Chapter 1    -   Chapter 2    -   Chapter 3   (page 1 of 5)

         "Will that be all, sir?"
         "Yes, Lorham, I won't be needing anything else this evening."
         "Very good, sir. I believe I'll take one more look around the grounds before retiring, sir."
         "There's no need, Lorham. Please, go to bed."
         "I'll sleep much better knowing everything is in order, sir. It won't take me long."
         "Yes…yes, of course, Lorham. Good night, then. And thank you."
         "A good night to you, sir."

         Edward Willoughsby sat quietly in his den, the lights turned low, and the only sounds were that of the crackling fire and the quiet rumblings of the house engines two floors below. Young Perriman, drowsy from the medicinals, had drifted off to sleep an hour before, but Willoughsby needed some time alone to think on what had been said and to formulate a plan of action. Life itself was a business, and good business relied on preparation and forethought.

         Sebastian would answer many questions. Contingencies must be prepared for, of course, but Sebastian's report would undoubtedly show him which step was the best to take. After turning a few scenarios over in his mind, he began to sink deeper into his chair, drifting in blurry dreams of boyhood and the day's events at Vermillion Station. Before long, he was fast asleep.

Continue the adventure . . .