by Gerald Lopez
“I suppose I prefer action over talk,” I said.
Both Monique and Jessica laughed. They were a strange twosome. One minute so competitive and the next minute acting like good friends. We mixed and mingled some more. It was an interesting group of people they’d gathered. Margo appeared in a long purple satin dress with a boat neck top. Her hair was worn up in a twist, which made her look lovely.
“Good evening, everyone,” she said. “Dinner is about to be served in the ballroom.”
Everyone began following Margo out of the room. There was no sign of Noelle yet. I escorted Jessica and Monique into the ballroom. They then left me to my table, which was in a back corner. I found my place card, sat, and took a minute to look around the room. The gold Chiavari chairs were pretty, but uncomfortable, even if they did match the red and gold tablecloths and red curtains. Finally Noelle made her appearance, dressed in a midnight blue satin, one shoulder, slim-fitting gown. Her hair was done in a soft wave that was pulled back on one side, which reminded me of the old movie star Veronica Lake. Smiling, she walked over to me.
“You clean up nicely, Layton.”
“So do you, Noelle.”
“I’m at the main table up front, but quite frankly, I wish I was back here with you. Save me a dance and we’ll catch up.” She kissed me, then went to speak to another guest.
Hans and Jerhome walked in and I waved them over… I’d seen their place cards on the table.
“Long time no see,” I said with a grin.
“I didn’t expect to see us at the Kennedy’s table, but I did think you’d be in a somewhat more prestigious seat,” Han’s said.
“What are you talking about, we are the best table,” I said, noticing Jerhome pick up the place card next to me.
Jerhome hugged me and kissed one cheek, then the other, while whispering in my ear. “Be wary of this one, behind me—she’s dangerous.”
“Hello, gentlemen.”
It took me a minute to recognize the woman he referred to who had just said hello and was now in front of me. She was a vision in a flowing, long, white dress with a heart shaped top, her hair in an elaborate updo. What a transformation—she could be a movie star.
“I was just telling Hans and Jerhome that I thought we had the best table in the joint, and now that you’re here, Sophia, I’m positive of it,” I said.
“You certainly know how to make a lady feel good, Layton,” Sophia said.
As she walked to her place at the table I slid back her chair for her.
“I’m surprised you even remember me from the restaurant,” she said. “I’m just a hostess and there are such glamorous people here tonight.”
“Not many can hold a candle to you, Sophia. And as a detective, it’s my job to remember faces and details.”
The waiters came around placing bread on our plates. Sophia took a sip of Champagne, then turned her attention to me.
“Have you learned any interesting details since you’ve been here? Any news on who inherits this estate?”
“No news on the estate yet I’m afraid. But I did pick up some interesting details, which have left me thinking that everyone here is not exactly what they claim.” Jerhome and Hans flashed me concerned looks with my last comment, but I was testing a hunch by showing my hand.
“How fascinating. Do tell,” Sophia said.
“Can you keep a secret?” I said, guessing that she couldn’t.
“I’m not sure I can promise to keep a secret if I don’t know what it is. After all, I wouldn’t want you to think I was the type of girl who would break a confidence.”
“I would never think that.” I put an arm around her, then looked back at Hans and Jerhome and winked. “I’ve got this theory that Jessica Kennedy is actually the older sister of Margo.”
Sophia gasped. “Really? Now, that is interesting.”
She wouldn’t win any acting awards based on her present performance.
No one else joined our table, though there were other place settings. We discussed food and the restaurant and bakery businesses while dining on chicken kiev. After dessert, a band played and some of the guests got up to dance. That was when Sophia excused herself to use, in her words, ‘the little girl’s room’. These folks just didn’t like to say the word bathroom or toilet. When she’d left the room, Hans opened his mouth to speak, but I stood and spoke first.
“She had more restraint and patience than I would’ve thought. Now to see who she reports back to.”
“Very clever,” Hans said.
“And very dangerous,” Jerhome said.
“Probably, but it’s time to start finding out what makes things tick around here.” I stood and left the table then looked around until I spotted Noelle and asked her to dance.
“Thank you, Layton,” She said taking my hand. “But why do I suspect that you’re up to something?”
“Because I am. I shared my suspicions about the sisters with a tablemate, who I’m guessing is reporting that bit of news to her higher ups.”
“So, who are we keeping an eye out for?”
“An attractive brown-haired woman in a flowing white dress.” I spun her around, then dipped her. “This almost reminds me of our dance in the rain. I think we were much more comfortable then. Not so restricted by clothes.”
“Behave yourself and spin me around again. I think I’ve noticed something.”
I did as she said.
“Layton, turn so that you have a view of the columns by the entry.”
I did so and spotted Monique standing there talking on her rhinestone covered cell phone. She hung up and started walking toward the dance floor.
“A change of partner is in order, if you don’t mind. I think I may be attending an after-party with Monique.”
“You’ll need backup, Layton.”
“No time for me to arrange it and I don’t want to scare her off.” I danced Noelle across the floor to where Monique was standing. In one move I dropped Noelle off at the side and held my hand out to Monique, who took it.
“You’re a good dancer, Layton. And a good detective too, it seems.”
“Why, thank you, Monique. It’s easy to dance with a woman who moves as gracefully as you do.”
“You’re also very good at reading people,” Monique said, as I led her into a spin. “The way you knew Sophia would report your news back to one of us was well played.”
“I thought so. Poor thing seems loyal enough, but not very smart,” I said.
“Well, loyalty is a very important thing.”
“Oh, I agree.”
The music turned slow, so I took Monique’s hand in mine and held her closer.
“Tell me, Layton, have you thought anymore about my invitation?”
“The one to an after-party? Is that still on the table?”
“Of course. I never take back an invitation once issued. That just wouldn’t be polite.”
“No,” I said. “It wouldn’t be polite. You know what? Strange as it may seem for me to say—I like you, Monique, you’re clever as well as beautiful.”
“That’s not strange, just truthful. I am clever and beautiful. So are we on for the after-party.”
“Yes,” I said. “Will I regret going?”
“Probably,” Monique said. “But you wouldn’t miss the chance to go and learn something.”
“And will I learn something.”
“Oh, most certainly,” She said.
“Will I survive the evening to use the information I learn?”
“Regrettably, I suspect not, Layton.”
I couldn’t help but smile. The honesty in the conversation was disarming.
“That’s sad, because I’m enjoying our conversation,” I said.
“Don’t worry, we’ll have time to talk some more. I find you utterly fascinating, Layton. We really must get going though.”
“Will you do the deed yourself?”
Monique smiled, then laughed. “Do I look the type to do my own dirt
y work? That’s what the help is for.”
“Should I change?”
“No, you look handsome in your tuxedo and black will be appropriate for tonight. I’m going to use the ladies room. Don’t worry though, I won’t be contacting anyone. It’ll just be you and me until we reach the party. It’s a bit of a drive, so you may want to use the facilities yourself. I’ll meet you out front.”
On my way out, I passed my table and saw Noelle speaking to Hans and Jerhome. I got close to her and kissed her cheek.
“I’m on my way out of town. You may want to check the bones,” I said in an almost-whisper.
“Layton and Monique are leaving us high and dry to go partying, Jerhome. And they didn’t even think of inviting us,” Noelle said.
“That hardly seems fair,” Jerhome said. “But we won’t feel hurt by it.”
“I think we’ll survive the rejection,” Hans said.
“Later, guys,” I said.
While in the hall bathroom I checked my gun in its shoulder holster and my knife in my ankle strap. This lil’ after-party was risky, but I was counting on my military training to get me out of any situation. I also suspected and hoped that Noelle would arrange some sort of backup for me. I was making a lot of assumptions though, and that was reckless.
* * * *
Monique was waiting in her car in front of the mansion. I opened the passenger door and got inside. As she said, it was just the two of us.
“It smells good in here,” I said.
“Thank you. It’s just my scent spray.”
We rode in silence for a few moments before Monique broke the ice.
“Why are you the man you are, Layton?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re intelligent, but also willing to put your life on the line out of a sense of duty. Is it the military training, your religious beliefs, or something else?”
“Probably a combination of all those things. What about you?”
“It’s all about duty and religion for me too.”
“And are you willing to put your life on the line for your beliefs?” I said.
She took a turn down a dark road I didn’t recognize.
“Am I being taken to a field to be shot?” I said.
Monique laughed heartily. “You do look nervous, Layton.” She laughed again. “Relax. I’m taking you to a club for a party, just like I said. Shooting people in the middle of nowhere isn’t really our style. Do you believe in destiny or do you believe you make your own way in this world?”
“I’m not really sure, Monique. Maybe a little of both. I’d like to think I’ve lived life on my own terms, but who really knows.”
“Our—meaning myself and others in our group— paths have been chosen for us since before birth,” she said. “It was already decided that I would be a priestess of the blue light… I was conceived for that job. All decisions were made for me. I suppose it’s easier that way. Freedom can be a burden. In any case, this is all I know.”
“Who knows, maybe we’d be friends if you didn’t have a duty to deliver me to my death,” I said. “Is it hot in here?”
“I do apologize, Layton, let me turn up the air.”
As she did, a burst of air and pleasant scent hit my face and I involuntarily inhaled deeply. My head felt like it was spinning slightly as I spoke, “Maybe instead of being friends we’d be lovers.”
“No, not really possible, and not just because you prefer men, Layton.”
“Aww. Why not? Don’t you find me attractive, Monique?”
“That hardly matters, and I’m sure you know that you’re an attractive man. Priestesses are denied carnal pleasures. Anyway, wouldn’t you prefer Alex?”
“Alex. Oh, God, Alex. He’s so beautiful inside and out, don’t you think?”
“Of course,” Monique said.
“I love him, you know. I mean the real thing. Loved him since I first set eyes on him—no lie.”
“I’m pretty sure he feels the same way about you too, Layton. And I don’t think he’d want that lovely body of yours harmed in any way, do you?”
I giggled, but felt as if I was watching myself, and yet not myself interacting. “No,” I giggled again. “He likes my body. A lot.” More giggles.
“Let’s make sure not to scar you or cause any damage, then. Why don’t you go ahead and give me any weapons you may have just so you don’t end up getting hurt.”
I handed her my knife—she opened her window and threw it out.
“Now, that isn’t all, is it, sweetie? You don’t wanna hold back from lil’ ole’ me, do you?”
I laughed so hard that spit flew out of my mouth. I held my gun out to her, then pulled it back as she reached for it. Then I did it again, laughing. It was as if I was in a dream playing a child’s game. Monique laughed at me and smiled, then shook her finger at me like I was being a naughty boy. I giggled, shrugged my shoulders and handed her my gun. She admired it.
“Very nice… too bad it has to go,” she said, throwing the gun out the window. “It’s just that I wouldn’t want you hurting yourself.”
“Neither would Alex. He loves me! I love him too. Do you believe me?”
“I believe you, Layton. It was clear the way you looked at him and—”
“And! And!” I said jumping up in a panic and feeling like I’d said something I shouldn’t have said. The outside air coming into the car had almost eliminated the scent I’d been smelling. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing. It’s okay, baby. You just shut your eyes for a minute. Everything’s fine. You were telling me about you and Alex. It’s starting to smell like the swamp in here. Let me fix that.” She hit a button and the fragrant scent filled the car again.
I felt like I was sleepy… no, I felt drunk. I took a deep breath and felt relaxed and happy. “I want to be with Alex forever and ever, Monique. Do you believe me?”
“Yes I do, Layton. I can read the energy given off by your body. All priestesses have the sight to do so. Unfortunately, you are very much in love and giving off very little energy. Love is pure and clean. The reason why we women of the blue light seem to flirt so much is because sexual energy is very strong. All of the body’s energy is focused on getting ready for the sexual act. Blue light energy flows out of people at that point. Just like it’s starting to flow from you right now. Solving mysteries is a type of high equivalent to a sexual high for you, isn’t it, Layton?”
I giggled. “That’s funny, really funny. I guess it is, kind of.”
“Then I’d better turn off that special scent. I want you to more fully ingest what I’m saying, so your energy will flow even more.”
“Okey, dokey,” But how come you’re not affected by it, Mo-Mo.”
“Priestesses are immune, from having been constantly exposed to the ‘scent’ earlier in our lives. It’s all very clever actually. Would you like to hear more?” She turned a switch on the car’s dashboard and the scent stopped, but the air continued.
Suddenly, I felt more awake. Was I talking about Alex or did I just dream it?
“Our scientists came up with the scent. It’s a combination of herbs and plants, as well as some other stuff that produces an almost euphoric state in people. Sometimes, it will actually make a body hotter as it produces sensations of a sexual nature. Affected people can enter a dreamlike state, almost as if they are high.”
“Is my body producing a lot of energy now?” I said.
“Yes. Layton, I really have enjoyed talking to you. None of what is about to happen is personal, please believe that.”
“I believe you,” I said. “Will Alex be alright?”
“He’ll be more than alright. His seed will bring us our new kings and queens. No harm will come to him. Well, at least not until he sires an heir or heiress.”
“I suppose his bride has already been chosen.”
“Yes and no, we’re not that old-fashioned, Layton. The club we’re heading to is just right around that next turn. Sorry
for the interruption. Alex won’t need to marry. His seed can be inserted into the queen using more modern techniques, which needn’t involve physical contact between the two or even a marriage.”
We turned the corner and I could see a blue glow coming from a group of trees. As we got closer I saw a building that looked like a larger than usual shack and heard loud music coming from it. A sign out front said Club Maurice. Monique turned the scent back on as she parked next to some bushes and away from the light. Remembering my military training, I relaxed my body in order to hold my breath.
When Monique looked my way I slumped my body. She took a gun from a compartment in the dash and pointed it my way.
“Good. I can see you won’t be much trouble,” She said, right before I head butted her hard. She slumped over in her seat out cold.
I had to be quick as I reached over, opened Monique’s door and pushed her body into the bushes using all my strength. It was dark and hopefully no one would see her. After closing the door, I opened my cell phone. Noelle and I had exchanged numbers earlier.
“Noelle here. What’s wrong, Layton?”
“I don’t have much time. I’m in front of a Club Maurice at the edge of a swamp. This place is glowing with blue light. They’ve been using some sort of drug sprayed into the air on me.”
Looking behind me I saw a large man headed my way. It was the yoga instructor.
“Yoga guy is coming for me. The bones, check the bones and send backup. Monique and the sisters are cult priestesses—the sisters are some sort of royalty as is Alex and it is sexual energy. Gotta go.”
I slumped back in my seat pretending to be out. Yoga guy easily threw me over his shoulder after opening the door. We were headed into the club and God only knew what else.
Chapter 24
Explosive
Yoga man carried me into the club and all I could see was bare floor and the feet of people dancing. The last thing I remembered was someone putting a cloth over my nose and mouth just before everything went black. When I came to my arms were tied behind my back and my ankles were bound together. I was sitting fairly comfortably in a chair with people dancing all around me. The same scent that had been in Monique’s car was prevalent in this space. Once again I used my former military training to hold my breath and take only small shallow breaths when needed. The club’s packed dancing space was small; bodies were close together and sweaty. It didn’t matter as most of the couples were grinding more than dancing.
