The Pawn of the Phoenix (The Memory Collector Series Book 2) by Jamie McLachlan Page B

I’d be afraid one or more of my guests would attempt to steal one of my valuables. But I suppose Mr. Harrison doesn’t have to worry about such things, which is why he flaunts his wealth rather than conceals it.
    Keenan leads me into another ostentatious room, and I silently contemplate on what use it could possibly provide. We weave through the crowd in search of familiar faces, and it doesn’t take us long before we find the Chief with his wife, the latter scrutinizing my dress with obvious disapproval. Her own light blue dress is less revealing, though the thick fabric only adds to the bulky weight surrounding her midsection. When her eyes finally look away from me to fall on the detective, her features light up with delight. She hates that I continue to accompany Keenan to these private events, because, for some time now, she has been secretly attempting to set him up with some young ladies she knows from other respectable families.
    “Mr. Edwards, it’s so good to see you again.” Her eyes narrow reproachfully, but her voice remains friendly. “You still haven’t stopped by for a visit.”
    He apologizes, even though I know he’s not truly remorseful. “I’ve been rather busy lately, but I will try to make time in the future.” He then gestures to me and adds, “I presume you remember Moira.”
    “Yes, yes,” she says dismissively. She gestures to a young woman who has been silently standing beside her. “I would like you to meet Annabelle Ashworth. Annabelle, this is Detective Keenan Edwards.”
    Keenan nods politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
    Annabelle lowers her head, hiding the blush that has risen to her cheeks, and curtsies. She’s the complete opposite of me, with long golden curls framing a dainty face, and her skin is a flawless ivory that is made even more exquisite in contrast with her red dress. When she looks up at Keenan, she offers him a small smile. Her blush has yet to fade, and the sight has me scowling.
    “Mrs. Garrett says you’ve been with the police for ten years. My brother is a constable. Perhaps you know him?”
    “What is his first name?”
    “George.”
    When Keenan fails to pull the young man’s face from his memory, the Chief interjects. “You remember him, don’t you? He was the one who accidentally crashed one of the police’s vehicles last year.”
    Keenan’s face lights up with remembrance, while Annabelle’s flush deepens.
    “Ah, yes. Now I recall.” His voice is neutral, but I can sense the amusement he keeps hidden. “Very nice young man.”
    “Oh, quit embarrassing the girl,” says Mrs. Garrett. Her expression softens as she flutters her fan. “Annabelle is quite the gifted lady, Mr. Edwards. She’s very talented with the piano. Perhaps you would join us for tea sometime, and then you could judge her talent for yourself.”
    “Of course.” He turns his gaze on Annabelle. “I’m positive your skills are extraordinary.”
    She smiles up at him. “You are too kind.”
    The whole exchange makes me want to gag. It’s as if I don’t even exist, and I know Mrs. Garrett has introduced Annabelle with the intention of setting Keenan up with the young woman. It certainly isn’t the first time. I try to slip my arm out from Keenan’s grasp, but his grip tightens, leaving me with no other option but to remain by his side. Annabelle’s gaze drops to our entwined arms, and her smile wavers. When she looks back up, our eyes lock briefly before she averts her gaze.
    Mrs. Garrett’s face suddenly brightens as her eyes settle on someone behind me. “Ah, Mr. Jamieson, it’s so good to see you.”
    Rick appears beside me, with a woman attached at his elbow, who I presume must be his fiancée. She’s a slight brunette with an extremely pale complexion. My immediate impression is of a timid woman who rarely thinks negatively of anyone. Rick has cleaned up nicely, and I’m happy to see him smiling once more. He greets the Chief and his wife, and