Page 109 of Demise

The library wasn’t all that helpful for me, then again, I’m not really sure what I’m looking for. Sure, it gave me all the cut anddry historical facts about this town and the trials, but there is something else, something missing. I can practically feel it, and I’m desperate for answers.

“I’m actually going to use the restroom,” I smile.

Asher’s eyes narrow on me. “Are you okay? Do you want me to come with you?”

I shake my head as we move towards the bathrooms. Yes, plural, because of course a mansion of this size needs three restrooms downstairs alone.

“I’m alright. Just need to catch my breath for a moment.”

Asher gives me a sympathetic nod of his head.

“I’ll wait right here.”

“No,” I say, attempting to sound calm and relaxed. “Go schmooze or whatever you have to do so we can get the hell out of here. With or without Liam, I don’t want to be here anymore.”

He lets out a derisive snort and he nods. “Agreed.”

Asher turns and heads back the way we came, weaving in and out of people. I only wait until he’s fully out of sight before I slip off into the kitchen. There are a couple of servers that pretend as if I’m not there, but I ignore them in favor of the servant’s entrance to Christopher’s office that I’ve noticed before. You heard me right, a servant’s entrance for an office. How disgusting can you be?

“Excuse me? I believe Mrs. Walcott is looking for some assistance. She wanted more hors d’oeuvres to be passed out.”

The two servers quickly jump to attention, grabbing the trays and hustling out of the kitchen, giving me the perfect opportunity to slip inside the office. Honestly, I’m amazed it’s unlocked. Then again, who would be stupid enough to sneak into Christopher Putnam’s office in the middle of a party? Apparently, this girl.

When I step into the office, the heady scent of scotch and cigars permeates my senses. I look around carefully beforestepping up to his desk. I don’t know why I’m so nervous, I haven’t done anything technically wrong. Yet.

My hands shake as I open the first drawer, finding nothing but a few silver pens and papers. The next drawer, more paperwork. Same with the final drawer. I’m ready to give up when I notice a paperweight on the bottom of the drawer jiggle as I pull it fully out. Curiously, I reach in, lifting it out and testing the bottom of the drawer. It has a little give, and when I lift it up, there it is.

Just like Asher described it. Black, leather with an engraved B and old as hell looking. I mean, it’s literally over three hundred years old. I’m surprised it’s still together, let alone in the condition it’s in.

For some insane reason, I reach for it, picking it up as my fingers begin thumbing through it. Page after page is filled with elaborate cursive handwriting, eating up every centimeter of space. The first date I notice is November 2nd, 1692. The next is November 5th, 1692. It’s no wonder the thing is so fat. He was writing in it several times a week. Probably more, for twenty years.

Looking down at my blue gown, I’m thankful I decided to wear a corset with the ballgown. Grabbing the journal, I slip it under my skirt, tucking it just beneath the bottom of my corset before looking down. You can see a slight bulge, so I grab a handful of tulle and fan it out in front of me, perfectly camouflaging it. This is so fucking stupid, but before I can talk myself out of it, I’m slipping back out the servant’s entrance, closing the door behind me.

My heart pounds in my chest as I move through the party, catching nearly everyone’s eyes. I know it’s my own paranoia, but it feels like they are all watching me, that they all know I’ve done something terrible. I’m just thankful no one stops me.

When I make it back to the guys, I notice Liam has now joined them, Maryia still around his arm, as Maggie conveniently is cozied up beside her. All eyes come to me as I rejoin the group.

“You good?” Asher asks, clearly picking up on my off demeanor.

I nod and he narrows his eyes like he doesn’t believe me. “I’d like to go home now.”

Asher nods, and Ronan and Wesley move together, heading for the door when I pause to look at Liam. He nods to Maryia before meeting my gaze.

“I need to take Maryia home first.”

Of course he does.

“I got her,” Maggie says before lowering her tone with a laugh. “I mean, you are literally all over my girlfriend, bro.”

“As if I had a choice,” Liam grits through his clenched teeth before shooting an apologetic look to Maryia. “Sorry, no offense.”

She shakes her head. “None taken. You know I’m…spoken for.”

Maggie laughs a little louder this time, nodding her head.

“That’s one way to call being absolutely pussy whipped.”

Maryia’s mouth drops open in outrage but when Maggie gives her a teasing smile, she blushes, shrugging her shoulders.

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