Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

dropped a decibel. “I’d forgotten how lovely this place was. I
was only here once to secure the account.”
“Some hands on businessman you are,” Josie drawled.
“No need to be when things run smoothly. They order, we
deliver, and they pay like clockwork. Would that all the world
worked that way,” Stephen answered.
“Do you ever bring anything unusual?”
“Such as manacles for young girls held captive?” Stephen
caught himself before he laughed aloud because Josie’s
expression indicated she was not amused. “Sorry about that.
No, is the answer. Food, toilette and cleaning supplies are
always on the list. Once my boys brought a doctor from
Maui.”
“Would your men let a couple of kids hitchhike on one of
your boats?” Josie asked.
“No. My boys are good workers. They know the rules.” He
paused to consider the building. “I’ve often expected to have
one of my men come back one day and tell me the place is
empty. It has that feeling, doesn’t it? Like your granny’s
house, you know. You go every Sunday when you’re a child
and then one day you’re older and forget to go and the next
time you see her she’s in a coffin. That’s what this place feels
like to me. Pretty but lonely and all worn down. It’s as if it has
lingered past its time.”
Josie thought he was wrong. This looked like a place where
two scared kids could feel safe. She gave his arm a tap.
“Today isn’t the day granny’s going to kick the bucket.”
Josie took the porch steps with Stephen Kyle right behind her.
Gentleman that he was, he hurried around to open the screen
door.
Josie walked through it and into a time warp.
***