Page 131 of Mask and the Magnolia

“Can this be mine?”

“Sure, sweetheart,” I chuckle, going back to the bag and finding what is definitely my sister’s handiwork.

I feel a malicious grin split my face as I pull the black PVC from the bag, my fingers tracing the neon stitching over the eyes and mouth of the mask.

She got us goddamn masks.

One for each of us, just like the one I had the last time I was with Maisie.

And this, this right here is how I know we can’t fucking lose.

We’re gonna get our girl, and we’re going to make everyone who tries to stop us fucking sorry they did.

We’re coming, Maggie. Hold on.

I am havinga wicked case of dejavu right now.

Driving up some cobblestone path, passing privacy hedges and gaudy fountains before a huge building comes into view. One with elaborately carved doors and sky high columns, fancy lighting and staff in tuxedos.

One major difference?

No armed guards.

Not one from what I can tell and while I’m sure there’s probably some sort of security staff in there somewhere, it’s nothing like the shit at Harden Ranch.

Funny.

The last time I was free, just before I went to prison, and the first time I’ve been out in fifteen years both revolve around rich assholes who think they can buy and sell people in order to get what they want.

And just like the first time, I’m here to protect a girl I love and make sure she doesn’t fall victim to bastards like that.

I don’t know if that’s irony or what, but I see you, universe, and I fucking get it.

“Think they have a vegetarian spread?” My sister asks from the driver’s seat, slowing down as we come up to the only checkpoint we’ve passed so far. “Maybe shishkabobs?”

I arch a brow at her in the rear view mirror and smirk.

Nice to see we’re on the same page with the blast from the past.

“State your business,” the guy in some kind of security uniform says as he bangs on the window.

We lean against the walls of the van, our all black outfits keeping us relatively hidden from a passing glance as Eve rollsthe window down, putting on an act worthy of an award when she does.

“I’d rather not, it’ll ruin the surprise.”

The guard's eyes widen and he nods. “Ms. Blackhurst, I didn’t think you were coming this evening. You’re not on the guest list.”

Cute.

Her entire family is probably in there but somehow, Eve wasn’t added to the list.

That’s not fucking suspicious at all.

He goes to grab his radio, most likely to announce Eve’s arrival but she quickly reaches out and stops him.

“Like I said, it’s a surprise.” She smooths her hand over his nametag before tracing the shape of his badge. “My big brother and best friend are getting married, Royce. This is a big deal. I’ve been planning this surprise for a while, and I don’t want to spoil it by letting everybody know I’m here.”

The guard looks at her skeptically, his eyes flicking to Maisie briefly before he rubs the back of his neck. “I don’t know, Ms. Blackhurst. My orders are pretty strict. Dr. Reynolds was adamant on checking everyone in for his daughter’s safety.”