Chapter 26
The huge lawn of Worthington Manor covered as much space as the house, and then some.
The house sat on a plateau, and the crest of the slope stood thirty yards from the house.
The dip rolled down to a grove of trees and a creek that ran through the rear of the large properties.
The clear sky cast the light of the twinkling stars on the damp grass and green leaves of the trees.
It was a wondrous sight, but I couldn’t quite enjoy it. My mind was too preoccupied with the man in front of me.
Crestmoor stopped at the edge of the slope and turned to face me. He reached into his coat and drew out a small, slim case made of gold. The lid sprang open and revealed a short row of long cigars.
He held one up to me. “Do you mind if I smoke?”
“Not at all,” I assured him as I glanced over my shoulder.
“You’re quite safe with me, Thorn,” he insisted as he tucked the case away and exchanged it for a lighter.
He puffed on the cigar and lit the other end.
The tip glowed like coals as he pocketed the fire starter.
He blew a ring from his mouth, and the gray cloud floated over to me before it dispersed. “If that is your true name.”
I blinked at him. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
He cocked his head to one side and studied me. “You have something to hide. My ring revealed as much.”
“Your ring?”
He raised his hand and revealed a small ring on his middle finger. The band was of the plainest silver, but a round ruby was set on the top. The stone had the appearance of being partially melted, as it partially folded over the band.
“This was a treasure my divers discovered several years ago,” he revealed as he admired the gemstone. “This ring has the ability to view the inside of any box. It’s particularly useful for locked boxes, which are a common problem in my business.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “That must be a very special ring.”
“The only one that’s ever been discovered, as far as I am aware,” he mused as he flexed his fingers. His sharp eyes fell on me. “There are also certain instances when the magic has revealed hidden secrets of people. You have a secret to tell. The ring knows it. I know it.”
I dropped my eyes to the grass, and my hands fidgeted with one another in front of me. “I, well, I guess I wanted to hide what I really looked like.”
He puffed on his cigar and waited a moment before he replied. “A show of vanity?” He used his cigar to point at the patio where the company continued to party. “You hardly strike me as someone as vain as those who drink through their conversations so they might tolerate their companions.”
I shrugged. “I guess you can never tell.”
“I can.” He took another drag of his cigar, his eyes ever on me. “I have a talent for studying people. It’s a very handy skill in my business.”
A creeping fear began to take hold of me. My hands became clammy, and I took to grasping them together. I began to turn toward the house. “I-I think I should get back to the house. My friend might be looking for me right now-”
“He isn’t.”
I froze, my eyes fixed on him. “What do you mean?”
A crooked smile curled onto his lips as he nodded at the house. “I can see it. Even from here, the ring allows me to see things that normal men can’t see.”
My heart pounded in my chest. “I-I see. That’s very useful.” I began to back away. “But I think I really should be going. I’ve had all the fresh air I need and-”
“But I haven’t heard you sing yet.”
I managed a very shaky smile. “I’m not sure I’m up to it right now. Perhaps another time.”
“But there may not be another time,” he insisted as he lifted his cigar. He had already consumed half the smoke, and a long stub of gray ash sat on the tip. “This may be our only chance. Like this cigar, our time is running out.”
“I-I don’t think my voice is up for the challenge anymore.”
“Nonsense,” he insisted as he smiled at me. “Just imagine I am your friend whom you’re so fond of. You would sing before him, wouldn’t you?”
“Y-yes. . .”
“Then please sing a song, any song. Long or short, I would be pleased to hear anything. Then I’ll gladly escort you back to the house.”
I took a long, shuddered breath. “Alright. Just a short song.” He inclined his head in approval.
I cleared my throat and opened my mouth.
Tim’s song floated out, sweet and gentle in its melody.
It reminded me of home. Tears sprang into my eyes, and my voice wavered.
I could barely get through the first rendition of the chorus before I choked up.
My voice was reduced to a whisper, and then nothing.
It was only then that I realized my facade had flickered and faded. My ceasing my sad song revived the magic.
I cupped half my face in one hand and sniffled. “I’m sorry. I don’t think I can do anything else.”
“That’s quite all right,” he assured me as he dropped his cigar on the ground. The smoke was nearly gone. He stamped out the rest of it with his foot. “Let us return to the house.”
I followed him, an emotional wreck of myself. He skirted the porch partyers and slipped inside. The air was stifling compared to outside, but I was glad to be in the light again.
Crestmoor stopped us just shy of the entrance hall and turned to face me. With the bright chandelier at his back, his front was cast in shadow except for a few weak lanterns along the hall.
“I’ve had a very interesting evening, Miss Thorn,” he told me in a low, quiet voice. “I hope we have another one very soon.” He bowed low to me before he turned and disappeared into the crowded hall.
I hoped that ‘soon’ wouldn’t happen for quite some time. My hopes were soon to be dashed.