*OLD*Phantom Detectives*OLD*

Ch.17 The Party and It's Guests

Eloise M.

Connor's hair was a brown so dark it should have been black, his eyes dark like the forests around his manor, his skin matching James' exactly though his attire was that expected of a noble. A long lush pine green coat, detailed white tunic, a pastel green vest, and black slacks to match his suede shoes.

Though he hid it well from the others, I knew his gaze slid to James. Feeling him tense up beside me I place a firm hand on his shoulder. I take one glance at James and though he seems to be keeping his composure quite well, I know he's a complete wreck underneath.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you all for coming to my manor tonight." Connor greets, elegantly stepping down the staircase. "I do wish to clear up a bit of confusion though. The majority of the letters I sent out had the name of my manor rather than my true last name.

"I swear," Connor continues, "that was only a safety precaution and can gladly say it was a one time thing. Regardless, I welcome you all to my home and hope to meet with you personally weather this is our first time meeting, or if you are an acquaintance."

It was silent for a brief moment, but when Connor's eyes slid to me, they lingered a bit longer than I would have found acceptable for a man. For some reason, confusion slides across Connor's face.

"I think we are missing a guest." Connor says.

"And who might that be earl?" Grey asks.

"A certain earl that goes by the name of John Tailor."

"The Earl Tailor unfortunately canceled last minute my lord. He had apparently come down with the flu and wished not to infect any of the other guests." His butler responds.

"Ah, I see. Well that certainly is unfortunate. Aside from Earl Tailor, it seems as though all of our guests are here. My butler Adrian will introduce you by your name and according to your rank."

Adrian nods, taking a list from his coat pocket and begins to read, "First, we have a mister Grey Ashwood. Next is-"

"Don't worry James, everything will be alright." I whisper.

"Eloise I can't stay here," James pants.

"James calm down, look at me." I demand.

Pure fear... that's all I can see in his emerald eyes. I place a hand on his shoulder and tell him, "We'll get through this. Look, I'll make you a deal. I'll keep Connor from hurting you if you keep me from shooting Grey. Deal?"

James smiles and nods, "Deal."

"And," Adrian concludes, "last but not least the Phantom Detectives."

"You two ready?" Arthur asks.

I look to James for an answer. He nods and replies, "Ready as I'll ever be."

*

"But my, aren't you two the spitting image of your father!"

A tall man with deep espresso colored skin, deep night black hair, and bright auburn eyes. He's the co. owner of a trading company that ships fabric to and from France. His name, Tex Albany.

"That's quite kind of you to say sir but it is my sister that truly resembles our father." Violet nods, gesturing to me.

"I wouldn't say that exactly," I beam, "I have our mother's eyes but the rest of me is my father."

"Either way," Tex chuckles, "I'm positive your old man would have been quite proud of the two of you."

"Thank you but really," Violet laughs, "Eloise was always our father's favorite."

"That's not true, he spoiled you and our younger sister silly. I had to earn everything I got despite being the middle child."

"Maybe it was her good looks that did it." Grey suggests.

"Watch it Ashwood, she's married."

"Oh Elly calm down," Violet giggles, "men from all over always come to see my beauty, I have no problem with it."

"Usually I don't either, but for this idiot I do."

"Come now Eloise," Grey sneers, "don't want this to end up like our last meeting would you?"

"I will not hesitate to stab you." I growl.

"My, my, such harsh words coming from someone who defends the law."

Adam Schylar, the manager of a company that manufactures liquor that my own cousin buys from. Adam has lightly tanned skin, dark blue eyes, and rich brown hair.

"Relax I'm off duty," I jest rolling my eyes and taking another sip from my wine glass.

I glance over to James who is sitting by the far window talking with Arthur and my brother-in-law, Ace. He's a kind and gentle man who had to get my approval before he had my sister's hand in marriage. Ace has skin like James', though his eyes are a deep lilac, his hair a light ash brown.

I will never understand my sister's taste in men but... as long as he makes her happy... as long as he keeps her safe... and as long as he stays loyal to my sister, I'll let it be.

"Miss Millore," Tex speaks, "are you alright?"

"Please Tex," I smile, "just call me Eloise. I'm fine, it's just... my new partner is a little uneasy tonight and I made him a promise that we would retire if anything were to happen."

"About that James fellow," Adam broke in, "he's the earl's younger brother is he not?"

"Yes he his," I nod, "and that is exactly why we will retire."

"Does he have a bad history with his brother? Or is he just jealous that he inherited the title and not him?" Grey asks, a smirk on his face.

"I would wipe away that look if I were you Grey," I growl, "this earl isn't all that he says he his and you can say what you want but I know the truth."

"You will all know that truth soon enough."