Page 109 of Whispers in the Dark
I can’t help it. An audible gasp escapes between my lips as I glance at the book resting on a satin pillow in what is probably bulletproof glass.
“…a better copy has never been seen. And for the right price, this item can become a part of your home library.”
“Do you know this book?” Scarlett asks quietly, leaning closer to me.
I swallow hard, forcing the lump in my throat down, and simply nod. I can’t tell her the story without breaking apart. How it was my mother’s favorite, how I’ve spent years searching for a copy, knowing only a few were ever printed, and none have surfaced in decades. My gaze drifts back to the book as tears cloud my vision. I brush a thumb beneath my eyes and blink rapidly, desperate to keep my composure.
Maybe I can afford it. I could put it on my credit card and—
“The bidding will start at fifty thousand dollars!”
And just like that, my heart drops along with any hope I might have momentarily allowed myself.
The only comfort comes from knowing it will likely end up in the hands of a collector who will care for it, keeping it safe.
Mauro clears his throat, and I look over at him.
I’ll be right back.
I smile and nod as he rises, disappearing toward the other side of the room. Taking a slow sip of the wine before me, I watch the bidding war with a pang of homesickness as a dull ache spreads through my chest.
“And sold! Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to an anonymous buyer,” the MC declares.
I can’t help the sudden burst of tears that threatens to spill over. I slip from my seat and make my way to the restroom, striding through the building with my head in a fog.
Once inside, I’m relieved to find it empty and take a moment to breathe. Bracing my hands against the counter, I drop my head and close my eyes, waiting for the urge to cry to fade away.
Turning on the faucet, I splash my hands with cold water, then dry them, trying to wash away the sting of disappointment.
Sorry, Mom,I think.It just wasn’t meant to be.
I push the door open and feel the familiar buzz of my phone in my clutch. Reaching inside, I see my dad’s name glowing across the screen. I step into the hallway and turn down an alcove, pressing the phone to my ear. “Hi, Dad.”
“Alina,” he says softly. “I haven’t heard from you and was starting to get worried. How are you, sweetheart?”
I lean against a wall and let out a steady breath. “Sorry, I should have called.” Guilt eats at me for not seeing him sooner. “Everything’s fine. I’ll be stopping by tomorrow. I promise.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Do you think you could bring some—”
Suddenly, a man bumps into me, and my phone slips from my grasp, clattering to the floor.
“Shit, sorry. Let me get that for you.” He bends down, retrieves my phone, and hands it back with an apologetic smile.
I take it from him. “No worries.” Pressing it to my ear, I say, “Sorry, Dad.” Silence. “Dad?” I glance at the screen and find it black.Of course. My battery must have died. “Great,” I mutter under my breath.
“I really am sorry,” the man says again.
I flip open my clutch and slide the phone inside. “It’s fine. I forgot to charge it before I left my house. I’m sure that’s all it is.”
He chuckles, his gaze drifting slowly down the length of my dress. “That’s a very beautiful dress you have on.”
Unease curls in my stomach as I take a step back. “Thank you, but I should get back to my table.”
“Why the rush?” He smiles lazily and plants his palm against the wall, blocking my way.
My heart rate increases.
Run!My mind screams at me to move, but I’m trapped with him standing in the way of my only exit.
