A dinner invitation

Mentions of murder and substance abuse.

It has been 5 years since the death of Jeremy Waker. The guilt gradually disappearing over time. After all, it was supposed to happen. Jeremy was in the way and a hunting accident was the easiest way out.

The group of friends were even closer now more than ever. As the CEO of the biggest law firm, Cameron made sure they did. Everyone was content in their own way. Alice, a school teacher, had her weekends booked at the local casino. Hank, Jeremy’s childhood best friend, was on probation for the use of illegal substances. Dayna , known for her frequent visits to the mental hospital, had mysteriously disappeared last summer. Lastly, Emily, a traveling influencer, spent her time out of the country as much as she could.

Everything was perfect. Emily deleted all the incriminating footage, there’s no way they could be held accountable.

Until, Cameron noticed an uncanny resemblance of important client to Jeremy. He almost lost his composure before realizing Jennifer was a woman. What a coincidence! There’s no way she could be Jeremy. Dead people stay dead and ghost do not exist.

Jennifer Caddel was well known youngest billionaire at the age of 18. She was adopted into a multimillionaire family after taking over the family business in 5 years she’s gained success.

Now at age 28, Ms. Caddel had hired Sutton & Grace LLP to aid her in a dispute over inheritance and business advice. Not that she needed the inheritance, but she needed to show that what’s hers can’t be taken away so easily.

Cameron Sutton gladly agreed to Ms. Caddel requests. Everything was going smoothly and calmly. He would gain more shares in the company with this success.

“Oh how can I thank you, Mr. Sutton,” exclaims Ms. Caddel.

“Please call me Cameron. No need for formalities. Its my pleasure, Ms. Caddel”

“If you insist, however miss makes me sound a lot older than I am, Cameron,”

Ms. Caddel was a naturally seductive young lady. Yet, she could have gaze of innocence. She wasn’t something that could be easily corrupted and her wealth made her more untouchable.

Cameron had invited Ms. Caddel to his private office after work. As the chatted and roamed, she noticed a familiar face in one of the colleges pictures. Cameron took a noticed and asked, “Does my younger years interest you?” Trying to read Ms. Caddels face, but failing, he just laughs,“ I was just a dumb boy in college haha”.

“Yet you have a profitable business”, Ms. Caddel replies.

“Of course, but that was mostly my father’s work,” he continues, “college days were fun with dumb friends alike,”

“You look so happy with your friends. How are they now”

Cameron has not talked to his college ‘friends’ in a 10 months. He did not care for them unless it was made sure they’ll keep their mouth shut.

“Well, for what I know they are doing great! For the most part”

“What can you tell me about this person?” she points at Jeremy who was smiling largely standing next to Hank.

“Oh that’s Jeremy. Sadly, he passed away in a accident. Truly regrettable. He was so remarkable and young.”

Ms. Caddel looked quite sad as he said those words. “I think this might be my long lost brother,” she turns sits down on the couch, “Tell me what do you know about him,”

His heart trembles, yet it cannot be seen. “Of course, I know he was adopted. Despite his difficulties, he’s was at the top of the whole school. Talent surpassed even mine.”

“Talents are enough to show that you are related, though I do see a similarity.”

Ms. Caddel scrolled desperately though her phone. Finally breathing when she found what she was looking for. “This is the only picture I have of us as children.”

He grabbed her phone so gently. As he examined the photo he gradually noticed more similarities. They both looked around 6-7 years old sitting on a run down red old couch.

“Do you have more photos of him?” He looks deeply in her eyes and she shakes her head.

“That’s the only picture I have left.”

“How unfortunate. I can help clear out this mess. I keep in touch with them regularly. I can give you their contact. I wish I could help you more.” He sighs returning the phone.

“Jeremy was a good kid. Though he was annoying, he always had a way to make us laugh. He was like the little brother of the group…” Cameron continued to rant as he turned around and didn’t notice Ms. Caddel taking a photo of the group photo.

“I hope you don’t mind he taking a photo,” she interrupted. She had the lasted software in which she quickly verified her suspicions before Cameron had time to respond.

“I don’t,” he replied nonchalantly.

“It’s getting quite late. I don’t want to keep you away from your wife and kids.”

“Don’t you worry. My wife knows I hard I work. It’s not unusual for me to work overtime.” He causally sits across from her.

They continued chatted about various topics before Ms. Caddel’s assistant called to tell her about her important dinner with a client from overseas.

Cameron was astonished by her completely. He forgot about his family as he usually did.

“You should come to my dinner parties on my estate. Its quite tranquil.” The estate was something rumored in articles. The location is quite remote and exclusive. An opportunity like this cannot be wasted.

“I would love to continue these enjoyable conversations. You have my contact,” Ms. Caddel abruptly ends the conversation leaving Cameron stunned however even more interested. It seemed that his favorite words were “yes” and “of course” around her. Only if Cameron wasn’t married.

A few months past without any contact from Ms. Caddel. She had confirmed the identity of her brother. She had to thank Cameron and his college friends of taking care of her brother.

Everyone in the group, who are alive, received a special invitation to Ms. Caddel’s exclusive dinner. They all had to agree. Cameron made sure not to upset his new friend.

She sent a special request on the card.

‘Please drop your phones in the respectable places when you arrive. This dinner is first class and I hope to keep it that way. Dress appropriately’

No phones was the way to make a dinner more enjoyable.

Alice had nothing better to do. Emily would not let this opportunity pass. Hank was let off with special exemption and he went as attempt to redeem himself he went. Cameron was going to miss an important family event and Dayna was still missing.

Slowly they started to arrive to the beautifully secluded estate. Most drove to the location before being stopped my guards. The place looked familiar, yet the couldn’t tell why. It’s seemed like a normal forest. Everyone was blindfolded and taken to the estate.

One by one the talked among themselves to ease the uncomfortable sensation. They all hated each now. Hank just sat there lost in time and space when his no thoughts were interrupted.

“I hope you understand and forgive my rudeness. I invited you all to thank you for taking care of my long lost brother,” Ms. Caddel says as she comes down the long flight of stairs that twist at the top then joined together by the bottom.

She is wearing a stunning off the shoulder black gown. The dress hugging her at the right places. All Emily could think is how she wished she had her phone.

The 3 guest looked at each other with jackpot in their eyes and Hank just looked. Ms. Caddel seemed vulnerable and she knew this.

“Please follow me to the dinner table.”

Each of them sat admiring the decorations. Each spot had their names written with fancy calligraphy and each had a gift bag filled with their favorite goodies. Things could not get any better.

As soon as everyone sat down, upbeat relaxing instrumental music started playing. I prepared these gifts as a thank you for being here and hope you can share some memories of my brother. I feel like I can get to know him through you all. And of course, get to know you.”

Everyone looked quite uncomfortable, except for Cameron. He had nothing to fear.

As they chatted about the Jeremy life, the appetizers came in each catering to their taste. They laughed and joked forgetting how much they wanted to leave. The vibrate colors and flavorful bites were enough to convince them to relax. The aroma was like home for most. They felt like they knew Jennifer Caddel in such a deep level.

Hank felt he could see his best friend through her. Alice couldn’t wait to sell the gold decoration she had stolen from the décor. Emily was too busy enjoying herself she forgot she had brought a video taping necklace. Cameron was too busy fantasizing about Caddel’s body to noticed anyone else.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying the dinner. Now, it’s time for the main course,” she says signally the butler to bring in the next dish.

Each person received a plate of sophisticated neatly cut meat on mashed potatoes and small cuts of veggie decorations.

“Pour the desired sauce of choice and bon appetite,” the butler said to all.

Everyone took a bite and the savory meat melted in their mouth. Emily exclaimed, “ I never ate such delicacy! I need to know the name of this dish.”

Jennifer smiled gently and she signals for the chef to come out.

Chef walked in and granted their wish the guest, “the dish is called Dayna’s special. Quite hard to make this type of meat taste good. Human remains”.

Everyone began throwing up and washing their mouths with the expensive wines and water.

The music suddenly stopped and Jennifer was no longer there.

Hank said, “She’s left guys.” Until then, no one else had noticed.

“I knew it was too good to be true,” Hank mumbled.

Alice just sat there jumped out panicking, “Where is she?”

Emily and Alice looked around quickly disappearing from their sight. Cameron sat there stunned again. He wasn’t sure if it was the excitement or fear, but he wanted her even more.

The speakers let out a loud whistle, starting the group.

The voice said, “Welcome to the hunting of you.”

“It was easy finding you all. A bit challenging getting you all here. Well, that doesn’t matter your ghost will stay here forever.” The voice continued.

“I am Jennifer Waker and you killed my brother. You have 10 minutes to run, my little deers. Starting now.”

Together they trembled.

“I brought a few friends to join the fun! And of course, feel free to grab any weapon to defend yourself. Not like that would increase any survival.”

How fun! Waiting 10 years was worth to see the look on their faces.

“Don’t worry. No one will come looking for you. I made sure darlings. One last thing, hope Dayna fulled you all."