Come Into Darkness Read Free

you have to offer? A party? Sorry, but I get invited to parties every day of the goddamn week. This,” he waved his hand, “is nothing.”
    “But, sir-"
    “But nothing,” said Mario. He shook his empty glass. “Get me another one of these, get me my money, then get me the hell out of here.”
    He placed his glass on the bar and stared at the guide.
    “Sir,” Worth continued, his hands held up. “There’s more, so much more! This is just to relax you, to ease you in. We know what you want-and it’s all here. We just like to provide a few extra treats along the way.”
    Mario pointed out to the crowd. The band had finished the song and burst into another heavier, faster number.
    “This is no treat,” he said. “This is a joke. I told you to get me another drink, then I’m gone.”
    Worth looked at the empty glass.
    “Follow me,” said the guide. “We’ll get you another drink and if you want to leave…well…who am I to stop you?”
    Without waiting for an answer, Worth turned and shuffled away. Mario wondered how he had moved through the crowd so easily. He chased after and found him further along the bar. Worth nodded to the barman and leaned back, facing Mario.
    “How do you feel, sir?” he asked.
    “How am I feeling? Bored and fucking annoyed,” said Mario. “Where’s that drink?”
    “On its way, on its way. So you don’t feel a little…pleased?”
    Pleased?
    Mario glared. “Why should I?”
    “Knowing that those people out there aren’t good enough to shine your shoes.”
    Mario laughed, amused for the first time since entering the building.
    “I don’t need to be told that. I know I’m better.”
    Worth grinned. “Very good, sir.”
    The barman returned with a filled glass. Mario took it and sipped the bubbly nectar. Again, the champagne tasted exquisite.
    “That’s good,” he said. “Excellent even. You’re not having one?”
    “Not on the job, sir.” Worth glanced left and right, scanning the busy chamber.
    “Well, just remember, after this drink, I’m outta here. Right?” Mario enjoyed another delicious sip.
    “As you wish,” said Worth and sighed. “Perhaps in the interim you won’t mind my company for a little longer?”
    Mario snorted. “No one else I’m going to talk to. Besides, pissed off as I am, you’re an interesting character, Worth.”
    “Thank you, sir. I think.”
    Mario gestured at Worth with his drink. “You just…stick out here. I mean, you sound like a butler or something, but we’re stood in the middle of a rock concert. It’s weird.”
    Worth smiled and nodded. “It’s true. I was a butler, a long time ago. I still am, I suppose. I serve, therefore I am.” Once again, he checked the groups to either side.
    “Looking for someone?”
    “Indeed. The person who was supposed to be your companion tonight.”
    Mario frowned. “Companion? Olly never mentioned anything about a companion…”
    Worth stepped away from the bar and rubbed his wrist. “Arthritis. Always gets me on these damp nights. Yes, a companion. We are quite busy here at the House and have to pair up our guests just to get them through. Don’t worry, sir. Should you have stayed, your partner would have been handpicked to perfectly compliment your needs.”
    Mario laughed and drank some more. He’d nearly emptied the thin glass. “You think of everything,” he said, “but you know nothing.”
    “Nothing, sir?”
    “You don’t know me. You might know what I do and a little of my past…” He spat the word out. “But you don’t know my needs. No one knows my needs.”
    Worth winked and leaned forward. “ We do. If only you would stay and find out.” He glanced over Mario’s shoulder and his grin widened. “Ah, Miss Foster. Right on time.”
    Mario turned.
    A young woman stepped from the crowd and walked around a group of chatting girls. She stood at around five-foot-two with a sharp blonde bob. Mario imagined cutting his finger on such a defined edge of hair. Her