Page 146 of Poison Aches

That’s all he says but it’s like he just opened the floodgates of hell.

We pass the foyer, then we walk through an elegantly decorated hallway, and it’s then that I start hearing the soft tones of music playing.

As we walk, I notice the crystal chandeliers every six paces.

I notice the fresh flowers on every flat surface and the expensive art hanging on the walls.

This is an intentionally designed house, with wealth and power on full display.

I spot the maids and what looks like servers moving swiftly along with trays of food, drinks, and other stuff.

Oh God, what is this?

And suddenly, I start hearing that small, almost indecipherable voice in my head telling me that I’m making a mistake.

There’s a party… could it be for me?Like a reunion party?

But no, that makes no sense.

A reunion suggests we’ve met before and got separated at some point.

This man didn’t know I existed.

By a stroke of pure and rare luck, we’re about to get introduced to each other.

So what does this party mean?

No sane person would throw a party on the same evening he will meet the daughter, right?

Something’s off here.

This party… there’s obviously more to it. Even the security guy was put off by my outfit…

“Uh, one more question,” I croak. “The dude at the gate mentioned there isn’t a Mr. Teddy that lives here. Is that true?”

As soon as I say that, the solemn-looking dude turns around so fast like he’s got wind blowing behind him.

He looks at me with disbelieving, slightly rounded wide eyes as if what I just said is beyond ridiculous.

In fact, he looks like he just took offense to my question.

“Mr. Teddy? Excuse me, do you not know…” he starts but trails off and gives me a pointed look. Finally, he clears his throat and asks, “Do you know why you were invited tonight?”

“I… ummm…I’m supposed to meet…”

The guy cuts me off, obviously fresh out of patience with my stutters and nerves.

“Miss Irving, I’d advice that while you’re here, you show respect to the governor.”

Wait, what?

“The G-governor?” I stutter.

A buzz starts between my ears.

“Yes,” the guy says pointedly. “This is the private residence of the Governor of the state of New York, Governor Theodore Phillip Hughes the Third, and tonight as he celebrates his fifty-fifth birthday, he’s making an important announcement. All invited guests are close friends and family, associates, and high-profile political guests important to the cause.”

Sirens start blaring in my head.

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