Page 23 of When You're Alone

The man arched an eyebrow. “And fools seldom differ.”

Finn forced a casual chuckle, noting how the man’s gaze lingered on him just a second too long. Maybe a hint of suspicion.He’s testing me,Finn realized.

Theodore cleared his throat. “James, allow me to introduce Mr. Devlin Foster, our prospective member.” Then he said in a hushed aside to Finn, “Don’t let James’s ribbing bother you—he’s always like this with new members.”

Finn smiled. “I can take it. Good to know the Monarch doesn’t admit total riff raff, though, right?”

James gave a polite laugh, a shadow flickering in his eyes. “Someone has to watch the gates, or so they say. As membership secretary, I see it as my duty.” He shot a glance at Theodore. “We’ve certainly had our share of questionable applicants.”

Finn took a careful breath. “Well, I hope I’ll pass muster. I’ve heard wonderful things—about the prestige, the ambiance, the social circle.”

“Indeed,” James said, quietly studying Finn. “We strive to preserve certain standards.”

Theodore ushered them along. “Why don’t we give you a look around, Devlin? Where should we start?”

“What do you have on offer?” Finn asked.

“Studies, games rooms, the library, a spa…”

“I wouldn’t mind seeing the games rooms,” Finn interrupted.

“Follow me, then,” Theodore said.

Finn nodded, and James accompanied them as they moved along a narrow hallway lined with portraits.

“So, are you staying with us for long?” James asked with a grin that didn’t reach his eyes. “We frown upon interlopers.”

“I’ll be around,” Finn answered. “You must get a lot of business done in a place like this. A lot of negotiations over a glass of wine?”

"Not in the communal areas," came James's reply. "Where did you say you made your money again?"

“Ah, just around here,” Theodore said. Finn had a feeling he was interrupting to stop James from pulling apart Finn’s story.

They arrived at aside corridoroff the parlor that opened into a suite of smaller reading rooms and games areas. One room, richly paneled in walnut, had several members enjoying cigars and brandy around a small card table. Another served as a more intimate study with two large windows overlooking a small courtyard. They then entered a larger games room with several men playing dominoes and billiards.

“As you can see, our members enjoy a game or three,” Theodore laughed. “Shall we go to the library next?”

“I don’t know if this is my speed,” Finn said. “I prefer something a little… Richer. You guys do any cards nights?”

James looked at Finn with suspicion in his eyes. “Let’s go to the library.”

Finn was frustrated James didn’t answer him. Theodore nodded and led them through a hallway and into a room with a large grand piano and a small theater of seats.

“This doesn’t look like a library,” Finn joked.

“Theodore likes to take the scenic route,” James added.

“It is this way,” Theodore corrected.

Finally, Theodore guided them into alibrary, stacked floor to ceiling with leather-bound volumes. A wrought-iron spiral staircase led to a mezzanine lined with more shelves. Soft golden light from wall sconces cast the carved wooden surfaces in warm relief.

Finn’s eyes roamed over the meticulously organized shelves, pausing on a particularornate doorset along the library’s far wall. It was half-hidden in a recess, its panel inlaid with swirling patterns. Instinctively, he felt it might lead somewhere discreet.

“What’s behind that door?” Finn asked, letting his voice be just light enough to convey curiosity without pushing.

James’s lips curved into a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Ah,thatdoor. Not for the uninitiated, I’m afraid,” he said, tone lightly mocking. “Little parts of the club remain behind closed doors until a new member has… proven themselves. Or been vouched for by a trusted existing member. If you, as you say, enjoy the more exciting side of life, that’s where you’ll find it. But you have to be invited.”

Before Finn could probe further, Theodore slipped in front of him with a laugh that sounded forced. “Indeed, certain rooms remain restricted. Let’s not keep Devlin from the rest of the tour, James.”

---