I hesitate for a moment but comply. He sets a prearranged plate in front of me with bacon, eggs, toast, and hash browns, with a glass of orange juice. My stomach twists, but I fight back the nausea. They take seats on either side of me at the island, sipping coffee and talking about their days. I know they’re trying to act normal for me, but it isn’t working. Frankly, it is all a bit strange. I can’t help wondering what is going on here. What kind of place is this? So many questions fill my head, making it ache. I raise my hand and rub where the bump used to be, but now it is just tender. I see Logan watching me, and his eyes have an odd effect on me. I can’t quite place the feeling.
“You really need to eat, dear,” Abigail says.
She’s right, but somehow, I can’t find the will to do so. I just want to cry. Perhaps coming downstairs was a mistake. They continue talking as I pick up a slice of toast and smell it out of habit. It seems fine. The first bite is all right, but the second is quickly rejected. Food and stress do not co-exist in my world anymore.
Abigail sighs as she sets her cup back on its saucer. “Would you like a tour of the grounds now, dear?”
I would, but I also have a ton of questions and don’t know where or how to start.
Seeming to understand my dilemma, Logan turns to me with his mug in his hands. “Savannah, I’m sure you must be confused about where you are and what is happening. We’ll get together later this afternoon, say around four. Is that all right with you?” I slowly nod, not sure why he can’t talk to me right now. “Abigail will show you where my office is.” With that, he checks his watch and stands. “Enjoy your day, ladies.”
“You too, and I’ll be sure to have Savannah there at four,” Abigail says. When he leaves, she gathers my dishes. “Come, dear, let’s go for that tour.” She stops and waves her hand. “First, the kitchen.” It is larger than my entire condo, with a view of a lake nestled in front of two mountains. “It’s always stocked with food. Please help yourself. If there’s something you want that’s not here, just let me know, and we’ll get it.” She opens the huge stainless fridge that is packed with everything imaginable.
“There are always at least eleven people working here, plus those who live here full time, so this is what you’ll typically find.” I shake my head. I’m just glad I don’t have to do the grocery shopping. “There’s a wine cellar behind that door if you fancy yourself a glass.” She winks.
Wine. Wow. That is something I hadn’t thought of for a long time, my general menu being mostly water. Suddenly, I can almost taste my favorite Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Hmm, I will definitely have to check out that wine cellar. I pull my mind back to the room and note that Abigail is leaning against the marble island with a little smile on her face, giving me my moment.
She continues. “I generally do the cooking. It’s pretty exhausting, but it is part of my duties, along with making sure you’re comfortable here.”
That’s another comment that makes me realize I’ll be here for a while, and my mind once again fills with questions. I really need to start talking, but the wall I have built up for my own protection won’t allow me any wiggle room.
“Come, let’s move on.”
I follow her into a grand living room with a view of miles upon miles of land that weaves throughout the mountains. It is hard to comprehend where I am, but this place is spectacular. I was born and raised in New York City, so all this land is fascinating. The living room has high ceilings with wooden beams and an enormous fireplace. Everything is either dark wood or stone. The couches are red with large black blankets draped over top. A huge, tan rug with black thread woven through in a native pattern sits in the middle of the room, tying together the decor in the sitting area. Despite how massive the room is, it has a cozy feeling. I notice a patch of fluffy white fur on the floor by the couch leg. Someone must have a pet.
We move into the dining room and face the same beautiful view overlooking the lake as the kitchen. A giant wooden table that looks like it seats at least thirty takes up most of the room, with three cast iron chandeliers hanging above. I also notice a security camera tucked near the ceiling, and I quickly look away, not sure who is watching me.
On the top floor, Abigail shows me all the bedrooms, including mine. Next, we head to the bottom floor, down a flight of stairs near the kitchen. There is a game room, indoor pool, workout room, and an entertainment room. I note how supersized everything is and begin to feel a bit exposed. I want to find a small room and wrap myself up in a blanket.
On our way back to the main part of the house, she points to a shorter hallway and tells me this is where Logan works, his office being at the end of the hall.
“He works a lot, but he’s around for dinner and most evenings unless he’s traveling. If you’re afraid you’ll be lonely, don’t be. This place is always crawling with people. Some are friendly, and some don’t talk that much. You’ll learn who’s who. When you’re in this business, you see a lot of things—things that can change you.”
I’m not completely blind to the fact that their job must be high risk and dangerous. I just wish I knew if it was legal.
“So, you take a left out of your bedroom, down the stairs, and another left to the hallway to Logan’s office. Remember, your meeting is at four,” she prompts, watching for my reaction. I nod, and she smiles. “Well, that’s great, then. Are you tired, or would you like to see outside?”
Outside…freedom…I smile and nod toward the door.
She steps outside and continues to talk about the history of the house, but I stand motionless at the doorway. She stops and looks back at me with a sad expression. “Baby steps.”
Right, okay.
She hands me a pair of tinted sunglasses. “Put these on, Savannah. Your eyes will need some time to adjust to the light. Thankfully, it’s cloudy this time of year.”
She gently links arms with me and walks me out onto the stone porch that wraps all around the house. I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with the cleanest air I’ve ever breathed. A gentle breeze moves my hair around my neck, and I close my eyes, soaking in all the sounds surrounding me. Birds chirping, the rustling of the leaves, water lapping on the shore—it’s perfect until I hear the snap of a twig behind me. I jump, gripping Abigail’s arm.
“Remember, never far from people,” she whispers, pointing to a camouflaged man armed with a semi-automatic assault rifle and blending in seamlessly with the tree beside him. “This is a safe place—one of the best, Savannah—but in order for it to be that way, there has to be constant surveillance. Everyone who works for Cole is top notch. Scout snipers, Navy SEALs, Green Berets, you name it. If they’re Special Forces, we’ve got them.”
Does Cole run this place?And will I ever meet him?I scan the woods, trying to locate more guys, but I can’t see any.
“Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not here.” Abigail takes in my gaze around the property then motions for us to move on. “You’ll get used to it, in time.”
Time. There’s that word again.
“The lake is cooling off fast, but midday some can tolerate the cool water. Not me—too hard on these old bones.” She laughs. “There are canoes and kayaks in the boathouse, along with anything else you may want. Don’t forget to wear a life preserver.”
We round the house and come up to the front again, and I am growing tired. Walking great distances isn’t something I am used to anymore. Abigail senses this and starts pointing to things rather than walking over to them. We stop at the front door. “I can show you the rest later, the stables and the hot tub. All this is yours to use whenever you like. We want you to make yourself at home, Savannah.”
We walk back inside and up to “my” room. Before she leaves me to rest, she pauses and sits on my bed. “I’m sure this is a lot for you to take in after all you’ve been through, but I promise everything will be fine. The sooner you relax and settle, the easier it will be for you to adjust.”
I watch her leave, trying to process everything she said. It doesn’t take long for me to drift off to an unsettled sleep.