Page 1 of The Darkest Chase
1
IN THE DARK (TALIA)
Ithink I’ve been shut up in the workshop without ventilation for too long.
Varnish. Fumes. Lack of oxygen.
That sort of thing.
That’s the only reason why I could possibly be standing here in the open doorway of Grandpa’s shop, blinking at the bright sunlight filtering in, drenched in the smell of spring wildflowers and the warm scent of rising bread from the bakery two doors down.
All while a clean-cut, dark-haired man in a full three-piece uniform with a tailcoat and white kid gloves bows.
There’s a heavy vellum envelope in his hand with A Touch of Grey written across it, closed with a wax seal.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, staring at the envelope with our shop’s name on it. “You must have the wrong place.”
“No mistake, Miss Grey. I’ve been asked to request your grandfather’s company,” the man says. I guess he’s a butler or a valet or something. The way he talks is so formal, polite but stilted and intimidating. He straightens, still holding the envelope, waiting for me to take it. “This invitation provides the time and date.”
“But why?” I blurt out.
The man only looks at me mildly, waiting for me to take the envelope.
Yeah, I’m not getting any answers here.
This is just too weird.
And I have a funny feeling I know who’s behind this, considering the uniform and the fact that there’s only one family here in Redhaven who’d do something this dramatic. Any other rich client would send us an email or call.
But the Arrendells just have to make a big production out of everything.
Breathlessly, I take the envelope gently like it’ll grow teeth and bite me.
By now, I’m used to the Arrendells being the kind of weird only filthy rich people can be. They’ve been the backdrop of my town for my entire life and they’ve always given me the creeps.
Honestly, I’m not sure if I want anything to do with them.
It's not me they want, though.
He asked for my grandfather.
I turn that over as I break the seal. The smooth red wax crumbles against my fingertips, and there’s a hand-calligraphed invitation card addressed to Grandpa.
We formally and humbly request Mr. Gerald Grey for a consultation on a custom commission project. Please arrive at the manor tomorrow at precisely 8:00 a.m.
-L, M, and X Arrendell
L and M—Lucia and Montero Arrendell—the Lord and Lady of the house and also the town’s First and Second selectmen.
X… that must be Xavier.
The only son left in town after the ugly scandals that left two of his brothers dead recently. I’d say I can’t begin to imagine how it feels to lose family that way, but unfortunately, I can.
I glance over my shoulder, through the open door to the workshop. I can just hear the rhythmic sounds of Grandpa working the lathe.
I offer the valet a thin smile.
“Um, this seems less like an invitation and more like a demand.”