Mathew didn't seem to care, but her distraction did not go unnoticed by Jackie. As soon as she realized Jackie was watching her, Maggie went into the bathroom and walked to the mirror to check her hair and makeup.
*
The room Austin took Carl to was a small office that held little more than a desk and several chairs. "Well?" Austin asked, as he closed the door. "Where is she?"
"She is here," Carl answered.
"Here? In Denver?"
"Here at the ball."
Incredulous, Austin examined the sincerity on Carl's face, and then started for the door. "Show me which one she is."
Carl quickly stepped in front of him. "Don't, you'll scare her away."
"What do you mean?"
"What would you do if you were twenty-two and got this close to the parents who deserted you?"
"I…you don't think she means to do something violent, do you?"
"Nothing we know about her implies she has ever been violent, but there's always that chance. We need to be careful. If she runs, we'll never find her again."
"You are right, of course. What should I do?"
Carl puffed his cheeks. Just then, Michael knocked, opened the door, and walked in. "She's the one," he told Carl.
"Michael, show him the picture."
Michael pulled out his cellphone, found the picture, enlarged it a little, and then turned the phone toward Austin. "Meet Georgia Marie James."
Austin's mouth dropped. "She's…she is…"
"Maggie Jackson," Carl answered.
"Are you sure?" Austin asked.
Michael nodded. "The DNA tests will confirm it, but she's the one. She matches everything we've learned about her including the mole on her shoulder."
Austin found a chair and slowly sat down. "I am astounded. All these months, I have been…how long will it take to do the DNA test? I'm due back in court on Tuesday."
"Jackie has an old friend here in Denver, but DNA tests take time. We'll have someone draw blood tonight, if Georgia will let us."
"Where is Maggie…ah, Georgia now?" Austin asked.
"In the bathroom with Jackie," Carl answered.
"I…I can't believe it," Austin muttered.
Michael sat down too. "I'm worried about what Mathew will do if he finds out she is here."
Austin nodded. "Me too. We can't let anything happen to her now."
Carl walked to the door. "You and Michael stick to Georgia like glue and I'll stay close to Connelly. All I need is one good reason to punch his lights out."
Austin quickly stood up. "Is Georgia safe in the ladies room?"
"Trust me," Carl answered, "no one tangles with Jackie and walks away unharmed."