WIP Wednesday - First Mataras: Irene

 

 Caught in the act

Irene had opted to go to the theater first and put away thedisguise. Valentina had been hovering within sight far too often since nearlycatching Irene hanging the Odeergin costume on the rack. Irene wasn’t positivethe tempestuous star was watching her, but she hated to take chances. It seemedmore likely Valentina would figure out the same cloak and headpiece appeared inMrs. Hoffman’s laundry bag than Irene being caught in the hallways without achaperone in the dead of night. There were other costumes in wardrobe she couldput on to help her sneak to her quarters unidentified. Though they wouldn’thave the same effect as the frightening Odeergin getup, she believed they’dhelp her escape detection from casual curiosity.

She used the quiet service corridors to reach the theaterand slipped in. She pulled her headgear off and rushed to the prop area. Ittook her only a moment to shove her disguise in the trunk.

She turned to find Valentina standing there, smirking ather.

“So. Our rising starlet is sneaking around without herchaperone as an Odeergin, How very interesting.”

Irene’s heart relearned to beat with a vengeance. Ithammered in her chest as if it would break free. It took her a moment to noteValentina wore a man’s outfit, padded to disguise her curvaceous figure. Nomakeup, though her features were too lovely and soft to be mistaken for aman’s, but the absence of her black wavy hair under a newsboy’s cap, no doubthidden by a wig cap would have kept her safe under casual scrutiny.

“It looks as if you’re sneaking around too.”

“Oh, but Rosalie is with me, as is proper. She’s waitingoutside the door while we have our little talk. I’m not in violation of Churchlaw. I’m also not spending hours on a Kalquorian ship doing heaven knows whatwith alien men.”

Dread was a weight in Irene’s gut. Two witnesses had seenher do the unthinkable. “You followed me.”

“For days, when I could sneak out. I wondered where you wentin that terrible Odeergin outfit…an impressive disguise. I do give you creditfor that.” Valentina softly patted her hands together in sneering applause.

 

Releasing June 23.