. “I can’t really say which of us came up with the idea. Isla had mentioned the book tour, and I’d commented that the Senator’s wife was a fan of yours.”
Pavlo slipped his hand under the table and gently squeezed Regan’s knee to let her know she was treading on dangerous ground. A faint blush had appeared around the collar of Palmer’s shirt. He hadn’t expected the question.
“When I approached the Senator, he was delighted at the possibility his wife could meet Regan. She’s a big fan. He intended to surprise her with the book signing once they arrived in New York.”