Page 75 of Landon

“It’s thought that mead actually predates other alcohols. It is considered the father of all alcoholic beverages. It is fermented honey, and the oldest records come from China, almost eight thousand years ago.”

She took another sip, fascinated with his knowledge. “What else is in it besides fermented honey?”

“At its core, it is fermented honey and water, but it is combined with grains, spices, fruits, and sometimes hops. It's often called honey wine.”

“Oh, I can imagine spices in this would be delicious at the holidays.”

He nodded with enthusiasm. “I have a few flavored versions of this—pomegranate, orange ginger, even elderberry,” he continued, swirling his glass. “I bring out the spiced one during the holidays. There’s something truly comforting about it in the winter.”

Lost in conversation, she finished her glass without realizing it. When she glanced at her watch, she was startled to see nearly an hour had passed. “Oh, I really need to get going,” she said, sliding off the stool, but a wave of dizziness made her pause. Her hand shot out to steady herself, and she cursed under her breath. She hadn’t expected to feel this unsteady.

Roy’s eyes flashed with concern as he took a step forward. “Are you alright?”

Noel forced a smile, swallowing back the growing nausea and unease. “I’m fine. I think the mead just… caught up with me.” Her words slurred slightly, and a prickling sensation crept down her spine as she felt his eyes linger a little too long.

“Of course,” he replied smoothly, that same polite smile never leaving his face. “Would you like to use the restroom before you go? It’s just down the hall, to the right.”

Relieved to escape his gaze for a moment, she thanked him and made her way to the powder room, gripping the walls slightly as the room tilted again. She shut the door, steadying herself against the counter and staring at her reflection. She felt strange, more than just tipsy—like the alcohol was coursing through her veins faster than it should.

She splashed cold water on her face, trying to clear the fog in her mind. Her hands shook as she reached into her purse, relieved to find her phone. Her pulse spiked when she saw the screen filled with missed calls and messages from Landon. She tapped on the first voicemail, her heart sinking as his voice filled her ear.

“Noel, I just wanted to let you know that we are suspicious of Roy Barton. Evidence points to the possibility that he may have been the one to contact Mike about Pamela…”

A cold chill ran down her spine. She could feel her breath hitching as she tried to process his words, her mind slowly processing as she looked at the door. The affable, easygoing Roy she’d been sipping mead with a few minutes ago was potentially a dangerous man.

Hands trembling, she stared at the blurry screen and texted.Jus got you messages At Roy’s houssse Leaving

She hit send, even knowing the words were just as wonky as her vision. Steeling herself, Noel opened the door and took a shaky step into the hallway. She fought to keep her expression neutral, hoping her pounding heart wasn’t visible in her eyes. Her vision blurred slightly, and she blinked rapidly, forcing herself to focus as she made her way toward the foyer. The house felt eerily silent, and her stomach twisted when she noticed Roy wasn’t in the kitchen.

She continued toward the front door, each step a battle as she tried to ignore the spinning room and her fading strength. As she neared the entryway, she spotted him standing just inside the door, leaning slightly out and listening, his face turned toward the distant sound of a helicopter.

She forced herself to walk calmly toward him, hoping he wouldn’t turn around until she’d managed to slip by. But before she could get close enough, he spun around, his eyes locking onto hers with a glint that sent a jolt of fear through her.

“Oh, there you are,” he said, his smile tight. “It was lovely to share a drink with you, but I know you need to be on your way. I won’t keep you any longer.” His voice had a strange, rushed quality as if he was eager to get her out of the house.

“Yes… thank you,” she managed, trying to move past him. But just as she stepped toward the door, his hand shot out, grabbing her arm with a force that made her gasp. He shoved her back, slamming the door shut behind him.

Her heart hammered as she struggled to keep her balance. “Roy, what… what’s going on?”

He didn’t answer, his grip tightening painfully as he dragged her back toward the kitchen. “Dammit!” he cursed.

She stumbled, her legs heavy and unsteady, barely able to keep up as he pulled her along. Panic surged through her, every nerve on high alert. “Roy! Let go! What the hell are you doing?” She tried to pull away, but her strength felt sapped, her body not responding the way it should.

The pleasant, easygoing man she’d met earlier was gone, replaced by someone cold and unrecognizable. His eyes were hard, his face twisted into a grimace as he pulled her into the kitchen. “You’re not driving anywhere now. I’ll make sure you get exactly where you need to go.”

She tried to back away, but he caught her again, pulling her in front of him. He pulled out his phone. Punching in a number,he said, “Change of plans. She can’t drive on her own. Get here, and we’ll take her in her car. Same plan, just altered.”

Her heart lurched at his words, their meaning hidden, but the harsh tone of his voice let her know that whatever he planned, she wouldn’t like the outcome. As her gaze dropped, she caught sight of a large kitchen knife nearby on the counter. She wanted to reach for it but froze as his fingers wrapped around the handle. Her eyes went wide, and she held her breath, paralyzed by fear.

“I know Mike must have talked to you. He was too good a man to die without wanting some kind of absolution.”

“It… it was you that sent him to k… kill Pamela,” she said as she clutched the counter while the room still spun.

“And that knowledge will die with you. Anyone you told will just have secondary information. Not credible in court, my dear.” He inched closer, the knife now lifting toward her.

And then, suddenly, a loud crash shattered the tension—a window breaking nearby.

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