Mona Lisa Eyes (Danny Logan Mystery #4) by M.D. Grayson Read Free Book Online

efforts, there was a distinct tremble in his voice. “It was remarkable,” he continued, “watching the way people young and old responded to her; I ’m struck by the words of the English poet Jane Rose Gilbertson:
     
    The sun rose with a breeze early this morn—
    neither too cool, neither too warm.
    She crept through the window and chased night away,
    and I thought of you at the start of the day.
     
    She woke with the beauty of God’s wondrous grace
    with a soothing touch and a gentle embrace.
    Her soft light of dawn pushed out the gray,
    and I thought of you at the start of the day.
     
    I breathed in deep and felt the rush of the air
    as it flew ’cross the yard and tousled my hair.
    She caressed my face with a warm, soothing ray,
    and I thought of you at the start of the day.
     
    “Ladies and gentlemen, I’ll always think that that gentle breeze, that warm ray of sun on your face first thing in the morning—that was . . . no—that is Sophie Thoms.” He paused again for a moment. The room was completely silent save for the clink of dishes as the servers continued their work. “Through the Sophie Thoms Memorial Fund that’s been established by her family today, Sophie’s work—her endless generosity—continues.” He shook his head. “Sadly . . . tragically, we won’ t have her here with us to watch it grow. But in my heart I believe that this project is something that Sophie would have wholeheartedly endorsed. It is truly a fitting legacy to a wonderfully caring young woman.” He paused, then smiled and continued. “So, that said, we thank you so much for joining us this afternoon and choosing to participate in the Sophie Thoms Memorial Fund.” He looked around. “As you can see, we’re starting to serve lunch now. Afterward, we have a couple of very special guests who are here to say a few words, and then there’ll be a reception in the Spanish Foyer. Again, thank you so much for your support, and please enjoy.” Gaston smiled as polite applause filled the room. After a moment, he left the podium and returned to his seat.
    Although they were some distance away, I could see the other people seated at the head table stand and shake his hand. Oliver and Cecilia were there, seated next to the governor and a man who I presumed was the governor’s husband. Across from them was a man I’d never actually seen in person before but who was instantly recognizable—one of the world’s wealthiest men along with his equally recognizable wife. And seated next to Gaston was a strikingly beautiful young woman who had to be Nicki Thoms—but for her hair color, she looked just like the picture we had of Sophie. Sophie, of course, had been blonde; Nicki’s hair was as black as Toni’s.
    I watched her for a couple seconds and, as I did, I noticed that Nicki seemed quite uncomfortable and fidgety. She glanced around the room, down at her program, at the man across the table, and then around the room again. She spoke to no one. A moment later, she pulled a smartphone from her purse and read a message, which seemed to make her smile. With a quick flurry, she started banging out a text message until Cecilia apparently noticed and said something to her. With an annoyed glance toward her aunt, Nicki slipped her phone back in her purse and resumed her fidgeting. I got the distinct impression that Nicki Thoms was wishing she were somewhere else.
    I checked out the rest of the audience. There were probably three hundred people in attendance, many of whom I recognized. Politicians, business people, sports and entertainment stars— all had responded to the call to participate in the charitable fund established in Sophie’s name. I was impressed. The tickets that Cecilia had left for Toni and me read $5,000 recommended donation . If these people kicked in $5,000 apiece, then the Sophie Thoms Fund was off to a smoking good start.
    We were seated at the back of the room, near the doors. This was fine with me —I’m