Page 33 of Light Up
“Calm down,” Corey said. “It’s not good to get over-excited at your advanced age.”
Tal huffed.
“Really, I can barely cope with your enthusiasm.”
“I saidokay.”
Corey caught the snap in Tal’s voice, opened his mouth, then closed it again. Kept it closed.
When they’d finished eating, Tal went back to the room and Corey headed for reception. Claire was still on duty.
“Good morning.” She shot him a bright smile. “Are you signing up for the talent show?”
“Yes,” Corey said, though that hadn’t been what he’d intended to say. He’d wanted to ask about job vacancies.
“Just the talent show?” Claire asked. She put a list in front of him.
Corey glanced down it and ticked several boxes. “Is the manager around?”
“No, he’s in a meeting. Anything I can do?”
“I was wondering if there were any job vacancies.”
“No, I’m sorry. Do you need to use the landline? It’s still working.”
“No, thanks.” Disappointing on the job. The insurance company could wait. He had no one else to call. Tal did but he’d not come to reception to call them.
Back in the room, he found Tal sitting by the fake fire, reading. His envelope lay on the bed, unopened. Corey sat opposite him with his envelope.
“We probably won’t be here.” Tal didn’t look up from his book.
Corey wasn’t so sure. Even a sudden rise in temperature wouldn’t quickly melt this amount of snow. “If we are, I’d like to do the murder mystery thing. You never know, you might get to kill me. Could be quite a thrill for both of us.”
Tal smiled. Briefly.
It was a start. He looked so much more approachable with a smile on his face. Tal turned his attention back to his book and Corey opened his envelope. Inside were three folded sheets of paper and a list of instructions. A was the invitation and set up. Character details on B, and C was the information only he knew and should slide into conversations, along with objectives to complete during the party.
He opened A.
Solas Suas
Christmas Murder Mystery
Afternoon Tea at 2.00
Murder between 2.00 and 3.00
It could be you!
Cocktails at 18.00
You still get to enjoy the rest of the day as a ghost if you’re the victim.
Dinner at 19.00
Mystery solved by 22.00 (or sooner!)
Dance until you drop
