Page 104 of Ethan & Grace

She grabbed my hand. “Can I talk to you for a moment?”

I nodded and excused myself to Henry. We walked a few steps until he was out of earshot. “What’s going on?”

“We have a problem.”

39

Who’s Behind The Blackroom?

Anonymous Blogger Turns Up the Heat on the Darlingtons

The Guardian headline

Grace

“The key’s in his tux,” I finished.

“Fuck,” Ethan swore, voicing exactly what I’d been thinking ever since I’d seen Mr. Asterdam lock his study. “What now?”

I shrugged. “No idea.”

He pressed his lips together thoughtfully and scanned the crowd for our host. I’d been keeping an eye out for him too, but he must have still been outside smoking a cigar with Mr. Eddington.

“We could ask Olivia or James for help.”

“No, we can’t do that.” I knew he trusted them both, but I was wary of letting them in on a plan that involved accusing their father of murder.

“Or stage an accident. One of us could knock into him and spill a drink over his jacket, then he’d have to take it off.”

“That would attract too much attention,” I replied.

Besides, it was still doubtful we’d manage to get the key off him unnoticed. We’d need to get hold of his jacket before one of his domestic staff took it, which was too risky. We only had one chance, because as soon as Mr. Asterdam grew suspicious, it would be over. The theft would have to happen quickly and discreetly. I was frantically racking my brain for a way to pull it off when my gaze landed on Henry, who was still sitting at the bar. An idea came to me—one that wasn’t entirely without its risks, but far more promising than Ethan’s suggestions.

“I’ve got an idea. Wait here!”

I left Ethan and walked across the room to our table, where only Kate and Olivia were sitting.

Both women looked up when they saw me approaching. I concealed my agitation behind a smile. “Kate, could I borrow you for a minute? I need your help.”

“Would you excuse me?” Kate asked Olivia.

“Sure. You two can stay here. I’ll go check on Henry.” She got up and headed to the bar.

I took her seat, and my smile disappeared. I didn’t need to hide anything from Kate. When she noticed, she grew serious too. “What’s going on? Is everything OK?”

“Yes and no,” I replied nervously, because my whole plan—if it could even be called that—now depended on Kate. “I’m going to ask you for a favour, but you have to promise not to ask any questions.”

She didn’t hesitate, which said a lot about the kind of friend she was. “Promise.”

“I really need to get into Mr. Asterdam’s study, but it’s locked. He’s got the key on him, in the right pocket of his jacket. I thought you might be able to help me get it.”

Kate blinked. “You want me to steal the key?”

“Yes.”

“What . . .”

“No questions,” I reprimanded.