Page 60 of After the Fall
“Hey, Butterfly.” A second security guard had wandered over, only this one wasn’t as friendly. “You’re not on the list. Move. Over there,” he pointed to the brick wall, “so we can let in people who are.”
“Iamon the list. You just need to find Savannah—” I quickly shut my mouth. Savannah couldn’t know I was here. No one could.
“Excuse me.” A woman wearing a turquoise and orange-feathered mask brushed up next to me. Her hair, a rich copper, cascaded down her shoulders in waves, giving the illusion of a bird on fire. “This woman here is my guest this evening.”
My jaw dropped in surprise.
The guard looked back and forth between the two of us, sighing as he rubbed the crease between his brows. “Name?”
“Starling. Gina.” She turned to me, then back to the security guard. “And Miss Harper Davis.”
Before I could ask any questions, we were quickly ushered inside the art gallery, and into the line for coat check. “How did you know it was me?” I whispered as I removed my long wool coat, tucking it under my arm.
“I saw you in a vision earlier, stranded at the door. Though my senses must be a bit off. In my vision, you were covered in flowers,” she laughed.
I couldn’t tell if she was joking or serious, so I just nodded. “Thank you. Your outfit is beautiful.” The form-fitting sequin dress matched her mask, complimenting her figure. She was a beautiful woman, like Valentina. But unlike Wyatt’s awful date, I could feel warmth and kindness radiating from her.
Stretching my neck, I scanned the room for a glimpse of Wyatt or his crew. I knew what he would be wearing, and who would be on his arm. I didn’t know if I was ready to see him, but until I could figure out the rest of my dad’s clue, I needed to be on the lookout so I could avoid being seen.
“He arrived about an hour ago,” she whispered.
My legs felt like jelly. “Who?”
“Wyatt. That’s who you were looking for, isn’t it?” She paused before continuing. “I hope I’m not overstepping here, but I can feel the immense sadness emanating from you both tonight. I’m sorry about your breakup.” She touched my shoulder.
The line had moved surprisingly fast, and it was our turn to hand over our coats. I reached into the sparkly silver clutch I’d borrowed from Savannah, but Gina put her hand on top of mine. “Allow me. I have more money to spend now, than I know what to do with,” she laughed, handing a crisp one-hundred-dollar bill to the attendant. “Keep the change.”
She linked her arm through mine and we stepped away from the counter. “Believe it or not, I married for love,” she whispered, a whimsical smile on her face.
As we strolled into the main gallery, my first thought was that Savannah and her team had outdone themselves. The normally brightly lit gallery had a dark, gothic feel, with candles lighting the pathway between the different rooms. The spot lighting had been changed, the walls giving off a sensual red glow, highlighting the expensive art. Round tables covered in blood red linens, with tall vases overflowing with black roses completed the look. We could have been walking into a vampire’s lair, or a haunted house. But there was onlyoneghost from my past that I hoped to see tonight.
Masked guests milled all around us. It was impossible to recognize anyone, and my shoulders relaxed. “How did you know about our breakup?” I asked. “Did Wyatt tell you?”
She shook her head. “It’s my husband that knows Wyatt. But as I said earlier, I have… abilities. Though sometimes they present a little differently from the truth.”
The waiters all wore matching Guy Fawkes masks, like in the movieV for Vendetta. Gina let go of my arm and reached for a champagne flute from the tray of a passing waiter. “I’m guessing none for you?”
I shook my head. “I’m good, thanks.” I needed to keep my wits about me. The last thing I needed was a champagne buzz.
The waiter bowed at Gina before moving on to circulate through the crowd. She took a sip of her champagne and sighed appreciatively. “Breakups are hard. I know that, firsthand. Everyone wants a glimpse of the future before they make a big, life-altering decision. And as a psychic, I can tell you that,” she paused, leaning in dramatically, “I see a happy future for you, with a beautiful, healthy baby girl.”
My smile stretched from ear to ear. “You can see that?”
“You’re going to be a wonderful mom, Harper.” Her smile matched mine.
The heaviness that had been weighing on my heart released at once. I wasn’t sure if I believed that Gina was psychic, but she’d been right about me being stuck at the entrance, and again about the breakup. I hadn’t believed in sasquatches or werewolves either, but here I was.
If Gina could see into the future, then I’d made the right decision to end things with Wyatt. For her vision to come true, our relationship would have had to end eventually. And it was better to end things now, before they got even more complicated.
Gina’s voice snapped me back to the room, which was buzzing with excitement. “Oh, another download! What you’re looking for is in…. let me see.” She tapped her forehead as if concentrating really hard. “The Dynasty Gallery. It’s down there on the right.” She pointed in the direction, then glanced down at the diamond-encrusted watch on her wrist. “You’d better hurry, Harper. It’s almost eight. Good luck.”
She gave a slight wave and disappeared further into the gallery, leaving me standing there, stunned. I hadn’t told anyone about the secret message.
Right now, Gina was the best lead I had – theonlylead, to solving the last part of Dad’s riddle. Whether I believed in her psychic abilities or not, I decided to take a chance.
Rushing through the gala, careful not to trip in the silver stilettos I’d borrowed from Savannah’s closet, I made my way to the Dynasty Gallery. Like Cinderella running toward what I hoped would be a happily ever after. Only there would be no Prince Charming in this scenario. Just my mutant father, and hopefully some answers.
As I reached the entrance, a chime rang out across the gallery, announcing eight o’clock. Low and rich, it gave an extra haunting effect to the night.