Broken (Broken Trilogy Book 1)(10)
“Come, let’s move on.”
I follow her into a grand living room with a view of miles upon miles of land that weaves throughout the mountains. It is hard to comprehend where I am but this place is spectacular. I was born and raised in New York City so all this land is fascinating. The living room has high ceilings with wooden beams and a grand fireplace. Everything is either dark wood or stone. The couches are red with large black blankets draped over top. A huge, tan rug with black thread woven through in a native pattern sits in the middle of the room tying together the decor in the sitting area. Despite how massive the room is it has a cozy feeling. I notice a patch of fluffy white fur on the floor by the couch leg. Someone must have a pet.
We move into the dining room and again face the same beautiful view overlooking the lake as the kitchen. A huge wooden table that looks like it seats at least thirty takes up most of the room with three cast iron chandeliers hanging over top. I also notice a security camera tucked in the ceiling, quickly looking away, not sure who was watching me.
On the top floor Abigail shows me all the bedrooms, including mine. Next we head to the bottom floor, down a flight of stairs near the kitchen. There is a games room, indoor pool, workout room, and an entertainment room. I note how supersized everything is and begin to feel a bit exposed. I want to find a small room and wrap myself up in a blanket.
On our way back to the main part of the house she points to a shorter hallway and tells me this is where Logan works, his office being at the end of the hall.
“He works a lot, but he’s around for dinner and most evenings unless he is traveling. If you’re afraid you’ll be lonely, don’t be. This place is always crawling with people. Some are friendly and some don’t talk that much, you’ll learn who's who. When you’re in this business you see a lot of things, things that can change you.”
I wasn’t completely blind to the fact that their job must be high risk and dangerous. I just wish I knew if it was legal or not.
“So you take a left out of your bedroom, down the stairs, and another left is the hallway to Logan’s office. Remember, your meeting is at four,” she prompts, looking for my reaction. I nod, and she smiles. “Well that’s great, then. Are you tired or would you like to see outside?”
Outside…freedom…I smile and nod toward the door.
She steps outside and continues to talk about the history of the house but I stand motionless at the doorway. She stops and looks back at me with a sad expression, “baby steps.”
Right, okay.
She hands me a pair of tinted sunglasses. “Put these on, Savannah. Your eyes will need some time to adjust to the light. Thankfully, it’s cloudy this time of year.”
She gently links arms with me and walks me out onto the stone porch that wraps all around the house. I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with the cleanest air I’ve ever breathed. A gentle breeze moves my hair around my neck and I close my eyes, soaking in all the sounds surrounding me. Birds chirping, the sound of the leaves, water lapping on the shore—it's perfect until I hear the snap of a twig behind me. I jump, gripping Abigail’s arm.
“Remember, never far from people,” she whispers, pointing to a camouflaged man armed with a semi-automatic assault rifle and blending in seamlessly with the tree he stands next to. “This is a safe place—one of the best, Savannah—but in order for it to be that way there has to be constant surveillance. Everyone who works for Cole is top notch. Scout Snipers, Navy Seals, Green Berets, you name it if they're Special Forces we’ve got them.”
So does Cole run this place I wonder and when or will I ever meet him? I scan the woods trying to locate more guys but I can’t see any.
“Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not here,” Abigail says, taking in my gaze around the property, then she nods for us to move on. “You’ll get used to it, in time.”
Time, there’s that word again.
“The lake is cooling off fast, but midday some can tolerate the cool water—not me—too hard on these old bones.” She laughs. “There's canoes and kayaks are in the boathouse along with anything else you may want—don't forget to wear a life preserver!”
We round the house coming up to the front again and I am starting to grow tired. Walking great lengths isn’t something I am used to anymore. Abigail senses this and starts pointing to things rather than actually walking over to them. We stop at the front door. “Later I can show you the rest, the stables, and the hot tub. All this is yours to use whenever you like. We want you to make yourself at home, Savannah.”