Vicious Seduction

7

Focus returned, I hung Oran’s coat back on its hook with a touch more aggression than necessary, then quietly hurried up the grand staircase to the second story. I wouldn’t have long. Considering how irritated Lawrence was to see Oran last night, I doubted he’d give the younger man much chance. Peeking into the first room I came to, I suspected it belonged to Lawrence’s son who’d recently moved away. I hadn’t had a chance to meet him, which was probably best. I was closer in age to Stetson than his father. That could have been awkward. I gathered that the two didn’t have a good relationship. Stetson hadn’t returned to visit since he’d left two months ago. Or maybe that was just my jaded nature coloring my perspective. It was easy for me to understand wanting to escape your parents. The room was still decorated with field hockey memorabilia but no pictures or anything particularly personal. He’d likely taken that stuff with him. I didn’t have time to dig in any drawers, but I did make a mental note to ask Lawrence more about Stetson. Parents generally liked talking about their kids either out of pride or irritation. It would be a good conversation starter. I moved on to the closed door across the hall. I only needed a quick peek to know this room was rarely occupied. While Stetson’s room had traditional-style furniture built in the modern day, this bedroom seemed to be a tribute to the past. Each ornate piece looked like it could have been original to the house, intricately carved with gold leaf embossed on some design elements. If I stayed there, I’d wake each morning feeling like I’d fallen into an episode of Downton Abbey. At the end of the hall was a cozy yet luxurious family room with a huge television and a giant sectional to match. Everything looked professionally designed, and it was the most modernized room I’d seen so far. The downstairs had been painstakingly kept in its original design. Feeling each second ticking by like water through my fingers, I rushed to the other end of the hall only to find three more meaningless guest rooms and a small stairwell to a third level I didn’t have time to explore. My first big break, and I hadn’t learned a goddamn thing. I was so frustrated I could have screamed. But I’d come too far to ruin things now with a lapse of control. Instead, I steeled myself and slipped back downstairs to search for Hannah, the housekeeper. I’d had to rush to the bathroom to dry off when I first arrived, so I hadn’t had a chance to talk to her. If anyone could tell me about Lawrence, it would be her. I found my target in the kitchen, slicing vegetables by the sink. “Hello? It’s Hannah, right?” “Oh! Yes, come on in. I’m just getting some soup ready to simmer for tonight. I figured it would be perfect with this rain.” I grimaced. “Yeah, sounds like it’s still pouring out there. I can’t believe I ended up soaked.” Hannah shook her head sternly. “Those fool drivers never think of anyone but themselves. I was almost hit crossing the street a few weeks ago. Just ridiculous.” I leaned against the island and smiled ruefully. “Life’s so busy these days, it’s a miracle any of us know which way is up.” “True,” she said, sadness entering her voice. “I suppose it’s been quiet here since Stetson moved out.” I snatched the opening she’d presented and tried to fish for information on Lawrence’s son. Hannah’s gaze drifted to me somewhat warily. I sensed that her warm personality didn’t translate to loose lips. It was still worth a shot. “He had his own place in the city, so things haven’t changed all that much. Did you get to meet him before he moved?” “No, unfortunately. But I hope I’ll get the chance soon.” “That would be nice. I’m looking forward to a visit from him as well.” “Maybe with both of us asking, Lawrence will make it happen.” “Oh no.” She cast a scandalized look my way. “I wouldn’t bother them with something so silly, same as I didn’t fuss about not getting to say bye before Stetson left. It’s not my place to make demands of them.” The kid had moved without coming by to see her? That was sort of strange. I adored our housekeeper growing up. She was more of a mother to me than my own. Had I been off in thinking that Hannah had been with them for a long time? “I take it you’ve been working for Lawrence for a while?” I joined her, scooping her carrot scraps into the waste bin she’d set beside her. “Oh! You don’t have to do that.” “It’s no problem. I like helping.” “Well, thank you.” She seemed flustered, giving me the impression she wasn’t used to the family joining her. “You seem awfully comfortable in the kitchen.” “I’ve always been stubbornly independent. I started cooking for myself at an early age.” If you could call microwaving ramen cooking. It took me a while to acquire the tools and skills, but eleven years after leaving home, I was more than a little competent in the kitchen. Hannah hadn’t answered my question, but it seemed out of place to push, so I let it go. “We had a housekeeper who taught me a few things. Once I moved out on my own, I put those lessons to the test.” “It never hurts for a young person to learn self-sufficiency.” Her tone grew matronly, and I got the sense it was an argument she’d raised more than once in her employment. “Agreed. You never know what the world will throw at you.” I knew that hard truth all too well. An echo of male voices carried down the hall. “Sounds like they’re done talking. I better get back out there.” “Thanks for the visit. It’s nice having a little female company around here,” she said conspiratorially. “Absolutely. Hopefully, I’ll see you again soon.” I smiled warmly, then returned to the foyer where Lawrence was closing the door behind Oran. “How did it go?” I asked with a smile. “Hard to say,” he murmured distractedly, then looked me up and down. “You’re still in those wet clothes. Come on, I’ll run you home. I need to go into the office now anyway.” My shoulders sagged a fraction. I’d hoped to get a glimpse of his home office—what I imagined would be his inner sanctum. “I’d appreciate that.” I forced a smile. Even if I didn’t have anything tangible to work with, the morning had still been a success. I’d gotten a look around the Wellington mansion and talked to his housekeeper. It was a big step in the right direction. As for Oran, he’d proven just how dangerous a distraction he could be. I could only hope I never saw the man again.