But a different personality is on display now. He stops walking and makes a jerking motion for Luci to join him. Why is he so upset?
Luci quickly puts distance between herself and André, her face falling. “I must go,” she says before whispering to André, “but I'm holding you to your promise.” With a huff, she hurries over to Lyam.
He speaks in a low voice, so we can’t hear what he says, but he glowers at Luci, jaw clenching as he speaks. As if he’s scolding her.
Noah watches me watching them. “He’s very protective of Luci. Since her parents died, he’s been like an older brother.”
André lifts both hands. “Hey, don’t look at me. I didn’t do anything.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Noah’s tone tells me he’s used to the drama.
“So, Brooke,” André says, drawling my name. “Which way are you going to go?”
“Sorry,” I say, pulling my gaze back to him.
“Your costume? What will you wear?”
“Costume?” I turn to Noah. “A detail you failed to mention.”
He clears his throat. “Ah . . . it’s part of the theme.”
“Oh. Can I think about it?”
“Of course.”
André fixes me with a stare. “Think fast,” he says. “You only have two days to choose your costume, and you must make an important decision. Will you be a monster?”
He leans closer, his voice a whisper of something dangerous. “Or a victim?”
17
“Too strong. My voice needs to be softer.” In the study, I sit hunched over at the desk, critiquing the videos I filmed this morning. Are my expressions nuanced? Does my voice carry undertones?
I tap the space bar to pause the video and jot down a note. With the recording silent, I hear a tapping sound. Unlike random noises I sometimes hear in the apartment, this knock is firm and intentional.
Rolling back the office chair, I hurry out and am halfway to the stairs when the knock comes again, but from down the hall. From inside the mansion.
When Luci gave me a tour the first night, she told me her living quarters were right on the other side. But I check to make sure the door is locked before I answer. “Hello?”
“It’s me.” The voice is dulled by the thick wood, but I can tell it’s Luci. I turn the knob with aclunkand swing open one large panel.
Luci balls her hands together, like a child who’s got a secret they’re bursting to share. “Hi, are you busy?”
My head turns slightly, and I itch to get back to the videos. “Not really.”
Luci whispers as if we’re engaging in spy craft. “I thought you might like to tour the rest of the house. Everyone is gone to a board meeting. Well, except for Aunt Chantal, but she’s locked away in her room.”
“Why are you whispering?” I whisper. Then I clear my throat to speak in a normal voice. “If I’m not supposed to come inside without?—”
“No, no.” Luci laughs and shakes her head. “I thought you’d be more comfortable without everyone around.” She rolls her eyes. “I definitely will.”
“You said Chantal is home, and she’s not my biggest fan.”
“Please?” She reaches out with both hands to grab one of mine. She’s acting the way she did earlier with André, cheerful, but almost childlike in her manner. Where is the poised and mature young woman I met on my first night?
But if a simple tour will make her happy, I can spare a few minutes. “Okay, let me get my shoes.” I’m not walking through the lavish mansion in myKim Possiblecrew socks.
When I’m ready, she tugs me by the hand, an actual bounce in her step as she guides me down the hall. We take a turn into a room with silk-papered walls, and she points out the view of the gardens.
