“Welcome to the estate, Ms. Parker,” the housekeeper said, taking my coat.

“I will show you to your room,” Adrian said.

We walked up a wide oak staircase to the second floor.

He led me down a carpeted hallway to a spacious guest suite.

The room had a large desk by the window, overlooking the manicured lawns that stretched down to the lake.

“The study next door is connected to the secure mainframe,” Adrian said.

“I have had a terminal set up for you.”

“Thank you, Adrian,” I said, setting my heavy tote bag on the desk.

“Get some rest,” he said, pausing at the door. “We will discuss the security protocols at dinner.”

He closed the door behind him.

I sat on the edge of the bed, listening to the rain beat against the glass.

The silence of the estate was heavy, almost suffocating.

To distract myself, I opened my tote bag and pulled out my laptop.

I turned on the desk lamp, casting a warm yellow circle over the papers.

The leather on the desk chair creaked as I sat down.