It took his breath.
He counted five substantial Romanesque Revival-style buildings, all constructed of the same pewter gray stone as the front gate. They were laid out in an open rectangle, two across from one another and one on the far end. None were the same and one was much larger than the others. In the center of the quadrangle was a fountain and reflection pool, along with several bronze statues. The buildings and plaza were so impressive they might be a part of a well-regarded university. The largest of the buildings sat at the far end of the quadrangle. It was taller and wider, with six chimneys staggered across its steeply pitched beavertail slate roof. Consistent with the architecture, heavy arches accentuated most of the passageways and windows. The doorways were deeply sunken and the corners of the buildings were marked by towers with conical roofs. The limousine came to a stop in front of the largest building.
“We call this the estate manor,” Claudia said, gesturing. “It’s your new home. I bid you a warm welcome.”
Gage stepped from the limousine, mildly surprised no one came out to greet the matriarch. He retrieved her wheelchair from the trunk before the driver removed the luggage. Claudia signed the bill and thanked the driver who drove away. Using keys from Claudia, Gage opened the front doors and carried the luggage inside.
The interior of the home was slightly cheerier than Gage would have envisioned. He expected dark wood, deep wine carpets and the statue armor of sword-wielding knights at every corner. Instead, he was greeted by bright colors, excellent lighting and a rather modern European design.
Most pleasant was the clean, citrusy smell.
He wheeled Claudia to an elevator at the rear of the house, riding it to the second floor that, in the United States, would be called the third floor. Gage recalled from years of experience that, in Europe, the floors progress as follows: basement, main level, first floor, second floor, and so on. A short distance down the central hallway of the second floor, Claudia pointed him to his room, directly across the hall from hers. He might have been viewing a fine room at an exclusive hunting lodge.
The furniture was masculine. There was a tall king size bed with a thick oak headboard. The furniture didn’t match, but worked well together. On the far side of the room, between the windows, was a sitting area with a recliner, a small sofa and, on a pedestal, a massive LED television.
“I’ve cut drastically down on the staff, Gage. There was a time when you could pick up the phone and get whatever you wanted, whenever you wanted. Use the kitchen downstairs to your liking. It should be freshly stocked. There’s also the cookhouse for meals—it’s operated only at certain times, usually during the day. Right now they typically leave by six in the evening unless we plan otherwise. I’ll get you a schedule or you can just call their extension with any questions. If their schedule doesn’t work with yours, we’ll adjust it or they can always make some of your meals ahead of time.”
“That’ll be fine. I don’t want a fuss.”
“More than anything, please make yourself at home. I insist.”
“Do you have a nurse, or any type of help?”
“Not yet. But we’ll be hiring someone soon. You can assist.”
“Happy to help.”
“If you’ll excuse my poor hospitality, I’m going to try to nap before our meeting. I’ll come for you at a quarter to three.”
“Will your children come here to the manor? Should I stay in my room so I don’t meet anyone before you introduce me?”
“The house is empty, Gage. No one will step foot inside before the meeting. That, I can promise you. Feel free to wander the house, rest, use the exercise room, the whirlpool…do whatever you like. I simply ask you remain inside until after our meeting.”
“Claudia, what if you fall, or have a medical problem?”
“Later this week, I’ll allow you to get me a signal device that I can wear. But I’m fine today, have no worries.”
Though he felt uneasy, Gage nodded. “You mentioned your husband has a gun safe?”
“It’s okay to speak of him in the past tense,” she replied without emotion. “Yes, go to the basement and walk to the very rear.” She gave him the combination. “You’ll likely find many things down there that you’re interested in.”
“And where was his room?”
“He was on the first floor, the room closest to the elevator.”
“Before I let you go, may I check your room?”
“Please.”
Gage thoroughly searched the room, the bathroom and both closets. All clear. Her three windows were locked and not easily accessible. Claudia’s heavy door had a bolt lock that he instructed her to turn, along with the regular lock on the doorknob.
“Do you have a—”
Claudia held up a silver key.
“Is this the only one?” Gage asked.
“The one and only,” she replied, handing him the key.
“Are you sure you can manage by yourself?”
“I’ll be fine, and I’ll see you in a bit.” Claudia stood from the wheelchair and shut her door, leaving Gage in the hallway as she snapped the bolt lock shut.
He couldn’t help but feel rather uncomfortable and alone.
Did I just sign up for six months of wandering around an isolated mansion?
C’mon, buddy…give it time. Not everything is as it seems.
He’d never pondered truer words.
Repeating the gun safe combination in his mind, he eyed his new room and then turned, viewing the long hallway in both directions. Since he’d slept on the flight, he wasn’t all that tired. So, after depositing his modest amount of clothes in the dresser
