Chapter 8

The white spiral structure of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum stood out starkly against the night, resembling a gigantic, inverted conch shell devouring the long stream of glittering luxury cars on Fifth Avenue. Tonight, this architectural masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright had been transformed into a coliseum of vanity.

Flashbulbs exploded like thunderstorms along the red carpet.

Alex Hawke held