The ice in my tumbler had melted down to a single, sharp sliver.

I watched it bob in the amber scotch, keeping my fingers steady.

Around us, the living room of our Highland Park home hummed with forty of Dallas’s wealthiest couples.

They wore tailored casual wear, cashmere sweaters, and custom boots, their voices rising over the pre-game broadcast.

Graham stood near the limestone fireplace, his arm brushing against Bianca’s shoulder.

He was laughing at something she said, his teeth white against his year-round tan.

Bianca wore a silk blouse the color of champagne, her fingers tracing the rim of her wine glass.

She was a junior vice president at Whitaker-Crane, and according to Graham, an indispensable asset to his team.

“Arden, darling, the catering is spectacular,” Mrs. Gable said, patting my arm.

“Thank you, Evelyn,” I said. “I wanted to make sure tonight was memorable.”

I caught Maren’s eye across the kitchen island.

Maren gave me a brief, firm nod and tapped her watch.

It was time.

The teams were lining up for the kickoff on our eighty-five-inch media wall.

Graham stepped into the center of the room, raising his glass to quiet the crowd.

“Before we start,” Graham said, his voice carrying that easy, board-room authority. “I want to thank my beautiful wife, Arden, for putting this together.”

The room clapped, and several people looked at me with polite smiles.

“And of course, to a great season at Whitaker-Crane,” Graham added, glancing at Bianca.

Bianca raised her glass to him, her eyes shining.

“Let’s get the game on,” Graham said, gesturing to the screen.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the master remote control.

“Actually, Graham,” I said, my voice quiet but clear. “I have a quick presentation first.”

Graham frowned, his smile faltering for a fraction of a second.

“Arden, the game is starting,” he said under his breath, stepping toward me.

I pressed the center button on the remote.

The screen did not show the turf of the stadium.

Instead, a high-resolution PDF of a folio from the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman appeared.

The name on the primary guest line was Graham Vance.