Page 32 of The Last Knight

There it was. That subtle condescension wrapped in charm that she’d ignored while they were dating. How had she stayed with him for so long?

The statement made her blood boil; heat rose to her face. Of course he would make a condescending comment. But she hoped to keep her composure. Before she could speak, John spoke up.

“Expanding an enterprise is never a small feat. As a business owner myself, I am quite proud of Aubrey’s courage to open a second storefront. Given the success of the first, all her friends expect this studio to be a triumph.”

Marcus’ mask fell. He’d expected the Aubrey he’d dated to give her usual response, explaining how she’d work hard and hope for the best.

But she didn’t feel intimidated. Instead, she was surer than ever of her upcoming venture. She released John’s hand and smiled broadly at Marcus. “If membership continues to grow as it has begun, I may need to buy you out soon.” She laughed as if it was a joke, but in truth, it wasn’t a bad plan to expand for additional classes at the same class time.

“What is your business?” John asked as Liam came to stand next to him.

He dug a card from his coat pocket and passed it to John. “Archer Physical Therapy. It is much needed here.”

“Hmm,” Liam said, studying the card John held. “There is already a therapy clinic near here. Are you aware? It may be a struggle to take patients away from an existing trusted practice.”

“We shall see,” Marcus replied curtly and then turned his attention to Aubrey, ignoring the men.

Whether he was aware of the other practice or not, Marcus didn’t bother with a reply. Instead, he met Aubrey’s gaze. The flowers brushed her hands as her ex held them out. “These are for you.” He smiled in the way he always did after upsetting her. It had perhaps worked in the past, but not now.

Aubrey took the flowers while wondering why, when they dated, she’d not noticed how Marcus had found it easy to dish out criticism but rarely took it well. Then realization struck that he belittled others to make himself feel better.

Thankfully Marcus didn’t linger around her for long. When Zina and Jeffrey arrived, he went to chat with them.

The evening was a success, and by the time it ended, the membership was much higher than she’d hoped for.

Apparently, the woman who’d taught yoga at the local community center had just retired, and those not wishing to exercise in the park were glad for the comfort of an indoor studio. They had gladly jumped at the opportunity to join using the grand opening discount.

“That went well,” Erin said, returning from putting the leftover wine and snacks into her car.

Aubrey turned in a circle, arms extended. “I am so incredibly happy and excited and nervous and…did I say happy?”

“Yes you did, but you are allowed to say it twice,” Erin replied with a wide grin. “The studio will do great. I have little doubt.”

“I open in a couple days. Still have to hire an additional instructor. Already have a receptionist.”

Erin gave her a hug. “I will be here for the first week to help out with training. Just let me know the times.”

“You are the best,” Aubrey said meaning it. “Now scoot. I am going to lock up and head home.”

The next day, taking advantage of the two days off, Aubrey made her way around the cellar. The air smelled damp despite a pair of slender windows being propped open. John and Gwen had organized things and left her a note listing boxes they thought she should go through. So far they claimed to not have found anything of interest.

A lone bulb hung from the ceiling, reminding Aubrey of old scary movies. It seemed that in every basement or cellar scene where victims were locked in, a lone bulb hung from the ceiling. To dispel her imagination getting away from her, she played cheery music from her phone and switched on an old lamp Gwen or John had set up atop what looked to be an antique table.

The additional light and music made the space less scary as she opened a box and found figurines wrapped in bubble wrap. She needed to call her parents and make a case for taking most of the things in the cellar to a charity shop.

Sounds of steel drums and island sounds filled the space. Aubrey jumped to her feet, and began dancing, swaying her hips to the rhythm of the music and waving her hand over her head. “Jamin’ Jamin’ Jamin’ to the music,” she sang.

She turned in a full circle, pretending to be on a sandy beach in the Caribbean, the salty air in her hair and bright sun on her face.

“Jam—” when she went for a second turn, the realization that she wasn’t alone stopped her mid-word and Aubrey let out a wild scream. She picked up the nearest item, a house figurine and hurled it at the man.

Upon hitting Gunther’s chest, the figurine burst into shards that fell to the floor. He scowled down the pieces and then at her. “I thought you’d noticed I was here,” he said, not moving.

Aubrey held a second figurine up, this one a horse. “Are you possessed?” Both her voice and hand shook. How would she know if he’d turned evil?

“I am not sure what you mean?” Gunther’s deep accented voice was sharp. “I am the same as before.”

She took a step forward, the horse at the ready, and looked into his eyes. Admittedly, it was the wrong thing to do because visions of their kiss flooded her addled brain and her face heated.