Make-Believes & Lost Memories Read online

  Danior had joined her band onstage, and they were now tuning their instruments. Guests continued to stream down the path, and Mallory knew that was her cue to take the mic.

  “Thank you all for joining us tonight. Tonight, I’ll be playing the role of Madam Simza Heron,” Mallory said, heat rushing to her cheeks. “But before we carry on with the second half of the game, I’d just like to say yesterday was an unusual day at the Manor. One I hope never to see again. I offer a toast in the memory of Raymond Weasel.” Mallory held her glass up high and then took a sip. “I know it might seem odd to some of you that we chose to play our game this evening. I realize that it’s not the best of circumstances that we celebrate under, but what is death if not a reminder to enjoy life.” The crowd nodded and clapped. “Now, please, enjoy your stay.”

  Mallory nodded to Danior, and the band struck up the first song, a mixture of rock and folk.

  At that moment, there was movement at the other end of the patio and Mallory saw Nana enter, her face alight with pleasure. She raised her arm and waved and Mallory felt relief that she approved.

  Mallory couldn’t help but grin. Her hair was pulled back and hidden beneath a turquoise-and-red geometric-patterned scarf, accented by large hoop earrings and a long flowy off-the-shoulder dress. She was a true bohemian witch, and she looked very much the part. She swayed to the music and Mallory wondered if watching Danior play reminded Nana of her daughter the way it reminded Mallory of her mother. They could have been twins.

  Closing her eyes, Mallory swayed from side to side. Suddenly, someone caught her hand, spinning her around so swiftly that she nearly lost her footing. And then a strong arm curled around her waist and a man’s palm pressed into her lower back.

  Mallory’s eyes flew open in surprise, and before she could utter a word of protest, Emilion began to twirl Mallory around the patio’s dance floor.

  “You looked like you were enjoying the music, Madam Simza,” he said, a small smile softening the corners of his mouth.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Whatever do you mean? I’m Sherlock Holmes tonight. That means I’m playing your love interest.”

  Mallory’s eyes flicked to Danior on stage before meeting his dark gaze again. “Cut the crap. Are you trying to make Danior jealous?”

  His smile grew wider. “You mean Irene Adler? Of course not.”

  Mallory frowned.

  “I saw a beautiful woman and I couldn’t resist.”

  “Well, this beautiful woman is a little bit too old for you, now quit spinning me or I’ll mess up your sleek leather boots with vomit,” Mallory said rather bluntly.

  He ran a hand over his slicked back hair—the same hair that was usually tied back, then he looked down at Mallory with dark brown eyes. “Didn’t your mother ever tell you it’s the man’s job to lead?”

  Mallory stomped on his foot in reply and smiled the same cocky grin he’d just been wearing.

  He didn’t make a sound, but he slowed his pace.

  “Now what is this all about? Are you and Danior fighting?” Mallory asked.

  No answer.

  Mallory didn’t like to admit it, because she prided herself on being too preoccupied with her own business to nose into others, but these two were hopeless. One minute she’d catch them kissing in a stairwell and the next Danior would be swearing him off.

  When the song was over, Emilion held Mallory for a heartbeat, smiling that devilish smile, and then abruptly released her. Danior pretended to be busy getting ready for the next song but Mallory caught the disapproving glare.

  “Thank you for the dance, Mr. Holmes,” Mallory said, “but next time you want Danior’s attention, try flowers or a picnic lunch.”

  “You don’t waste any time,” said a familiar voice behind Mallory.

  Mallory turned to see Detective Bones. Thank god he wasn’t in uniform. The last thing the manor needed was more scandal.

  He’d shaved and his shirt was rolled up a few times at the cuffs, exposing what looked to be an expensive watch on his wrist. His longish hair was pushed away from his face, but a few strands had fallen down and waved loosely by his cheekbone. His strong brows were drawn together in a look of concern.

  “Are you trying to kill someone else?”

  “Excuse me?”

  He smiled, “With that dress. You could give a man a heart attack.”

  Mallory glanced down and smirked. “What are you doing back here? Is it a crime to throw a party, Mr. Bones? Will you be arresting me? Because I’d like more sensible footwear, if that’s the case.”

  “Not at all. It is a little odd. And truthfully I’m hurt that I wasn’t invited but… ”

  “Perhaps I could make it up to you with a dance.”

  “I would love that, only I’m afraid I have paperwork to get to. I just stopped by to pick up that list. The girl at the desk promised to have it ready, but she wasn’t there.”

  Mallory glanced around the space for Lise as the band changed tempos. She was probably snapchatting her costume or drooling over Miss Viel and her clique. Mallory could see Emilion heading for the main door. Guess he’d tortured Danior enough. They’d added a violin to the song, that was new or wait… no… the violin was in her head. Instead of Lise, Mallory saw a man in the garden area. He bumped into Nana and she seemed to stiffen. Seb, the man who’d helped them with the translation, and the man Raymond Weasel had spoken to before his death. Even from across the room Mallory could see Nana go pale. There was something more to this guy.

  “I’m sorry. I just need to go over here for a minute,” Mallory said. “You can follow and I’ll get your list.”

  Mallory had almost reached her when Nana collapsed to the ground, her champagne glass shattering on the stones beside her. She heard one of the guests mumble, “I didn’t see this coming. What a twist.”

  Mallory ran over. “Oh, God! Nana? Talk to me.”

  Detective Bones, who’d followed Mallory, scooped Nana up and into his arms and headed away from the crowd.

  Danior ran for Nana’s purse while they took her through the gate.

  “My car’s right there.” Mallory pointed. “I’ll take her to the emergency room.”

  Mallory opened the door and Kaden eased her into the back seat. “Why don’t I just call an ambulance?”

  There was something about Kaden’s aura that Mallory didn’t like. She couldn’t focus long enough to figure it out.

  “No. They’ll take her to the wrong hospital,” Mallory said.

  “Got it,” Danior said, catching up.

  “You seem shaken up, Mal. Why don’t I drive?”

  “I got this,” Mallory said and slammed the door shut. No sooner had Danior climbed into the backseat with a worried look on her face then Mallory had pulled away and headed up the manor’s drive.

  Mallory looked into the rear-view mirror. “Stay calm and I’ll get her to the hospital in no time.” Mallory pulled the car out onto the main road and floored it. “Can you still feel her pulse?”

  Mallory whizzed by a slow car that was ahead of her, cutting off an old man in a rusted red pickup truck in the process. When Mallory glanced in the rear-view mirror, he shook his fist at her.

  He was mouthing something.

  “I’m pretty sure that old man just called you a crazy woman driver.”

  “Did he? What a sexist jerk. I should turn this thing around.”

  Danior returned her stare in the rear-view mirror and smirked then she grew serious. “What if she’s having a heart attack, Mal? Why didn’t you just call an ambulance or let the detective drive? He’s probably got flashing lights.”

  Mallory winced at her arrogance. She was right.

  “I’m sorry, Danior. I don’t know why I was so stubborn. That detective just makes me so nervous.”

  “Nervous, ha! You like him and you’re stubborn because you’re just like your mother.” Nana mumbled.

  “Nana!” Mallory replied. “You’re alive.” Mallory sw
allowed to fight back tears.

  “Course I’m alive. What the hell kind of greeting is that. Did I say that to you last year when you had your wisdom teeth out?”

  Danior laughed in response. “No, I believe you told Mallory you were happy that she’d maybe shut up for a while.”

  “Well, lord jeepers girl, those drugs made her ramble… going on about tooth fairy bandits.”

  Mallory turned down a side road and stifled a giggle. Nana was clearly feeling better.

  “Where are we going, anyway, that you feel the need to outdo Dale Earnhardt?” Nana barked.

  “To the hospital, silly. You fainted at the party.” Mallory cast a dubious glare her way.

  “I don’t need to go to the hospital. I’m fine now and anyway, you’re going in the wrong direction.” Nana winced as Mallory took a hard right.

  “It’s a shortcut.”

  Mallory ignored her look of doubt and made a couple of turns although the streets all looked the same.

  “You’re going to kill us in an automobile wreck.” She let out a couple of huffs and matched them with a few puffs. “Why the hell didn’t you just call an ambulance if you were so worried?”

  Danior cleared her throat. “That’s what I said!”

  “Zip it. Whose side are you on?” Mallory quipped.

  “The side that raised you both.” Nana said.

  Mallory smiled at her. “Nana, you would have killed me if I’d called an ambulance to the Manor and you know it,”

  “Well, girly, you can add this to your list. I’m gonna kill you if you ever drive me to the hospital yourself again,” she groaned as Mallory made a hard U-turn.

  The hospital came into view and none too soon.

  Mallory pulled the car into the area that was marked for emergencies, almost grazing a man crossing their path. He pumped his fists at Mallory in anger as she hurried around to help Nana. What was everyone’s problem today?

  “Get out of the way. Injured woman coming through.” Danior grabbed the wheelchair next to the door.

  “They have eyes. I think they can see I’m injured,” Nana snapped.

  “Sit down,” Mallory ordered.

  Her arm was draped around Mallory for support. She eased into the chair.

  “I can take her from here.” A nurse approached, then took over the steering.

  An hour later, Danior and Mallory stood with Doc Roberts in Nana’s hospital room. He was an old friend of the family, as well as their closest neighbor, and his voice was kind as he reassured them that Nana would be fine.

  Nana was tucked under a white blanket with blue and pink stripes, spewing obscenities Mallory wasn’t aware she even knew.

  Her arms were stretched out, and lines ran from both wrists to fluid bags on stands next to the bed. They were running blood tests but, based on her fast recovery, Doctor Roberts had chalked her fainting spell up to a traumatic day with irregular eating. Mallory couldn’t disagree with that.

  Nodding absently as Doctor Roberts went on, Mallory squeezed Nana’s hand. Nana had been complaining that she wanted to go home for an hour but the doctor was adamant that she stay overnight for monitoring just in case. Luckily Doctor Roberts was the one person she would listen to.

  “I’ll personally stay here,” the doc said. “And if anything changes I’ll call.”

  “We can’t leave her.” Mallory interlaced her fingers to keep them from trembling. “Danior can go back and take care of things at the Manor and I’ll stay here.”

  “No,” Nana said forcefully. “You both need to be there. I ruined the game and with everything that’s happened we’ll have even more cancellations.”

  “You didn’t ruin anything. Lise and Emilion took over and made your collapse look like part of the show.”

  “Well, regardless, I’ll feel better knowing you’re taking care of things. That Lise is a twit and Emilion will hump anything that moves.”

  “Hey!” Danior protested, “Easy on the insults.”

  “Sorry, did you resemble that remark?” Nana retorted.

  Doc Roberts gave her arm a paternal squeeze. “What you two need is a bite to eat and a good night’s rest just like your nana. You look quite peaked.” Mallory started to protest, but he held out a finger. “Doctor’s orders. Now go home. Both of you.”

  “Thank you. It’s such a comfort to have you here.” Mallory gave him a grateful smile and realized she hadn’t eaten much at dinner. Her stomach growled as if to concur. “I’ll be back in the morning,” Mallory told her nana and kissed her on the cheek.

  “You won’t need to,” The doc promised. “I’ll discharge her in twenty-four hours and bring her home. You just worry about the manor so I don’t have to listen to her bitch.”

  Nana raised an eyebrow at the man and smiled. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

  20

  T he next morning Mallory awoke with the strangest feeling in her chest. The sun had yet to rise, but she’d quickly thrown on tights and a sweater. Bakalo was missing from his usual spot on the wingback chair in the corner of her room. Now where could he be. Perhaps Danior had let him out, she’d be busy baking at this hour.

  Doctor Roberts had texted Mallory late last night that Nana was doing great so Mallory was feeling better, and yet something about Raymond’s death was bothering her. She’d been plagued with dreams the whole night through. She didn’t understand them but she kept seeing the parlor in each and every one. Since Mallory couldn’t sleep she figured she might as well go there.

  Padding down the second-floor hallway in slippers, her heart stopped when she saw the door that led to the attic. She felt a chill run up her spine as though someone were watching her.

  It was wide open. Guests weren’t allowed in the attic.

  Mallory crossed cautiously to the door and peered up the stairs into the darkness.

  “Hello?”

  Music. The same song she’d heard at Elsa’s. The sound was so faint she wasn’t even sure it was there. Then Bakalo meowed.

  She groped along the wall lightly looking for the light switch, her shoulders tensing, her arm getting ready to pull back if her fingers encountered anything crawly. She found the hard-plastic switch and flicked it, peering up the stairs which was now slightly dim instead of pitch black.

  She stepped on the first step, then the second.

  “Bakalo?” She stood with her left foot on the top step, her right hovering in the air, uncertain whether she should continue or turn and flee back down the stairs.

  “Meeew.” The sound came from her left. Mallory’s heart crunched—Bakalo sounded weak as a kitten.

  Looking in that direction, she could barely see something glowing in the corner.

  Her stomach fluttered as she climbed the final step. The wood floor felt cold even through her slippers. She realized she should have put shoes on before venturing up. Too late now, she thought as she tiptoed her way across the floor toward the cat.

  “Mew.” Bakalo greeted her as she approached.

  “Bakalo, what is it?” She bent down to pet the cat and was rewarded with a loud purr. “Who opened that door for you and why would you come up here?”

  She stood up to inspect the mysterious glow. It was hard to make out details in the dark. Had someone turned a lamp on? No. It wasn’t a lamp.

  She turned around to head back down the stairs, her heart jerking when she came face to face with a swirly white mist. A ghost.

  She jumped back, and the female energy reached out and grabbed her wrist. Her heartbeat picked up speed as she felt the coldness wrap itself around her hand, the chill working its way up her arm. Her pulse drummed in her ears as the ghost tried to pull her toward the corner. She stopped fighting when she realized what the ghost was trying to show her. Someone had been up here, and they’d been rooting through things. What were they looking for?

  She was about to investigate further when she heard a faint creaking. Were those footsteps from below?

  The gho
st nodded at her. A door thudded. She jerked her hand away. Her heart beat faster.

  The ghost disappeared into a dark crack in a chest leaving only a slight swirly mist in its wake.

  Mallory glanced over at Bakalo who’d jumped and skittered down the attic stairs. “Hey!” she muttered as she followed the cat down the attic steps to the second floor.

  She was just closing and locking it when she heard a woman’s voice from behind, “Hey there, it’s Mallory right?”

  Mallory jumped as she turned around to face her.

  “Yes,” she replied, and took a deep breath, “Sorry, I’m a bit winded, and you surprised me. I don’t normally see guests awake this early.”

  The girl Mallory recognized as Shae Viel smiled at her. Her friends, the tattooed fairy and pinky stood beside her. “Is everything okay with your Nana?”

  Mallory nodded and focused her thoughts on their auras, but she was too distraught to get a straight read from any of them. “She’s great. Thanks for asking.”

  “I’m a fashion blogger from Seattle, Kooky Keiko,” the pink-haired woman cut in. “Well, just Keiko. And this is Todo.” She gestured at her tattooed friend. “She’s all about dat ink.” Todo flicked a glance in my direction and grimaced a small smile. Both were dressed in eccentric outfits and didn’t offer to shake hands.

  “We were just on our way to see if breakfast is open and then we have some work to do before our 8am marketing session,” Shae said. “Did you want to come eat with us? I’d love to interview you for my blog.”

  “Isn’t your blog about makeup?” Mallory asked. She was hardly the poster girl for makeup given she didn’t know what half of it was these days, “Lise showed me one of your contouring tutorials.”

  “Oh, heck no. Make-up is just one tiny aspect of what I do, and besides I’m really a science nerd so the only reason I like makeup is because I like to play with formulas of my own. These days, I’m really about empowering women and I think it’s really cool that you run this place with your Nana,” Shae said. “Plus, I’m kind of vintage junkie and I would love to talk about this house and all of the pieces in it.” She paused and shifted her stance, “Also, I heard you have secret passages.”