Downfall by J.D. Neill

Author:J.D. Neill [Neill, J. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lanni LV LLC
Published: 2021-05-18T00:00:00+00:00

FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, the Hendersons are busy finding an architect, approving designs, and getting planning permission. They go back and forth in these early stages, poring over the needs, and dreams, of Sarah, Simon, and Mark.

With years of construction experience, Mark wants it nailed down and finalized before they commence. He does not intend to make costly and time-consuming changes mid-build.

In early spring, the team begins clearing the site, and after the rough grading, a foundation is poured. One Friday evening, the three Hendersons gather at the site. Mark pours from a bottle of champagne, with a small serving for Simon.

“To our new life,” Mark says. “I believe we’ll be happy here.”

To the chink of glasses, Sarah adds, “Here, here.”

On the eve of construction, arms around each other, filled with renewed hope, they look out over Las Vegas.

The sun has set, and along the strip, lights sparkle into life.

“It’s a more remote aspect than the penthouse, but a fabulous, all-encompassing view nonetheless,” Mark says.

“I love it. And above all, we will be together,” Simon says.

It seems to take months to decide on wood, tiles, marble, and fittings for the Anthem home. Sarah enlists the help of Bruce, who had lovingly decorated their penthouse almost nine years ago.

He commands what seems like an army, planning and planting their garden, and one afternoon, while Sarah is with him selecting garden furniture placement, a pretty but slightly disheveled woman knocks on the back gate, which is ajar.

“I’m sorry to intrude, but I saw the gate was open and thought to say hello, and welcome. I’m Jenna.” She holds out a grubby hand, laughs, and puts it behind her back. “I was on the hillside, helping to hunt for a neighbor’s escaped dog. I fell!” she explains, indicating her dusty clothes.

She glances around and turns to Bruce. “The garden is beautiful. You have quite a gift. I try, but you have created magic.

“Well, I didn’t mean to intrude. When you are settled in, please come and have coffee. We’re right next door.” She pauses as she leaves. “Don’t be put off by my grubby appearance; I clean up well.”

As summer ends, Sarah and the family are ready to choose which pieces of furniture they want to take from their past life and what they should buy new.

Mark votes for “new beginnings” and “clean sweeps.”

Eventually, they find a balance—a perfect combination. Things that have meaning to them rest alongside beautifully crafted pieces to complement their new life. Sarah has several of Bruce’s selection of art and sculptural pieces brought over from their high-rise, and she is thrilled with the result.

She takes a last look around, locks up, ready for next week’s move, and heads to her car. Before she gets in, a horn toots and Jenna pulls up. She winds down the window, pokes out her head, and lowers her sunglasses.

“Remember me? Fancy that coffee?”

“It’s exactly what I fancy,” Sarah says. “Decorating is fun, but I’m exhausted.”

Jenna’s house is much smaller than the almost 16,000 square feet of Sarah’s mansion.

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