The scenery of the restaurant was something I would find on Pinterest, shimmering colors of Gold and white I could see my reflection on the floor of the polished tiles on the floor, curved double stairs of marble until they become one at the top with a large window and the view of the setting sun. Architectures of Roman Gods with their heads down bowing to what looked like Christ, Jesus Christ and flying angels. Each way I looked only seemed to get more and more beauty, it's like I walked into the scene of Belle and the beast when they had their first dance. I suddenly recited the first sentence in my mind.

'Tail as old as time.' 

So, this is what it looks like when you eat like a king. I feel my back slightly brushed leading us to the host, dressed neatly in a collard white shirt with a gold vest. "Hello, we are with -"

"Ahh yes, right this way." Professional and clear as he gestures towards a couple of men to come and take us. "Please enjoy your dinner tonight." he smiles and nodded before regaining his professionalism. Eyes back on his task.

Laughter and conversation are what we pass by. The women seductively eyeing the detective in front, while the men's eyes lingered on my body and Tanika's. I always hated walking by people, I feel like they are talking about me. Suddenly I could hear my mother's voice. 'Stand straight and look ahead, let yourself be the topic of conversation.' But what if it's not in a good way mother? I rolled my eyes. The men stop in front of us, and I almost walked right into him before Detective Jimmy Johns arm held became my barrier, holding me back. 

I can feel my face cringe hard, but just closed my eyes. This would have really given people stuff to talk about.

"Right this way sir," a few steps down we rounded to a red curtain, still visible to the public eye. There he stood in all white a red tie tucked in with he sent us a smile.

"Welcome, I hope the place was to your liking."

Well technically you chose the place, "Yes, it's beautiful thank you." Tanika chimed in when I looked away from his eyes, all I can see is Rowan and building up the guilt.

"Lovely," his smile faded when he spotted the detective but regained it to showcase his wife. "This is my wife, Christine." he watched her like a prize, face blushing as she stood in an all-black sleeveless dress that closed with gold pearls around her neck, blonde hair fell perfectly in large curls with matte lipstick on her plump lips. It's like she didn't even try and yet still managed to be gorgeous, slender body with slightly tanned complexion. But with all of that radiance there was only one thing I could see; those forest green orbs were passed down to the one and only.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance." Voice crystal and of pure silk. Radiant was her energy and humbled, she didn't choose this life, the life chose her. The female version of Cameron, he stole his mother's face and eyes, I bite my tongue to not call out the astonishing resemblance.

In a whisper I managed to speak, her soft palms connecting with mine. "Thank you for having us."

"Oh, love your cold." eyes furrowing in question while both her palms try to warm me up.

"She was kind of in the middle of a heated moment and needed to cool off." 

they furrow their brows in question, I was having a panic attack and was about to melt like frosty the snowman but planted my body against the blowing AC for short. "Uh, yea it's kind of hot outside and I was a bit nervous." I laugh.

their eyes widen in understanding. "Ah, it's ok sweety, we don't bite."

"At least not hard enough to fear us" Cameron's father laughed before Christine nudged his shoulders playfully. They looked like any ordinary wife and husband playing around.

Her orbs landed to Tanika trailing down her dress and figure. "Hello, beautiful, I am Christine. Your dress is absolutely elegant." 

"Thank you" Tanika smiles. 

No attention to the detective as she heads back over to her husband. "I have not yet introduced myself, please excuse the rudeness. How inappropriate of me, my name is Seth." 

We each found our way to a seat, the detective helps us into our seat while Seth helps his wife before she looks up and they exchange a kiss, smudged faint red on his lips. Glancing around the rectangular wooden table I noticed two extra wooden chairs. No, wait it couldn't be for -

"Sorry were late, Hope you haven't started yet."

I felt my universe being sucked away. Gravity pulling me faster than sound, deep gruff voice, the scent of that cologne, I knew it from anywhere. I can feel those eyes on me, blinking away from His father to the door, there he stood, Cameron, behind him head-to-head was the guy from the church. I winced from the sudden sting on the back of my palm. "You got here just in time son." I hear behind me.

I want to look away, somewhere safe, but Tanika and the detective were looking elsewhere. Unbothered. Breathe Jane, just breathe. "I see you have some familiar faces." he teased before his smile dropped looking at mine. 

Seth rounds the table towards his son. "Yes, these were the guests I told you about son. Sorry I interrupted you on your business meeting in Peru, I guess the jet that your uncle gave you really does the trick doesn't it." The two-laughed embracing in a hug.

"I think I am going to cry." the other man said before all three roared in laughter. Deep and thunderous they were. My bones rumbled.

With his eyes locked on mine, Cameron heads to his mother who welcomed her son by wrapping her slender arms around his neck. both dressed in Black, his thick body accentuating his suit. A silver Rolex on his left wrist. Hair trimmed on the sides and with a trimmed beard. "I assume you have already met Jane?" 

"Ah yes, indeed. From the church, right? It so good to see you again."

"Oh, that's not all, she brought company." 

Glancing at Tanika he smirked, "My oh my, she is surrounded by lovely women. Please to make your acquaintance ma'am, my name is Cameron." large, veined hand extended to hers. My teeth digging into my tongue. Does he not know who he is speaking to? does he not know the damage he did to her life? and there he is smiling in her face. Tanika's eyes glow crimson red before she shrugged it off, connecting her palms into his. Grown and mature as she sends him a genuine smile.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, I have heard many things about you."

Amusingly he cocks his brow, "Anything good I hope?" they laugh.

"They definitely ... caught my eye." His expression than changed at her statement, curious like and stern. They engage in a silent stare down, but it seems only Tanika found it amusing as she kept her smile. Detective than cleared his throat.

"Surely you could not forget about me?" he feigns, pretending to be hurt. 

"Ah, I see they just let anyone in these days? are you here to volunteer?" the man at the door snickers and I wanted to punch his teeth in.

"You would trust me with your drinks? not as smart as I thought. All the news must be getting to you." Tanika and I than snicker discreetly before clearing our throats realizing what he said. 

They look at us sternly in distaste, "Please, excuse my laughter. We are here for dinner, yes? My girlfriend invited me."

Taken back by the statement, Cameron's brow furrowed, eyes bouncing between Tanika and I. Walking towards me the detective's arm slithers behind my waist, the scent of his cologne burning my nostrils while my cheek lay on his suited torso. Like a broken record I try to recite the words in my head, Play the part, play the part, this isn't real. I fight to not look at Cameron's father. 

All I will see is Rowan.

Unconvincing. Cameron's puts all his weight onto his left leg stuffing his hand into his pocket. "Y - you two are dating?" 

Wrapping my arm around his Torso, "Yes, my whole world." I hoped he didn't notice my voice breaking.

Moments of silence and his stoic expression before he shook his head with a chuckle peering back to the detective. "My, I must have been living under a rock, who knew you would ever find love?" 

We watch the man roar in laughter, surely it wasn't that funny. "Please, you have my guests standing far too long, may we sit?"

"Ah of course, please ladies, if it is alright, I will be joining you in tonight's dinner, my father tells me ... I can't miss it for the world." 

I didn't like how dark that got. Cameron sat next to his mother, across from me. The servers begin with Greek almond salad with rye toasted bread, some oily dressing that tasted almost like vinegar but very delicious. "So, ladies, what do you do for a living, and I certainly hope it's not following in that man's footsteps, you two are far too young to be concerned about matters that doesn't concern them." Seth says having his wife snicker.

"I have heard quite a lot about you. However, with all due respect, if you wanted to drop a funny comment, say it to the individual. Rather than having to hide behind pettiness." Tanika smiled. The detective and I to almost spill our drinks.

"Excuse m-"

His arm flies up to stop his wife, Interesting. She was ready to go off by a little statement. So, it's not difficult to lure out her true nature, all we need to do is push? Noted. "Honey, please. I was in the wrong. Our guest is absolutely correct, forgive my ... how do you say, pettiness? your absolutely right. Frankly what he does with his life is none of my concern and nor do I plan on caring in the future. But you ladies, the next future generation, tell me what it is you like?" leaning his elbows on the table until his fingers interlocked. 

Clearing my throat, "Well I am exploring my options right now, but I do have a love for flowers." 

"Ahh, wow. What is it about flowers you love?" 

Cameron's eyes locked on me and my every move while chewing his salad. "Well, for starters the radiance, the colors and the attraction." I hate how they all went quiet; I hate this spotlight on me right now. But I need to keep myself as little as possible, do not tell them too much, by all means do not tell them about your flower shop.

"Don't you own a flower shop?" All heads turn to Cameron in sync before they land back on me.

Damnit, "Oh, that's right, how did you know?" all heads back on him.

"A friend of mine said he recognized you." Heads back on me.

"Oh, I don't think so I probably never met him are you sure?" heads back on him.

"I never said it was a man" heads back on me. Fuck it, I lost.

"Oh, so your already in business, excellent for you. My wife here loves flowers. I'd love to pass by and check it out, now that we are officially acquainted." I swallow picking up my water, through the glass I see Cameron smirking at me. 

"And what about you young lady?" question directed to Tanika.

"I haven't decided yet." she shook her head.

"Hmph Interesting, you know we are opening up new Restaurants soon, if you like there are plenty of open opportunities." he winks. Tanika smiles looking away.

The night seems to be going by smoothly, Cameron stares at me while I try to focus on my food, Tanika and the detective chat away with his hand on my thigh, occasionally squeezing. Soon came the entrees. I was taken back, expecting to have a slice of meat and a garnish with a drop of sauce on the side. I ordered the Lamb Chupka and was given a fat bone of meat thinly sliced with bacon roasted asparagus and a fat chunk of mashed potatoes, everyone's plate was filled to the rim, even sauce dripping on the sides. 

"Hey, if I am paying for a meal, I expect a meal not a snack," Cameron's father laughed. A huge brown steak with sauce gliding down melting the butter. With Golden crunchy fries, Lord have mercy. "Please eat everyone, please." before we could he was already cutting into his steak, the steamy aroma swirls in the air, tender and pink inside before I heard a slight crunch. 

Silence of conversations but the sounds of utensils colliding with plates, Cameron set his pattern, eat drink and stare. After each bite he would stare, so much so I couldn't keep my head up or eat the way I wanted to. Similar actions just like a certain individual, but wait though, if my hunch is indeed correct, that would mean Cameron is Rowans brother and ... and that means Rowan is rich. That means I am going to be swimming in money. I laughed at my thoughts, that would be a dream, but I doubt it. 

"So, Jane, enlighten me how did you enjoy our Sunday service?" Cameron's father says after wiping his mouth with a gold servette. There was a tone in his voice almost like he knew and saw how uncomfortable I was, clearing his throat, has it begun? has the true colors come to be? think hard of your words Jane, Detective's palm gently squeezes my thigh in assurance.

With a final gulp of my water, I clear my throat. "I Haven't been to church in a while, but I definitely learned a lot, thank you for having me." I smile trying to refocus back on my food. I can still feel his intense stare on me. 

Through the corner of my eye, I watch him lean back. An elbow hooked to the back of the chair with the other resting lazily on the table, His full undivided attention, fuck. "Oh, I am very happy you enjoyed yourself, but you did technically answer my question."

Tanika stepped in, "But she just gave you an answer."

"Key word, how." he argued back, winking.

What is he getting at? is he really going to bring this up knowing the detective is right next to me? What should I say? definitely not what I am thinking that's for sure. There is a trap in motion either it is set, or I am the key to it. "There, really isn't much to say I mean, Like I said I haven't been to church in a while my mom -"

"Ah, that's right you were with another woman, your mother I am assuming? very lovely lady" 

My heart skipped a beat, and there it was, the trap setting in motion. "Thank you." I smile, reaching for my drink.

"You know she sent me her condolences for not being here tonight". My fingers jerked wrapping around the glass.

"Uh - what?"

"Oh, yes I actually reached out to her personally since me and her have developed a little friendship after running into her at her nursing job." There is a sinister amusement in his tone, raspy and deep, hiding laughter.

"You - you wh-" I nearly choked on the sip, the pressure of my heart rate setting my veins on fire.

"Oh yea, me and my son here before he went on business, she invited us into her home and - "

"I find your hidden innuendos a bit. Boorish, if there is something you really wanted to say, just say it. Instead of hiding behind this eh, Como se di se ... Fettiness." Close enough.

"Pettiness" Tanika corrected him, both him and her fist bump. 

"Well, no one is being petty, in fact I believe the only one here being petty is you don't you think detective?" Cameron says while cutting into his grilled chicken. 

"Ah" He hunched his back leaning in, "Please enlighten me." My thigh felt naked when he removed his palm to lock his hands together on the table.

Wiping his mouth with a serviette Cameron clears his throat. "Here you are dining and drinking with the very people you are investigating, trying to find just about anything you can to take us down." he laughs. "At first we welcomed the idea for publicity but man aren't you tired?" 

The Detective's eyes never faltered, his facial expression never changing, he is aware of their games and what Cameron is trying to get at, stoic and professional he remains. With a finger raised in the air Cameron reached for his wine, gracefully he took a sip while the room went quiet. "Your sister was very compliant."

My leg jerked from under the table, I swore the whole restaurant went quiet or maybe that was the sound of my heartbeat in my ears silencing all noise, sinister, evil and demonic to bring up the very person he knew he wronged. "In fact, she was more than happy being there for our ... needs." he muses. A ghost smirk forming while he leaned his face in closer. He wants a reaction; he wants to crawl under your skin like the parasite he is.

Discreetly I look to his parents, both were holding back a smile. Neither one stepping in. He is taunting him, that poor girl had no choice. They are waiting to, hoping he falls into the pit they wish for him to stay in. As always, they pick the location where they know they can get away with their crimes. Cameron could stand on the stage next to the band to admit it and no one will bat an eye. I want to console the detective, my eyes kept glancing between Cameron and the hot bowl of soup near me, the thick orange would look better if it was dumped all over his face, and I hope its steaming hot in the center.

Unable to hold back the urge anymore I was about to raise my arms out of instinct when I suddenly heard a chuckle. The detectives body shook from his laughter, boy what? "You know Cameron it's best never to say things to the wrong people. I mean with everything going on the last thing you would want to do right now is admit to anything."

Cameron's smirk slowly dropped, Darkness swallowing his orbs. 

"Indeed, my sister was very compliant, it was all she had to do, it was all she understood to do. Funny how it's those that don't speak the English language or understand the American culture are the ones, that excites you. It's becoming quite the pattern; I mean I could see where you would get it from considering your grandfather -"

"Bring up my grandfather and I'll have your head mounted you piece a shi -" 

"Cameron." Seth says darkly to silence him. In a blink of an eye Cameron clears his throat resetting to his good boy side just in time for the waiters to refill his drink. 

That was ... scary. I mean I have seen Cameron's dark side, but his one was just sinister and creepy. His grandfather is definitely a trigger, just like his mother I can see the quick fuse. Poking The Sleeping bear, but bears do what they want Cameron is still very much under the command of his father who seems to be carrying a darker cloud. So how much does the detective know? clearly enough so why hasn't he rid of this family yet? 

"We are here to have dinner Detective, surely you wouldn't want your guests to feel uncomfortable will you." I watch his eyes glide to something behind us, it looked like he was trying to be discreet about something but not make it too obvious.

I don't like how the room went quiet and I don't like the smile on Christines face, they have something on him. Peering to the detective only made my chest cold when his triumphant smile dropped before, he breathed out. "No, of course not. Ladies, please excuse me. I hope I have not ruined your dinner." He looked at Tanika who stared back in him acknowledging something before she nodded in understanding. 

To me he then looked, there was a dark glint into his eyes, unusual glint. There is something he wants to tell me It's like I can read them. "Jane baby forgive me." he says, I wanted to furrow my brow when I watched his orbs slightly glide to the right.

Someone is behind me ready to take us out with only one pull of the trigger ... right? Whether wrong or right, act right. I nodded in understanding disappointed how they always run instead of facing the truth. "We are alright, thank you." I smile.

"It's ok sweety, not many people act right when they get the chance to dine in fine cuisine with the elites." Christine says taking a sip of her champagne with a smile. Green eyes on us while she moans to the taste of her drink.

"I agree mother, remember the last guy that we invited." Cameron laughed.

"My gosh what a loser, did you see his shoes? Never again."

Have they forgotten we were right in front of them while they gossip away? not even hiding their true nature. "Excuse me." I hadn't even realized I moved until I was already standing up, goddamnit.

Standing up, "Need any hel-"

"No, I am ok thank you I just need to use the bathroom."

Christine smiles clearing throat "Well, since you're not accustomed to places like these it's down the hall to your -"

"I can just follow the sign that is right above the hall thank you." I nearly tumble down the steps, wobbly legs fighting to stabilize knowing everyone is watching me go, matters worse when I heard laughter. I want to scream, and I want to cry I want to punch something. Emotions scrambling until I slam the bathroom door closed behind me. The image of myself in the mirror makes me want to punch the glass but this isn't the movies, and I will go home with a broken hand or probably die of automatic blood loss. I hated more how the bathroom was fancy, what the hell does someone need a couch for? and why do the toilet bowls have blue led lights?

Breathe Jane, Breathe. I can do this. He went to my mother? he invaded on my life. He knew who I was the minute I stepped into the church. This nice illusion isn't real and the true demonic nature of his and his family need to parish. Calming my nerves, I decided it's time to get out the bathroom before they think I am taking a number 12 or something. Only to rush out bumping into a harsh chest.