Page 2 of Book Club Confidential

“Any ideas?” Hallie asked. “Because we’re stuck here until we figure out how to get inside.”

“Feels more like an escape room than a speakeasy,” Tessa said.

“I guess,” Hallie agreed, attempting to turn one of the fish heads. “Except we’re trying to get in, not out.”

An elaborate geometric fixture overhead cast light against the golden pinstripes on the wallpaper between frames and illuminated the bizarre wildlife.

“The decor is giving me the creeps,” Tessa said.

“I think it’s whimsical,” Kate argued.

Distant music and soft chatter filtered through the walls. The sounds of people enjoying a lovely time.

Tess tugged gently on a frame. “You’ve been looking for twenty minutes?”

“No, maybe five,” Hallie said. “We were waiting for you.”

Kate moved forward and pushed on the fox dressed as a paperboy. “When I made the reservation, they told me all members of the party had to be present to be seated. Hallie got bored at about a quarter after and decided to get a jump on things.”

Hallie pointed to the largest framed painting, at least six feet of canvas and another two feet of frame on all sides, including the top and bottom. “That big bunny in a blue dress has to be the official entrance. Nothing else here is large enough to cover a door.”

Tessa moved to the image in question and tugged. The right edge of the wide golden frame had a cleverly masked depression, like a keyhole, blended seamlessly into the ornately carved wood. Tessa straightened in search of a key. “How’s the food here?” she asked Hallie.

Kate smiled. “I picked this place because rumor has it that the annual Influencers Ball will be held here.” Her eyes flashed with excitement. “You want that promotion,” she told Tessa. “I want an invite to this ball.”

Tessa might’ve worked long hours at the town’s biggest advertising firm, but Kate was never truly off the clock. The pressure of being a social media influencer and ambassador to multiple brands was more than Tessa could get her mind around. Unfortunately, in Kate’s line of work, the target for success was always on the move. And controlled by the online masses. At least advertising and marketing was a steady and constant business. Challenging without being completely outside Tessa’s control.

“I’m sure your invitation is already in the mail,” Tessa said. “In case you’ve forgotten, you are adored.”

Hallie tried the last of the ornamental keys in the lock, then returned it with a groan. “Oh my God. I’m going to die of starvation. They can use my corpse as a warning to others.”

Tessa crossed the crimson carpet to the grandfather clock and removed the key from its door. She returned to the big bunny painting and fit it neatly into the hole. The moment she pressed the metal into the void, a latch released, and the door swung open.

Kate clapped softly, and Hallie quickly led them inside.

“Welcome to Fox and Hound,” a woman said. She wore a long clingy gray dress and a mischievous smile. “You had seven o’clock reservations for Bellefontaine, party of three?”

Kate dipped her chin demurely. “Yes, thank you.”

“Perfect. Mona will see you to your table, and I’ll return that to the clock.” The woman extended a palm toward Tessa, who placed the key in her hand.

A staff member in a fitted black pantsuit and heels moved into view, towering over them, three menus tucked under one arm. The name tag on their sculpted chest identified them as Mona. “Right this way.”

They followed Mona through a crowded dining room, marveling at the luxurious atmosphere.

Gazes lingered on Kate, as they often did, and she smiled confidently, as if it was normal to draw so much attention.

Tessa supposed that for Kate, it was.

When Mona reached the rear wall of windows, they opened a door and escorted the ladies outside. Warm wind rushed over them, and Tessa noted the breathtaking hues of the sunset. Big pink cotton candy clouds hovered in an apricot sky close enough to touch.

“The Winthrop is the oldest building in Harbor Heights still in its original form,” Mona said. “The interior art deco styling is all original. The art in the foyer is available for sale online and changes seasonally. And your first drinks are on the house, courtesy of our boss.”

“Impressive,” Hallie said. “We just got here.”

Around them, gas lights flickered in wall sconces, and battery-operated candles glowed in centerpieces. A sleek black bar extended from the building on one side. The staff wore matching white dress shirts, black bow ties, and suspenders or fitted black vests.

Mona placed the menus onto a low table surrounded by equally low bench seats and waited while the group sat. “I’ll give you a few minutes to acclimate yourselves, peruse the options, and enjoy the scenery.”