Whisper by Sarah Vistica Read Free Book Online Page B

gazing out the terrace window. Bethanne and Livia rummaged around on a tray. Sitting up I wondered how I got to my room. “Oh miss, please lay down. Nate said you were unconscious, he carried you back to your room.”
    Trying to wrap my mind around it, “what, Nate brought me here?”
    “I thought it would be best to get some help.” He spoke calmly.
    “Thank you Nate.”
    “I am simply relieved to see you are all right.” He says leaning over me. Nate kisses my forehead. Without saying another word, he leaves my room.

     
    TEN
    Watcher
    My uncle contacted Miss Brantshire to notify her he has extended his stay and would be home in a couple days. Time here moved at a slower pace. I had been here almost two weeks, it seems longer.
    Each night the soft melodic sounds of the piano play, calling to me. I started having trouble sleeping a few nights ago, unless the piano played. I remembered Luken’s lyrical piece he composed. I imagined he wrote it for me. The last time I wandered the corridors of the mansion it had come from the Parlor room. At least I think it was coming from there, even though the room had been empty.
    Last night when I heard the music play, my curiosity became forceful. I explored the quiet mansion again. Staring out my window up at the moon, I started to turn away and froze. A gentleman was staring out at the town’s dull lights glowing in the distance. His shoulders relaxed in sorrow.
    I start down the hall viewing the different portraits from different eras decorating the walls. I stopped at a photo of my parents and me. In the background there stood a boy with blond hair wearing black. His pale skin stood out in the photo. I couldn’t have been more than two years old. He faced the camera. I have been here before. For the first time, I felt moisture collect in my eyes. I wanted to cry. If I wasn’t seeing things Luken stood in the background of the image.
    From what I could see of the man from the window watching as he stares out at distant lights, he wears a white long sleeved dress shirt. Not from any recent time period. His slacks a dark black blend in with the night sky. I have not seen that type of a haircut before.
    By the time I reached the main floor, I stood near a window checking to see if he still stood in the same spot. He was gone. Every time I have a chance to get near him, he disappears from sight.
    This morning after getting dressed I headed down to breakfast. On my way Bethanne stops me. “Miss…oh come quickly you must. Your uncle has returned and is asking to see you.” My Uncle James is back? Nerves gripped tightly inside of me.
    I have met him before according to the photo I saw only this is different. Taking a deep breath, I head toward his study. Bethanne is jumping on the balls of her feet. “Oh yes Miss Clary needs help in the kitchen today.”
    Right, Miss Brantshire had volunteered me to kitchen duty. It was not something I am comfortable with at least not here. Questions rise up inside of me. What should I say to him first? Will he like me? I wonder what Miss Brantshire has said to him about me.
    Carefully I entered, he sat in a chair. His dark hair combed, pulled back into a small ponytail. He wore a semi-formal suit. My Uncle James rose to greet me. He walked toward me, his eyes hollow and tired. “Hello Avaya. It has been a long time since we last saw each other. Accept my sympathies over the circumstances for your being here.”
    “Thank you.” He nods gesturing for me to come closer.
    “My sweet niece, are you getting settled? I hope you will be all right on your own.” He stared at me a moment longer. “I will not be able to keep you entertained I am in no condition.” I didn’t know what he was talking about. “I am getting settled. Why do you look so sad?” I ask.
    He turns away from me, commanding me to leave his office. I obey only after he speaks again more sternly. It was not long after that my Uncle James left again. Did something happen to