The Trials of Stephanie Hall: The Matthews Estate

Her initial surprise at seeing the limousine waiting for her wore off quickly as she sat in silent isolation in the back. The driver seemed to have no interest in conversation, responding with the barest of inflection to her questions.

When they finally arrived at the mansion, the driver dropped her off without the slightest acknowledgment.

“Geez, hope the rest of these people aren’t like him.” she muttered to herself as she walked towards the mansion.

The grounds were well-kept, lined with trimmed bushes and small trees that gave a sense of tranquility to the otherwise intimidating structure. There was even a ceramic garden gnome standing watch on the lawn, its face forming a permanent frown as though displeased with its task.

The front door opened as she approached, and the man who greeted her she recognized to be the same one she had spoken to on the phone.

“Miss Hall?” he asked nervously.

She set down her suitcases and offered her hand, making sure to keep eye contact as she had been taught to for job interviews; “I’m Stephanie Hall, yes.”

The man grabbed her hand with such sudden excitement that Stephanie would have lost her balance if not for his firm two-handed grip.

“Wonderful! Wonderful! Excellent! Brian Gable, please come in!”

Stephanie followed the strange man inside, glancing around in awe at the vast and extravagant lobby. It was the largest house she had ever seen, with pillars spread symmetrically throughout as support, and hallways stretching away in every corner; she would have to take care not to get lost in this place.

“The kitchen is just down this hall, third door on the right, with walk-in pantries on either side;” Mr. Gable indicated a nearby hall without pausing in his hurried stride; “groceries will be delivered every Monday by Mrs. Abigail Hargrave, so take careful stock of what you use when preparing meals, and inform her of any necessary changes.”

“Where are-” she started.

“Your room is down the hall opposite us;” he waved vaguely toward the other side of the large room; “Isaac is in his room on the second floor, right at the top of the stairs, second door on the left.”

Mr. Gable glanced back at her, his expression showing concern; “Please try not to make contact with him; new people seem to upset him.”

“So I don’t even get to meet him?” she asked, confused.

“Isaac will introduce himself to you when he is ready to; until then just prepare his meals as designated on the list in the kitchen and leave them outside his room.”

“Where are Mr. and Mrs. Matthews?” she asked.

Mr. Gable waved his hand dismissively; “They are away on business and are rarely at home, which is why they hired you to look after their son.”

“They’ll let just anybody raise their kid?” she asked, unable to mask her derision entirely.

Mr. Gable raised an eyebrow at her; “You passed all background checks, and your references gave you decent reviews. Of course if you are a problem you will be dealt with swiftly.”

“N-no, that’s not what I meant.”

“I know what you meant Miss Hall, but for your sake I will pretend I don’t.”

He seemed genuine, despite his choice of words; she kept silent the remainder of the tour, which was not as long as she expected.

“Now, if there’s an emergency here’s a list of phone numbers for people you can contact;” he said, handing her a slip of paper; “I have an appointment to get to, so feel free to make yourself at home.”

Stephanie barely had the chance to nod before Mr. Gable rushed out the door, clearly glad to be free of the house.