Deception: Soul Seer Chronicles, Book 2 by S.J. Cairns

Author:S.J. Cairns [Cairns, S.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Thumb Publishing
Published: 2022-10-05T05:00:00+00:00

16

Lofty Secrets

Since all communication between Olive and those working on the estate was over the phone, I insisted we make a trip to view their progress and ensure no one was messing around on the job. Money was no object. Whatever estimates rolled in, Olive paid without question. Wasteful or excited to spend it, I wasn’t sure, but it was time for her to see her home again.

Raccoons accessed a broken window and nested their furry butts and their family’s furry butts in a closet. Though the Exterminators were more horror-struck at the few decades old spider infestation. Both the eight-legged squatters and the long-tailed variety of pest a high priority for eviction.

Under the canopy of trees blocking an otherwise unencumbered sun, the re-painted butter cream trim shone. We stepped out onto the stone steps to gaze upon the estate’s transformation. I was in love before the makeover, in the daylight and with the greenery tamed, I was school-girl level crushing.

Olive stared up at the estate with adoration glittering in her eyes. I could only guess at what she must be thinking after decades of distance between them and wondered if her memories matched reality.

When she was ready, Olive inhaled and switch gears, surveying the grounds with a critical eye instead of that of the young woman who dreamt of returning one day. She stopped at a few pots of colourful flowers staged for the next days’ planting and then stepped through the arched double doors with hesitant footsteps as Serena, Kim, and I followed, leaving Ranlyn under a cover spell outside where Olive asked him to remain.

He didn’t argue.

The interior was steal-your-breath enchanting. The intricate chandelier now polished to a diamond-like sparkle that shone down on the waxed, dark wood plank floors. The front parlour teemed with life. Every piece of furniture, decor accent, and portrait gave the room a consciousness as if no time had passed at all.

A stuttered inhale stuck in my throat as the odd sensation returned. No timid brush of my skin this time, skipping right to the confident touch on my chest like an intricate handshake, seeping into some place deep within me.

“That’s how I know you’re heir,” Olive said looking to me with teary happiness. Her hand was in the same position as mine, pressed into her breastbone.

“What is it?” I asked.

“The estate, welcoming us home.” She smiled as if this was the most natural thing.

“How does it know?”

Tears fell on her cheeks, a small head shake telling me more than words. She may not know for sure, but Olive trusted this place and whatever power it held.

My great-aunt put her arm around my elbow and held tight as the sensation dissipated as if going about its day. “It’s so much more than I remembered, Firefly. So much more.”

Guiding Olive to one of the red and gold velvet claw-footed love seats, where she let go of a few more tears. Serena and Kim wandered, checking out each trinket and embellishment they missed during the first visit.

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