Page 20 of One Weekend in Sydney

“Yes. Thanks.” I hear music, applause, and cheering in the background while I wait for Norman to find Odette. A few moments later, my cousin is on the phone.

“Hey, Mason!” she said cheerfully.

“Hi! Enjoying yourselves?”

“You bet! We’re having so much fun! Where are you?”

“Um, I’m working. Hey, you know how we want to find Eric’s spies?”

“You found them?” she asks excitedly.

“No, not yet. Can you do me a favour, though? Can you and all your friends there send me the pictures you took before the showboat left the dock? I only want the ones that show other people in the background.”

“This is to help find Eric’s spies?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, I’ll ask them when the show finishes.”

“No, Odette. Ask them right now, please.”

“Right now?”

“Yes. The sooner, the better. It shouldn’t take long. Like I said, I only need the ones you took before the showboat left the dockandthat have people not belonging to your party.”

“Right, I got it. Does this mean you have leads?”

I take a deep breath, hoping I do. “I’m trying to determine that.”

“Okay, I’ll ask everyone now.”

“Thanks. Get them to send the pics to you first, and then you can send them all to me. That way, I only need to check your messages.”

“All right. Bye.”

“Bye.” I hang up, hoping Odette does treat this request with urgency.

Just as I arrive back at the Dome’s entrance, I start receiving photos from Odette. I scrutinise each of them, carefully checking the people in the background. I’m hoping to see Tara’s new friend, but he’s not in any of them.

I send Odette a thank you text, slide my phone back into my trousers pocket, and put both my masks back on. Then I swiftly make my way back inside. Whether or not underdressed Robin is Eric’s minion, I’m still going to remove Tara from his presence. Better safe than sorry.

The music is almost deafening, and I’m not sure how I’m going to find Tara and her newfound companion in the sea of masks and costumes. After minutes of searching, I finally spot them dancing to the upbeat music.

A pang of jealousy hits me as I watch them twirl and move in sync. They seem to be getting along well. And Tara looks like she’s genuinely having fun, a sight that both warms my heart and stirs up an undeniable sense of possessiveness.

Just as I’m contemplating my next move, the lively music transitions into a slow melody that fills the room with a romantic atmosphere. This is my chance. Taking a deep breath to steel myself, I approach the pair.

“Mind if I cut in?” I interject, offering Tara a warm smile as her friend steps back, looking slightly surprised.

Tara’s eyes widen, momentarily caught off guard. Then her face breaks into a smile. “No. Of course, not.” She turns to the other guy. “Is that okay, Arpi?”

Ah, good. I have Robin’s real name.

“Sure, no problem,” Arpi says graciously. “I need a drink anyway. I’ll see you later, okay?”

Tara nods before locking eyes with me.

I step closer to her and clasp her hand, feeling a surge of elation mixed with nervous excitement. As I wrap my other arm around her and we begin to dance to the slow, romantic melody, I can’t help but get lost in her captivating gaze. It’s like the world around us fades away, leaving only the two of us swaying to the music.

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