Chapter One
Ambush In Scarlet Satin
The oppressive August heat coaxed beads of sweat from Vance Gamble’s forehead during the short walk from his air-conditioned BMW to the entrance of the dining hall at Brandyhaven Country Club in one of Philadelphia’s tony suburbs. Even the clouds rolling in from the west offered no relief, yet.
Vance stopped inside the foyer to cool off and let his eyes adjust to the artificial lighting—subdued, even compared to overcast skies. A wry smile crossed his lips while he pondered the cherry wood wainscoting. He thought, No cherries here!
A stunning brunette sss with dark eyes and a detached expression approached. “May I help you, sir?” Her uniform pants, tie, and the trim of her white shirt all glared a bright red, matching the central coat-of-arms in an
