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Basement Level
37 King William Road
Adelaide.
Tonight. 9:00 p.m. Sharp.
“Well, this tells me nothing. What is the Black Hearts Club?” Vickie felt a familiar flutter in her belly, something that usually happened when she found a big case to solve.
“I can’t believe you haven’t heard of them,” said Ruby. “They should’ve invited me instead.”
“And yet for whatever reason, they’ve invited George and me.” She noted that his name wasn’t technically on the invitation and referred to her husband as if he were a second thought. They really wantedherto come, whoevertheywere. Her own set of questions were building, and she wanted answers to themnow.
“Such a waste.”
Vickie tried to make an educated guess. “The Black Hearts Club is the new rage, is it?”
“So much more than that. You can only go if you get an invitation. They are delivered only a few hours before the meeting time with the details of where the club will be. Each meeting is at a different location within Adelaide and is shrouded in secrecy. You have to show the invitation, or you won’t be let in.”
“And what happens at thisclub?” She might’ve rekindled the spice in the bedroom with her husband, but she wasn’t at all open like Ruby. Vickie was beginning to think this invitation maybe wasn’t at all in line with her personal taste in behavior.
“That’s the beauty of this club. The activities change each time, just like the venue does.”
“Why shrouded in secrecy?”
Ruby shrugged. “No one knows. It’s part of the allure of the invitation. But if I could’ve discovered who delivered this invitation, I might’ve gotten some inside information no one else has managed to get. I do know they’re part of the Spiritualism movement that’s strong here in Adelaide.”
“Why haven’t I heard of them?”
“You’ve been working too much. Like I said, you’re becoming boring.”
Vickie waved the invitation in the air. “This isn’t boring.”
“No, and only if it was for me.”
“You can go instead of me.” Vickie didn’t mean what she said. This was an invitation she couldn’t say no to. Whoever sent it wanted her to come along, and she wanted to know why.
“I can’t. My name isn’t on the invitation. They’re very strict.”
“How do you know all of this.”
“Gossip. It does have its benefits,” she said haughtily. “Some who’ve been invited have begun to talk.”
“Hmm…” Vickie thought. It seemed more like a marketing tool for the socialites of Adelaide than anything else and not at all her cup of tea. And yet, for whatever reason, she’d come to the attention of the organizers to receive an invitation.
A knock on the door brought her thoughts back to reality.
“Yes.” She turned the invitation in her hands, wishing not to be interrupted, the reflection of the gold lettering captivating her.
“Dr. Wenderlen called. He needs to work late at the hospital tonight,” said James, standing by the open door to the parlor.
“Of course, he does,” said Vickie with disappointment. They were meant to have an early dinner and then hide away together in the bedroom. Apparently, there was some special gift George had for her. They were still in the make-up period after their last big disagreement, which saw him leave in their airship, Queen, long enough for Vickie to know that no matter what, she loved him and wanted him back.
“He said he’ll make it up to you,” said James.
Vickie nodded, and James left. She was sure George would make it up to her. Her mind whirled through the options available. Could she go tonight by herself?
“They usually have séances,” continued Ruby, now that they were alone again. “Or something the Spiritualism movement has embraced. Apparently, one time they interpreted people’s dreams.”
