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on rural farmland.
    Eager not to get into a political discussion with him, I gave Melanie a hug. “Where’s Spunky? I’ve seen nothing of him.”
    “ Oh, off hiding somewhere.”
    I turned to the senator. “Spunky is Melanie’s cat. Our family are great animal lovers.” I almost glared at him as I said, “Domestic pets. Wildlife. We defend them against predators. Two-legged predators, if you catch my drift.”
    Henry gave me an odd look. Then, ever the politician, he said, “I’m an animal lover myself. I raise dogs.”
    I stared him down. Not knowing where I was headed, he dropped his eyes. “Hunting dogs? That’s what I heard. Do you hunt, Senator Henry? Are you a sportsman?” I emphasized the word ‘sportsman.’ “Because, you know, there is nothing sporting about hunting animals that have no means of escape. Don’t you agree? A vile practice, I’d say.”
    Henry cleared his throat. Then lifted his glass to his lips and took a swallow. Then another. He’d been nursing that drink. Now he needed it.
    “ Ashley, what are you talking about?” Melanie asked, clearly irritated. “Oh, look, there’s Katie Brinkley. Come on, Buddy, you must say hello to her.” And taking him by the arm, she steered him away from me. The look she gave me over her shoulder was hostile. I’d hear about this later.
    Faye Brock, Melanie’s gorgeous realtor friend came by and stopped. “The decorations are fabulous. And this house! Ashley, you and Jon restored this lodge so beautifully. I’ve got a historic property listed in Carolina Heights and I’m going to recommend you to do the restorations.”
    “ Thanks, Faye. Jon and I adore Carolina Heights. We’d love an opportunity to work there again.” I was happy to see Faye but still smarting over my exchange with Henry.
    “ Well, I’ve gotta run. I’m going on to Kay and “Shack” Shackelford’s flotilla party on Harbor Island.”
    “ Have a good time,” I called.
    No sooner had Faye left than Melanie roared up to me practically foaming at the mouth. “Why are you always embarrassing me with people I’m trying to impress?”
    “ Why are you always trying to impress lowlife people? And where is the fox murderer senator? Better not let him near Spunky. He’d find a way to use him as bait.”
    “ Fox murderer? Bait? What are you talking about?”
    “ Melanie! Hi!” A woman joined us, giving Melanie a hug.
    Melanie was all smiles. “Regina! How are you, sweetie?” She exchanged air kisses with the woman. “Regina, I’d like you to meet my sister Ashley. Or have you two met?”
    “ I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure,” I said. “Melanie has so many fascinating friends, I’m just getting to know them. Some too well.” I gave Melanie a chilly look.
    Melanie ignored me. “Sis, this lovely lady is Regina Redfield. She’s very active in the NCAR. She’s also a president-elect.”
    We shook hands. Her bony hand belied a steely grip. Regina was model skinny, not an ounce of fat on her. But stylish. Very, very stylish, in a mannequin sort of way. She wore a scarlet taffeta fitted jacket, tied at the waist, with a peplum ruffle, over black silk pants. Guess this outfit was her interpretation of the term “casual.”
    Melanie was babbling. “Regina’s term as president follows mine the year after next. We’ve served on oodles of committees together, haven’t we, Regina sweetie?”
    Melanie slipped an arm around Regina’s miniscule waist. “You couldn’t have a better person on your side. Especially when you get into some of the dog fights we get into with the General Assembly. With Regina at your side, a girl can’t go wrong.”
    “ And God help the people who get in our way,” Regina laughed. “We make a formidable team.”
    “ Yes, we do.” Melanie flashed her broad, disarming smile.
    Regina laughed. “Grind them under our high heels, don’t we Melanie?”
    Melanie giggled.
    “ I’ve heard a lot about your agency.” I told Regina.