“That would be wonderful, but I don’t have anything to give you in return,” he said.
“Just keep me updated on Sabrina’s progress,” said Graham. “That will be more than sufficient for the moment.”
“How did you know her name?” said Lisa’s father.
“Call it a lucky guess,” said Graham. “I happened to be visiting with Molly at your house the other day when Sabrina collapsed. It was tragic. I’m glad she has friends like you, and I’m more than happy to offer my knowledge. Of course, the more information you give me, the more I can help you. Protocols or notes or results would be deeply appreciated, but I’ll let you know what specific information my boss wants as soon as I find out.”
Something in his voice made Lisa’s father uncomfortable, but Graham claimed to have information he wanted, and he didn’t know how else to get it. Sabrina’s life was not the only thing depending on the drug anymore. Lisa’s father felt like his reputation was on the line. He reluctantly shook Graham’s outstretched hand, and after the deal was struck, Graham sauntered off and disappeared among the trees.
∞∞∞
The wedding invitations arrived the next day for everyone in the house except Agnes. Lisa’s mother brought the envelope to the sickroom herself, hoping to distract Sabrina from her unpleasant existence, but Richard opened it and noticed immediately that the ceremony was being held at Hamilton Estate.
He was so shocked that he couldn’t articulate his feelings until it was too late. Sabrina decided she wanted her children to go and refused to change her mind. The effects of the drug hadn’t abated, and she was suffering, despite Agnes’ devoted care. Still, she insisted it would be a tragedy if her children missed out on the fun because of her. Lisa’s mother agreed to keep an eye on them so Arthur wouldn’t have to go, and the decision was made.
The preparations for the wedding were finished over the next few weeks, but a storm moved in on the morning of the ceremony, and a fog covered the town in a gray mist. Molly arrived at Lisa’s house that afternoon in a flurry of excitement with her dress draped over her arm. There hadn’t been time to make alterations, and it resembled a nightgown more than anything else. Lisa opened the door for Molly and found herself enveloped in an enthusiastic hug.
“Oh, Lisa,” said Molly. “I’m getting married. Can you believe it? Graham and I spent the morning sitting together on the porch watching the sun come up. Of course, we couldn’t really see anything because of the clouds. It was cold, but with his arms around me, I didn’t even care. I can’t wait to put on my dress.”
Lisa’s mother decided to get Molly out of the house without further delay so Sabrina wouldn’t be disturbed by the chaos. She arranged to take Molly and Lisa to Hamilton Estate earlier than they had originally planned, leaving Lisa’s father in charge of the other children, despite his reluctance to take responsibility for them.
They were about to drive away when Richard dashed out of the house and scrambled into the back of the car, nudging Molly’s dress out of the way with a careful elbow. He was barely presentable in a faded blue suit, and he was clutching a parcel under his arm, wrapped in newspaper. It was about the same size as one of Lisa’s textbooks. She assumed it was a gift for Molly and Graham.
“Richard, I didn’t know you were coming,” said Lisa’s mother.
“There was never any doubt,” said Richard. “I hope you don’t mind, Nora. I realized there wouldn’t be enough room for me in Andrew’s car with all the children, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I wouldn’t miss this wedding for the world.”
Lisa suspected Richard was more interested in snooping around Hamilton Estate than seeing Molly and Graham get married, but her mother looked so happy to see him that she didn’t protest.
“I’d love to have you come along with us,” said Lisa’s mother, some of the apprehension vanishing from her face. “I’ve never been to Hamilton Estate before, and from what you’ve said, it’s not for the faint of heart. Graham’s friend is expecting us. Shall we go?”
They left the house, drove away from the beach, and crossed the bridge. Immediately, the atmosphere of the town changed. They were no longer in a pretty coastal suburb. The buildings lining the cracked streets were large and faded and old, and a tangled web of train tracks traversed the ground. The air stank like oil.
Lisa tried to pay attention to Molly’s happy chatter, but she couldn’t help feeling like she was being transported into a nightmare. Richard’s mysterious presence added to the eerie atmosphere. She hoped Hamilton Estate wouldn’t be the terrifying monstrosity she had created in her imagination.
She was glad when they left the industrial section of the town. The car turned down a narrow road lined with oak trees, and a house became visible in the distance through a tunnel of branches. Lisa saw at a glance that it wasn’t an ordinary house. It was a glorious mansion with an ornate balcony and tall white pillars enclosing a spacious porch. The front door was flanked by two French windows with black wooden shutters, and the roof was decorated with two chimneys and three garret windows.
In the fog, the whole place looked surreal, but what disturbed Lisa more than anything else was the peculiar tension in the air. She felt like someone was watching her, and the more she tried to ignore the feeling, the stronger it became.
A tall wrought-iron fence with spikes along the top surrounded the house. As Lisa’s mother drove up to the gate, a man hurried down the gravel driveway toward them. He was tall, with dark hair and a sagging face. He unlocked the gate and stood back, gesturing at them to proceed until
