Page 1 of Scream, Little Thief

CHAPTER ONE

Halloween is the best time of the year for sweets, theft, and murder. On Halloween night, people trust anyone, even total strangers sporting horrifying masks and flashing knives. Because everyone wearing a costume on this special night just wants to have fun, right?

Wrong.

I’m not a serial killer or a hit woman, but if I were, I’d choose Halloween to off as many targets as possible. Since I’m just a thief, I’d rather steal something of value tonight.

Leaving Central London, I soon find myself on the outskirts of the city.

A massive garden surrounds a Victorian mansion, with walls high enough that nobody can climb them. Nobody would dare to even if they could, because the security system here is top-notch. Even Trace, the hacker I work with from time to time, couldn’t find a way inside, so I’ve had to get creative.

Guards are stationed around the perimeter, checking every car driving into the car park. There will be some on the inside too—I’m sure about that—so I must play this game carefully.

The mansion is like a fortress of sins and desires. And tonight, Everthorne Hall has opened its doors to a limited list of select guests to offer them a taste of its membership.

Am I on such an exclusive list? Oh, hell no.

Luckily, I’m not here as myself tonight. I’m here as . . .

“Mrs. Adlington.”

One of the two guards in front of the massive gates bows before me as if we’re in another century. He’s dressed as a footman from hundreds of years ago, with a white wig and all. Only the golden brooch, formed like a rose with blood-red petals, stands out. “Good evening, my lady. Your invitation, please.”

I hand him the gold-engraved card I stole from a wealthy couple before they even got the chance to look at it.

“Welcome to Everthorne Hall. Just drive through the gate and down the road. You’ll be guided to your designated parking spot.” He gives the camera sitting on the wall a slight nod, and the gate opens by itself.

“Thank you.”

A couple of minutes later, I park my rental car in the assigned spot and get out. Despite weeks of scouting, I find myself gazing around in awe as if I’m a first-time visitor.

Another guard awaits me, wearing the same costume as the one before.

“Your invitation, please.”

“Of course.”

“Welcome to Everthorne Hall, Mrs. Adlington.” He takes the invitation from me and tucks the card into his jacket pocket. “This is your first time with us?”

I smile politely. “It is. I’m looking forward to tonight.”

“Will Mr. Adlington be accompanying you?”

“Oh, no, no, no. My husband had a work emergency, so he told me to go have some fun without him. Maybe he’ll swing by later.”

“Understood.” There’s a flicker of heat in his eyes, and his smile widens. “I assume you’ve read the instructions, but I still must ask. Do you know the safe words, and do you consent to everything that may happen on these premises tonight?”

“I do.”

Red is for stopping, yellow for continuing but softer, and green is something along the lines of, Hell yes, please don’t ever stop!

Though I won’t need any of that, because I’m not here to indulge in kinky sex. At least, that’s what I tell myself, but my pulse thunders, and my skin has been buzzing with anticipation since the moment I set foot on the grounds.

“Very well.” The guard points to the opening of the hedge maze. “Enjoy your stay then, Mrs. Adlington. There are some hidden clues throughout the maze, if you want to win the golden ticket. And if you need anything, employees are all around the property. You can identify them by the golden rose brooch they’re wearing and ask them for anything you wish. Also, for anyone.” He winks at me as if he’s just too willing to take part in whatever steamy fantasy I come up with tonight.

After all the rumors I’ve heard about the infamous Everthorne Hall, I know I can take his words quite literally. If I need a drink, I’ll get it. If I need a man or a woman or five to fuck me, I’ll get them. This club is decadent and dangerous, keen on making every sinful wish come true. Thankfully, only the legal ones. This place is totally legit and squeaky-clean.

Well, if you can say that about a lavish sex party.