Alexa: Are you sure you should keep working there?
Sam: I don't see why not
Alexa: I don't know. It's kinda weird that you never see your boss during the day, and you're alone with a man most of the time
Sam: A lot of people work late at night. I don't see Philip most of the time. If he wanted to hurt me, he would've done so already
Sam: If you're that worried, I'll start looking for another job after a few months
One week has passed since Sam started working at Lothair's mansion. On the Monday of her second week, she arrives a few minutes before her shift begins, as she always does.
The day goes by as usual. Around midday, Sam is in one of the many bedrooms. She assumes it's a guest room, but it looks a bit too lived in. She doesn't find anything personal, like a photograph. Still, the room feels more than a place where a guest would sleep.
She then notices scuff marks on the floor by a small bookcase. With how worn the wood looks, the bookcase has been moved repeatedly. Intrigued, she pushes the bookcase to reveal a door hidden behind it. She bends down to peer through the keyhole.
The door leads to a smaller one. Sam notes how there's not much in there aside from a large blue box. A small voice in the back of her mind nags her. She doesn't pay any attention to it.
Sam jiggles the doorknob only to find that it's locked. She doesn't see a key anywhere. With nothing else to do, she pushes the bookcase back.
The early evening arrives before Sam knows it. Her phone tells her that it's a little past six. Cursing to herself, she quickly rushes around the mansion to close all the curtains. Just as she's finishing up, she runs into a man she's never met before.
The stranger has long hair that is tied up, and he wears a suit made of high-quality material. He stands a bit far away from her, remaining in the shadows. The sight of him causes her guard to go up.
"Hello," Sam greets hesitantly.
"Good evening. Who might you be?" the man asks. His face shows disinterest.
"My name is Sam."
"Ah. You're the new housekeeper I've heard about. You know. The curtains were supposed to be shut by now."
"I know. I'm sorry. I was running a little behind. This is the last one. I promise."
The man's sharp gaze pierces through Sam as if he can see into her very soul. His eyes display a hint of displeasure. He says nothing else and turns to walk away.
"Uh. Who are you?"
The man turns around.
"My apologies. You may call me Quillan. I am my master's butler. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have matters to attend to. Please do ensure the curtains are all properly closed."
Quillan strides off in the direction he came, his footsteps echoing in the hallway. Sam didn't think she would meet him. She supposes it was only a matter of time. She wonders if she'll finally meet her boss if she stays long enough.
Shaking her head, Sam pulls the remaining curtains closed. Sam doesn't know what to make Quillan. He doesn't seem all that friendly. Then again, they just met. She would prefer to limit run-ins as much as possible, nevertheless.
Sam puts the cleaning supplies back in the closet and collects her things. On her way out of the mansion, she overhears Quillan and Philip arguing. Their voices are hushed but tense. Quietly, she steps closer to the door to listen better.
"I know quite well what you think you were doing. Let her go and find someone else," Quillan demands. He sounds irritated.
"She's done an excellent job so far. Unless you want to take her spot until I find a replacement, she stays," Philip responds, not sounding phased by Quillan's mood.
"This will only cause problems."
"Not unless she is her."
"I know your kind enjoys romantic ideations, but yours will lead to nothing but trouble. I informed you what happened the last time we thought a woman was her. The same thing will only happen again, and I will have to clean up the mess."
"I am not going to fire her."
"You work under me. You will do as I say."
"I'll make sure she's gone well before Lothair is awake. In the meantime, I'll keep an eye on her. I just know this time won't be like the last."
"Fine. The consequences will be on your hands."
Sam hastily and silently scurries away. She steps outside. The cool evening air hits her face. The tension remains until she reaches the safety of her apartment. She can't stop replaying the conversation in her mind.
Philip and Quillan had to have been talking about her. Why did Quillan not want her working there?
A text alert from Sam's phone interrupts her thoughts. Her sister sent her a text to check up on her.
Sam: I stayed a little later than usual and managed to run into the house's butler
Alexa: Oh? What's he like?
Sam: He doesn't seem to like me
Alexa: What did you do?
Sam: Nothing
Alexa: He might be one of those people who doesn't like people
Sam: Maybe. Fortunately, I don't have to see him that much
Alexa: Good
Sam decides not to tell her about the argument between Quillan and Philip. She can't figure out what Quillan meant by not wanting to clean up the mess. It probably meant nothing good.
Unfortunately, she can't afford to up and leave her job. Who knows how long it will take to get a new one? She instead plans to save up money over the next several months. After that, she can quit and search for another job.
Like Sam told her sister, she won't see Quillan around that often. Until she can leave, she just has to make sure she leaves well before six. If she can't, well, it's a big mansion.