37. Murders, Mayhem, and Men
Murders, Mayhem, and Men
Sheridan
Every muscle in my body aches as I trudge down the stairs. This morning called for a precious cup of my instant espresso. Even with the tepid water from the sink, it tastes better than almost anything in the world. That includes the toaster pastries I ate last night after my run.
My very ill-thought-out run. I’m going to pay for every one of those miles.
“Good morning.” Dahlia lifts her mug. “Would you like some hot cocoa or a coffee?”
“Thanks, but I’m good.” I lift my thermal cup up. “When should our ride arrive?”
“Maverick is taking us. He thought we could caravan with the bus everyone else will be in. It leaves in about twenty minutes, which leaves you plenty of time to eat. You must be starving. You were out for hours last night. How many miles did you run?”
Not a clue. I lift up my phone to check my tracking app and see a message Fly sent early this morning when I was in the middle of my run.
Fly
Are you still awake, Your Royal Highness, or should I say, my princess?
How deep in my own thoughts was I that I didn’t even hear it chime?
Should I respond?
Should I ignore it?
He probably thought I was asleep.
But how could I sleep after a night like that?
“You okay?”
Not even close. I pull up the app. “Twenty-five-point-two-miles.”
“Wait, what? You almost ran a marathon last night. How are you standing?”
I shrug. “It happens on occasion.”
“It happens. People just don’t randomly run a marathon in the middle of the night.”
“Well, they should. It helps clear your mind.”
“And do you feel clear this morning?”
“Not even a little bit. But I’m tired.” I sink down onto one of the stools by the island. “He messaged me, and I don’t know what to do.”
“The first thing you’re going to do is eat. My brain doesn’t work when I don’t eat. I can’t even imagine how yours is working without any food.”
Except I already ate. “Thanks, but I’m good.”
Dahlia blinks. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like something? There are eggs, sausage, bacon, cereal, toast…I could make you some oatmeal.”
“There’s no need to go out of your way. I’m fine. I’ll have something at the party.” Dealing with the guilt for eating her food would add more stress than I need at the moment.
“Dahl, are you ready to go?” Maverick walks into the room and stops when he sees me. His face changes as he walks over. “How are you feeling? If you aren’t up to this—”
“You’re not getting out of going.” Dahlia grins at him.
“I am genuinely concerned about your friend.” He walks over and wraps her in his arms.
She melts into him. “I know you are. But you still have to go to the party.”
“Dahl.” Is that scary man pleading with her?
“It’ll be fun.”
“I’m bringing a few more guns. Make sure your friend is ready. We’ll leave in fifteen minutes.” He gives her a hard, quick kiss on the lips and leaves.
Sighing for her would be wrong, right? But that man doesn’t seem to mind showing the world how much he loves her, and that’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.
Though the gun part is a little scary…maybe he means prop guns.
“I'd better go grab my bag.” It was a cowardly exit, but I so wasn’t ready to discuss Fly yet.
***
My head can hardly comprehend what my eyes see.
Winnie’s house is a castle. Like a legit castle with turrets, a moat—which is more like a babbling stream, but add a few crocs and it would be a deterrent for anyone—and two massive carved wood doors that have a metal gate that drops down in front of them.
I’m in love…and terrified. Just how rich is Winnie?
And how eccentric is the family member who built this thing?
Because I bet they’d be the coolest person ever to talk to.
The car pulls through the gates and into a courtyard in front of the manor house inside the castle walls. The melting-glass windows look original, yet something about them feels off. Too thick, maybe.
“I like Winnie’s style.” Maverick stops the car in front of the waiting valets. He growls and jumps out of the car as one of the valets moves towards Dahlia’s door.
The man doesn’t seem to have a death wish since he backs up with his hands in the air.
Smart man. I’d do the same.
Maverick slides his hand into his pocket, then walks over to the guy, shaking his hand and talking to him a mile a minute before he turns back and opens Dahlia’s door and mine at the same time.
That man gives me gentleman vibes…scary gentleman, but still, he’s sweet.
“Of course you’d like Winnie’s style. She’s as scary as you are.”
He growls something under his breath, and she leans up to kiss his cheek.
I wander away to give them some privacy just as the sounds of motorcycles rumbling up the drive fill the air.
Is Fly one of them? I’m not ready to see him. What do I say? How do I react?
The need to hide overwhelms me, and I’m not that much of a coward, but I feel like one right now.
Piper walks up to me, looping an arm through mine. “Are you as excited as I am for this weekend? Valen said he’d try to make it. But work has him a little busy.”
“It takes a lot to help save the world.”
Her grin gets so big. We follow the crowd into a great room. The fireplace in the room is big enough to roast a hog, which half of the women try to look away from, but smells fantastic.
“Good morning!” Garnet stands on a chair by the window. “Thank you all for coming. The game is going to begin immediately. Each person will receive a card with the details about their character as well as a tracking bracelet.”
“Don’t take that off. The grounds are extensive, and we don’t want to have to send out a rescue team to find you,” Winnie chimes in.
How big is this place?
“Anyone anywhere on the grounds could be the murderer, except the staff. They aren’t involved in the game, but will be happy to provide you with directions to find whatever room you want to explore.
I would recommend visiting the dungeon at least once.
” Garnet grins. “That is an experience you’ll never forget.
The game ends tomorrow at lunch or when someone figures out who the murderer is.
If you know, simply touch your tracker like this one time.
” She squeezes the button that looks like a charm.
“It will light up everyone’s bracelets, and we will meet right here to see if you’re correct.
If you get lost, press and hold the button until it turns red.
Help will come for you. Let the games begin.
” Garnet jumps, almost toppling over, before righting herself.
I take my envelope, slide the bracelet on, then rush out of the room as the bikers enter.