Cold-Blooded

Chapter 10

I returned to the kitchen, trying to regain my composure. The unexpected news about the death had unsettled me, but I knew I needed to stay focused. After a few deep breaths, I continued with my tasks, ensuring everything was in order.

Once the kitchen was artfully arranged, I decided to explore other areas of the house, hoping to find something relevant to our mission. I moved quietly through the hallway, taking note of any details that might seem out of place.

My wandering led me to a partially open door at the end of a corridor. I pushed it open gently and stepped inside, finding myself in a room that contrasted sharply with the rest of the house. This room had a rugged, almost eclectic feel.

The walls were adorned with a rock-climbing surface, a vivid reminder of physical activity and adventure. The sight of the climbing holds in various shapes and colours was intriguing, and I briefly imagined the family or guests using the wall for exercise or recreation.

In one corner of the room, a set of dumbbells was artfully arranged on a rack. The presence of the dumbbells suggested a commitment to fitness and physical health, but they also seemed out of place compared to the more formal and refined atmosphere of the rest of the house.

Across from the dumbbells, a vintage record player sat atop a wooden cabinet. The record player had an old-world charm, with its brass fittings and a stack of vinyl records beside it. The soft hum of the device seemed to beckon, and I wondered about the music that might play on such a piece.

I moved around the room, my curiosity piqued by these unusual elements. I spotted a small shelf with various records—classical, jazz, and a few rock albums. The eclectic mix hinted at diverse tastes and interests within the family.

As I inspected the room, I could not shake the feeling that it might hold clues or at least provide insight into the family's dynamics. The rock-climbing wall and the record player represented personal interests and even a more casual side of the family that was not at once clear.

My thoughts were interrupted by a sudden noise from the hallway. I turned to see Evelyn standing in the doorway, her expression a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Everything alright in here?" she asked, glancing around the room.

"Yes, just exploring," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "The room has some interesting features."

Evelyn's gaze lingered on the rock-climbing wall and the record player, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Yes, it is one of the rooms where we unwind. Some family members enjoy climbing, and others like to listen to music. It is a nice balance to the more formal parts of the house."

I nodded, taking in her explanation. "It is a great setup. It must be a nice retreat from the usual routine."

Evelyn smiled warmly. "Indeed. If you ever need a break, feel free to use this room. It is meant for relaxation and enjoyment."

"Thank you," I said, genuinely appreciative. The offer was kind, though my focus remained on the mission. I continued to see the room, making mental notes of its features and any significance.

As Evelyn left to address other matters, I took a final look around the room. The rock-climbing wall and the record player, while inconsequential, added depth to the family's lifestyle and hinted at a complexity beneath the surface.

I left the room, closing the door quietly behind me, and resumed my duties. The information I had gathered thus far was intriguing, and I knew I needed to piece together all the clues to fully understand the situation. The house was full of surprises, and each discovery added another layer to the puzzle I was trying to solve.

As I continued my work, I kept the room's details in mind, determined to stay alert and uncover any other information that might help with the mission. The day was still young, and there was much more to explore and discover.

(A/N - I have the next 2 weeks off from school *holidays* so the updates and new chapters might be irregular. Have a nice day)