Page 19 of One Weekend in Sydney

Clearly, she doesn’t mind this new man, who didn’t make much effort with his attire. While she seemed cold towards him earlier, they’re now laughing together. And I find myself wanting to butt in and whisk her away.

Crazy.

I shake my head as I watch Tara and her new friend hurry to the Dome. That means it’s time for me to move along. Nothing good will come out of reviving old feelings. Tara still hates me, even though she seems to like Romeo a lot. Unfortunately, Romeo can only ever be the masked one to her.

Funny how even after ten years of not seeing her, I still feel like this. Is it because I still can’t shake off my guilt, or is it because I still have feelings for her after all this time?

My smartwatch vibrates, and I’m relieved by the distraction from my thoughts.

Norman has sent me a message. He and the other guys haven’t seen anyone suspicious hanging around Odette’s party.

Damn. Eric’s spies had probably pulled back, seeing that Tara wasn’t on the showboat. Still, I ask Norman to continue watching Odette and her friends.

My stomach grumbles, and I realise I forgot to eat on the boat. Guess why? Yes. I couldn’t keep my mind off Tara. But I’m starving now, and I need something to drink.

The food vendors situated in one of the exhibition halls are too busy, so I decide to go out to a fast food outlet nearby.

The cool air outside is a welcome change from the relative heat inside the Dome. I take my masks off, contemplating whether I should just go home after I eat something. Tara doesn’t need me anymore. She hasthatguy—whoever he is—to keep her from unwanted attention.Ugh.

I get to the food outlet and notice two young women wearing ballgowns. Their masks are on the table as they eat burgers. Why are they still out here?

“Hi, ladies,” I say. “The concert has started, in case you didn’t know.”

“Oh, we’re not attending anymore,” answers the brunette. “We sold our tickets.”

“We’re not scalpers,” says the blonde hurriedly. “But a guy offered us an insane amount for our tickets just as we were about to go in.”

Her friend chuckles. “We just couldn’t say no. Plus, he seemed desperate.”

“And so thankful,” adds Miss Blonde. “He probably didn’t expect anyone to sell their tickets to him because he wasn’t even in a costume.”

“He did have a Robin mask,” says Miss Brunette.

I frown. “A Robin mask?”

“Yes. You know, Batman and Robin?” She turns to her friend. “Did you see if he was with anyone?”

“No. He has to be with someone, though. Why else would he buy two tickets?”

My heart thuds hard. “So, this guy just approached you and offered to buy your tickets just like that?”

They both nod.

“We’re not gonna get in trouble, are we?” asks Miss Blonde. “I didn’t see any signs that said no scalpers allowed. Plus, like we said, we weren’t planning on selling our tickets.”

“No, you’re good. Thank you.” I head straight back to the Dome, ignoring my hunger. The person who bought the women’s tickets sounded like the “Robin” who befriended Tara. What if he’s Eric’s spy?

Or he could be totally innocent and just a massive fan of one of the acts playing tonight.

But I’m not about to let this go without investigating it further. How do I go about it, though?

I decide to call Odette, but her phone just keeps ringing. After two more tries, I call Norman.

“Hey, boss,” Norman answers. “What’s up?”

“Hey. I’m trying to call Odette, but she’s not answering. Can you find her for me? I need to talk to her.”

“Sure thing. I’m not far from her group. Wanna wait?”

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