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Hidden In Plain Sight

Chapter One

The soft jingle of the overhead bell startled Aaron. He had a customer to attend to. Quickly he dropped a scrap piece of paper between the pages he was studying and closed the worn leather bound book. However, the sound of Ian's voice stopped him. In his intensive examination of the latest estate sale acquisitions, Aaron had forgotten his brother was at the antique shop that afternoon. He listened as Ian gave out the cursory question, 'Is there something I can help you with today?'. Nevertheless Aaron didn't bother to wait to hear the customer's reply before he went back to cataloging his new treasures. His latest trip to Europe had given way to some fine pieces. Aaron was anxious to ascertain their value and tag them for sale in the shop. Over the years the many excursions abroad had served to bring a hefty profit to the little antique shop on the New England coast. As well as several that had brought Aaron personal satisfaction. Those few were his greatest possessions.

From the worktable Aaron picked up what appeared to be a crest of some sort and began leafing through the pages of a reference book on medieval times. The piece looked old enough to date back to the times of King Arthur.

"So you are interested in Vampires?" Aaron heard his brother say. Immediately Aaron's attention was drawn to the conversation beyond the thin curtain that separated the two rooms. "How did you hear of me?" Aaron was unable to hear the response to the question, yet that didn't stop him from continuing to listen.

"I'm flattered." Aaron heard the mock sincerity in Ian's voice. "Yes, I do know a great many things in terms of demonology."

Aaron didn't have to see his brother's face to know that he was certainly wearing his most devious smile. Ian Blake fancied himself an expert on vampires, werewolves, witches, anything even remotely relating to the black arts. In the small town of Kent he had gained quite a name for himself with regards to such things. It never ceased to shock Aaron how many people came through the doors to Merlin's Attic seeking the advice of the great Ian Blake. While most of those people did purchase an item or two from the antique shop, Aaron would have preferred that the patrons had only come seeking the rare treasures his shop had to offer instead of things that go bump in the night.

He brought his attention back to the task before him. Again he searched the reference book's pages for some sign of the crest in his hands. In the past he had been able to sell similar pieces to a few museums and those of lesser caliber he had turned into jewelry. Jewelry was always a fast seller especially during the tourist seasons.

"I don't keep much in the way of reference materials here in the shop. My brother, well he isn't much of a believer." The reference to himself drew Aaron's attention back to Ian's conversation. He listened as Ian went on and on about things Aaron wished he wouldn't. However, he knew better. Whenever Ian had a captive audience there was no stopping his incessant ramblings on myths versus truth in terms of vampires, demons and the like. Aaron almost felt sorry for the poor soul, yet not sorry enough to go out and put a stop to his brother's chatter. Instead he rummaged through the many boxes that had just arrived and tried to shut out his brother's booming voice.

A while later Aaron heard the soft jingle of the overhead bell again. He wasn't sure if it was another customer or if Ian's captive had finally found a way to escape. Once more Aaron left his work behind and ventured into the shop. The sales floor was empty all except Ian. Without saying a word Aaron pivoted on his heel to return to the back room.

"Wait," Ian instructed.

"Yes,"

"I will be entertaining a guest at the mansion this evening. It might be best if you weren't there."

"Excuse me?"

"Well, I know how much you dislike it when I discuss the occult. I thought it would be better for you if you weren't subjected to it this evening." The patronizing way Ian spoke angered Aaron.

"How thoughtful of you," Aaron returned with his own sarcastic tone.

"I am only looking out for you dear brother."

Aaron almost began to say something but thought better of it. Too many times before Ian had goaded him into this very same confrontation, but not today. There was no reason for Aaron to argue his rights to the house when he certainly had no desire to be there to listen to more of the same tired rhetoric he had heard that afternoon.

"I have things to attend to this evening concerning the shop. What time will your company be arriving? I will be sure to out of the house well before they get there."

"Seven o'clock."

"Fine I will be gone by then."

Aaron disappeared behind the curtain before Ian was able to say anything more.