Page 5 of Dead Serious Case 5 Madame Vivienne
“Yeah, you look it.” Maddie mutters in a sour tone as she rolls her eyes then walks away.
“If it helps, she really can’t stand that guy,” Sonia says apologetically.
“Thanks for coming,” I say.
“You’re welcome, Tris.” She leans in and hugs me. “Make sure you two come around for dinner next week. Another several days of being partnered with Byrnes and Maddie is going to need someone to vent to.”
“We will.” I nod as Sonia gives Danny a quick hug then waves to us both as she hurries to catch up with her wife.
Danny glances down at his watch. “Well, I guess we should get going if we’re going to make it to Cheapside in time.”
“Where’re Harrison and Sam?” Frowning, I look around and see no one but Chan and Aidan.
“I’m not sure,” Chan says with a bemused smile. “They’ll probably meet us back at your flat. Why don’t you both go and see what that fancy solicitor wants, and I’ll head over to your place and get the refreshments sorted.”
I nod in agreement. “You got the spare keys?”
“Of course I do.” Chan smiles and leans in to air-kiss my cheeks. “Now run along. I’ve got sandwiches to cut into tiny triangles.”
I let out a small huff of amusement and reach for Danny’s hand. “Okay, then. Let’s go and hear the last will and testament of Vivienne Wilson.”
2
We pass by all the large glass-fronted buildings of Cheapside, following the map app on my phone as we attempt to locate the address on Mr Hadley’s business card.
Turning down a narrow side street lined with low brick buildings, I immediately notice the difference in atmosphere. I can tell by the way Danny’s hand grips mine a little tighter and how he pulls me into his side a little closer that he’s noticed it too.
Out on the main road the streets are wide and bright, flanked by retail stores, modern buildings, and a shopping centre, but this winding side street seems older, the air a little heavier. The shadows are deeper and there’s a chill that I don’t think has anything to do with the cold January temperatures given the way my skin is prickling and the tiny hairs on my arms beneath my jacket are standing on end.
“There.” Danny points out a lone doorway.
The door is black and so polished I can almost see my reflection in it. Pristine white columns frame the door either side and are connected at the top by an ornate curved arch. The knocker is an intricately wrought lion with a ring through itsmouth. My gaze skims over to the shiny brass plate mounted on the brick wall which reads:
Hadley & Mason, by appointment only
“Bloody hell, are you visiting Charles Dickens?”
I jolt and suck in a breath, not expecting anyone to sneak up on me. I glance over my shoulder to see Dusty staring up at the rather imposing old-fashioned building.
“Jesus, you scared me.”
“I can tell by the way you’re clutching your pearls, milady.” Dusty smirks and I realise my palm has automatically risen to my chest. Rolling my eyes, I let my hand drop and can’t quite help the snort that escapes me as I take in her outfit.
“You look like Adam Ant.”
She’s wearing a floofy white shirt that looks as if it were last worn by a highwayman. A huge lacy cravat decorates the front and frilly cuffs emerge from her jacket sleeves to almost cover her hands, leaving only her bright purple nails visible. The jacket itself is cut in a military style with enormous shoulder pads and is covered entirely with black and silver sequins. Her sparkly leggings are so tight they look like they’ve been painted on, and she’s wearing platform boots that reach all the way up to her thighs.
She blinks innocently. “What’s wrong?”
“Oh nothing, if you’re auditioning forThe Greatest Showman.”
“Well, I certainly wouldn’t mind Hugh Jackman showing me his other side.” She lifts one perfectly sculpted brow.
“I take it Dusty has decided to join us?” Danny says, his lips curving in amusement, and I smile.
“Where’s Viv?” I ask Dusty.
She shrugs. “Disappeared again as soon as I got her back to the bookshop.” Her forehead creases into a frown. “I don’t like this, Tris. There’s something really weird going on.”