Wanderlust ✧ (Milo Thatch)

two

Lightning cracked. Thunder rumbled.

"We're home," Milo held the door open for Challis "Fluffy? Here kitty," he called out dejectedly but the cat was nowhere to be seen. Milo tugged on the light switch only to find out that the fuse had blown (again) leaving everyone in the darkness, including the strange mysterious woman that was standing across the room.

"Milo James Thatch?" she cooed alluringly. "Who...who are you? How did you get in here?" Milo was taken aback. "I came down the chimney. Ho ho ho," the woman sat down in the chair seductively, lifted her leg slightly and slid down her shawl to reveal her bare shoulders. "I ought to call the police on you," warned Challis who took an immediate disliking to her but the lady simply ignored her and spoke to Milo. 

"My name is Helga Sinclair. I'm acting on behalf of my employer who has a most intriguing proposition for you. Are you interested?"

"Your...your employer?" Milo chuckled. "Who is your employer?"

Helga didn't tell.

Before she knew it, Challis found herself in the back of a car with Milo and Helga during the pouring rainstorm and the ride was spent in heavy, unsettling silence. When they eventually arrived at their destination, Challis instantly recognised the place. The black metal iron gates creaked open, allowing the vehicle to pass through into the long winding driveway that led uphill.

Milo peered eagerly at a golden plaque which read 'Whitmore' and he nudged Challis' arm gently. "That's your surname. Where are we?" he whispered. "My grandfather's home," Challis answered quietly with a shrug. She was just as bewildered as Milo.

Once inside the luxurious mansion, the trusted butler politely took possession of everyone's coats. "Lovely to see you again Miss Whitmore," he welcomed Challis. "You too, Alfred," she replied. It had been a while since she had last visited but the house hadn't changed a bit. Milo marvelled at the decorations in the foyer, becoming easily distracted. Most of it consisted of statues of knights in armour, large paintings, antique lanterns...you name it.

"This way, please. Step lively. Mr Whitmore does not like to be kept waiting," Helga spoke sternly. Milo and Challis followed her into the elevator. "You will address him as Mr Whitmore or Sir. You will stand unless asked to be seated. Keep your sentences short and to the point. Are we clear?" Helga neatened up Milo's appearance and he gulped. Challis rolled her eyes. Clearly, this lady didn't know her grandfather well enough at all. 

The elevator lowered the three to the basement which is where Helga Sinclair parted ways. "Relax. He doesn't bite...often," she taunted before the elevator rode upwards and she was gone. "Phew," sighed Milo, "she was intense," he dropped his shoulders, easing up. "Do ignore her. I haven't the foggiest idea why Grandfather would hire a mop like her," Challis scoffed.

Milo glanced around the basement as the two headed in further. "Whoa, it's like a secret museum mixed with a library here."

"You're right. It's where Grandfather keeps all his artefacts and favourite collections. Theron and I used to play hide and seek down here, although it was forbidden. It would drive our parents nuts," she recounted, almost visualising her younger self running around with her brother.

Milo chuckled at the thought of it. His gaze shifted in all directions, taking in the sight of the excess furniture and then his attention was completely stolen by a large portrait that hung on the wall. It was of two old men shaking hands, one of them Milo recognized in awe.

"Grandpa?"

"Finest explorer I ever met" a cheery voice greeted from a dark corner. "Preston Whitmore. Pleasure to meet you, Milo," the eccentric millionaire was in the middle of bone-cracking yoga. For an old man, he was rather flexible, contorting his body into bizarre positions. Once finished, he stood up to embrace Challis in a warm hug. "My beautiful granddaughter," he beamed. "Hello, Grandfather, you're looking fit as a fiddle," she replied. "I've been doing my exercise as recommended by my physician," he admitted.