Page 36 of Promise of Punishment

15

COULD HE BE ONE OF THE LORDS?

Fable

I open my bedroom door, dressed in leggings and a light hoodie as if I’m going for a walk, when really, I’m off to explore the ruined side of the mansion.

The hallway is quiet with everyone still asleep. I woke after four hours of sleeping like the dead with Bear curled up next to me. He woke with me to eat and use the litter box.

Before leaving, I glance back to find him curled up on the bed.

“Be good,” I whisper and quietly creep down the hall. I have no idea where the exits are to the backyard, but I’m sure I can find one.

I put on a generic white mask that Noah decorated with gold stars before leaving the corridor. A door closes behind me. I turn.

Gavin, one of the security guards for the parties, sees me and walks over. I met him during my tour. He’s built but has a boyish face. His pale curly hair doesn’t help him look any older. I was shocked when Noah told me he’s thirty.

“Early riser?” He straps his phone to his arm, looking ready for a run.

“Something like that.”

“Most of the girls sleep in until noon or later.”

“I’ve never been good at sleeping in.”

“Me neither.” He grins. “Where are you off to?” He hooks the bands of a mesh-like medical mask to his ears and puts on sunglasses, concealing his face—per the rules. A backward baseball hat covers his hair. With a wave of his hand, he gestures for me to walk first.

I do, but only because I don’t know where I’m going. We’re headed toward the front of the mansion, the opposite direction I wanted to go.

“I want to get some pictures of the Hudson River,” I lie easily, having developed the skill from all my years on the run. “You wouldn’t happen to know a shortcut to save me from walking around the entire house, would you?” I smile sweetly. It usually helps, especially with men.

“Sure.” He stops and points down the hall behind us. “If you go that way, you’ll come to a four-way split. Turn left, follow it to the end, then turn right. You’ll see glass doors that lead to the enclosed pool. It hasn’t been renovated, but it’s not as dangerous as other areas of the estate. Just take the right-side door out as soon as you get there, and you’ll exit into the rose garden. From there, you’ll spot the Hudson down the hill beyond the trees. It’s a pretty steep walk back up if you decide to venture down. Just keep that in mind. There’s a bowling alley original to the estate at the bottom of the hill. It isn’t functioning because no one uses it, but it’s unlocked so people can use the bathrooms if needed.”

“Wow. Thank you. You’ve been very helpful.” If only I were going in that direction. Maybe I’ll have to add a side quest to see this historical bowling alley.

“It’s beautiful out back during summer. Sunny but with a cool breeze from the Hudson. Everything is green and in full bloom. You’ll get some great pics. Have fun.” He continues on his path while I head the other way.

The pool house is farther than it sounded. As soon as I’m there, I notice there’s a door leading to the left, the side I need to get to the ruined wing. Brisk morning air smelling of grass and pine greets me. I pull up the hood to hide my hair and check for landscapers or other staff before trekking across the lawn toward the west wing, praying no one sees me. If someone does, I could always flash a sweet smile and act like I don’t know where I’m going. I stick to the trees that lead to the surrounding woods to keep out of sight.

The sensation of being followed has me checking over my shoulder. Nothing but grass and some trees with the south wing of the mansion far away. I turn back and jog the short distance to the side entrance of the west wing. Some windows are broken, and some have no glass at all. Vines grow wildly up the side of the estate, and a huge hole of the crumbled exterior exposes part of the first and second floors. The roof is sunken at one section, and the neatly mowed lawn stops at overgrown shrubs that hug the structure. My muscles clench with excitement. I get out my phone and hit record. I want to capture everything and edit out what I don’t like later. Fog adds to the allure as I approach the exterior hole. A deer scatters from a large bush and runs into the woods. I gasp with a mix of shock and amazement, a smile tugging my lips. Already I love this place.

Before entering, I check to make sure it’s safe. Nothing hangs from the ceiling, and no holes show on the weathered marble floor. Stepping through carefully, I record a curving staircase that’s missing a chunk of steps. Ivy and weeds grow along the banister, in corners, and up to the second-floor balcony. A faded mural of what looks like an English countryside decorates the wall, with parts of it chipped. A crystal chandelier lay in pieces on the black-and-white stone floor. Morning light glints through a cathedral-like window in the two-story room, casting an orange glow on part of the staircase and mural. I stop recording and lift my mask so I can take it all in with my eyes. It’s stunning. Enchanting. Perhaps better than the ruined gardens I so eagerly chase.

A shuffling sound near the opening to the wing has me looking that way. A tall man stands inside, his shoulder leaning against the wall as if he’s been there for a while. He’s in all black as if he were about to go on a run or just got back from one. Like Gavin, he hides his face behind a breathable mesh mask, a baseball hat, and black sunglasses.

He’s very tall and insanely ripped, the definition of his muscles clear beneath his skin-tight athletic shirt. Broad shoulders, sculpted biceps, a trim waist, and zero body fat give him a Greek god appearance. Could he be one of the Lords? The one I was with last night? He looks like he could be one of the three who share the same height and build, but he could also be one of the security team.

The urge to ramble an explanation about why I’m here has me biting my tongue. I’ve learned it’s better to stay quiet, let the person lead, and do damage control if necessary.

“Problem with your mask?” the man asks in an English accent.

Crap. I scramble to put it back on.

“Leave it. I’ve already seen your face.”

“But…”

“Put it on when you leave here and don’t forget it again,” he orders.