Like a Bird Read Online Free Page B

side door. Louis pointed in his direction and they both walked over.
    “Good evening, gentlemen.” The man made a slight nod. “Password please.”
    “April showers bring May flowers,” Louis said softly. The doorman bowed his head and opened the door.
    Gareth and Louis passed through the door into a wide hall where a small number of people in masks gathered around a long table adorned with food, while others lounged on oversized furniture and talked with drinks in their hands. Glittering chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, providing just enough light to avoid bumping into anything. Gareth stiffened and lowered his head as he followed Louis down the hall. A man with a tray of drinks approached and handed each of them a glass of champagne.
    Near the end of the long room, a stout set of stairs led to an upper level where music was playing and a large crowd was mingling. As Louis and Gareth reached the top of the stairs, they were effortlessly pulled into the dancing crowd. Gareth noticed others looked on from a circular balcony above.
    “Who are we meeting and how are we supposed to find them?” Gareth asked, his eye already fixed on a quick exit.
    Louis paused as he glanced around the room. “Ah, I’m not exactly sure. I don’t think they’re down here. Let’s try up there.” He pointed to the balcony. They wove a path toward a curving staircase. Gareth paused on the steps to take stock of the crowd, a few hundred people in their best attire shifting and glittering in the light while they hid behind elaborate masks. He turned back and noticed Louis was already scoping out the third floor. Gareth hurried the rest of the way up the stairs, nearly tripping on his cloak.
    At the balcony level there were clusters of people at the railing and others perched on chairs and sofas in a large enclave. The sitting area was framed by a massive window that offered a panoramic view of sparkling city lights. Louis waved Gareth over to a set of large double doors off to the right, where another uniformed man stood guard. Louis approached but before he even touched the golden door handle, the guard stopped him.
    “This is a private room.”
    “I’m looking for someone. We have an appointment,” Louis replied.
    “You won’t have any luck getting in there without a proper invitation,” the guard said, pointing with his thumb at the door. Louis turned to Gareth, who hadn’t heard the exchange, and just shrugged slightly. Louis addressed the guard again.
    “Do you know where I might be able to find Amira Hassan?” Louis asked.
    “I’m sorry sir, I’m not privy to the identity of the guests. But you might want to try one of the rooms further down this corridor.” The guard held out his hand to direct them.
    Louis motioned for Gareth to follow and together they walked to the next set of doors only to find them unattended and locked. Gareth reached past Louis and wrapped hard on the wooden door. No response. They followed the corridor to another set of doors on the opposite side of the balcony.
    One of these was slightly ajar, and laughter escaped through the narrow crack. Louis leaned in and peered through the small opening. Judging this was their destination, he straightened up again, pushed the door open, and strode into the room. The space was illuminated by a soft light and furnished with ornate antiques. One wall was comprised of a large bookshelf with a ladder on rails. A group of three amorous women were gathered on the long sofa in front of it. In the corner opposite Louis a man was seated in a large wing chair, casually sipping a drink and chained to a young woman who stood quietly next to him. Louis grinned at Gareth before he ventured deeper into the room.
    Gareth hung back at the entrance and examined the scene. On his left a man lay on a chaise lounge while a woman in only a bra sat on top of him. At the back of the room, a group of people laughed loudly, but the lighting was too dim to see them clearly.