CHAPTER 4 – THE MASQUARADE BALL.

After talking to her mother and Taylor, she spent the rest of the day trying to formulate some plan of action. Still excitement snaked within her, Shila had sent her costume, well it was supposed to be Lizzel's and it was a costume of heavy petticoats and black crinoline, decorated with mauve ribbon bows. For several moments she studied her reflection, was she being wise in attending this gala at the villa? In the end she chased the timorous doubts away.

Damn him, damn Hamilton Thorpe words for trying to discourage her at this final hour. This made her feel most angry at herself, for she was sure then and yet she'd allowed such thoughts to invade her armor, her defense. And then she couldn't stop thinking about him, what if this Elias and Lizzel were involved and he wanted to try something more, could she do it knowing that the man she really wanted to spend one night of pure bliss with wouldn't be there and she might never see him again.

The man was sexy, hot, and the thoughts of all the wicked things he could do to her with just his mouth and hands were …. "Dammit Joce get a grip."

She pushed up her breast more in the gown and moaned as her fingers grazed her sensitive nipple tips. His eyes she felt like his eyes were on her this very moment. …God she needed help, why was she thinking about sex at a time like this?

She hadn't heard from him since he brought her back, and in all honestly she had maybe gone overboard in insulting him and had not expected to hear from him again. His parting words sounded final to her ears. Even so she wished that she could have made him understand her desperate need to do all that was in her power to help Lizzel, herself. But then he was a stranger to the situation he wasn't a cop like her, he wasn't a solider like her, he didn't possess those gut instincts like her and he just couldn't comprehend the sense of responsibility she felt for her sister's welfare. She was family and her only sister at that. Lizzel and her shared and unusual bond, they were closer than step sisters links were made, besides the similarity in their looks and the fact that they were both orphaned of their fathers early in their lives.

She gazed at her reflection one more time, she looked like, well she looked like a sophisticated prostitute from the 1800's and also a Victorian flower seller, with her face painted and longer than usual flowing hair, the important fact was that no one would could tell if it was Lizzel or not, thank god she's kept going to the gym or she might not have been able to fit in the damn dress and its undergarments. The anxiety which shadowed her eyes gave her a waif-like appearance and as she picked up her basket of flowers, she felt she had almost stepped back in time. Her phone rang and it was to inform her of her waiting taxi, to take her to the villa. As the driver wound his way through the intertwining streets along the castagnola end of the lake she felt herself gradually becoming more and more nervous.

"Madness…." His words repeated again in her ear and he might have been right, because right now she thought she must be mad, to even hope she could get away with this impersonation. If anything she and Lizzel may look alike but their personalities were totally different. And she couldn't go back now as the site of the two storey villa loomed in her vision; it was magnificent as it stood on its own grounds, totally remote from other neighbors. The car stopped at the iron gates which swung open quietly as she drew nearer the villa she could hear the music drift through the windows and balcony and the light that spilled through as well, casting a golden carpet down the driveway. They were in line behind several waiting vehicles. As Jocelyn highlighted from the cab she observed a tall Arabian gentleman climbing out his rolls and his turban hit the roof and he quickly reached a hand to steady it. Jocelyn paid the driver and made her way to the entrance.

This was the first time she had been to a costume party of this caliber, everyone was dressed like someone from the European times, myths and legends; it was truly a fancy dress party. What surprised her were the greetings she received from several of the party goers. One girl dressed as little 'Bo peep' called out to her, kissed both cheeks and told her to grab a drink for herself.

Jocelyn did not know if they were friends of Lizzel or if they were merely being hospitable to their fellow guests. Or maybe the Victorian flower seller ranked high among them was she the love interest of a prince or duke? Would Elias be dressed as either? Getting a bit flustered she grabbed a drink from the passing waiter and moved to the far side of the room watching the flow of guests as they drifted in chatting from one group to another. Now where was this Elias, she hoped by standing here she might see if her senses could pick him out though she didn't know who she was looking for then again he could find her easy this way after all he had dressed her.

As much as she declined she found herself being drawn into a circle comprised of 'some Hindu god, by the looks of his attire, King Arthur, because he couldn't stop saying 'I king Arthur,' a woman in a costume which she believe was Tinkerbelle from peter pan, and incougnousily Robin hood and Count Dracula with the fake fangs. The talk was general. Robin Hood was intent on telling jokes or maybe he couldn't help it sense he was already tipping on drunk.

Jocelyn slowly disintegrated herself from the lot and moved away, wondering around as the increasing press of visitors grew. The evening drew on medium pace, but her apprehension was racing steadily. And she again wondered if Milton was right, in that it was perhaps better she return home to New York and wait to hear from Lizzel. She seemed to be wasting her time here and she could actually be somewhere else hopefully getting laid. As the minutes ticked she felt more foolish. What if this guy was watching and figured out she wasn't Lizzel? Then what did she hope to gain by all this risk?

The guy that chose this costume must be a wealthy guy, for it seemed exceedingly expensive. In a bid to get some information she chatted to several of the guests, plucking up the courage at one point to ask her guest if she had seen any signs of Elias about. The reply had done little to boost Jocelyn's wavering confidence that this evening would produce no good results that could lead to Lizzel's whereabouts.

"Darlin'… You seem like you're lost?"

"Sorry… um no I was looking for the host."

"Oh you mean Eli? Oh it's his style he usually throws a party and don't bother to show up. So do what everyone does, drink as much as you can, the drinks are free, who knows you might even catch a guy, and last but not least forget about where the host has vanished to." Mary who had the little lamb had said with a tinkle of laughter and boredom like it should have been so obvious if you have ever been to one of Elias's privileged parties.

How she wished she knew a face here, how come shila wasn't here or maybe she was and she didn't see her. The number in the room seemed to constantly increase and the atmosphere grew hot or maybe it was her who was growing hotter yet she felt like the atmosphere was closing in around her in an oppressive state, as the tobacco mingled with perfumes and it was then Jocelyn felt the warnings of a throbbing headache. She wished she could escape to get a little fresh air, but what if she missed Elias?

Then again maybe he was watching so she opted for fresh air in the end heading in the direction of the French doors thrown open, she walked towards the terrace with haste and then slowed as she reached outside…

"Lizzel… quaeror ... Lizzel (Miss Lizzel)!" the voice that came from behind her filled her with a sudden, almost over whelming desire to escape from the room. She prayed she'd be able to carry on the charade. And again she found it wasn't the first time she found herself regretting that she hadn't taken well-meant advice. She continued outside and waited as the person caught up with her.

She turned to confront the voice and person; she had forced herself to summon a smile,

"Oh hello!" she said "I –I didn't see you."

The man who faced her, was attired in a roman toga, she figured he was supposed to be a roman god no less and the look well suited the darkness of his classic features, mind you he wasn't as tall as Milton, but he was much more bulked than him, he smiled enigmatically.

"You were deep in contemplation, were you not quaeror ... Lizzel (Miss Lizzel)?" his not as deep but more like a drawled out tone with an accent noticeable enough to sound Italian enquired. "What were you thinking of my dear?" his English was much better to her.

"Not much, it's just the room was just a bit too crowded, and I felt a little faint…" It was a lie but it would serve to excuse the fact that she had passed within a hairs breath of this man who clearly seemed to know Lizzel intimately. 'Could this be the mysterious Elias?'

Her question was answered when another guest ventured out onto the terrace…. "Oh Eli sorry… by the way great party…." she said returning inside obviously the terrace was taken though there was enough room to fit at least ten or more bodies.

Eli who was actually Elias merely smiled and nodded his head, as he returned his attention to her, she couldn't help but notice how his keen look seemed scrutinizing, as he looked at her closely, did he know she wasn't Lizzel at all?

"How well your costume becomes you." He said

"How well you choose for me, "she replied before she could clamp her mouth shut. That was not flirting; dammit she had to do better.

"Well it is as you know that I have long believed that flowers and you are kindred souls. It is difficult to know which is truly more beautiful."

"Such flattery warms my heart, even though I am aware that you don't mean one word of it." She responded she hoped with a flirtatious laugh.

He raised a quizzical eyebrow… how many have you had to drink?"

"Not that many."

"I wonder for you don't usually disbelieve my compliments Lize." He sounded slightly questioning.

Jocelyn caught her breath sharply. Evidently she was not behaving in the typical way Lize would have done. She had to be, no- must be extra careful if she were not to arouse this man's suspicions. "You're like Charlie very charming." She hoped she recovered well with that reply

"But…." He gripped her arm tightly and Jocelyn winced slightly at the pressure of his strong fingers…. Though it would only take her a couple seconds to break his fucking hand. She hated being manhandled as such, but she had to be Lizzel. "My brother is toying with you, hmmm… venire dilectione mea (come my love)…! Let us go for a walk." He said gently but his hold on her said other wise

"I really don't think I should, my head feels rather lithe and I just want to clear it a bit first." She said as she could clearly hear the rapidly increasing thunder of her heart drumming in her ears, drowning out the music.

"Ok then let us sit." He indicated to the corner where there was a terrace love settee. She walked with him and now she wished she had a clue as to the nature of their relationship between Lizzel and Elias. She was walking a tightrope and one false move would be sufficient to ruin everything.

"Have you missed me… dilectione mea (My Love)?" he asked smiling as his arm snaked around her shoulder drawing her closer to him.

Oh she would be alright with this if he was a certain man with grey/blue eyes and pure sex on legs walking.

The man's smile was enigmatic and she said the obvious as was expected

"Naturalmente- ho fatto… l'amore, (of course I did… love)" She said struggling to maintain and control her voice normality

"I am glad that you have been learning to speak the language, but I'll try not to confuse you with my Latin/Italian even though I knew you were a quick study... so have you been to Charlie's before tonight il mio amore? (My love)" he said the last part in Italian for her benefit as if she could fully carry on a conversation it Italian with him.

"Not for some time… I needed sometime alone," She held her breath hoping the reply was the correct one. And it was as a satisfied smile crept over his lips….

"I'm pleased to hear that as you know I cannot approve of my brother's behavior or you with him, I can give you everything you need il mio amore (my love), how hard can this choice be for you to choose between us, I have been patient and understanding, that you care for us both, but you must l'amore di noi più (love one of us more) than the other."

She laughed nervously before saying all I got was 'love_' what's the rest?

"I said that you must love one of us more_"

"Eli…" she started and was cut of

"IL suo bethrotal (his betrothal),"... she understood he meant bethrotal. Still the old fashioned word sat odd between them … "e poi la sua, bisogno egoistico a flirtare con così scandalosamente si poteva solo servire suscitare forti emozioni falsi in te … (and then his own, selfish need to flirt so outrageously with you could only arouse strong false emotions in you)."

Jocelyn contented herself with a smile she got a few words, so she would pretend like she understood. The heart of the matter was that Lizzel had two brothers fighting for her or so it seemed. In the end however this was going nowhere close to finding Lizzel. He wanted to talk about his petty war with his brother over who she loved more.

"Oh Eli, it's just …."

"Shhh… Non voglio fare pressioni, ma sai che io sono pronto a farti felice dì soltanto una parola… (I don't want to pressure you, but know I am ready to make you happy just say the word.)"

"No pressure I get and grazie (Thank you.)"

"Alcuna necessità… (No need...) So what are your plans on returning home to New York to see your sister?"

Jocelyn's mind worked quickly; by the sound of things it seemed that Lizzel had mentioned she might be going home to see her and she wondered if shila had mentioned that she had already been.

"Nothing is fixed." She replied "but I think I must make a move shortly again, we didn't meet when last I was there, which wasn't that long ago."

"So you have been back to see your sister, your family L'amore (Love)… and you wish to go see her again?"

"Yes… I just have some kinks to sort out with her about our grandparent's will_" Jocelyn said as her breath came with difficulty, was she saying too much, did he know.

"An inheritance, well then hopefully she will be pleased to see you si (yes)?"

"Of course_" And she wondered why he was questioning her so closely.

Had he been talking in a coded message that she did not understand and had somehow inadequately given herself away to him?"

"It is good when family can still live in affection and harmony si (yes)?" she didn't know what to say to that so she said nothing and the silence grew and stretched uncomfortably.

Finally after bathed minutes she said "If you will excuse me," she said at last to break the silence "I think I will leave you, I really do have a headache but we should talk further Eli about us."

He nodded in acceptance of her excuse not before glancing at her with a speculative eye.

"Did you travel here with shila?" he inquired courteously. Taking her arm and leading her back to the entrance of the terrace and through the crowd.

"No I came by taxi and I hoped I might be able to telephone from here to…"

She stopped as he raised a remonstrative hand to stop her flow of chatter

"Jurgen will drive you back to your destination, though you are welcome to stay with me… I am trying very hard to respect your wish for space and I trust that you have kept your distance from my brother." he smiled lovingly as he retrieved his cell phone spoke a few words in Latin she believed, mission accomplished he returned his attentive eyes once more on her

"It has been good to see you L'amore (love)…" He said as they walked to the exit "…and I shall hope to see you before you leave for New York." A uniformed driver pulled to the curb and got out opened the door and awaited her. The limo was that of a Rolls Royce all white and glass tinted that you couldn't see inside.

He held her hands and trailed the other hand up her arms, caressing her cheek, grazing his thumb gently over her lips and cheek, "…please think about what I have said… Mi hai fatto perdere (I really did miss you.)" He said kissing her softly on the lips he seemed like he wanted to deepen the kiss but he didn't.

"Mi importa per voi, sì (I do care for you, yes)… it is why I love you si." He said kissing her once again before releasing her into the back seat of the car.

God she was in deep now. Though she was not affected by his kiss maybe Lizzel would have been but she had responded accordingly.

She blew him a kiss and leaned back in the seat as the car pulled away.

"Dove la mia Donna? (Where to my lady…?)"

"Sorry can you repeat it in English…"

"I asked, where to my lady?"

"The Samoa resort..." She said and the driver put the divider up between them. The evening itself had been a washout, she didn't learn anything important about where Lizzel might be but she did know that some guy name Elias was in love with her Lizzel. She was grateful for the privacy and the drivers urge to get there swiftly. For he possibly had to return to pick Elias up from the party, by the time she had reached the hotel her mind was made up, she was going home on the next earliest flight and leaving this for Lizzel to sort through; she could not get in between this love triangle. She had been here near to a week and Lizzel had not even contacted her once. But otherwise the trip wasn't wasted, she had a mini vacation, she didn't get laid but- well such was life. It wasn't too late she could make it a memorable holiday if she could find someone to have a quick lay with, but not just anyone, she had someone in mind but she had blown her chances with him.

She looked at her watch… it was just after 1 am. She would sleep in and then make arrangements for a flight home, in two days. She thanked Jurgen and when she was safe inside he pulled away. She headed over to the desk and asked for any messages for her there were none again. Disappointed again with Lizzel lack of contact she had just began to ascend the stairs when she was halted

"Miss Carter…" she turned swiftly could there have been a message and he now remembered.

"You left your basket on the desk signora (Ma'am)." He smiled courteous, but it was one that did not reach his eyes. She took the basket and thanked him. It was only as she opened the door to her room that she noticed the small neatly wrapped silver package, neatly resting in the cushion of flowers; it was small and unobtrusive…. Dainty and intriguing, it had not been there when she set out…. Jocelyn felt her heart beat more rapidly. Who had placed the parcel in her basket… and why? She thought who could have placed it there. Was it the driver discreetly delivering a present from Elias? Or was it the receptionist asked to do so discreetly? But how would he know she would rest the basket on the desk, much less leave it.

She sat on the bed throwing the hair piece off feeling relieved of the weight and began to undo the lacing of her bodice, with one hand while twisting the box in her hand she had hesitations. What if it was a bomb? Or a body part…? Finally she had to laugh at the incredible notion. Who could possibly want to plant a bomb to kill Lizzel? It was a gasp of surprise when she finally opened the box… in it was wrapped a Persian looking cat. Its eyes and neck sparkled as it was encrusted with diamante which looked iridescently in the electric light, the design immaculate and beautiful.

She awed at its beauty and the only thing that seemed to intrude to spoil the feeling was that she had no idea why this charming novelty should be given to her, well Lizzel and more worrying still was who had gone to such elaborate length to hide the item in her basket. All sought of thoughts took up pace in her mind, suppose there was more to the cat? What if it had drugs hidden in it? Or maybe the diamonds are real and someone wanted her, Lizzel to keep it. She placed the object on the side table and regarded it speculatively, render as such an act of total but the exquisite features of the cat, each tiny detail were in perfect proportion. To smash it would destroy it, which she conceived impossible to do.

Jocelyn hated when her feelings were in tumult, how she wish she could meet Lizzel. She was sure her sister, had the key to understanding this situation. She walked over to the window to allow some fresh air in to clear her thoughts. The ocean's gentle roar in the distance sounded lulling and in its calm entity the water seemed welcoming; the endless pitch black surface temporarily myriad of reflections from colored lights which adorned the village looked like a disco with the silver streams of moonlight rippling across the smooth surface of water.

It was after one in the morning and yet it seemed like people did not sleep, for as she gazed through her open window she could see several people below in singles and couples or groups strolling, laughing and having a gay time on the long jetty that seemed to go on for miles. And somewhere music streamed from and this added to the enchantment of the night. She walked towards her terrace door and opened it wide, the night air felt wonderful; she didn't feel as tired anymore. She smiled as the words of the music drifted up to her ear, the entertainer won points for singing in English as a translation to his native tongue, warming her with his tale of finding love on the beach; the light breeze ruffled her hair lovingly like a lover's hand. She looked across to the wide promenades which skirted the outside of the beach front barrier.

For a moment her eyes did not fully register the person who stood by the railings, apparently lost in contemplation or so it would seem. When the silhouette form looked up she soon realized who the identity of the watcher was. She rushed inside and grabbed her coat hurriedly pushing her foot into her bedroom slippers and resisted the urge to take the cat with her for safe keeping, she didn't know why she felt that way either. She sped down the stairs and across to the promenade. The dress was heavy and she should have changed out of the costume. Hurrying across the path, she searched the bank side for where she had last seen the form; her anxious eyes feared that the object of her need to make haste might have already gone.

Relived she breathed a sigh as she approached the figure, the tall figure that she was drawn to, she moved cautiously towards him, she had no doubt it was him. She reached out a hand and touched the sleeve of his jacket to attract attention. As he turned she could imagine his grey eyes locking onto hers and she felt heedlessly giddy, though it wasn't from the three glasses of champagne, that wasn't even enough to put her in a dizzy.

"Thorpe…?"

"Miss Carter…."

"What on earth are you doing here?

He turned fully facing her with a sly smile to his lips…. "I was just making sure you got in against my better judgment."

"Really and is that all… you could have called."

"Ok truth is I was wondering if it was too late to come, calling on you, if you must know the truth." He replied lightly

"I still say you could have called." And she wondered if he felt it to.

"Yes, but I am a man who prefers to do the action and besides I don't think I could have slept easy worrying if your night turned out alright… Did it?" he asked glancing at her attire

"In some ways it was ok as can be."

"Is that the costume he picked a product of the 18th century, if I do say it's not your style at all, but it still looks good?"

She regarded his comment sharply…. "Don't you back out of it now, exactly what do you mean by that?" she demanded

"Why do you over analyze everything? Can't you take a compliment?"

"If it was I would have thanked you, but that isn't it, what you really meant is that women of that time were more compliant with their men folk hence why he chose this costume, him and Lizzel may be in something, but I am nothing like Lizzel."

"Oh I know that, though it remains to be compared , when and if I meet this Lizzel I shall compare my notes, until then I know you are a woman who can think and act for herself and you make no secret about it, still, any man would worry a little."

She didn't know what to say, this man pushed her buttons.

"Did you find any link to your sister by the way?"

"No, nothing specific…." She said slowly. "But something rather odd has happened." And she again stuck her foot in her mouth at her willingness to divulge her findings.

His mouth quirked for a moment, but he repressed the urge to smile or make light of her words he controlled his face in a firm line the muscle tense in his jaw….

"I should think everything that happens where you are concerned is odd."

She couldn't argue since she got here it's been like that …. "Well then you won't mind coming with me then will you?" she asked smiling obliquely at him

A couple minutes later, they were in her room, Thorpe hesitated on the thresh hold he had been dreaming about this since he met her and though he was being welcomed in her room for a different reason he couldn't help as his reason for really wanting to be here in her room with her alone, was the better choice. He could resist her, he had to stay strong.

He had to treat this like a business thing, or he would take her in his arms and kiss her senseless. This is what confused him most sense meeting her he was somewhat confused to his feelings towards her, he was sure he wanted her physically to satisfy his body needs, but if he did take her would it be enough? And why her…? He didn't think her a woman incapable of fending for herself? Still his need to protect her like the delicate flower he thought she was, was greater watching her trying to be brave for her sister?

But he would respect the fact that she wasn't a woman to be pushed in a corner for she could fight back. Every time they had a little spat it sent a thrill though him and he would make the notion of storming off, because he couldn't let her see how thrill he was by her, how turned on he was.

"You can come in I won't bite and excuse me while I change out of this garb." She walked to the drawer and pulled out shorts and t shirt.

Well he might as well make himself at home, he went to the mini fridge bar and found a bottle of wine it wasn't his strong suit but it would do. He poured them both a glass. When she emerged she went to the drawer near her bed and retrieved the doll and then walked to where he was accepting the glass of wine though she was bottoms up for the night.

"Let's go on the balcony it's such a warm night I feel like being outdoors." She replied