Did someone say Christmas Eve evening?!

The evening settled over the Rossi mansion like a heavy velvet curtain, suffocating and oppressive. Servants moved silently through the grand living room, their footsteps muffled by the thick Persian rugs, placing trays of crystal glasses filled with ruby-red wine and delicate silver platters piled high with warm scones on every available surface.

Frankly they look too bored to be there but get paid enough.

The scent of buttery pastry and spiced wine filled the air, a cloying aroma that did nothing to ease the tension coiling in my stomach, twisting tighter with each passing moment.

Mrs. Rossi stood near the grand fireplace, the...