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“It’s good quality.” Ruby put the glass back down on the table. A small flickering candle in a frosted glass cup sat in the center of the table, the soft orange movement mesmerizing.
“It’s all very controlled,” mused Vickie.
“Stop thinking,” grumbled Ruby. “You’ll ruin the fun.”
Vickie sighed. “Tell me what you think of all this.” She waved her hand around, glimpsing Emma guiding another couple to their table behind them.
Odd that it was all couples,she thought, but couldn’t take any meaning from that. It was easier to have a sit-down arrangement for the invited couples as she did when holding her own dinner parties.
“Vickie, you said you’ll have fun, trust me, this is the place to get an invitation,” said Ruby gruffly.
Vickie rolled her eyes. What would a sip or two matter? She picked up the glass and took a small mouthful. It was an excellent quality of bubbles, and she could feel it going straight to her head.
Ruby didn’t notice a waiter breezed past them and topped off their drinks, but it set Vickie back, a little on edge. She needed to keep her wits about her. The tingling feeling in her belly returned. There was something more about this Black Hearts Club, something wasn’t as it seemed. Whether or not a mystery was to be solved, she felt the need to find out the truth of what was really going on here, even if it would upset Ruby.
“I wish we were at the front,” said Ruby. She was already well into her second glass of champagne. “I want to be part of whatever will happen. Otherwise, what will I talk about when I next go to the tea rooms.”
“Oh, so we’re not sworn to secrecy, then,” said Vickie with amusement.
“Not to that level, of course. This is privileged information, so I won’t be telling it to just anyone,” said Ruby.
Vickie grinned softly. She and Ruby were opposites, yet her friend had a way of helping her to relax. She reminded herself this wasn’t a case she had to solve. She rested back into the chair, picked up the glass, and took a big drink.
“Cheers,” she said to Ruby, holding up her glass.
They clinked them together.
“To best fr… love,” corrected Ruby with a cheeky grin. “And having the best times together.”
Vickie took another mouthful of bubbles. She could feel them bouncing around her insides, generating a warmth that made her concerns dissipate.
The lighting dimmed, and the chatter in the room stopped. A shiver went through the room. It was about to begin. She was finally going to find out what the Black Hearts Club was really about.
Chapter 4
Aspotlight turned on, and sharp gasps echoed from those seated at the tables. The spotlight moved around the tables as if searching for someone. Soft giggles escaped from some of the women, with a few chuckles from the men as the spotlight shifted back and forth, up and down in its mock search.
Vickie found herself turning around in her seat to keep track of where the light moved. Whatever it was about to reveal, she wanted to make sure she was watching with her full attention.
The light paused on a man standing stiffly in a black tuxedo, hand resting on his chest, face stern.
“Welcome to the Black Hearts Club. I hope you’re ready for a night of wonderment and adventure,” his voice boomed without effort. He smiled as the light softened, and he stepped forward between the tables, knowing that everyone was watching him intently.
“This is a night where you have the opportunity to contact those who have been lost to you, to be brave, and seek the answers from your heart.” He paused and turned around as if surveying the audience, the tails of his jacket flaring outward. “If you dare,” he said with a devilish grin.
“I dare,” yelled out one woman from the back.
The people in the room giggled, and Vickie found herself joining in, going along with the energy in the room.
“Ma’am, I’m very pleased to hear that.” His smile broadened. “Let’s begin.”
Vickie found herself captivated by this man and what was about to happen.
“Let me introduce you to the wonderful woman who’s going to take each of you on a journey tonight.”
People clapped and chatted excitedly.
He paused, holding up his hand, waiting for the noise to quiet down. “She’s skilled in reaching out beyond this world, contacting those who have passed to let them have a voice in the living, to speak to those who they once loved, and to help ease the black grief you have in your hearts.”
