"So do you." She pointed at the limo. "Spent a month's salary on that, I wager."
"Almost. Who are you?"
"Maggie."
"No, I mean what is your full name? How can I introduce you to my friends if I don't know?"
"Maggie Jackson," she smiled and slightly curtsied.
He grinned and proudly offered his arm. "Shall we, Miss Maggie Jackson?"
"You are very kind, Sir." She took it, let him seat her in the back of the limo and then waited while he went around to the other side.
"Do you drink?" he asked once the door was closed and the limo started moving.
"Very little, but perhaps something to calm my nerves."
"Don't worry," he teased, "axe-murderers don't kill women in limos. Too many witnesses."
"That's comforting."
He opened the bar in the back of the seat in front of them. "Rum and coke okay?"
"More coke than rum, please."
Austin carefully poured and then handed the first drink to her. "I can help you get another job."
"I might need you to."
"Consider it done. Maggie, there is something I need to tell you before we get to the ball. I am an attorney. In fact, I am Nicholas Gladstone's corporate attorney."
She stared into his eyes for a moment and then looked away. "If that be the case, I shall not offer to pay for half of what this limo costs."
Austin chuckled. "The limo, the driver, and more than you can imagine belongs to Nicolas Gladstone's estate. He was a good friend and he passed away a few months ago."
"I see. I confess I looked you up on the internet after you told me your name, but it didn't say all that."
"I would have looked you up too." He reached into his pocket and handed her a cellphone. "I programmed it with my number, in case you need to reach me."
"So you can help me find a job?"
"Or, when you need someone to talk to."
Maggie finally grinned. "And where do you suppose I am to put it just now? Down my blouse?" She almost made him blush.
"You didn't bring a purse?"
"No, but I did bring ID and enough money for a cab if you turn out to be a letch."
"I promise that won't happen. I have a reputation to uphold."
"Yes, but Jim says even men in business suits murder their wives and girlfriends."
"He is right, of course. Do you really feel threatened being with me?"
"No, not really. Do you? After all, I could be the axe-murderer instead of you."
Austin pretended to catch his breath. "I had not considered that. Are you?"