by C. L. Stone
“But I have to fix the thing in Atlanta,” I said. I had an idea of how to help, but with that lingering over my head...
“Ace is taking care of it,” Soma said and pulled out his phone. He typed in a text and sent it. He had a return message instantly. He showed it to me.
ACE: Making a deal now.
I shook my head, blinking at the message. “A deal for me?”
“I can only guess it’s good news,” he said. “He’ll probably tell us later.”
I pressed my fingers to my brow, rubbing. After Zoey, my heart was racing.
It still felt like I owed Ace for what he’s doing for me. There was chaos here, his home being invaded, and he was in Atlanta dealing with my stupid thing that shouldn’t even be his responsibility.
So maybe Zoey was the least I could take care of.
“He’s keeping the promise he made to me,” I said to Soma. I looked at the cell phone Oliver had given to me. I turned it over in my hands, regretting not just calling him, instead of Oliver, and not at least giving him a chance. “Maybe there’s something I can do for him.”
“What do you think that could be?”
I smoothed my fingers over the surface of the phone, considering my options. “I need time to think, and for Oliver to keep an eye on Zoey.”
“We have the party tonight,” Soma said, combing his fingers through his hair. “It’s bad timing.”
I absently chewed on my lower lip as I thought, and then realized what I was doing and stopped. “We need time for Zoey to settle down anyway. Let’s take care of Loïc and Mrs. Harvey.”
Soma’s tense face turned into something more amused. A spark lit up his dark eyes. “Tell me anything I can do to assist.”
Reckless
(Ace)
A roll of low hanging clouds formed over Atlanta’s international airport. The deal was done. There were a few loose threads as far as Eva signing off on a few things. Her things would be released to her after the deal was finalized. She would be free to go wherever she wanted.
Well, free from the police department wanting to bring her in. Her online reputation was still in shambles. That was something that could never be saved. Updates were coming out slowly that Eva was no longer wanted for questioning, that charges were being brought on Daniel.
But some people thought it a conspiracy. After all the lies Daniel had spread, he still had supporters who believed him the first time. Not that this mattered. In a week, both would disappear from people’s minds as something new arrived. If Eva stayed under the radar and Daniel didn’t do anything stupid, it would only be a temporary irritation. Evelyn, if she wanted to be online again, would have to start completely over if she wanted to avoid the drama. It was a shame.
The small jumper plane had waited for him to arrive, and Ace rushed through security to get on board. He found his seat, close to a few other business people also making the jump to Charleston. Taking a private jet was fine, but this was already on the way.
Just when he was about to turn off his phone, a call came in from Soma.
“On the plane,” Ace said immediately when he answered.
“I just wanted to let you know she’s in.”
“What do you mean?”
Soma’s voice seemed rather perky as he spoke. He caught Ace up on Eva talking to Oliver, who convinced her to talk to Loïc. He also told Ace what happened at the house. “Now she isn’t sure how to distract him, but she wants to. And she’s wanting to take on Zoey and Mrs. Harvey.”
Ace rubbed a palm across his face. He gazed out the window seat, and then at the heads of people in all the rows in front of him. Maybe he should have hopped a jet instead of taking the jumper plane so he could freely speak what he was thinking. “I’m not sure if this is a good idea anymore.”
“Has the plan changed?”
“No... Loïc is a little too interested for my taste. And I’m starting to like her. I don’t want to feel like I’m feeding the wolf.”
“How interested is Loïc, do you think?”
“Enough to imply he could take her from me if he really wanted. I don’t know how serious he is about it or if he’s just trying to goad me.” Ace pressed his head back against the seat. “I know I’ve only known her for a day but...” He couldn’t finish the sentence. Things had changed a lot since he picked her up. She was exciting and beautiful and from what he learned about her, from her blog and over dinner, she was the sort of person he’d like to keep around if she were interested.
Soma continued. “If I know Loïc, if he is interested, and if he knows you are interested...”
“He’ll make it a competition,” Ace said. “I know.”
“So don’t let him know you’re interested.”
“I’m not sure I can keep it to myself. You know how I am.”
Soma paused. “Let her go ahead of you to this event tonight. I’d wager he’ll try to play hard to get again, but she’s eager to put herself out there as a distraction. That was what you wanted, right? I think she feels the same thing you do regarding him. I don’t see her being turned on by his ways. I think she’ll get frustrated.”
Ace wasn’t so sure. Loïc was always pretty good at figuring out just how to get under someone’s skin. How to sweet talk to snake his way into someone’s affections.
It was way too soon to be thinking of this. She just got off the hook, and they’d only known each other a short while.
Would she even be into anyone else romantically after what happened to her? Maybe he needed to take it easy.
The flight attendant was coming down the rows, and Ace anticipated getting scolded for having his phone on still instead of on airplane mode. “I’ve got to go,” Ace said. “Send her on to the event if she wants to go. She’s her own person, and she can decide. Just help her see him for who he really is. I don’t see her as the type to get too close to anyone she doesn’t want to be close to and she won’t like his games.”
“I think she’ll surprise you all in the end. She’s pretty...exquisite.”
Soma hung up before Ace had a chance to ask what he meant. He turned his cell phone off and stared at the black screen.
He didn’t want to get roped into the same game Loïc thought he wanted to play.
But if Evelyn was interested in the game, maybe she’d stick around to play.
And then, maybe...
New
(Eva)
Ace still wasn’t back by the time I had to get ready for the charity event, but he sent word I should go ahead, and he’d meet me there.
It was perfect, because it gave me a chance to get a head start. I wanted some sort of progress I could give him by the time he showed up.
I wanted to show him how much I appreciated his help, after fouling things up before.
I sat in the back of the town car, driven by Soma. I wore the lace cherry blossom dress, my hair framing my face. I had a white lace shawl draped around my elbows and carried a small purse. I had put on the makeup like before, changing my features slightly. I was starting to get used to the new me. My sunburn, under the makeup, looked like a mild tan. It didn’t feel as bad now, but I’d taken precautions with an aspirin, hoping it would last as long as this event went on.
With the phone in my hands, I looked over the texts Gretta sent to me. She’d uncovered, on good authority, that Mrs. Harvey was indeed using the same old sweatshop in Malaysia she had been using for a long time. The same kids were working there. The same horrible conditions were put upon them to earn a meager wage. Most of the girls were forced onto birth control to continue to work there, and anyone pregnant was let go. Yet there were reports of sexual harassment from the employers. None were given protection from the chemicals used or for some of the dangerous equipment.
Horrible. How could she have gotten away with that for so long?
I allowed the phone screen to go dim, and I gazed out the window.
Charleston had long disappeared as we headed northward. Soma wove the ca
r through a lane lined on either side by live oaks, their moss hanging from large limbs and swaying in a breeze. The oaks were so tall and made almost an archway through which we drove.
I fiddled with the shawl, working out my fidgeting and nervousness in the car.
I willed myself to change that nervousness to excitement.
The exact excitement I needed to boost my confident. I lifted my head, going over formal introductions and my ability to small talk in a crowd, something I had improved over the years.
This was under different circumstances. I wasn’t here for fun.
Soma slowed the car as we approached a large gate surrounded by a brick wall. The wall blocked off either side around the property. There was a pillar on either side of the gate, on the left, a stone cougar stood, gray and staring, appearing ready to pounce. His partner stood on the other side, looking somber, and yet ears were up, on alert and watching.
The iron wrought gate was wide open.
There was a placard to one side: Belle Cielo.
Thick billowing clouds swept across the sky beyond the trees, promising shade from the sun, but also the chance of a sprinkle or two.
“How long before Ace gets in?” I asked.
“You’ve got forty minutes, give or take. His plane hasn’t landed yet, but it is close to Charleston. It doesn’t take that long to take a cab out here.”
“He doesn’t have to change?”
“He’ll be ready.” Soma peered back at me using the rearview mirror. “If you have a plan, get to it quickly. Use the phone to contact me at any time. I’ll be nearby.”
He’d entered his number and Ace’s into the phone Oliver had given me, just in case. I breathed in deeply and then let it out slow. Would it be enough time? I didn’t exactly have a plan beyond following what Soma had said they did.
Anyone she talked business to, quietly inform them, out of hearing range, what I know. Just be honest.
As we continued beyond the gate and down the lane, the trees had blocked view of anything we might be approaching. Suddenly, we reached the end, the lane turned and shortly after, the estate loomed ahead.
I sat forward, gazing out the window.
The pavement changed to something like a fine gravel. White bricks followed the lane like a sidewalk on either side.
The lane came around to a circular drive. Soma slowed, as there were a couple of cars ahead of us, and we had to wait.
The exterior was dark brick, but there were mature hydrangea bushes and magnolia and small Japanese maples trees surrounding the front. There were pockets of space around bushes and flowers for statues as well. The house appeared to be only two stories, although there appeared to be sections where there were extra rooms above the second floor. The whole façade was something akin to early English Renaissance era, with a few modern touches.
Very upscale.
Breathe, Eva, I told myself. You know what to do.
Within moments, Soma pulled up to the front of the house, where an attendant opened my door, offering a hand to assist me out. I accepted it and rose, being guided away from the car.
I kept my head back, shoulders relaxed. There were people along the path toward the front door, some had stopped, checking the gardens and angling around to take in the statues. Attendants walked around, offering assistance, taking cars to be parked, and encouraging people inside. A couple of guests looked my way as I approached the house. Some with friendly, curious faces. Others held simple disinterest. I wasn’t known to them.
Good. No recognition.
As I passed some, I bowed my head politely in greeting, smiling, occasionally saying hello to anyone who met my eye. I could have introduced myself, but I didn’t want to get roped into conversation this soon and not have a chance to get the head start I wanted. I made my way toward the large, white front doors.
Inside, I admired the grand foyer, complete with a winding staircase to a second floor. There were Greek revival statues on pillars around the walls. Some were half-naked women, gazing upward toward the ceiling, and others were men, looking longingly at the women who weren’t looking at them.
Another attendant with a clipboard greeted me. She wore dark pants, and a crisp white shirt and kept her hair tidy on top of her head. She angled her clipboard to me. “Hello,” she said. “I just need your name. I’m sorry, I don’t remember your face.”
I was familiar with such security and tried to appear assured that I should be here. “Emily...” I hesitated. I hadn’t made up a last name for myself and I wasn’t sure if I was listed on her invitation sheet. “I’m actually with Ace Waris, but he’s running a little late.” I pulled the cell phone from the small white bag I carried. “I could call him if you need to verify.”
“Right,” she said and smiled. “Emily. No, don’t worry. I was told to expect you.” She made a checkmark near a handwritten name.
Emily Courteau.
Did Ace leave that name?
Did Loïc know about it?
The attendant smiled. “Welcome to Belle Cielo.”
I puzzled over the name, but I knew I wouldn’t get an answer until Ace arrived.
To my left and right, the house continued on, but everyone seemed to be focused on a set of doors directly opposite the front.
I smiled and nodded my way through the crowd of people heading outside as directed.
The back porch made it clear that there was a left and right wing of the main part of the house. The porch extended out and made a half circle around a small grass courtyard surrounding a tree, with another statue standing under it. She held a bow, with an arrow aimed skyward.
Beyond the courtyard were more green grounds, and what appeared to be a pool, fit with two pool houses, rose gardens, and who knew what else that lay beyond my range of sight.
There was enough to explore here for weeks. The property seemed immense. This wasn’t just the rich and fabulous of Charleston. Loïc was upper crust of the upper crust.
Tables were lined up in the courtyard. At the very center stood a fountain where people held glasses up to take a clear liquid from it. I imagined it was champagne of some sort. Out on the grounds, people were taking their own tours. Art was set up on pedestals on the walkway. There were attendants handing out little books with pencils.
I hadn’t been told there was a private auction, but then I remembered this was a charity event. Now that I knew, I relaxed a little. There would be plenty to distract people with the art, the grounds, and general socializing. They may not look too close at me.
I scanned the courtyard, peering at various faces, but I didn’t see Loïc.
However, I did spot Mrs. Harvey.
She wore a very snug purple dress with thin shoulder straps. She was lean with just enough shape at the chest and hips to define her as a woman, and her long, dark hair was draped over her shoulder. She wore shades big enough to cover her brows and cheekbones while she stood by a painting and talked to someone.
I pressed my fingertips to my palms. Until I could find Loïc, I could at least do this. This was just the more nerve-wracking part.
I moved to stand behind her. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but Soma had said to be flexible. Don’t confront her directly. The point of the game was to either change her mind about her business or make it so she couldn’t do business.
I waited and listened.
“It is horrible, isn’t it?” she said, clasping her hands delicately against the champagne glass she held on to. She looked into the man’s eyes she was standing next to, with her thickly painted smile not reaching her cold eyes. “The store couldn’t pay me for garments I offered to let them sell on credit. When I pulled the collection, she started to spread vicious lies. I’m just so glad I’m out from under it now.”
Ugh. I breathed a curse under my breath, and then quickly corrected myself, turning to gaze at another small painting near the one Mrs. Harvey was standing next to. I just couldn’t believe how far she’d go to protect herself by sa
ying such slanderous things about the shop owner. I hated putting the shop owner in the middle of this and making them a target.
It steeled my resolve.
Mrs. Harvey continued, “So I’ve planned to put together a little shop of my own. I thought it was time for my brand to step out. I want to start here. Which is why I was interested in that fine retail spot you own. Tell me about it.”
I studied the man’s face as he spoke to her, trying to commit it to memory. At least I knew the lie she was spreading. I just needed to keep an eye on everyone she spoke to. I could talk to them later.
I stayed, listening to the woman go on. I debated staying nearby and seeing who else she talked to.
Suddenly, the man said, “Just give my office a call. I need to find our host. I haven’t said hello yet.”
Good.
They parted ways, but instead of following Mrs. Harvey, I trailed behind the man. He was older, with a gray moustache and caterpillar eyebrows that seemed to crawl and wriggle whenever he arched a brow or twitched them, which was often.
I shadowed him until he joined a collection of men standing in a circle on the edge of the rear lawn that overlooked the grounds.
I paused, finding myself unable to hide that I was following and in an awkward way. I could either go out into the grounds like other guests, or I had to awkwardly make an introduction.
Luckily, Loïc was in the center of the circle.
The polyester blend suit he wore was very much like the one he had worn the evening before at the restaurant. The tie was slim and matte black. He lacked a coat this time, and instead wore a plain white shirt. The sleeves were sitting high on his forearms, and the collection of silver and leather cuffs were prominent. The glasses were an interesting touch.
No labels. Like Gretta had said, many didn’t care for brand names at all. The clothes themselves needed to be good enough for people to ask questions. His clothing, his hair style, his choice in accessories—like the first time I spotted him, I sensed power and cunning...and something downright ruthless in the way he gazed at those around him.
