Cold Trail (Sue Thomas FBEye)

Cold Trail - Chapter Two

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Two flutes of champagne?

And a Christmas card in a snowflake envelope?

~ * ~

The unusual warm evening contrasted with the cold snap that had swept through DC last weekend and blanketed the city with snow. She was happy not to carry a coat, not with that dress, though Myles' initial reaction puzzled her.

"I'm not overdressed for the party, am I?"

They'd driven in silence, but when he opened her door after parking in a triple driveway, she couldn't help but wonder if she'd misinterpreted the invitation.

"You're perfect." A kind smile softened his face, and in the light of the lamppost, his eyes shone a rich shade of blue. "Whenever you want to leave, let me know, and I'll be more than happy to oblige."

For the second time tonight, she accepted the arm he offered. "I survive my mother every Christmas, Myles. Yours can't be worse."

"I wouldn't be so sure."

The reply didn't comfort her.

A butler welcomed them inside the house. "Good evening, Mr. Myles. Before you mingle with the guests, your mother requests your presence in the library."

Myles' chest expanded, and the front of his jacket gaped open. "Of course she does. I'm sorry, Sue."

She couldn't tell if he mouthed the words in silence or not, but he didn't look pleased.

Myles turned toward the butler. "Would you see that Miss Thomas gets some refreshment, please?"

The butler nodded before leading the way. A dozen or so people she didn't know chatted in the foyer. Unlike Myles, most men wore tuxedos, while the women showed dresses more sparkling than the starry night. And to think she was afraid to be overdressed.

"Excuse me?" If Myles had addressed the butler by name, she'd missed it. "Could you please show me the nearest restroom?"

She suddenly felt the need to freshen up.

The stiff man pointed an erect finger toward the spiral staircase. "After the staircase, on your right."

A gasp rattled her throat when she entered the restroom. If it came out aloud, it wasn't intentional, but since she was alone, it didn't matter.

They were two sinks and two mirrors, each bigger than the one in her bathroom. The private room smelled of roses and lilacs. To have money was nice, very nice, but how to spend it wasn't something she'd ever had to worry about.

She looked into the mirror. No strand of hair escaped her pins, and the breast tape that Luce suggested she used in place of a bra supported the girls in the right position without showing any straps.

If only she attended the evening with someone else...

The thought wasn't warranted, not with the kindness Myles had shown toward her. Misery loved company, and she intended to share Myles' misery for the entire evening. Ready to face his dreadful family, she exited the restroom.

A server balancing a tray with two flutes of what she assumed to be champagne, stood at the corner of the staircase. His gaze met hers. "Ma'am? Are you Mr. Leland's date?"

The term did apply for the evening. "Yes. Would you know where Myles went?"

He presented her with the drinks. "He asked that you take both flutes of champagne onto the terrace."