David leaned casually against his Aston Martin Victor, the phone pressed to his ear as he dialed Catherine Lancaster's number. It rang twice before her poised voice answered.
"David, this is unexpected," Catherine said. "What's going on?"
"I hear you're in New York," David replied, his tone warm but playful. "You know what tonight is, don't you?"
Catherine sighed softly. "David, I'm busy. Another time, perhaps."
"Busy?" David feigned mock disbelief. "Catherine, it's the Express Auction. You can't miss it. Besides…" he let the suspense linger before delivering the punchline, "even Alexander is coming."
There was a pause on the other end. When Catherine finally spoke, her tone was lighter, almost amused. "Alexander Blackwell is going to an auction? Now that's something I can't miss. Fine, I'll be there."
