Page 59 of An Oath at Midnight

“It’s not really a party. Jenna Hazark called and wanted catering for an intimate dinner. I’m not sure on the number of people. I’m just setting up, then getting lost.”

So not a party, which meant I couldn’t just blend in with the other guests. “I need to get inside. You think you can help?”

He blew out a breath. “I mean, yeah, I can get you in…but I can’t lose this job, Mags. I just got a promotion—”

“If I get caught, your name won’t be mentioned.”

He contemplated for only a second. “I’ve been instructed to set up, then lock the door on my way out. There’s a separate door into the kitchen that locks when it’s closed. The best I can do is text you when I’m finished. I’ll make sure you can slip in when I leave.”

“Perfect,” I said, ignoring the nerves in my belly.

“They’ve lowered their wards for me to get in, but they’ll put them back up once I’m gone. If they catch you, if you do something crazy, I’m not sure I can help you—”

“They won’t and I won’t.” I squeezed his hand. “This is amazing, Jamie. I owe you.” The ward could definitely be an issue, but I’d worry about one thing at a time.

“I’ll text when the coast’s clear.” He started toward the house, then turned back. “And I hope you catch the asshole who hurt Margot. I really do. Call me if you need anything else.”

I nodded my thanks. I’d catch the monster who tortured and murdered our friend, who was trying to frame Willow, no matter what. I would find out who this sick fuck was, and I’d expose them. I’d make them pay.

Jamie’s text came through thirty minutes later. A thumbs-up.

I watched him drive out, then pulling up the hood on my sweatshirt and making sure to avoid the security cameras, I rushed around the side of the house. He’d wedged something in the door, so it hadn’t closed properly, and I slipped inside.

The kitchen was quiet, empty when I walked in. I assumed the Hazarks had staff, they’d have to for a house this size, but it didn’t look like anyone was here right now. They’d opted for a caterer instead of their own chef, and with a kitchen like this, I’d be surprised if they didn’t have one. Odd. You’d think they’d want all hands on deck tonight since they had guests.

I eased the swinging door open and slipped into the hall. The clink of glasses and the low murmur of voices came from deeper in the house.

The halls of the grand house were still, silent. I followed the voices, rounding a few more corners. Definitely no staff wandering around.

Stopping at the end of the hall, I peeked around the edge. There was a room on the other side of the main foyer. The door was open, and I could see Jenna playing hostess and Robert, her husband, beside her. They were talking to someone, but I couldn’t see who.

“I’m starving,” someone said.

“Once Ryan gets here, we’ll move through to the living room.” They had to be talking about Ryan Alway. He was a witch, younger than the Hazarks and the other prom committee members, and he was all over their social media profiles. From what I could ascertain, he worked for several of them, a “guy Friday” if you will, for the group. “I had the caterer set up in there.”

The living room? Okay, also weird.

Jenna sipped at the amber liquid in her glass. She looked pale, her eyes red and puffy. She was in pain, they all were, and I felt like a total jerk for eavesdropping on their grief, but I had no choice if I was going to find the killer.

Somehow, I needed to listen in, and I didn’t have much time to get situated. I didn’t know my way around this place, so I followed my nose, which wasn’t hard, their meal smelled amazing. I rushed back the way I came, turning left instead of right this time, and found the living room a few doors down. There was a table set up. The food was laid out buffet-style, a stack of plates and silverware at one end. This was most definitely a casual get-together, but then these guys were besties, so there’d be no need for airs and graces.

The room was decorated in dark tones. There was dark wood furniture, and two large cozy couches, one by the door, the other opposite it. Across from me was a wide window covered by long, navy-blue curtains, and by the looks my only option for a hiding place. I rushed over and peered behind them. There was a low window seat covered in throw pillows. Perfect.

The sound of chatter reached me.

They were coming. I dove in behind the curtains and quickly made myself comfortable. I could be in for a long night, and there was no escape, not until the room cleared out.

My heart raced. This was probably a terrible idea, but my spidey senses weren’t wailing at me to get the hell out of there, so that was something.

They walked in, their conversation subdued. I felt the dark cloud of their grief instantly, and wrapped my arms around myself. I really wished Bram was here. I always felt more in control when he was with me. Always.

Promise me you’ll be safe while I’m gone.

This might be breaking that promise, in his eyes at least, but it was too late to back out now. I wasn’t leaving until I found out what the prom committee knew, and I’d never get the chance again.

There was a small gap in the curtain, and I leaned forward to watch.

Robert grabbed a plate and immediately started loading it with food. Jenna picked up a cherry tomato and popped it in her mouth, then sat on the couch furthest away.