#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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