hurtful wrote:
The Wood's creek festival. Celebrating the annual harvest had been a tradition upheld by the Wood's creek elite for hundreds of years. Considering the richest man to ever live in the god forsaken town had been murdered, it seemed rather bizarre that the tradition should live on, and yet, it did.
Apparently, it had been Holden Richmonds Jr's idea. After acquiring a sizable amount of his father's wealth the millionaire had decided to sponsor the festivities as a way of honoring the memory of his father. Needless to say, the decision had raised a few eyebrows. Riley suspected it was Holden Jr's way of getting an in with the town's mayor, who hadn't been a fan of his father.
"And so, let's raise all glasses for the years to come!", Holden Jr finished his speech. Riley was standing in a corner. Attending the festivities had not been her choice, she had hit a wall in the murder case and somehow managed to be talked into taking a break by a work friend, who was currently downing her fifth glass of champagne.
"What a turnout", her friend Kate commented as the applause subsided. They were at the Mayor's mansion, which made the Richmond Mansion seem like a dump. Riley looked around the place, recognizing almost everyone. It reminded her of the funeral, expect the alcohol had lightened the mood marginally. People were mingling, and she could tell Kate wanted to do the same.
"Riley Hepburn.", It was the mayor's wife who had approached the pair. She was wearing a floor length dress and Riley was reminded of how underdressed she truly was.
"Vivianne Brannon.", She replied with a forced smile.
"How's the investigation going?", Riley's fake smile faded. She knew the question would be asked time and time again throughout the night, motivating her claim of the lonely corner.
"Oh, well, I'm here so that about says it all.", She chuckled, but Vivianne didn't seem to get the joke.
"The party is lovely, I have to get the recipe for those pastries!", Katie exclaimed, in an attempt to break the tension. Vivianne lit up and the two began to chatter, giving Riley an opportunity to escape.
_
After making his toast, Holden Jr was greeted by what felt like the entire population of Wood's Creek. The event had been a success, as confirmed by the smile on the mayor's lips as he gave Holden a hug.
"Your father would be proud." He said proudly, and Holden smirked, taking a sip of his champagne. The weeks leading up to the Festival had been miserable. Rachel and his mother had bonded, and his mother had even begged for him to take his ex-wife back. It was morbid at best, but he couldn't blame his mother for her withering mind, his father had truly been her rock.
His eyes wandered around the great room, hoping to spot a particular redheaded woman in the crowd. They had spoken a few times after the funeral and Holden had personally invited her to join the festivities. Of course, he'd motivated the invitation by suggesting it would give her an insight to the social structures that defined the town. In reality, he just wanted a reason to spend time with her.
"Rachel, would you excuse me for a moment?", He asked as he felt his ex wife grab his arm. The more he pulled away, the harder the woman clammed on it seemed.
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