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“Well, I had to get out of that hospital undetected. My bright orange and yellow dress would have drawn attention to me. I tell you what though, not only is this pants and blouse combo unflattering, but these pants are uncomfortable. And blue really isn’t my color,” Claudette rambles. This is so her.
She takes my hand and tugs me along. “Come. Get acquainted with your new home. It’s pretty spectacular. It looks small and modest from the front, but wait till you see the rest.”
Claudette steers me to the living room, and as soon as we enter, I understand what she means by spectacular.
The highlight of the room is a magnificent expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows that capture the majestic mountain views. Although it’s now dark outside, a sliver of the moon graces the sky with its gentle glow, casting a silvery hue over the landscape.
“The windows are triple glazed to make sure it stays cozy warm in here,” Claudette explains as my attention is drawn to the large stone fireplace proudly standing off to one side.
Its hearth is ablaze with a crackling fire, the flickering flames dancing in the moonlight.
I step up to it, soaking up the comforting warmth, and the earthy, smoky aroma filling the space.
My gaze wanders back to the window. This must be some view by day.
“With any luck, we’ll see the northern lights while we’re here,” Claudette says, as she steps up behind me, snaking her arms around my waist and resting her chin on my shoulder.
I relax against her, exhaling the tension from my body for the first time today.
And then, as if called forth by my devoted friend, the aurora borealis makes a grand entrance.
“Wow.” I’m in total awe of this celestial miracle, painting the heavens in green and purple dancing hues.
“You know,” Claudette whispers. “That’s an auspicious sign for your future.” I wish she was right.
The lights sway and ripple like curtains in a cosmic theater, and I watch in silent wonder.
“This will go on for a while yet. Let me show you the rest of the house.”
Reluctantly, I let Claudette lead the way to the kitchen.
A man is sitting on a barstool, his broad back toward us.
My step falters.
Who is this?
I cock my head to the side, giving Claudette a questioning look. She shrugs her shoulders and keeps walking.
“We were just having a cup of tea before you got here.”
We?
“I’ve got one ready for you too. Licorice, your favorite.”
I slowly move into the room, and the man with the broad back turns.
My breath hitches. “Doctor Carter?”
“Yes, it’s me. Though my real name is Doctor Jonathan Prozesnik.”
I stare at him blankly. Doctor Jonathan Pro… Yeah, I can’t say that.
“We owe you an explanation,” he says, appearing much friendlier than this morning when he confirmed Tiero’s death.
Gobsmacked by his presence, I remain standing in the doorway.
“I’d say you do,” I reply.
