Grey Skies

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Chapter 10

Helen

Driving up the long street, leading to Berlan Castle, I can't believe that something could possibly go wrong in a house like this. It's simply beautiful. There are no other words to describe the estate and the sprawling grounds beyond it. The roundabout in front of the "house" is the size of my backyard. I pull the car to the side, not knowing where else to park it. I get out of the car, and because of the rain, I put my hood on over my dark brown hair. I walk to the front door, and before I can knock, it's opened by an elderly man in a suit. He speaks slowly and clearly, enunciating every syllable.

"Hello, you must be Ms. Anderson, the investigator. Come in." Says the man, who I assume to be the butler.

"Thank you, and yes, I'm the investigator, but please call me Helen." I reply, lowering the wide hood off my head and stepping in to the entry way. I try not to gasp in surprise, the entry itself is the size of my dining room, and of course, the high ceiling is intricately detailed with trim and things. The butler starts walking down to the centre of the house, and he abruptly stops and says, "You must excuse me,I'm Mr. Smith, the butler here." My suspicion is confirmed. We stop at what I think to be the library, and I see a woman who is in her young forties sitting at the edge of the couch, absentmindedly sipping a cup of tea. She rises when she realizes we had entered and turns to the door way. She smiles, and greets us, again addressing me as Ms. Anderson

"Thank you, Lady Lighton, but you can call me Helen." I correct for the 2nd time that day.

"Alright Helen, and you can call me Anne."

I am shocked by her informality, but I will do what she says. At that moment, a girl around thirteen comes in, dripping wet, and completely oblivious to me, says, "Mum, I'm soaked to the bone, it is pouring outside. I'm changing, then coming down." And with that, she storms out the room, a scowl plastered on her face. turns to me and apologizes for her daughters behavior, and informs me that she has a temper. "Sit down, and Smith will bring you some tea, and take your jacket."

I unbutton my black trench rain coat, and am shocked by how cool the air is through my light rust sweater and dark jeans. I act as though the air doesn't bother me, and sit down, receiving my tea from Smith, and putting it to my lips, the liquid warming my body.