Chapter 37: In which she faces her worst nightmares.
"We're late."
"Fashionably late."
"And whose fault is that?"
I gaped at him in astonishment and watched his face break into a devilish grin. "Oh no! No, no, absolutely not! It was your fault and you know it!"
"Maybe...." he shrugged, reversing the car into a suitable parking spot in front of the Town Hall, which took an hour to find! Was everyone on the planet here today? I was nervous enough that I had to face my worst nightmare tonight and this just made it worse.
"Is it me or did the entire town just decide to show up?" I squinted my eyes at the rush of people entering the Hall. All dressed in beautiful gowns and tuxedos; designer masks turning them incognito.
"It's definitely the entire town." Finally able to park, he switched off the ignition and looked at me. " It's Christmas Eve, what did you expect?"
"I thought this was a private party." I shrugged. It’s not like I knew anyone here or how the McKenna’s threw lavish parties. I didn't want to know more than what was necessary about my biological father.
"All set?" He asked. I knew we were stalling and I knew he was doing it to easy my nervousness. I really appreciated that about him, but time was running out and stalling would get us nowhere.
"Yup. Just can't contact Samuel. His phone has been switched off all day." It was actually from yesterday evening, right after his meeting with Nathan, but I didn't want Nathan to worry. We couldn't fail now.
"Safety measures. Plans have a way of getting ruined at the last minute quite easily. It's better this way." He placed his hand on top of mine and squeezed reassuringly. "He's your brother Savannah, he won't let you down."
"Yeah." I sighed, some of the tension leaving my body; then squared my shoulders. "Let's do this!"
We both put on our masks; mine a lavender color with intricate silver designs to match the gown I was wearing and his elegant black with highlights of black glitter. And just like that, our identify was concealed just like every other person in this area.
Nate locked the car as soon as we got out. He held out his arm and I linked mine with his, the invitation envelope held with our free hand. By the time we handed our cards at the reception, the entire Hall was packed with people, and the Town Hall was big.
"It's beautiful!"
High ceilings with a humongous crystal chandelier in the centre surrounded by several small ones, were the main source of illumination followed by several ornate lamps placed on the pillars dotting the main hall; it all gave a golden glow to the entire room, making it look like the Victorian era movie come to life. The women in beautiful evening gowns and masks covered with glitters and feathers added to the Victorian feel. The Hall itself was gorgeous, beautiful paintings of scenery and landscape donned every glass window in the room, it didn't need any further decorations, but there were huge flower stands on every corner available. Waiters flew by with Champagne flutes in hand and a wall on the right end of the Hall was lined up with steaming refreshments. The main attraction however, was the giant Christmas tree right in the middle of the room that almost touched the ceiling and was beautifully decorated in gold ornaments and lights. All in all, this please looked like fantasy given shape. Only my agenda of coming here threw a shadow over all the lights and pleasantries.
"It's almost 8.30 p.m. Vincent should be arriving any minute now." Nathan's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Yeah." His arms around my waist was my anchor. It helped me get past the nausea, gave me strength to wrench myself back from the day I'd seen him destroy everything that I held dear. I could still remember my mother's cry as he dragged away my brother from us, I'd ran after the car for as long as I could only to fall and scrape my hands and knees bloody. And he hadn't stopped or turned back. All he had needed from my mother was a son so he could inherit his fortune. Me and mom had been nothing but added hindrances.
"Here," Nate handed me a Champagne flute from a waiter as he was passing by and took one for himself.
"Thanks. I'll need this if I'm to face Vincent McKenna tonight." I said and gulped down the entire glass in one go. The sting of the alcohol felt welcoming and I could feel my nerves relax a bit.
"Don't worry about it. The more you do, the bigger the chances are that you'll mess up." He put his arm around my waist and gave an encouraging squeeze. It helped me relax further.
"May I have your attention, ladies and gentlemen!" We all turned to look at the man in a black suit and red mask, standing in front of the Christmas tree with a microphone in hand. "Dear guests, it is a pleasure to welcome you all again this year to the biggest event Seattle. And just like every year, the host and sponsor of this event, the owner of the city's biggest textile company, Mr. Vincent McKenna has arrived."
The cheers that followed felt like needles piercing my heart. How can a person as disgusting as Vincent be loved by so many people?
"He sponsors this event every year. Pretends to help care for the poor and disabled by donating to charities." Nathan whispered in my ear. “But they don’t know who he really is.”
"But this year, we're not going to introduce him as we do every year. Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm thrilled to announce that Mr. McKenna is already inside this Hall and somewhere amongst you. He has requested a quite appearance tonight, so without delay, we're going to start the main event, the Waltz!" Another round of cheers and applause followed throughout the room. "And remember the rules, you'll need to remove your mask as soon as the dance is over. So without further ado, let's start the music!"
Soft music began to play almost instantly and everyone in the room started to pair up for the dance. For now, I was paired with Nathan, but soon enough, we'll have different partners. "Nathan..." The nerves were back with a vengeance. Not only was Vincent already in the room; my waltzing skills weren't picture perfect either, which by my standards meant, I knew nothing about it. But Nathan seemed completely at ease like he's done this a thousand times....which, frankly, he probably has.
"Relax Savannah. It's fine. Everything will be fine. I'm right here, okay? No matter what, he won't be able to take you away from me. Just remember that this is about justice for your mother." Nathan reassured me.
"Yes." I can do this. I will do this! For my mom.
It wasn't long before the first switch as everyone came towards the centre in the form of a huge circle and partners were exchanged. This happened for several more turns, during which I had gone from a stick think man to a person on the larger end of the spectrum, who kept looking at the ground, trying not to step on my foot. Then there was a blonde guy with a blue mask who seemed an even better dancer than Nathan. Not to mention, there was also a pervert who'd wanted to touch my ass more than a couple times and each time, I'd repaid him by kindly stepping on his shoes with my heels.
Finally, the next circle drew in and I switched partners one more time and spun into the arms of another man. He looked middle aged from the laugh lines marking the corners of his mouth and he had a firm grip. He was also in good shape, not at all like some of pot bellied businessmen present tonight that all the expensive tuxedos couldn't hide.
His hold on me was firm as he twirled me around, a bit too firm though....maybe he thought I was a lousy dance who would trip and fall any instant? He wouldn’t be mistaken.
Then, the music slowed down to a hum and then stopped altogether. We all bowed to our partners and then stood up. Cheers came from all around the room and people began to take off their masks. I began to search for Nathan as soon as my mask was off, not caring that my final partner was still in front of me.
I spotted him only a few yards away, shaking hands with a couple who looked quite familiar. Oh! They were our newest business partners! I turned towards them to join Nate and say hello to the other party, but was stopped short when my partner grabbed my hand roughly. "It's bad manners to leave without saying hello."
God! Don't tell me I ended up with another pervert! I whipped around to face the son of a bitch, to give him a piece of my mind...the mask dropped from my hand as I felt the ground being pulled out from under me.
It can't be. Out of all the people....no...NO!
"Hello…daughter."
There was pure menace in his voice.