She quickly dismissed the thought. Surely, Tori knew they would never steal items from her or anyone from that matter, but then again, she knew the family had ties to the mafia. Once a criminal, always a criminal.
“It appears there’s a storm brewing.” Lucien escorted them through the courtyard and the front door. “Mrs. Montgomery will join you shortly. In the meantime, she’s asked me to show you to your rooms. They’re located on the second floor.”
“Where’s Byron?”
“Byron is taking care of a matter for Mrs. Montgomery.”
Carlita reached for her bag and Lucien firmly shook his head. “I will carry your bags. You’re our guests.” He picked up the suitcases and began trudging up the steps.
“Thank you Lucien. We’re not used to people waiting on us,” Carlita said.
“It’s something I’m willing to get used to,” Mercedes whispered and her mother gave her a pointed stare.
“What? I’m being honest Ma. I plan to enjoy this as long as it lasts.”
“It isn’t lasting long,” Carlita warned. “We’re here to work.” It was Mercedes’ turn to shoot her mother a warning look and she gave a slow shake of her head.
Lucien turned slightly. “She has employed you to work at Montgomery Hall? I thought you were having some repairs done inside your apartment and needed a place to stay.”
“We…uh.” Carlita stuttered.
“What Ma meant is we’re here while our construction crew works. It was a bad choice of words.”
“Right. Our apartment should be ready by tomorrow or the next day. It was kind of Tori, I mean, Mrs. Montgomery, to offer to let us stay,” Carlita said.
The top of the stairs opened onto a spacious landing and they turned left, making their way along the mahogany paneled hall.
Gas lanterns flickered merrily, lighting their way and the fragrant smell of cinnamon and pumpkin spice lingered in the air.
“It smells like Christmas,” Mercedes sniffed. “Like cinnamon.”
“This is the first bedroom.” Lucien stopped in front of one of the mahogany doors and set the suitcases on the floor before reaching for the doorknob. “The rooms are identical in size and decor. Each has an en suite bath I’m sure you’ll enjoy.”
He left the bags sitting in the hall and led them into the room.
Mercedes followed him in. “This is gorgeous.” The bedroom was as large as their apartment’s entire living room, dining room and kitchen combined.
The centerpiece was a columned cherry canopy bed. Detailed moldings and intricate carvings decorated the posts while a leather headboard and footboard completed the rich look.
Mercedes slowly made her way to the bed and ran her hand along a corner post. “I don’t think this would even fit in my bedroom.”
To the left of the bed was a towering six-drawer bombe chest. On the other side was a small desk, an office chair and a floral print upholstered chair.
Lucien cleared his throat. “As I said, the other bedroom is identical in furnishings, size and layout. Would you care to check out the en suite?”
“Would I ever.” Mercedes followed Lucien to the other side of the room and then let out an excited shriek. “Ma! You gotta check this out. There’s a claw foot tub in here.”
Carlita peered over her daughter’s shoulder. “It’s gorgeous. I’m almost afraid to touch anything.”
“All of the furnishings are insured,” Lucien said. “Mrs. Montgomery purchased many of these pieces at an estate sale after the Guggenheims sold their bed and breakfast and moved back to Frankfurt.”
“I’ll take this room,” Mercedes said. She hurried to the hall and dragged her suitcase inside. “Ma’s room is across the hall?”
“Yes.” Lucien nodded. “The only difference is the view. Your room overlooks the pool, grounds and has a water view while the room across the hall has an unobstructed view of the courtyard.”
“Perfect,” Carlita beamed.
“I’ll show you to your room.” Lucien exited Mercedes’ bedroom and wheeled Carlita’s bag to the other side of the hall. He opened the door and shifted to the side. The room was identical to Mercedes’ room, right down to the bedding, throw pillows and flat screen television.
“If you brought your laptop, you should be able to log on without difficulty. We’ll be serving tea, lemonade and cookies in the drawing room after you unpack.”
“Thank you.” Carlita hadn’t thought to bring her laptop. Mercedes and she could get quick internet access via their cell phones, if needed.
She waited for Lucien to exit the room and close the door behind him before wandering over to the window.
Carlita pulled the lace curtain to the side. A worker was busy sweeping the courtyard walkway while a second worker pruned the shrubs.
Wind whistled through the bottom of the windowpane and Carlita cast a wary glance at the swirling clouds.
The 50/50 chance of a developing tropical storm appeared to edging up a notch. What if the tropical storm turned into a full-blown hurricane? Carlita and her children had never experienced a hurricane before…although they’d survived a nor’easter or two.
There wasn’t much they could do about it now. Olsen had their keys and they were here until at least tomorrow. She thought about Tony, Shelby, Violet and Cool Bones back at the apartment. The apartment was solid brick and she prayed it was as safe as Montgomery Hall.
Still, she was concerned for her son’s safety and sent him a text message, telling him they’d made it to Montgomery Hall and to keep a close eye on the weather.
After unpacking, she headed across the hall and knocked on Mercedes’ bedroom door.
