Hiding Behind Rags

Chapter 1

ok so this is the real edited version of chapter 1 :) had some technical difficulties but its probably just because i'm too blonde to figure this computer out :D 

enjoy :)

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The large pair of oak doors stood welcoming in the afternoon sunlight. It didn’t look necessarily like a place where murder haunted every inch of the inside.

The house looked like something that all children dream about living in. it was a huge mansion that looked about four stories tall. The grass was a lush green and trees and flowers sprouted out making a rainbow of colors throughout the garden. It took a lot to take her eyes of the amazing sight before her.

Finally she pushed the doorbell that was to the right of the door.  An elderly man with a grim expression on his face answered almost immediately. He was wearing a black suit and carrying a tray full with different crackers and cheeses.

“Puis-je vous aider?”

Ali looked up at him. “I’m sorry but I don’t speak French.”

The man sighed, “May I help you” he asked Ali again with a heavy French accent.

She looked up to him and replied “yes, my name is Amy. I’m Ms. Vier’s new maid.” He looked down at her in disbelief.

“Aren’t you a little young to be working for the Vier’s.”

“Actually no, but aren’t you getting a little old to still be working”   Ali said starting to get annoyed with the butler’s attitude.

“No. and if you know whats good for you, you’ll keep your mouth shut little maid.” He said with a sneer on his face. “Right this way.” He the escorted her up a set of spiraled stairs.

With one look around her she could tell that the Vier’s had lots of money. It was very easy to figure out due to the many priceless paintings, hand carved sculptures, the expensive looking carpet and other furniture items that were everywhere you looked. Ali felt bad to even looking at any of the beautiful items that filled the home.

After going down about half of a long hallway the butler stopped at door and pushed it open. Inside was a middle aged woman typing on a small computer. The woman had long dark hair pulled into a tight bun and red fingernails that were polished perfectly. Her skin was very pale which meant she must be an American.

    As Ali and the butler walked in they were both greeted with a gentle smile that showed all of Ms. Vier’s perfectly white teeth.

“Madam your lunch” the butler said as he sat the tray of cheese and crackers on her desk.

“Thank you” Ms. Vier replied. “And who is this young lady Bayard”

“She said that she was your new maid.”

  “Ah yes the exchange maid from America. Oh how exciting! Please Amy take a seat. Bayard you are excused” Bayard bowed his head and left the room.

Ms. Vier’s eyes focused on Ali.” Please take one” she said gesturing to the platter of food to the right of Ali. She took a cracker then looked back at Ms. Vier.

“Both my family and I are happy to have you here working for us. This will be an excellent opportunity for you to learn things like cooking, cleaning, and tending to the gardens, which are all of the skills you will need to be a good maid. The head maid Abelle will help you with your chores if you need any help, and if you have any questions feel free to ask.”

“I do have one question” Ali said in a small voice. “Why do you speak in English?”

“I speak English because I’m actually an American. When I was twenty-three I moved here from Pennsylvania and I have lived here ever since then. It was actually supposed to be a vacation but I meet Bill and…”

There was a moment of silence. “I’m sorry is something wrong?” Ali asked.

” No, I’m okay.” She continued with a sad look on her face. “Anyway I taught everyone who works for me English so you should have no trouble communicating with the other workers. Now I think it’s time you got started on your chores. Go down to the kitchen and ask for Abelle, she will tell you your daily schedule and the rules we have for the maids in this house.”

“Yes Maim” Ali said as she closed the door behind her and stepped out into the lengthy hallway. At a compete loss of direction she decided to trace back her steps to the main hallway where someone might be able to show her to the kitchen.

Suddenly, Ali ran into something huge that knocked her off her feet. She layed dazed on the floor when a face came into view hovering over her.

The face of the person that she had knocked into made her dizzier than the actual impact. His curly brown hair and light blue eyes made Ali’s mouth hang wide open. For minutes they just started unto each others eyes not wanting to move away from the others stare.

Finally Ali quietly said “I’m sorry I guess I need to watch where I’m going sometimes.”

A corky smile appeared on the boy’s face. “Don’t worry about it” he said.  “ you can run into me any day”  he said with a wink. “My name is Carson by the way, I work here as a butler.”

Ali smiled. She was so happy that a guy this hot would be working with her. “My name is Ali, I’m a new maid here from America.”

“Well then we have something in common, I’m also from America” he said.

Oh gosh, Ali thought. She was focusing on Carson’s good looks so much that she didn’t even notice his pale skin tone and American accent.

“And with you being new here it gives me an excuse to spend more time with you and show you around.” He said with a huge smile on his face. He linked Ali’s arm with his and began walking through various hallways until they came across a white door.

“I’m guessing this is your stop” Carson said with a sigh.    

“Yup, I guess I’ll see you around Carson”

“Yes you will” he said taking her hand in his and placing a quick kiss on the top  then turning around and walking away the same way that they had come.

Ali’s stomach was doing flips and she couldn’t believe what had just happened. All she could think about was how much fun this case was going to be. Well, as much fun as investigating a murder can get.