Murder At 12

The Masquerade

That night, I get dressed for the party in a black gown. Coincidentally William happens to wear a black suit. We look acceptable as a couple for the time being. He looks like he wants to say something. I tell him dead seriously," If there is something you wish to speak, go on." He replies," You still angry from the morning." I ignore him and declare," Let's go." I start walking in the lobby. My heels sound like wall clock of olden time, it is the silence of the lobby.

He says after sometime," What is the plan?" He is asking me about it when we have almost reached and he was the one who was dying to attend the party, "I suppose you decided it since it were your plan to go 'in person'." He looks completely offended. I sigh because I cannot even scold him when he makes a face like that. I speak after thinking," Keep walking. I have a plan. make sure your hearing and speaking device is on. I will arrange for something till then. " He then says," Wear these instead of those," and hands me a set of Diamond earrings and a necklace with platinum chain. I look at them. I do not give any expression. I daily do the advertisement of such stuff. I will really appreciate it's beauty but I will not say any kind words to this man. He called me a dangerous cat and even did not make a plan before going to the party. The pendent of this necklace is such a tricky one. So, I put the earrings, turn around so my back is facing him and tell him to tie the necklace. I don't suppose it will be a problem as I made my hair to right side.

While tying it he speaks," You are looking gorgeous today." I sigh from exhaustion and tell him," I take back my words, you really do not deserve to be my partner." He seems to be struggling with it as he says," Women accessories fly over my head." I can't help but break into a smile as I say," Do not know how to tie a necklace. A necklace you yourself gifted and badmouth women's accessories. How incapable!" I feel his breath upon my ear and realize he is standing extremely close to me. He whispers into my ears out of the blue," How about I choke you?" What! I get away from him in defense and react," Only if I would let you." I say with an experienced and confident smile.

He then smiles and says," That is the Merellanda I know." It is the first time he called me by my first name and it sounds strange from his mouth. I feel ashamed of myself for reacting so fast. It just came reflexively out of my defense training. He asks again," What is the plan?" I tell him," Right now keep walking." I think tonight we can just talk to different people whom the pair talks with. If we can know about there current projects maybe we can figure out something about the plan. I will call my friends at the hospital again if I am confirm with the identity of Ms Easton, I will find out was she really shot or it was just to arouse pity.

When we are about to reach the door I see Ms. Easton with Mr. Spencer and pace up my speed. The guard at the door bows to us. I nod at him. There is something more important right now to do and I speak to William," Mingle with the guests together then mingle with Ms. Easton. Meet me at the balcony after talking to her. I will be at my work with Mr. Spencer. Contact me only when extremely necessary. I'll put up the black mask. Try to get the red mask. Do not create any fuss. The story is we are old childhood friends just happen to meet in Paris so attending the party together. Crystal clear." He does not speak anything. I shake him a little by his arm, "William." He replies with a nod and says," Just thinking." I look at him and tell him, "Did you even hear what I said?" He simply nods. What is he thinking? I am certainly not going to ask right now. I pray Jesus 'May we receive success in our plan. Help us' We link arms and enter the big gate. We put up our brightest smiles so as no one doubts us.

No sooner do we enter the hall that we spot Ms. Easton and Mr. Spencer. I quickly contact one of my closest friend and ask her," Where is Easton? " She answers confidently," She is in the hospital." I talk to her through my necklace," No she is not there, She is in front of my eyes in Paris." Voice comes from the other end," What are you saying? I am in the hospital in the attendant bed next to her." I remain silent for sometime and look at the Easton in front of my eyes. Then a photograph of Miss Easton on the hospital bed comes to me on my phone. "You look like you saw a ghost. Everything alright?" William whispers to me. I cannot answer I just pass my phone to him. His condition also becomes the same as mine after seeing the picture. He quickly gives my phone back to me and says," Just go along as planned." I nod my head in response.

As soon as the guests spot us one by one each one of them comes and meets us. We meet them formally. All of a sudden Mr. Spencer appears out of the blue and speaks," Congratulations for your relationship." I plan to talk back . Before I can speak William speaks," Thank you. It is our pleasure. She just proposed on a quick review of the staff report so we came here. Either ways ,sir are you alone." He squeezes my hand so tight that it hurts.' I understand that you want me to get along but could you just drop it now, it hurts like hell.' I think to myself. Mr. Spencer answers," No, I am accompanied by the most beautiful lady of this world," Even before he can complete his sentence William cuts him short and says," You are mistaken my friend I get to hold the hand of the most beautiful lady on this earth." He raises my hand to eyelevel at Mr. Spencer.

I am unable to understand what kind of dramaWilliam is doing. He is interrupting Mr. Spencer. I don't want to create ascene. It spreads like wild fire and I can hear ladies talking behind me,"Mr. Adamson offended Mr. Spencer for Merellanda." Now I am the reason fortheir fight. They are giving each other dreadful eye messages when someoneplaces his hand on my shoulder and a lady's voice rings out from behindme," It is just the eye that sees. Else every woman is beautiful."Those are my words. I realize I spoke them when I received the award for thebest singer and actress. I turn around to see no other than Miss Easton. "Ican't be mistaken now. She is standing so close to me. Not a single chance I ammisguided now. This is definitely Miss Easton." I tell myself over andover again