Free An Acute Attraction by A.J. Walters Page B

Sherlock!” but decide against it, especially with the company we’re in. Speaking of company, I spy Dr Dread mingling across the other side of the room wearing a long black mermaid style dress. I could really do with not seeing much of the Doctor tonight, so in order to avoid her I ask Marc if we can get a drink from the other room. She does actually look good in the dress and seems to be getting plenty of attention, but if I can avoid her bumping into us I’ll be happy.
     
                   Passing me a glass of sparkling wine, Marc then introduces me to a few other guests who he has been working along side. First I am introduced to Dr Andrew Drayton, Fellow and Director of Biological Studies; why I suddenly feel the need to curtsy I don’t know; it takes some to stop myself from doing it though. The remaining people are a mixture close associates and new found colleagues.
     
                  It is only a short time before a gong is heard to announce that dinner is ready to be served. So filtering into the hall is a slow process with the bustling crowd of people.
     
                “Good evening Marc, Isabel, it’s good to see you again.” I have no need to seek out the voice as I already know who and where they are. Never the less I put my best show stopping smile on as I glimpse to the side, all Marc does is nod his head in acknowledgement.
     
                “Good evening Dr Acerbi, same to you.” That’s all the reply I am willing to give her as I assuredly don’t want to get into any more of a conversation than that. Unfortunately for me she has other ideas.
     
                “Please call me Emelie like I said earlier, any friend of Marc’s is a friend of mine.”
     
                 Over my dead body! “Ok, thank you Emelie.” I congratulate myself on a job well done in the politeness department, especially as it hurt so much!
     
                The line of people parading towards the doorway comes to a halt while waiting for others to take to their seats. I am aware of the uneasy atmosphere growing thicker between the three of us, when Emelie’s voice cuts right through it.
     
                “I must speak to you after dinner Marc, I am sure Isabel won’t mind if I steal you for a few minutes.” The effort she put into making the sentence appear light hearted and polite, doesn’t quite pay off.
     
                 “I am sure Isabel wouldn’t mind Emelie, but I most certainly would.” Marks voice sounds deeply serious. There is undeniably no love lost from Marc’s side of the fence, but still Emelie perseveres.
     
                 “Oh I think you will find what I have to tell you, is of extreme importance; I would rather not leave it any longer than it needs and I think you will agree to talk about it in public would be highly unprofessional.”
     
                  I get the impression that some business affairs need to be sorted between these two, so I butt in and touch Marc’s arm for added reassurance.
     
                “You go ahead Marc and I’ll take a wander around the garden after dinner. They will only be clearing the hall in preparation for the dance and so you can find me when you’re done, I’ll be fine honestly.”
     
                  The hard look on Marc’s face doesn’t change for a moment and then sighing he smiles down at me.
     
                “Ok, but it won’t take long I promise.”
     
                                                   
     
                   Dinner passes by without any hitches and I will admit I have really enjoyed the conversation with both Marc who sits on one side of me, and a lady named Catherine on the other. It flowed easily and I felt I was able to participate in all of it. My perception of these formal events has certainly changed, but I