Page 87 of Eternal Obsession

I guided Ingrid through the arched wall and into the lounge.

“Are you not feeling well?” she asked. “You look a little rough.”

“I . . . drank too much last night. My own fault.”

“Hair of the dog often helps.”

“Excuse me?”

“Another drink,” she said.

“Yes, of course. No, it’s better I stay away from . . .”

I was disturbed to pick up more of Alex’s thoughts. He was considering a visit to Belshazzar’s, and I had no idea he even knew the place existed.

Had he read my mind? Had my nightmares reveled in its existence?

“Water is probably a better idea,” Ingrid said.

“Yes, right.”

Alex appeared at the archway. “You were at Belshazzar’s last night? Why didn’t you tell me you saw him?”

I glanced at Ingrid. “Alex, this is not a good time.”

“Catherine?” Alex said. “Was she there?”

“We’ll discuss this later, Alex.” A startling vision swept through. “When did he come to you?” I was shocked to sense this. I responded to Ingrid’s quizzical expression. “It’s brother stuff.”

She looked thoughtful. “Belshazzar’s. That’s that club Mr. Teddington mentioned in the gallery.”

“It’s members only.” I hoped this would put her off.

“Sounds alluring,” she said.

“It’s not. I highly recommend avoiding the place.”

“Why?”

I thought carefully. “Because⁠—”

“I was going to tell you, eventually,” Alex said. “When were you going to tell me?”

“Alex, this is hardly the time,” I said.

He frowned, conveying the seriousness of this conversation, one which I couldn’t have Ingrid witness.

I sighed. “Alex, I had every intention . . .”

“Where is it again?” Ingrid said.

“The crowd is sinister and the food is . . .”

“I specialize in sinister.” She studied me.

“Ingrid, I’m not asking you to stay away from Belshazzar’s, I’m telling you.”

She gave a look of mock offense.