I soaked up what she said committing it to memory. Crashing a fancy dinner party was a new thing for me.
“What about Tammy?” I asked remembering that I had invited her along.
“We took care of that,” said Elise. “She’ll already be there. Now, there is a limo out front and time is running out.”
“Limo?”
“Yeah, the driver owed Tiny a favor. Can’t have you showing up in that Junker of yours. Wouldn’t fit the picture.”
I wondered how many people owed Tiny favors.
“Now go have fun. Oh, and that necklace and earrings, don’t lose them. We kind of borrowed them.” Elise steered me out the door and to the parked limousine. The driver held the door open for me.
“Good evening, Miss,” he said tipping his hat. “All the drinks in there are on the house. And don’t worry. I’ll see that you arrive in style.”
At exactly 8:20 the limousine rolled onto the long, curvy driveway of the mansion. It led us to the front door of the house. I don’t know how else to describe it. The building could hold my entire apartment complex. A line of people exiting their cars and approaching the entrance snaked down the walk. I gaped at the site. The grounds alone must be the size of the university campus. How much money did Randall Hopkins have?
“Here we are, Miss.” The drive pointed at the enormous building. “Mr. Hopkins’ humble abode: twenty rooms, three living rooms, and two kitchens.”
Two kitchens? Who needed two kitchens?
“Unfortunately, the grounds aren’t worth much.”
“What?” I said.
“Sorry, Miss. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“No, go on,” I urged the driver.
“Well, not many people know this, but a couple years ago Mr. Hopkins was forced to sell a portion of his property to pay off some debts. It was all done privately so as to keep it out of the papers.”
A wealthy person in debt? Such a thought had never occurred to me, but if poor folk like me could owe creditors; why would it be different for someone like Randall Hopkins? Now more than ever I wanted to look at his house.
The driver parked the car by the lavish stairway that led to the open French doors. “Here you go,” he opened the door and helped me out. The dress tangled around my shoes causing me to stumble. The driver caught me before I went splat on the ground. That would have been so graceful.
“Thanks,” I said.
“No problem,” he said, “Just remember: keep your head high; act like you own this night; and walk slow.” He handed me my purse, another contribution from Elise. “Have a good time.”
I eyed the people going inside dressed in fine clothes that shimmered in the well-lit exterior. Taking the steps one at a time, and hanging onto the rail for support, I made my way up holding my head high. My gown flowed with every movement I made attracting a few approving looks. Whatever my friends did to me certainly made me noticeable, in a good way.
“Invitation?” said the man at the door.
I made a show of digging in my purse looking for it. “I’m sorry,” I apologized with a smile, “I must have dropped it.”
“You can’t get in without it.”
“I know it’s here somewhere.” Again I made a show of searching for my nonexistent invitation. “It has to be here.”
“Ma’am, I must ask you to step aside,” said the guard.
“Ma’am? Do I look like a ma’am?” I have no idea where that outburst came from, but it had the desired effect. The shocked look on the bouncer’s face told me so. “I have an invitation, but have momentarily misplaced it. If you let me in I can prove that I was invited.”
“Ma—Miss, I cannot allow you to enter without an invitation.”
“Really? I was invited by Mr. Hopkins himself. Go and get him. He’ll tell you who I am. Go on.” I shouted that last part.
Clearly embarrassed, the guy at the door had no idea what to do. Neither did I. Where was Adam? I couldn’t keep this up for much longer.
“Miss—”
“Why Miss Pixil, there you are,” Adam strode out of the building taking my hands and kissing them. “How nice of you to come. I must admit that I was a bit worried that your headache would keep you away.”
I gave a sweet smile. “Oh, how kind of you. Though I may not be able to stay since this lug head won’t let me in.” I felt bad about that comment, but I had to act like I belonged.
“Won’t let you in?”
“She has no invitation,” said the man.
“As I’ve tried to explain,” I began, “I have one. It’s just misplaced.”
“Not let Miss Pixil in? How absurd. Of course she was invited and Mr. Hopkins will be sorely disappointed if you refuse her entrance.” Adam played his part well.
“But—”
“I will vouch for her,” said Adam, “Come on in. Let us see if we can get you more favorable company.”
Adam pulled me inside despite the guard’s protests. I allowed him to steer me into the main room where music flowed filling every corner of the mansion. Tables overflowing with delicacies caused my stomach to rumble. I mentally told it to shut up. Various people danced, ate, and chatted with one another.
“Here,” Adam put a key and flash drive in my purse, “The key goes to Randall’s office. The office is at the top of the stairs there to the left. Take the first hallway you find and follow it to the end.”
“Got it.”
“You’ll have about one hour to look around. Do not take longer than that. Afterward, go down the servant’s staircase to the kitchens. I’ll meet you there. In about ten minutes the distraction will take place. When that happens, sneak away to his office.”
“What will it be?”
“You’ll know when it happens. Until then, mingle. Act like you belong.”
Adam left me alone. Slowly, I made my way through the throng of people smiling and greeting them as I went. “How are you this evening?” I said to an older gentleman.
“Well, thank you,” he replied giving me an odd look; no doubt trying to figure out who I was.
I meandered through the crowd toward my destination.
“Would you care to dance?” A man of about Adam’s age came up to me.
“No I—”
Before I could get away, the man snatched my arm and whirled me onto the dance floor. Crap. I had only minutes to get to the stairs.
“I don’t believe I’ve seen you before.”
“Probably because you haven’t,” I replied keeping my eye on the stairs.
“Oh. A newbie. Old money?”
Not one those. “My fortune came in more recently.”
He spun me around before clutching my waist again. I felt his hand slip downward. Oh, no he didn’t. “You outshine everyone here.”
Not happening, pal.
“You know, there are several rooms upstairs. We could sneak away and get to know each other.”
No freaking way. “I’d rather not,” I said, trying to be polite. “Now if you’ll excuse me.”
The man’s hold tightened. “I would really love to know you better,” he whispered into my ear as his hand slipped lower.
That was it. I reached back grasping his thumb and wrenched it back. At the same instant I placed my hand over his mouth to stifle his yelp of pain. “I said no,” I whispered, “Now let me go, before I break you arm.”
He released his grip. “No one turns me down.”
I moved in and brought my knee up to his groin and shoved him into a nearby chair before he collapsed on the floor.
“Well, I am.”
I marched off toward the stairs having wasted enough time trying to shake off Mr. Disturbing. I hiked up the marble staircase smiling at everyone I went past. Once I reached the second floor, the scope of the room took my breath away. The chandeliers lit the place up allowing sparkles of light to dance off of the various dresses that the women wore. Gigantic windows made up the far wall. I could only imagine what they looked like i
n daylight.
A rope barred the hallway from the party goers. No one stood there. They probably figured no one would go down there. Or the guy had gone on a smoking break. I didn’t care.
I spotted Jackie. She and Randall entwined themselves in each other’s arms. Her purple, sequin dress stole the scene. I recognized that dress. My heart ached knowing that she must have snuck into the apartment while I was out to get it. Why did we have to fight? Why did she have to go out with him?
“Mel.”
I whipped around. Tammy stood there dressed in the black attire of the other waiters holding a tray out to me. “Tammy? How’d—”
“No time. Adam got me in as one of the caterers. Anyway, here,” she handed me a slip of paper, “It’s Randall’s password to his computer.”
I marveled at Tammy. Her usual excited demeanor had disappeared being replaced by a more controlled personality. I had never seen her so measured.
Just then a huge clatter echoed throughout the hall as several trays crashed to the floor sending glasses of champagne flying. A second later, a server slipped in the spilled champagne and plummeted into one of the banquet tables. Platters of food and the gigantic bowl of punch covered the tiled floor.
Seizing my chance, I hopped over the rope and trotted down the hall taking the first left as instructed. As the sounds of the party faded, I knew I had to be getting close to my destination. Last room at the very end. Soft light lined the hallway providing enough to see by. Digging the key out of my purse, I opened the door and hurried in, making certain that I locked it again.
I rushed to the desk where the computer sat. Flicking on the lamp, I pulled out the paper with the password. Luckily, the computer booted up quickly. Keys clacked as I typed the password. Now what was I looking for? I scrolled through the computer hard drive wishing that Jack was with me. A group of folders caught my eye. They were numbers, numbers that seemed familiar.
Getting an idea, I checked how much memory the flash drive had. Hopefully I could just copy the hard disk to the drive. I clicked the mouse a few times and started the process. My fingers drummed on the desk as it copied over.
Footsteps sounded outside. I crept over to the door listening intently as they kept going. While I waited for the computer to finish, I rifled through the books on the bookcase, but did not find any more accounting ones. The only books I found were pieces of literature. Nothing interesting within their pages. A bing from the computer drew my attention. Good. It had finished.
I plucked the drive from the computer and shut it off. Carefully, I made certain that everything remained as I had found it. I rushed for the door, but voices outside stopped me. Shoot! They came closer.
“Door’s locked,” said one. “No one could be in there.”
“I better get the key just to make sure. You stay here.” The second man walked away.
Trapped.
I went out on the balcony. No trellis to climb down. There was a ledge barely big enough for me to walk sideways on that led to another balcony a few yards away. The handle to the door jiggled as someone stuck a key in it. I kicked off my shoes holding onto the straps as I heaved myself over the railing and onto the overhang.
“Don’t look down,” I told myself. Too late.
Holding my breath, I scooted along the ridge. Goosebumps formed all over me as the frigid wind wailed past. My bare feet tingled for several seconds before going numb from the icy concrete. Hugging the brick wall, I moved sideways brushing the hard surface with the soles of my feet. I kept my eyes on my goal: the other balcony.
Voices below me forced me to pause. Two men talked loudly having obviously consumed too much alcohol. One of them flung an empty bottle in my direction. Shards of glass rained down upon them as it broke against the brick exterior.
The pit of my stomach held butterflies as I inched my way across. My plight resembled a James Bond movie more than anything else. I wanted more excitement. How did I get into these situations?
Finally, I reached the terrace. I tossed my shoes on to it. Gripping the frozen rail, I hauled myself over it and to safety. Breathing heavily, I sent up a prayer to the universe for not letting me fall. Never again! I repeat, never again will I walk along a ledge. I shoved my shoes back on my feet, hoping my blue toes would turn normal color again soon.
After picking the lock, I rushed inside delighting in the sudden wave of warmth that washed over me. Slowly, feeling came back into my hands and feet. I scanned the dark room. Definitely a bedroom. Deciding to take advantage of the situation, I searched the drawers in the dresser and the closet. Whose room was this?
No pieces of identification were to be found, but the closet revealed something very interesting. Inside rested a pair of boots with mud on them. I couldn’t be certain, but it looked similar as what was on the riverbank. I scraped a sample of it into my purse. Then, I took a picture of them with my phone. On the top shelf was a hat. Carefully, I picked it up to take a closer look. It looked similar to the one I had seen on the murderer that night.
A thump outside the door made my heart skip a beat. I put the hat back and closed the closet and checked my watch. My hour was almost up. Quietly, I opened the door a crack to peek out. Clear. I darted out and shut the door. Running as best I could in heels, I headed for where Adam said the servant’s staircase should be.
I found them. I was just about to open the door to them when—
“Where do you think you’re going?” A security guard approached me with a sour expression.
Thinking quickly, I said “I was looking for the restroom. My little friend decided to show up—and—well, I got a bit turned around.”
The guard got a “too much information” look on his face. “It’s down that way and to the right.”
“Thanks.” I walked to where he pointed and waited after I rounded the corner. I watched as the security guard checked the stairwell and wandered away. Once out of sight, I ran for the stairs, slipping through the door before anyone else caught me. The narrow staircase made running down in heels difficult.
The clanging and banging of dishes told me I had entered the kitchen. A hand grabbed me that moment I stepped off the last step. “What—”
A hand covered my mouth as Adam hissed in my ear. “What took you so long?”
“There were some complications,” I replied.
“Here’s your wrap,” he shoved it into my hands. “Now let’s go.”
He pushed me through the kitchen around all the cooks and waiters that darted about and out the back door. A black Lincoln waited for me. Adam opened the door as I got in the back seat.
“Now, this concludes our bargain,” said Adam.
“I’ll see you later,” I said.
“I hope not,” he slammed the door and waved for the driver to go.
We sped down the driveway just as Detective Shorts pulled up in his car. Thankfully the tinted windows prevented him from seeing me.
“Where to, Miss?”
I gave him the address for my apartment.
“Don’t you recognize me?”
I looked at the driver studying his face. He looked familiar. After several more minutes it dawned on me. The rotund guy from the spy club’s initiation ceremony.
“I have to hand it to you, Miss Summers. You certainly know how to liven up a night. This is one for the books.”
“You’re happy that we infiltrated a city councilman’s party?” I asked.
“Happy? We were elated when Adam came to us with your proposal.”
“You guys do this sort of thing a lot?”
“Whenever we can.”
“Did it occur to you that this sort of thing is slightly illegal?”
“Did it occur to you when you approached Adam yesterday?”
My face fell. No, it didn’t.
“Face it, you’re hooked. There’s a certain thrill to it. That’s why we do this. Most of us are just office personal, repairmen, or store clerks. I work for a cell phone company. This
club gives us something to look forward to.”
I couldn’t argue with that. To each their own.
“Well, here you are. Home sweet home.”
I stepped out and into the cold. “Thanks again for everything,” I said.
“Anytime.”
He drove off leaving me alone. My heart sank at the thought of having to go back to the empty apartment alone. I considered spending the night at Greg’s again. Ultimately, I decided against it not wanting to intrude too much.
I took off my shoes the moment I stepped inside. My sore feet thanked me for it. Within ten minutes I managed to get out of the dress and clean my face. Carefully, I put it back in the plastic wrap it had come in. I made certain that the necklace and shoes were well-protected in a paper sack. I didn’t need to lose them since Tiny trusted me to return them; and who knows where he got them from.
No Jackie. That didn’t surprise me. She must have been really angry at me. Maybe I was wrong about Randall. After I got the flash drive to Jack, I would know for sure. Until then, I planned on getting some sleep.
Chapter 9
A gloomy day with falling snow greeted me as I woke up. Groggily, I got out of bed and bumped right into Jackie.
“I can’t believe you,” she said.
“What?” Still not fully awake, my foggy mind tried to piece what she said together. Only the anger in her voice came through loud and clear.
“Last night. I can’t believe you.”
“Would you mind telling me what this is all about?”
“You went to Randall’s party last night uninvited,” shouted Jackie, “You snuck in there. Don’t deny it I saw you. And what was Tammy doing there?”
“I needed someone to help me,” I lamely replied, “And since you haven’t been talking to me that last few days, who else would I turn to?”
Janet McNulty - Mellow Summers 05 - Oh Holy Ghost Page 7