Adduné - the Vampire's Game Read Online Free PDF

knelt down putting a moderate size log in the hearth. He grabbed some kindling from the side and lit a fire by use of the matches kept on the marble mantle. He stayed low, rubbing his hands together vigorously. Reginald wondered idly where the caretaker, Willie Figgs, was. He stopped by regularly to make sure everything was in order, but they were hours of Willie’s choosing and not a set schedule. Reginald reasoned he hadn’t been here this morning. If he were somewhere in the house, he was sure there would be a fire going. And if he’d left, there would be the embers of one that had been put out. Reginald hoped that Willie would stop by. He needed to pay him for last month’s work. Reginald could have put the payment in the mail, but wanted to thank him in person for the good service given to Arthur Perry over the years. While the non-too-arduous job supplemented William Figgs’ retirement income and allowed him to live a little grander than would have been permitted, Reginald felt that loyalty always needed to be rewarded. Arthur believed the same and had paid Willie handsomely. In return, Willie kept what he did close to the vest. No one knew the real purpose this old mansion served and they would never know from Figgs’ lips. He was the model of discretion. If someone asked, he’d just say that Arthur Perry was thinking of renovating the old place into a bed and breakfast. It was half the truth and kept the present purpose of the estate’s use secret.
     
    Reginald glanced over at Miranda. He didn’t like the way she was standing. She was fidgeting – nervous. He now regretted telling her that ridiculous story. It seemed to have spooked her, and he’d unnerved himself in the process. He didn’t like how he was feeling either. He’d been here numerous times, both alone and with Arthur, and never had felt uneasy before. He had a sudden urge to leave and take Miranda with him, but he resisted the impulse to panic and run.
     
    He turned his head uttering, “Most of these places are like this – cold, drafty, damp, imposing. I shouldn’t worry about it too much.”
     
    “ Worried? Why should I be worried? It’s just an old house.”
     
    He put two more logs on the fire and replaced the screen. He walked solemnly over to her.
     
    “ Miranda, I’m sorry if I frightened you. I was trying to help and I’ve made a mess of it. There was no truth in what I told you. None at all”
     
    Miranda threw her shoulders back and tossed her thick hair to the side. Her dark eyes were darting and in constant motion. Reginald wished he could have taken the wild stories back, but he couldn’t.
     
    “ I know that! You think I don’t know you made the whole thing up? You really must think I’m a child!”
     
    Reginald put his hands on the top of shoulders in a fatherly gesture.
     
    “ You’re no child. You’ve grown up to be a lovely young woman, but you are so like your father,” Reginald felt tears well up in his eyes. He turned away from her quickly walking over to a window and drawing back a heavy brocade drape. “Now what do you say we get started?”
     
    He saw the small smile appear. He wished again he could take back what he’d done. He’d wanted to spend time with his goddaughter and almost ruined the opportunity. He was no psychologist, and yet he’d tried to act like one. He had purposely accompanied her to enjoy her company and the day. The fact she reminded him so much of Arthur was another reason. When he was with her, he knew that a piece of Arthur was still with him – that he lived on through his daughter. Reginald could see it every time he looked in Miranda’s eyes. He resisted the temptation to put his arm around her shoulders and give her a tender hug. He tried to find another way to express to her how grateful he was to have her here. None came to mind – none that she would accept anyway.
     
    “ Where do we start?” Miranda said rubbing her arms and moving towards the