Page 229 of Mayhem and Minnie

When he’s out of sight, Minnie joins me.

“I don’t understand…” she murmurs. “I was so sure…”

“You saw him. He drank the entire thing and nothing happened.”

“Maybe my mantra was wrong. Maybe I did something…” she continues.

“Minnie. Not everything needs to have a supernatural explanation. My brother is simply an asshole. That’s it.”

“But—”

“What I think we should do is find Cara and get her to file a report against Julien,” I tell her.

She purses her lips. Finally, she sighs.

“I suppose so. But I’ve never been wrong before…”

“You’re not using your powers to the fullest. Perhaps that’s why.”

She sighs.

“Maybe. Fine. Let’s find Cara.”

I still have the other glass of champagne in my hand, and though I’m not the biggest drinker, I find myself quite thirsty. I take a big swig of champagne and put the glass on the table, following after Minnie as she tries to find Cara.

The moment I swallow the liquid, though, I feel a slight discomfort in my gut.

I cough and sputter.

Minnie turns and frowns.

“Marlowe?”

“I’m fine. Must have gone down the wrong way,” I croak.

She looks at me for a moment then nods.

“Come on,” I say and fall back into step with her.

My throat is a little sore but nothing too bad. I guess this is what I get for not being a habitual drinker.

The party is in full swing as we leave the drawing room. Mother is a little concerned about what we told her about Julien, but Giles is doing his best to comfort her. Then again, she still has to put on a fake smile for the sake of her guests.

Minnie and I look around the ground floor of the house with no success. There’s no trace of either Julien or Cara.

“Can you sense anything?” I ask her as we go back to the first floor.

She shakes her head.

“There’s a small buzz, but I can’t pinpoint the location.”

As we reach the second floor, I suggest we split up.

“You take this floor and I’ll search for them on the third floor.”

“If you find them, call my name, okay?” Minnie says.

I nod and proceed to go up the stairs.

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