The night faded in, dragging the heat of an American summer with it. New York City twinkled behind Essie's moving car. As the buildings were left to sit in all of their glory, open air unfolded and the stars shone in their rightful place, no longer needing to compete with the glowing city. David was the one driving the red ReVere. Essie watched him with the admiration that a small child may display toward her adoring parents. Like an imp she curled her fingers around the back of his neck, playing with the short strands of black hair. Her jade eyes seem to, if possible, brighten even more when the car came to a stop in a grand driveway. Silly as it may seem, Essie felt as if she was in a moving picture. She stared excitedly at the men and women entering the large estate that looked as if it could outshine the city that never sleeps, just on its own.
Together David and Essie entered the ball room, their glide across the floor was an extravagant one, only being used to the fast-paced life that the Upper East Side inspired. The ball room was painted an egg-shell white, but seemed to forever glow gold. It was an enormous space with high ceilings and had walls that held intricate carvings painted royal blue. A round, plump man that lacked colour in his cheeks approached the couple at the banquet table.
"A-ha!" The man said, evidently finding the answer to something. He held David's gaze. "The newly weds." He said with pride. His smile was almost as grand as his driveway, thought Essie.
"Sir. Richard L. Lance. Why isn't it a pleasure to see you again." David said, grinning. They shook hands like long lost brothers.
"And you. It's been a while, oh yes it sure has my friend." Richard Lance stared at David who was nodding in agreement, it had been a while indeed. "I can't believe it." He said, stupefied. "You look just like your father."
"Better looking, of course." Essie added, smiling in her husbands direction. Richard lent forward to introduce himself to Essie, but she extended a hand before he could so much as open his thin lips. "My name is Essie Carper, wife of David as stated, it's a pleasure." Richard acknowledged her and pecked her hand.
"It's a pleasure Mrs Carper, If you will excuse me, there are some people I would like to chat to." Essie shot a quick glance in the direction that Mr. Lance gestured to, and saw a group of women who looked as if they were movie-stars. "You treat my man here well now, Mrs Carper, enjoy your night." And with that, the round man waddled away. Essie and David proceeded to float around the floor.
"That was the man that owns this estate, my father and Richard were good friends when they were younger." David explained. Essie was distracted by a passing, middle-aged woman who looked quite familiar. She let the thought slip away.
"Where's his wife?" Inquired Essie, walking with a slight sway to match the music.
"She left him when he refused to let her have half of the estate. They say she was only in it for the money, and would sell this place as soon as Richard died,-" David did not have a chance to finish before a loud bang shattered the tranquil atmosphere, puncturing ears. The band ceased playing, and screams sounded. Essie and David turned to the centre of the room where Richard L. Lance was spread out, lifeless on the marble floor. Essie looked away with shock from the bleeding man, and saw the middle-aged woman fleeing the ballroom, pearl handled pistol in hand. It hit Essie like a wave. Suddenly she knew who the woman was. Before anyone in the room could act upon the situation, Essie began to sprint after her mother, her own pearl handled pistol in hand.
