Cold-Blooded

Chapter 8

(A/n - this chapter is a little longer.... enjoy)

The chime of the doorbell echoed through the quiet evening; its sound oddly comforting. I took a moment to smooth down my apron and adjust my posture, reminding myself of the role I was about to play. The door creaked open, and I was met with the warm glow of the foyer light. Standing there was Ms Lawson, her familiar face breaking into a welcoming smile.

"Ah, you must be the new maid!" Ms Lawson said with genuine enthusiasm. Her grey hair was styled in a neat bob, and she wore a floral-patterned housecoat that suggested a love for both comfort and tradition. "I'm so glad you could make it."

"Yes, Ms Lawson. I am here to start right away," I replied, trying to keep my tone upbeat and natural.

"Please, call me Evelyn," she said, stepping aside to let me in. "We will get you settled in and show you around. It is always nice to have a helping hand around the house."

As I stepped inside, I could feel the weight of the folder in my pocket and the tiny camera against my chest. The house had a cozy, lived-in feel, with framed family photos lining the walls and the faint aroma of something baking in the kitchen.

"Let me give you the grand tour," Evelyn said, leading me through the main rooms. She showed me the living room, which was decorated with comfortable furniture and a collection of antique knick-knacks, and the kitchen, which had a well-worn charm. "And here's the laundry room and your quarters," she continued, opening a door to a small but tidy room equipped with a bed and a desk.

"This will be perfect," I said, nodding appreciatively. "Thank you for making me feel so welcome."

"It's our pleasure," Evelyn said, her eyes twinkling. "Now, if you are ready, I will show you where everything is in the kitchen, and then you can get started. We have a few things on the list that need attending to."

I followed Evelyn into the kitchen, where she began pointing out various tasks and locations of cleaning supplies. "We do not need anything too strenuous tonight. Just some tidying up and making sure the kitchen is ready for tomorrow. We have a little dinner party planned for the weekend, so things need to be in order."

As Evelyn continued with her instructions, I took the opportunity to subtly activate the earpiece and check in with Eric. "I am inside and starting the tour. Everything seems normal so far. I will keep you updated."

"Copy that," Eric's voice came through clear and steady. "Let us know if you notice anything unusual."

I gave a slight nod, careful to keep the movement subtle. Evelyn was still talking, discussing the details of the kitchen appliances and the preferred cleaning products. I absorbed the information, mentally noting the location of everything and planning how to efficiently get the tasks done.

Once Evelyn left me to my duties, I began my work, keeping a keen eye on my surroundings. The kitchen was tidy, but there were a few spots that needed attention. I worked methodically, cleaning countertops, and organizing utensils. I made sure to keep up a casual chatter with Eric through the earpiece, providing updates and asking for occasional clarifications on what to look for.

As I worked, I could not help but notice that while the house felt welcoming, there was an underlying tension in the atmosphere. The house was meticulously kept, too perfect, and the photos of the family members on the walls seemed to follow me with their eyes. I made a mental note to explore further when the opportunity arose.

By the time Evelyn returned to check on my progress, I had managed to complete most of the tasks. She appeared satisfied with my work, praising my efficiency. "You are doing a wonderful job. We are all set for now. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, Evelyn," I said, genuinely appreciative. "I'll make sure everything stays in order."

As Evelyn left the kitchen, I took the opportunity to subtly explore the rest of the house, paying close attention to any areas that seemed out of place or unusually guarded. I kept Eric informed of my observations, noting any peculiarities or items of interest.

The evening wore on, and while the tasks were manageable, my mind was focused on gathering as much information as possible. The familiarity of the surroundings made it both easier and more challenging to keep my cover. With each passing hour, I felt the weight of the mission more keenly, but I remained determined to uncover whatever was hidden beneath the surface.

As the night ended, I prepared for bed, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, I needed rest. I tucked the folder away in my room and glanced around the small space, mentally reviewing everything I had seen.

I slipped into bed, the earpiece still in place, and closed my eyes, ready to tackle whatever the next day might bring. The mission was far from over, and I knew that staying vigilant would be key to uncovering the hidden truths that lay ahead.