Masquerade by Arabella Quinn Read Free Book Online Page A

own drink.
    I wasn’t sure what types of drinks etiquette demanded in this situation, so I declined. “Please, you can call me Julia.”
    “Ah, and likewise, please call me Jackson. I hope you haven’t been over-working yourself, Julia. Marcy was just reprimanding me. She accused me of keeping you locked up here - a virtual prisoner.” Jackson motioned for me to sit while he sipped at his drink.
    I dismissed the charge with a wave of the hand. “I enjoy my job immensely. I’m afraid that I can become very single-minded when I’m trying to get to the bottom of a case. And unfortunately, I haven’t been able to catch any leads yet in this investigation. Without my team, it’s going to take much longer…”
    Jackson brushed aside my words. “I fully understand how long this might take, but the discretion is invaluable to me. However, I am troubled to hear that Marcy was correct. I don’t want you to burn out working such long hours.”
    “Please, Jackson, don’t even worry about it. I know my limits.” I spoke confidently, trying to assure him of my commitment.
    Suddenly a warm smile broke out on his face. “I’ve just the thing! You could use a fun evening to break up the boring work. My wife is hosting a charity masquerade ball this Saturday. That’s why we’re in town, in fact. I’d like you to come as my guest.”
    I felt butterflies dance in my stomach. Crunching numbers was a safety zone for me. Fancy parties hosted by fabulously rich people were way out of my league. “Oh, that’s not necessary at all. I’m not even sure…”
    Jackson cut me off. “I’m not even going to let you refuse! These things are always quite amusing and the ladies just love dressing up in costume. Plus, tons of money is raised for a good cause – this is one of our most successful events every year.”
    How in the world was I going to get out of this one? “Costume? I don’t think I could come up with anything suitable on such short notice.”
    Jackson laughed. “Don’t think you can get out of it that easily. Marcy will find something for you. We have closets full of garments for all these events. My wife loves dragging me to this stuff. It’s settled then. I will have a car come around to your residence at 8:45 on Saturday to pick you up. And Julia, make sure you save a dance for me.”
    I stood to leave, still searching for a way to back out. Nothing came to mind. I departed leaving Jackson looking pleased with his idea. I felt like Cinderella going to the fancy ball. And of course, I was wondering if Derek would be there.
     
    ***
     
    Derek grabbed another champagne flute from a passing waiter and downed it quickly. The night stretched interminably before him. He had come to the silly masquerade for his mother’s sake alone. He figured he would make the best of the situation and find some high society girls or bored housewives to spice up his post-party plans. But instead, he had brushed off all the eager women who had made advances toward him. His mood had grown increasingly dark as he watched his father, the perfect host, playing up to all the beautiful women nipping at his heels. And his mother, ever the graceful lady, was too busy enjoying her night to even notice.
    Disgusted, Derek looked away from his father. Ever since the night nearly six months ago when he stumbled upon his father’s dark secret, he could not bear the sight of the man. Derek watched his father laughing enthusiastically with a group of young ladies. Derek fancied he could see a gleam of malice in the man’s eye, appearing even from behind the leather mask that he wore.
    Derek swore under his breath. The crowd of ostentatiously dressed people in elaborate masks was leaving him cold. He recalled the previous year’s ball, when decadence and over-indulgence had led him to a wild night of sexual debauchery. Tonight, he just wasn’t in the mood.
    He was thinking about sneaking out of the party when his eyes wandered over to his father,