Dust and Obey by Christy Barritt Read Free Book Online Page B

soon as I stepped inside Blackbird Hall, the fancy decorations made me feel uncomfortable. There were antiques, distinguished-looking paintings of people I didn’t recognize, and a baby grand piano, with oriental rugs, mahogany wood paneling, and the overwhelming scent of lemon. Other surfaces featured dainty teacups, collectable figurines, and expensive vases—that’s vauzes , with a snooty French accent and not vases that rhymes with cases.
    I felt like I’d stepped into a museum.
    If there was anywhere my klutzy side would emerge, it was here, where there were so many valuables to break.
    Riley knelt beside Angelina, who sprawled in a stiff-looking chair near an intricate wooden staircase beyond the entryway. She was still whining about her ankle and staring at Riley like he was her knight in shining armor.
    “Gabby.” Riley stood. “Is everything okay?”
    I nodded. “Someone named Steve who works here is waiting for the authorities to arrive.”
    Blaine appeared from down the hallway. “I just called the sheriff’s office, and they’re going to come out. They might be a few hours because of this storm. But they’re coming.”
    Angelina grabbed Riley’s arm. “Honey child, I just need something to squeeze right now. Can I use that solid arm of yours? The pain in my ankle is about to knock me over and brand me as the cutest corpse this side of the Chesapeake.”
    I mentally rolled my eyes.
    Based on the look Blaine gave me, it hadn’t been mental. Oops.
    I decided I’d had enough of Angelina’s antics.
    “Could you point me to my room?” I asked.
    “Of course.” Blaine looked away from Angelina with disdain. “It’s right up this stairway and down the hallway. Suite 222. The third door on the right. Your suitcase should be in your room. However, dinner will be at five, and we ask that you arrive promptly. We have a full evening planned, and we don’t want you to miss even a minute.” She handed me the key.
    “I would hate to do that,” I muttered. I glanced at Riley. “I’ll see you at five.”
    He looked up, a strange emotion in his eyes. I couldn’t read it. Was he worried? Desperate to get away from Angelina?
    It wasn’t my problem. That’s what I told myself, at least.
    I wandered up the stairway and down the hallway, just as Blaine had instructed. There were at least three floors in the building, I noted. Everything was rather boxy, narrow, and dark. There was a serious lack of windows, and when the lemony scent faded, the building had a musty undertone.
    I found Suite 222, but hesitated a moment before twisting the handle and stepping inside. I blinked in surprise at what I saw there. It was a small living area, complete with two couches, two chairs, and a table. There were no windows or TV.
    An open door across the room revealed a bathroom. Two doors on either side appeared to be bedrooms. I had to share this space with someone? Wasn’t that just peachy? But it would be a great way to keep an eye on everyone, so I couldn’t complain.
    I peered in the first bedroom and spotted my suitcase on one of the beds. However, based on the cosmetics and other luggage already in the room, it appeared someone else was also staying in this room. Really? At a place this nice?
    I’d have to address that later. Right now, I wanted to freshen up before dinner. I had to dress to impress, after all.
    I popped up my suitcase and paused.
    I knew my things may have shifted some in transport. That was to be expected.
    But what surprised me was the fact that my clothes actually looked neater than I’d left them. I could accept them looking messier. But neater? No way.
    There was only one way that would have happened.
    Someone had gone through my things.
     
    ***
     
    I finally found the dining hall after wandering aimlessly around the building for nearly twenty minutes. Apparently, everyone else was already there because I hadn’t passed another soul. I tried to follow my nose and the scent of sizzling