Page 38 of The House of Whispers

Something had occurred between us. Flashes of him and me resumed as I recalled kissing him, multiple times. I couldn’t remember much of anything else.

Chesmu leaned down, wrapping a hand around my face and pulled me close, kissing me sweetly. My hands rested across his warm, broad chest as we stood there embracing one another for a moment before he slowly pulled away. “Chepi’s called a meeting. She’s requesting everyone in the house meet in the parlor. I’m in charge of rounding all the Whisps up, but I wanted to see you first.” His hand ran gently through my hair. “I’ll meet you down there.”

I nodded, perfectly content with how things were between us, despite the fogginess of last night. As I began to walk away, Chesmu smacked my backside and smiled. I smiled over my shoulder as I danced my way down the stairs, giddy with how he made me feel.

Almost every member of the house had gathered in the parlor, draped across the furniture, waiting per Madame Chepi’s request. I leaned against the bottom pillar of the stairs, crossing my arms. The Whisps were all exhausted, hung over, and still dressed for bed. Their wings hung from their backs sagging as they all seemed visibly annoyed with being woken so early. Chesmu, along with a few of the Whisps, was missing. Madame Chepi gracefully descended the stairs, causing my body to shiver with a kiss of fear. She flashed me an eerie glance as she stepped, barefoot into the parlor, dressed in pure black. Her dress haltered from her scarf covered neck, clinging to her chest as it gathered around her waist. The material flowed freely to the floor, a high slit on either side, exposing her inked legs. She wore a thicker, more elaborate shawl draped across her elbows and her long hair was tucked smoothly behind her ears and dripped down her back brushing along her backside. She was breathtaking, yet deadly.

Madame Chepi glided to the center of the parlor, staring at the occupants of her house. The Whisps straightened their postures, gasping as they made eye contact fearful of what she may do to them if she was not pleased. She stepped onto the hearth of the dimly lit fireplace opposite the bar and raised her hands, palms up, to the level of her shoulders. “My lovely ladies,” her voice was hauntingly dangerous, “with autumn quickly dancing by, I’ve decided it was time we took part in the Others’ customs and celebrate the upcoming Festival of Samhain with a masquerade ball, here in my house.”

The Whisps all gasped and squealed in excitement, fluttering their pastel and metallic wings. I rolled my eyes, annoyed, knowing I’d have to work extra hours due to the festivities. At least I’d have Chesmu helping me.

As his name crossed my mind, Chepi rushed past me down the stairs and pushed through the lively group of Whisps. His entire being was on edge and rigid as he leaned close to Madame Chepi and whispered in her ear. Her jaw tightened as she faintly raised her head. Her emotion remained unchanged as she spoke. “Such excitement,” she smiled. “My lovely Whisps, take the morning to prepare. Why don’t you all head into town and find your costumes, your masks, and begin your preparations. Tonight we will spread the word. Our Samhain masquerade shall take place in just three nights’ time.” The Whisps scattered to their rooms to dress for a morning of shopping.

Madame Chepi remained expressionless as she moved through the parlor and walked past me. Chesmu shadowed her moves, obviously disturbed and angered by something. As he passed me, I turned, grabbing his arm. He stopped, his eyes refusing to meet mine as he removed my hand. “Not now.” His words stung.

A flame of anger flickered inside as I stepped behind him. “What’s happened?” I demanded. He turned, continuing to follow Madame Chepi, slightly ignoring me. “Chesmu!” I tried to turn him to face me, but he only brushed my hands from him. “Stay with the Whisps. They are your problem right now.” I halted at the stillness of his voice as he and Madame Chepi made their way toward the corridor of Whisps’ rooms.

What could possibly upset Chesmu so? And why wasn’t I being asked to help handle it?Being the house bouncer, it was my job to handle anything wrong, not with just the Johns, but with the Whisps as well. I returned to the parlor, rushing the Whisps to hurry.Why didn’t Chesmu trust me?

Memories of us together the night prior flashed inside my mind. We had been together—in some form. And yet, just now, he treated me as though I was a stranger to him. Unworthy. My sadness and rage bled into one, creating a powerful urge to confront him. To demand the reasoning for the shift in him.

As the Whisps continued readying themselves, I sprinted up the stairs and began in the direction the two had disappeared. I glanced down the hall, peeking into various rooms looking for them. It wasn’t until I turned past my room and made my way down the adjacent hall that I heard voices whispering. I crept along the wall, snapping my fingers as my eyes glowed and my body flickered from view. The voices grew louder as I approached the furthest door down the hall. It was cracked open ever so lightly, enough for their voices to float into the air outside. I inched closer, leaning against the wall as I listened. The smell of old blood soaked the air, hitting me like a brick wall. I startled as they whispered.

“I do not trust her!” Madame Chepi hissed.

“She has shown her loyalty. More than once.” Chesmu whispered back in a low volume. “As for last night, she was—preoccupied. What you think is impossible.”

Were they discussing… me?

“And what exactlydidhappen last night, Papoose?” I’d heard of that term once before, long ago as a child. It meant something along the lines of son.

The room fell silent.

“Answer me!” she hissed. My body jolted at the sound of a slap as it echoed, causing my heart to race. “Remember who saved you,” she growled, presumably at Chesmu.

“I was with her,” Chesmu spoke quietly. His voice resembled that of a broken animal.

They were talking about me. Aboutus.

“You know how I feel about her.” She sighed. “We must act fast. While Casper takes the Whisps into town, you clean this mess. No one can know, Chesmu.”

Madame Chepi swung the door wide open as I fell back against the wall, holding my breath. The smell of rotten blood made my eyes water as she shut the door behind her. She stopped, her eyes squinting as she remained still. She slowly eyed the world, looking from one side to another before her eyes fell on me. I turned my head, my heart racing as she adjusted her shawl and gracefully walked past me and into the adjacent hall.

As Madame Chepi turned the corner, I released a loud exhale. Still unseen by any, I glanced back at the closed door, curious to know what was behind it. Whatever it was, it reeked of death. My stomach sank.

Had The Ripper struck again? Did Jakkal make his next move?

It took everything in my power to resist swinging the door wide open. My head throbbed at the lack of memory from the night before.

What had Jakkal done?

“Casper?” My eyes peeled from the door as I made my way towards the origins of her distant voice as she commanded me to her. I remained unseen, scaling the stairs as I caught a glimpse of Madame Chepi and the Whisps huddled around the front doors of the brothel. I turned into the hallway that led to the back door and snapped my fingers once I was hidden amongst the shadows. “Casper!” she yelled.

I rushed from the darkness and toward her, pretending to not know of her conversation with Chesmu. “Here.” I called back. “I’m here.”

She stared at me with contemptuous eyes. “Finally,” she whispered under her breath. “Casper, take these lovely ladies into town. Watch and protect them as they gather all that they need for our ball.” I nodded heading for the door. “And, Casper?” She grabbed my arm firmly, holding me tight. “Keep them safe.” The words were more of a warning than command.

My eyes stared into hers, glaring as she kept her hand tightly around my arm. Anger filled my veins as I fought back disrespectful words. Hearing her speak to Chesmu in such a way, seeing her order him around and treat him poorly—it made me hate her more.

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