"Oh, yes. Ramsey, thanks for inviting me. Please let me introduce you to my good friend and business partner, Ben Shepherd," Phil said. "Ben, this is Ramsey Shah, the host of tonight's party."

Ben shook the hand of the slightly plump gentleman dressed in the latest fashions and wearing a conspicuous amount of gold jewelry. His chunky watch alone must have weighed close to a pound.

"You have a beautiful home with a view that takes one's breath away," Ben said. The man smiled happily at the compliment.

"This is my good friend Ashley Beaumont and my Security Specialist, Liliya Sokolov."

The host gently squeezed their hands. "Your reputation for...