Dawn was breaking, and although there was so much to learn about Cassius, one thing I’d gotten to see was that first thing in the morning, he loved waking up to fresh coffee. This was how I wanted to spend my days with him, making him happy and nurturing him in all the ways he might have lost out on having a family over the years.
I crept out from underneath the blankets, trying to be as quiet as I could, but apparently, it wasn’t enough.
“Where are you going?” His voice was rough and husky with sleep.
I turned back and looked at his sleepy form with his eyes barely open, and a part of me wanted to climb back in and let him have his way with me all over again. Like last night, when we’d moved from the maze to his bedroom, with him carrying me in his arms like he was saving me all over again.
“We’re sleeping in until noon,” he murmured.
However, as tempting as it was, I whispered, “I’ll be right back. Don’t get up.”
After a brief visit to the bathroom to pee and freshen up, I threw on a pair of leggings and a T-shirt, and once my socks and sneakers were on, I headed downstairs.
As usual, no one was here. It was as if Cassius told them that if I was walking around the house, they needed to be scarce.
Within a minute, I’d brought out the coffee and began my search for the filters, going from cupboard to cupboard and then drawer to drawer.
I paused sharply when I saw a metal key tucked in the corner of one of them. The kind that was the right size for a padlock. There was only one place here that had one of those that I knew of. I reached for it, the need for answers was too strong to ignore. I mean, what would be the harm? He wouldn’t need to know I’d slipped out of the house with this.
As soon as I got back, I’d set the coffee maker to begin, happy with the thought Cassius would wake to the scent drifting through the house. But not yet. I wanted him to sleep in for a while first.
Over the last month, I’d spent a great deal of time exploring the property, including the wonderous maze. But there were places I hadn’t seen yet, and now that I had Cassius’s trust, it was a perfect time to explore.
The early morning sun was the perfect backdrop for my leisurely walk as I breathed in the fresh air and took in the beauty I’d not allowed myself to enjoy.
Striding through the grass in the opposite direction of the swamp, I refused to get too close because all of those creepy creatures lurked in there. I had allowed myself a glimpse a few nights ago when Cassius had taken me out on that small boat. That was enough adventure for one lifetime.
Had my father’s men done something in there? There’d be more guilt to swallow if he had.
Later, I’d discuss with Cassius about rescuing Archie. When he was in one of his more agreeable moods. Which I was finding him in more and more.
Following the pathway through the trees, I used the modest steeple for a guide. Careful with each step up the wooden steps toward the door. A heavy feeling was weaving its way through me.
Something inside told me I shouldn’t go in.
But a bigger something, something I couldn’t put my finger on told me I should brave my fear and see what hid behind the grand entrance to the private chapel. This place felt important like a big part of the missing pieces of the puzzle. Like maybe in this building was a part of the broken man I had come to care for.
Cassius had forbidden me to see what lay within. Which made it all the more intriguing. But that was when I’d first arrived in this house.
I eased the key into the lock, proud of myself to see it fit.
With things different between us, this wouldn’t be frowned upon, surely.
So instead of waiting for permission, I followed the saying, ‘it’s easier asking for forgiveness.’ And we were closer now, more trusting.
The door was heavier than expected. The wood, thick and aged. Time had done nothing to soften the hard lines.
Just inside, I took in the dark and dusty sight. The scent of mildew and mustiness hit me, and something else.
Death.
I took the steps down even though they threatened to crack and crumble beneath my feet. They didn’t look safe. They led to a torn and faded red carpet that was covered with slippery green moss.
Braving to go farther into the dilapidated chapel, it reminded me of the place time had forgotten. Dust particles danced high before the faded stained glass windows.
I glanced at the banister surrounding the altar at the front. It looked even worse in its faded and rotting state with half the spindles missing. Walking down the center, I looked from left to right—
Someone had done this.
More damage had been wreaked than just the hand of nature.
Though nature had woven herself into every corner, every crevice, and every surface. The air smelled as though all living creatures, including rodents and bugs, that had once scurried in had been unable to find their way out.
No life could live here.
This place reminded me of an aging photograph.
A tomb draped in cobwebs.
Tiny streams of light fought against the dirt, allowing little visibility.
An eerie silence surrounded the stale air.
Each step I took creaked.
Why had this place been left to rot?
Moving over to one of the statues, I peered up at what had once been a marble sculpture of Mary Magdalene. Swiping a layer of soot off her feet, it left a dark smudge on my palm.
This place was filthy. The saint who’d once had a prominent position must have meant something to someone once. Maybe Cassius’s mom had placed her here.
Beside my footprints were the fresh prints of a man’s shoe, proving someone had been here recently. Standing where I stood. Perhaps he, too, had looked up at the saint with equal awe—or maybe with sadness that she’d been so badly neglected.
There were so many questions. I didn’t know where to start to make sense of any of this. One thing was for sure, this had once been a family sanctuary, and it had carried weight and meaning. And if I guessed correctly, my father’s men had done this.
Leaving Cassius to abandon it. Or maybe he came in here from time to time to stoke his fury and keep his hate constant.
This was a crypt of devastating memories.
A warm sense of purpose overtook me. I could make this place a secret project. While Cassius was at work, I’d sneak in here and clean up this place. It would give me something of value to do.
There had to be something to use to clean it.
I looked around, and at the back of the chapel, I found a closet door and opened it cautiously, terrified something might scurry out at me. Inside laid a discarded, beaten-up broom. Reaching in, I grabbed it and brought it out, giving it a try. I wiped a streak of dust off the floor and made my way along.
This would take months. Still, there’d be more cleaning products in the house. I’d make it a wonderful surprise for him. Maybe even bring him in blindfolded and watch his reaction to all my work.
The door creaked on its hinges.
“What the fuck are you doing?” Cassius’s voice bellowed from across the way, cutting through the silence like a serrated knife aiming for bone.
I went to answer, but he cut me off.
“I warned you never to come in here!” His rage was palpable.
He’d paused on the threshold, his eyes wide as they watched where I’d attempted to sweep, as though it was me who’d made all this mess. “What are you doing?”