Party Favors

NICO

This was one party I was not looking forward to. I didn’t like having Darina involved in this. She was not part of this world, and I would have liked to keep her separate from it. I guess Alexi wanted to do the same and looked how that worked out.

Sal drove up to the metal gate at the Russian senator’s home and showed the security our invites. He waved us through, and Sal drove the Mercedes up the long driveway. I left the Rolls at home it was too conspicuous. I trusted Sal with a lot, but Ricci was the only one allowed to drive my Rolls besides me.

“Wow!” Darina said, “They went all out with this.” She pointed at the mock gravestones and skeletons placed strategically all over the property. Jack-o-lanterns and spooky skulls lit up the driveway and the house glowed purple and violet as we approached, music blasting from speakers. The house vibrated, seemed like a living thing.

“Waste of money.” I grumbled.

Darina slapped my thigh playfully. “You’re such a killjoy. What’s the Russ