Dr. Blake’s face tightened. “You should stay within your qualifications.”
“I intend to. My qualification is noticing what happens when doctors aren’t here.”
Vincent watched us both. Then he stood. “She’s hired.” Dr. Blake stared at him.
“Vincent, that’s absurd.” “That wasn’t a request for your approval.” The doctor gathered his papers and left, visibly irritated.
Vincent looked at me. “You enjoy provoking people?” “No. I just don’t confuse arrogance with expertise.”
That earned the faintest smile. He led me upstairs. Lucas and Leo had adjoining bedrooms at the end of a long hallway.
Before Vincent opened the first door, I stopped. There was a smell. Faint.
Sweet. Almost floral, but with something artificial underneath. “What is that?”
I asked. Vincent frowned. “What?” “The smell.” He inhaled. “I don’t smell anything.”
I moved toward a decorative ventilation grate positioned between the boys’ rooms.
The scent was stronger there. “When was this ventilation system last inspected?”
Vincent’s expression changed. “I don’t know.” “Who controls it?” “The household system is automated.”
“That isn’t what I asked.” He stared at me. Behind us, Mrs. Harper suddenly dropped the stack of towels she was carrying.
I turned. She was staring at the vent. And the fear on her face told me someone in that mansion knew exactly what I had just noticed.
The story is too long to post in full here, just say “Yes.” The continuation will be in the comments below.
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