While Tommy goes on a mission to try every single food, I survey the room. With everyone wearing a mask, I can’t recognize any of the guests. Some people clearly know each other though, as they have formed little groups between themselves, chatting or laughing or doing both.
“Hi there,” a tall woman greets me, her dark skin and hair sparkling with glitter. She’s dressed in a pastel pink pantsuit that accentuates the color of her lips and eyes. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around at one of these before.”
She picks two glasses of wine and hands me one. I pretend to take a sip as I throw a quick glance Tommy’s way to make sure he’s still busy with the food. Satisfied he hasn’t gotten himself in trouble, I shift my attention fully to my new companion.
“Oh? And how would you know when we are both wearing masks?” I challenge her, giving her a once-over. Late twenties, dark brown curly hair in a high ponytail, golden bracelets and a necklace that suggests she’s someone.
She hums. “You are right. Then again, I don’t know half the people who go to such events, so it wouldn’t be surprising if we’ve never met each other, no?”
Somehow, her words only make my stomach more anxious. I’d expected to be approached, but my identity being questioned wasn’t part of the plan. After all, isn’t theentire idea behind the masks that we retain our anonymity?
“I’m Ria.” She offers me her hand, where an impressive diamond bracelet graces her wrist. “And you are?”
I cradle her hand and bring her fingers to my lips, praying Tommy doesn’t misunderstand this fake friendliness and use the carving knife he was just holding to chop her head off. I mean, if it was me and I saw this kind of thing, I’d probably lose it. No one can touch my precious gremlin.
Luckily, Tommy isn’t as crazy possessive as me. He is glaring daggers our way, but seems to have clued in on what’s happening. Yes, I’m the victim here. He nods ever so slightly and continues his taste-testing.
I let out a small sigh. “Anthony. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ria.”
“The pleasure is mutual.” She retracts her hand, pursing her lips slightly.
A twinge of fear spears through me. Did I mess up somewhere? Was I supposed to recognize the name or her? The silence stretches, heavy and awkward. I scratch my neck, the area under the collar suddenly itchy.
“Hi, I’m Charlie. What’s your name?” Tommy appears with a huge grin on his face just as I feel like she’s about to rip my mask off and announce to everybody I’m here to kidnap the host. “Oh, wow, I love your tiara! Is this real tanzanite?”
Ria’s attention shifts to Tommy immediately, like a hawk focusing on new prey. “It is indeed. I’m surprised you recognized it. Most people assume it’s amethyst.” She offers her hand. “I’m Ria.”
“It’s the slight blue glint. You can’t really miss it,” Tommy explains as they handshake. Then he cocks hishead at me. “I see you met my friend, Anthony. Sorry if he was being weird, he’s rather new to this kind of event.”
Oh, I’m the newbie? A snort bubbles up to the surface, but I stifle it down. Actually, this might be good. It’s been a while, and my solitude as a priest in a small village has taken its toll. I’ll let Tommy have the lead here, so I don’t mess this up anymore.
“I noticed. But you seem to be doing just fine.” She finishes her wine and places the empty glass on the tray of a passing staff member.
“Only because those chocolate bites are god-tier.” He beams at her. “You have to try them! They are so good!”
With the two of them off to the buffet table, I can refocus on the task at hand. I didn’t plan to separate from Tommy, but with Ria deciding to approach me, I need somebody to babysit her while I locate our target. Strangely, he hasn’t made an appearance yet.
For the next half an hour, I scope out the entire room and the second floor. The attendees have doubled, the music is also louder now, but there is still no sign of Andras. Surely, he wouldn’t miss his own party, right?
I make my way to the balcony with potted palms and Japanese maples, needing a breath of fresh air. The noise is not so imposing here, muffled behind the thick glass. Leaning over the railing, I close my eyes and reach out to every remaining sense.
Light footfalls reach my ears before the intruder makes themselves known. “Jesus. Finally.” Tommy drapes himself on the railing next to me, bumping his arm into mine. “Ria seems nice, but a little sus. We should avoid her.”
“Thanks for handling her. I don’t know what got over methere—”
“You’re just rusty and out of practice. Don’t sweat it. Besides, we are partners and I got your back. Always.” He wrinkles his nose. “But please refrain from kissing any part of other people’s bodies, thank you.”
Here it is, that speck of possessiveness. “I will.”
Tommy rests his head on his arms and glances at me. “So, did you locate him?”
“No.”
“It’s strange, isn’t it? That he hasn’t made an appearance yet. I mean, it’s his party…”
Exactly. This is Andras’ party, and yet there’s no sign of him. Something doesn’t add up.
I rub the black ring Isidoro gave me, but don’t twist and press on it just yet. “Hey, I think maybe we should—”
