Hickory

The Hamilton Estate

What the phck am I even doing here? Reed wondered with a sigh as he pulled into the carpark of the mansion that Sunday. It was a really odd mansion, too. It looked like it was built into the side of the mountain, all towering black glass walls and heavy metal struts. There was a short black bridge going over a small stream, sort of like a moat. He really didn't belong in a place like this. Limousines and expensive cars were lined up in rows. His car wasn't too bad as far as regular cars were concerned, but it was far older and cheaper than anything else on the driveway. He'd worn black jeans and a black shirt with his leather jacket over the top. The only other smart clothing he owned was his dress uniform, and he sure as hell wasn't going to wear that for someone he didn't even know.

He checked the address again. This was definitely the place, definitely the day, and definitely his name on the invitation. Well, phck, let's just get this over with. He sighed in defeat as he climbed out, black shoes crunching gravel as he walked. They were already scuffed from a few years of use. He never replaced things like that unless he needed to. The heels had been replaced about ten times over the years, and the laces twice. A little polish kept them in passable condition, but he wasn't ready for any black tie events. The thought made him hesitate at the large black door, taking a steadying breath before ringing the bell.

"Gavin! Please, come in," Chloe greeted brightly as she opened the huge door like it weighed nothing. She was dressed differently today, in a pretty black dress with thin straps and a laced front that reached her knees with a set of pretty black pumps on her dainty feet. Reed was speechless as he stepped into the towering entrance hall. It was as dark inside as it was outside. Grim. Imposing. Shiny black flooring gave it a cold and somewhat impersonal atmosphere and, judging by the towering self-important portrait, he assumed this must be a building owned by Elijah Kamski.

"Chloe? I...wasn't expecting..." Reed felt even more uncomfortable as the front door swung shut behind him with a heavy click and Chloe tugged the edges of his jacket. He was hesitant to part with it. It was like a second skin, something comfortable that people associated with him. He didn't quite feel himself without it. He felt exposed and vulnerable. Out of his element. What the hell would Jack think, seeing me in a place like this?

"You didn't look up the address?" Chloe asked with a titter as she ferreted away his jacket, stepping into a side room that he assumed was a massive closet. She gestured to another door and led the way into a long hall. There were expensive looking vases and sculptures, colourful paintings that made no sense, and even a few bits of strange technology locked in glass display cases. Some of it was beautiful, some classic, and some just plain weird.

"It didn't seem important...I just wanted to stop by and let someone know that there's been a mistake. I don't know anyone called Hamilton," he replied sheepishly as Chloe reached another door and stopped. She didn't seem surprised by his response as she opened it and led him inside. That's when it happened. Reed's worst nightmare. It seemed like everyone in the room just stopped and stared at him. Without his jacket, he had nothing to burrow into, and nowhere to bury his hands besides his tight denim pockets. Everyone was dressed in suits, expensive dresses, and Rolex watches, gold and diamonds glittering. Gavin Reed did not belong in this place, and the way they looked at him confirmed it. Chloe didn't seem to notice their stares as she shut the door behind them, trapping him inside.

"There's no mistake...I'll take you to Elijah." Perhaps sensing his discomfort, she took his arm like they were on a date and led him through the mingling groups of people. Reed tried to ignore the whispers and mumbles, unable to catch any of the details. Chloe seemed to have tuned out the world around her as she searched for her boss or partner. Reed wasn't sure how to describe their relationship. "Elijah! Detective Reed has arrived," she announced in delight as she led him across to the bar. Kamski was there, standing with an official-looking man holding a thick leather binder.