Dan stopped the car, left the engine running and lowered his window. He took the invites from Sarah and handed them to the security guard who approached the car.
The man used his torch to read the invites, then shone the light into the car, careful not to shine it right in Dan’s face and blind him. He nodded, handed the invites back to Dan, then turned and walked back towards the gate. He hit a switch and the gates slid open silently. He waved the car through and stood back to let them pass.
Dan steered the car carefully up a paved driveway which had once been an earth path cut between tall eucalypt trees. The driveway continued to wind its way up the hill. It had been widened so cars could pass each other. A procession of sports cars and luxury sedans lined the driveway, their owners parking over to one side so others could pass.
Dan pulled over and switched off the engine, then turned to face Sarah and Mitch. ‘Right, there are a few rules tonight,’ he said. ‘First, no risks. Absolutely none. Second, use your real names – might as well. People can tell when you’re lying and if Sarah bumps into someone she knows from the media, she’s going to have problems if she’s using a false name.’
Mitch and Sarah nodded their assent.
‘Lastly,’ said Dan. ‘I’m going to be the only one searching Delaney’s property.’
Sarah opened her mouth to protest and Dan put his hand up to stop her.
‘That’s the rule. Otherwise we turn around now. If anything goes wrong and I get caught, I need you two to get back to the car and get out of here. Mitch – try to keep an eye on the security guards for me once we’re in. I might need you to distract them while I get away from the party and take a look around.’
Mitch nodded. ‘Sure.’
‘Okay,’ said Dan. ‘Let’s go party.’
They got out of the car and Dan handed Mitch the keys. ‘Look after them.’
They began to walk up the driveway to the house. Ornate pots containing exotic plants lined a gravel path which led to a wide stone staircase that swept upwards towards the double front doors which were open, guarded by two more security men as wide as rugby players.
Dan could see holsters strapped to their waists. They looked capable of using them if they had to. As he glanced behind him, he realised more security guards probably prowled the grounds, watching from a distance, and he wondered if they’d shoot first and ask questions later.
The house was extraordinary. It loomed up over the gardens. Built from sandstone brick, two storeys high, a wide deck began at the top of the front steps and wrapped itself around the whole building. The railings were painted to complement the natural stonework of the house. The front doors were open, so as they walked up the front steps they were confronted with the enormity of the hallway. A polished wooden floor gleamed from the lights which swung from the ceiling. It was stylish, Dan had to admit.
The beat of a sound system greeted them as one of the security guards at the door held up his hand to stop them and checked the invites, before motioning them towards a reception room. The gorilla of a doorman stood to one side and Dan led Sarah and Mitch through to the crowded room. An eclectic crowd laughed, drank, and swayed to the music. A few people stared as they walked towards them.
Dan smiled, giving the impression that, like them, he belonged there. He nodded to a man as he stepped out of the way to let them pass, then turned to a passing waiter and took drinks from the proffered tray.
‘Here,’ he said to Sarah under his breath as he handed her a glass of wine, ‘this will help steady your nerves.’
He turned to Mitch and they clinked their beer glasses together.
‘Well,’ said Mitch, ‘you’re in. Now make it count.’
Chapter 19
Dan left Sarah and Mitch and began to walk a slow circuit of the room. He smiled at people when he passed, and made occasional small talk, while he glanced around and checked his surroundings.
Once all the guests had been accounted for, the two security guards on the front door made sporadic forays into the room, checking on their employer while they tried to maintain a low-key presence.
Dan looked out onto the terrace. A few guests lined the ornate railings, while another security guard appeared to be walking a regular circuit around the enclosed deck and patio area, keeping an eye on the guests. Several couples had taken advantage of the pool facilities – the sound of splashing water and laughter carried through the open windows and cut through the music playing in the background.
He turned back to the room, caught the attention of one of the waiting staff, and handed his empty glass to her. He smiled his thanks as she walked away, then glanced around the room. He moved his eyes slowly, taking in his surroundings, sweeping the crowd of guests at regular intervals. He stepped out into the hallway. Standing to one side to let a giggling couple run past him, he took a sip of his drink and contemplated his next move.
He thought quickly. Whatever he did here tonight, he’d have to make sure he got out with something. Once Delaney found out who was on his trail, they wouldn’t get another chance.
He had seen Delaney at the far end of the reception room, but he hadn’t yet been spotted. Glancing down the hallway, he glimpsed a staircase guarded by ostentatious ornaments, both of them in bad taste. Taking a glass of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray, he nodded to a couple who would now spend the evening wondering how they’d previously made his acquaintance, before he turned and climbed the stairs.
Pretending to admire the artwork on the walls, he glanced up towards the rooms on the next floor as he climbed – all the doors were shut. His eyes wandered across the landing then back down towards the stairs.
He frowned as a familiar figure came into view, climbing the stairs towards him. He walked over and took Sarah by the arm as she stepped onto the landing.
‘What the hell are you doing here?’ he snapped. ‘I thought I told you to stay with Mitch?’