CHAPTER SIX

The next morning I decided to walk to work. One of the reasons I moved to Newtown is that it's so much fun to stroll through. The people can be a little intense at times, but there's always something interesting going on. Markets, protests, impromptu street performances; it's an eclectic mix of colour and culture. I often go wandering when I need to unwind. There's just something about the vibe that I find relaxing.

After arming myself with caffeine, I slipped onto auto pilot and let my feet guide me the rest of the way. It was mid-October, and the air was just beginning to carry a little of that summer bite. The walk was going to make me late, but at that moment I didn't care. I was just relishing the sunshine.

I'd been trying my best not to think about my impending date, but truth be told, I was nervous. There was something so enigmatic about Sebastian. For the first time in a long time, I had no idea what to expect from a man.

It must have been weighing on me more than I realised, because at some point I veered off my normal route. I didn't even notice, until my eyes fell upon a familiar red shop front, and then it suddenly clicked into place.

Really, Sophia?

My legs had carried me all the way back to the bar from that first night. In the light of day, it was an even sorrier sight than I remembered. Paint peeled in great ribbons from the walls, and the sign was missing enough letters that I wasn't even sure what it was called. Nobody would ever have guessed the sort of events that were hosted behind that crumbling facade.

The smart thing to do was probably to turn around and keep moving. I'd caused enough trouble there for one week, and I doubted Sebastian would appreciate me prying any more than I already had. But seeing the place again piqued my curiosity. Perhaps it was my chance to learn a little more about the man I'd be spending the evening with.

I wasn't even sure that the bar would be open, but the door fell inward with a creak at my touch. It took my eyes a moment to adjust to the darkness. The room was largely deserted. The only customers were two men, sitting alone in opposite corners, staring glumly into their glasses. They couldn't even muster the energy to look up as I entered.

There was a girl behind the bar who hadn't been there the other night. She blinked in surprise when she saw me. " Can I help you? "

My gaze flicked to the back wall. The door was there, just like I remembered. I let out a long breath. I'm not sure why, but even after seeing Sebastian again, part of me had still been convinced I'd made the whole thing up.

As expected, the door was closed, which suited me just fine. Charging back in for a second time was a sure fire way to get myself caught. What I needed now was a more subtle approach.

" Maybe, " I said, approaching the bar. " I was here on Tuesday night for a function with my friend, and I think I left something behind. "

The girl looked confused. " Function? "

" Yea, back there, " I said, nodding to the back wall.

Her expression grew wary. " Ah. " Apparently whatever went on back there was a sore spot for her. " Sorry, I can't help you. "

" Please, " I said, trying my best to look desperate, " it was a brooch, a gift from my grandmother before she died. It's really important to me. Do you have a lost and found or something? "

Her expression softened. " I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound rude, but I really can't help. Anything back there stays back there. "

" But surely you've got the keys? " I asked.

She shook her head. " Only the owners have access to that door. Apparently we're not 'trustworthy' enough, " she said, making air quotes. " To tell you the truth, I've never even been back there. "

" But what if someone wants to use it? "

She shook her head. " According to my boss it's not for the public. It's just for them. And they only use it every few months. We're not really meant to ask questions, but it seems kind of weird if you ask me. "

" Yeah it does. " Why on earth would you have a room that lavish if you're only going to use it a few times a year? And why stash it at the back of a place like this? It made no sense.

The girl leaned in conspiratorially. " You want to hear something even weirder? " I nodded. " We're not even allowed to work when they're using it. That's why I've never been back there. They bring in an entirely new staff, all their own people. Who does that? "

I shook my head slowly. " I have no idea. "

Her eyes suddenly narrowed. " Hey, shouldn't you know all this already if you were here with them? "

I shrugged. " I'd never been before the other night. Like I said I was just keeping my friend company. I only stayed maybe half an hour. "

" Ah, fair enough. " A smile bloomed on her face. " So, what was it like back there? I've always wondered. "

I felt bad shattering whatever wonderful images she'd conjured in her head, but telling the truth would only make her more inquisitive. She might even get herself into trouble. " Honestly? It was nothing special. A bar, some tables, pretty much like any other corporate function I've been to. "

Her shoulders sunk. " Oh. Okay. Well, I'm sorry I couldn't help with your brooch. I could try and ask my boss to speak to the owners if you want... "

" That's okay. I'll see if my friend can talk to them. He's the one who brought me along. "

" That might be better, yeah. "

" Thanks for your time, " I said, turning towards the exit.

" No problem. Bye. "

I left the building even more confused than when I'd entered. Everything about the place was slightly off. I only knew one thing for sure; Sebastian and his friends valued their privacy. Perhaps they were simply eccentric in that way that wealthy people sometimes are, but where did those papers on Sebastian's desk fit in?

I knew it was none of my business. Sebastian's secrets were his own, and he didn't owe me any explanations. But nonetheless, I couldn't help but wonder; what on earth had I gotten myself into?