Chapter 34
You are in danger.
Carson’s words are ringing in your ears as Avery dashes out, wearing a black dress and white apron that matches Carson’s attire, her red hair pinned back from her face. When she sees you, she throws her arms around you like you haven’t seen each other in years.
“Sloan!” she cries. “I’m so glad you could make it! I don’t know what we would’ve done if you hadn’t come!”
That seems extreme. They simply would have had to make do with one waitress. It’s not like the entire party is hanging on your presence. Avery can be so dramatic.
“It was a rough drive,” you say, “but I’m here.”
Avery links her arm into yours. “Let me introduce you to the hosts and some of the guests. They will be thrilled to meet you.”
They will? It’s been your experience that most people aren’t that excited to meet the wait staff at a party, but some rich people are very eccentric.
Carson is just standing there, his back straight, his face expressionless.
You are in danger. Did he really say that to you?
It feels almost as if you might have imagined the whole thing.
You certainly don’t feel like you’re in any danger.
This is just a party for a bunch of old rich people—what danger could you possibly be in?
“What sort of party is this, anyway?” you ask Avery as she drags you into another room.
“It’s a dinner club,” she explains. “They call themselves the Adventurous Eaters Club. They eat all sorts of exotic animals, apparently.”
“Exotic animals? Like what?”
“Oh, you know.” She shrugs. “Like ostrich or something.”
Avery leads you into a room where about a dozen people are sipping on glasses of wine and chatting together.
The room reeks of Old Money, from the expensive suits to the designer gowns to the jewelry and Rolex watches.
The men all have gray or white hair, and the women all look like they’ve had Botox.
But they do, indeed, look very pleased to see you when you enter the room.
“Hello!” This enthusiastic greeting comes from a gray-haired man wearing a sleek gray suit that contrasts sharply with his gentle smile. “This must be our new waitress, Sloan.”
“It sure is,” Avery answers for you.
The man looks pleased by her answer. “It’s so good to meet you, Sloan. My name is Davenport Wentworth, and I’m the host of this dinner party.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Wentworth,” you say politely.
Mr. Wentworth takes your extended hand, but instead of shaking it, he lifts it to his lips and kisses the back of your hand. But it wasn’t a kiss—not exactly. Maybe it’s your imagination, but it almost seems like he licked you. That’s ridiculous, though.
Mr. Wentworth insists on introducing you to all the guests in the room by name, even though you immediately forget all of their names. Hopefully, you won’t be called upon to remember them later.
“Sloan,” Mr. Wentworth says, as he introduces you to a tall, gangly man with large spectacles perched on his nose. “This is my dear friend, Heinrich van Houten.”
“Ah, Sloan,” he says in a thick Eastern European accent as he clasps your hand in both of his. “I cannot wait for you to be served to us.”
Mr. Wentworth shoots him a look. “Sloan, please excuse Heinrich’s English. What he means is, he can’t wait for you to serve us. Our dinners, that is. We’re famished!”
“Oh, yes, of course,” Heinrich corrects himself. “To serve us. My mistake.”
Okay…
“Is dinner almost ready?” you ask.
“Dinner is… in progress,” Mr. Wentworth says. “The chef does not wish to prepare it until soon before we are ready to eat. He wishes everything to be… fresh.”
“Do you need me to change into a uniform?”
“No, no.” Mr. Wentworth smiles at you. “There’s no need for you to change.”
“Sounds good,” you say, glad to be allowed to remain in your own clothes. “Do you want to show me the kitchen now?”
“Yes, of course. But first…” He reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a camera. “I need to get your photo for your ID badge.”
ID badge? That seems a little like overkill for a one-night gig. Especially after Carson’s cryptic warning, the idea makes you uncomfortable.
But then again, what’s the harm in having your photo taken?
To agree to the photo, turn to Chapter 35 (page 86)
To refuse the photo, turn to Chapter 36 (page 88)