Chapter 1.
The year was 1921 and for the grand sum of a hundred clams, anyone could purchase a room at the exclusive Rees Mansion and spend a weekend with Madame Catherine Fox. She was a renowned spiritualist and medium, sought out all over the country for her talents to converse with the souls of the dead. Guests of the manor would be treated to group seances and tarot card readings.
Her older brother, Elisha, managed all of the reservations. He kept out the riffraff and made sure everything went smoothly. These weekend spiritual retreats were always sold out, but it was getting harder to pick around the troublemakers.
Elisha spent more and more time trying to figure out if a guest was really here to chat with their dearly departed Uncle Fab or if they were a nasty reporter trying to make a name for themselves debunking a famous medium.
It was becoming a bit of a problem—especially since Catherine was a fake.
The Fox siblings were con artists. They had been running this scam for years, fooling the unsuspecting public with their spiritual trickery. Along with their uncle, Thomas “Tommy” Kane, they had amassed a small fortune. All of America truly believed Catherine Fox could communicate with spirits.
It was easy.
Laughably so.
Elisha thoroughly researched every guest before they ever stepped foot in the house, including their finances and criminal records. Upon their arrival, Catherine would entertain the guests while Elisha and Tommy took their luggage up to their rooms. It would promptly be searched for more clues about what had brought them to the manor.
By the time Catherine was ready to begin the first séance of the evening, she would know all there was to know about every single one of their poor guests. She was very observant, quite talented at reading people, and a natural actress. Armed with her wits and the information provided by Elisha and Tommy, she would have their marks eating right out of her hand and swearing they had just spoken with their long-lost relatives.
Elisha had watched others with similar acts get shut down by fraud investigations, and he knew they couldn’t keep this up forever. The Spiritualism movement was fading to the merciless grip of science, and coupled with the strong arm of the law, con artists like them were being choked out.
This had to be the last time—one final performance for them all to retire on.
Elisha had spent nearly a month preparing for this weekend, and every room was booked and waiting. He’d already reviewed the guest list with Catherine, and this lot was particularly ripe for the picking. The event started as it always did, with the guests arriving together at precisely twelve o’clock noon.
No one had been allowed to enter the house until everyone was present. Catherine then swept them away into the parlor to chat them up and offer them illegal sips of alcohol from the bar.. Prohibition had outlawed booze but it was highly unpopular, and their guests were only too happy to be plied with alcohol while Elisha and Tommy handled the bags.
One man was there seeking information about how his wife was faring on the other side since her very unexpected passing.
Boring, but typical.
There was a woman who wanted to know what had become of her deceased father’s fortune.
From his research, Elisha knew the old fool had lost it all at the track.
There was a young couple who Elisha hadn’t been able to find much on, but digging through their luggage revealed they were mourning their beloved pet Yorkie named Poopsie.
The list went on and on, a buffet of suckers for them all to feast on. For an additional fee, guests could purchase a private reading with Madame Fox, and everyone invited for this weekend had expressed an interest in doing so. It was why Elisha had chosen them. Whether filthy rich or miserably poor, they were all willing to pay.
Elisha came back downstairs to signal to Catherine that he and Tommy were done with their search, frowning when he heard a frantic knock at the front door.
The Rees Mansion was quite secluded, and it was very uncommon for anyone to come calling. All of the guests who had reserved rooms for the weekend and the kitchen staff were already here, leaving Elisha wondering who it could be.
It was a gorgeous young man, slender and willowy, peering at Elisha with big hazel eyes from behind thick round glasses. His suit was patched and worn, and he was carrying a battered suitcase and clutching an envelope to his chest.
“May I help you?” Elisha drawled, his eyes scanning over the man and tracking every detail.
“Please,” the young man pleaded, his eyes wide and desperate. “I must meet with Madame Fox! I simply must!”
“I’m sorry, but the retreat is already booked. We simply have no more rooms. Perhaps next time—”
“No! Please!” the young man begged, nearly in tears. “She is the only one who can help me! I will give anything you’d like, but I have to meet with her!”
“Anything?” Elisha glanced at the envelope. “That’s your payment, I expect?”
“Yes!” he said, shoving it into Elisha’s hands. “It’s everything I have! I tried to reserve a room before, but I didn’t have the money to make the deposit so you could review my application in time! I sold everything I own today just to be able to get that!”
Elisha casually flipped through the envelope, his quick fingers counting over five hundred dollars. Not bad at all, he mused, looking back over at the young man with a more critical eye.
Definitely lower class, although he hadn’t always been without judging by the nice cut of the suit; not that Elisha cared about robbing the poor. Money spent the same regardless of who he took it from, and he never felt guilty either way. The young man did seem genuinely desperate, perhaps a bit thin from not eating well, and this was supposed to be their final weekend after all.
One more drop in the pot couldn’t hurt.
Besides, the young man was so very pretty, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a little fun.
Elisha stepped out onto the porch and shut the door behind him to avoid the guests hearing anything he was about to say. He leaned close, whispering to him quickly, “Listen. I may be able to get you in, but you’re going to have to trust me.”
“I just gave you my entire life savings!” The young man laughed sadly. “I’m already trusting you with everything I have. What more do you want?”
Oh, this was going to be too easy.
Elisha almost felt guilty.
Almost.
“If the other guests know that I allowed you entry without a proper application, things could get very nasty,” Elisha said carefully. It wasn’t completely untrue, considering the exclusive nature of the screening process. “But I do have an idea.”
“Anything,” the young man insisted. “Whatever it takes to meet with Madame Fox.”
“You’d have to pretend to be my lover for the weekend,” Elisha replied with a frustrated sigh, as if it was the very last thing he wanted to do. “There’s no other way to explain for your presence without arousing suspicion from the other guests, especially since you’d have to stay with me in my room—”
“Fine,” the young man said, his jaw tight with determination. “I’ll do it.”
Elisha grinned, tucking the money away and extending his hand as he purred, “Elisha Fox, it’s a pleasure to meet you…”
“Douglas Bradley. Doug” The man shook Elisha’s hand eagerly. His eyes sparkled with awe. “You’re Catherine’s brother?” he gushed. “Oh, my goodness! It must have been so amazing growing up with someone of her abilities!”
“Oh, it was just the bee’s knees.” Elisha took Doug’s suitcase for him and escorting him inside the house. “Come along, doll,” he said smoothly as they stepped into the foyer. “I’ll take you up to our room.”
“O-oh! Right!” Doug blinked, looking all around excitedly as Elisha led him up the stairs.
Elisha helped him get settled in, leaving his suitcase up on the dresser with a mind to go through it later. There wasn’t even a lock on it, he noted without surprise. What a dumb kid.
Doug seemed nervous. “There’s only one bed.”
“Is that a problem?” Elisha asked innocently, stepping slowly into Doug’s space. He took the time to simply admire the young man instead of picking him apart. He really was quite beautiful.
Doug seemed to take notice of his admiration, his cheeks flushing. “Uhm, I s-suppose not.”
“I swear that I will be a complete gentleman,” Elisha assured him.
“I appreciate that.” Doug nodded, fumbling with his glasses. “I, uh, I really appreciate all of this. You know, for letting me in. It means a lot to me.”
“Tell me, Doug. What is it that is so urgent that you’d sell off everything you own to meet my sister?”
“It’s personal,” Doug said anxiously, wringing his hands together. “I’d rather, uhm, I’d rather just talk to her about it.”
Damn. Elisha was going to need a little more than that to keep this kid on the hook. He had plenty of charm at his disposal and gently reached for Doug’s fluttering fingers. “Tell me, Doug… who did you lose?” he asked in a soothing tone.
“My, my parents.” Doug blinked, the heartbreak in his eyes real and raw, tears threatening to overtake him once more as he squeezed Elisha’s hands. “They were murdered… I… I need to find out who did it, okay? It’s… it’s very important to me.”
“Of course.” Elisha nodded in understanding. “My sister will help you. I promise. We will make sure your parents get the justice that they deserve.”
“Thank you!” Doug suddenly exclaimed, wrapping his arms around Elisha’s neck and hugging him tight. “Thank you, thank you so much!”
Elisha grunted, the forceful embrace knocking him back a step. He held the young man close, gently rubbing his back and enjoying his warmth. It had been quite a long time since he’d had anyone so fine in his arms. He wasn’t usually a big fan of physical contact, but for sweet Doug he was happy to make an exception.
“You have really blue eyes.” Doug was still hugging Elisha close and gazing at him as if he’d forgotten what he was supposed to be doing.
“Mmm, thanks, doll.” Elisha chuckled. “Please don’t think I’m not enjoying myself, but the first séance will be starting soon… if you’re interested in seeing my sister at work, that is.”
“Oh! Please! I would love to!”
“You have to let go of me.”
“Right! S-sorry!” Doug pulled away with a bashful smile, readjusting his glasses.
Elisha linked their arms together, confidently leading Doug back downstairs to introduce him to Catherine. He found her by the piano in the parlor, holding court with their new guests.
She looked surprised to see Doug but didn’t immediately comment on his presence. She waved to them, cheerfully saying, “Hello, dear brother! I do believe the spirits are going to be quite plentiful this evening!”
“Glad to hear it, dear sister.” He nodded his head towards Doug as he said, “You remember my beloved Doug, don’t you?”
“Of course!” Catherine played right along as she pulled Doug in for a big hug and kissed his cheeks. “How are you, darling? It’s simply been far too long!”
“O-oh! I’m good!” Doug was immediately flustered, doing his best to act natural and failing miserably. “Uh, how are you?”
“Catherine, why don’t you and Doug get a drink?” Elisha suggested, catching Tommy’s eye from across the room. “Catch up a bit?”
“A drink?” Doug looked all around and frantically whispered, “Elisha, you do know that alcohol is illegal.”
“I won’t tell if you don’t,” Catherine teased, taking Doug’s arm and pulling him over to the liquor cabinet with a sweet smile. She chatted him up as if they’d been friends for years, keeping him close while Elisha stepped out into the hall to talk to Tommy.
“Who’s the twig?” Tommy grunted once they were alone.
“New mark and my lover for the weekend,” Elisha informed him briskly.
“Damn, ain’t seen you move this fast in a while.”
“Not playing for keeps. He wants an audience with Catherine and had the bank to catch my interest. Being my side piece is his cover so we don’t upset our other guests.”
“Cute.”
“I need you to check his suitcase. It’s up in my room. Dead mom, murdered, wants justice.”
Tommy didn’t even blink, nodding obediently as he said, “You got it.”
Elisha clapped him on the shoulder in thanks, then stepped into the parlor to mingle. His attention was instantly drawn to Doug and Catherine, now seated together at the piano.
Catherine was pawing at him, goading him to play something. “Oh! Come on! You know it’s my favorite! You played it for me on my birthday!”
“I did?” Doug stared.
Elisha resisted the urge to groan. It was a good thing everyone was already getting nice and liquored up because Doug was terrible at this.
“Yes!” Catherine cooed sweetly, never missing a beat. “You and Lish were so sloshed, and you played the song and dedicated it to him. Sweet little lovebirds that you are.”
Elisha couldn’t help but snort. His dear sister was laying it on a bit thick.
They finally managed to settle on a song, Doug’s nimble fingers stroking the keys as he sang with Catherine. He had a lovely voice, as beautiful as the rest of him, and it easily overtook Catherine’s as they went on.
Elisha noticed that even though the lyrics were happy, there was a sadness in Doug’s voice. It made him ache in a way he couldn’t explain, and he joined the applause that erupted when the song ended.
“Thank you, Doug.” Catherine kissed his cheek as she rose up to speak to her guests. “Now, I do believe it is time for us to address the spirits. If you will all follow me into the dining room, we will begin.”
She led the crowd away, ready to knock their socks off. A few candles here, some incense there, and a little bit of eye rolling was all it took for Catherine to completely bewitch them.
Mr. Brown would find out that his wife missed him terribly, but she was very happy and still enjoying gardening on the other side.
She would have to regretfully tell Miss Kahn that her father had lost his money and how sorry he was to have left her with nothing.
Mr. and Mrs. Blake would be over the moon to learn that Poopsie was doing just dandy and still loved to chew up newspapers.
Despite Doug’s earlier excitement, he was lingering by the piano. He was swaying a little, a sad smile on his face as he lightly tapped at the keys.
Elisha fixed himself a drink before joining Doug. “What’s the matter, doll face? I thought you liked to watch Catherine work. You always tell me how much you love the séances.”
Couldn’t be too careful if one of the guests happened to be hanging around close by.
“I do,” Doug replied softly. “I mean, I want to. You know what I mean… I just…” He looked up at Elisha, sighing. “I haven’t played since I lost my parents… My mother is the one who taught me. It’s been a very long time. I was gonna give it up actually.”
“That would be a waste of considerable talent,” Elisha told him sincerely, gently touching Doug’s cheek. “Wherever your parents are at in the world of spirits, I’m sure they’d want you to keep playing.”
Doug beamed up at him so sweetly that it punched the air right out of his lungs. He took Elisha’s hand, cradling it against his face. “Thank you.”
Elisha didn’t know what to do with the warmth bubbling up inside of him, quickly dulling it down with his drink. He pressed a quick kiss to Doug’s forehead. “Come on. I don’t want you to miss any more than you already have.”
Doug was still smiling when they joined the others, his handsome face lighting up as Catherine continued to wow them all with her fantastic visions. Each one was more incredible than the last, carrying on for hours until she had exhausted herself and had to retire for the evening.
After a brief rest, she would accept guests for private readings in her study but not until after dinner.
Elisha stayed close to Doug all night, enjoying his honest sense of wonder and awe. No one would ever suspect that any of this was fake looking at Doug’s face. He was truly left amazed, enchanted by the magic Catherine had woven so beautifully out of their treachery.
Dinner came and went, and Elisha had lost count of how many drinks Doug had guzzled back. Elisha was no stranger to hooch, but he wouldn’t have been surprised if Doug had never touched a drop in his life.
Doug was flushed and laughing often, leaning into Elisha as if they were really lovers. He enjoyed holding his hand and resting his head on Elisha’s shoulder when it became too heavy from the drink to keep up.
Elisha was completely enchanted, accepting all the sweet touches without pushing for anything more than what Doug was willing to give. Once dinner was concluded, Catherine announced she would begin receiving guests for their private sessions.
After they’d paid up and been thoroughly searched by Tommy, of course.
“Before I go,” Catherine suddenly said, smiling over the table of guests, “there is one last announcement I have to make.” Her smile had a tiny hint of wickedness. “I want to wish my brother and his beloved a very happy anniversary!”
Doug blushed and hid his face in Elisha’s chest as everyone applauded and cheered, laughing. “Oh, Gosh!”
Elisha grinned appropriately, but inside he was ripping his sister’s hair out.
“Go on! Give him a kiss!” someone called out.
“Oh, yes! A kiss! And a toast to the happy couple!” said another.
Well, crap.
Elisha peered down at Doug, wishing he knew a way to tell him that they didn’t have to do this. It was obvious that they’d both been drinking quite a bit and Doug could easily deny the request with his obviously shy nature.
But when Doug looked up at him, there was nothing shy about it. He was gazing at Elisha as if he wanted to consume him, licking his lips and pausing only to take a quick breath before surging forward to claim a passionate kiss.
However unexpected, Elisha didn’t let his surprise register. He wove his arms around Doug and sweetly returned his affections. “Happy anniversary, my love.”
“Happy anniversary!” Doug hiccuped, eagerly going in for another kiss.
Oh, there was tongue.
Elisha excused them from the table, easily scooping the slender boy up into his arms and carrying him upstairs. Doug protested for about three seconds before his head flopped back, blissfully snoring away.
He gently tucked Doug into bed after taking off his shoes and his coat. He also carefully removed his glasses to set over on the bedside table. He left the rest as it was and found himself smiling, even brushing his fingers through Doug’s soft hair.
This wasn’t good. This was not good at all.
He couldn’t catch feelings for a mark.
Damn it.
Elisha left to find Tommy, intent on taking the cash he’d collected and even more interested in learning what he’d found inside Doug’s suitcase. He was almost hoping Tommy would have discovered Doug was actually a reporter or something else equally devious.
Then perhaps he wouldn’t feel so guilty about what he was doing to him.
No such luck as Tommy revealed Doug was squeaky clean. There were a few newspaper articles about the murder of his parents, a blue ribbon, and a blank postcard from Baltimore. Tommy had been able to sneak away to make a quick phone call to confirm the kid’s story and it wasn’t a happy one.
“Twig’s parents got pumped full of daylight when he was a kid,” Tommy explained. “Coppers never found nobody to put the finger on. Case went cold. Had an aunt who helped take care of him, but she ain’t been in the picture for a while.”
“Good,” Elisha said curtly, resisting a pang of sympathy. “Make sure Catherine knows what’s up. Doug is definitely gonna want his reading before the weekend is over.”
“You got it.”
They bid each other good night, Elisha returning to his bedroom to put the money away. There was a lockbox that he kept under the bed, and he carefully pulled it out as quietly as he could so as not to disturb Doug. He locked up the cash and stashed the key back in his coat pocket.
He got ready for sleep, deciding to stay in his pants and shirt for modesty’s sake and the comfort of his new companion. Doug curled up against Elisha the moment he lay down and threw his arm up over his chest.
Elisha smiled, making no effort to move him, simply enjoying the warmth as he drifted off to sleep.
When he woke up the next morning, Elisha did everything he could to make the moment last. Doug was still snuggled up beside him and it felt damn good to hold him.
It couldn’t last forever, Doug stirring at last and groaning miserably. “Ohhh… what hit me?”
“About ten rounds of hooch,” Elisha replied with a soft chuckle.
Doug blinked himself awake, squinting up at Elisha as he struggled to get a handle on where he was. His eyes suddenly grew wide. “Oh! I kissed you!” He gasped. “I, I, I am so sorry! I re-really shouldn’t have—”
“It’s fine.” Elisha smiled. “All part of selling who you are to the other guests. You did well… and I definitely wouldn’t mind a repeat performance.”
Doug’s fair face turned a lovely shade of red. “I think, I think we should, uhm, go get breakfast.”
“Of course.” Elisha nodded, letting him go without protest. He was a thief, but he wasn’t a goon.
He even turned his back while they got dressed, waiting for Doug to tap his shoulder to let him know that he was decent.
They went downstairs to join the other guests, the rest of the day passing by much more quickly than Elisha would have liked. Catherine hosted several more séances and tarot card readings in between, and Doug remained enthralled by her performances at every moment. As the evening fell upon them, Elisha realized he wasn’t ready for the weekend to be over.
He wasn’t ready for Doug to leave yet.
It was finally time for Doug’s private reading, and he requested for Elisha to join them. He usually didn’t mind witnessing his sister’s spiritual antics, but knowing they were about to be focused on Doug made him uncomfortable. He used liquor to ease it, all smiles as he sat down with them in the study.
Doug was fidgeting excitedly in his seat across from Catherine, babbling away. “It’s truly an honor, Madame Fox. Everything I’ve seen you do, it’s just, wow, it’s beyond incredible. You’re truly so talented! I just, wow, okay, I keep saying that, uhm—”
“It’s quite all right,” Catherine cut in politely, reaching for Doug’s hands as she gently instructed. “I need you to clear your mind for me… Think of the person you wish for me to contact.”
“Okay,” Doug breathed, closing his eyes.
“Now, did you bring something of theirs?”
“Yes.” He reached into his pocket to retrieve the long blue ribbon Tommy had found yesterday in his suitcase.
Catherine took it from him, smelled it, held it, even licked it. “Yes.” She nodded slowly. “It’s coming together now… It’s your mother’s?”
“Yes!” Doug gasped. “How, how did you know?”
“She told me. She’s here with us now…” Catherine frowned, her tone sad as she murmured, “Oh, Doug. I’m so sorry… I didn’t know she and your father had been taken from you so violently!”
“It’s okay.” Doug sniffed. “It was, it was many years ago. But you see, that’s why I need your help! I need—”
“To find the man who really killed them,” Catherine interrupted, tilting her head as if she was listening to someone else. “Oh! Your father is there with her? They’re together? Oh, Doug… They’re both here with me now.”
“This is exactly why I came to you. I need you to please help me. I cannot rest until I get justice for my family!”
Every last tear Doug cried slapped Elisha right in the face. Maybe it was a good thing this was their last scam. He would miss the rush, but clearly he was going soft.
Catherine moaned and rolled her eyes about, shaking and pulling out all the stops while Doug watched her intently. She began to gasp loudly, panting. “Yes, it was a man… a tall man, but not too tall… a beard, maybe not… and he was wearing—” Catherine suddenly shivered. “—green.”
“Yes?” Doug pleaded. “And? And what else?”
Catherine took Doug’s hands, shaking her head as she lamented, “The vision is leaving me, but your parents want me to pass along a message. They want you to give up your search. They’re at peace now, they have each other… and they want you to be happy.”
Doug looked confused and lost, sniffing miserably as Catherine pressed the blue ribbon into his palm. He stared down at it for a long time, his head bobbing slowly as he said, “Thank you, Madame Fox. For everything.”
“It’s my pleasure, Doug.” Catherine smiled. “Your parents love you so very much.”
“I know they do.” Doug smiled tearfully and glanced back at Elisha. “Uhm. Could we… Could we go to bed, my, eh, beloved?”
“Of course.” Elisha said good night to his sister and then walked Doug back to his room. When the door shut behind them, he was surprised to find himself tackled into another fierce hug.
“Doug, are you all right?” Elisha asked, genuinely concerned.
“I’m better than all right.” Doug grinned sweetly up at him. “My parents are at peace! This is incredible! I can finally start my life! I don’t have to keep looking anymore for some terrible fiend!”
“I’m happy for you.” Elisha’s hands settled on Doug’s hips.
“I can live for me now,” Doug went on, his eyes still damp with tears, but these were joyful. “I can do whatever I want!” His eyes flickered over Elisha’s lips, shy but full of desire. “Anything I want…”
“What do you want right now?” Elisha asked huskily, already knowing the answer and selfish enough to take it.
“You,” Doug replied. “To kiss you… and uhm, whatever… whatever else may happen after that… if, uh, you know, you’d be interested.”
Elisha only smiled, sweeping Doug into a tender kiss, his tongue deftly stealing away his needy moans. Their clothes fell to the floor as Elisha took Doug to bed, and he worshiped his body for long hours before finally sliding inside him.
Doug was totally insatiable, a frantic live wire writhing away beneath Elisha and begging for more. Elisha gave him all that he had and then some, driven by some unfamiliar force to wreck Doug beyond his wildest dreams.
Maybe it was guilt, his silent way of apologizing for taking advantage of such a sweet soul.
Elisha did not allow himself rest until Doug had called out his name a third time and the sun was beginning to lighten the sky outside his window. They held each other like the lovers they had pretended to be all weekend, and Doug’s soft voice whispered in Elisha’s ear, “Thank you… for everything.”
“You’re welcome,” Elisha replied as he swallowed back the last stab of guilt he could stand, and his mind was already made up before he fell asleep.
Tomorrow, he was going to give Doug back his money.
When Elisha woke up alone, he was actually surprised. He had reached out to find Doug and was met with cool sheets instead. He sat up with a soft grunt, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
Doug’s glasses were still on the bedside table, but his suitcase was gone.
Something was wrong.
Elisha got dressed, heading quickly downstairs to find Catherine bidding all of their guests farewell. Everyone was leaving happy and satisfied, money well spent and their faith in the beyond successfully confirmed.
He waited for the last one to leave before asking quickly, “Have you seen Doug?”
“Not since last night,” Catherine replied, quirking her brows. While not a true medium, she knew her brother better than he knew himself and demanded flatly, “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
“He’s gone.” Elisha frowned. “Something’s up.”
“I never heard him leave,” Tommy chimed in as he joined them at the bottom of the stairs. “What are you thinkin’? Got all skittish on ya’ and ran?”
“I don’t know,” Elisha answered honestly. He reached into his coat pocket for the lockbox key. “Let’s just get the cash and scram. I don’t like this…”
The moment his fingers touched the key, his heart stopped. There was something soft there that didn’t belong. He slowly pulled the key out to reveal a long blue ribbon had been tied around it.
It was the ribbon that had belonged to Doug’s mother.
“What’s that?” Tommy grunted.
Elisha turned and immediately bolted back up the steps, skipping the last few at the top as he hurled himself towards his bedroom door. He dove under the bed and dragged out the lockbox with his pulse drumming like thunder in his ears.
No.
It couldn’t be.
He stared stupidly down into an empty chest, several seconds ticking by as he tried to wrap his mind around it.
All of the money was gone.
Catherine and Tommy had finally caught up with him, and Catherine angrily snapped, “Lish! What the hell?”
“Where’s the fuckin’ money?” Tommy snarled, his eyes immediately finding the empty lockbox.
Elisha sat back on his heels and rubbed his hands slowly over his face. All the pieces were falling into place and he laughed bitterly. “That little son of a bitch took it… I’ve been conned.”
“What?” Catherine demanded.
“It was Doug.” Elisha sighed, feeling more a fool than he ever had in his entire life. He was almost too impressed to be angry. He picked up the glasses that Doug had left behind and tilted them up into the light for a closer look.
Plain glass, nothing more.
All part of Doug’s shy and vulnerable little costume that he had chosen to seduce Elisha with.
It had been good. Very good.
Elisha had never even suspected him for a moment.
He knew that the script of Doug’s act had been very real, but where the actual line of truth and falsehood was drawn Elisha had no idea. He had never before met a con artist so talented, and he was equally infuriated and intrigued.
“Lish!” Catherine shrieked impatiently, dragging him out of his thoughts. “Are you telling me that little skinny shit whammied you and took off with all of our fucking money?”
“Yes, sister,” Elisha drawled with an amused click of his tongue. “That he did.” He stood up to get his bag out of the closet.
“What are you doing now?”
“Going after our fuckin’ money. He couldn’t have gotten too far.” Elisha thought about Doug’s postcard, adding, “I have a pretty good idea of where he’s going. You two stay here, pack up shop. We’re gonna need to be ready to ghost this town when I get back.”
“Yeah?” Tommy scoffed. “What are you gonna do to the little bastard when you find him?”
“Haven’t decided yet,” Elisha replied.
“You gonna kill him?”
“Possibly,” Elisha mused, still unable to hide how impressed he was with Doug’s flawless manipulation. “I’ll decide when I catch up to him. I’m either gonna kill him… or I’m gonna ask him to marry me.”
NEXT –>
