Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele

Chapter 41 Chapter 41

[Atlas]

Sydney has been acting strangely since I collected her from the clinic earlier today. First, she asked me to take her to a pharmacy to buy some medication she forgot to pack. Then she had me rush to get ready so that we could be at the fashion show early so that she could

I had asked her why she didn't just tell the concierge to let them in, but she just said "Because it is a surprise, silly. You wouldn't want to ruin the surprise, would you?"

Then, when that masked man tried to shoot me, she leaned on his arm to get him to stop. She almost got us both killed. But instead of looking terrified, she seems almost manic. Maybe this is what she looks like when she's panicked. "I need to change my clothes," she insists. "This dress is ruined."

My phone dings. Clark wants me to come to his van. He has something he needs me to see immediately. Considering the strange evening I've had already, there really isn't anything that can surprise me. Or at least, 1 can't think of anything. Sydney is already halfway to the elevator by the time I look up to tell her that I'll just meet her at the party

later.

"Hey Bro!" Clark greets me as he opens the door to the van. The police are still in the parking lot, making sure nobody new comes in or out. My brother also seems to be on high alert with one of

his drones floating above his head, and another floating in front of the van recording everything and everyone who

passes.

"I want to get your opinion on something." He pulls me inside and closes the door behind me. The back of the van is set up as a mini recording studio. It is dark, except for the light of the screens and the little knobs and buttons. "Check this out," the screen goes gray as he sets his playback to the right spot. "This was taken earlier today. About 30 minutes before the fashion show. I was running some lighting tests to make sure..."

I motion for him to hurry up. I don't really need to hear all of the particulars.

"Anyway, look who shows up.'

There is a figure in a bright pink gown opening a door behind the stage. When the light from outside hits her face I recognize her immediately.

"Sydney," I confirm. "Why is Sydney..."

"Wait for it..." Clark drawls out as he slows down the video. Sydney walks away from the doors, leaving them open just a crack. A hand reaches in wearing thick black gloves. Two figures with covered faces creep into the shadows and close the door behind them, disappearing completely.

"Look familiar?"

nod.

Those were the same men who attacked me earlier this evening.

"Can you make me a copy?" I demand.

"Already done," he points to my pocket. "Check your phone."Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

There is a new message from Clark, the video sent along as an attachment.

"Before you do anything else," I request. "Let me talk to her." Maybe there is a good explanation. Maybe she opened the back door for some fresh air or someone else had told her to do it. 1

When I get back to the hotel room, I bang on the door. Out of breath, Sydney opens the door a crack, one eye peeking out.

"Oh, Atlas, I thought you were meeting me at the party, her voice is unnaturally high.

"Can I come in?" I ask. It'll only be a minute.

"Um...sure," she answers hesitantly. "Just give me a moment to get decent."

Fifteen minutes later she finally opens the door. Her dress is stained. There is a weird white residue on the countertops and various medicine boxes scattered on the floor as if she had dusted things off in a hurry and forgot to pick everything up. "So," she smiles in her usual shy way, "What was it that you wanted to talk to me about?" She moves her hair behind her ear, leaving a streak of white powder across her cheek.

"Were you baking in here?" I inquire.

"No," she answers quickly. "Did you want to ask me about baking?"

I tell her that I need to talk to her about tonight and she suddenly looks down, her body shaking with fear as her face goes sheet white.

"Sydney, why did we need to get there so early again? Where are your friends? Did you find them?"

"Um, yeah, Courtney and Stacey. They said they'd meet me at the party," she giggles nervously "They've always wanted to come to a fashion show and..." she pauses. "Why?" "How did they make it in? I didn't see anyone..."

"Is this an interrogation, Atlas Steele," she sits up straight, defensively holding out her chest. "Why are you asking so many questions?"

"You were seen, Sydney."

"Nonsense!" she huffs, becoming angry. "I don't know what you are talking about. I didn't open the door. Who said I opened anything?" "You did, Sydney," her eyes widen. "I never mentioned the door."