Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 50006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
“Sara’s aware of things that haven’t happened yet. Don’t worry. She’ll never tell a soul,” Essie assured her. “What should we work on now?”
“I’m so full. I’m not sure I can think clearly.”
“Want to see my nursery? We can play there if you like. For a break.”
“Really? I’d love to visit your special room.” Tiffanie jumped to her feet before steadying herself with a hand on the chairback.
“Only if you promise to take it easy. We can ride the elevator upstairs.”
A few minutes later, Tiffanie covered her eyes in Zander and Essie’s bedroom while Essie fit the key into the hidden slot. She didn’t peek. Essie deserved to have her secrets.
“This was Esther’s nursery first?” Tiffanie asked, stepping through the now-open panel into the gorgeous room.
“Yes. She didn’t get to use the area much because Edmund died young. I like spending time here. The room gets happier every time I’m inside. I’m sure that’s my imagination, but this space seems lighter.”
The glow through the window brightened a scant bit, and the two Littles glanced at each other. “I don’t think that’s your imagination, Essie.”
“Me neither,” Essie whispered. “Would you like to play dress-up? Esther left some amazing dresses, hats, and costume jewelry in the wardrobe.”
“Would Esther mind if we mess with her things?” Tiffanie asked.
“She’s here and wishes she could join us.”
“Is it weird talking to ghosts?”
“Communicating with my uncle scared me so much that the first time he appeared I knocked a silver tea set onto the floor. We had to find a restorer to fix the dent in the teapot,” Essie said.
“But you didn’t run screaming from the room. That’s bold.”
“I might have if I hadn’t tripped and fallen,” Essie confessed and laughed at herself. “What’s your favorite color?”
“Blue.”
“Want to try this one on?” Essie pulled a gorgeous dress from the large armoire.
“I love it. Yes, please.”
The next thirty minutes flew by as they created amazing looks with all the accessories in the wardrobe. Tiffanie tuckered out quickly and sat on the mattress in the crib as Essie slipped on another dress. The purple fabric fit Essie like a dream, and her friend twirled to show the garment off. As Essie decided which purse matched the most, Tiffanie rested her eyes, enjoying the running commentary as her friend chose the best accent pieces.
Chapter Twenty
After checking his phone all morning for Tiffanie’s response to his text, Phineas gave up and called his Little girl. They would have a conversation about staying in touch this evening. No response. Worried, Phineas reached out to Ivan.
“Have you heard from Tiffanie?” Phineas asked when Ivan answered.
“No. I figured she had gone home when I went looking for Essie and the office was empty. I’ll walk to the front and look for her car,” Ivan said.
Phineas could hear the concern in Ivan’s voice. He stood and closed his computer. Heading for the door, Phineas texted his assistant that he was going out to lunch.
“The sedan is still here, Phineas. She must be in the mansion. Let me check the ballroom.”
“I’m on my way, Ivan. I’ll see you there in a few.” Everything was fine. The two women had to be somewhere in the huge building, making plans for an event.
As he drove down the long, curving drive, Phineas spotted Zander’s work truck pulled up to the front steps behind Tiffanie’s sedan. Parking behind him, Phineas headed for the front door. It opened as he reached the entrance.
“Hey, Phineas. I stopped by to check on Tiffanie, but I can’t find her or Essie,” Zander reported as he ushered him inside.
“They’re not in the ballroom,” Ivan called from the curving staircase.
Sara appeared in the foyer. “I last saw them taking the elevator up to the top floor, Zander.”
“They’re in our private suite?” Zander asked.
“I would assume so,” Sara confirmed. “It’s lunchtime. Will you all stay to join us?”
“Oh, I don’t want to intrude,” Phineas said quickly.
“I always prepare too much food. Go find the ladies and come to the kitchen. I’ll set out additional plates. Ivan, I could use your help? They’re up on the top shelf.”
“You bet, Sara. I don’t suppose you made any of your famous coleslaw?”
“I’m whipping up the dressing right now.”
“Then put me to work,” Ivan said and trailed behind Sara down the hallway toward the kitchen.
“Come with me, Phineas. I have a feeling I know what’s happening. Elevator or stairs?”
“We’re right here,” Phineas said, waving a hand at the staircase.
“My thought exactly.”
The two men ran up the stairs. Both in great shape, they weren’t winded when they reached the third level. Zander led the way to the closed door leading into their secluded floor. When he found the barrier locked, he glanced at Phineas. “Be prepared.”
Wondering what was going on, Phineas followed Zander into a comfortable family room and then into his massive bedroom. A doorway stood ajar in the carved wooden paneling. Phineas suspected when closed that opening would be difficult if not impossible to detect. No sound came from inside.