Shadows of deceit : The Augustus secret

Chapter five

Ashley

I awoke in the comfort of the unfamiliar sheets, I slowly opened my eyes, the harsh light of the morning sun penetrating through the window and blinding me. I yawned and stretched, taking a moment to recognize my surroundings as I remembered where I was.

Augustus mansion, I thought to myself, the memories of the previous evening coming flooding back into my mind as I slowly gathered my senses.

I sat up in the bed, stretching again as I tried to prepare myself for a day filled with unfamiliar circumstances. It was going to be a long month, I couldn't help but think to myself as I rolled out of bed to start the day.

I stepped into the bathroom, quickly washing the sleep from my eyes while I let the warm water soothe my sore muscles. I took a few breaths, trying to adjust to the opulent surroundings before making my way to the kitchen in search of breakfast.

I made my way into the kitchen, scanning my surroundings as I took in the opulent atmosphere and lavish decor.

I spotted the butler standing by the stove as my eyes landed on him.

"Good morning...sir," I said slowly, stopping and hesitating after my initial greeting. I suddenly realized that I didn't know the butler's name, and I felt embarrassed and flustered as I tried to rectify my oversight.

"I'm sorry, what is your name?" I asked.

He looked at me for a moment, his expression cold and unemotional as I wondered if he would be offended by my oversight.

"Martin," he finally answered, his tone flat and monotonous as he answered my question.

I felt myself shrink back, unsure if I should continue to engage with him or simply leave the kitchen to eat my meal elsewhere. Instead, I simply nodded and smiled slightly to acknowledge his reply, wishing I could find a way to make amends for my earlier mistake.

I thought back to yesterday, when I realized that I shouldn't take anything personally from these people. After all, they had lost their beloved, and their grief was still fresh and raw.

I slowly made my way over to the counter and took a seat, my anticipation growing as I looked up at Martin. The smell of freshly baked pastries filled my senses, and I waited expectantly for him to serve me breakfast.

I could feel my mouth watering as I tried to contain myself, my hunger growing with every passing second.

I watched Martin as he worked on the food, I couldn't help but wonder about his role in the investigation. Martin had discovered the bodies, making him both a witness and a potential suspect.

I felt a sense of urgency as I realized that I was wasting valuable time enjoying the luxuries of the mansion when I should be focused on the investigation.

So, without hesitation, I asked him. "Tell me about how you found the bodies," I said, my tone firm as my curiosity grew with each passing second.

Martin's expression shifted when I asked him the question about the bodies, his face turning to one of surprise and shock. His demeanor was different from the calm and unemotional attitude he had previously seemed to maintain, and I couldn't help but feel a flicker of satisfaction at the way I had shaken him.

I remained expressionless, letting him process my question as I watched him carefully.

"I have a habit of checking the house in the middle of the night," he began, his tone cool and measured.

His words stirred images in my mind of the darkness and silence that filled the mansion at night.

"In case there were intruders, or anything of that sort," he continued, "It was a request from Mr. Stefan ever since he was a child. And during my usual checkups," he said, his words trailing off for a moment as he looked away.