Barnaby looked at the bottoms of his shoes, too. Nothing was on them. “Come on man. What do you want? I can’t take this smell.”
Colton stepped away and pointed his finger toward the darkened corner. “What the hell is that?”
Barnaby jumped. A life-sized statue was in the shadows with a distorted face and body, which looked like some kind of freaky monster.
“Well…” Colton prodded.
“How the hell should I know?” Barnaby snapped.
“Cuz your mom is like an expert on all this weird shit…isn’t she?” Colton asked.
“It doesn’t mean I pay attention to her.”
“Well you should?” said Colton.
“Why?”
“So you could tell me what this thing is, man.” Colton walked around the side of the statue. “I could seriously mess with some people.”
“Well, whatever it is, it’s really old so…”
“Yeah, right,” Colton snickered.
Barnaby glared at him. “What’s so funny?”
“And here I thought you were the smart one,” Colton taunted.
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“Take another look at ugly here.” Colton pointed. “If it’s so old then why is it holding a can of soda?”
Barnaby stepped forward, looked, and sure enough, clenched in the right hand was a diet Dr. Pepper can. “Obviously, someone put it there, Colton,” he explained. The can was just that, a can, the statue however was made from marble or stone.
Colton reached over and tried to remove the can from the hand. “Yeah right, man, that shit is made like this. See.” He hung his body weight on the hand, lifting his feet. He dropped back down again. “See, there is no way someone could have put that there. The fingers don’t move.”
“What’s he hanging on that statue for?” Chance walked up beside Barnaby.
“He’s trying to get the can of soda out of that thing’s hand,” said Barnaby.
“Huh.” Chance crossed his arms and stroked his chin. “It’s weird they would put a grotesque in here. I thought they were mostly used for gardens and for use on buildings.
Barnaby gaped. “How’d you know that?”
“Ha!” Colton let out a big whooping laugh. “And you thought you were so smart.” He hit Barnaby’s arm. “Looks like you got some competition.”
“Hey,” Chance said. “I only know cuz my mom gets this Toscana Magazine in the mail and leaves it in the bathroom. I look at the stuff inside for something to do while I’m dropping the kids off at the pool.”
Barnaby and Colton both laughed.
‡
“Aren’t you even going to talk to me?” Kingston shoved his hands through his hair and pushed it away from his face.
Moriah stiffened. “What do you want?”
“I want…” he trailed off and looked over at Heather.
Moriah smacked his arm.
“What did you do that for?” Kingston rubbed his arm.
Ohmigod! She wanted to kick him in his shin. “How bout this…when you actually want to talk to me, try looking at me.” And with that, she stormed off across the room.
‡
I sat down on the edge of the desk. One of the books fell and I instantly wanted to kick it across the room. I was tired of being in this stupid room. I wanted to go and find Adriane. What if he was already gone? My stomach clenched with worry. He wouldn’t have done that…would he? He left you last night, my little voice taunted.
I was on the verge of screaming or crying…I didn’t know which. Then something strange happened. All the angst I had been feeling evaporated immediately. The very air became charged, like electric currents were pulsing. I turned toward the door.
“Ladies, ladies, ladies…no need to fear, Simon is here.” He swaggered into the room like he owned the place.
“Hey, there are guys in here too.” Colton narrowed his eyes.
Simon paused in mid-stride and angled his head towards Colton. “Ha,” he laughed. “That’s funny. I thought only girls yelled like that.” He shrugged and lifted his brow. “Of course,” he said. “Had I known there were big strong guys like you in here, I would not have hurried inside to help…you know…save the day.” He smiled. Brianna and Addison swarmed to his side, like the glommers they were.
Colton shook his head and turned away, mumbling something under his breath.
I was sure, whatever it was, was rude and nasty. It was just like Colton. I glanced over to see how Moriah was taking the appearance of da-da-dah “Simon,” but she kept her gaze trained out the window. I was dying to know what happened between her and Kingston—since obviously something was up. I watched Simon as he talked to Addison and Brianna. He was pretty cute but he was shorter than I thought he would be. Since Kingston was at least six feet tall, Simon looked small in comparison. But there was something about him that held my attention. Whatever it was…it was distracting. I had to force myself not to gawk at him, even though I was finding that act pretty hard—not to do. There was a weird feeling in the air, like magnetic currents. Except he was the uber-magnet and I was the insubstantial piece of metal.
I couldn’t help but wonder if Simon knew who Adriane was and if he did would he tell me where he was. For some reason, one I didn’t understand, I thought that maybe they did know each other. It was just a gut feeling but maybe it was because of the insubstantial metal/uber-magnet thing. I had felt the same freaky pull to Adriane…except it had been a million times worse.
Moriah walked up. “Hey,” she said.
“What’s up?”
Moriah sniffed and wiped at her eyes. “Nothing.”
“Puh-lease,” I said and rubbed her arm, trying to comfort her. “You forget who you’re talking to.”
“I know…” A sad smile crossed Moriah’s face. “It’s just not worth relaying right now.”
“Well it looks like we’re going be here for a while,” I told her. “If you want to talk…”
Moriah glanced over at Simon.
He was looking directly at her; his dark gray eyes sparkled enigmatically.
She flushed and gave him a shy smile.
Simon mouthed something to her…
“I can’t hear you,” she mouthed back.
He lifted his brows and directed his eyes to the door under the balcony.
“Moriah, what are you doing?” I grabbed her arm.
“Nothing!” Moriah jerked away.
“Well it doesn’t look like nothing,” I said. “You better stop.”
“I’m not doing anything, Evie,” Moriah snapped. “You stop.”
“For God’s sake Moriah, you’re in LOVE with Kingston, remember?”
“What the hell?” Moriah face twisted. “Whose friend are you?”
“You know whose friend I am.”
“Well it doesn’t feel like it.” Moriah tore her gaze from Simon.
“Hey, I’m only trying to stop you from making a mistake.”
“What mistake?” Moriah snipped. “He has been checking Heather out all night. Until a few minutes ago he didn’t even act like I existed.” Her face turned red with embarrassment or guilt, I wasn’t sure which.
“Yeah, but you’re better than that,” I told her. “Listen, I’m not trying to be a prude or anything.” I took a breath. “You’re hurt and angry. I get it. But don’t you think you should go and talk to him at least?”
Moriah glared at me. “You always take his side.”
“No, I don’t.”
“Well…” Moriah crossed her arms. “What are you doing now?”
“I’m trying to stop you from making a mistake…you don’t even know that guy. Once you cross over, there isn’t any going back.”
“Whatever, Evie.” Moriah gave me a hurt look and then walked away.
Exhaling, I watched her for a moment more and then decided to go and see what Heather knew. I passed Simon and the twins, and could feel his eyes on me as I walked past. As I drew closer to h
im, I had the sudden urge to stop and talk to him but made myself keep walking to the door where Heather was. “Hey,” I said and stopped beside her.
“Oh, hey, Evie,” she said and pulled her hair over her shoulder.
“Are you looking for someone?” I had to ask.
Heather chewed on her lip, like she was contemplating whether or not to say anything. “Yeah, I am, actually.”
“Really, who?”
“Oh, just this guy I met,” she said like it was no big deal.
“Oh.” I didn’t believe her. “Is it anyone I know?”
Heather twisted her perfect curl. “No.” She shook her head. “I don’t think so.” She sighed and looked back out into the foyer. “I only just met him.”
“So is he cute?” I prodded.
“Yeah, actually he is,” she gushed excitedly.
I had to do a double take. Heather seemed so nice all of a sudden. Not at all like the bitch I dubbed her. It was weird. Moriah was acting sketchy, and Heather, my arch nemesis was acting nice. It was all very Twilight Zone. I shook my head, not quite able to comprehend the weirdness of it all. “So…what does he look like?” He had to be pretty-great for Heather to start being nice to me all of a sudden.
Heather’s face brightened, which made her look even prettier than normal. “Well he’s tall, and muscular. He has dark hair and a crazy weird tattoo on the inside of his left arm.”
My heart seemed to have stopped as I gaped at her.
“What’s the matter, Evie?” Heather’s brow creased.
I swallowed hard and waved my hand. “Oh nothing…he sounds…um great.” The guy she was describing sounded just like Adriane.
“Hey, have you heard of Adriane,” Heather asked.
A horrible tightness started in the center of my chest, squeezed where my heart was. Oh no… “Why?” I asked, even though I was afraid to hear her answer.
“Oh, the guy I was with…” Heather hesitated. “Never mind, it’s probably not important.”
I grabbed her arm. “Tell me,” I demanded.
“Ow, Evie that hurts.”
“Sorry.” I shoved my hands in my jacket, and clenched them together into fists.
“Yeah…” Heather gave me a weird look. “Anyway, the guy I was with, you know the one I was telling you about…”
“Yes…” I held my breath.
“Well, he told me to tell Adriane something if I saw him, that’s all.” She shrugged her shoulders indifferently and looked back to the foyer.
Relief washed over me. Thank God! I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to break into song suddenly, like a bad episode of Glee. “What did he want you to tell him?”
“Oh, what was it…” She tapped her chin. “It was weird…he said to tell Adriane there is a hot one on the loose.” She frowned.
“A hot one?” I repeated. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I have no idea,” Heather said. “But he sounded pretty adamant about it. Then he took off after him.” She jerked her head over towards Simon.
I whipped my head around and looked at Simon. He was chatting up Addison and Brianna. I turned back around. “You should totally go ask him what he was talking about.”
“Me!” Heather gaped. “Why me?” she asked.
“I don’t know,” I answered and I didn’t. The only thing I did know was that I wanted to find out and besides, I didn’t want to do it myself.
“Okay.” Heather took a deep breath and ran her hands over her clothes. “How do I look?”
“Great,” I said, and was surprised I actually meant it. I shook my head. Was I starting to like Heather? Things were getting really weird.
“I’m off,” Heather said and turned. “Wish me luck,” she tossed over her shoulder and strutted off towards Simon.
“Yeah, good luck,” I called after her.
47-DIVERSIONARY TACTICS
Heather smoothed her damp palms over the sides of her jacket and wedged herself between Addison and Brianna.
“Hey, watch it!” Addison snapped.
Heather cut her a warning glare.
Brianna grabbed Addison’s arm and pulled her away.
“Hey you,” Heather said and situated herself beside Simon.
“Hello,” Simon said, his dark gray eyes alight with humor.
“So, where are your friends?” Heather covered her mouth, shocked she had said that so soon.
Simon cocked his brow. “Are you interested in talking with me or my friends?” His eyes slid down her body and then he brought them back up to her face.
A flush of heat crept into her face. “Um…” She chewed her lip.
“Let me guess,” Simon said. “You didn’t mean to ask me that? At least not yet…am I right?” His brow hitched up.
“Ah…yeah,” she answered. “I guess.” She didn’t feel as confident any longer.
Simon laughed loudly. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I have that effect on all females, not just you.”
“Somehow that doesn’t reassure me as much as you would think.”
Simon let out another peel of laughter. “You’re a fun one, aren’t you?”
Heather’s mouth fell open. She shut it quickly. Her cheeks bloomed with color. “I hope so.”
“So what would you like to know?” Simon asked all business now.
Heather shook her head. It was weird. She had felt such a pull to him only moments before and now he seemed no different from any other guy. She didn’t get it. “What, who are you?”
Simon slowly turned back towards her, a crease pulled between his brows. “Ah,” he breathed. “Now that…is a tricky question.” He crossed his arms and thoughtfully stroked his chin. “You sure you want to know the answer to that? It’s a loaded question you know?”
“What?” she asked, and shook her head as if to clear it. “Well, of course I do…I think…wait, what?” She couldn’t seem to form a coherent thought, her brain felt muddy.
Simon dipped his head down, his mouth inches from her neck and inhaled deeply. “I am your best dream and worst nightmare, all rolled into one,” he whispered hotly.
Heather visibly shivered.
“HEY EDIE,” Colton yelled down from the balcony.
I tensed, wishing he was closer so I could punch him in his face. What a dolt. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was doing the name change crap on purpose cuz he seriously couldn’t be that stupid—could he? “Yeah,” I called back not really caring what he had to say.
“Why you in this book, Edie?” He flipped through the pages quickly.
“What are you talking about?” I balled my hands into fists. I really wanted to hit him in the face until he said my name right.
Simon jerked his head up to the balcony and zeroed in on the big lummox with the short-cropped blonde hair. He was flipping through an ancient tome—like a Neanderthal.
He found it.
What were the odds? He didn’t know why this surprised him so much. Adriane and Alistair were off looking who knew where all this time and here it was, literally, right under their noses. At least part of what they were looking for.
Barnaby fast walked across the landing and yanked the book from Colton’s hand.
“What the hell, Barnaby,” Colton complained, clearly miffed. “You could just ask you know.”
“Yeah—right—sorry,” Barnaby said absently and looked down at the pages. It was written in a language he had never seen before. There were symbols too. Alchemical ones; these he knew. There were the symbols for water, moon, and stone. And sure enough, there was an old lithograph of a young girl, standing under a full moon with her hands raised in the air, who looked a lot like Evie. He turned a few more of the fragile pages as delicately as he could. Some of the pages were torn from the book itself. There were pictures of creatures too, ones he had never seen before, and they were grotesque.
I rubbed my eyes, not believing what I had just seen.
One minute Simon was beside Heather and the next he was up
at the top of the stairs, which wasn’t possible. I must be seeing things. Turning around, I looked behind me at everyone else, but they didn’t seem to have noticed how freakishly fast he just moved.
“I must be seeing things.” A shiver of unease slid up my spine and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing something, something obvious that I should have already figured out.
“Give it to me.” Simon poured on his charm.
Barnaby’s eyes glazed over for a second and then he shook his head as if to clear it. “NO!” He jerked the book back against his chest.
“You want to dance with me boy?” Simon asked as a slow, wicked smile crept across his face.
Barnaby barely moved a step back when somehow the book he was holding was wrenched from his grasp quickly and effectively.
“Thanks, boy.” Simon’s eyes glittered with amusement. He shook the book and then leapt back over the railing.
Simon landed right in front of me.
“How’d you do that?”
He straightened and a slow smile broke across his face as he winked. “Tricks of the trade.”
“Huh?” I shook my head, not quite able to process what I’d seen.
Simon leaned forward and inhaled deeply.
I leaned back reflexively.
“You…smell…” He took a step closer.
My insides quivered from his nearness.
“So…damn…” he whispered hotly.
I fell forward.
Simon grabbed hold of me.
“Sorry.” I looked at his face and my breath caught. His face looked like it was chiseled from marble or stone, just like Adriane’s. The room tilted and everything fell away. Nothing but darkness surrounded me as my heart sped up. Fingers closed around my upper arm and suddenly Simon materialized beside me. I could feel his warm breath against my ear as he spoke rapidly to me but I couldn’t hear what he was saying as a scene unraveled in front of my eyes.
A clearing much like the one on the side of the mansion, came into focus. A huge hole was in the ground. Dark shapes were dotted along the edges and a lilting chant filled the air. The hole in the ground sputtered and the dark images shook back and forth, swaying. The vibrations from their combined voices made my skin tingle. Curiosity overrode my good sense and I took a step forward.
Briarcliff Page 19
