Black Rose

Chapter 6

The drive took about 15 minutes. The silence that filled the car on the drive over was deafening. Harry was focusing intently on the road, seeming to scrutinize every inch of the surrounding area. Garret, who had stepped into the car wordlessly, was fixing his gaze on the black leather seat in front of him as if trying to relay a message telepathically to Harry.

Valerie sat, rather tightly, in between both Garret and Kate. Kate focused her attention outside the car, taking in the scenic views that one could only see as they traveled further north.

Mountains stretched across the horizon, their peaked tops glistening with fresh snow. The snow, Kate realized, somewhat represented her. Just as fresh snow fell atop the old layers, Kate felt as if the new events in her life would slowly replace the anxiety and fear with the excitement of embarking on a journey.

"Here we are," Harry announced, breaking the silence that had gone on for far too long. He made a turn into a winding driveway that led straight up to...

"A castle?!" Valerie said breathlessly. Indeed it was. Kate eyed the hulking castle that loomed above them, taking in its uniqueness and overall magnificence.

The stone structure was a stark contrast to all the lush greenery surrounding it. A fascinating garden circled the castle, filled with a large quantity of flowers, each perfectly planted beside the other.

"I hope you girls like it. Garret, please take them to their rooms. I will go find Susan," Harry said, hurrying to a small building next to the castle, which Kate did not notice was there until now.

"Okay. Girls, welcome to the headquarters of Black Rose. Please follow me," Garret instructed, walking toward the castle's large wooden doors.

Kate and Valerie trailed behind Garret, who led them through the lush garden and past a fountain bubbling softly.

"Who is Susan?" Valerie asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

"Susan and I were the first spies to be recruited here at Black Rose," Garret explained, beaming with pride.

"How did you guys get recruited?"

"We received a letter. After all, there were no phones back then," he answered nonchalantly.

Valerie placed her hand over her heart, pretending to be shocked by the lack of smartphones. "What is a letter?" she joked.

Kate and Garret chuckled at the joke. By now, they were standing in a spacious living room, complete with two large black couches, a white coffee table, a black area rug, and a television set surrounded by mahogany wood bookshelves. Several teenagers milled about, giving the newcomers small waves and big smiles.

Garret led them up a grand staircase, away from the other teenage spies. They approached a long hallway with white doors on either side. The hallway, Kate thought, resembled one of a hotel.

They finally stopped in front of two doors located closer to the entrance of the hallway. There was a plaque outside of one door that read "Kate Black, Room 118" and another that read "Valerie Rose, Room 119."

"Here are your rooms," Garret said with a lavish sweep of his arm. He stepped aside to let the girls through.

Valerie opened the door of her room with Kate close at her heels. They both gasped in astonishment when they laid eyes on the room.

The room was grand and spacious, reminding Valerie of the suite she had rented on a cruise ship last year. There was a white dresser on the right side of the room, a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf in the corner, a modern looking desk with its own desk chair, and a full size bed with plain, sky blue sheets.