Tales from the Skies by Katherine McIntyre

Author:Katherine McIntyre [McIntyre, Katherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Published: 2019-05-16T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

To say Henrietta's manor was resplendent would do it a disservice. In fact, no words could capture the opulence of the affair, from the globe lights in every window illuminating the place for miles, to the marble walkway and bronzed railings tipped with fleur de lis.

Music sounded from across the hall, echoing throughout the tall ceilings. Sweet violin strains created a haunting melody that lingered in the back of her mind, dredging up old memories of nights she hid in the attic, waiting for the women downstairs to finish their work. Cream curtains embellished with gold embroidery gleamed in the candlelight. The chandelier glittered, crystals reflecting and casting multicolored shadows across the marble floors. All this splendor on display and they only stood in the parlor.

Viola was aware of Edward standing behind her, his presence a surprising comfort as she wove her way through the crowds. He kept her pace and managed to avoid bumping into anyone along the way—she expected no less from the Fox.

Throngs of men donning three piece suits, musky cologne, and smoking lit cigars stood in her way, along with groups of women wearing crushed silk dresses that flared past their waistlines and necklaces with gems the size of fists. The wealth was tangible, unable to be replicated by any merchant even if they struck it big.

The bar lay at the edge of the room, a refined piece made of mahogany with copper trim. An average bartender would shirk from this kind of affair—after all, smudging up something of this caliber would be remembered for a long time. But Viola was no ordinary bartender and the Ivory Bar was proof. With hands steadied from years of working with weapons, she wasn't about to drop a drink.

She slipped behind the bar followed by Edward. No host came over to greet her, as they were much too busy dealing with their own affairs. She pulled out her box of globes, small round spheres that when squeezed reached cold temperatures to chill the drinks. Better than ice since they didn't compromise the quality of the liquor and with their brassy sheen, made the perfect flourish to any drink.

They paid her a high rate for autonomy. Between the exquisite paycheck and the hand up these gigs gave her with her other profession, Viola wasn't about to give up her bartending any time soon. However, Edward concerned her. The man might be able to chase down a bounty, but could he pour a drink?

Best not experiment here.

"Follow my orders," Viola directed him behind the bar. "You'll be in charge of stocking supplies."

"But I've been told I have a very steady hand," he whispered in her ear.

She ignored the heat in her chest and delivered him a sweet smile. "Sorry, one night stands don't stack up as credentials for tending bar."

The two servants she'd requested chose that moment to appear. Edward coughed and stood a little straighter under their curious gazes.

"Names?" Viola asked, already setting to work screwing pour tops onto the most common liquors.

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