Richard's POV
Benjamin walked ahead of him through the gate and did not look back.
That was the whole of the welcome. No instructions. No conditions spoken out loud. Just a man walking ahead who expected to be followed, and a gate left open behind them.
Richard followed.
The estate grounds were quiet in the early morning. The lamp posts along the main path were still on, though the sky was turning grey-pink above the trees. Somewhere in the garden, a bird was making a persistent, cheerful sound that seemed at odds with everything.
The front door was open.
Inside, the house smelled of coffee and something baked. The hallway lights were warm. The portrait of Sarah Valentine at the end of the hall caught the light in a way that made her painted face look almost present.
Richard did not
