"What's so funny?"TD asks as another text message comes in.DING!
Call me if you need me.I'll be right there.
"Private joke."I close the phone and put it safely away.
Trees crowd the right-of-way, blocking out the moonlight.The hair on the back of my neck stirs."Where is this cocktail party anyway?"I ask, glad I brought my gun, and glad Aurei knows at least the road we took.
"It's down here behind the golf course.It is super, secluded for privacy, but it's in a restored turn-of-the-century plantation house."
I rest my hand on my clutch and chat him up."I thought of majoring in Architecture briefly."
"Really?You haven't always been a simple-minded secretary, then?"
Ha!If you only knew who I really am.Your jaw would drop.
"No.I haven't always been a secretary.My degree is actually in accounting."
"Really?I'm not sure which is worse, a boring accountant or a simple-minded secretary."
"Yeah, really!"I agree and shudder.
We roll out of a sharp curve to see a row of trees planted to form a secure hedge.When he drives through the opening, my mouth drops open, and I gasp.
A beautiful, fully restored, two-story, southern-style plantation home welcomes us.There is a full-length front porch with stairs leading to the circular drive.Carriage lamps are lit, exposing a landscaped yard, manicured to perfection.
It is absolutely amazing.
"WOW!"I say in complete awe.
"Score a big one for the home team, eh?"TD agrees as he parks next to a Jaguar."Shall we?"He gets out, walks around to the back of the car, and lights a cigarette.
Exiting, I adjust my dress and then join him."I had no idea this place was here."
He takes a long draw on the cigarette and looks very pleased with himself."Super secluded, private party means super secluded, private party."
On the porch, he lights another cigarette then inhales a heavy draw.As smoke comes out of his mouth and nose, he grins."I am going to have one hell of a time tonight."He leans his head back, kinking the ponytail while he pulls another long draw.He laughs as he surveys the wealth."And you are about to get the surprise of your life."
The hair on my neck stands straight up."Surprise?Of my life?"My eyes narrow as I turn to face him.
"Yep."He exhales smoke straight up into the air.
I ball my fist uptight, push my middle knuckle out, and frog the fuck out of his arm right on the point of his shoulder.THUD!
"SHIT!"He drops his cigarette and grabs the arm hanging limp by his side."What the fuck did you do that for?"Tears of pain well up in his eyes.
"I don't like surprises, motherfucker."
His face visibly pales as he stares at the daggers in my eyes.He puts a hand up."Just be cool.Don't go all ballistic on me now."A bead of sweat pops out on his forehead."As a matter of fact, here.Take the car key."His hand is shaking when he hands it to me."Once the door opens, we'll go inside.There will be introductions and drinks.Open bar."He nods, hoping that makes me happy.
I stare blankly at him.
"Then there will be dancing and mingling."He nods again."After that, if you don't want to participate, you can leave."
"Whataren'tyou telling me?"
The alarm on his phone goes off.It is ten o'clock sharp.
The front door unlocks and begins to slowly open.
