Chapter Fifty
I was in. What a fucking adrenaline rush.
From the way everyone around me ignored my presence, I knew my plan to infiltrate the castle unseen was unfolding nicely.
The clatter of plates and the scent of rich desserts filled the air as staff worked in a hurried but organized fashion. Firelight flickered on weathered walls, casting long shadows over the frenzied chopping and stirring of the workers—controlled chaos in a kitchen—this one was inside Mont-Saint-Michel.
There were a few other sight-seeing locations I wanted to visit while in France, but this event was my first stop. My next would be the Louvre and then the usual attractions—the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and of course Montmartre and Sacre-Coeur Basilica.
But first — ending Jewel Hadley.
With my tuxedo jacket over my shoulder, I did my best to appear casual in this sea of culinary masters.
“How we looking?” I asked the pastry chef.
The chef stood beside me, wearing already stained linens and a happy smirk. We both had our phones out as we checked the transfer of thousands of dollars over to him for sneaking me into the castle. He gave an approving nod as the money appeared in his account.
We both tucked our phones away.
Last night, I hunted down regular staff at Mont-Saint-Michel and found a few of them in a local bar. Not an easy feat, but doable, especially when running off copious amounts of caffeine with a side of well-earned grudges.
Of course, all this drama wouldn’t have been necessary if Atticus and Jake had let me murder Jewel at Pendulum back when I had the chance.
“Merci, mon ami,” said the chef brightly, like sneaking in a guest wasn’t illegal and highly immoral. He walked away without looking back, trying not to appear suspicious.
I headed off in the opposite direction to cook up my own kind of dark mischief.
Slipping on my simple masquerade mask, I strolled casually into the main ballroom, effortlessly mingling with the sea of guests, but talking with no one. I didn’t want anyone to hear my accent.
The opulence was a welcome change of scenery, the air thick with intrigue. The room was bathed in a dim golden light, setting the stage.
Classical music augmented the glamorous atmosphere as the elegantly dressed crowd, adorned in tuxedos and gowns, gathered as personally invited guests. Their captivating masks added an air of mystery, making my job a bit more challenging.
Everyone here had been assigned to a room—with the tide on its way in, no one was getting off this island tonight.
Including me.
The wondrous ancient architecture was mesmerizing. The soaring vaulted ceiling was supported by massive stone columns. Made me wonder how many people would realize this was an enduring symbol of ingenuity, shaped by ancient experts in the art of fortification.
Endless back breaking work carried out over centuries, not decades. Some of the workers’ homes had once stood at the base of the castle. Their houses were gone, but their lives were honored in each brick. I never took construction for granted—not after witnessing first-hand the hard labor of those who saw a vision realized but rarely received the praise.
In the center of the hall, a banquet table that seemed to stretch endlessly down the room was set with fine porcelain flatware, already laden with an indulgent feast.
If this was to be my last supper, I was going to savor it.
And I was starving.
Nearby, a champagne fountain bubbled, its tiers catching the candlelight. I snagged a flute of that as well and raised my glass in a private toast.
But eat, I couldn’t, even as my stomach grumbled. Even though I craved the aromatic food, I just couldn’t find the enthusiasm to dull my focus on my mission.
I was willing to surrender my soul to keep Willa safe. Although what we had shared was brief, it had been pure. In her embrace, I had found a passion so deep, I’d give everything to let her know what true love looked like.
I took a sip of champagne, and then my heart rate sped up as I recognized her.
Across from me was the woman who had targeted Willa and committed so many other acts of carnage. Jewel Hadley was holding court in the middle of the ballroom, acting as if she was royalty.
It was time for her reign of terror to end.