The Calling by Barbara Steiner

Author:Barbara Steiner
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781497629899
Publisher: Open Road Media

Twelve

EVERYONE BUT ROMNEY and Kyle were content to browse in the pawnshop, which had everything from musical instruments to TV sets, all styles of rings, pendants, and expensive watches. Romney and Kyle zeroed in on a pair of diamond studs, just like they’d ordered, and quickly negotiated a price with the owner. The old man didn’t blink an eye on seeing his unusual customers. Miki figured they were in another theater district here, so he had seen most everything.

“Like them?” Romney said, turning his head so Miki could see. There must have been another pierce in his ear that she hadn’t seen, since he’d placed the diamond stud to the right of the silver ring. Kyle had done the same, the two sharing the pair of earrings.

“Let’s go into the Celebrity Used Clothing store,” Miki suggested. “I brought all the money I could find. I want a cape like yours, Davin.”

“You shall have it.” He put his arm around her as they headed up the sidewalk. “Or similar.” He turned and smiled at Primavera. “Maybe not so old.”

She laughed, and stopped to look in the window of an art deco shop. All kinds of strange black and white sculptures hung or sat on display.

Rima walked behind them, hanging back, sulking, it seemed to Miki. She had a frown on her face and her purple lips were drawn up into a pout. She had sprayed deep purple tint on her ebony hair, a style which, although strange, was flattering. The tint matched the silk chiffon scarf tied around her neck. Long dangling earrings of antique purple glass set in silver swung from her earlobes. She was the very picture of Victorian Gothic. Miki felt plain beside her.

When Primavera took her arm, Rima pushed her away, preferring to walk alone, not wanting it seemed, for anyone to change her mood.

Paige looked at Miki, a question in her eyes. Miki shrugged as if to say, I have no idea what’s wrong. She did, though. She knew Rima was jealous because Davin looked only at her, talked only to her, gave her all of his attention. How could she protest just to make Rima feel better?

The used clothing store had a faint odor of aging fabric, clothing with ghost scents from heavily perfumed Broadway stars. If the dresses could talk they’d tell of balls where they danced all night, of garden parties, of performances of classic musicals and dramas.

Miki combed through the racks, letting her hands linger over satins, velvets, and crisp taffetas. She set tassels swinging and straightened lace collars and bodices. Dim light sparkled off sequins and beads.

She didn’t know when Davin disappeared, but when he returned from the back of the shop he held a long black cape in both his hands. Then, like a magician, he unfolded the circular garment before her with a flourish. Inside, a deep red satin lining shone like fresh blood spilling across the carpet.

“Who was that who spread his cloak for the queen to cross the puddle?” he asked Romney.

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