Page 118 of Joey

“Maisy,” Michael says. “Why don’t you take Malinda outside now so she can take the first ride on the carousel?”

“Yes!” Maisy squeals. “Let’s go!”

She tugs on Malinda and the crowd—who have been watching this entire encounter like we’re specimens in a zoo—parts. But then Maisy stops and turns. “It was nice seeing you, Joey. And I like your friends.”

Joey says nothing.

And then the two princesses are gone.

“The party tomorrow is going to be pretty spectacular,” Michael says. Then he puts up a hand. “I already know. It’s over the top. You don’t need to tell me. But… I truly cherish my children. I hope you can see that.”

Joey. Says. Nothing. Just stares blankly at the place where the two little girls disappeared into the crowd.

“Well,” Michael says. “Shall we go in for dinner? Everyone’s waiting.”

“Where are Charlotte’s parents?” Joey suddenly says.

“What?”

“Where are they?” he asks. “No one but you wanted to meet me?”

“They’re… here.” He pretends to look around but it’s pretty clear Joey will not be meeting Charlotte’s parents. “Everyone you need to worry about is in the ballroom right now. Waiting for us. And of course they wanted to meet you, but… maybe later.”

Joey shoots Wald a look.

And again, maybe I don’t know him well, but I know that look says, I told you so.

“Who are all these people?” Huck asks.

“Oh.” Michael looks around at the crowd. “These are family members. Conners, and Kanes, and a bunch of other surnames you probably wouldn’t recognize. They’re here for Malinda’s party.” Then he looks at Joey. “Not for you. All those people are already inside the ballroom.”

Now I look at Wald. And so does Huck. Joey is still staring at Michael.

And we’re all thinking the same thing.

Something is wrong.

“OK,” Joey says, straightening his jacket. “Let’s do this.”

We follow Michael through the crowd. And if people are staring at us in an unusual way—something that is more than a casual ‘who is that’ kind of way—I don’t see it. So maybe we’re all overreacting now? Maybe Joey’s paranoia has just rubbed off and we’re picking up his uneasiness?

I tell myself that as we come out of the crowd and head through a large—solarium? Looks like a greenhouse inside a real house? That could be the name of this room. Who knows?—then through the other side of the solarium and into a large, wide hallway.

There are more of those footmen standing guard in front of a massive double door. And while the one who came to get us upstairs looked kind of ridiculous in his fancy uniform, for some reason, these five—all wearing the same getup—look a little more… militaristic.

One of them hands Michael a white mask. The kind you wear for a masquerade party.

We don’t get masks.

“What the hell?” Huck mumbles.

“We’re here now,” Joey whispers back. “Just… be cool.”

Wald and I exchange a glance. But just a quick one. Because two of the footmen open the wide double doors and the hum of conversation that we heard coming down the stairs—but which was clearly not being made by the family guests in the foyer—stops.

And there is dead silence.

Hundreds of people in white masks stare back at us as Michael enters and Joey follows.