Page 14 of Twisted Truths

I give him a small smile and nod my thanks before approaching the door and knocking. It opens almost immediately to a smiling man I assume is Marcel.

“Good day, Miss Clarke. Welcome to Midnight Manor.”

I had no idea that’s what this place was called, but from what I’ve seen thus far, the description fits. I step inside. “Thank you.”

The inside is adorned much the way I expected. Which means richly with a lot of antique pieces. Even though it’s daytime, sconces flicker on the walls because the light from outside doesn’t penetrate the arched windows. At least from what I can see. The house is dim, and you’d never think the summer sun is shining outside.

“Mr. Voss is expecting you. I’m to take you to his office. Follow me please.”

“Sure.” I walk alongside him.

It doesn’t take long before I’m turned around and unsure how to get back to where we started. It goes against all my instincts. My dad always told us to make sure we cataloged all the exits of anywhere we went. You never know when you might need to make a quick escape.

“Um… which Mr. Voss are we going to meet?”

Marcel looks at me. “Sorry. Asher Voss. I believe he wants to meet with you before Obsidian joins you.”

I nod, feeling a little better that my first meeting will be with a man with whom I’ve already interacted. Even if he is extremely intense and not that friendly.

We continue down a wide hallway with a high arched ceiling and stained-glass windows on one side.

“This place is a maze. How do you remember where to go?” I ask.

Marcel chuckles. “You’ll get used to it, I assure you.”

I’m not sure I believe him, but I smile at him anyway.

We stop in front of a large wooden door, and he knocks.

“Come in,” I hear from the other side.

Marcel opens the door and motions for me to enter. “Miss Clarke is here, sir.”

Asher Voss glances at me, then looks at my chaperone. “Thanks, Marcel. Can you please ask Sid to join us in five minutes?”

Marcel nods and turns without saying anything.

“Miss Clarke, have a seat.” Asher motions in front of me.

I enter the room and notice another person in here with us. A beautiful brunette walks toward Asher’s desk from the far corner. Her smile puts me at ease, at least as much as I can be in this moment.

I’ve always struggled with the beginning stages of a ruse. My dad used to say he could see it on me and nagged me about fixing the fact I struggle to lie.

When she gets close, she holds out her hand. “I’m Anabelle. It’s good to meet you.”

I shake her hand. “Ariana Clarke.”

“Anabelle is my wife,” Asher says, and the pride in his voice at his proclamation makes me like Asher Voss.

“Oh. You make a very nice couple,” I say to them, needing to butter up everyone I’m interacting with so they don’t see through me.

Anabelle playfully rolls her eyes as though she finds her husband amusing and leans her hip against the side of Asher’s desk as I sit.

Asher says, “I wanted to touch base with you before you go off with Obsidian to let you know what you’re walking into.”

I fight to keep the smile on my face, but I’m not sure I’m successful.

“He’s not exactly thrilled that I’ve hired you,” Asher says.

---