Free A Thin Line by Tammy Jo Burns Page A

witnessed the hurt look that passed over Dru’s face.   She had begun this and she would involve no one else.   Kala squared her shoulders and resolved herself to see tonight’s events through to whatever end they would lead.   She knew what she had to do and she would see it done.   No regrets, no doubts.   The authorities would have the information needed and then it would be out of her hands.
    ***
    Kala had just finished stuffing the dark pants, shirt, and a plain brown leather mask into her quiver in preparation for her meeting tonight.   She sat at her vanity in her corset and pantaloons.   The costume she wore draped off the shoulder on one side prohibiting her from wearing her camisole.   She had piled her hair on top of her head with pins stuffed everywhere to hold up the heavy tresses.   She took two ribbons, one white and the other gold, and attempted to wind them through her hair.   Her hands shook so badly she had to stop and gather herself.   She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, getting control of herself.   The second attempt saw the ribbons put in place.
    She walked over to her bed and lifted the white, Grecian-style dress and stepped into it.   She fastened the right shoulder and put on her gold belt and sandals that laced up her leg.   Tonight she would be Diana, goddess of the hunt.   She held her quiver by one strap behind her back and grabbed the other one dangling from the bottom.   After latching the belt-like straps together, she stood in front of the mirror and adjusted the quiver.   She definitely looked like a huntress.
    She quickly grabbed her mask before exiting her room.   The others were already downstairs waiting.   Richard and Drucilla were dressed as Tristan and Isolde.   Derek and Tessa would meet them there and had planned on dressing normally and would wear a mask and a domino.   Justin waited for her as well.   He portrayed Cyrano this evening, complete with a mask that had a long nose.  
    “My, don’t you all look wonderful.”
    “So do you, my dear,” Justin said as he took her hand and dropped a kiss on her cheek.  
    “Thank you.”   She handed Justin a white mask with a gold filigree design.   “Would you mind concealing my identity kind sir?”
    “It would be my pleasure.”   The mask covered just a narrow portion of her face, but enhanced her hazel eyes as well as the gold on the dress and in her hair.   The mask brought special attention to her lush, full lips.   “No one will be able to recognize you.”
    “Isn’t that the point of a masquerade?”
    “Point taken,” he bowed deeply over her hand.
    “Are you two ready?”   Richard asked them.
    “Of course.”   The gentlemen helped the two women into the carriage and the quartet began the journey to Vauxhall Gardens.   This proved to be quite a gathering if the traffic flow was any indication.   “How many people do you think will not be among the ton ?”
    “I would hate to hazard a guess,” Justin quipped, “at least until the midnight unveiling.”
    “Perhaps you two ladies should stick close to us this evening.”
    Kala and Dru looked at each other and rolled their eyes.   “Richard, I think any trouble we could possibly get in ended with Tessa and Derek.”
    “Perhaps, but I never know about you Kala.   You seem to find trouble and your parents would throttle me if I let anything happen to you.”
    “Perhaps Richard is right after all,” Drucilla added nervously.  
    “You all worry too much,” Kala scoffed, and wondered if Dru had told her husband about the incident of a few days ago.   “Besides, we will be meeting up with Derek and Tessa as well.   Let’s not spend the evening worrying, but having fun.”   The carriage finally rolled up to the gates of Vauxhall to let them disembark.   They walked in and bumped into a familiar couple—Gabe and Lady Clarissa.   He wore a black domino and mask.   Clarissa looked like a Siren.   “Good evening.