Ring in the New at Caynham Castle by Morgan Brice & Caren Crane & Donna MacMeans & Anna Sugden

Author:Morgan Brice & Caren Crane & Donna MacMeans & Anna Sugden
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781944570071
Publisher: Rickety Bookshelf Press

Chapter 6

Vic

“Some shindig, huh?” Vic asked as he and Simon sat with Father Andrews and Priscilla at the wrap party on New Year’s Eve.

“That’s the goal,” Priscilla replied. “The Blast from the Past taping went smoothly, the participants got excitement and glamor from the chance to show off their heirlooms, the antiquers had one-of-a-kind shopping, and no one got seriously hurt.”

“I thought the Earl, er, Ward, seemed to take it all in stride—considering,” Vic replied.

Priscilla smiled. “That’s Ward. He’s made of pretty stern stuff.”

Vic looked over to where the Earl and his wife were making the rounds, stopping at each table to chat and express their thanks to the people who were involved in making the taping and fair a success.

He had been surprised that the wrap party guests appeared to be limited to the cast, crew, and off-duty hotel staff who had been involved in the logistics. Vic’s cop cynicism had him figuring that Ward might leverage the event for publicity or political reasons, but Ward himself appeared to be the biggest fish in the room.

“Has there been any word about Addison Taylor?” Vic didn’t want to ruin the party mood, but the events of the day before never strayed far from his mind.

Priscilla shook her head. “Given the holiday, I doubt he’s been fully processed yet. But he’s behind bars where he won’t hurt anyone, thanks to the three of you.”

Vic’s hand started toward the marks on his throat before he forced himself not to touch. His collar hid most of the bruising on his neck, and he had summarily nixed the idea of a scarf to cover the rest.

“I am not wearing an ascot,” he had told Simon.

“We’re in Europe. They do things differently here. Ascots are cool,” Simon had tried to convince him.

“So not.”

Vic glanced over to Simon. His fiancé was talking enthusiastically with Priscilla, who seemed to be on the same wavelength for whatever they were discussing. Vic didn’t need to be part of the conversation to be happy that Simon had found a new friend to geek out with.

After all the adrenaline of the last few days, Vic was content to enjoy the wine and get mellow. Although the charges against Taylor were yet to be made public, Vic suspected that the Earl’s involvement would ensure the case was taken seriously and handled properly.

Poor dumb bastard got more than he bargained for when he found those curse coins.

He turned to Father Andrews. “Kudos, Father, for keeping your cool while everything went down yesterday. You never even paused reading off that litany. I’m seriously impressed.”

Father Andrews gave a decidedly unceremonious snort. “After nearly thirty years trying to preach over wailing babies and snoring grandfathers, not much rattles me.”

Ward approached their table, accompanied by a woman with honey-blond hair. “Simon and Vic, this is Dr. Denby Alden—my better half,” the Earl said. “Bee, these are the friends of Erik’s who kicked that ghost’s arse all the way to the afterlife—with the help of Father Andrews, of course.

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