Chapter Ten

There's a card inside which has been rolled up and tied with yet another piece of red ribbon.

I'm frightened now and I can't explain why. This isn't an ordinary gift. I don't know anyone who would send me this. Luca Ferrante springs to mind and it makes me even more terrified. This can't be from him. Surely, it can't.

I pick up the rolled-up card and slide the ribbon off. The card has been typed, and as soon as my eyes skim it, I realize what this is about. It's an invitation to a masquerade party. My name is on the invite, and it says I can bring a friend along. There's no name on the invitation or anywhere in the box, so I don't know who sent me this. I tell myself that at least it wasn't Luca Ferrante.

But if not him, then who?

I read the invitation again. A masquerade tomorrow evening? I'm not interested. I don't trust it simply because I don't know who invited me. I can’t go to a party when I don’t know who’s throwing it. That’s asking for unnecessary trouble. I close the box