Author: SoapKast

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Kingsport #4

Sheila Davenport wasn’t in the business of inserting herself into the affairs of others. Although she shared Dr. Connor Windsor’s worry about India Montgomery, the last thing she wanted to do was offend India and, by extension, her best friend, Alison Montgomery, and their shared granddaughter, Faren. Sheila knew all too well that when it came to the Montgomerys, it was better for them to sort out their assorted issues rather than get involved.

In that moment, Sheila looked around the well-appointed library at her home, the Davenport Mansion. It sat on ten acres of exquisite grounds on the same road as the Windsor Mansion and the other great, old families of Kingsport. The mansion which had eight-bedrooms, ten-bathrooms, six formal rooms, a swimming pool, and guest cottage had been in the Davenport family for nearly a century. They were one of the wealthiest black families in America who preferred living under the radar. The Davenports had a lineage which went back centuries and their wealth, though it was much newer than the Montgomerys, now earned interest on interest and kept the family in comfort and understated grace. Sheila glanced around at the assorted family photos carefully placed around the library of herself, her late husband, Larry, and their children, Dylan, Elijah, Lisa, and Nicholas. Her eye then fell on a picture of India with Faren and Elijah on the occasion of Faren’s second birthday. It seemed like a lifetime ago. They were, indeed, quite happier times…before everything became so complex where it concerned India.

With Connor’s plea ringing in her ears and wanting to ultimately protect her granddaughter, Sheila took a deep breath, picked up the phone, and dialed a familiar phone number. As the phone rang, Sheila wondered if she was doing the right thing because, once she made this call, nothing would be the same again.

Barbara Wilkes glanced at the clock in the huge chef’s kitchen on the Montgomery Estate. She was only two hours into her shift, but she felt like she’d been there for years. When the agency and Dane told her that this would be a tough job, Barbara should have believed them. She’d already carried several heavy breakfast trays to the Morning Room before being told to vanish before the family entered. On top of that, she’d already cleaned six bathrooms and brought bags full of dirty laundry to the onsite laundress. In that moment, Barbara knew that any family that employed its own laundry person was a family she wanted to know more about.

“Day dreaming again?”

Barbara snapped back to reality as Ada Burke, one the of senior housekeepers, walked over to her with a cup of tea. “No… Just thinking.”

Ada sipped her piping hot tea. “The family is out right now, so it should be quiet for a while. Nothing worse than when they’re all here ordering this, wanting that, pressing buttons like we ain’t got nothing better to do.”

Barbara smiled tightly. She wanted to be friendly with her coworkers, but being friends with them wasn’t in her plans. However, she knew that sometimes plans change in such a way which can work to your benefit later on. “What’re the family like?” asked Barbara.

“Just people who haven’t worked since the Revolutionary War,” cracked Ada. “The nicest one is Will. They call him ‘Billy’. He’s high strung and in love with love, but he’s nice. I’d say the worst is Alison, the Lady of the House.”

“I’ve seen pictures of her in magazines. She seems so elegant.”

“Elegant and high minded about everything. She doesn’t even live here full time; Paris is her home.”

“Paris…” Barbara uttered with a lilt to her voice. That seemed to be the most exciting, glamourous place in the world.

“She’s lived there for twenty years or so. From what I’ve been told, she never really liked it in Kingsport. Anyway, she’s old money. Older than the Montgomery family. Royalty on both sides of her family, related to dukes and whatnot. She’s what they call a six-times heiress. Inherited money from both parents and four grandparents. More money than god, that one. I read she gets a billion dollars in dividends. Imagine! She’d be tolerable if she didn’t lord her money and breeding over everyone,” scoffed Ada. “Anyway, you liking it here?”

Barbara nodded. “It kinda feels like a fantasy. Say, Ada, is it possible to move up at this house?”

“You mean has a maid ever become a secretary or something? Girl, don’t get your hopes up. Everyone has dreams when they come in here…and they die here. That’s why so many people leave.” The cell phone clipped to Ada’s waist chirped. She glanced at it with a groan. “Gotta get lunch ready for Will in the library. Thought it would be an easy day.”

“I can do it for you,” offered Barbara.

Ada gave her a curious look. “I can manage…”

“I don’t mind. Honestly.”

“Fine. Come with me. I’ll show you what needs to be done.”

“I’m sorry I missed your call.”

“This isn’t a social call,” said Sheila, briskly. “I need to talk to you.” Sheila fiddled with the sapphire ring on her right hand. “It’s about India…”

“I’m going to stop you right there. I don’t want to discuss her with you or anyone else.”

“I know,” snapped Sheila. “It’s just… I’ve heard that India is planning a return to Kingsport. She’ll be back this week.”

The line went silent.

“I said…”

“I heard you. She hasn’t told me anything. I spoke to her two days ago and she never mentioned it.”

Sheila took a deep breath. “Has she been well…?”

“I’m not discussing that with you!”

“I’m only concerned because Connor Windsor met with me… He wants someone to talk to India…make her see that she should stay in Paris.”

“I don’t give two craps about Connor Windsor. He’s done more harm to India than any of us realize. If she thinks she can handle coming back to Kingsport after all of these years, then it’s not for us to stand in her way. Connor will have to get over himself.”

Sheila nodded in quiet agreement. “I suppose he will have to deal with whatever happens next on his own… I’ll let you go now.”

“Mom, I…”

“I have to prepare for a meeting,” lied Sheila.

The line went dead as Elijah Davenport stared at his cell phone, more heartbroken than furious. He hadn’t spoken to his mother in two years and now, in what he thought was an extension of an olive branch, was nothing more than his mother trying to get him to warn India to stay away of Kingsport. Eli sank into the leather chair behind his glass desk with the cityscape of San Francisco glittering behind him. It wasn’t easy for him to feel like an utter fool, but in this moment, Eli felt rejected and dejected by his mother. Had it not been for the fact that he and India had a daughter together, he knew his mother would never have called him. She didn’t love him. She never did. She blamed him for something so horrific, but if she knew the truth it would tear their family apart. That’s why he moved his life, his daughter, Faren, and his company, Davenport Investments to San Francisco. It’s why he never went home. In a way, he and India were two outsiders who found each other and thought they were happy until they realized they couldn’t find lasting happiness together. Eli closed his eyes, counted backwards from one hundred, and did everything he could to stop the onslaught of tears.

In our next installment, Barbara is put in her place…

© 2021; SoapKast, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Kingsport #3

#3

            The sting from Will’s revelation two days ago left Warren in a state of shock. As the oldest of Charles and Alison Montgomery’s three children, he was well aware of the animosity between Will and India. Ever since they were children, they hadn’t gotten along. India, being the middle child, loathed Will for merely existing. There were many times when, as a child, Will’s life was placed in danger, only to be saved at the last minute by India. Warren knew his sister could be unstable and dangerous, but that’s why she had been living in Paris with Alison for the last three years. Warren couldn’t fathom why India would accuse Connor of rape, but the only person who could answer that question was Connor.

As Warren walked up the path to Connor’s house, he felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. He and Connor had been friends since they were children. They knew each other’s secrets. They had drifted apart after high school, but when they both returned to Kingsport after graduate school, they became fast friends again. The Connor he knew would never rape India or harm anyone else. However, Warren’s practical brain was well aware that everyone had a dark side they worked quite hard to conceal from the world.

“Warren. What’re you doing here?” Dr. Connor Windsor asked as he welcomed Warren into his house. Connor’s house was on his parents’ ten-acre estate, but it had its own entrance and felt separate from the rest of the Windsor family compound.

“I don’t want to ask you this, but if I don’t, it’ll haunt me for the rest of my life. Billy came to see me the other day and he said that India accused you of raping her.”

Connor lost all of the color in his face. He lost all feeling in his hands. He left like he would die on the spot. “Warren, I’ve never laid a hand on India. You know that.”

“Then why did she say it?”

“Because… We all know India isn’t…stable…”

“Connor…”

“Will has told me the stories, Warren. She’s been obsessed with me since we were teenagers. You know it’s true.”

Warren nodded, sadly. “I know, but…”

“I wanted a restraining order against her, but our families didn’t want anything like that in the public record, so she was allowed to keep doing it until your father sent her to Paris to live with Alison.” Connor rubbed his temples, unwilling to dredge up the past. “When your sister accused me of rape, your mother hired a private investigator who looked into her claims. They were totally false. I don’t know why India said it, Warren. You have to believe me.”

Warren sat on a bench in the foyer. “I don’t know what to believe. She’s my sister. You’re involved with my brother. It’s not a cut and dry situation.”

“It is. I’m telling you the truth.” Connor’s pager went off as he said, “I have to get to the hospital. I’m sorry Will told you, but it’s out now. I’ll talk to you later, Warren.”

Barbara Wilkes studied herself in the mirror of the staff quarters with grave sorrow. The maid’s uniform she was being forced to wear did nothing for her body. It hid all of the curves and shapeliness which made men throw themselves at her. This muted gray uniform made Barbara feel like the one thing she hated most of all: Feeling invisible. She quickly tied back her hair, slid her feet into her staff issued rubber shoes, and tied an apron around her waist. Upon closer examination, Barbara didn’t recognize herself. If she couldn’t see herself buried behind this grotesque costume of the working class, no man would desire her. In that moment, Barbara knew her sparkling charm would be the key to succeeding as a maid at the Montgomery Estate.

Dane Hurley gave her the lay of the land while walking Barbara to the kitchen. “Charles Montgomery and his youngest child, Will, live at the estate full-time. You are to call Charles and Will ‘Mr. Montgomery’. Alison Montgomery lives in Paris with their daughter, India. Alison is ‘Mrs. Farrell Montgomery’ and India is ‘Miss Montgomery.’ Oh, their son, Warren lives across town with his wife, Jill, and their daughters. Again, the family is always addressed formally. They are not your friends. Never refer to them by their first names. Is that understood?”

“Yes,” smiled Barbara.

“Charles’ two sisters and his brother drop-in whenever they feel like it. It’s a great nuisance, so we always have the cottages ready for them along with the White Suite.” Dane opened the servant’s door to the kitchen as Barbara entered the vast commercial grade space. “You’ll be based in here for the time being. The family will either call down their orders on that phone, text, or send an email. There are plenty of alerts so you never miss anything. Mrs. Taplin, the housekeeper, will let you know when bathrooms or the like need to be cleaned. Otherwise, stay down here. Stay out of sight. When it’s time for your meal breaks and breaks, just ask the chef for a meal. It’s fine. Oh, and if you have any questions that binder is full of dos and don’ts. Any other questions ask me or Mrs. Collins.” With that, Dane left Barbara in the bustling kitchen full of cooks and a chef who took no time to notice her.

Barbara sank into a chair near the phone with a heavy heart. Nothing today had gone according to her plan. Here she was stuck in the kitchen which meant the smell of food would cling to her. If she wanted that life, she would have worked at fast food joint. Barbara knew she would have to devise a way to get upstairs, out of this unflattering uniform, and into the opulent rooms above.

Dr. Connor Windsor came out of surgery having successfully saved the life of a sixteen-year-old victim of a hit and run. While he should have been in a heady mood, a dark cloud engulfed him and refused to let go. Had he only been able to silence India Montgomery when he had the chance, he would have done so. That girl was a nuisance of the tallest order and she showed no signs of ever leaving him alone. Her baseless lies, her stalking, and her obsession with him had made Connor’s life a living hell for the better part of a decade. Quite frankly, he was sick of her. He finally managed to find happiness with Will only to now have it threatened by India’s return to Kingsport.

Connor walked into the staff room, grabbed his phone, and contemplated what to do next. He wondered why India would want to come back to town when her family thought she’d be happier in Paris. Will didn’t give a lot away when it came to the inner workings of his illustrious family, but Connor had a feeling that something was amiss. If India’s accusations ever got out, they could ruin him. That was one thing Connor would not let India Montgomery do to him. After what seemed like an eternity, Connor made a Hail Mary call with a desperate plea to have coffee within the hour. For Connor knew that the only way to deal with India was to give her something else…or someone else…to obsess about…

 

Sheila Davenport sat in the drawing room of the Kingsport Country Club with a feeling of dread in her soul. While she was friendly with Dr. Connor Windsor through his mother, Raquel, he wasn’t one of her favorite people. “Connor,” said Sheila softly as he approached her, “I hope you’ve been well.”

“Actually, I haven’t been well.” Connor waved over a waiter, ordered two coffees, and let his head fall into his hands. “It’s India. She’s coming back to town.”

Sheila stiffened. “Alison didn’t mention it…”

“I’m worried about what she’ll do this time, Sheila. You know as well as I do that India is unstable.”

Sheila reached for her purse as she said, “Connor, I’m not comfortable discussing India with you.”

“Sheila, please. India is the mother of your granddaughter. If anyone can talk India into staying in Paris, it’s Alison. Alison is your best friend. Please, Sheila. You’ve got to convince Alison to keep India in Paris or else she’ll ruin my life.”

 

In our next installment, Barbara learns a thing or two…

 

© 2021; SoapKast, Inc.

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Kingsport #2

#2

The Montgomery Estate sat on two hundred acres of prime land five miles from the heart of Kingsport. It was a world unto itself. With sixteen bedrooms, twenty bathrooms, two guest houses, a helipad, stables, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a movie theatre, ballroom, trampoline room, and other rooms only known to the inhabitants of the estate, this was an estate unlike any other in Kingsport. For the last two hundred years, the Montgomery Estate had been home to the Montgomery family. Their wealth was first established in England during the thirteenth century when they inherited a successful brewing operation from a distant cousin. Upon their arrival in America just before the Mayflower, the Montgomery family built, grew, invested, and hoarded their wealth as if their collective lives depended on it. Their mercurial approach to life kept them wealth and wealthier still through the present day. According to every publication of note, the wealth of the Montgomery family stands at $50 billion, with their private holding company, Montgomery Industries, Inc. worth $100 billion. However, this did not account for trust funds, offshore investments, private companies, centuries old interests, and six blocks of prime city real estate in Manhattan registered to a company in Luxembourg. Most people did not know how rich the Montgomery family were, but Barbara Wilkes was not most people.

She sat in the Household Manager’s office somewhere on the Montgomery Estate. Barbara didn’t know where she was for sure, but she was finally on the estate and that thrilled her more than anything else.

“This is a very difficult position. Being a maid for the Montgomery family means being six steps ahead of their requests yet never lording it over them.” Dane Hurley, the household manager, furrowed his brow. “The whole family can be difficult. I’ve been here for six years and I’ve seen people who’ve worked for the Queen of England leave here in tears. If you can’t handle being treated with disdain and indifference every day, leave now.”

Barbara stiffened in her chair. “I can handle it,” she said, her voice never wavering.

“Fine, then. We’ll do a trial run of ninety days. I’ll check with the agency to make sure your background and credit checks have cleared before we make it official. If we get the all clear today, you can start tomorrow.”

Barbara bade Dane goodbye as she got back into the car and drove away from the grand estate. She’d worked too hard to lose this opportunity now…

Inside of the Montgomery Estate, William Montgomery sat on the bed in his childhood bedroom with a huge dilemma before him. He’d been racking his mind for days about whether or not he should say the thing he needed to tell Dr. Connor Windsor. Their relationship had, for the last two years, been one filled with mighty lows and terrifying highs. Will loved Connor. Connor loved Will. Will wanted to be happy. Connor wanted Will to be happy. And yet… And yet…there was a problem which they needed to address. Their relationship had been one kept in secret for two years. If Will said the thing he wanted to tell Connor, it would alter every aspect of their relationship. It would be exposed to the daylight which might damage the fine veneer of romance they’d worked so hard to keep away from the prying eyes of others.

A knock at the door startled Will. “It’s open,” he said, breezily.

The heavy oak door was opened by Charles Montgomery, IV, Will’s father. Charles was a tall, imposing patrician man of seventy who ran the family just like he ran Montgomery Industries: He was in charge; everyone else was an afterthought. Charles hovered in the doorway before he said, “We need to talk.”

Will rolled his eyes. Even at thirty-six, his father treated him like a ten-year-old boy who couldn’t be trusted with a pair of scissors. “I have to get to the polo club,” Will said, quickly.

“Billy…” Everyone called Will ‘Billy’ even though they knew he hated it. “There’s something you and I need to discuss. It’s about you…and Connor…”

Will could feel his body tense up. For the last two years, he and Connor had maintained the pretense that they were just friends. It was the worst kept secret in Kingsport and New York City, but it was a lie they had to keep because the truth would have been much more destructive. “Dad, I don’t have time to talk about Connor.”

“Billy, I’m not in the mood to play games with you. Everyone knows that you and Connor are an item. Why you don’t own up to it is beyond me. Furthermore, I’ve received some news which may be of interest to the pair of you.”

Will perked up. His father wasn’t one to gossip which made Will want to hear everything on his father’s mind.

“It’s about your sister.”

Will groaned. “God, what has she done now?! India is always one train wreck away from disaster.”

“She’s your sister.”

“She’s made my life a living hell.”

“She’s coming back to Kingsport.”

Will looked at Charles with marked shock. “Dad… She can’t!”

“This is why you and Connor need to make a decision about your relationship. With India back in town, I fear that she will…it will be hard for her to see you with Connor.”

“She should stay in Paris with Mom,” snapped Will.

Charles sighed heavily. “Your mother can’t deal with her anymore.”

“No one can,” snapped Will. “I don’t see why Connor and I have to do anything more than what suits us just because India is too fragile to order lunch.”

“Your sister has always been a fragile person.” Charles cleared his throat. “If we give her enough time to…understand…that you’re with Connor, it may be easier for this family, Billy.”

Will shook his head. “She’ll never accept it, Dad. She’s obsessed with him! She has been for years!”

“Be that as it may… It may be wise if we told India prior to her arrival in town. If you and Connor show the town that you’re a happy couple, I think India will be less likely to create a stir. Think about it, Billy,” said Charles as he left Will’s bedroom.

Will sat in shock for a moment before he picked up his phone, sent an emergency text, grabbed his car keys, and raced out of the house.

“There’s nothing I can do, Billy. We can’t lock her in an asylum.” Warren Montgomery was forty-five, was six feet seven inches tall, had a rower’s build, piercing blue eyes, and a full head of black and silver hair. He was brilliant, handsome, and direct. “Want another drink?” asked the prominent white shoe lawyer.

Will nodded as he polished off his second gin martini. “I’ll have the driver pick me up.”

Warren shook his head with slight abandon. “Billy, you can’t drink your problems away. I know you love Connor…”

“We’re friends…”

“Tell that lie to someone else,” intoned Warren, harshly. “I think Dad may have a point. Tell India the truth, come out as a couple with Connor, and she’ll be fine.”

“Warren, you don’t know the half of it. The things India has said and done to Connor in the past… It’s sickening… The minute she finds out that he’s with me, she’ll lose what’s left of her mind. God, Warren, I’m terrified to think what she’ll do this time.”

“What did she do last time, Billy?”

Will thought long and hard before he replied, “Something so vicious it almost ruined Connor’s life. She did it because he rejected her.”

“I know India can be vindictive, but…”

Will looked at Warren gravely as he said, “She accused Connor of raping her, Warren.”

 

In our next installment, Connor pleads for help…

 

© 2021; SoapKast, Inc.

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Kingsport Teaser

If you travel north of New York City and enter the state of Connecticut, after about an hour or so you’ll find yourself in a town of discretion, taste, old money, and bold ambitions. The town of Kingsport is older than America itself. It is a bastion of the past, the ruler of the present, and the decider of the future. Few towns have as much vested power as Kingsport. Those that do will never know the struggles of the outside world for their grip on a carefully structured world does not allow outsiders to find it, thrive, and become…

 

© 2021; SoapKast, Inc.

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Kingsport #1

#1

Premiere date: May 17, 2021

         From the bus, Barbara Wilkes could see the faint outline of Main Street just as the sun crept from behind the grey hued fog which seemed to engulf Kingsport.

            Kingsport.

            A surge of beautiful excitement rushed through her as the word ricocheted through her mind. This was the beginning of her new start; this was the end of the horrific past. She had known for a very long time that nothing good in life comes to those who wait, only to those who are willing to do whatever it takes to get to the front of the line. Even though she’d spent the better part of two and a half days on this damn bus, Barbara knew deep within her soul that Kingsport was where she was meant to be.

            She opened her purse, unfolded several worn pieces of paper, and studied them again. Yes, she thought, this was everything she would need to succeed in Kingsport. Because, as she knew, even if she didn’t meet her ultimate goal, she would be far better off her here than stuck in the dead-end life she had known since birth.

            The bus finally came to a stop at a well-maintained train depot on the outskirts of Kingsport. By now, the sun was up, the fog had lifted, and the well-dressed citizens of Kingsport dashed to-and-fro to board the express train to Grand Central Terminal. Barbara collected her suitcase, pushed her way through the crowd, and began walking towards the address she’d already committed to heart.

            Mrs. Ryan’s apartment building sat on the very edge of town at 328 S. Sunset Road. It was a squat ten unit building with a well-manicured lawn, modern amenities, and the cheapest rent she could find without living in a crack house. Barbara knew she wouldn’t be here for long because she had a plan. This was the first part in wiping away the past and forging the future she deserved.

            Barbara rang the manager’s bell twice before Mrs. Ryan materialized in a confection of polyester. She gave Barbara the twice over before saying, “Barbara Wilkes. Nice to finally meet ya. Follow me.” They made their way down the worn carpeted hall, up the maple staircase, and to the door of Apartment 4. “Here we are. You got the check?”

“It’s here. I got a cashier’s check just so you’d know I was serious about the apartment.”

Mrs. Ryan nodded as she surveyed the check. “Good. Rent’s due on the fifth of the month. If the fifth falls on a weekend, it’s due on the following Monday. If the fifth falls on a holiday, it’s due the next business day.” She opened the front door which opened into the living area which was already furnished. “If you don’t like the decorations, let me know and my sons will remove it. Just say so. Bed in the bedroom, too. Last tenant just wanted to leave and left this stuff, too. Kinda easier to rent when it’s furnished. Anyway, here’s your key. Your copy of the lease is on the counter. Try to keep the noise down between ten at night and seven in the morning. Any other questions, call.”

            Barbara smiled politely as she closed the door on Mrs. Ryan. She was glad to see the apartment exceeded her expectations. Hell, any place would exceed her expectations considering where she’d come from… That place, thought Barbara, ruefully. That place… She’d done everything in her power to ensure no one could find her, but in this moment, she didn’t care. She was exactly where she needed to be: In Kingsport. Barbara checked the time. 7:19 AM. She had some time before her interview at the agency. For what seemed like an eternity, Barbara stared out of the window, her eyes fixed on nothing, her mind swirling, and the possibility of the future in clear focus.

            “Can you type?”

            “Ninety-two words per minute.” Barbara smiled politely.

            Nancy Jones, the owner of Hogarth Employment Agency, glanced at Barbara curiously. “Tell me the kind of work you’re interested in, Miss Wilkes.”

“Oh, anything interesting! I did see on your website that you had a few postings within households. I’d love something like that.”

            “Everyone does.” Nancy surveyed Barbara’s application once more. “Your experience isn’t breathtaking, but you do know how to clean, so that could come in use if you were to work in one of the established households of Kingsport.”

            Barbara smiled sweetly. “I’m sure you only place the best candidates in such places, Mrs. Jones.”

            “We do try.” Nancy crossed her arms, studied Barbara, and said, “I may have a placement for you. It’s difficult. Most of the people who place there can’t handle it. You’d be working for one of the oldest families in America and one of the richest.” Nancy pulled up a file on her computer, hit print, and handed it to Barbara. “It pays thirty dollars an hour. You’ll get benefits from the agency. If they like you, they’ll hire you directly. Read it and tell me what you think.”

            Our household is looking to hire a reliable maid about our home. The hours are 9 AM thru 6 PM Monday thru Friday with overtime available as requested. Some travel may be required to our other residences around the world. Must be able to carry at least fifty pounds. Must be of good moral standing. Must be able to take direction. Must be able to be “seen and not heard”. Successful candidates must pass a background and credit check.

            This is it, thought Barbara. This was why she’d come to Kingsport. It finally seemed as if luck was on her side.

“Yes,” smiled Barbara. “I can do this job.”

“Then good luck to you.” Nancy replied, dryly. “You’ll need to meet with the Household Manager today. I’ll make an appointment now. You gotta car?”

            Barbara shook her head. “I’ve only just arrived in town.”

            “Fine. I’ll ask one of the office staff to drop you off. You’ll need to sort out some transportation if you get the post because it’s a long walk from the nearest bus stop. Have a seat in the lobby. I’ll call you in when your appointment is set.”

            It took every fiber in Barbara Wilke’s being not to gasp as the car drove down the winding path cut in the middle of soaring oak trees towards the magnificent Montgomery Estate. This great house with two wings couldn’t be seen from the road, which was probably how the family intended it centuries ago. Barbara couldn’t imagine the people who lived in such splendor as if it were the most common thing in the world. Just to be within those walls made Barbara flush with excitement…and terror. No, she’d come this far and fear was something she wouldn’t entertain. As they drew closer and closer to the house, a sense of peace washed over Barbara. She was one step closer to achieving her mission of coming to Kingsport. That made her smile a genuine smile for the first time in years. Barbara relaxed into her seat without a care in the world.

            And yet, had the Montgomery family known who was approaching their house, they would have been horrified by how much this one woman would upend their perfect lives from this day on…

 

In our next installment, Will Montgomery receives shocking news…

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