Sweet Reward by Christy Reece

Author:Christy Reece [Reece, Christy]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Mystery, Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Fiction
ISBN: 9780345524102
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Published: 2011-12-26T16:00:00+00:00

sixteen

Ricard Foundation headquarters

Philippe stood before the mirror in his private bathroom just off the auditorium. His head turned left and then right as he made sure there were no strands of his thick, wavy blond hair out of place. Since cameras and bad lighting could be so harsh, he had considered applying a small amount of makeup but had changed his mind. If he looked washed out or pale, all the better. People would see him as a grief-ravaged man, mourning the unjust loss of two young people. Their hearts would be touched even more.

This morning, in preparing for his appearance, he had sprayed a small amount of diluted lemon juice into his eyes. Just enough to make them water, and then he’d rinsed them. Now his light hazel eyes gleamed with unshed tears and were bloodshot, as if he’d cried all night long. He looked the epitome of a successful man who’d been dealt a tremendous personal blow. Two of Ricard’s finest employees were lost forever.

Both of the families, though grief-stricken, had seemed pleased that he was taking the time to honor their loved ones this way. They knew he was a very important man and for him to disrupt his busy schedule to deliver a formal televised statement in such a splendid manner was a true testament to how very much he cared about his employees.

He’d also been the one to suggest a double funeral, which would take place tomorrow. Out of the goodness of his heart, he had offered to pay for everything. Of course, he’d really had no choice in the matter. Apparently both Josette and André came from impoverished backgrounds. Before he had intervened, the funerals were going to be small affairs, and with the families’ lack of funds and influence, it was going to take days to get everything arranged. All the wonderful momentum that had been built would be lost. Taking advantage of fresh grief would ensure a successful fund-raising event.

Philippe would attend the funeral, but he wouldn’t intrude on the family by speaking at the service. The implication was that all attention should be focused on their departed loved ones, not on the celebrity in their midst.

Of course, they didn’t realize how very beneficial all of this publicity was for him and the foundation. Not only was a double funeral so much more dramatic than two individual events; he didn’t have the time or patience to attend two separate services. One would be exhausting enough.

The sweet strains of violin music alerted him that the time was near. His expression changed to one of immense grief. He’d practiced several different versions in the mirror and decided that this particular look was the most convincing. A sort of dignified devastation. Seconds later, a light knock sounded at the door and his assistant stuck his head in. “Monsieur Ricard, it is time.”

Squeezing his eyes tight to gather a bit more moisture, Philippe neatened the pages of his carefully worded speech and headed out the door.

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